Hong Kong: CE meets tech, culture officials Chief Executive John Lee today called on the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Culture & Tourism as he visited Beijing. Meeting Minister of Science & Technology Yin Hejun, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is moving full steam ahead with the development of the Northern Metropolis, a project which provides key impetus for the development of Hong Kong and the promotion of high-quality co-operation within the Greater Bay Area. Mr Lee added that to leverage the advantages of both places, the Hong Kong SAR Government is working with the Shenzhen Municipal Government to develop the Hetao ShenzhenHong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. He also told Mr Yin that he would look forward to working with the ministry to strengthen co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and to expedite the development of Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre. He stressed that Hong Kong will capitalise on its unique advantages to establish a collaborative innovation platform, with a view to pooling global innovation resources and better integrating into the countrys overall development. Mr Lee then had a meeting with Party Secretary of the Ministry of Culture & Tourism Sun Yeli. During the session, he said the upcoming priorities of the Hong Kong SAR Government include attracting more high value-added overnight visitors by tapping into new source markets, stimulating spending by visitors, and promoting the high-quality development of tourism overall. The Chief Executive said that as a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures and a highly internationalised city, Hong Kong will act to promote traditional Chinese culture. Mr Lee will continue his visit tomorrow morning and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon. This story has been published on: 2023-12-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Volcanic eruption sparks emergency measures in Iceland Xinhua) 09:57, December 19, 2023 HELSINKI, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- A volcano erupted Monday night on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said. "The eruption is located close to Sundhnukagigar, about 4 km northeast of Grindavik, and it can be seen on nearby web cameras," said the office, adding that it began at 22:17 local time (2217 GMT) following the earthquake swarm that started around 21:00 (2100 GMT) Monday. The National Police Commissioner of Iceland raised the Civil Protection Service Level from Alert to Emergency in response to the eruption. The Civil Defense Coordination Center has been activated. The authorities asked the public not to go to the eruption site, and the emergency personnel are assessing the situation. All roads to the town of Grindavik are closed and traffic is prohibited, including Highway 41, the main road along the north side of the Reykjanes Peninsula which connects the greater Reykjavik area and Keflavik International Airport. The defensive fortifications that began construction recently will make a significant difference to the handling of volcanic eruption, Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir was quoted by local news outlet RUV as saying. Since Oct. 24, Icelandic meteorologists have been monitoring a rise in seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which may signal an impending volcanic eruption. As a precautionary measure, authorities completed the evacuation of nearly 4,000 residents from the town of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Nov. 10. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Arab American and Muslim civic organizations recently met with the Justice Department to raise concerns about a series of event cancellations by major hotels in the weeks following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. The organizations aired their concerns during a one-hour zoom meeting with a DOJ deputy director as well as three lawyers with the DOJ Civil Rights Division and three staffers, according to details of the meeting shared exclusively with POLITICO. A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment. Leaders of the organizations told the DOJ that the hotels claimed to receive threatening calls and messages, which was the reason cited for canceling the events. The Arab American groups say the hotels which include Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton hotel chains havent offered specifics about the safety concerns. Theres no showing of documentation as yet, said William Haddad, a retired judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago, who is among Arab American leaders who met with Justice officials to express their concerns about the hotels actions. Arab American groups say the cancellations for the October and November events were arbitrary. This was devastating for us, said Warren David, head of the Arab America Foundation, which had planned its national two-day summit and fundraising gala at the Doubletree Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. [The hotel] received some phone calls [from people] that saw our event on social media, David told POLITICO. They said callers were surprised that the Doubletree Hilton would host such an event. But the hotel wouldnt tell us who actually called. His group expected 400 attendees for the cultural and educational summit featuring panels with 30 speakers and a performance by a national classic Arab music ensemble from New York City. The hotel refunded the money put toward reserving the space, but David said the cancellation disrupted attendees' plans in other ways. Some attendees lost money on flights and werent able to participate in family reunions they had planned as part of the conference, he told POLITICO. The manager of the Doubletree Hilton and Hilton's corporate office didnt return requests for comment. The Arab America Foundations event wasnt the only one canceled in recent weeks. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim-American civil rights and advocacy group, said its 29th annual banquet in Arlington, Va., scheduled for Oct. 21, was canceled by the Marriott Crystal Gateway, in Arlington, Va. The groups say targeting of their events is part of a bigger problem of anti-Arab sentiment. Members of our community who lived through the post-9/11 years say what theyre seeing today is worse, said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy executive director of CAIR. In a statement to POLITICO, Crystal Gateway Marriott said it determined that we are unable to move forward with an event due to significant risks to the safety of event attendees, guests and associates. American Muslims for Palestine switched the location of its Nov. 24 event at the last minute after the Hyatt Regency Hotel OHare in Chicago canceled the groups annual event citing concerns for safety, according to a hotel statement. And a Hilton hotel in Houston canceled an event for the Virginia-based American Muslims for Palestine for similar reasons. Haddad, who was at the meeting with the DOJ, said It feels a lot like 2001." He was an attorney who represented an Arab-American organization that saw its planned event abruptly canceled by the Des Moines Marriott hours after the 9/11 attacks. At the time, the group received an apology from the Marriott, a $115,000 donation to its scholarship fund and an agreement with the DOJ that the hotel would conduct sensitivity training for the staff. We hope that the Justice Department makes a thorough investigation of the suspicious last-minute cancellations of the MENA [Middle East and North Africa] events, Haddad said. The State Bar of Arizona suspended on Tuesday a former Maricopa County prosecutor who was fired last year for wrongfully charging 15 Black Lives Matter protesters as gang members in 2020. Judge Margaret Downie ruled that April Sponsel violated duties owed to her client, to the members of the public, to the legal system, and to the profession. Despite over 40 felony cases being let go, Sponsel denied she was at fault. The prosecutor was dismissed from her position in June 2022, with a notice of the decision stating, You wrongfully indicted an innocent person because you presented inaccurate evidence to a grand jury, you failed to review available evidence, and when you were made aware that you may have an innocent person under indictment you did little to ensure that your prosecution was just. An attorney for Sponsel did not respond to a request for comment from ABC15. Read it at ABC15 Read more at The Daily Beast. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission is taking steps to address food deserts in the state. The commission is currently accepting grant requests from organizations throughout the state to take actions to eliminate food deserts. Little Rock summit addresses solutions for food deserts in Arkansas The commission will award up to $10,000 across four grants to community-based or faith-based organizations or non-profits focusing on food desert elimination. Grant funds can be used for various purposes including community needs assessments, focus groups, technical assistance, and more. Commission director Kenya Eddings said the program was being undertaken because Arkansas is the number one state in the country for food insecurity, with at least one food desert in each of the states 75 counties. The U.S. Department of Agriculture describes a food desert as an area with poor access to healthy food choices due to the distance to the nearest grocery store. USDA reports these areas are characteristically rural and impoverished. Only grocery store in Bradford burns, community fears food desert The grant application request and grant application packet are available on the Arkansas Department of Healths Bid Opportunities page at Healthy.Arkansas.gov. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. A Catholic school teacher resigned last week amid an investigation into an alleged incident of inappropriate contact with a student, according to officials. Arlington Catholic High School sent a letter home to parents on Monday, saying in part that allegations were made against a teacher on Thursday for inappropriate contact towards students. The students reported the activity to a teacher after school the previous day and administration was notified, according to the letter. Police and the legal department at the Archdiocese were also informed. Officials say the teacher was placed on administrative leave Thursday morning and was escorted from the building. That teacher then submitted their letter of resignation later that morning, according to the archdiocese. Our priority is to ensure a safe learning environment for the entire ACHS/SAS community, the Arlington Catholic Administrative Team said. We are proud of our faculty members who promptly and without hesitation brought this incident to the Administration. All members of our community take seriously their role to protect our students and the school community as a whole. Arlington Police say theyre aware of the allegations made against the employee and are actively investigating. It is unclear if any charges will be filed. No further information was immediately available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Griffin police are looking for an armed and dangerous suspect accused of gunning down a man at a gas station. Now, the suspected shooters grandmother is urging him to turn himself in to police, worried hell be killed by police if he doesnt. Police said they were called out to the Shell at 930 W Taylor Street around 1:54 a.m. in reference to a person shot. When officers arrived, they found a man shot by the video game machines. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Paramedics transported the victim to Spalding Regional, where he died from his injuries. Police have not released the victims name. Griffin police said they quickly identified a suspect as 21-year-old MyKeion Yates. Now, MyKeion Yates grandmother, Willie Mae Yates, says shes concerned for his safety and wants him to turn himself in. TRENDING STORIES: They got you out here talking about you dangerous. You aint that type of person. Please, please turn yourself in. Please. Please. Please turn yourself in, she said to Channel 2s Tom Jones. Ms. Yates hopes her only grandson hears her plea, saying its important he listen for his own safety. Please do this for your grandmomma. I love you. Do it for me please if you dont do it for nobody else, she begged. Police said the victim was shot while playing a video game at a gas station Tuesday morning. It would appear at this time that the individuals did have knowledge of each other. They did engage into a conversation prior to shots being fired, Investigator Richard Powell told Jones. Police say the victim fired back in self-defense, but they werent sure if Yates was hit. Officers say Yates drove off in a black 2021 Nissan Altima with Georgia tag SEW9844. They said Yates is armed and dangerous and are urging the public to be careful if they see him. Anyone who sees Yates is asked not to approach him, but to instead call 911. Any contact, were just asking folks to reach out to local law enforcement so he can be taken into custody, Powell explained. The words armed and dangerous scares Yates grandmother. She doesnt want police to kill her grandson, thats why she said making this plea to him was so important. I dont know what happened. I wasnt there. But I need him to turn himself in because I dont want the police to kill him, she explained. Yates faces multiple charges, including malice murder and pointing a pistol at another person. Police havent released the name of the victim. They say they are waiting until next of kin have been notified, IN OTHER NEWS The apartment of Palestinian suspect Osama Bani Fadl who is accused of killing two Israeli settlers in Huwara in the occupied West Bank in August, after it was destroyed by the Israeli army on December 19, 2023 in nearby Aqraba (Zain JAAFAR) The Israeli army said Tuesday it had demolished the family home of a Palestinian man accused of killing two Israelis -- a father and his son -- at a car wash in the occupied West Bank. Police arrested Osama Bani Fadl in November after a months-long hunt, accusing him of killing Shay Silas Nigrekar and Aviad Nir in the Palestinian town of Huwara in August. The two Israeli men were gunned down when they were at a car wash, in an attack that rocked the territory at the time. On Tuesday the Israeli army released footage of troops demolishing Bani Fadl's apartment during the night in the town of Aqraba. Israel regularly demolishes the homes of Palestinians it accuses of deadly attacks on Israelis, arguing such measures act as a deterrent. Human rights activists say the policy amounts to collective punishment, as it can render non-combatants, including children, homeless. A witness said troops stormed the town and surrounded Bank Fadl's apartment before blowing it up during the night. The army said it had "destroyed the apartment of the terrorist who carried out the attack in Huwara". The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that confrontations erupted between Palestinian youths and soldiers during the demolition. "Soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas canisters," it said, adding that several people were arrested. - Surge in violence - Even before the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas broke out on October 7, violence had surged across the West Bank. The area had seen a rise in attacks on Israelis as well as attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinian communities. Violence has further escalated there since the war in the Gaza Strip began, with more than 300 Palestinians killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces and settlers, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian health ministry. Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Six-Day War of 1967 and, excluding annexed east Jerusalem, the territory is now home to around 490,000 Israelis who live in settlements considered illegal under international law. The deadliest ever war in Gaza began after Hamas militants poured across the border and launched an attack that left 1,139 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures. Some 250 people were also abducted and taken to the Gaza Strip. In Israel's retaliatory campaign against Hamas, at least 19,453 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry there. bur-lcm-jd/fz For the second time in a little over one week, an Army drill sergeant has been found dead at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Staff Sgt. Zachary L. Melton, 30, who was with 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, was found unresponsive in his car on Saturday after he failed to report to work, military officials said Monday in a news release. Our thoughts are with his family and the soldiers of the Always Forward battalion during this very emotional time, Fort Jacksons commanding general, Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, said. Meltons death comes a little over one week after another drill sergeant was found dead at the fort, which is the Armys primary basic combat training facility. On December 8, Staff Sgt. Allen M. Burtram, 34, a drill sergeant with 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, was found dead after he didnt report for work, the Army said. The US Army Criminal Investigation Division is investigating both deaths. According to the Army, there was no evidence of foul play in Burtrams death. The Army is providing chaplains and behavioral health personnel to members of the units, the military branch said. Meltons unit graduated its last basic training cycle on Thursday. The resident of Huntsville, Alabama, had been in the Army for more than 10 years, the past three as a drill sergeant. Burtram, who was from Cleveland, Alabama, spent 12 years in the Army and had been deployed to Kuwait for eight months and served in Korea for 12 months, according to the Army. Fort Jackson is near Columbia, South Carolina, and is home to more than 3,500 active-duty soldiers, according to the military. CNNs Steve Almasy contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com ASHEVILLE - A locally-owned downtown pastry shop in dire need of community support; a brewery and cocktail bar release new distilled spirits brands for retail sale; and upcoming beer and wine party and tasting events. Save a small business: Stay Glazed Stay Glazed Donuts owner is fighting for the downtown shop to stay open as unexpected expenses pile up. In the spring, pastry chef Samantha Rose purchased the 5-year-old doughnut shop at 22 S. Pack Square, in the lower level of the historic Jackson Building. Samantha Rose, the new owner of Stay Glazed...Donuts in downtown Asheville is raising money for equipment to keep the small business open. Rose made the improvements and added personal touches to the underground cafe, and she said business has been doing well with customers stopping in for the eccentric and flavorful desserts and coffee. The pastry chef expanded the menu to include Italian pastries and pies for the holidays. The customers have been great, and the feedbacks been amazing, Rose said. However, the small business is in jeopardy as big-ticket equipment requires immediate repairs and other hefty expenses add up. Manufacturer changes have more than doubled the cost to replace a filter on a hood of the cooktop from about $900 to $2,500 and the industrial-size Hobart mixer is on its last leg, she said. Thats my main mixer for my dough and those are like $7,000, she said. Rose said the Buncombe County's Department of Environmental Health notified her of required upgrades after she took over the business, such as improving the coffee station and floors, which werent in Roses original business plan and budget. This is a lot of unexpected expenses and a really slow season so its kind of like a one-two punch, she said. A variety of doughnuts from Stay Glazed...Donuts in downtown Asheville. The Stay Glazed team devised a crowdsourcing campaign to raise money for the repairs. If the goal of $10,000 isnt met, Rose said the business will likely have to be sold. Customers are loving it and Im loving it. Im heartbroken that this may happen, Rose said. The first-time entrepreneur said business loan applications havent been approved since Stay Glazed is considered a new business after she took it over several months ago, so theres not enough evidence to prove income to the financial institutions. Stay Glazeds fundraiser is broken down into several tiers and donors receive an incentive based on their level of giving, such as stickers, doughnuts, coffee, merchandise and the opportunity to create a new doughnut for the menu. The campaign is open through Jan. 9. This is hard for me. Its been a really fun journey and I want to keep doing it and keep helping people create memories when they come to Asheville and play board games in my lounge, Rose said. I want to stay. I dont want to go anywhere but I cant afford to fix my equipment. Stay Glazed...Donuts creates custom doughnuts, including new recipes in collaboration with local businesses. Rose said she and her fiance postponed their wedding, which was originally planned for October, to purchase the business, so the possibility of having to close hurts even more. I said, Lets go after our dreams. This is my dream and what I want to do, and I will postpone our wedding until we can get there, she said. For more, visit facebook.com/stayglazeddonuts/ and follow on Instagram at @stayglazeddonuts. Donations are accepted via Kickstarter.com. Ninja Spirits, Buckminster cocktail line release In May, the Citizen Times announced the new partnership led by Asheville Brewings Mike Rangel and Little Jumbo cocktail lounges Chall Gray to release the distilled spirit and ready-to-drink cocktail brands, Ninja Spirits and The Buckminster Cocktail Co. This month, the retail bottles hit shelves in time to warm up the holidays. Asheville beverage entrepreneurs Chall Gray and Mike Rangel are fusing their knowledge and experience in cocktails, beer and social experiences to roll out a new business based on craft spirits. Ninja Spirits and The Buckminster Cocktail Co. are now sold at North Carolina ABC stores, as well as Asheville Brewing Co. at 77 Coxe Ave. in the South Slope brewing district. The Buckminster Old Fashioned, a fully-made craft cocktail, makes mixology easy. Simply pour over ice and serve. The recipe was designed to have a balance of bitters, whiskey and sugar without being too sweet. The cost is $31.95 for the 750 mL bottle. Ninja Spirits, a name inspired by Asheville Brewings award-winning Ninja Porter beer, has debuted with a wheat-based vodka that is sold as a 750 mL bottle and costs $23.95. Its described as exceptionally smooth due to many months of the distillers fine-tuning its water profile. The Ninja Spirits Vodka is recommended for making a mule, Vesper and other cocktails. More: Asheville cocktail bar, brewery owners to open distillery, introduces retail spirit brands More: Answer Woman: Are bartenders, establishments responsible for overserving guests alcohol? Asheville beverage entrepreneurs Chall Gray and Mike Rangel are fusing their knowledge and experience in cocktails, beer and social experiences to roll out a new business based on craft spirits. The beverage entrepreneurs plan to open a distillery and tasting room at 66 Asheland Ave., on the campus with Rangels other businesses, Asheville Pizza and Brewing and Rabbit Rabbit concert venue. For now, imbibers may get a pour of the beverages at Asheville Pizza & Brewing-South Slope, and distribution continues to expand to include local bars and restaurants. For more, drinkninjaspirits.com and follow on Instagram @ninja.spirits and @drinkbucky. Upcoming beer and wine events The Whale's 6th anniversary. Celebrate the award-winning rare and exclusive craft beer bar from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 21 at 507 Haywood Road in West Asheville. The event will include tarot card readings, music deejays and surprises. thewhalecollective.com/west-asheville-nc/ Metro Wines tasting. Join "The Queen of Bubbles" Gwen Bell from 3Keys Distributors at MetroWines for a tasting of four sparkling wines from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte St. Stories you may have missed: Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville Stay Glazed Donuts plea for help, Ninja Spirits debuts A prominent election attorney for the Democratic Party has joined the legal dispute over a proposed ballot referendum to let voters decide whether to build Atlantas controversial Public Safety Training Center, Cop City. Marc Elias of the Elias Law Group is throwing his political weight behind a proposed ordinance that aims to upend Atlantas petition review process for ballot referendums and end the use of the questionable verification practice called signature matching as activists pressured officials to put Cop City on the ballot for a citywide vote in 2024. Elias entry into the Cop City furor was notable because he is one of the foremost attorneys in the country on voting rights issues and cases that emphasize the importance of fair and accessible elections. His involvement now gives anti-Cop City protesters a heavyweight in their corner as mainstream Democrats wanted to ensure election procedures are not undermined. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens speaks onstage during Michael Gidewons Celebration of Life at Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 14, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage) As one of the Democratic Partys most prolific litigators, Elias has overseen a number of high-profile cases involving the White House and the Democratic National Committee, as well as lawsuits stemming from Republican efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. In 2018, The New York Times called Elias one of the most influential Democrats in Washington who didnt hold an elected position. Elias coming on board with the Cop City case signified a larger shift in strategy as activists seeking a referendum on the $90 million facility faced continued delay tactics by local politicians who back the plan, including Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens. Meanwhile, Atlanta City Council member Liliana Bakhtiari was expected to introduce the ordinance to the full council soon, according to news organization Mother Jones, which obtained an exclusive draft of the proposal. The case puts Elias firm on the opposite side of an unexpected legal battle with the majority-Democrat city council, as well as Dickens a fellow Democrat and adviser to President Joe Bidens 2024 campaign. Dickens firmly supports Cop City despite the uproar over its construction, arguing that a modernized training hub for first responders is necessary to replace the citys outdated facilities. The mega center includes a firing range, drivers training course, canine training courses, as well as a mock city comprising a model home, nightclub, gas station and hotel to simulate real-world training, according to plans released by the Atlanta Police Foundation. Previously, Dickens said the facility would create a classroom space that redefines how we approach policing while implementing de-escalation and racial sensitivity training. Cop City opponents, however, have consistently expressed disapproval through protests at the construction site, maintaining that the facility would lead to over-policing and racial profiling in surrounding communities. The referendum issue also has created a major rift between the city and key Democratic figures like Stacey Abrams, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), King Center CEO Bernice King, and other various Georgia voting rights groups, who have voiced opposition to Dickens approach to the petition process. In a lateral move, the Vote To Stop Cop City Coalition the organization leading the campaign against the training center sent a letter to Atlanta on Monday, Dec. 11, insisting that local leaders avoid voter suppression tactics to thwart the potential referendum as support was gaining more steam. The petition was launched in June to put Cop City on the ballot after the city broke ground on the 85-acre facility last spring in the South River Forest area of unincorporated DeKalb County, sparking fierce protests for several months, including several violent confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement authorities. The campaign against Cop City has used various strategies to derail the plan, including active forest defense, legal battles, and lobbying city council officials as protesters continued to lay siege on the site. One protester was shot and killed by police during a raid to clear woods near the site, while more than 60 demonstrators have been indicted on charges of domestic terrorism and racketeering, which many civil and legal advocates called extreme. Then there was the parallel saga of the referendum campaign, which needed to gather 58,000 signatures by August to bring the Cop City issue to a vote in November. However, a federal judge ruled in July that only non-Atlanta residents could collect signatures for the petition, including those who live in unincorporated DeKalb County, where Cop City is located, further muddying the issue and pushing the referendum deadline to September. Many DeKalb residents who live near the planned site say they oppose the facility as they believe it would embed a more militarized police force in the Black community, but these community members are locked out of voting on the referendum because they are not residents of Atlanta, which owns the site. On the other hand, Atlanta residents who are eligible to vote can sign the petition and vote on the resulting referendum if it happens. In August, as the referendum campaign got ready to submit more than 100,000 signatures, Atlantas city clerk announced a plan to use signature matching to vet the petition, prompting dozens of voting rights groups in Georgia to condemn Dickens and other city officials for adopting a practice often associated with Republican efforts to deprive Black voters. Proponents of signature matching value it as a verification process that prevents fraud by matching a signature on a petition with the one on file in a state database. However, many have criticized the method, saying its a way to suppress votes. As city officials introduced the contentious verification process, they also appealed the July decision that changed the deadline, claiming the entire petition process was invalid. In September, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals paused the July decision, which plunged the entire referendum campaign into uncertainty, while the federal judge who issued the ruling admonished the city of Atlanta for inconsistencies throughout the legal proceedings. The city could have avoided the conundrum that now exists, Judge Mark Cohen wrote. But the city instead opted to approve a petition for a referendum it believed and later contended was illegal. A proverb dating back over four centuries ago once again applies here: Honesty is the best policy. Later, Sen. Warnock sent a letter to Dickens, criticizing the mayor about the citys intention to implement signature matching on the ballot petition. In response, Dickens defended the procedure in an 11-page letter, calling it best in class. Atlanta officials are awaiting a ruling by the 11th Circuit on when the city can start the signature validation process. Atlanta police are investigating a deadly shooting on Peters Street. Monday at about 5:20 pm, officers responded to reports of the shooting at 199 Peters Street SW. Officers located a man suffering from a gunshot wound. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] First responders pronounced the man dead at the scene. Investigators with the Homicide Unit responded to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting at this time. NewsChopper 2 flew over the scene and saw the street was closed to traffic by several police vehicles. Police are continuing to investigate. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The legal battle between the Board of Corrections and Department of Corrections continues to heat up. Just days ago, KARK 4 News reported that the board had taken the ongoing argument over adding prison beds across state facilities to court. Judge grants restraining order in Arkansas Board of Corrections suit, attorney general sues board The Board of Corrections filed a lawsuit to block parts of two newly passed Arkansas laws, Act 185 and parts of Act 659, passed by the general assembly earlier this year. Act 185 moves employment authority for the Secretary of Corrections from the board to the governor. The two sections of Act 659 in question transfer the employment authority of the director of the Division of Correction and the director of the Division of Community Corrections from the board to the secretary of corrections. In both cases, the lawsuit maintains these acts violate Amendment 33 of the state constitution, which empowers state boards. A temporary restraining order filed by the board against Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Secretary Profiri was granted in Pulaski County Circuit Court. On the other side of the argument, Attorney General Tim Griffin filed a lawsuit late last week against the board after it suspended Secretary of Corrections Joe Profiri, based on his push to add prison beds against their wishes. As of Monday, Griffin has filed three motions, asking the court to dismiss that lawsuit and the TRO against Profiri and disqualify the plaintiffs counsel. Arkansas Board of Corrections suspends Secretary of Corrections Joe Profiri in constitutional issue, requests TRO against Gov. Sanders The motion to reconsider or vacate the TRO says: Under the TRO, the Board could convene immediately and fire Secretary Profiri. In fact, the Plaintiffs have made clear thats just what they intend to do. They say the Board needs authority to address Secretary Profiris employment because they control the terms of [Secretary] Profiris employment. It goes on to say that even if the Plaintiffs claim ultimately fails, Secretary Profiri might have already been run out of the job and the Board would never have to restore his position. His motion to dismiss the plaintiffs complaint cites the Declaratory Judgments Act, which allows a person to obtain declaratory relief in certain circumstances. Griffin added that the Board is a state entity, so any action it takes is an action of the State. Likewise, Chairman Magness, in his official capacity, is no different than . . . the State itself, according to the motion. A third motion was filed asking the court to disqualify the plaintiffs counsel, claiming the counsel was retained illegally. The motion says: This conflict came to a head after the Plaintiffs and the Defendants disagreed over how to handle the States inmate population that is overflowing into county jails. It also led to the Board retaining special counsel due to perceived differences of opinion with the Governor regarding the constitutionality of Act 185. Plaintiffs special counsel is a private attorney and has set his own hourly rate. At no point during these proceedings did the Board reach out to the Attorney General for representation, and at no point did they seek approval to hire special counsel from the Governor or the Attorney General as required under 25-16-702. Arkansas Board of Corrections chair calls out Gov. Sanders and AG Griffin over prison beds news conference, talks constitutional concerns According to the boards lawsuit, an audit conducted by the Boards senior auditor showed the exact inadequacies they claim would keep them from being able to expand capacity in a few facilities. KARK 4 News obtained the full audit, which can be found here. It notes that the staffing level in a couple of the facilities are inadequate to accommodate the increase. In some of the facilities raising concern, the audit reports staff vacancy rates between 40% and nearly 60%. The board has also noted funding as a significant concern and roadblock for proper expansion. The Revenue Stabilization Allocations schedule shows the Dept. of Corrections received an increase of more than $60 million this year, bringing their annual general revenue total to more than $500 million. Rep. Brit McKenzie (R-Rogers) posted on X Monday that the increases were made specifically for staffing, insurance, prison security, and county jail reimbursements for detaining state prisoners. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders calls on Arkansas Board of Corrections to open 500 additional prison beds As for the temporary restraining orders against Sanders and Profiri, a hearing is scheduled for Dec. 28 to determine its status. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. VERONA Did the Augusta County Board of Supervisors just enact a "moratorium" on solar energy systems? Despite contention over the specific word, the supervisors did approve four ordinance changes, placing new restrictions on where solar energy systems can be built in the county. The area of Augusta County in which a solar project application can be considered has been significantly reduced by the new restrictions, which include a ban on any solar project within two miles of another solar project and a ban on any solar projects in urban service area zoned parts of the county. The four ordinances update ordinance sections 25-70.1 Solar Energy Definitions, 25-70.4 Small Energy Systems, 25-70.6 Large Energy Systems, and 25-70.8 Large Energy Systems Proximity. The changes include: - A two-mile radius around every solar project that prohibits any other solar project. - Prohibiting solar projects in specific districts: the general industrial zoning districts, urban service areas, and the community development areas listed in the current comprehensive plan. - Making small solar even smaller. Previously, projects under 50 acres were small-scale projects. Now a small-scale project must come in under 25.5 acres. - Changing what counts as part of the solar farm. When dealing with solar energy systems, there are acre counts for the acres under solar panels, the fenced- in area required to be enclosed by the National Electric Code, the total acreage of the project. Applications have used different acreage numbers because which count should be used had not been specified. Now the fenced- in area is the standard. - Changes to whats inside the fenced-in area. The new definition includes stormwater management facilities as part of the fenced in area whether or not said facility/facilities are located within an area required to be enclosed by the National Electric Code. The board passed each ordinance in a four to two vote, with Supervisor Gerald Garber recusing himself. Supervisors Pam Carter and Scott Seaton voted against all for ordinance changes. Upon request, the board included an amendment to exempt solar projects that submitted their applications before the ordinance changes. The joint public hearing hosted 21 speakers, including several attorneys, folks with solar farms on their land, solar energy system company applicants, residents, and other interested parties, for over an hour of additional input on the four ordinances. One of the four votes enacting the solar ordinance changes. Wayne Ave Solar II LLC was approved, but would it be now? Previously approved projects can serve as a lens to understand how the rule changes affect projects. Wayne Solar II was approved by the Augusta County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on Dec. 8. The project is located immediately adjacent to an approved community scale solar facility. The application states county staff is concerned that the sitting of two solar facilities this close to one another could be in conflict with [county] policy and could potentially result in undue adverse visual impacts on rural viewsheds for the neighborhood to the north. The application process reviewed the site's visual buffers, spacing panels back from the road and planting trees to grow and block the view of the solar panels. Despite the concern, staff recommended the BZA approve the project anyway, citing the natural buffer of the railroad, the distance from the single-family neighborhood to the north, the topography of the land where the solar panels would be situated below the railroad, and the extent of the project being approximately six acres under panel. If the two-mile radius had been enacted before the application, the project would have been rejected. Seaton moved to remove the two-mile radius from the rule changes, pointing to location restrictions currently in the solar ordinance. "Are some of these things in the comprehensive plan, as far as clustering?" Seaton said. "Yes, they're already there." Carter seconded the motion, but it was defeated on a four to two vote, with Seaton and Carter voting in favor. The Planning Commission recommended denial for two ordinance changes According to the BOS agenda, two of the ordinance changes were not recommended by the Planning Commission. The two-mile radius prohibition is the reason for the denial recommendations. There was a lot of discussion about the two-mile radius and how there might be some sites that are possibly over a hill or something of that nature that would [make it] appropriate to site [a solar project] there in close proximity, Julia Hensley, Planner for Augusta County, told the BOS. The rest of the changes were supported by the Planning Commission. The appropriate work burden on staff is contested The slew of applications that weve received need a little more clarity and cohesiveness," Hensley also told the BOS. "Thats how we started this conversation and, over several months, came up with these ordinance amendments." After questions from Seaton, County Administrator Timothy Fitzgerald noted the board approved drafting ordinance changes in October. This is not something that what just thrown at us, said Wells. We requested this information from the ordinance group. The question in our mind is what can we do to help make their job easier? Thats why I plan to approve these amendments tonight. However, when current applications came up later in the meeting, the tone of the discussion changed. Does that mean we only have five applications out there right now for solar? Carter asked. Thats it? There are five applications that have been submitted to our office currently, yes maam We currently have five that are approved, two of those are under construction, said Doug Wolfe, director of community development for Augusta County. Supervisor Caroline Bragg said that 15 projects were in various "stages" of preparation, such as having approached county offices but have not formally applied. So were creating a lot of fuss over five applications? Seaton asked. You made us believe we were being inundated by these projects. Thats a lot of work for staff, Bragg said. We are getting inundated with projects. Five is not an inundation, Seaton said. Im sorry, but its not. What it takes to qualify as large scale was cut by over half "Weve had a lot of confusion in past applications about what the total acreage is that were dealing with," Hensley explained. "For clarity, we decided to use fenced-in area since that is the area that will be taken out of land use taxation. Wayne Solar IIs application shows the project will lease 35 acres, will contain 23 fenced-in acres, and six acres under panels. To determine the project size, the BZA used the six acres under panel. The rule changes would require the fenced-in area to be the project size reference. In this case, using the fenced-in acreage means the project is a 23-acre small-scale solar energy system, rather than a six-acre system. Consider another hypothetical example of a solar farm with eight acres under panel and 29 acres fenced. The rule change would elevate the project from a small-scale solar energy system of eight acres under panel to a large-scale solar energy system with 29 acres fenced in. The change means the project's application would not be considered by the Board of Zoning Appeals but instead by the Board of Supervisors. Seaton objected to this, explaining the members of the BZA are appointed by a judge, theyre not appointed by a political body here. What this will effectively do is send any project thats over 25 [acres] to [the board of supervisors] and politicize the decision-making process, rather than at the BZA. We debated this two or three years ago, debated it for a long, long, long time. The majority felt 50 acres was enough. Bragg disagreed, stating when solar first came to Augusta County as a locality we had to come up with our own guidelines. As with any other policy process, there are always going to be tweaks and adjustments that need to be made as we gain the real-life experience of going through the approval processes." Seaton introduced a motion to keep 50 fenced-in acres as the large-scale solar system cut off. Carter seconded the motion. The board rejected it four to two, with Seaton and Carter voting in favor. Elm Spring Orchard demonstrates another project that would have been denied prohibiting solar projects in the general industrial zoning districts, urban service areas, and the community development areas listed in the current comprehensive plan. Although currently zoned for general agriculture, the Wayne solar project falls within an urban service area of the comprehensive plan, meaning the project would be rejected if it applied after Dec. 13. Virginia Reynolds Badgett spoke during the public hearing, explaining how her family has operated Elm Spring Orchard for 89 years. According to the July BZA minutes, the project is a 25-acre system on the over 200-acre property located between Goose Creek Road and Jefferson Highway in the Wayne District. Consolidated Edison Development Inc. applied for the permit, which was approved by the BZA on a three-to-one vote. She emphasized that the income from the farm ensures that my family will continue to own the land and operate the farm for the future. My family did not buy an orchard in an urban service district, she said. The county mapped [the district] over our farm. We have no interest in selling or developing our land. Our neighbors do not want to see a subdivision at Elm Spring and neither does my family. We want to keep it as a multiuse farm as it has been for decades. Theres a path to do this with small scale solar The proposed changes to the solar ordinances strip away the rights of family farm owners to make the best decisions for their land in their circumstances. Seaton introduced an amendment to change the December 13, 2023, date to the date that they acquired the land. This would have allowed potential solar projects in the urban service area to move forward despite the new prohibition if the land was zoned for General Agriculture, General Business, or General Industrial when the land was acquired. That person knew they were buying urban service area when they bought that land, Seaton explained. But the people who bought the land before that should not be held to the urban service area. They havent been compensated and were taking away their rights. The motion failed in a five to one vote, with only Seaton voting in favor. Augusta Water is in support of all changes During the Wayne Solar II BZA approval, an Augusta Water representative asked the BZA to consider Augusta Waters infrastructure investments before making a decision. Phil Martin, Executive Director of Augusta Water, echoed this and took it further during the supervisors meeting. I am here to voice Augusta Waters support for the changes to the solar ordinance, said Martin. Developing water sources can cost an excess of a million dollars. Building pump stations and water storage tanks can cost several million dollars. Building treatment plants can cost tens of millions of dollars. . A reasonable expectation of future water and sewer customers is essential when taking on debt for our ratepayers to cover. ... We believe that the proposed revisions to the solar ordinances make it less likely funds already spent on water and sewer infrastructure will have been spent needlessly and will make it more likely that future decisions and expenditures will be prudently made. When asked further questions during the supervisors meeting, Martin noted the board specifically supported the urban service district prohibition and codifying of fenced-in area as a solar energy systems measure of size. If youre trying extend a waterline up through [an area], and you have one [site] here thats not going to be using [the water system to capacity], and you have another one half a mile up thats not going to be using it, another one a quarter of a mile up thats not going to be using it, ... it makes it less economically feasible to extend [the line] to any of them, Martin explained. If its outside of the urban service area, if those get approved, I think that will resolve the issue for us. However, he noted that he could not provide specific reasons for supporting each part of each ordinance change. For example, when asked by Seaton why the Augusta Water board would support the two-mile radius limit, Martin said the board did not give me a specific reason for that. Public speakers raise legal issues Jared Burden is an attorney serving as policy advisor to the Center for Infrastructure and Economic Development (CIED). According to the CIED website, his work focuses on solar infrastructure. Burden spoke during the public hearing. The CIED is of the strong opinion that numerical caps, density percentages, and radius restrictions, like the [two-mile] radius restriction you have before you, are ill-advised on a policy level and are perhaps, more importantly, suspect under Virginia state and constitutional law, Burden said. We believe boards should not tie their own hands and address solar on a case-by-case basis. Burden explained, just as other attorneys did during public comment, that the ordinance changes as written could invite legal issues. It can be argued that under the Dillon rule the state legislature has not delegated to counties the authority to choose, without much study or thought, a number like two ... and build that number into an ordinance-based prohibition of what otherwise might be a good use of the land," Burden said. "Another legal challenge point may be that by saying one solar facility in a two-mile radius, namely the one at the center of that circle, is okay to get a special use permit, while a materially similar solar facility that is say 1.7 miles away, in the same [agriculture] district cant even be reviewed. [This] means the two applicants with the same use in the same district have been treated disparately under the ordinance, which is not legal. Carter pointed to these potential issues before voting against the ordinance changes. "Its been pointed out that there are some potential policy and legal implications that are associated with these ordinances," said Carter. "I appreciate you bringing that up to us. I think everyone of us up here wants to get it right. ... We want to treat people equal, particularly when it comes to landowners rights. ... Why shouldnt we wait and see and gather more concrete, scientific information than what we have right now, instead of voting on I feel or I think? Im against that methodology. ... Slow down and get it right." Another lawyer, Karen Cohen with Gentry Locke Attorneys, asked the board to exempt any project that has applied before the rule changes were excepted from complying with the new changes. This request was the only change approved by the board while passing the amendments. The Comprehensive Plan is being revised, so why not wait? Many of the speakers called for the ordinance changes to come after the county finished updating its comprehensive plan. Carter also pointed to the comprehensive plan as a potential reason to delay any ordinance changes, saying the board approved $317,780 towards the plans revisions. Chair Michael Shull explained that the ordinances are not set in stone" and "its going to take 15 months to do the [comprehensive] plan. We cannot put a moratorium on taking any [ordinances] in until we see what the public input is. I respect the farmers and making money in other projects, but were so focused on solar. If theres an overwhelming majority that wants solar at that time, then you kind of look at how do you set it up, then make the changes in it at that time. Thats my feelings on where we need to be. Is this a 'moratorium' on solar? Depends who you ask. The word moratorium was not used in any of the ordinances, but the word was on the minds of several boardmembers. This sounds like were creating a moratorium, despite the amendments being legally questionable, knowing that no one will tie up their capital, Seaton said just before a vote. "I have to ask why do we need these four amendments. I coudn't come up with a good reason," he said. "I don't think it'll benefit Augusta County at all. I don't think it'll make it easier to locate a business here." After the second ordinance change was approved, Bragg pushed back against the word. I will add that there are, I think we counted three, counties that have a moratorium on solar projects. This is not a moratorium, what were doing. Wells agreed, stating theres nothing that tells me that if we pass these tonight that theyre going to be locked in concrete. I tend to see these as temporary changes. I might not even be here to see the final product of the comprehensive plan. I dont mean that I plan to pass away, but Ive only got two years left on my term and I will not be here at the end of two years. In 10 years, 20 years, I cant even fathom what solar will look like in Augusta County. Shull, however, used language similar to Seaton. I think this is a way to put the moratorium on it right now until we got through the comp plan and get the input from the neighbors that live around it, and the farmers, Shull said. By doing this, it kind of puts it on hold to not taking any [solar applications] for the urban service and community development areas. That puts it on hold until we get the comp plan in. Its kind of hard for staff to decide [which can be approved] until we are able to get more of a handle on where [solar] can be and where it cant be. We need to have more definition of where were at. Seaton remained skeptical the ordinances would be changed, saying I walked a lot of houses during the campaign. We walked 2,140 houses. One of the most common things I heard from people, business owners and other people, was [about] the creation of ordinances that people cant or wont spend the money to overturn. The Augusta County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 13. This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Supervisors further restrict solar farms in Augusta County US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Monday announced a new US-led operation focusing on the security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden following recent attacks by Houthi forces on commercial marine traffic in the region. I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of its Task Force 153, which focuses on security in the Red Sea, Austin said in a statement. Austin, who was in the region for meetings with senior Israeli officials to discuss the Israel-Hamas war, said countries must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor launching ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) at merchant vessels from many nations lawfully transiting international waters. The multinational operation includes the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain. The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and violates international law, Austin said. The Red Sea is a critical waterway that has been essential to freedom of navigation and a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade. The announcement came after the USS Carney responded Monday to a distress call from a commercial vessel after it was attacked by multiple projectiles in the southern Red Sea, a US military official said. The ship, the Swan Atlantic, was attacked by a one-way attack drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen, according to US Central Command. The chemical/oil tanker, a Cayman Islands-flagged ship, called for assistance after the attack, and the USS Carney, the closest US warship, responded to assess damage, CENTCOM said Monday night. About the same time as the attack on the Swan Atlantic, a second commercial ship in the Red Sea was targeted by Houthi militants, CENTCOM said. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks on both vessels, which they claimed were linked to Israel. The Houthis also said that no harm will be dealt to ships heading to ports around the world, except for Israeli ports. Houthi forces in Yemen have been targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, claiming the attacks as revenge against Israel. Oil giant BP announced Monday that it would pause all shipments through the Red Sea due to the deteriorating security situation, marking the latest shipping firm pausing routes through the channel. On Saturday, the USS Carney shot down 14 drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, according to US Central Command. 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, CENTCOM posted on X on Saturday. 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 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. This story has been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com As part of one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, many suburban cities in Central Texas are upgrading their water infrastructure to meet expected demand in the coming decades. At least five Austin suburbs Bastrop, Elgin, Georgetown, Pflugerville and Round Rock are beefing up their treatment systems to provide reliable drinking water as their combined populations are projected to swell from 303,000 residents to over 579,00 in the next 10 to 20 years. David J. Eaton, a professor of environment and energy policy at the University of Texas, said that Central Texas cities have to put a lot of effort to plan for the future of their infrastructure. He said, however, that there is no reason they cannot keep up with demand if they have the willingness to invest. "It's the capacity to plan, construct and operate, and to keep up with the expectations of taxpayers and your customers," Eaton said. Pflugerville to meet demand through 2040 Pflugerville officials said they expect the demand for water to exceed its supply by 2025. To ensure the city can keep up with demand, it has started construction on a $144 million expansion of its water treatment plant. Once finished by late 2026, the plant will increase its treatment from 17 million gallons to 30 million gallons per day. The city's water utility gets its supply from the Lower Colorado River Authority and groundwater wells. The upgrade will provide reliable drinking water to 76,000 people and businesses and meet projected water demand through 2040, according to city officials. The city's estimated population now is 75,869, but officials expect that number to climb to 127,963 by 2040. More: Pflugerville has year-round water restrictions. Here's what you need to know. To ensure there is enough water in the meantime, officials said they are working to make groundwater supplies more drought-resistant, including a year-round, two-day limit for outdoor watering for residents. Supervisor Richard Byland walks out over a backwash clarifier at Pflugerville water treatment plant in July. New Georgetown plant to double capacity As the fastest-growing city with a population of 50,000 or more in the country, Georgetown faces similar issues. According to the U.S census, Georgetown has a population over 75,000 but city officials expect that number to grow to about 110,000 by 2030. Three capital improvement projects underway will help the city to accommodate for that growth, officials said. More: 'Small town' for how long? Georgetown leads nation in population growth Georgetown gets its water from the Edwards Aquifer, Lake Georgetown and Still House Hollow Lake near Killeen. Two water treatment plants, both of which are being expanded, make the water ready for consumers. The expansion of the North Lake water treatment plant and the rehabilitation of the South Side Treatment Plant, in western Georgetown, is scheduled to be finished in early 2024, said Chelsea Solomon, the city's director of water utilities. Once both projects are completed, the city will be able to treat 57 million gallons per day rather than the current 45 million gallons. The city is also building a new facility, the South Lake Water Treatment plant. The first phase of the plant will come online in 2025 but will not be fully completed until 2026. When finished, the city will be able to treat 94 million gallons per day, more than double its current capacity, Solomon said. She said the city has to build a new plant to keep up with the high demand during the summer months. For two weeks during the height of a summer-long heat wave, the city's system exceeded 95% of its treatment capacity with 75% of its water being used for lawn and irrigation, officials said. "The South Lake Water Treatment Plant will bring an additional 44 million gallons of capacity, but realistically we only need that eight weeks of the year," Solomon said. Additionally, city officials entered into a two-year, $11.8 million agreement with the Edmonton Power Corporation, a water utility company in Williamson County, to be another source of water. Under the agreement, the city will be able to reserve water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in Robertson County. The agreement is a placeholder until the two entities can negotiate a partnership that will have Georgetown receiving between 32 million to 55 million gallons per day, starting in 2030, city officials said. Having enough water to meet our demands is becoming increasingly challenging and important as Georgetown and our service area continue to grow exponentially, said Mayor Josh Schroeder. Construction workers work on steel rebar in March as the city of Pflugerville works to expand its water treatment plant to keep up with its growing population. This expansion will help meet projected water demand through 2040. Elgin planning for explosive growth While the city of Elgin's water treatment plant is not yet close to reaching 70% of capacity, the city is building a $5 million large storage and staging facility for its water, said City Manager Tom Mattis. The city extracts its water from the Corrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. Mattis said the city will expand its plant within the next five years as residential growth is pushing what the plant can treat. Elgin has a population of about 10,000 residents, but that is expected to explode to 58,000 by 2030, according to city documents. "It's a challenge for us, for everybody, to know how much you are prepared to invest and how much is necessary versus getting too far ahead of yourself," Mattis said. Round Rock to increase capacity In Round Rock, the Brushy Creek Regional Authority is building a $225 million deep water intake at Lake Travis and a two-mile tunnel to the pump station that leads to the city's water plant. Michael Thane, director of utilities, said the project should help the city provide water to 250,000 residents. The new intake also will serve Leander and Cedar Park. Construction engineer Jacobo Horcajo surveys the land in March at the site of expansion of Pflugerville's water treatment plant. City officials said that once the project is completed, it will provide an additional 40.8 million gallons per day of water to the city and 145 million gallons per day to the three cities combined. Round Rock's population is 130,293, according to the city, but is estimated to reach 266,000 by 2040. More: New properties in Round Rock could see higher water, wastewater impact fees in 2024 Thane said that without the project, the city can only rely on Lake Georgetown, which can provide water to 150,000 people. The city sometimes supplements its water supply from the Edwards Aquifer. The expansion, which began last year, is expected to be completed in 2027. Bastrop to replace water supply source In Bastrop, the city is designing a new water treatment plant and a wellfield to replace its water supply. The projects will allow the city to pull water from deep wells in the Simsboro Aquifer instead of shallow alluvial wells under the Colorado River. City officials said the change of the city's water supply will provide a reliable, resilient drinking water supply. Construction workers work on steel rebar on March 2 during the expansion process for Pflugerville's water treatment plant. The $75 million project is 37% complete, officials said. The city's population of 11,811 is expected to grow to over 17,000 by 2040. Service expansion in Travis, Hays counties In Bee Cave and in Dripping Springs, water and wastewater services are provided by the West Travis County Public Utility Agency. The utility provides services to several cities in western Travis and northern Hays counties. The agency uses population estimates and water demand to model the infrastructure they will need in the future. Jennifer Riechers, the agency's general manager, said that in 10 years water usage is expected to increase from 22,000 living unit equivalents to 38,000 LUE's systemwide. An LUE is the typical flow that would be produced by a single-family residence. To keep up with growth, the agency plans to expand its only water treatment plant to hold 32 million gallons per day, an increase from 20 million gallons. Riechers said the expansion, expected to be completed by 2026, will provide services to the southern portion of Bee Cave toward Dripping Springs. She said that without the expansion, the plant would be over capacity by 2024. Riechers said the most growth the agency has seen in the areas it serves is Dripping Springs. To accommodate for that growth, the agency is building a second water line down U.S. 290 to help push out more water and to provide more capacity to its customers in the city. The second line will provide an additional 3,000 living unit equivalents. "We have allocated all of the capacity we can from the existing plant," she said. "We know that the growth is necessary." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin suburbs upgrade water infrastructure to keep up with demand (Bloomberg) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the passage of legislation to facilitate the Aukus security pact through the US Congress as historic, in a foreign policy speech that placed Canberras security focus squarely in the Indo-Pacific region. Most Read from Bloomberg The measure will allow the transfer of US Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and reshape the way our technology, research and defense industries cooperate, Albanese said on Tuesday. The gains from Aukus will transform Australias ability to contribute to regional stability, he said. Australias future security and prosperity will be defined by the strength and success of our engagement in the region we call home, the prime minister told an event hosted by the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney. The speech ranged across a world convulsed by war, the rise of powers like India and Indonesia and challenges to the global order. Australias biggest trading partner and the Asia-Pacifics hegemon, China, and key strategic ally, the US, are currently jostling to forge a new relationship that acknowledges their superpower competition while avoiding a spiral into conflict. In the past 12 months, Albanese became the first Australian leader in several years to meet with President Xi Jinping and visit China, while maintaining the two nations would disagree where we must. On Tuesday, he reiterated that China aims to make the world more accommodating of its ambitions and its interests as a revisionist power. Yet it is always important to make the point that Chinas extraordinary and unparalleled economic achievements have been made possible by our regions commitment to peace, freedom of navigation and respect for sovereignty, he said. Since coming to power in May 2022, Albanese has bolstered the Aukus agreement struck by the previous government, which will see Canberra field a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines by the 2030s, while working to nuance Australias foreign policy positions across a range of fronts. Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have repositioned the country away from a strict compliance with US foreign policy objectives as they try to balance ties with China and the broader region. Tuesdays address came as the US has requested Australias assistance as part of a naval task force in the Red Sea to protect commercial shipping lanes from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Canberra seems unlikely to agree to join. On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said that while the government would consider the request, our focus has been in terms of our naval activities on our immediate region. Albanese used his speech to emphasize that Australias security priorities remain in the Indo-Pacific, drawing on the history of his ruling Labor party. He highlighted Labor Prime Minister John Curtins decision during World War II to defy Winston Churchill and order Australian troops back from the Middle East to combat Japanese forces in Papua New Guinea and defend their own country. That anchoring of Australian strategic policy in our region has been a core tenet of Labor defense and foreign policy ever since, Albanese said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The reality is human trafficking is here and growing across the state of Tennessee. It is way more prevalent than people realize, said Kate Melby. But just the sheer volume and the amount of money that is being spent on human trafficking is astronomical. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Melby is the assistant district attorney for Davidson County and has seen this first hand, with a case happening just a few days ago. There were victims who were being trafficked out of two different motels in Nashville, she said. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and multiple law enforcement agencies started hearing about a human trafficking ring in Middle Tennessee several months ago. The TBI said agents soon found 50-year-old Yilibeth Rivero De Caldera of Murfreesboro was trafficking female Hispanic women from Central and South America. Police arrested Yilibeth Rivero De Caldera and charged her with nine counts of trafficking for a commercial sex act. (Source: TBI) When I started out at the DAs office I started out in domestic violence and there are so many components to domestic violence that you see in trafficking, said Melby. Authorities claim De Caldera would provide financial assistance for these women to get to the states, and then tell the victims they had a large debt forcing them into prostitution to pay the debt back. Traffickers prey upon vulnerability, said Kelli Cary. Cary is the CEO of AncoraTN a group that provides support and services for human trafficking survivors. We can come in and provide emotional support basic needs and then access to those long term healing services, she said. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee These groups along with programs like Cherished Hearts through Davidson Countys general sessions court work with victims to get the resources they need to move forward and away from trafficking. I think once we are able to be educated and remove a lot of the stigma around it, said Grace Guerra Woolbright. I think well be able to reach more victims. Woolbright is the program manager for Cherished Hearts and said many of the victims she encounters are women who were introduced to trafficking by someone they know. Somebody in their family started trafficking or they were trafficked as part of a relationship. And as the investigation into this ring continues, Melby is just glad so many people are working together to save victims. It is a statewide problem, but luckily we have some really great partners and everybody wants to work together to help end this problem, she said. Officials say there is potential for additional arrests, charges, and more victims. The District Attorneys office also said this ring has international ties with individuals they believe are very dangerous. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com If you have any information about De Caldera or this criminal enterprise, you are asked to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Any victims who may need help are encouraged to call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484. To find out more about human trafficking, the warning signs, and Tennessees response to the crime, follow this link. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Father Issa Thaljieh, a 40-year-old Greek Orthodox parish priest at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, kneels at the spot where tradition says Jesus was born. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) It isnt subtle. Nor is it intended to be. Instead of a pastoral-looking Nativity scene, the creche features baby Jesus wrapped in a checkered Palestinian kaffiyeh, surrounded by jagged chunks of stone evoking bombed-out buildings in the Gaza Strip and children buried beneath them. I see God in the rubble, said Munther Isaac, the Palestinian pastor of a landmark Lutheran church in Bethlehem, the West Bank town revered by Christians as Jesus birthplace. And Christ was born under occupation." Together with parishioners, he created the wartime tableau, which will remain in place at the church through the Christmas season. The image is a jarring one, Isaac acknowledges but cannot come close to summing up the daily horrors taking place only 45 miles distant, in Gaza. The creche at a landmark Lutheran church in Bethlehem, West Bank, features baby Jesus surrounded by jagged chunks of stone evoking bombed-out buildings. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Palestinian Christians, a fast-dwindling minority in the Holy Land, are marking an especially somber Christmas this year, canceling holiday festivities in an expression of solidarity with compatriots as Israel's war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas grinds on. In this third month of Israeli bombardment of Gaza, coupled with a wide-ranging ground offensive both launched after Hamas attackers killed hundreds of Israelis in their homes and at an open-air dance festival the death toll inside the crowded coastal enclave stands at more than 19,000, about two-thirds of them women and children, according to Palestinian officials. Read more: Two strangers a Palestinian and an Israeli tell the story of a region's pain In Bethlehem, where many local Christians have relatives in Gaza, the Christmas holiday will be marked by prayers, church services and the annual procession of Christian patriarchs but the more joyous traditional trappings are being eschewed. No twinkling Christmas lights, no lavishly decorated tree in Manger Square, no festive parade with marching bands. People walk through the Old City in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) How could we celebrate? asked the towns mayor, Hanna Hanania, whose office overlooks a nearly deserted Manger Square. The flagstone plaza facing the Church of the Nativity, a pilgrimage site for Christians the world over, is usually bustling at this time of year, but most of the souvenir shops and restaurants lining it are tightly shuttered. Bethlehem, where once-majority Christians now make up fewer than one-fifth of the town's population of some 30,000, is a microcosm of the West Banks woes. Checkpoints hem it in, and the stony terraced hills where shepherds watched their flocks by night, as the traditional Christmas carol has it are transversed by a hulking Israeli security barrier. Surrounded by Jewish settlements, the town is home to two Palestinian refugee camps that seethe with unrest and are regularly raided by Israeli troops. Read more: As Biden-Netanyahu gulf widens, Israeli leader vows to continue Gaza war 'until the end' Its not the little town of the Bible anymore, said the Rev. Mitri Raheb, president of Bethlehems Dar al-Kalima University. At 61, he remembers when the unobstructed view from his nearby family home was a mountainside that turned green in spring rains. Now it is topped by a settlement, one of nearly 150 in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. For Palestinian Christians, the current war marks a catastrophe embedded within a catastrophe: the potential eradication of what was already a minuscule Christian presence in Gaza. Numbering fewer than 1,000 out of a population of more than 2 million, the communitys wartime losses are disproportionately felt. Many Bethlehem-area Christians have relatives in Gaza, and are terrified for their safety. A man walks through the Old City near the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. People crowd a busy market street in Bethlehem. A man sits by a mural on a wall separating Bethlehem from Jerusalem. Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times An outbuilding of Gaza Citys oldest working church, St. Porphyrius, was hit by Israeli bombardment in October, killing at least 16 of the hundreds of people sheltering there, according to Palestinian officials. Former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, a Palestinian American, posted anguished social-media accounts about several Christian relatives killed or maimed in the strike. Our family is hurting badly, the Michigan Republican-turned-independent wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "May God watch over all Christians in Gaza and all Israelis and Palestinians who are suffering, whatever their religion or creed." Last weekend, two Christian women sheltering at a Roman Catholic church compound in Gaza City were killed by Israeli sniper fire, the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem said. Relatives identified them as a mother and daughter Naheda Anton, 71, and her daughter, Samr Anton, 58 and said that after the older woman was hit, her daughter tried to pull her to safety, and was shot as well. Jawdat Hanna Mikhail, the grandson of one slain woman and the nephew of the other, said several other family members inside the Holy Family compound tried to reach the pair, and were shot and wounded themselves. "Snipers are deployed around the church," said Mikhail, 27, who lives in Beit Sahur, just outside Bethlehem. "Nobody can move." Pope Francis condemned the killing of the women. A British member of Parliament, Layla Moran, has been posting on social media about members of her extended family, including 11-year-old twins, also trapped in the complex. Im now no longer sure they are going to survive until Christmas, she told the BBC. Some longtime monitors of Christian demographic trends say that after years of hardship, the small and struggling community in Gaza stands on the verge of extinction. The Rev. Munther Isaac plays the flute at a landmark Lutheran church in Bethlehem. Daher Nassar lowers his head to pray. The Rev. Munther Isaac leads singing and prayers for the victims in Gaza. Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times I fear that this war will be the end of the Christian presence in Gaza, said Raheb, the college president. It is a bleeding wound. The surging violence also points up the complex internal interplay in the occupied Palestinian territories between Christians and the overwhelming Muslim majority. Recent surveys suggest Hamas popularity among Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza is running higher despite or because of the devastating Oct. 7 cross-border attack on Israel that precipitated the war. Read more: In Gaza, she sits by her belongings, waiting for her home to be bombed Gazas Christian population numbered about 3,000 when Hamas took over the narrow Mediterranean strip in 2007; about two-thirds of them left in the intervening years, before the start of this war. Although generally wealthier and better educated than the population as a whole, Christians in Gaza endured or were driven out by the same privations as other Palestinians raging unemployment, lack of opportunity, periodic battles between Israel and Hamas. But they were also chilled by the unsolved slaying, in the early days of Hamas rule, of a prominent Christian bookstore manager who had been threatened before his death by jihadist groups. In Bethlehem, a decree from the West Banks governing Palestinian Authority mandates that the citys mayor, deputy mayor and a majority of the municipal council must be Christians. Prior to that, a coalition backed by Hamas, which functions as a political movement in addition to its armed wing, held a council majority, the mayor said. They are our neighbors, he said. At the Church of the Nativity, the ancient limestone basilica venerated by Christians as marking the place of Christs birth, hard times have helped dampen tensions between the three Christian sects that share control of its premises. In past years, jurisdictional clashes over nooks and crannies in the churchs dim, incense-scented recesses had sometimes boiled over into physical altercations. Father Issa Thaljieh, a 40-year-old Greek Orthodox parish priest at the Church of the Nativity, said there was relative harmony among the sects now, their disputes vastly overshadowed by the war. Father Issa, born and raised in Bethlehem, said that from boyhood on, he felt the powerful pull of spiritual wonder associated with not only the basilica but the town itself, even as the ongoing conflict with Israel disfigured the biblical landscape surrounding Bethlehem. Father Issa Thaljieh poses for a portrait inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Though he could live and work elsewhere, he said he feels a call of duty to stay and minister to his shrinking flock. Deep grief over death and destruction in Gaza pervades the holiday, the priest said, but he also saw this season as a beacon of much-needed hope. These are very, very sad times, he said. But the message of Bethlehem and the message of Christmas, which is the message of peace, is more important than ever. Read more: News Analysis: What happens after the Israel-Hamas war ends? Two-state solution faces strong head winds Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A young man who was fatally struck by a trash truck in Boston on Tuesday was on his way to meet his uncle for coffee at a neighborhood Dunkin when he lost his life. Officers responding to a report of a crash involving a pedestrian in the area of Cambridge and Hano streets in the citys Allston section just after 10 a.m. found a man suffering from life-threatening injuries, according to the Boston Police Department. The victim was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Video from the scene showed the Republic Services trash truck and an e-bike roped off with yellow police tape as detectives and a crash reconstruction team gathered evidence. It appears the victim, who his uncle identified as 21-year-old Samuel Alvarado, was riding the e-bike when he was struck by the truck. Every morning, we stop by Dunkin Donuts and drink coffee and eat donuts, Alvarados uncle, Melecio, explained. I was waiting for him. He never came. A couple of minutes later, I got the call. Melecio described Samuel as a very sweet boy who loved to play ranchero music on his guitar. He said they also lived together on Hanover Street. He was the best. Good person. He was always together with me, Melecio Alvarado said of his nephew. He liked to play guitar and sing. Handout photo Alvarado, a native of Honduras, had moved to America and was working at a restaurant as a chef, according to his uncle. No charges have been filed and the incident remains under investigation, police say. The trash company tells Boston 25 News they are cooperating with the investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Biden administration proposed new steps Tuesday to conserve and restore the nations old-growth forests in a move it projects could combat greenhouse gas emissions and counter the effects of climate change. The proposal from the US Department of Agriculture would amend all 128 forest land management plans across the country for the first time, with a goal of preserving and restoring old-growth and mature forests across the nation. According to a fact sheet shared with CNN, the USDA and the Department of Interiors Bureau of Land Management oversee a combined 112 million acres of old-growth and mature forests on federal lands. Old-growth and mature forests are a crucial part of the administrations efforts to combat climate change, serving as a carbon sink by absorbing the equivalent of more than 10% of the nations annual greenhouse gas emissions. Old-growth forests in particular tend to have a higher carbon density, which the USDA says makes them well suited to store more carbon than younger forests. The proposal, the White House said Tuesday, falls under a 2022 Earth Day Executive Order from President Joe Biden aimed at tackling the climate crisis and strengthening climate resilience. In addition, for the first time since 2007, the National Forest Service is updating its Northwest Forest Plan, which guides management of roughly one quarter of the continental United States federally managed forests, all located in Washington, Oregon and California, to better prepare for climate resilience. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Joe Bidens management of the USs role in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is deeply unpopular thanks in part to a serious divide among Americans generationally regarding the war. A new poll from The New York Times and Siena College finds Mr Biden trailing his expected 2020 challenger, Donald Trump, when Americans are asked which politician theyd trust more to lead the US through the crisis. Its a finding that underscores how badly the incumbent presidents numbers are with voters in his own party as he heads into an election year facing calls not just from Republicans but from Democrats as well to step aside and let a younger candidate run. Mr Bidens support from young voters is cratering. Nearly three out of four voters ages 18-29 say they disapprove of Mr Bidens handling of the conflict a dismal sign for an incumbent who is consumed with the task of shoring up a coalition that in 2020 included a major surge in the youth vote. Younger voters turned out in 2020 and largely voted against Donald Trump; an analysis from Tufts University found that the percentage of young voters who participated in 2020 jumped 11 points from the previous election cycle. The reason for the disillusionment of Mr Bidens younger supporters on this issue is clear: Millennials and Gen Z are more broadly opposed to the Israeli governments handling of the conflict, which has claimed more than 19,000 lives and has yet to result in the death of any prominent members of Hamas leadership. Recent headlines have exacerbated distrust in the Israeli military effort and the Biden administration. US officials continue to insist that Israel is working hard to minimise civilian casualties, while the Israeli military was forced in recent days to admit the mistaken killing of three of their own released hostages as well as more than 100 military service members in friendly fire incidents. Meanwhile, photos and video depicting an unspeakable humanitiarian tragedy unfolding in the Gaza Strip continue to roll out across social media, sparking further outrage. On Tuesday, the Biden administration was expected to veto another call for a ceasefire by the UN Security Council, which adjourned at noon to continue negotiations over the proposed resolution. The US previously vetoed a similar measure on 8 December. The presidents poll numbers spell a dire scenario for Democrats, who are less certain than ever that Mr Biden can win a general election in 2024 and are faced with the prospect of watching an agonising rematch of the 2020 election play out over the next year. Voters are broadly unhappy with that prospect, and as a result the 2024 election is shaping up to greatly resemble the 2016 election in terms of Americans dissatisfaction with their choices of leadership. Mr Trump, following his loss and knock-down drag-out refusal to accept the 2020 election results, remains the heavy favourite to win the Republican nomination. He now faces 91 felony counts stemming from four different criminal indictments, including two related to his effort to rewrite the election results in the last presidential cycle. Should he win in 2024, he is promising a massive expansion of the powers of the presidency which is reported to include a total erosion of the independence of the US Justice Department. With that having taken place, he hopes to force the US government to prosecute Joe Biden and his family while wiping away his own federal criminal charges. On the Democratic side, concerns about Mr Bidens age continue to erode his support among not just Democrats but the key independent voters he will need to turn out in battleground states to secure victory. Polls for months have indicated that the incumbent president now trails Mr Trump in several, if not all, of the battleground states that decided the last election. His campaign hopes to ride a wave of grassroots support to victory that first erupted in 2022 with the Supreme Courts decision overturning Roe v Wade. Democrats are hoping abortion ballot measures will be in play in several states; Vice President Kamala Harris is also set to hit the campaign trail to gin up support around the issue in January. The campaigns top communications official told CNN that abortion rights will be a central pillar of Mr Bidens re-election bid going forward. Its critical that we continue to lift up these stories and really remind women whats at stake in this election, and really the choice that they have before them, Mr Bidens campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez told the network. President Joe Biden honored the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor at a funeral service Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral, celebrating her legacy as an American pioneer. Biden said that OConnor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, empowered generations of women and demonstrated that a woman can not only do anything a man can do, but many times do it a heck of a lot better. Speaking to pews full of members of Congress, Supreme Court justices and White House officials, Biden recalled OConnor as gracious and wise, civil and principled. He said she profoundly believed the Supreme Court was a vital line of defense for the values and the vision of our republic devoted not to pursuit of power for powers sake, but to make real promise of America. The president applauded OConnor for the sacred cause of democracy she devoted her life to, calling it one that we must continue. OConnor became the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court after she was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. At her Senate confirmation hearing, Biden who was the ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee at the time quickly voiced his support for her. She went on to serve as a critical swing vote on the court until she stepped down in 2006 to spend more time with her husband, who was suffering from the early stages of Alzheimers. OConnor died on Dec. 1 at the age of 93 of complications from dementia. Addressing OConnors family, Biden said he understood how hard it was to watch both OConnor and her husband, John, who died in 2009, struggle with disease. Biden saw his own son, Beau, battle brain cancer before his death in 2015. I hope you hold on to what has never truly lost: The love both of them had for you; a love you had for them, Biden said. I hope you find comfort and another profound consequence of her service: The countless families that she helped by speaking so openly about your familys experiences, Biden continued, referring to OConnors candidness about her husbands illness. All nine current Supreme Court justices and several of their spouses, along with retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, filed into the cathedral shortly before the service began. They took seats directly behind the OConnor family and across the aisle from Biden. Several of the justices chatted amiably as organ music boomed through the massive church before the funeral got underway. Many of OConnors clerks also sat in the pews, after serving as pallbearers Monday when the late justice lay in repose for a public viewing at the high court. By tradition, a rotating series of former clerks also flanked her casket for hours as mourners filed by to pay their respects. In addition to Biden, OConnor was eulogized Tuesday by historian and biographer Evan Thomas, Chief Justice John Roberts and one of her sons, Jay OConnor. In nearly a quarter century on the court, she was a strong, influential and iconic jurist, Roberts said. The time when women were not on the bench seems so far away because Justice OConnor was so good when she was on the bench. She was so successful that the barriers she broke down are almost unthinkable today. Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff paid respects to OConnor during her lying in repose at the Supreme Court on Monday. In a statement following OConnors death, Harris said she would remember the justice for her kindness, intelligence, and deep love for our country. During the service Tuesday, only one speaker, the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, mentioned the erosion of some of the centrist jurisprudence OConnor often championed when she was the preeminent swing vote on the Supreme Court. OConnor may be best known for the opinion she co-authored in 1992 in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, upholding the fundamental right to abortion but allowing states to impose greater restrictions on it. The Supreme Court explicitly overruled that decision by a 5-4 vote in June 2022 with its earth-shaking decision ending the federal constitutional right to abortion. She also lived long enough to see some of her influence wane and she had to make her peace with that too, which is not easy, said Budde, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. We live and we work and we strive to make our contributions and we simply do not know which of our accomplishments, if any, will endure. Some will. Others will not. A trailblazer for women. A tireless advocate for civility. A daughter of the American West. President Biden and Chief Justice John Roberts eulogized the late Justice Sandra Day OConnor in front of hundreds gathered for her funeral service Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral, remembering the first woman on the Supreme Court, who also became the indisputable swing vote for a generation. She was so successful that the barriers that she broke down are almost unthinkable today, Roberts said. Both Roberts and Biden encountered OConnor when she was nominated to the high court by then-President Reagan in 1981. Roberts worked in Reagans administration and helped prepare OConnor for her confirmation hearing. Biden served as the Senate Judiciary Committees top Democrat at the time and was part of the unanimous 99-0 vote that sent OConnor to the Supreme Court. Gracious and wise, civil and principled, Sandra Day OConnor, a daughter of the American West, was a pioneer in her own right, breaking down the barriers in the political world and the nations conscience, Biden said Tuesday. To her, the Supreme Court was the bedrock, the bedrock of America. Supreme Court Justices are seen during the funeral service of the late Justice Sandra Day OConnor at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. (Greg Nash/The Hill) OConnor died on Dec. 1 at the age of 93 from what the court described as advanced dementia, probably Alzheimers. She retired from the court in 2006 and had moved back to Arizona. All nine sitting justices attended Tuesdays service, as did many of their spouses. With organ music playing throughout the iconic cathedral, Justices Elena Kagan and Neil Gorsuch were particularly chatty before the service began, laughing at times as they appeared to joke to one another. Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy was also in attendance. Retired Justices Stephen Breyer and David Souter were not seen. The justices biographer and clergy also participated in the service, held on a breezy day in the nations capital, while OConnors grandchildren served as readers and honorary pallbearers. Also spotted at Tuesdays service were U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar and other Justice Department officials, Supreme Court employees and members of OConnors family. OConnor had served on the Supreme Court for more than two decades, emerging as the decisive swing vote on some of the courts biggest cases, including those on issues such as abortion and affirmative action. Quite simply, she was a force of nature, said Jay OConnor, the youngest of the justices three children. But much of Tuesdays service focused on her other legacies, with speakers hailing OConnors unyielding commitment to civics education and insistence on collegiality at the court. President Biden rests his hand on the casket of late Justice Sandra Day OConnor during her funeral at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Historian and OConnor biographer Evan Thomas noted she made it her business to ensure the justices had lunch together. When Justice Clarence Thomas came on the court, he later told me, he didnt much feel like going to lunch, the biographer said. But after conference, Justice OConnor would walk with him down the hallway, saying, Clarence, you need to come to lunch. So, finally, as he told me, I started going to lunch. He felt hed belonged. He said she was the glue. The reason this place was civil was Sandra Day OConnor. The tradition still goes on today. Tuesdays service capped two days of public remembrance events for OConnor in the nations capital. On Monday, OConnors casket arrived at the Supreme Court, with dozens of her former clerks lining the plaza to see her casket go up the iconic stairs. Inside, members of the public for hours paid their respects as she lied in repose in the Great Hall, the column-lined room that leads to the courtroom. Among the dignitaries who visited the court included Vice President Harris and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the only remaining sitting senator who voted on OConnors confirmation. As is tradition, a black drape was hung over the courtroom door following her death. May God bless Sandra Day OConnor, an American pioneer, Biden said Tuesday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Biden is taking hits on multiple issues from within his own party, with Democrats bashing the president for recent policy choices including immigration, foreign policy and the environment. The criticisms, largely originating from the left and progressive flanks, come as the president heads into a reelection year struggling to raise his approval rating and garner much enthusiasm among several key contingent of voters ahead of a possible 2024 rematch against former President Trump. Here are the major topics where Democrats are breaking with Biden. Immigration Biden could be facing backlash from his base over an emergency spending package that would provide aid to Israel and Ukraine but also include tough border security measures, the latter of which is an issue of trying to get at least some Republicans on board. The president risks blowback from Latino and progressive lawmakers for any White House proposals deemed too strict as part of an effort to also appeal to moderate and independent voters. Congressional Democrats have been divided throughout negotiations on the matter, with many fearing that the administration would agree to support new authority to expel migrants without asylum screenings and expand their detention and deportation. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-Calif.), the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, called it unacceptable for the White House to be working on an immigration deal without members of the caucus at the table. Many have publicly balked at the possibility that the White House would give significant ground to Republicans by agreeing to expand executive power to expel migrants. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told colleagues Thursday that he plans to schedule a vote on an emergency foreign aid package before the holidays, leading some Democratic senators to express concerns that he would advance a legislative vehicle for a package before they know the substance of the deal. Even if a bill does pass the Senate this month, the House is not scheduled to come back until next year, leaving the matter in limbo for Biden. Israel Bidens biggest political surprise this year was the war that broke out between Israel and Hamas, and he has been met with blowback from the left flank and from young voters over his administrations approach, which initially was to unequivocally support Israel. The White House since then has made concerted efforts to amplify its concerns about the civilian death toll in Gaza and on actively working with regional leaders on delivering humanitarian aid to the enclave. But thats done little to quell the bitter criticisms over Israels wartime tactics and the presidents pro-Israel stance. As a result, protests have followed Biden across the U.S. by demonstrators calling for a cease-fire, something the administration, in agreeing with Israel, says would only allow Hamas to regroup and rearm. Chants that have followed Biden include calling him genocide Joe. Some Democratic lawmakers, especially in key swing states such as Michigan, have also called for a cease-fire, especially after the recent pause in fighting to release hostages. Roughly two dozen Democrats signed a letter last month to Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling on them to seek a cease-fire in Gaza, to no avail. Biden and his administration, however, have started to show some divides with Israel over its tactics. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was sent there this week in an attempt to see a scaling down of operations in Gaza. Biden last week warned that Israel could lose international support because of the indiscriminate bombing that takes place. Environment Throughout his administration, Biden has been under fire from environmental activists for not declaring a climate emergency and for taking other controversial stances. The latest issue over his environmental policy though comes from his plans to increase natural gas exports. The Biden administration is backing the gas industrys plans to sell fuel at higher prices to other countries, believing that will lead to less production of climate-warming chemicals such as carbon dioxide by displacing dirtier-burning coal. Democrats argue that such policies are not addressing a major climate problem, which is that the fossil fuel industry in the U.S. has plans to increase oil and gas production. Democratic senators have asked the administration to stop investing in gas plants abroad and have also urged the administration to begin planning for the end of fossil fuels. Biden infuriated some Democrats especially young people, progressives and environmentalists earlier this year when he approved of a massive oil drilling project in Alaska. The project, which was first approved by the Trump administration in 2020 and sent back to the Biden administration, will allow ConocoPhillips to drill 576 million barrels of oil in Alaska over 30 years. Crime The president has been willing to break with his party on the issue of crime and policing at times, even when it has led to consternation on Capitol Hill. Biden drew the wrath of many Democratic lawmakers earlier this year when he declined to veto a GOP-led measure to undo parts of a District of Columbia crime bill that would have eliminated most mandatory sentences, lowered penalties for a number of violent offenses, including carjackings and robberies, and expanded the requirement for jury trials in most misdemeanor cases. Democrats were openly upset with the White House, believing it did not make clear to them how Biden planned to handle the bill. As a result, many Democrats voted against the original legislation, believing Biden would veto it. Progressives also criticized Bidens move for being in conflict with his stance supporting D.C. statehood and the Democratic Partys typical support for D.C. home rule. But Biden has been willing to push back against policies he believes are too weak on crime, and he has championed additional funding for police departments to allow them to hire more officers and spend more time in communities. Biden in 2020 was quick to distance himself from the defund the police movement that gained momentum among some progressives in the aftermath of George Floyds murder. The movement was later seen to have backfired on some Democrats. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. China urged the United States to stop "unreasonably suppressing" TikTok on March 16, 2023, after Washington gave the popular video-sharing app an ultimatum to part ways with its Chinese owners or face a nationwide ban. (PATRICK T. FALLON/PATRICK T. FALLON/Getty Images North America/TNS) Brands are increasingly turning to trusted online content creators to influence shoppers buying habits, especially to attract Gen Z and millennial consumers raised on technology. Thats a key takeaway of research by Dallas-based LTK and Northwestern University into how brands are attracting younger shoppers a key segment as retailers wrap up a holiday season that still accounts for an outsized portion of yearly sales. Advertisement Gen Z generally defined as those born in the mid- to late-1990s to the early 2010s now makes up 40% of all global consumers with spending power estimated to exceed $150 billion annually. How they shop is important to brands bottom lines. Influencer marketing is expected to reach $21.1 billion this year. An earlier LTK study said 75% of Gen Z consumers and 67% of millennials make online purchases based on influencer recommendations. Advertisement So many millennials and Gen Z often have kind of negative attitudes toward traditional advertising and traditional communications through media, said Frank Muhler, who oversees Northwesterns retail analytics research center. So this influencer thing kind of cuts through that and resonates with young people. Influencer marketing is playing out in multiple ways from lucrative deals between brands and heavily followed celebrity creators to TikTok shops allowing any person to earn a commission for promoting a product. LTK, formerly known as RewardStyle, is living proof of the power of connecting influencers with brands so they can make money off the content they create. Since its founding in 2011 by Southern Methodist University graduates Amber Venz Box and Baxter Box, LTKs creators are credited with driving over $13 billion in sales. Many consumers think of online creators as their friends, making it easier to trust their recommendations, said Amanda DeWitt, Dallas-based lifestyle and fashion content creator. They feel like they know this person. They see their everyday life, they see their family, their clothes, the products they use, their home and it makes you trust that, DeWitt said. DeWitt, who often works with brands on traditional social media platforms and LTK, said shell try a product for several weeks or months before touting it to her audience. Her daily posts have helped her to build a base of over 50,000 followers on TikTok. She strives to make her recommendations seamless by weaving them into her regular posts. The LTK and Northwestern survey, conducted in August, gathered input from 164 marketing leaders who put money into creator marketing. Eight in 10 planned to increase their spending this year, and nine in 10 expect it to grow next year. Influencers are now viewed as personal shopping assistants by some consumers, said Rodney Mason, head of brand marketing partnerships at LTK. His companys survey showed that 51% of fashion brands credit creators with improving their brand image. Advertisement Brands also are using creators in their marketing campaigns. Mason said one company LTK worked with replaced its models with content creators. Other ways creators are influencing spending is in how consumers search for products. Someone searching for the best frying pan, for example, might make a faster buying decision if the results show options with a stamp of approval from their favorite creator. (When many) people search for products, theyll go into social media and search, Mason said. Having those creator posts, even in the social channels or on LTK where people come and search every single day and having those creator posts in there is another form of SEO. Shoppers also want someone to tell them about and display the best items to buy, Mason said. The LTK-Northwestern survey said thats why about 36% of brands spend half of their online marketing budget on creators. It is changing the way people shop, Muhler said. By Kanishka Singh and Costas Pitas WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a call with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday in which he condemned attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement on commercial vessels in international waters in the Red Sea, the State Department said on Monday. THE TAKE The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have waded into the war between Israel and Islamist group Hamas by attacking vessels in vital shipping lanes and even firing drones and missiles at Israel, more than 1,000 miles from their seat of power in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. The Houthi group said on Monday it launched a drone attack on two cargo vessels in one of its latest attacks in the region. Several countries have agreed to jointly carry out patrols in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to try to safeguard commercial shipping against attacks by Houthi rebels, who say they are supporting Palestinians under siege by Israel in the Gaza Strip. KEY QUOTE "The Secretary also condemned continued attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea and urged cooperation among all partners to uphold maritime security," the State Department said in a statement after the call. In the call, Blinken discussed about "preventing the further spread of the conflict," according to the State Department. CONTEXT Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said earlier this month there must be an immediate end to fighting in Gaza and alleged that governments worldwide do not seem to see it as a priority. Even as the United Nations has demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the United States and Israel have resisted those calls, saying it would help Hamas rearm and regroup. Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel left 1,200 dead and Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza has killed nearly 20,000, according to the local health ministry, with many more missing and presumed buried under rubble. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Costas Pitas; Editing by Sandra Maler and Michael Perry) BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. The police chief in Blytheville, Arkansas, submitted his letter of retirement after returning from administrative leave, the citys mayor announced Monday. Blytheville Mayor Melisa Logan said Chief Ross Thompson was placed on administrative leave on December 12 after concerns of inapt behavior. Following an internal investigation, Thompson returned to full duty on December 15 and submitted his letter of retirement. His retirement will be effective on February 29. With over 32 years of service, Chief Ross Thompson has served the city well. I have accepted his retirement effective date. He has given staunch and commended time to our city. I am excited for Chief Thompson and his family and their next chapter, Mayor Logan said in the statement. In this moment, my focus is on the Blytheville Police Department and the citizens we serve daily. Our police department does a great job serving and protecting our great city 24 hours a day 365 days a year. That will not change as we go through the immediate transition process to recruit and appoint a new Chief of Police. Thompson was named police chief in 2007. Two years ago, the city council took a vote on whether to remove Thompson from his position following complaints about policy and the death of a suspect during an attempted arrest. Blytheville police chief survives no-confidence vote The council was split and voted three to three, allowing Thompson to keep his position. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) said Monday that President Bidens border policy is the greatest harm ever done intentionally to the United States by any president. Good, the newly elected chair of the House Freedom Caucus, made the remarks during an appearance on NewsNations The Hill, when host Blake Burman mentioned fellow Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) recent comments in which she called Good a traitor for endorsing Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) for president and not showing loyalty to former President Trump. Marjorie Taylor Greene is upset because Kevin McCarthy got removed from the Speaker position; she backed him unconditionally. Shes upset because she got kicked out of the Freedom Caucus, Good told Burman. But the bottom line is President Trump did a great job on immigration, did a great job on the border. Gov. DeSantis did a great job in Florida, trying to fight to that effect, sending National Guard troops to the border, busing illegals out of his state up into the northern states where theyve said they want to be sanctuary states and sanctuary cities, Good added. Both would be a tremendous improvement over this current border invasion facilitated by this president. This is the greatest harm ever done intentionally to the United States by any president in our history. Border security remains a central issue between the White House and the Senate as the upper chamber is vying to strike a potential deal that would send aid to Ukraine, Israel and implement border security measures. The White House last month proposed a roughly $106 billion national security supplemental funding request that included money for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan as well as humanitarian aid and border security measures. Republican lawmakers have shared their opposition to the proposed supplement deal, arguing border security measures need to be stricter if paired with aid for Ukraine and Israel. Good, while expressing his concern with Senate delay on the proposed deal, also urged the Senate to pass the Secure the Border Act of 2023, adding that theyre not going to consider phony, pretend, weak, milquetoast, watered-down border security proposals. The Hill on NewsNation airs Monday to Friday at 5 p.m. EST. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Since 1999, federal officials have been looking for Roger Dale Parham, an Arkansas man who failed to appear in court after being charged with the rape of a minor. It turns out, he had already been found at the bottom of a lake in Kentucky, but it took nearly 25 years for his body to be identified. Two fisherman found the body wrapped in heavy tire chains and anchored with a hydraulic jack in Lake Barkley on May 6, 1999. Kentucky State Police announced Thursday that advanced DNA technology had helped them identify the remains as Parham, according to a news release. Parham was 52 years old when he was arrested for rape involving a minor on Nov. 21, 1998, according to the FBI. The Circuit Court of Sebastian County, Arkansas, Fort Smith District, released him on bond, but his bond was revoked when he didnt show up in court, and a bench warrant for his arrest was issued on June 3, 1999, according to the FBI. That was about a month after the unidentified body had been found in Kentucky. A federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution was filed against Parham, and a federal arrest warrant was filed in September 1999 in federal court in Fort Smith, Ark. The FBIs wanted poster said Parham, who was said to be very charming, was thought to have fled Arkansas and might have gone to Mexico. Parham did computer-related work and was said to have an interest in photography as well as fixing and selling antiques. He prefers odd jobs so that he can get paid in cash, the FBI poster stated. While the FBI was on the lookout for Parham, Kentucky State Police were having trouble identifying the body found in the lake in Lyon County. State police said in the news release that they werent able to identify him using traditional investigative techniques of that time. In 2016, the body of the victim was exhumed in hopes that further examinations would help make an identification, the release stated. Despite extensive efforts using DNA technology, dental examinations, forensic pathology, and other advanced forensic testing, the victim remained unidentified. A profile for the remains was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NAMUS) as case: UP# 75. The break in the case came earlier this year, when state police began working with Othram, which they said is a private forensic lab that specializes in forensic genealogy. A partnership with NAMUS and Othram Inc. allowed for advanced genealogy DNA testing of the remains, state police said. They said the testing helped them find a relative of Parham and make a positive identification. While the cause of death is unknown, state police said they are investigating the case as a homicide because of the suspicious circumstances in which the remains were located. State police asked that anyone with information about Parhams death call Post 1 in Mayfield at 270-856-3721 or leave a tip on the website at Kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/tip. Body parts found in an Encino dumpster last month have been positively identified as the remains of missing 37-year-old mother of three Mei Haskell, the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner announced Monday. The victims husband, 35-year-old Samuel Bond Haskell IV, is accused of killing his wife and dismembering her body. Haskell, the son of a one-time high-profile Hollywood agent at William Morris, has since been charged with his wifes murder, as well as the murder of his in-laws, whose bodies have not yet been found. Investigators said that on Nov. 7 Haskell hired four day laborers to haul away several heavy trash bags from his Tarzana home. One of the laborers opened one of the bags and allegedly observed human body parts, according to a news release from the District Attorneys office. They called 911 and reported the incident. That same day, Haskell was reportedly seen and photographed approximately five miles from his home in the 4100 block of Coldstream Terrace disposing of a large trash bag into a dumpster off Ventura Boulevard in Encino. On Nov. 8, a man looking through that dumpster found a torso in a trash bag and called 911. Police returned to the Tarzana home where they said they found evidence consistent with a killing and dismemberment. Haskell was arrested at the Topanga Mall later that morning on suspicion of murder. Mei Haskell's parents, Yanxiang Wang (left) and Gaoshen Li (right) are seen in photos provided by the Los Angeles Police Department. The 35-year-old first appeared in court on Dec. 8 where his arraignment was postponed to Jan. 12, 2024. Haskell did not enter a plea and his attorney requested a continuance of the hearing. According to the Los Angeles Times, Haskell has made an abrupt change to his defense, replacing his previous attorney with a new one. The murder charges against Haskell include special circumstance allegations of multiple murders. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. As the young men of Boys 4 Bikes began filtering into Sutterville Bicycle Co. on a recent Friday evening, Mary Kelly stood near a photo, displayed on a store wall, that clearly was from a different time. In the 2014 photo, Kellys son, Owen Wilber, and five other boys stand with shop owner Jeff Dzurinko. Dzurinkos business had recently opened and the boys were mostly third graders who had just started Boys 4 Bikes, which donates bikes to foster youth, refugees and middle schoolers. The group is seeking $5,000 in funding this year from readers of The Sacramento Bees Book of Dreams effort. They were just babies, Kelly said of that first effort a decade ago. A 2014 photo displayed at Sutterville Bicycle Co. shows, with shop owner Jeff Dzurinko, the kids who founded the charity Boys 4 Bikes. Now, most of the boys from the photo are high school seniors. Boys 4 Bikes has evolved into a tax-exempt nonprofit. And on this evening, it was closing in on donating its 500th bike. The task for Wilber and three other boys on-hand from the old photo Rowan Diepenbrock, Riley Domine and Winston Holtkamp was relatively straightforward: Load up 25 bikes with the help of Dzurinko and a small number of adult volunteers and take them to Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center to donate to needy kids. Most, if not all, of the bikes were simple Retrospecs, sturdy and nothing flashy. Still, these bikes can make a big difference at places like Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, a group aiding foster kids that Boys 4 Bikes was planning to visit a week or so later. That organization gives out bikes on a case-by-case basis to the youth it helps, said its community engagement manager Karla Zaragoza. Its really important that the bikes be a little bit higher quality because they only go out to older youth who need them for transportation purposes, so either to go to school or to go to a job, Zaragoza said. So the bikes are really, really special. Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center uses a raffle to determine which of the roughly 1,000 people it helps gets a bike. Its just delightful to see a parent who has the opportunity to take home a brand-new bike for their child for Christmas when that might have not been in their budget for this year, said Julie Rhoten, the neighborhood centers executive director. Each organization Stanford Sierra Youth and Stanford Settlement has received about 200 bicycles from Boys 4 Bikes over the years. The origin of the program In the beginning, Boys 4 Bikes wasnt a nonprofit, just a way for Kelly to teach her son a valuable lesson when she spied him around Christmas one year looking at store advertisements and circling things that he wanted. I was like, Owen, before you talk to me anymore about what you want, you need to talk to me about what youre going to do for somebody else, Kelly said. Wilber thought about it and replied that he wanted to buy someone a bike. Kelly then encouraged him to hold a neighborhood bake sale and he roped in some of his friends from school and the neighborhood. Kelly approached several bike shops, including Dzurinkos, to see if she could purchase bikes at a discounted rate. Dzurinko was happy to help. I know from my firsthand experience the freedoms that a bicycle gives you, Dzurinko said. Over the years, the boys have raised more than $60,000 through their bake sales and other efforts. In turn, they have worked with Dzurinko to purchase bikes at near-wholesale rates. Holtkamp, a senior at McClatchy High School who hopes to study engineering at Cal Poly, estimated that the boys will have donated 510 to 520 bikes with the ones they are getting from Dzurinkos shop this year. Most are new. Some are refurbished. Ive valued biking a lot because its a very clean way of transportation, Diepenbrock said. But its also a very reliable and a very easy-access form of transportation. So for that to go to people in need, I think that is really cool and really important. Winston Holtkamp, 17 of Boys 4 Bikes carries one of the bikes they purchased out of Sutterville Bicycle Company on Dec. 8. Boys 4 Bikes, started almost a decade ago, asks readers of the Book of Dreams for $5,000 to help it continue donating bicycles to foster kids and others in need. Whats ahead for Boys 4 Bikes College beckons for most members of Boys 4 Bikes, with Diepenbrock just finishing his first semester at Sacramento State and the other boys now working on college applications. Domine said hes written two of his college-application essays about his experience with Boys 4 Bikes. I can still remember vaguely our first bake sale and then we kept building up and up and up, said Domine, a senior at West Campus who hopes to pursue urban planning or medical studies at UC Irvine. It just kind of flashed by, but Im really glad to be a part of this. Keeping the organization going will require something of a shift. Wilber, a senior at UMOJA International Academy who would like to study industrial engineering at Cal Poly, acknowledged that it will be difficult for the boys to keep holding bake sales once they go off to college. Still, theyre hopeful and have been considering using their nonprofit status to approach businesses for donations. Id love to continue it, said Wilber, who is now the board president for Boys 4 Bikes. I think my friends would love to continue it. On the recent Friday evening, it didnt take long for the 25 bikes to be loaded and for the boys and other volunteers to maneuver in different vehicles up to Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center, near the corner of Northgate Boulevard and West El Camino Avenue. There, the boys quickly unloaded the bikes and took them to a multipurpose room, their entire visit lasting only a short time. Theyre so generous, said Rhoten, the neighborhood centers executive director, referring to Boys 4 Bikes. These kids, theyve grown it into a giant thing. Retrospec bicycles are ready to be picked up by the Boys 4 Bikes organization from Sutterville Bicycle Company. Book of Dreams The request: Box: Boys 4 Bikes wants to be able to continue its decade-long mission of donating bicycles to needy youths in the Sacramento area. The cost: $5,000 Michelle Wu, the first Asian American mayor in the history of Boston, is speaking out after getting backlash for hosting a holiday party for elected officials of color. According to the Associated Press, Wu said the Electeds of Color Holiday Party has been held in Boston for decades and there havent been any complaints about it through the years. This years event faced controversy after somebody from Wus staff mistakenly sent an invitation to the entire city council. The staff later sent a follow-up email, explaining that the invitation wasnt supposed to be sent to everybody on the council. There are many events that are private events for all sorts of groups, so weve clarified that and look forward to seeing everyone at one of the dozens of opportunities to celebrate the holidays, Wu told reporters on Dec. 13. She added that the initial email was truly just an honest mistake that went out in typing the email field. According to Wus press secretary, city funds were not used to pay for the event. City Council member Frank Baker, who is white, is one of the critics of the event. I think the holidays is a time for people everybody to get together. So well see what happens, Baker told NBC10 Boston. I do find it divisive, but what are you going to do about it? You dont want me at a party, Im not going to come to a party, he added. Fellow council member Ricardo Arroyo defended the event. I think somebody wanted to make this an inflammatory issue and theyve clearly succeeded. I have two microphones in my face asking me about an annual holiday that we have and whether or not I should care about their feelings, Arroyo told reporters. Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston city councilor-at-Large, also spoke up in defense of the event. It is not at all divisive, it is creating spaces for people, and communities and identities with shared experiences to come together, Louijeune said at the Dec. 13 City Council meeting, NBC Boston reported. We are still breaking barriers and it is so important for us to carve out and create that space. Boys and Girls Club of El Paso to host Hot Cocoa Haven event for members EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Molina Healthcare of Texas and the Boys and Girls Club of El Paso will be hosting a Hot Cocoa Haven event for members on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Molina Healthcare says the event will be a year-end celebration for the 12 clubs in the area. The event will be from 4 p.m. through 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Boys and Girls Club of El Paso located at 801 S. Florence St. El Paso, TX, 79901. The event will feature a hot cocoa bar where club members can customize their hot cocoa with an array of toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings and flavored syrups. The event will also feature a free toy for all attendees. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Cattle walk along an illegally deforested area in an extractive reserve near Jaci-Parana, Rondonia state, Brazil, Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Meat processing giant JBS SA and three other slaughterhouses are facing lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in environmental damages for allegedly purchasing cattle raised illegally in the area. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) JACI-PARANA, Brazil (AP) Meat processing giant JBS SA and three other slaughterhouses are facing lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in environmental damages for allegedly purchasing cattle raised illegally in a protected area in the Brazilian Amazon. The lawsuits, filed December 5 to 12 by the western Brazilian state of Rondonia, target the exploitation of a protected area known as Jaci-Parana, once rainforest but now mostly transformed into grassland by decades of misuse by land-grabbers, loggers and cattle ranchers. Despite a law forbidding commercial cattle in the reserve, some 216,000 head now graze on pasture there, according to the state animal division. The lawsuits contain a type of evidence that is getting the attention of deforestation experts and veterans of Brazil's illegal cattle trade: transfer documents showing cows going straight to the slaughterhouse from protected areas, with the information apparently provided by the illegal ranchers themselves. In two decades fighting illegal cattle-raising in the Amazon, I had never encountered a transit permit with the name of a conservation unit on it, said Jair Schmitt, chief of environmental protection at Brazils federal environmental agency, Ibama. ___ This article was produced as part of a collaboration between Brazilian news organization Agencia Publica and The Associated Press. ___ Of the 17 lawsuits, three name JBS, along with farmers, who allegedly sold 227 cattle raised in Jaci-Parana. The suits seek some $3.4 million for invading, occupying, exploiting, causing environmental damage, preventing natural regeneration, and/or taking economic advantage of the protected lands. JBS declined to answer questions from The Associated Press, saying it has not been summoned by the court, which makes it impossible to conduct any analysis yet. Three smaller meatpacking companies are also accused of causing environmental harm by buying cattle from the reserve. Frigon, Distriboi and Tangara did not respond to questions. Frigon has ties to influential people in Rondonia politics and is accused of buying the largest number of cattle almost 1,400 head from eight illicit ranches. The state's attorney is seeking $17.2 million from Frigon and those farmers. Both Frigon and the two JBS plants allegedly involved have exported meat to the U.S., as well as to China, the largest buyer of Brazilian beef, Hong Kong, Russia, Egypt, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and others, according to data from Panjiva, a company that uses customs records to track international trade. The lawsuits aim to put a price on the destruction of old-growth rainforest, a difficult task given that it is virtually irreplaceable except over decades. A court filing pegs damages in the reserve at some $1 billion. It is unclear whether the hundreds of other invaders in Jaci-Parana will also be sued for compensation. The invaders and their main business partners loggers and meatpacking companies make the profits their own while passing on to society the costs of environmental damage, the lawsuits say. In one indication of the potential seriousness of the new lawsuits, a court officer trying to serve an eviction notice to one of the illegal farmers in the reserve said he was threatened with death. Deforestation is a major concern in the Amazon rainforest, where many seek to profit from its vast resources through mining, timber harvesting, agriculture and more. Besides harming a critical biosphere, the development pressure also threatens a critical carbon sink for a planet that's warming dangerously from climate change. Two-thirds of Amazon deforestation results from conversion to pasture, according to the government. Rondonia, on the border with Bolivia, is the most badly deforested state in the Brazilian Amazon. The creation of Jaci-Parana Reserve and other state conservation areas was funded by the World Bank in the 1990s as a kind of atonement, the bank says. Years before, it had financed the construction of highway BR-364, a road that brought thousands of settlers into the forest from southern Brazil. In five decades, about 40% of it was gone, according to Mapbiomas, a Brazilian consortium of nonprofits, universities and technology startups. Other conservation units were also invaded by land-grabbers, with little objection from authorities. Some Brazilian administrations even encouraged it. In 2010, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in his second term, reduced the Bom Futuro National Forest, adjacent to Jaci-Parana, by two-thirds. Land grabbers eventually gained title to what was supposed to be protected forest. In 2019, far-right Jair Bolsonaro was elected president, as was his ally Marcos Rocha as governor of Rondonia, on campaigns promising to legalize illegal land holders. Land-grabbers plowed onto conservation lands. With the political promises, 778 land invaders were induced to come forward and register the property they were occupying as well as their cattle for health inspection. It reveals the contradiction between public agencies, with the animal health agency validating cattle that are illegally raised, said Paulo Barreto, a senior researcher with Imazon, a non-profit that monitors cattle in the region. It also reveals the fragility of JBS' control system. The potential money to be made was irresistible. Privatization of Jaci-Parana would have meant adding swaths of public land to the real estate market. The 151,000 hectares (583 square miles) converted to grassland would be worth around $453 million, according to geographer Amanda Michalski, a researcher at Rondonia Federal University. And the new owners would have gotten that land for free. In its statement, JBS declined to comment on its operations in Rondonia but said in the Amazon as a whole, 94% of purchases are of legal cattle, quoting an audit published in October by Brazils Federal Prosecution Service, which regularly scrutinizes cattle sales to counter deforestation caused by the meat trade. Yet the same audit found that 12% of cattle purchased by JBS in Rondonia came from illegally deforested areas. And those audits only examine direct purchases. They don't track the vast trade in cattle laundering in Brazil, transferring cows from an illegal area to a legal farm before selling to slaughterhouses, deliberately muddying traceability. In November, a report by Imazon called JBS the company most likely to purchase cattle from illegally deforested areas based on a variety of factors, including where slaughterhouses are located and their buying areas. Companies must boycott cattle areas at high risk for illegal activity and lack of enforcement, Barreto, co-author of the study, said. By purchasing cattle from these areas, companies endorse predatory and illegal behavior and strengthen the political power of these actors. Last July, AP journalists visited Jaci-Parana and saw on the ground what satellite imagery detected from space: the only forested areas left were along two rivers. With almost 80% destroyed, it's the most ravaged conservation unit in the Brazilian Amazon. Jaci-Parana is designated an extractive reserve, a type of protection in which forest communities are allowed to live their traditional ways without logging, protected from land-grabbing and cattle-ranching. But the opposite happened. Dozens of families who once made their living by tapping rubber trees inside the reserve and harvesting Brazil nuts have been expelled by force. The few remaining live along the riverbanks most afraid to be interviewed for fear of being attacked. Lincoln Fernandes de Lima, 45, whose family has lived in the area for three generations, described land-grabbers who "remove all the timber and Brazil nuts trees. They get to the water source, already having cut down the trees around it, and keep cutting, cutting, he said in an interview in July. "When the residents leave their houses to do something in the forest, they shoot up the pots and pans. And many, many times the houses are cut down with a chainsaw. In September, two men carrying guns paid a visit to de Lima, claiming their boss had acquired the area. They gave him 24 hours to leave. He took it as a death threat and complied the third time he had been forced out of the reserve. Five days later, his neighbor, rubber tapper Efigenio Mota da Silva, had his home burned down. They fled to Jaci-Parana village, where scores of families of expelled subsistence gatherers have sought shelter. The village has also been the home of Rosa Maria Lopes. She was born 1952 in a rubber grove inside the reserve. Her family lived in the same area for over a century, but was also driven out by cattle farmers. Where she grew up is now pasture. Theres nothing left there, she told the AP on the porch of her daughter's home. "No one talks about Brazil nuts, copaiba oil trees or rubber anymore. Theres no talk about corn, pumpkin, or whatever is served on the table. Its only cattle, farms, and pasture. Are we only going to eat grass? ___ Valente reports for Agencia Publica. Maisonnave is the Associated Press correspondent for the Amazon basin. AP journalist Camille Fassett in Seattle contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. By Ana Mano SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil has raised chicken production even after the arrival of the highly contagious bird flu virus, which was detected in national territory for the first time in May but has not contaminated commercial poultry farms. According to projections released on Tuesday by pork and poultry lobby ABPA, Brazil will produce up to 14.9 million tons of chicken meat through the end of this year and up to 15.35 million tons in 2024. This represents an annual output increase of up to 2.6% for 2023 and up to 3.7% for 2024 in the world's top chicken supplier. With this year's boost and demand from importers, Brazil is expected to hold a nearly 38% market share of the global chicken trade, up from around 36% in 2022, ABPA said. ABPA President Ricardo Santin praised Brazil's ability to protect its commercial poultry farms after the avian influenza virus killed wild birds, sea mammals and backyard animals. He cautioned, however, that farmers and companies will have to learn how to live with the disease, saying "the virus will be around all the time." ABPA, which represents companies including BRF SA and JBS SA, also said local firms have been steadily increasing pork production. Pork output in the world's fourth-biggest exporter will grow to up to 5.1 million tons in 2023 and to up to 5.15 million tons in 2024, ABPA said. Brazilian chicken exports in 2023 will end at a record of up to 5.15 million tons, ABPA said, estimating the value of exports at between $9.5 billion and $10 billion this year. For 2024, Brazilian chicken exports will reach up to 5.3 million tons, as the world continues to demand Brazilian products. Prospects are also positive for Brazilian pork exports, which are estimated at up to 1.22 million tons in 2023 and up to 1.3 million for next year. The value of pork exports will be around $2.8 billion in 2023, ABPA said. According to ABPA, Brazil may surpass Canada to become the world's third-biggest pork exporter as sales from the North American nation drop. Brazilian companies are also seeking to open new markets for pork, aiming to the United Kingdom and Malaysia, among others. (Reporting by Ana Mano; Editing by Kylie Madry and Bill Berkrot) A group looks on as two banners reading U of C $$$ kills Palestinians and Divest from Genocide are hung over a balcony at the University of Chicagos William Eckhardt Research Center building on Dec. 8, 2023. (Vincent D. Johnson/Chicago Tribune) When Youssef Hasweh got arrested for trespassing on his own college campus, he lost that beaming sense of pride he once felt for the University of Chicago. Its a really weird time to be a UChicago student right now, Hasweh said. I feel like part of my love for the university has died. Advertisement Hasweh, a Palestinian and Moroccan fourth-year student studying political science, was among the 26 students arrested last month by the University of Chicago Police Department during what he said was a peaceful sit-in objecting to the U. of C.s alleged ties to weapons manufacturers supplying arms to Israel. By arresting students instead of opening up a dialogue, the campuss United for Palestine coalition said, the university stifled their freedom of speech in a move that contradicts the schools reputation as being the vanguard of free speech. Advertisement University President Paul Alivisatos called protests and demonstrations an essential part of the universitys culture of free expression in an email to students a week before the sit-in. They reaffirmed that they stand with the right to expression and the right to protest and then within that same week, they arrested us, said Hasweh, who now faces charges of trespassing, with a court appearance scheduled for Dec. 20. Were often seeing our side is the one thats shut out. Law student Katja Stroke-Adolphe said the university refused a meeting to address student concerns over the universitys investments in Israels bombardment of Gaza, during which more than 18,000 Palestinians have been killed since Oct 7. That was the ask at the sit-in if they had granted a public meeting, then students would have left. But they chose instead to arrest students rather than just meeting with them publicly, Stroke-Adolphe said. My understanding is that it doesnt necessarily matter what we do, they respond with repression. Protesters start to unfurl two banners reading U of C $$$ kills Palestinians and Divest from Genocide over a balcony at the University of Chicagos William Eckhardt Research Center building on Dec. 8, 2023. (Vincent D. Johnson/Chicago Tribune) In a statement, the University of Chicago said it told students multiple times to leave the building and that their activity constituted disruptive conduct under university policy. Before the sit-in, Hasweh said the students understood that arrest was a viable threat, with most of them filling out arrest forms with contact information. But, based on the precedent of successful peaceful sit-ins at the U. of C. in the past, students didnt think the situation would escalate as quickly as it did, he said. What is free speech if they wont listen to what we say? Stroke-Adolphe said. What is free speech if they choose to threaten students with disciplinary action? They say they support free inquiry, but they refuse to even engage with our demands, and our demands are urgent. Similarly, Palestinian students and their allies at the University of Illinois Chicago have repeatedly criticized UICs decision to invest in activities and programs connected to Israel, including university-sponsored study abroad programs, because of the Israeli governments treatment of Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank and of UIC students who visit their families in that region. Advertisement Our universities are like microcosms of the real world and if we get our universities to divest, whats next maybe our government, said Jenin Zayed, a third-year student at UIC studying history and a board member of UICs Students for Justice in Palestine. They (UIC) definitely know our presence. They definitely know that were here to talk to them and to try to get them to reach our demands even if they want to silence us. UICs administration didnt respond to questions about students free speech but offered a statement saying, UIC acknowledges that our community continues to experience pain and anguish resulting from the Middle East crisis. In the email statement, the administration added that it has worked diligently to increase awareness of comprehensive resources and safety measures to support students, faculty and staff. Students for Justice in Palestines calls for divestment and its rallies are often met with silence, Zayed said. At a recent board of trustees meeting for the entire University of Illinois system, a large swath of students inside the Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum, including Mahdi Muhamad, a third-year student at UIC, chanted calls for UICs divestment from Israel. Muhamad said that when students started calling on the administration to stand in solidarity with Palestinian American students, the board fell into an awkward silence until the students calls got louder and louder. Advertisement They were just staring at us and ignoring us until we were eventually pushed out by police, Muhamad said. Cellphone footage from inside the meeting obtained by the Tribune shows students desperately pleading, How many times do we have to yell for you to hear us? while another student said, Your money is murdering babies. In the video, security guards tell students theyre now trespassing. Jenin Alharithi, a senior public policy student at UIC and vice president of Students for Justice in Palestine, said the group shouldnt have to create such a disruption to be heard. We are actually at the worst moment of Palestinian displacement and Palestinian deaths ever in history call it for what it is; its genocide, said Alharithi, who has family in the Israel-controlled Palestinian territory of the West Bank. If people are not willing to see that or understand, thats just a personal problem and they have underlying biases. Alharithi shared an email sent out by the University of Illinois System in March 2022 during the height of Russias invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in more than 9,900 civilian deaths showing support and solidarity for Ukrainians at University of Illinois campuses in Chicago, Springfield and Urbana-Champaign. We are deeply outraged by the unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine and the worsening humanitarian crisis facing the people there, the March statement said. We stand with the Association of Public & Land Grant Universities in sharply condemning the unnecessary use of force and calling for an end to this devastating conflict. Advertisement Alharithi said that when the students are Palestinian or Muslim, even condemning the violence against their group is a big ask, noting that the mass email students and faculty members received in October regarding Israel and Gaza didnt express adequate concern for Palestinians. In the past few days, we have watched the events unfolding in Israel and Gaza with great anguish and alarm. The unspeakable brutality of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians is simply horrifying. Such acts can never be justified and we condemn them in the strongest possible terms, the university email said on Oct. 11. The letter also expressed concern. As the conflict continues, additional innocent individuals will be injured or killed in both Israel and Gaza. We are gravely concerned for Israelis and Palestinians who have been and may now be in harms way, it said. There is a clear double standard, Zayed said, noting that the climate on campus can be polarizing. Its really dehumanizing that my identity makes people so unbelievably angry to the point where three Palestinian boys are shot and a 6-year-old is stabbed to death. Protests over the Middle East conflict are occurring on college campuses nationwide, and the sheer volume of deaths of Palestinians and the number of displaced families in Gaza have heightened tension between administrators and students advocating for the Palestinian cause. At Columbia University in New York, pro-Israeli students and pro-Palestinan students had dueling rallies in October, with each side calling on administrators to do more, and the university banned its chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. And over at Stanford, the university openly took a position of neutrality, telling students they should not expect frequent commentary from the school. Advertisement University of Illinois Chicago student Mahdi Muhamad speaks at a rally at Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive on Oct. 11, 2023, organized by the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine. Protesters called for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and the U.S.-funded air strikes on Gaza by Israel. (Laila Zayed ) Meanwhile at UIC, Muhamad, who proudly wears the keffiyeh a traditional white scarf woven with black threads that reflects Palestinian nationality said he was initially nervous about displaying his heritage outwardly. The amount of side eyes I get on a daily basis is crazy. Ill be walking and I can just feel the energy, Muhamad said. It doesnt matter at this point. Im going to keep it on. But ever since those three students in Vermont got shot (while wearing keffiyehs) my mom said, You better not wear it every time you go out. For students already on edge at the University of Chicago, a recent move by the administration didnt help. On Nov. 29, members of United for Palestine wrote the names of Palestinian men, women and children who have been killed since Oct. 7 on wooden plaques and hung them on trees in the main quad. Stroke-Adolphe said the plaques were removed without warning the following day. Despite the university constantly saying that it values free expression, they took down our art that was memorializing the Palestinian martyrs killed by Israel, Stroke-Adolphe said. Gerald McSwiggan, the U. of C. s associate director for public affairs, said in an email that the administration removed the art because it went against guidelines that state art installations need to be approved and scheduled by UChicago Student Centers. A student group requested to utilize trees on the Main Quadrangles for an art installation and were informed that trees cannot be used for that purpose. The group declined an alternative location. As a result, the installation was set up without approval, McSwiggan said. Advertisement Hasweh said the move reinforces the universitys suppression of free speech. Were sacrificing a lot of time to create beautiful displays for what were feeling and the despair that should be felt by our entire community, Hasweh said. And then to have the display taken down is just the most encompassing image for what UChicago has become. Stroke-Adolphe, who is Jewish, said the U. of C. appears to enforce its policies differently when it comes to pro-Palestinian advocacy and that it is struggling to show basic humanity. I think that it should be a natural reaction of any human being who sees what is happening right now the bodies, the children being murdered, the babies being murdered to want to come out and say this is wrong, she said. The United for Palestine Coalition is demanding a meeting with Alivisatos and asking that the universitys investments are made public. In April, Amnesty International released a scorecard grading 10 of the largest university investment offices in the United States on their human rights due diligence processes when it comes to investments in venture capital. The U. of C. was one of seven institutions that received a failing grade. The stonewalling has been relentless, said a fourth-year doctoral student at the U. of C. who was one of the 26 arrested and asked not to be named because of a pending court case. We want to know the scope of investment in Israeli military or weapons manufacturers and the student government voted in support of divestment from Israel years ago, but the university ignores these things. Advertisement McSwiggan said that through a great deal of vigorous debate spanning more than a century, the U. of C. developed a consensus against taking political stances on issues unrelated to its core mission. The universitys long-standing position is that doing this through investments or other means would only diminish the universitys distinctive contribution providing a home for faculty and students to espouse and challenge the widest range of social practices and beliefs, he said, citing a report written by a faculty committee in 1967 about the universitys role in political and social action. The report states that the university is the home and sponsor of critics; it is not itself the critic. This principle continues to guide the universitys approach against taking collective positions on political or social issues outside its core mission, including calls for divestment. Both student groups at UIC and the U. of C. noted that organization chapters like Students for Justice in Palestine have existed since well before Oct. 7 and have been trying to educate people about Israeli settlements and the occupation of Palestinian land for decades. But the responsibility of activism can be a heavy load to carry when students are fighting both their educational institutions and society, said Alharithi. Just the act of saying Im Palestinian; I believe in the Palestinian cause on a college campus is resistance, and keeping the narrative alive that Palestine should be free and that we are fighting for an end to Israeli occupation is super powerful, she said. And even though the work can burn you out, I never want to let the movement die. Advertisement zsyed@chicagotribune.com aguffey@chicagotribune.com By the end of this year, the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission is expected to decide how to distribute the commonwealths portion of the more than $842 million from settlements Attorney General Cameron reached in 2022 with pharmaceutical companies for their role in exacerbating the deadly opioid crisis. The decision will come after the commission has already heard hours of testimony from the likes of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, veterans, patients, parents, doctors and others, who support further studying alternative treatments for substance use disorder and addiction. Like many states, Kentucky has been grappling with the devastating effects of the opioid crisis for far too long. The toll it has taken on its communities, families and individuals is immeasurable. Yet, in the midst of this crisis, there is a glimmer of hope the Commonwealth of Kentucky has a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of combating the devastating effects of the crisis by investing $42 million (5% of the states allocation) in settlement funds towards the groundbreaking research of a promising treatment for those suffering from opioid addiction: ibogaine. Ibogaine is a natural psychoactive substance derived from the iboga plant, which early research has shown has tremendous promise in treating addiction. Traditionally used in spiritual and healing rituals by indigenous communities in Central Africa, ibogaine is now being recognized by the scientific community for its potential to treat a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, including addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). For our veterans, who often grapple with these debilitating conditions, ibogaine therapy also presents a novel and holistic approach to healing. The availability of millions of dollars in state funding to further study ibogaine offers a reason to hope for those caught in the clutches of opioid dependence and the medical community who have dedicated their careers to help them. Today, the most notable use of ibogaine is in the treatment of opioid addiction, including heroin and prescription painkiller addiction. Countless individuals, some of whom most recently testified in front of the commission, have reported that ibogaine experiences led to reduced withdrawal symptoms and cravings, providing a window of opportunity to address the underlying causes of their addiction. According to testimony from renowned clinical and research psychologist Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, who spoke at the commission hearings, ibogaine works by rapidly alleviating opioid withdrawal and cravings, and promotes lasting sobriety in a manner that is superior to opioid maintenance therapies. In a 2018 paper by Dr. Barsuglia, which was co-authored by Dr. Benjamin Malcolm, 50 chronic opioid-dependent patients were examined. The paper found that 48 hours after a single ibogaine dose approximately 75% of patients did not exhibit any clinically significant signs of opioid withdrawal or cravings. In a second paper, published in 2017 in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies by Dr. Alan Davis, 88 patients with chronic opioid use were surveyed up to three years after treatment, and the results were astounding. Eighty percent (80%) indicated that ibogaine eliminated or drastically reduced withdrawal symptoms and 30% of participants reported never using opioids again following ibogaine treatment. For context, two-thirds of these patients had tried suboxone and 40% had tried methadone. While traditional medication-assisted therapies and counseling have their place, they do not work for everyone. The opioid crisis is complex and multifaceted, and we must acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all approach does not serve the needs of every patient. While ibogaine may not be a magic bullet, it represents an exciting frontier in addiction treatment and an opportunity for Kentucky to lead in the global fight against opioid dependence. By directing a portion of the opioid settlement funding toward ibogaine research, Kentucky can pave the way for innovative and effective addiction treatment options for all Americans. We owe it to our fellow Kentuckians, veterans, those suffering and their families, to leave no stone unturned in our quest for solutions. Our commitment to addressing the opioid crisis must extend beyond the status quo, and ibogaine research represents a promising frontier. Kentuckys opioid settlement money is a valuable resource that can be a catalyst for meaningful change, breaking the ongoing treatment cycle that is more focused on managing symptoms than curing the underlying causes of addiction. By supporting research into ibogaine as an addiction treatment, we will take a bold step toward a brighter future for all of our communities. The lives of countless Kentuckians are at stake, and it is time to embrace innovation and invest in the hope that ibogaine research offers. Lets seize this opportunity to make a profound difference in the fight against opioid addiction, save lives and provide new hope for recovery. Kentucky has the chance to lead the nation out of the opioid crisis, and we must take it. Lieutenant General Martin R. Steele is a retired three-star United States Marine Corps General and co-founder and CEO of Reason for Hope and member of the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition organizations dedicated to policy and grassroots patient advocacy aimed at providing safe access to psychedelic therapies to combat the PTSD, suicide and opioid crisis. A juvenile court judge in Mississippi has sentenced 10-year-old Quantavious Eason to three months probation for urinating in public. Eason must also write an essay on Kobe Bryant. Sentobia police officers saw Eason urinating next to his mother's car while she was inside a lawyer's office with a "no public restroom" sign. The officers then arrested him and took him to jail. Shortly after the arrest, Sentobia Police Chief Richard Chandler said the arrest "violated our written policy and went against our prior training on how to deal with these situations." Chandler added that one of the officers was no longer employed at the department, though he did not say whether that officer had been fired or quit. He said the other officer would be disciplined, though he didn't specify what that would involve. The post Brickbat: Urine Trouble appeared first on Reason.com. PITTSBURGH On Monday, a federal jury found two local nursing homes guilty of submitting false statements about staffing to the government. The charges were originally filed against the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and the Mount Lebanon Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, which are both owned by Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services. Investigators discovered the medical facilities had falsified staffing documents to meet compliance with Medicare and Medicaid regulations. Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Brighton Township, May 10, 2020. According to the announcement of the verdict, these falsified records were provided to avoid penalties related to the lack of necessary staff to treat patients' needs. Court records indicate the care facilities were accused of having employees clock in to appear to meet federal staffing requirements, but these employees were not actively working. Investigators also accused the facilities of falsifying patient records to keep them in care longer, earning the organizations several Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. The Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Brighton Township, charged as a company, was found guilty of five counts related to falsifying records during a federal investigation and one count of healthcare fraud. Mount Lebanon Rehabilitation and Wellness Center was found guilty of four counts of falsifying records, with one of the counts related to falsifying healthcare documents. Charges against the five co-defendants in the case were dropped by the jury, resulting in charges only being associated with the corporations. Judges will schedule sentencing related to these company charges in May. This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center found guilty of falsifying records Adobe and Figma announced the termination of their $20bn merger due to what they considered to be immovable regulatory hurdles this week. It came after the UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) claimed the acquisition could substantially reduce competition in provisional findings that effectively ruled out any practical ways forward. The European Union and United States authorities were also scrutinising the deal but had not announced any conclusions. At first blush, this case may appear technical. But it speaks to an emerging pattern of out-of-control regulatory behaviour that risks turning the UK into a digital backwater. The CMA, by holding up deals and inventing novel arguments to do so, is raising eyebrows among investors with billions at stake. It appears to be taking pride in moving faster and harsher than its international counterparts, but this risks grave unintended consequences for the UK business environment. Figma allows designers to collaborate with developers to build websites. Adobe makes several software design tools, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, that are primarily used to create marketing graphics. The products do not directly compete, meaning that by traditional understandings of merger control, the acquisition could be pro-competition by delivering greater efficiencies. It is not difficult to see how integrating one product that allows collaboration with another specialising in graphic design could be a win-win for customers. After creating uncertainty by holding up the merger for almost 15 months, the CMA raised two issues. Firstly, that Figma competed with a little-used product called Adobe XD despite this being a commercial failure and in the process of being discontinued. Secondly, the CMA raised the prospect that Figma could, someday somehow, compete with Photoshop and Illustrator. This is particularly novel, speculative and problematic reasoning. There is no clear evidence that Figma was developing, let alone capable or even incentivised to create a competitor to Adobes flagship products. If the CMA can just take a look into its crystal ball and block any merger because of a purely theoretical threat, it effectively means unlimited discretionary power to prevent any deal. This creates significant legal and investment uncertainties. The CMAs aggressive approach is being noticed by the people who make big investment decisions. David Sacks, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist and member of the PayPal mafia with Elon Musk, has been particularly scathing of the CMAs handling of Adobe/Figma. One thing I would say to start-ups is that if the CMA is going to keep holding up deals for a bunch of novel reasons why in the world would you want to create nexus with the UK? a frustrated Sacks asked earlier this month. He also said there is no way that he would have set up the European headquarters of his start-up, Yammer, in London today under the current CMA scrutiny. Chamath Palihapitiya, another American venture capitalist, has similarly warned that the CMAs approach reduces the incentive to do business in the UK. The Adobe/Figma case is the latest in a series of questionable decisions. Earlier this year, the CMA got in trouble for blocking Microsofts acquisition of gaming company Activision, despite European and American authorities allowing the deal. In response, Microsoft president Brad Smith said the decision sent a clear message that the European Union is a more attractive place to start a business if you want some day to sell it. The English Channel has never seemed wider. Embarrassingly, the CMA ultimately reversed course and allowed the merger with conditions. The CMA is also now looking into the cloud market and Microsofts partnership with OpenAI. Venture capitalists investing in start-ups carefully assess how they will make a return or exit. For most companies this does not mean listing on the stock exchange, which is expensive and impractical. Instead, start-ups are established with the ultimate hope of being acquired. By raising the prospect that these acquisitions will be blocked, the CMA sends a clear signal not to invest in British companies. Lawyers are said to be advising Big Tech not to proceed with UK acquisitions over concerns about unpredictable CMA interventions. There is talk about how the UK may be cut out of future deals. This will ultimately mean a loss of jobs, innovation and growth exactly what the UK desperately needs. Underlying the CMAs new approach appears to be a belief that big must intrinsically be bad and that its role is to interfere to prevent too many mergers. But this A-Level economics approach to competition, which assumes markets function best with many small firms, misunderstands how competition functions in practice. Larger companies can use their scale to provide cheaper goods and innovation that benefits consumers. The worlds top research and development spenders are all Big Tech companies, which invest hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Rishi Sunaks vision of transforming Britain into a science and technology superpower contrasts sharply with the Governments passive stance towards regulators like the CMA, whose unchecked dominance over the economy has significant repercussions. Notably, the CMAs new approach was not approved by Parliament. The Digital Markets Bill, however, endows the CMA with the authority to influence internal product decisions with minimal scrutiny. Brexit was meant to be an opportunity for the Government to take back control, yet it has handed more powers to regulators than ever before. Britains economic prospects are now under serious threat. Its time to rein in the regulators, starting with the CMA. Matthew Lesh is director of public policy at the Institute of Economic Affairs 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. British honey companies have attacked overzealous new EU laws they claim discriminate against them. The European Parliament has called for changes to EU labelling rules for honey as part of updates to the breakfast directives covering jams, jellies and marmalades. UK and EU honey laws are currently the same because neither has changed since Brexit but British honey exporters will have to follow the new rules to sell in the EU. The draft law will mean that all honey sold in the EU will have to list the country or countries it is harvested in on the label on the front of the jar. In the case of blended honeys from more than one country, all the countries of origin must be listed in descending order of percentage on the label . As things stand in the UK, labels can simply state the spread is a blend of non-EU honeys, rather than list countries such as China, Vietnam or India, which provide cheaper imports. Brussels drew up the new legislation after a European Commission study found honey was being adulterated with cheap sugar syrup. Almost half of all EU honey imports were deemed likely to be fraudulent, and all ten of the UK samples failed the authenticity tests. Chinese imports The practice of bulking out honey has been linked to cheap Chinese imports. The UK is the worlds biggest importer of Chinese honey, importing more than 38,000 out of a total of 52,000 tonnes from China last year. The UK exported more than 8.1m of honey to the EU last year, mostly to Ireland and France, which is about two thirds of its export market. We believe the study to be highly problematic, lack veracity and clearly discriminate against non-EU honeys, the British Honey Importers & Packers Association (BHIPA) told the Telegraph. An overzealous EU approach to solve a problem we do not believe to be widespread in the UK and based on an EU study we believe lacks veracity, is unlikely to be in the best interest of British honey companies or consumers, it added. It said significant disruption to European and global honey supply caused by droughts in Europe and the war in Ukraine had forced honey to change blends and source alternatives. Brussels also plans to set up a traceability system for the honey supply chain, with an exemption for small EU beekeepers, and an EU laboratory to carry out systematic testing on honey. The rules, which are meant to prevent consumers being misled and domestic producers undercut, will also apply to jams and marmalades that use fruit from more than one country and have to be negotiated with EU governments before becoming law. No discrimination says European Commission There is absolutely no discrimination between honey of EU and non-EU origin. The EU is not self-sufficient for its honey consumption and therefore imports honey. The final choice is up to the consumer, a European Commission spokesman said. UK honey companies that export to the EU will have to follow separate European regulations to sell in the Single Market, unless the Government aligns with the Brussels rules. Lynne Ingram, the British Beekeepers Associations Honey Authenticity Ambassador, said the Government should do just that. She said, The British consumer doesnt understand what they are buying and producers cant compete with prices that can be as low as 69p a jar for some supermarket brands. Proper beekeepers are going out of business because the packers dont want to buy and pay a fair price. A Defra spokesperson said it was aware of the EU proposals and that it would consider them in detail to back British exports and minimise any impact. Any decision on our own policy will focus on maintaining our existing high food standards, protecting consumers, and supporting businesses and consumer choice at a range of price points, she said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. PURCHASE The tri-state region's first retirement community on a college or university campus has opened at Purchase College after years of planning and delays. The high-end senior housing community, called Broadview, aims to promote lifelong learning and multigenerational connections among retirees, faculty and students. The 220-unit project, which opened in December, was designed for people ages 62 and older and takes up 40 acres of the 500-acre campus. It includes apartment homes, villas, a clubhouse, a learning center and a health care center. Residents can take college classes and have access to school facilities, as well as engage with students and faculty through a mentorship program. A view of the West Apartment Homes at the Broadview Senior Living at Purchase College complex in Purchase, photographed Nov. 15, 2023. The development is operated independently from Purchase College, but the college gains from the arrangement. Broadview has a 70-year lease and pays an annual lease of up to $2 million to the college. Of that lease money, 75% will go toward student scholarships, with 25% going toward faculty recruitment. Broadview is owned by Purchase Senior Learning Community, a nonprofit set up by the college. Residents pay a one-time entry fee ranging from $262,000 to $2.2 million and monthly fees from $3,500 to $11,000. Ashley Wade, executive director at Broadview, said having seniors on campus will benefit both the retirees who are lifelong learners and the students and faculty. The college has been such a collaborative partner with innovation about ways where you can leverage the resources, experiences and wisdom of older adults and put it in a synergistic way with emerging new professionals, she said. I have long been a believer that community living for older adults is a wonderful solution. It really combats one of the leading problems with aging, which is isolation. A view of a room in the Learning Center under construction at the Broadview Senior Living at Purchase College complex in Purchase, photographed Nov. 15, 2023. More: Purchase College retirement housing moves ahead A long-awaited project University-based retirement communities have become popular across the nation. Purchase College, part of the State University of New York system, had planned on building such a community for a decade, knowing it had strong participation in its senior course-auditing program. The college first proposed the plan in 2016 on a section of mostly weedy land that was formerly used as a dump for construction debris. It took years before state legislation was passed allowing a nonprofit senior living project to be built on state-owned land. The project includes 220 units of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom villas, ranging in size from 675 to 2,000 square feet. Residents began moving in early this month, and nearly 90% of the units are filled. Broadview has seven dining venues and numerous amenities: library, fitness center, swimming pool, movie theater, salon and spa. A 10,000-square-foot space is dedicated as a "Learning Commons", including classrooms, art studios, performance spaces and a cafe. Broadview also offers health care for residents who are in need of assisted living and memory care. Broadview pays lease to Purchase College The property management determines the eligibility of prospective residents based on their financial situations. The regular cost includes a one-time entry fee (90% refundable) and monthly service fees that covers meals, utility, housekeeping, transportations and more. Ashley Wade, the Executive Director is pictured in the kitchen area of a Hutchinson apartment, in the East Apartment Homes under construction at the Broadview Senior Living at Purchase College complex in Purchase, photographed Nov. 15, 2023. Twenty percent of the units are offered at what Broadview calls below market rate, with an entry fee of $262,000. The annual income threshold to qualify for those one-bedroom units is $82,250 or less for one person and $94,000 or less for a couple. Mentorship connects residents and students Broadview is supposed to be more than a senior housing project, but a community that engages retired and emerging professionals. Steve Shelov, a retired physician who formed a group with other 14 prospective residents, has worked with 41 students from the university's pre-med club since last spring. They offer help on medical licensure examinations, connect students to hospital shadowing programs and share career advice. Steven Shelov, M.D., right, a retired physician chats with Medha Chandwani, a sophomore and president of the premed club at Purchase College SUNY in the HUB dining room at the school, Nov. 30, 2023. Steven, who will be living in the new Broadview-Senior Living at Purchase College, mentors undergraduates pursing a medical degree. There are plans to form similar clubs for residents who have experience in media and finance. Its a good thing for seniors who want to share their experience with young people who are looking for advice and guidance, Shelov said. For me, its retiring to something. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: SUNY Purchase senior housing connects residents and students on campus There have been no new developments into the investigation of the poisoning of Mariana Budanova, wife of Ukrainian military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov, Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense (HUR), said on Dec. 18 on national television. "Her condition is satisfactory, Yusov said. Treatment is ongoing. The hospitalization has concluded, and it involves an extended course of treatment. The medical team detected and averted potential adverse effects on time. Read also: Ex-spy chief on how Budanov became a target for Russian special services interview Yusov also added that additional security measures were implemented within HUR following Budanovas poisoning and that "all necessary actions and conclusions have been drawn." The news of Budanovas poisoning was first reported on Nov. 28. NV sources within Ukrainian intelligence told the publication that Budanova had been poisoned with heavy metals, including arsenic and mercury, but that the timely detection of the poisoning averted more severe consequences. Read also: Marianna Budanova recovering after poisoning sources The sources also suggested that other personnel in HUR, beyond Budanova, may have also been poisoned. According to the New York Times, the poisoning incident may indicate that Russian agents are in closer proximity to the Ukrainian government than previously believed. 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 Port of Kennewicks Vista Field redevelopment site has received its most promising sign of interest to date. A Vancouver developer wants to build a five-story building with shops, apartments and condos in the heart of the former airfield. Akula Group, led by Vatik Dulo, together with his financial partner, Ryan Foster, is negotiating a deal to purchase Lot 25 from the port. The spot, at Crosswinds Boulevard and Azure Drive, overlooks a key intersection, fountain and the linear pond that runs across the property. Akula Group of Vancouver, Wash. is negotiating to purchase a site in the Port of Kennewicks Vista Field. If successful, it plans to build a five-story mixed use building on Lot 25, shown in the lower left corner of a rendering of what the urban village will look like above. If negotiations succeed, Akula will build a 40,000-square-foot mixed-use building that could help activate the 103-acre redevelopment. The project is expected to cost about $8 million to build. Akula isnt the first to express interest in being part of the ports vision of an urban village at the center of Kennewick. Blueberry Bridal update High-end bridal boutique aims to be 1st to build at Kennewicks Vista Field Blueberry Bridal was the first to sign a possible deal when it entered negotiations with the port in July. As of Dec. 18, Blueberry Bridal has not secured the financing it needs to complete the purchase and build a shop. Ara Sushi & Grill in Richland announced in January it planned to move to Vista Field. It has not begun the purchase process, the port said. In contrast, Akula brings a background of successfully building mixed-use projects in the Vancouver/Portland area. It also submitted letters of from lenders confirming it has a history of staying current on its loan payments. Dulo and Foster first approached the port about Vista Field in August, said Amber Hanchette, director of real estate and operations for the port. Since then, theyve familiarized themselves with the ports vision for Vista Field and submitted a project that meets the vision through a Letter of Interest delivered in October. They love that parcel, Hanchette said. Enthusiastic support Akula Group, based in Vancouver, Wash., is negotiating to purchase land in Vista Field from the Port of Kennewick for a five-story building containing a mix of retail shops, apartments and luxury condominiums. Akula proposed a mix of street-level shop space with 26 apartments on the second and third floors and up to seven luxury condominiums on the fourth and fifth. DPZ, the ports design consultant for Vista Field, enthusiastically advised the port proceed. Akulas plan has the potential to advance the vision of a mixed-use village where small aircraft called until it closed at the end of 2013. The top floor condominiums in particular have the potential to become one of the most desirable locations in the Tri-Cities thanks to balconies and views of the Columbia River, Badger Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills south of Kennewick. The ports elected commissioners agreed to negotiate sale terms at its Dec. 12 meeting. Apartments and more Akula said it intends to retain ownership of the property for 10 to 15 years once built, giving it an added incentive to create a thoughtful project. Were not looking to build cheap, Dulo told the port. He and Foster will be 50-50 partners in the business. The company offered $418,000 square feet for the 13,000-square-foot site, which has addresses of 678 Crosswind Boulevard and 6724 Azure Drive. The offer includes additional money since the project will rely on communal parking nearby. Their building would include 4,000 to 7,000 square feet of space for retail, coffee shops and other businesses, coupled with eight to 12 internal parking spots at street level. The second and third floors would include a mix of apartments 6 studios, 11 one-bedroom units, nine two-bedroom units. The fourth floor would include between four and seven condominiums, some with two stories and balconies. Akula expects to sell some units and retain others as possible vacation rentals. Reinventing old airfield The Port of Kennewick shut down the former municipal airport at the end of 2013 and set out to remake it into an urban village with a mix of retail, recreational, residential and office built with a common design scheme. It invested $4.9 million to build roads, utilities and a water feature, with work starting shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began. The 21 parcels in the 20-acre first phase were advertised to partners in 2022. While interest has been strong, few deals have been forthcoming. Hanchette said she remains optimistic that Blueberry Bridal will complete financing, noting that it has designed a beautiful building that complements the vision for the area. In the interim, the port is working to activate its vision by transforming several hangars on the southeast side of the property into a public pavilion. The pavilion project is funded in part by Benton County through its Rural County Capital Fund supported by an 0.09% Washington state sales tax rebate connected to financing that built a stadium for the Seattle Seahawks. Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday. The Chicago literary world, every year, without fail, is good for a great book or two. Or three or four. Advertisement But this year was so rich in memorable works by locals, expats or just the Chicago curious, you could have spent 12 months reading only Chicago-centric books and come away satiated. Ambitious contemporary novels (Catherine Laceys Book of X, Gabriel Bumps The New Naturals). Woefully underrated journalism (Ben Austens Correction, Alejandra Olivas Rivermouth). Elevated thrillers (Daniel Krauss Whalefall, Rebecca Makkais I Have Some Questions for You). Smart historical fiction (Luis Alberto Urreas Goodnight, Irene, Kathleen Rooneys From Dust to Stardust). Surrealist dystopias (Daniel Clowes Monica, James Kennedys Bride of the Tornado). Folk horror (Cynthia Pelayos The Shoemakers Magician). Then there was Jonathan Eig. Advertisement Its one thing to have a universally acclaimed book that sells; its another when that book alters perceptions of well-worn American history, seemingly in real-time. Eigs King: A Life was released in May and within weeks, columnists and reporters were name-checking the Lakeview writers epic biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. as transformative. It was the first major King biography in decades and, according to the New York Times, it was the definitive one. Here was a King who admired Malcolm X (contrary to textbooks) and was seriously feared by the United States government. Gone was the neutered, benevolent figure of national holidays and bipartisan platitudes the historical prop, calcifying in the gray mist of hagiography, Eig writes but a shrewd tactician with demands, not wishes. As Eig told me recently, Even at Morehouse College (Kings alma mater), a place I assumed everyone knew a deeper story, after I spoke to 1,500 undergraduates, I would get these 20- and 21-year-olds coming up to say they had no idea what King went through, or that he plagiarized in college, or how vulnerable and difficult he could be. In the books opening pages, Eig fears his portrait may trouble some people. I was legitimately worried, he said. And in retrospect, my fears were not justified. A lot of people I heard from were just too numbed by the Hallmarkd King and the I have a dream King to engage him as a person and they seemed to admire him even more. Seven months later, King: A Life is already in its ninth printing, with 60,000 copies sold, according to publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an impressive number for a nearly 700-page history. It was also nominated for a National Book Award and seems a probable Pulitzer Prize contender in the spring. Thats not all: Universal Pictures bought the movie rights, for Steven Spielberg to produce and Chris Rock to direct. Biographer Jonathan Eig, the author of King and other books, at his Chicago home, Dec. 12, 2023. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Eig, who spent much of the year crisscrossing the country, discussing King at colleges and churches (including a Baptist church King attended in Pennsylvania), said the success of King: A Life has been life-changing. Though he was already a well-regarded author of biographies that found fresh things to say about long-cemented historical figures (Al Capone, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali), Eig who is already at work on the follow-up doubts anything he writes next will be as big. I dont tend to get dramatic about this stuff, but look, last Monday, I was in New York and I had lunch with eight Episcopal priests and two bishops. And Im Jewish. Next month, Im booked to appear at the Apollo! Youre playing the Apollo Theater in Harlem? Naturally! I mean, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald and now ... Jonathan Eig? Advertisement cborrelli@chicagotribune.com Emails and texts show that Clarence Thomas' wife, Ginni, was active in the attempt to overturn the 2020 election. (Patrick Semansky / Associated Press) The first cases related to the prosecutions of Jan. 6 defendants, including a certain former president, have arrived at the Supreme Court, and with them comes the burning question: Will Justice Clarence Thomas, the spouse of a documented election-denying, pro-Trump conspirator, recuse himself as he should? There is little in Thomas recent past very little to suggest that he will. He has participated in several election cases and predictably shown favor to the Republican arguments. Whats more, there is nothing to force him to do the right thing in the vaunted new/not-new code of conduct that the Supreme Court reluctantly issued last month after repeated stories of some justices chiefly Thomas misconduct. That hole in the code just underscores its hollowness. Last week, the Supreme Court agreed with rare speed to consider a gutsy motion from special counsel Jack Smith, reflecting Smiths zeal to thwart Donald Trumps delay tactics and get a verdict before the 2024 election in the Washington case alleging that the former president sought to subvert the 2020 election. Smith asked the justices to expedite their consideration of Trumps claim of presidential immunity for his actions, without waiting for the Court of Appeals to act. (The District Court judge in this case, Tanya S. Chutkan, ruled that the former president didnt enjoy the divine right of kings to evade the criminal accountability. Trump appealed.) Now the Trump team has until Wednesday to respond to Smiths motion. The Supreme Court could grant or reject Smiths request as soon as this week. You have to imagine that Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. would like to settle the matter ASAP, rather than rule in the thick of the 2024 campaign. Read more: Litman: How Jack Smith's risky but clever maneuver in the Jan. 6 prosecution puts Trump in a bind The court also said last week that it would decide a separate case that challenges the federal governments prosecutions of hundreds of rioters at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, for corruptly obstructing an official proceeding that is, the certification of Joe Bidens 2020 election win. Trump, too, has been so charged, though he faces other counts as well. Thomas should have no say in either matter before the court. None. His wife, Virginia Ginni Thomas, is a longtime conservative activist who robustly egged on the effort to overturn the 2020 election all the way to the White House. You don't have to be an attorney to see how that poses an apparent conflict of interest for her husband. Yet Thomas has several times declined to recuse himself in previous 2020 election cases. His defiance of recusal norms, amid widespread demands from the legal community , is a scandal every bit as much as the stories of the luxury vacations, property deals and more that he and Ginni have enjoyed thanks to a billionaire with occasional interests before the court, as ProPublica and other publications have damningly documented. Read more: Judge rejects Trumps claim of immunity in his federal 2020 election prosecution The evidence of corruption and blindness to his Jan. 6 conflict is such that, arguably, Thomas should resign . He wont, so lets stick to arguing for recusal. Recall some of the highlights (lowlights?) of Ginni Thomas actions after Trump lost. Thanks to Mark Meadows, Trumps last White House chief of staff, we have her unhinged text messages to him, like this one: Biden and the Left is attempting the greatest Heist of our History. She passed along conspiracy theories. She urged that Trump never concede: It takes time for the army who is gathering for [Trumps] back. She encouraged the fake Trump electors scheme in battleground states. She was among the organizers of the Stop the Steal movement for the Jan. 6 rally and march to the Capitol, and that day wrote on Facebook, LOVE MAGA people!!!! She was deposed by the House Jan. 6 committee; its investigation, she said, was a political persecution of citizens who have done nothing wrong. Read more: Calmes: Why are we stuck with a Supreme Court justice who doesn't follow the law? Amid his wifes post-election maneuverings, Thomas objected when his fellow justices in December 2020 rejected Texas bid to overturn pro-Biden results in four states. He was the sole dissenter in two other relevant cases, in February 2021 and January 2022, first opposing the courts rejection of Republicans case against Pennsylvania mail-in ballots favoring Biden and then its denial of Trumps motion to withhold his presidential records from the House Jan. 6 committee. In October 2022, he temporarily blocked a lower court order requiring Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham to testify before a Georgia grand jury about election subversion efforts; the full court later upheld Grahams subpoena. And, perhaps most egregiously, in November 2022, Thomas participated in an Arizona case that directly implicated his wife, who had communicated with the states fake Trump electors. He dissented when the majority denied a request from the Arizona Republican Party chair, one of the fakers, to block the House Jan. 6 committee's subpoena for her records. Read more: Opinion: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' corruption is intolerable. Here's what we can do about it Im all for spouses having separate careers. But when the other spouse is a life-tenured, virtually unaccountable member of the Supreme Court, from which there is no appeal, both must take conflicts seriously and act accordingly. The integrity of the highest court is at stake. As far as we know, there has been just one, relatively minor, exception to Thomas refusals to recuse. In October, without explanation, he stayed on the sidelines when the court rejected a petition from John Eastman, a Jan. 6 defendant and Thomas former law clerk, to overturn a lower-court ruling against him. Might that recusal be a sign of a new, more ethical Justice Thomas? Dont count on it. The courts untested code of conduct still relies on individual justices, rather than the court, [to] decide recusal issues. Thomas is not a justice who has shown good judgment. Id love for him to prove me wrong. @jackiekcalmes Get the latest from Jackie Calmes Commentary on politics and more from award-winning opinion columnist. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) From cars turned into tin cans, and homes toppled by trees, the unexpected burden to pay for repairs could be stressful for many people in the DMV after the past weekends destructive storms. DC News Now found useful advice for anyone facing insurance claims and added expenses so that you can stretch your dollar. Rare vase bought at Virginia Goodwill sells for over $100K at auction Homeowners and drivers can start filing an insurance claim by taking several steps. Start by reviewing your insurance policies and check your deductible if its $1,000 but theres damages worth $10,000, your insurer should pay $9,000, according to NerdWallet. After, call your insurer to report the damage. Heavily document the scene with photos to ensure proof of damage as you work to clean up your home, business or before your cars are towed. Consumers can consider hiring a public adjuster to verify the full extent of the damage. Public adjusters are professionals with state credentials who interpret policies, document damage and conduct interviews. Person rescued from flooded road in Montgomery County Business Insider said public adjusters may charge between 5% to 20% of your final settlement depending on their scope of work. However, rules for what adjusters can charge vary by state. DC News Now reviewed local laws for what consumers can expect when theyre billed. Maryland does not have a law stipulating a maximum percentage a public adjuster can charge from the settlement fund. However, the amount an adjuster can charge is negotiable, according to the Maryland Insurance Administration. D.C. and Virginia laws state that adjusters cannot charge more than 10% of settlement proceeds. To verify youre getting a reputable adjuster, request your adjusters license number, additional business information and search for them online. DC police to receive new crisis intervention training in 2024 Virginians can visit the State Corporation Commissions website to verify adjuster credentials. Maryland and D.C. claimants can visit State Based Systems site to verifya service offered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. High winds drive surf into a retaining wall in front of a residence in Mattapoisett, Mass. on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 as a storm makes its away across the region. (Peter Pereira/AP) PORTLAND, Maine A storm barreled into the Northeastern U.S. on Monday, flooding roads and downing trees, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, forcing flight cancellations and school closures, and killing at least four people. More than 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain fell in parts of New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania by mid-morning, and parts of several other states got more than 4 inches (10 centimeters), according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts reached nearly 70 mph (113 kph) along the southern New England shoreline. Advertisement Power was knocked out for hundreds of thousands of customers in an area stretching north from Virginia through New England, including nearly 423,000 in Maine and about 200,000 in Massachusetts as of Monday night, according to poweroutage.us. The weather service issued flood and flash-flood warnings for New York City and the surrounding area, parts of Pennsylvania, upstate New York, western Connecticut, western Massachusetts and parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Advertisement An 89-year-old Hingham, Massachusetts, man was killed early Monday when high winds caused a tree to fall on a trailer, authorities said. In Windham, Maine, police said part of a tree fell and killed a man who was removing debris from his roof. In Catskill, New York, a driver was killed after the vehicle went around a barricade on a flooded road and was swept into the Catskill Creek, the Times Union reported. A man was pronounced dead in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, after he was found in a submerged vehicle Monday morning. On Sunday in South Carolina, one person died when their vehicle flooded on a road in a gated community in Mount Pleasant. Five months after flooding inundated Vermonts capital city of Montpelier, water entered the basements of some downtown businesses as the city monitored the level of the Winooski River, officials said. Authorities in the village of Moretown, Vermont, urged residents to evacuate some 30 to 50 homes because of flooding. However, the city announced Monday night that the river was receding and forecasts predict the rain will taper off overnight. Several businesses needed to pump water from basements but damage was minimal due to many basements being empty as a precaution following the July flood, the citys statement said. Three people were rescued from a home in Jamaica and another in Waterbury when that persons vehicle was swept away by floodwaters, said Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison at a press conference with the governor. A shelter was set up in Barre and Morrison urged people to stay off the roads Monday night and not drive through floodwaters as the rivers are expected to rise. Some schools canceled classes or sent students home early due to the storm. A numbers of roads were also closed around the state due to flooding, including in Londonderry and Ludlow, the southern Vermont communities that were hit hard by flooding in July. Advertisement Although there will be damage to infrastructure, homes and businesses, we do not expect this to be the same scale as July, said Gov. Phil Scott. That being said, some of the places that were impacted in July are currently experiencing flooding once again. So for them, this is July and its a real gut punch. Some schools canceled classes or sent students home early due to the storm. A numbers of roads were also closed around the state due to flooding, including in Londonderry and Ludlow, the southern Vermont community that were hit hard by flooding in July. Windspeeds exceeded 60 mph (97 kph) in Maine, which was the site of widespread damage to trees and structures, representatives for Maines largest utility said. Central Maine Power said it anticipated a multi-day restoration effort and crews Monday evening remained unable to safely use bucket trucks or to start making repairs. Heavy rain and high tides caused flooding along the Jersey Shore, leading authorities to block off roads near Barnegat Bay in Bay Head and Mantoloking. The Delaware River spilled over its banks in suburban Philadelphia, leading to road closures. In the suburb of Washington Crossing, crews placed barriers along roadways and worked to clear fallen tree limbs. Seven people died after flash flooding in that area over the summer. Many flights were cancelled or delayed across the region. Bostons Logan International Airport grounded all flights Monday morning because of the poor conditions, leading to more than 100 canceled flights and about 375 delays, according to the flight-tracking service FlightAware. At New York City area airports, nearly 80 flights were canceled and more than 90 were delayed. In Rhode Island, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed parts of Providences hurricane barrier system to prevent flooding from storm surge, Mayor Brett Smiley said. The Providence River gates were closed in the morning and another gate was scheduled to close. City Hall in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was closed due to leaks and water damage from its landmark tower, the city posted online. Advertisement In New York City, high winds caused the temporary closure of the Verrazzano Bridge. It reopened later Monday morning, but with a ban on large vehicles. The storm moved up the East Coast on Saturday and Sunday, breaking rainfall records and requiring water rescues. It brought unseasonably warm temperatures of more than 60 degrees (16 degrees Celsius) to the Northeast on Monday. In South Carolina on Sunday, the tide in Charleston Harbor reached 9.86 feet (3 meters) just before noon, which was the fourth-highest reading ever. This was a tough and frustrating day for our citizens, as historic high tides came up and over the land in the city, flooding cars, homes, businesses and streets, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said, adding there were no reports of serious injuries. Mondays rain and wind came a week after a storm caused flooding and power outages in the Northeast after spawning deadly tornadoes in Tennessee. Rathke reported from Marshfield, Vermont. Associated Press reporters David Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, Bruce Shipkowski and Michael Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey, Michael Casey in Boston and Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this story. An 84-year-old woman died after she was run over in the parking lot of a Louisiana grocery store, police say. Louise Calloway was walking in an Albertsons parking lot at about 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 18, and fell after tripping on raised concrete, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. The driver of a Volkswagen Beetle did not see Calloway on the ground and hit her, police said. Calloway died from her injuries, according to authorities. Police didnt release additional information but said the investigation is ongoing. Passing driver runs over woman exiting car, Ohio cops say. Our hearts are shattered Waffle House customer shoots, kills man accused of threatening patrons, AL cops say Two men helping crashed SUV are killed when pickup hits them, North Carolina cops say Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) on Monday said he is angry after a video emerged of a now-former staffer performing lewd acts in a Senate committee hearing room. Cardin declined to delve into particulars about the staffer and the incident in question, which was first reported by the Daily Caller. But he expressed his displeasure with the situation, telling reporters that he viewed what happened as a breach of trust. I was angry, disappointed. Its a breach of trust. All of the above. Its a tragic situation and its presented a lot of anger and frustration. Im concerned about our staff and the way that they feel about this and the Senate staff. Best Holiday Deals BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. The Maryland Democrat declined to say whether the staffer was fired, saying multiple times simply that he is no longer a Senate employee. Cardin also did not confirm the staffers name or say whether he had disciplinary issues prior to the leaked video. I am not aware of anything else involved here, Cardin said. This is a personnel issue and theres some investigations going on. Cardin added that he has not talked to the ex-staffer and indicated that the individual has not apologized. The video, which shows two people having sex, was filmed in Hart 216 a room known best for hosting Senate Judiciary Committee business but has also hosted some key events in history, including the 9/11 Commission and Supreme Court nomination hearings. Capitol Police told The Hill that it is still investigating the sex tape but that there was nothing new to report as of Monday evening. When pressed whether she supports a probe into the incident, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), a member of the Judiciary Committee, told reporters that Cardin is dealing with it with his staff, adding that they fired him. Other lawmakers injected a little humor. While reporters were searching for Cardin on the Senate floor, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) jokingly scolded those staking him out to leave that beautiful man alone. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a Judiciary Committee member, wondered if the chamber is locking the doors now? Do we lock the Senate doors at night? he asked about the chamber. We do? Thanks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An urban versus suburban tussle has taken hold in Central Indiana but this one is within the same city, the suburb of Carmel. The city and the parks department that serve it are at odds at where to invest dollars for recreation in the spacious outlying parks near subdivisions or the urban core, where apartment and office buildings reign. Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation officials said the city is improperly siphoning about $12 million from traditional parks and spending it instead on pocket parks, plazas and greenspace in downtown and Midtown. Mayor Jim Brainard said there is nothing illegal about the practice, and needs to be done to provide urban core residents with recreational space. He said the parks department wouldnt adequately fund them otherwise. These are the parks that get the most use and though they are small they are needed most right now, said Brainard, who characterized the the two types of parks as urban and suburban. A planned plaza at Old Meridian and Main Street in Carmel. The source of the disputed funds are impact fees charged to developers that help support parks construction. The fees are intended to offset the financial burden on the city by residential construction and population growth. City and state code requires impact fees to go to the parks board, which decides where to spend the money. But the city has been using a workaround that takes the allocation away from the parks board so the money is invested downtown. 'Amenities for the entire city' The dust-up has landed in Hamilton County Circuit Court, where the parks department asked a judge to stop the city from depriving it of the impact fees. Superior Court Judge David Najjar on Dec. 6 denied the parks a temporary restraining order but the parks are still seeking a permanent injunction to halt the transfers. I think it is important that the fees be used for parks throughout the entire city, not exclusively in downtown, Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation CEO Michael Klitzing said. We view our parks, no matter where, as amenities for the entire city. Klitzing acknowledged the crowded downtown needs park space but said several traditional parks projects which the long-term master plan identified as priorities years ago also need the cash to get started or continue. There was nothing identified within the central core in part because the city was already investing heavily in this area, he said of the master plan. The mayor could have worked with the parks to get them included at any time, Klitzing said. Additionally, Klitzing said the city can require developers to include open spaces in their site plans, which it does frequently. Waived fees and redirected money The city charges developers $4,800 per residential unit of construction, which is deposited into the coffers of the parks board. But recently the Board of Public Works has waived the fees for several projects and instructed developers instead to pay an equal amount to the Carmel Redevelopment Commission so it can build the greenspaces near the downtown developments. The Board of Public Works was given the authority to waive the fees in 2010. But lawyers for the parks said the change didnt give the Board of Public Works the power to redirect the money to the Redevelopment Commission. Brainard said because all the apartments being built downtown are generating most of the impact fees, the money deserves to be used for improvements for those residents. The money ought to follow who is doing the building, he said. We should not take from downtown and put it into the suburban area. The parks are sorely needed downtown as public gathering spaces and have been proven popular, Brainard said. Midtown Plaza, with its ping-pong table and large screen TV and the Carter Green, with a skating rink, are two of the most-used venues in the city, he said. "These are places you can bring your children near your home and enjoy the outdoors," Brainard said. Otherwise we could have something that looks like army barracks." Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418 or email him at john.tuohy@indystar.com. Follow him on Facebook and X/Twitter. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Carmel parks fights with city over development dollars Johannesburg If you have a smartphone, laptop, tablet or an electric car, your device is likely making use of the mineral cobalt, which was very likely mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Roughly 70% of the world's supply of the vital metal comes from the southern DRC, and with electric vehicles sales soaring, e-technology as popular as ever and no major new source of cobalt on the horizon, that number looks set to keep climbing. Cobalt is built into most lithium-ion batteries in electric devices and vehicles to help prevent them from catching on fire. Along with demand for the metal, the price of cobalt has risen precipitously. It has quickly become one of the most-sought after minerals for the world's major tech companies. Experts estimate that the DRC's soil may hold some 3.7 million tons of cobalt close to half of the world's supply. Analysts with the business intelligence firm GlobalEdge speculate that the DRC's untapped raw mineral deposits could be worth more than $24 trillion. CBS News finds children mining cobalt for batteries in the Congo But more than 60% of Congolese live below the poverty line, despite the country's vast reserves of copper, cobalt, gold, manganese, uranium and platinum. The country's Finance Minister recently put the national inflation rate at just over 20%, dwarfing even the struggling economies of Europe. DRC election expected to maintain the status quo On Wednesday, the DCR will hold an election, with President Etienne Tshisekedi seeking a second and final 5-year term to lead the country. He's facing more than two dozen election rivals, but analysts predict he will win. Tshisekedi was elected in 2019 after campaigning as an advocate for peace and cracking down on corruption. But he's made little progress in improving the lives of the country's citizens, nor quelling the fighting in DRC. The country's rarely paid, ill-disciplined national army has struggled to contain the roughly 120 rival militias battling for control, mainly in the mineral-rich south. President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi speaks to supporters during a campaign rally in Kinshasa on Dec. 18, 2023. / Credit: ARSENE MPIANA/AFP via Getty Images Analysts believe more than 6 million of the country's 100 million people have been killed during three decades of fighting. The violence has driven millions of people from their homes, with the U.N.'s World Food Program warning that it has only half the food required to feed the 6.3 million people thought to be going hungry across the DRC. On Tuesday, hours before Congolese headed to the polls, the U.N. Security Council agreed to a demand by the DRC government that the global body begin the gradual withdrawal of U.N. peacekeepers from the country later in December. Last week, U.S. officials stepped up their diplomacy and were instrumental in negotiating a cease-fire to last until Dec. 28, through the election process. The Biden administration "will continue to use U.S. intelligence and diplomatic resources to monitor compliance to the cease-fire by armed forces and non-state armed groups" in DRC, White House national security council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement. The U.S. government's interest in DRC politics and maintaining any semblance of peace in the country is likely rooted in more than just humanitarian concerns, however. China's grip on the DRC's mineral wealth Copper has been mined in the DRC for centuries, and cobalt is a by-product of copper production. American companies had owned several of the cobalt mines in the country until the last decade, when Chinese firms started buying out North American and European firms to gain control over much of the cobalt mining in the DRC. China is the world's largest producer of today's ubiquitous lithium-ion batteries, and as the world's major economies seek to ramp up green technology manufacturing vital with the transition away from fossil fuels they'll be keen to claw back as much access to the raw materials required as possible. Maurice Carney, head of the Washington-based Friends of the Congo organization, told CBS News the U.S. is watching the election closely, as the results will be critical to increasing economic and trade relations. Carney noted that the U.S. Congress is currently considering two bills "that are about securing access to DRC's cobalt for U.S. security interests." He said the bills could be described as "anti-Chinese," with U.S. lawmakers increasingly concerned over the level of control China has over the minerals critical to U.S. manufacturing supply chains. Israeli hostage Yarden Roman-Gat shares details of her captivity in Gaza | 60 Minutes Gnawa music, legacy of enslaved Black Africans, surges in popularity | 60 Minutes 10,000 migrants crossed the southern border with Mexico in one day The Florida Supreme Court has declined to take up a challenge to the constitutionality of a state law that bars possession of guns by convicted felons. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Justices on Monday issued an order rejecting an appeal by William Edenfield, who was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after a 2020 shooting incident in Leon County. Edenfield went to the Supreme Court in August after the 1st District Court of Appeal rejected his Second Amendment arguments. READ: Florida Supreme Court could challenge law barring guns owned by convicted felons Edenfields challenge centered on a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in a case known as New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. In that case, the U.S. Supreme Court was required to evaluate gun restrictions by whether they are consistent with the nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. In an August brief filed at the Florida Supreme Court, Edenfields attorney, Tyler Kemper Payne, wrote that the 1st District Court of Appeal interpreted the Bruen decision to read into the Second Amendment a limitation to only law-abiding responsible citizens. Such a qualification is found nowhere in the Second Amendments controlling text. The district court cited almost no historical evidence in support of this limitation. In short, the district court expressly construed the Second Amendment, a provision of the federal Constitution, by limiting its scope and finding the prohibition at issue historically supported, Payne, an assistant public defender in the 2nd Judicial Circuit, wrote. Petitioner (Edenfield) asks this (Florida Supreme) Court to accept jurisdiction to resolve whether Floridas prohibition on felons from possessing firearms remains constitutional in the wake of Bruen. But in a brief filed in October, lawyers in Florida Attorney General Ashley Moodys office wrote that the U.S. Supreme Court has been clear that longstanding prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons do not infringe the Second Amendment. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Petitioner (Edenfield) cites no case in which a court has held that a felon-dispossession law is facially unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, the states lawyers wrote. On the contrary, the courts overwhelmingly have upheld the validity of felon-dispossession laws even after Bruen. As is common, the Florida Supreme Court on Monday did not explain its reasons for declining to take up the challenge. But in a May 31 decision, a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal said a review of the pertinent precedent from the United States Supreme Court on the Second Amendment shows that a felon, such as appellant (Edenfield), still cannot claim an unfettered constitutional right to possess a firearm post-Bruen. The states brief filed at the Supreme Court said a jury convicted Edenfield of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the 2020 incident. Edenfield, now 67, had previous convictions on theft and burglary charges, according to the Florida Department of Corrections website. He is an inmate at Blackwater Correctional Facility. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Jack Murray was shot at least four times by Elk Grove Village police officers on Dec. 1, 2023. Mayor Craig Johnson released partial body camera footage from two officers as well as partial recordings of calls between a 911 dispatcher, Murray and Murrays father. This is a screenshot from the first officer's body camera footage. (Elk Grove Village Police Department) An Elk Grove Village man fatally shot by police on Dec. 1 called 911 himself to warn he planned to hurt someone, according to recordings released Monday. Officers came to Fern Drive after receiving a 911 call from Jack Murray, 24. They also received a call from a neighbor who reported seeing Murray exiting the house with a knife. Advertisement Murray was shot at least four times by Elk Grove Village police officers in a confrontation nearby. He was pronounced dead at Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospital. Three officers present when Murray was shot were placed on administrative leave the same day. Murray was known to Elk Grove officers, footage shows, including one who responded to the scene. Advertisement Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson released partial body camera footage Monday, as well as partial recordings of calls between a 911 dispatcher, Murray and Murrays father. The officer who shot Murray has not been identified, and officers were not identified in the footage. Antonio Romanucci, whose firm has been representing the Murray family, alleged Monday that body camera footage released by the Elk Grove Village Police Department has been edited to favor the officers. What was released is an edited movie, Romanucci said Monday. Meant to confuse viewers about the legality of what officers are required to do to de-escalate a situation like this with a clearly emotionally distressed person. Portions of the second officers body camera footage were excluded, Romanucci said, including conversation between Murray and the officer and actual footage of the lethal shot. On the day he died, Murray was physically injured, emotionally distressed, confused, slurring and not OK, Romanucci said in a statement Monday. Jack Murray was shot at least four times by Elk Grove Village police officers on Dec. 1, 2023. Mayor Craig Johnson released partial body camera footage from two officers as well as partial recordings of calls between a 911 dispatcher, Murray and Murrays father. This is a screenshot from the second officer's body camera footage. (Elk Grove Village Police Department) In the first of the 911 calls released Monday, Murray is heard telling the dispatcher someone in the house has a knife, then identifies himself as the armed individual. Hes going to hurt someone, Murray tells the dispatcher. Murrays father, who was also in the house, told the dispatcher that Murray was possibly intoxicated, and that his family was trying to get him to go to the hospital after allegedly breaking his foot the night before. Advertisement Do you need help, Jack? Murrays father is heard saying. Its OK if you do you called (911) for a reason. Murrays father follows him outside and pleads with him to put down the knife, the footage shows. Hes not violent right now, Murrays father is heard saying. The footage shows police cars parking down the street from Murrays house. A group of at least four officers emerge from the cars and begin discussing Murray. Officers are heard on the bodycam footage telling people to step out of the house with their hands up. They eventually recognize Murray walking down the sidewalk, footage shows. Officers are heard yelling Put your hands up, Jack, several times. Hes going to get himself tased, one officer is heard saying. The police-released footage displays text saying the officers deployed a taser twice on Murray as he continued toward them. Advertisement Officers instructed Murray to turn around as he approached, the video shows. Murray had turned to face the officers, who were still yelling for him to put the knife down when several shots could be heard. As Murray is on the ground, officers yell shots fired and one officer instructs another to place Murray in handcuffs. Officers can be heard repeatedly asking where the knife is as Murray lays on the ground. Officers are shown attempting CPR. Police released a photo of the knife Murray was holding, saying it was 11 to 12 inches long. Lawyers for the family are challenging the speed with which officers switched to lethal force, as well as their choice not to deploy a bean bag gun one officer was carrying. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Bean bag rounds are rounded fabric balls fired from normal shotguns. They are considered nonlethal at most distances and are meant to disable, though they can still injure people. Advertisement Johnson first shared details from body camera footage at a Dec. 12 Village Board meeting. Lawyers for the family alleged Johnson declined to meet with the family before describing the footage to village leadership. Johnson denied this Monday. Officers involved in the shooting had previously received crisis intervention team training, mental health training and de-escalation training, Johnson said Monday. The village plans to release a full cut of body and dashboard camera footage in the future, Johnson said. He said it could be months before an internal investigation is complete. Murray had Type 1 diabetes and was aware of the impact on his physical and mental health, his aunt, Liz Belcaster, said at an emotional news conference Dec. 4. He had a yearslong history of becoming erratic when his insulin levels were low and had called Elk Grove police in the past when he needed help. He knew there was times when he needed help quickly, and he believed police could help him as they had in the past, Belcaster said. We dont know what took place on Friday afternoon, but we know our family deserves answers. Chicago man, 24, charged with murder after missing teen found strangled to death CHICAGO - A man has been charged with murder in the strangulation of a missing 15-year-old girl a week ago in the South Shore neighborhood. Joshua Williams, 24, allegedly choked 15-year-old Amarise A. Parker to death, on Dec. 12 in an apartment building in the 7200 block of South Phillips Avenue, according to police and the Cook County medical examiner's office. Parker was reported missing on Nov. 26 from Morgan Park Williams was arrested Saturday in the West Town neighborhood. He was charged with first-degree murder and had an out-of-state warrant for his arrest. Williams has a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday. "She was 15," said Yahanna Clark, Parkers mom. "She was a lovely soul, everybody loved her." Clark said her daughter loved to sing and dance, and wanted to be a cosmetologist one day. Amarise Parker | Chicago police GRAND HAVEN A chief judge in Ottawa County has been arrested and charged with domestic violence. Court records show 58th District Court Judge Bradley Knoll, 72, was arrested by the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and charged with one count of misdemeanor domestic violence. According to court documents, Knoll is charged with violating MCL 750.812. The section deals with assaulting a spouse, former spouse, an individual with whom the suspect has or has had a dating relationship with, an individual with whom the suspect has a child in common or a resident or former resident of the suspects household. It's punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine up to $500, or both. A copy of the complaint filed against Knoll obtained by The Sentinel states Knoll is charged with assault or assault and battery of his spouse. He's ordered to have no contact with her or her residence, per a pretrial release order. Knoll was released on a personal recognizance bond and is due in court for arraignment Jan. 9. The case has been assigned to Judge Geoffrey Nolan of the 60th District Court in Muskegon County. A chief judge in Ottawa County has been arrested and charged with domestic violence. Knoll is not currently suspended from the bench, but isn't presiding over any domestic violence cases, he told The Sentinel on Tuesday. Knoll was first elected in 2002, replacing retiring judge Hannes Meyers Jr. He was most recently re-elected in November 2020, when he ran unopposed for another six-year term running through 2026. Subscribe: Receive unlimited digital access to your local news coverage He serves as the chief judge of the 58th District Court, after being re-appointed to a two-year term in that role in January 2022. This will be Knolls last term as judge, because state law requires candidates be under 70 years of age at the time of the election. Knoll turned 70 in 2021. Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Chief Judge Bradley Knoll arrested for domestic violence in Ottawa County By Natalia A. Ramos Miranda, Lucinda Elliott and Alexander Villegas SANTIAGO (Reuters) -Chile's two failed attempts at rewriting a constitution have signaled a desire for moderation among voters, who once again rejected a proposal drafted by right-wing legislators on Sunday considered too extreme, according to analysts and voters. "Neither of the two political sides showed the unity needed to move the country forward," said Rodrigo Oyarzun, a 41-year-old social worker after voting in Sunday's referendum in the coastal city of Valparaiso. "That's how we get nowhere." A new constitution was a key government promise that helped end widespread fiery protests against inequality in 2019, but the process has since stalled. The first attempt was voted down in a September 2022 referendum, and a second on Sunday as voter apathy towards a rewrite grows. Polls show Chileans are more concerned about security and a struggling economy rather than drafting a new constitution. Sunday's vote was also seen as a bellwether for the country's right-wing ahead of the 2025 election, but now texts from both political aisles have been widely rejected, leaving the outcome of the race uncertain. The first proposed text was drafted by leftist legislators and focused on social, gender, Indigenous and environmental rights while the second reinforced the country's free-market policies and emphasized property and religious rights, while potentially restricting access to abortion. The second rewrite was dominated by the right-wing Republican party, led by Jose Antonio Kast, who lost against leftist President Gabriel Boric during the last election. "Most Chileans prefer a modernized charter that tilts sharply neither to the ideological left nor the right, but which actually addresses the public-policy issues that are not getting resolved," said Arturo Porzecanski, a fellow with the Woodrow Wilson International Center, a Washington-based think tank, adding that there's "generalized exhaustion" with the process. President Boric said his government would now attempt to push through tax and pension reform through the legislature and hoped to do so with consensus. 'A VOTE AGAINST EVERYTHING' Chile's move towards moderation comes in stark contrast to increased polarization seen in many of its neighbors, including Argentina, which last month voted in radical right-wing outsider Javier Milei as president. He has promised to upend the country's economic system after years of decline. Claudia Heiss, a researcher and political scientist at the University of Chile, said Chile's result could stop the country's right-wing from pulling further right. "(The Republican right) is damaged, without a doubt," said Heiss, adding that its less clear who benefits, since distrust for the government is high and centrist parties haven't fared well either. "Center parties should be booming but they're not, the center is weaker than ever," Heiss said, adding that the vote also reflects a rejection of the political class in general. "And that's worrying because it's not just a moderate vote, but a vote against everything." While Boric said his government wouldn't pursue a third rewrite, both Heiss and Porzecanski say the constitutional debate is not over. The current constitution, enacted during the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship has gone through several reforms, but it remains a key point of tension for many voters. Law student Nelson Palma said he hoped another attempt would "emerge" through mass mobilization, "that will really satisfy the people's needs." (Reporting by Natalia Ramos and Lucinda Elliott; writing by Alexander Villegas; editing by Aurora Ellis) At least 126 people are dead and around 700 injured after an earthquake struck a mountainous region of northwestern China. Rescue workers are braving sub-zero temperatures as a search and rescue operation is underway in Gansu and neighboring Qinghai provinces. The earthquake struck at 11.59pm (4pm GMT) at a shallow depth of 10km, triggering landslides and causing extensive damage. Icy weather conditions have shortened the golden window to find quake survivors, Shi Wanjin, a captain of the Gansu Houtian Emergency Rescue Corps, said. It was followed by a second 5.5 magnitude earthquake hours later in neighbouring Xinjiang. The earthquake damaged nearly 5,000 houses and knocked out power, communications and water lines, while roads were also badly impacted. President Xi Jinping said all efforts should be made to carry out search and rescue, treat the injured in a timely manner, and minimise casualties. Chinas finance ministry and emergency management ministry jointly allocated 200m yuan (22.1m) for the earthquake-hit Gansu and Qinghai provinces, CCTV reported. Key Points Death toll climbs to 126 as search continues for missing Rescue official says golden window to find quake survivors shortening Death toll rises to 118 Authorities racing to save survivors after 6.2-magnitude earthquake Chinas Xi Jinping calls for all out efforts in earthquake-hit regions Rescue official says golden window to find quake survivors shortening 07:01 , Shweta Sharma Icy weather conditions have shortened the golden window to find quake survivors, Shi Wanjin, a captain of the Gansu Houtian Emergency Rescue Corps, said. The golden rescue time of this earthquake will be shortened, Mr Shi was quoted as saying by China News network. He said it was due to the scale of the devastation and weather conditions in the area. Death toll climbs to 126 as search continues for missing 10:29 , Shweta Sharma The number of deaths from Chinas deadliest earthquake in over a decade has increased to 126 with 700 reported injured. Authorities said more than 155,000 homes in Gansu were either damaged or destroyed in the powerful earthquake. Emergency workers are preparing to provide makeshift accommodation and meals to those displaced by the disaster as thousands of residents brace to spend the night in icy weather conditions. In Gansu, 113 were killed as of 1pm Tuesday (5am GMT), and 536 injured, authorities said. The death tally in Qinghai rose to at least 13 with 182 injured. Officials said the search for 20 missing people is continuing. Chinese soldiers set up mobile kitchen to provide hot meals 10:10 , Shweta Sharma Chinese soldiers have set up mobile kitchens in quake-hit Gansu province to provide freshly cooked meals to those rendered homeless by the disaster. A video shared by the Global Times showed soldiers working in the makeshift kitchen. At the rescue site in Dahe village, Gansu Province, soldiers from the PLA Western Theater Command have set up mobile kitchens to provide hot meals for the disaster-stricken masses. pic.twitter.com/HGib2lQTST Global Times (@globaltimesnews) December 19, 2023 Houses collapse after 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit China 09:00 , Shweta Sharma Chinas deadliest earthquake in 15 years 08:26 , Shweta Sharma The 6.2 magnitude earthquake was Chinas deadliest since 2008 when a much more powerful 7.9-magnitude quake struck Sichuan, killing more than 90,000. It prompted a years-long struggle by authorities to rebuild the town with more resistant materials. In September last year, at least 74 people were killed in a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in the southwestern province of Sichuan. It caused landslides and shaking buildings in the provincial capital of Chengdu, where 21 million residents were under a Covid-19 lockdown. Pakistans prime minister extends condolences to China 08:09 , Shweta Sharma Pakistans interim prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kaka said they are deeply saddened to learn about the earthquakes in northwestern China. Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of precious lives due to the earthquake in Gansu province in China. Our sympathies are with our Chinese brothers and sisters in this hour of grief, Mr Kakar said, Earthquakes triggered landslides and half buried a village in silt 07:51 , Shweta Sharma The massive earthquake that jolted northwest China late yesterday night caused several earthquakes, cutting off towns from roads and highways. Authorities said some people are missing following a landslide in Qinghai. The mudslide in a village left many houses half-covered in brown silt. Rescuers have deployed drones, excavators and bulldozers to find and rescue survivors, local media reported. Tremors were felt as far as 1,000 km away in central Henan province, where local media outlets shared videos of furniture swaying in peoples homes. A major hydropower dam 50km from the epicentre was unaffected by the quake. CCTV reported that the dam, on the upper Yellow River, was operating normally. Officials say 580 injured as thousands of relief workers rushed to disaster frontline 07:41 , Shweta Sharma Officials in the earthquake-hit provinces said hundreds of people have been injured, with the toll standing at 379 in Gansu and 182 in Qinghai, a number of whome remain in critical condition. Some 20 people are still missing as emergency workers scrambled to pull out survivors from the rubble. About 2,200 personnel from the Gansu provincial fire department and 900 from the forest brigade, as well as 260 professional emergency rescue workers, were dispatched to the disaster zone, the Xinhua news agency reported, adding that hundreds from the military and police were also deployed. The province has been allocated 20m yuan ($2.8m) for emergency response work and sent supplies that included 2,600 cotton tents, 10,400 folding beds, 10,400 quilts, 10,400 cotton mattresses, and 1,000 sets of stoves. Chinese Air Force rushes soldiers to earthquake site 07:18 , Shweta Sharma Chinas PLA Western Theater Command sent Y-20 transport aircraft to Lanzhou, capital of Gansu today to deliver soldiers to the frontline of the disaster. The emergency command group is expected to help local authorities in relief and rescue work as officials said a crucial window is closing due to harsh weather conditions. Xian Y-20 is a strategic airlifter and large military transport aircraft developed by China for the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It is among the largest military transport aircraft in the world. A Y-20 transport aircraft from the Air Force of the PLA Western Theater Command has arrived in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu on Tuesday, to deliver the emergency command group to the frontline of the disaster area to coordinate earthquake relief efforts. https://t.co/8uJgJNweLS pic.twitter.com/dPB6firypa Global Times (@globaltimesnews) December 19, 2023 Why earthquake in impoverished provinces is a challenge for China 06:32 , Shweta Sharma Gansu, categorised as one of Chinas least affluent provinces, has houses constructed with clay and mud, according to experts and local authorities. The houses are not constructed robustly enough to withstand earthquakes, and the severity of the damage was exacerbated by the fact that the quake struck late at night, likely making it more challenging for people to escape. The area consists mainly of small townships and villages, with approximately 260,000 residents in Jishishan County, according to a local official cited by party-affiliated media. An official, Li Yong, said that the local government lacked sufficient supplies of clothing, quilts, and shoes and would need support from the provincial government. In 2020, as part of a nationwide initiative to ostensibly eliminate rural poverty by the years end, provincial authorities officially declared that Jishishan was no longer considered poverty-stricken. However, people say little changed on the ground in practice. Gansu encompasses regions situated in an earthquake-prone zone stretching from Mongolia in the north to Myanmar in the south. As the disaster area is in a high-altitude region where the weather is cold, rescue efforts are working to prevent secondary disasters caused by factors beyond the quake, Xinhua said. The weather was the largest difficulty in the rescue efforts, local media said, citing a local disaster response expert. Although the 72 hours after a quake are the most likely time to rescue survivors, that will be shortened by the harsh weather, with trapped victims facing the higher risk, it said. (AP) Chinas Xi Jinping calls for all out efforts in earthquake-hit regions 06:14 , Shweta Sharma Chinese president Xi Jinping called for full-scale search and rescue efforts and asked local authorities for proper resettlement of affected people. He said all efforts should be made to carry out search and rescue, treat the injured in a timely manner, and minimise casualties. Earthquake 'felt like being tossed up after surging waves, survivor says 06:09 , Shweta Sharma Recounting the moments when the earthquake struck, a man said his family rushed down to 16 floors after they felt strong tremors. I live on the 16th floor and felt the tremors so strongly. The moment of the earthquake was feeling like being tossed up after surging waves I woke my family up and we rushed down all 16 floors in one breath, the Gansu resident said. He said it was freezing cold at -12C when they stepped out and saw their panicked neighbours, some of whom had rushed outside without warm clothing. Residents said they spent the night in their cars, driving away from the epicentre. Residents keep warm around a fire in the early morning after an earthquake in Dahejia, Jishishan County, in northwest Chinas Gansu province (AFP via Getty Images) At least 118 killed by earthquake in northwestern China 05:49 , Shweta Sharma A 6.2-magnitude earthquake has killed 118 people and injured another 500 in a mountainous region of northwestern China on Monday night. The earthquake struck at 11.59pm (4pm GMT) at a shallow depth of 10km in Gansu province and neighbouring Qinghai province, the China Earthquake Networks Centre said. It was followed by a second 5.5 magnitude earthquake hours later in neighbouring Xinjiang. Read our full report. At least 116 killed by earthquake in northwestern China Taiwans president offers assistance to China 05:46 , Shweta Sharma Taiwans president Tsai Ing-wen expressed condolences to China on the devastating earthquake and said Taiwan was willing to provide assistance to China. My sincere condolences to all those who have lost loved ones in the recent earthquake in northwestern China, she said in a tweet. We pray that all those affected receive the aid they need, and we hope for a swift recovery. Taiwan stands ready to offer assistance in the disaster response effort. $28m allocated for earthquake relief in Gansu 05:44 , Shweta Sharma Chinas finance ministry and emergency management ministry have allocated 200m yuan ($28m) in natural disaster relief funds. State television CCTV reported that the funds will be used in earthquake-hit Gansu and Qinghai provinces. Residents forced to endure freezing weather in open 05:29 , Shweta Sharma Families in the earthquake-hit region are being forced to huddle in the open or in makeshift tents in sub-zero weather conditions after thousands of houses were damaged and the threat of aftershocks continued. Social media users at the earthquake site shared accounts of creating bonfires in their yards or burning cardboard boxes to stay warm. They described the shock of discovering the deaths of their neighbours and relatives as they tried to assess the damage to their homes. The temperature in Linxia, Gansu, near where the quake occurred, was about -14C on Tuesday morning. Tents, folding beds and quilts were being sent to the disaster area with makeshift accommodation being set up for those rendered homeless, CCTV said. Residents gather outdoors the morning after an earthquake in Dahejia, Jishishan County, in northwest China's Gansu province (AFP via Getty Images) Rescue workers set up tents for people evacuated after an earthquake in Dahejia, Jishishan County, in northwest China's Gansu province (AFP via Getty Images) Tents are set up for people evacuated after an earthquake in Dahejia, Jishishan County (AFP via Getty Images) Death toll rises to 118 05:12 , Shweta Sharma The death toll from the powerful earthquake has climbed to 118 and 20 people are missing. The number of fatalities is expected to climb further as rescue workers continue work with the day break while several remain critically injured. Authorities have mobilised an array of emergency responses, but rescue work could prove challenging in subzero temperatures. Most of China is grappling with freezing temperatures as a cold wave that started last week continued to sweep through the country. In Gansu, 105 were killed in the quake as of 7.50am today (2350 GMT Monday), and of 397 injured as of 9.30am, 16 were in critical condition, provincial authorities told a news conference. The death tally in Qinghai rose to at least 13 with 182 injured, state media reported. CCTV footage shows moment powerful earthquake struck 05:12 , Shweta Sharma CCTV footage from inside a store in Gusan showed furniture shaking just before midnight as the earthquake struck. The video shared by Peoples Daily China also shows the aftermath of the tremblor with debris strewn across roads and towns. Other nighttime videos distributed by state media showed workers lifting out a victim and helping a slightly stumbling person to walk in an area covered with light snow. #UPDATE: Video captured the moment when a 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture in NW China's Gansu on Monday night. The quake can be felt in major cities like Xian and Chengdu. pic.twitter.com/CrDeQBbnyO People's Daily, China (@PDChina) December 18, 2023 Authorities racing to save survivors after 6.2-magnitude earthquake 04:55 , Shweta Sharma Emergency workers are scrambling to reach survivors in sub-zero temperatures in Chinas Gansu and Qinghai provinces after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake flattened houses and killed scores of people. At least 116 people have died and 500 others are injured, including several in critical condition, after the earthquake struck towns as people slept or prepared for the night. The epicentre was about 1,300km (800 miles) southwest of Beijing, the Chinese capital. 04:39 , Shweta Sharma Welcome to The Independents coverage of the deadly earthquake in Chinas Gansu and Qinghai provinces. Chinas shadowy miniature spaceplane appears to have deployed at least six objects into orbit while conducting its latest mission, its third. The reusable space vehicle , which is understood to be broadly comparable to the U.S. Space Forces X-37B , clearly has military applications, although the exact nature of its payloads remains mysterious. The Chinese spaceplane, named Shenlong (meaning Divine Dragon), has placed the objects in Earth orbit since it was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on December 14. The existence of these objects has been confirmed by amateur spacecraft trackers. https://www.twitter.com/M51_4ever/status/1735343159654166988?s=20 https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1735502677549756590 The spaceplane itself is launched atop a traditional space launch rocket and is propelled into orbit using a secondary booster. It returns to Earth in an unpowered mode, much like the X-37B. One amateur astronomer, Scott Tilley, told Space.coms Brett Tingley that some of the objects which have been named A, B, C, D, E, and F seem to be transmitting signals. Tilley has described these objects as mysterious wingmen, a nod to the loyal wingman terminology used for the drones that operate collaboratively with piloted aircraft. The Shenlong, of course, is uncrewed. Tilley also provided Space.com with details on the differences in transmissions between the objects, with Object A said to be sending small amounts of data, while Objects D and E seem to be only emitting placeholder signals, without accompanying data. https://www.twitter.com/coastal8049/status/1736517007154303168?s=20 It should be noted that unlike emissions early in the Chinese spaceplane missions 1 and 2, these emissions are very intermittent and do not stay on long, Tilley told Space.com. Its taken days of observations tracking pass after pass with dish antennas to come up with this data. While we cannot be entirely sure that these mysterious signals come from objects released by the Shenlong, the evidence is compelling. Extensive signal analysis by various satellite trackers indicates that the transmissions come either from the objects or from something else very close to them: There is no obvious sign of any other object that might have been responsible for them. The transmissions also correlate with the expected paths of the different objects and also conform to the kinds of signals previously emitted by Chinese spaceplane missions , with the same unique frequency. https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/1555417640780177409 There are also signs that there could be more intriguing transmissions to come. As Tilley explained, the fact that the objects are on different orbits, ranging from almost circular to broadly elliptical, means they will move closer to one another, with the potential for transmissions or other interactions between them. That the Chinese spaceplane can deploy payloads into space is no secret, with previous missions having involved the release of at least one small object each. At the time of the Shenlongs second mission, in late 2022, SpaceNews speculated that those objects could be small satellites for monitoring the spaceplane, or some kind of test payload, perhaps to gain more experience in launching items from the spaceplane. It's very possible that the craft has reached a point of maturity where more ambitious experiments are being fielded by it. For instance, satellites capable of on-orbit manipulation and disrupting, degrading , destroying , and surveilling other satellites is a major area of development as space i ncreasingly becomes a contested environment. While details about the design of the spacecraft itself, and its particular technologies, are almost entirely absent, its notable that putting small payloads into orbit now seems to be a significant part of its repertoire. Publicly, at least, China has claimed that its spaceplane is for commercial use. However, it has very obvious military applications, especially as a convenient and potentially efficient way to get into orbit and stay there for extended periods. A graphic from around 2016 shows the method of operation of a Chinese spaceplane concept. HAN PENGXIN / CHINA ACADEMY OF LAUNCH VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY After all, when it comes to putting payloads into space, a spaceplane offers several advantages, being faster, more flexible, and less predictable than a conventional rocket launch, for example. Payload delivery is also an important part of the X-37Bs role, too, with the U.S. spaceplane now being equipped with a service module, an additional payload package that increases the number of missions that the vehicle can undertake. Details of most of what the service module contains remain classified. The X-37B orbital test vehicle ahead of its sixth mission, with the service module attached to its rear portion. U.S. Space Force Ultimately, the Shenlong may not only be able to place objects in orbit but also retrieve them and perhaps even manipulate them. Such a capability would allow China to keep an intelligence-gathering satellite, for example, in orbit for a long period before recovering it and bringing it back to Earth for further analysis and potential reuse. The fact that spaceplanes are capable of dynamically maneuvering in orbit makes them especially suitable for these kinds of experiments or even for interfering with space objects belonging to other nations. The U.S. Space Force is already highly attuned to the concept of orbital warfare , both in terms of its own mission spectrum and of potential hostile actors, where China is a significant player. Back in 2021, the U.S. Space Force confirmed that China (as well as Russia) was already launching reversible attacks, such as electronic warfare jamming , temporarily blinding optics with lasers , and cyber-attacks, on U.S. satellites every single day. As we discussed earlier, a spaceplane would be an especially suitable candidate to expand these types of missions and there is the possibility that the objects released by the Shenlong could even be related to exploring these capabilities. A Defense Intelligence Agency infographic shows the many ways one satellite might attack another. Similar kinds of technologies could potentially also be employed by a Chinese spaceplane. DIA The potential of the Chinese spaceplane extends beyond inserting certain payloads into orbit . The Shenlong or a similar vehicle, could also be a valuable intelligence-gathering asset, while a larger development of the same concept could potentially even be used to transport cargo or personnel over huge distances at remarkable speeds. This is a concept that has been explored by the U.S. military , too. Theres also the intriguing nature of the possible relationship between Shenlongs recent launch and the planned seventh mission for the X-37B. While the X-37B was set to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on December 7 at Kennedy Space Station, Florida, the mission has been repeatedly delayed, most recently being scrubbed on December 13. Its now planned for launch no earlier than December 28. It will be the first launch using such a powerful rocket and it should see the vehicle inserted in a far higher orbit than before. https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1735837375744651476 However, Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman told reporters at the Space Force Associations Spacepower Conference earlier this month that China launching the Shenlong at around the same time as the X-37B was scheduled to go into space was probably no coincidence. Its no surprise that the Chinese are extremely interested in our space plane. Were extremely interested in theirs, Saltzman said . Because it is a capability; the ability to put something in orbit, do some things, and bring it home and take a look at the results is powerful. And so these are two of the most watched objects in orbit while theyre in orbit. Its probably no coincidence that theyre trying to match us in timing and sequence of this. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, the senior uniformed officer heading the Space Force. U.S. Air Force photo by Andy Morataya The shadowy nature of the Chinese spaceplane program means that its unlikely well get official word on exactly what kinds of objects the Shenlong has been releasing, and to what ends. For now, we may have to rely on amateur astronomers, like Scott Tilley, to gradually uncover more details of what the Shenlong is up to. Whatever the details of its latest mission, its another clear sign of the rapid advances that China and its military is making in the space realm. Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com China's reusable space plane just got a little more mysterious. Just four days after being launched on its third mission, China's Shenlong ("Divine Dragon") robotic space plane seems to have placed six objects into Earth orbit. Amateur spacecraft trackers around the world have been following the objects closely for days and have recorded emissions coming from some of them. The six mystery objects have been designated OBJECT A, B, C, D, E and F. According to satellite tracker and amateur astronomer Scott Tilley, OBJECT A appears to be emitting signals reminiscent of those emitted by objects that China's space plane has released on previous missions. "OBJECT A's or nearby emission is reminiscent of earlier Chinese space plane 'wingman' emissions in the sense the signal is modulated with a limited amount of data," Tilley told Space.com via email. "There is speculation that the emission from OBJECT A may be from an object close to it, but this is speculation not based on any evidence I'm aware of." Tilley has referred to the objects as "mysterious wingmen" on X (formerly Twitter). Related: China launches secret space plane on 3rd-ever mission OBJECT D and E, meanwhile, appear to be emitting idle "placeholder" signals with no data accompanying them. "It should be noted that unlike emissions early in the Chinese space plane missions 1 and 2, these emissions are very intermittent and do not stay on long," Tilley says. "It's taken days of observations tracking pass after pass with dish antennas to come up with this data." Tilley and other satellite trackers have analyzed the signals and are confident that the emissions are coming either from the objects or from close proximity to them. This conclusion is based on observing them along their expected paths in the sky, the fact that no other known objects were in the beam of the trackers' antennas when the data was collected, and the fact that the particular modulation of these signals is "unique and has only been seen from previous Chinese space plane missions using [a frequency of] 2280MHz," Tilley says. "In summary, this iteration of the Chinese space plane mission launched into a similar orbit as the last two but operationally it is exhibiting different radio behavior than before. The additional observations of the emissions from OBJECT D and E is new, but could also have been missed on earlier missions if they too were intermittent," Tilley added. "Something we should watch for is close encounters between OBJECT A and OBJECTs D and E. D and E are in fairly elliptical orbits while A is in a near circular orbit. In the next couple of days there will be close approaches between these objects at perigee." Perigee is the point in a satellite's elliptical orbit when it's closest to Earth. RELATED STORIES: China's reusable experimental spacecraft returns to Earth after two-day mystery mission US Space Force's 1st official painting shows military space plane intercepting adversary satellite SpaceX scrubs Falcon Heavy's X-37B space plane launch due to ground issue China's space plane has exhibited similar behaviors in the past. On its two previous missions which launched in September 2020 and August 2022, respectively the spacecraft was seen releasing a small unknown object into orbit. It was speculated that the objects could be service modules, test articles for practicing placing payloads into orbit, or perhaps even small satellites used to monitor the space plane, SpaceNews wrote in November 2022. The United States also operates a reusable robotic space plane, the Boeing-built X-37B. Similar to China's Shenlong space plane, little is known about the exact operations or capabilities of the X-37B. The U.S. Space Force is currently set to launch the spacecraft atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on Dec. 28 after several delays. And the timing of the two reusable space plane launches isn't a coincidence. "These are two of the most watched objects on orbit while they're on orbit. It's probably no coincidence that they're trying to match us in timing and sequence of this," General Chance Saltzman, U.S. Space Force's Chief of Space Operations, said at a conference earlier this month. Santa will see how you treat service workers Hes making a list, hes checking it twice, and hes going to look at how you treat service workers around the holidays to see if youre naughty or nice. Its the most wonderful time of the year, but as bustling crowds fill restaurants and shops, many folks lose their holiday spirit when waiting in long lines and take out their frustration on service workers. sheesh she really threw the Chipotle bowl at her pic.twitter.com/yqltRhwHa5 Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) September 7, 2023 At Service!, a relief organization for hospitality workers, wed like to remind everyone to remain civil this holiday season as the U.S. is in the midst of a historic workforce shortage. As restaurant owners, were tired of this treatment and wont stand to see it happen to our employees (we see you, Chipotle-bowl-thrower). Why do we tip? Origin of 'tip' is misunderstood If youre not sure how to act, remember these two rules: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all. That will guarantee you stay on Santas nice list and keep service worker spirits bright.Sang Lakhani, Letha Pugh, and Matthew Haeggans, co-founders of Service! Housing not just about shelter As the holiday season draws closer, it is hard for me to acknowledge the many families in our community who will spend Christmas in shelters or hotels due to the critical shortage of affordable housing in Columbus. This situation reflects a growing crisis that demands our immediate attention. The lack of affordable housing options has placed a huge burden on families, forcing them into temporary housing, doubling up with friends and family, and uncertain living conditions during a time meant for warmth, joy, and togetherness. Every family deserves a stable and safe place to call home, especially during the holiday season. It is a time when our community should come together to support those facing housing insecurity. No heat and a roof are not enough. What Colonial Village crisis says about Columbus It does bring me some joy to still see the many community partners rallying together to provide basic needs, toys, and even food to these families. I push for our local leaders and policymakers to prioritize initiatives that address the pressing need for affordable housing in Columbus. Will tax break program will help? Housing crisis now an every Columbus neighborhood problem. Investing in affordable housing programs and implementing policies to create more accessible housing options must be a priority. It's not just about providing shelter; it's about restoring dignity and hope for our fellow community members. Let's work together to ensure that no family has to spend another holiday without the comfort and security of a home. Eboney Eldridge-Adoglo, Columbus Letters to the Editor What do you think? How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch Tax abatements for the unhoused As I celebrate the holidays, I hope our mayor and city council are as concerned about the Columbus unhoused as they are about giving tax abatements to those who build the new apartments in Columbus. I have my doubts because the unhoused dont make campaign contributions. Michael Oser, Columbus Ohio lawmakers shouldn't get away with hurting kids It was just last month when Republicans were telling us that Issue 1 would harm children. We knew they werent being honest about their concern for young Ohioans, and we passed Issue 1. This month, state lawmakers passed a cruel bill that makes it nearly impossible for transgender Ohioans to get the health care they need. Republicans told us that the bill was needed to protect kids. This month, they are showing us that their supposed concern for kids has been a lie. Big Tobacco is targeting young people. They are pushing flavored tobacco products to our kids. More: Ohio GOP fast-tracks ban on trans women in sports, gender-affirming care in anti-LGBTQ bill Some Ohio cities have seen this happening and have passed laws banning the sale of flavored tobacco products. Republican lickspittles in Columbus passed a bill that forbade communities from passing such laws. Gov. Mike DeWine rightly vetoed that law but the Ohio House, loyal only to their tobacco company bosses, overrode that veto. Republicans told us that they are concerned about kids. They tell us that they are advocates of local control. Theyve tossed both principles overboard in hopes for a big payday from Big Tobacco. Dont let them get away with it. Rick Bohan, Akron This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Drop the Chipotle-bowl. Restaurants, Santa sick of disrespect of workers Turin's famed gianduiotto, a small, creamy chocolate that melts on the tongue, is at the centre of a battle for European recognition pitting Italian artisans against Swiss giant Lindt. In his workshop outside the northwestern Italian city, Luca Ballesio kneads chocolate with spatulas before expertly slicing off pieces and lining them up on a tray. The 42-year-old is one of the last chocolatiers who makes gianduiotto the old-fashioned way, a hand-made approach which gives the sweets their typical prism shape. He is part of a committee of around 40 artisan chocolatiers, as well as companies such as Ferrero, Venchi and Domori, who are seeking to obtain a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for the gianduiotto from the European Union. The goal is to raise the profile of the chocolate, increase sales -- already estimated at around 200 million euros ($219 million) a year -- and continue the chocolate tradition in Turin. But they are facing opposition from Lindt, owner since 1997 of Italian producer Caffarel, which claims to have invented the gianduiotto. The plan is currently blocked at Italy's ministry of agriculture. "This battle is important in promoting a historic product of Turin," Ballesio told AFP. The committee has developed some very detailed criteria, which would have to be met by anyone hoping to secure the hoped-for PGI to their products. - Heresy - Faithful to tradition, it advocates a return to the original gianduiotto -- 30 to 45 percent roasted hazelnuts from Piedmont, at least 25 percent cocoa, plus sugar. The 200-year-old recipe is not, however, to the tastes of Lindt, which requires the addition of powdered milk and wants to reduce the hazelnut content to 26 percent. The addition of powdered milk for many here is heresy. "For us, adding powdered milk to chocolate is like diluting wine with water," said Guido Castagna, president of the Gianduiotto Committee in Turin. With Christmas just a few days away, production in 49-year-old Castagna's workshop in Giaveno, near the city, is in full swing. Castagna pours bag after bag of hazelnuts into a machine which roasts them before they are ground up and mixed with cocoa. The chocolate mixture then passes through a machine which slices it and pours it directly onto a conveyer belt without using moulds. Each chocolate is then wrapped by hand in shiny aluminium foil, ready to be placed under the Christmas tree. "We don't want to take anything away from Caffarel. We're not fighting a war against Caffarel. For us Caffarel can easily continue its production," Castagna told AFP. - Naval blockade - "But it must be clear to Caffarel that we are defending the gianduiotto as it was originally made." Caffarel, for its part, insists it had never opposed the recognition of a PGI certificate, which it says would "contribute to the prestige of gianduiotto in Italy and across the world". But the Lindt subsidiary already has its own brand, "Gianduia 1865 -- the authentic Gianduiotto of Turin" and fears the creation of a similar PGI, "Gianduiotto of Turin", will cause confusion. "Our objective is to find an agreement which satisfies all parties and which allows Caffarel to protect the historic value of its brand," the company said. The chocolates date back to the naval blockade ordered by Napoleon against Britain and its empire in 1806, which created a shortage of cocao on mainland Europe. Turin chocolatiers went on to use hazelnuts -- which are abundant in the region -- for the first time. But it was not until 1865 that the Piedmontese hazelnut paste took the name of a carnival figure, Gianduia, the symbol of Turin, and was marketed by Caffarel. "Caffarel knows where to find us and if they think there may be an opening, we are ready to discuss it with them," said Antonio Borra, a lawyer for the PGI committee. But, he warned: "There are points on which we cannot compromise, starting with the name of Turin, which belongs to the whole territory, not a single company." bh/ar/gil The holidays may bring more visitors to the Upstate than just Santa Claus on his sleigh, according to tourism experts. Just as Greenville has become a tourist destination in recent years, Spartanburg, and smaller cities, including Greer and Travelers Rest, are included in travel articles from "Southern Living," to "Travel & Leisure," and HGTV. Billy Dunlap, chief tourism development officer at OneSpartanburg, Inc., said the growing interest in the city can be attributed to the growth of downtown and the increase in entertainment, outdoor recreation, and dining opportunities throughout the county. "The arts, the cultural city in Spartanburg, outdoor recreation, dining, we see those as being drivers for what we consider the leisure-travel market," Dunlap said. "A lot of our visitors are sports tourism-based visitors." However, he said Spartanburg will see more leisure travelers because of the growing development. Lindsey Shaffer, specialist for Greer Tourism, credited downtown infrastructure investments as part of what has led to more interest in Greer. Sitting on the Greenville and Spartanburg County lines, Greer completed a large streetscape project along Trade Street in 2020. The city added brick pavers and string lights on the main strip for restaurants and shops. The sidewalks also were widened on the streets closest to Greer City Park, where events are held almost weekly. Holiday events, like the annual Christmas tree lighting, bring in many out-of-town visitors. "Based on the event attendance over the past few years, we have seen a steady increase of visitors each year for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. In 2022, an estimated 3,500 people were in attendance, which exceeds attendance over the past couple of years," Shaffer said in an email to the Herald-Journal. "We are seeing the same trend for other city festivals with a consistent increase in attendance and visitors traveling over 50 miles away." Whether you have out-of-town friends and family visiting or headed to the Upstate for the first time, here are five ways to make the most of the holidays in the Greenville-Spartanburg area: A Dickens of a Christmas is a Victorian holiday event that was held in downtown Spartanburg on Dec. 6. Jada Douglas. 16. of Broome High School lights up playing in the 'artificial' snow created for the night. Enjoy some free, family fun Lovers of the arts may wish to visit the Chapman Cultural Center (200 E. St. John St, Spartanburg). The center is also home to the Spartanburg Art Museum, University of South Carolina Upstate Art Gallery, Artists' Guild of Spartanburg Gallery, and Spartanburg Science Center all free or low-cost to visit. Need some fresh air? Head to Greer City Park (301 E. Poinsett St.). The park features a playground, paved walking paths, multiple water features, and plenty of places to sit and people watch and is a short walk from the shops and restaurants of Greer Station. These Spartanburg shops offer locally-made gifts for your friends and family. Hub City Bookshop in the heart of downtown Spartanburg offers a wide range of books for holiday shopping gifts for the season. Shop small businesses on Main Street The two cities' downtowns feature many boutiques and specialty shops. Stop by Spartanburg's independent press bookstore, Hub City Bookshop (186 W. Main St.), to browse the titles alongside bestsellers. Foodies will love The Spice & Tea Exchange (135 W. Main St.) and Palmetto Olive Oil Company (151 E. Dunbar St.). In Greer, The Shoppes off Trade (410 W. Poinsett St.) offer a one-stop shopping experience where you can purchase local art, artisanal chocolates, jewelry, clothing and more. For those looking for a luxe boutique shopping experience, check out Sparkling Sisters Boutique & Champagne Bar (111 E. Poinsett St.), where you can browse clothing, jewelry and gifts while sipping a drink from the bar. Cartwright Food Hall is a new food court-style dining option coming to Greer. Owners offer a preview tour of the new 7,000-square-foot venue with multiple food vendors, located on Trade Street in downtown Greer, Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Check out the local food scene Many Upstate residents take pride and interest in the area's ever-growing restaurant community. Spots for a tasty lunch include Carolina BBQ (7119-A Lone Oak Road, Spartanburg), named the best barbecue restaurant in South Carolina by "Southern Living" in 2017. Greer's new Cartwright Food Hall (215 Trade St.) is where you can try a variety of cuisines from smash burgers at Anonymous Burgers, owned by Food Network featured chef Michael Sibert, to empanadas and sushi in an upscale food court-style setting. For those looking for a nice evening out in Spartanburg, try Level 10 (225 W. Main St.), The Kennedy (221 E. Kennedy St.), or The Tulip Tree (121 W. Main St.) in downtown. In Greer, try Rick Erwin's (104 E. Poinsett St. Ext.) and L'INCANTO (117 E. Poinsett St.) in downtown Greer for fine dining and ambiance. For java lovers, Little River Roasting Co.'s Pharmacy Coffee (187 N. Church St., Spartanburg), located in the historic Montgomery Building, is a must-visit. The shop was recommended as a top place to visit in Spartanburg by "Southern Living" magazine in October and was named the fifth most beautiful coffee shop in the world by "TripSavvy" in 2022. And those with a sweet tooth shouldn't miss Caroline's Cakes (925 Beaumont Ave., Spartanburg). The bakery has been selling and shipping cakes for decades, receiving multiple recognitions on Oprah's Favorites list. Their most popular item is their seven-layer caramel cake, often available by the slice in the cafe. Visitors to the BMW Zentrum in Greer can take self-guided tours to take them on a journey through the history of the German automaker. Learn about the county's past and present See a piece of living history at Suber's Corn Mill (2002 Suber Mill Road, Greer), one of the last operating grist mills in South Carolina. This water-powered mill has been making and selling corn meal and grits since 1908. Visit to see how it's done from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays starting Dec. 17. The BMW Zentrum Museum (1400 Highway 101 South, Greer) is a great visit for car buffs or anyone who wants to learn about the Upstate's leading industry. The free museum, opens from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, shares the company's history from its start in aviation and motorsports to today, including exhibits of many rare models. Samantha Swann covers city news, development and culture in Spartanburg. She is a University of South Carolina Upstate and Greenville Technical College alumna. Contact her at sswann@shj.com or on Instagram at @sam_on_spartanburg. This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: 5 ways to enjoy the holiday season in Spartanburg, Greer A 24-year-old man was charged Monday night in the death of a 15-year-old girl at his apartment in the South Shore neighborhood, Chicago police said. Joshua Williams, of the 7200 block of South Phillips Avenue, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Amarise Parker who was found strangled inside Williams residence. Advertisement Amarise Parker, 15, was found strangled inside an apartment building in the South Shore neighborhood on Dec. 13, 2023. (Chicago Police Department) The Cook County medical examiner found that Parker had died from a combination of asphyxiation and strangulation, and her death was ruled a homicide. Her mother told reporters she believed her daughter was dating a man who lived at the location, and had called to be picked up before her death. Advertisement An arrest warrant was issued for Williams, and he was taken into custody Saturday in the 2000 block of West Maypole Avenue on the West Side, police said. Williams was scheduled to appear Tuesday at a detention hearing. We owe a debt of gratitude to the El Paso Times especially to local reporter Lauren Villagran and photojournalists Omar Ornelas and Gaby Velasquez for their coverage of the deadly cost that comes when migrants flee to the US-Mexico border. When Pope Francis came to Ciudad Juarez in 2016, he challenged us to measure the realities of the border with names, stories, and families. La perdida - The loss: Deadly disaster at El Paso does just that. This series of stories painfully but expertly narrates the throbbing vein of anguish that connects sending countries like Guatemala to places like Ciudad Juarez, where 40 migrants were killed in a fire in May, and to the Rio Grande and deserts around El Paso, which are the sites of a shockingly high number of border deaths. Bishop Mark J. Seitz speaks about the deaths of migrants at the border during a mass given by the catholic clergy of Las Cruces, New Mexico, El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua in the middle of the river on Nov. 4, 2023. I know that these deaths should move us to compassion and grief. I have personally experienced those feelings. But I have also visited the morgue to bless bodies of people who drowned in the channel at the border, administered the last rites to those who lost their lives after collapsing in the desert, and called the families of the dead when nobody else would, too many times. Now I am also angry. The New Testament relates that the birth of Jesus so provoked the insecurity of King Herod, the political leader of Judea, that he drew up plans to kill the newborn infant. In response, Joseph, Jesus guardian, and earthly father, took Jesus and his mother, Mary, by night and fled Bethlehem to go to Egypt. I cannot help but think of the mother of Jesus, Mary, and her maternal instinct to protect her child, the fear she must have felt knowing that Herod wanted to strike at her family, the pain of leaving relatives behind, not knowing if she would ever return, and her relief when finally arriving in Egypt. The Most Rev. Mark J. Seitz. Yenefer Vazque, Marlene Leyva-Perez and Arelis Chavez Bueno, all mentioned in the reporting, perished in our desert while hoping to find Marys relief. Terrible conditions in sending countries, combined with our increasingly restrictive border policies, robbed them of that feeling of security and their hopes were never realized. In narrating the Christmas story, the Bible also describes how Mary was forced to give birth and place her child in the feeding trough of farm animals. Whether out of fear, or indifference, or because the family didnt prepare for the birth in the right way, no one would open their doors to her. How many would respond to this asylum-seeking family in the same way today? In my work with the Hope Border Institute through our humanitarian relief program for migrants, the Border Refugee Assistance Fund, I have met with many women in Ciudad Juarez with names, stories and families who left everything behind in order to hold onto hope of a better future. I discovered in those moments of encounter a shared humanity, that our lives were bound up with one another, and that there is nothing to fear from those fleeing to our border, but much to learn. An annual Mass in memory of migrants who have died at the U.S.-Mexico border is celebrated by the Catholic clergies of El Paso, Juarez and Las Cruces, New Mexico in the middle of the Rio Grande on Nov. 4, 2023. Anger alone changes nothing. Joseph wasnt paralyzed by the indifference or fear of those around him but took action to find a safe place for his family. I, too, know that the anger which I have felt must be transformed into responsibility and action, so that we might build a world which doesnt defraud those at our border today of hope or rob them of their lives. More: La perdida - The loss: Deadly disaster at El Paso, Juarez border The answer cannot be hardened borders, concertina wire, the return of Title 42, now reportedly under consideration by President Biden, or the undermining of the ability to find security at our border. What if we came to see our fellow human beings as possessing at least the same value as the goods we allow to pass through our international bridge so readily to satisfy our consumer desires? What if we were to really heed the radical call of Jesus to love our neighbor? Jose Guadalupe Torres Campos, the Catholic bishop of Ciudad Juarez, leads members of his clergy towards the middle of the Rio Grande to participate in a Mass in November given in honor of migrants who have died at the border My hope is that our Christmas and holiday celebrations this year will be occasions to turn compassion, grief and anger into responsibility and action, to build a world worthy of a God who so treasures the vulnerable that he became one of them. Mark J. Seitz is the Roman Catholic bishop of El Paso. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Record migrant deaths at border should 'move us to compassion, grief' Associate Justice Clarence Thomas during the formal group photograph at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. The court opened its new term Monday with a calendar already full of high-profile clashes, including two cases that could end the use of race in college admissions. Associate Justice Clarence Thomas during the formal group photograph at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. The court opened its new term Monday with a calendar already full of high-profile clashes, including two cases that could end the use of race in college admissions. Most of us feel underpaid and undervalued at our jobs. And new reporting suggests that even Supreme Court Justices get down in the dumps over stagnant wages. Despite making $173,600 in January of 2000, the equivalent of $300,000 in 2023, ProPublica reported that Justice Clarence Thomas was so frustrated with his salary that conservatives worried he would quit the bench. Read more But it does give us insight into how he was feeling about money and why he was amenable to receiving significant financial assistance from wealthy friends. Thomas is rich by traditional standards. The equivalent of $300,000 in todays money isnt anything to sneer at. But many of his colleagues were extremely wealthy on their own. It appears that the pressure to keep up with the Joneses is real for everyone even members of the Supreme Court. Although, most of us arent unfathomably powerful with wealthy friends willing to spend their Billions on us. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The chairman of the Clermont County Republican Party is running for Congress but didn't get the endorsement of the party he leads. In an eight-hour meeting that started Monday night and stretched into early Tuesday morning, the Clermont County Republicans endorsed assistant Clermont County prosecutor and concrete company owner David Taylor for the open congressional seat to succeed Rep. Brad Wenstrup. Clermont GOP Chairman Charles Tassell confirmed to The Enquirer via text at 2 a.m. that Taylor received the endorsement of the county party. Tassell and Taylor are among at least eight Republican candidates seeking the nomination to run for the 2nd Congressional District. Tassell said he will likely step down as party chair but will continue his congressional campaign. "The key is, when the party endorses someone, the party resources should be behind that someone," Tassell told The Enquirer. "Im not supporting that person." David Taylor Taylor says endorsement shows 'momentum' Tassell said he and Taylor were the top two vote-getters who advanced to a second round of voting where Taylor won the endorsement at about 2 a.m. Tuesday. Tassell, on Tuesday morning, said he didn't remember the vote total. "That late in the night many of my supporters had gone home," Tassell said. "It is an attrition issue." The meeting wasn't open to the media, so it wasn't immediately clear why the party chose Taylor. Taylor released a statement praising the decision. I am honored to receive their endorsement and look forward to earning the support of the voters on March 19th," Taylor said in a statement. Over the past few days, our campaign has quickly gained momentum and support. That continued last night with the endorsement from the Clermont County Republican Party. Wenstrup, in November, announced he would not seek reelection in 2024 so he could spend more time with family. The Clermont Republicans had many candidates to choose from. The open seat Wenstrup is vacating has sparked a flurry of interest among potential GOP suitors in the 2nd Congressional District, which stretches across 15 counties from Clermont County just east of Cincinnati through southern Ohio. Where is the district? The sprawling district runs from Cincinnati's suburbs in the west to West Virginia in the east, covering most of southern Ohio. Almost all of the counties are considered part of Appalachia. The district covers all of Clermont, Clinton, Pike, Adams, Brown, Highland, Ross, Scioto, Pickaway, Hocking, Vinton, Jackson, Lawrence, Gallia, and Meigs counties, as well as a portion of Fayette County. Ohio's 2nd congressional district What is the district like politically? It is the most Republican district of Ohio's 15, based on the 2020 presidential race results. President Donald Trump beat Joe Biden by about a 3-to-1 margin. Wenstrup himself beat his most recent Democratic challenger Samantha Meadows in 2022 by the same margin. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who the Clermont County Republicans endorsed for Wenstrup's open seat CNNs Boris Sanchez and Brianna Keilar on Monday explained how Donald Trumps interest in Nazi German dictator Adolf Hitler is nothing new, after the former president was condemned for echoing Hitlers rhetoric when he claimed immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country. Its not a recent development, said Keilar. In 2021, she pointed out, Michael Bender recounted in his book Frankly, We Did Win This Election how Trump reportedly praised Hitler while commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I in France. Well, Hitler did a lot of good things, the then-president told his chief of staff John Kelly, according to Bender. Kelly pushed back on Trumps claim, but the president highlighted Germanys economic recovery following Hitlers rise to power as proof. Trump has since denied saying it. Keilar also noted how, in their 2022 book The Divider, Peter Baker and Susan Glasser reported that Trump criticized U.S. generals for not acting like Hitlers generals in World War II. In 1990, Keilar recalled, Trumps first wife, Ivana Trump, told Vanity Fair that he kept a collection of Hitlers addresses in a bedside cabinet. If I had these speeches, and I am not saying that I do, I would never read them, Donald Trump said at the time. And only last year, Keilar remembered Donald Trump entertaining Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes and the rapper Ye, who has made antisemitic comments on social media, at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Were seeing a pattern here and the pattern here, very clear, said Keilar. Watch the video here: Related... Russian drones drop caustic and flammable gas on Ukrainian lines to sow panic ahead of conventional shelling, CNN wrote on Dec. 19 in its report on trench warfare on the southern front. International conventions prohibit the use of chemical agents in warfare, including riot control substances. Ukraine has previously accused Russia of using banned chemical weapons in its full-scale invasion. Nine gas attacks were reported near Zaporizhzhia Oblast's Orikhiv in recent weeks, resulting in one death, a Ukrainian medic deployed in the sector told CNN. A Ukrainian intelligence official told the news outlet the substance used was a form of CS gas, a defining component of tear gas, commonly used as a riot control agent. The substance causes significant irritation of the eyes, mouth, lungs, and skin, and its use in warfare is prohibited under the United Nations' Chemical Weapons Convention. Two Ukrainian soldiers who survived the gas attack told CNN the substance ignited in their trench. "The trench was in flames. This gas burns, blinds you, you can't breathe, shoots down your throat immediately. We didn't even have a second." The two servicemen reportedly suffered burns and welts to their face, mouth, and throat as a result of the exposure. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the commander of the Tavria group of forces, said in August that Russian forces fired artillery barrages with munitions containing a chemical substance, presumably chloropicrin. Contact with chloropicrin, commonly used during World War I, causes severe irritation to the skin, eyes, and if inhaled, to internal organs. The Ukrainian military also said in June that Russian forces deployed a gas with suffocating effect near Marinka in Donetsk Oblast, but the wind blew it back in the enemy direction. A month earlier, Ukraine's Border Service reported that the Russian military had fired munitions with irritant aerosols and chemical grenades near Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. EDMONDS, Wash. - The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a kayaker who went missing in the late morning hours of Dec. 17 off of Edmonds. The search was suspended at 9 a.m. the following day. According to the Coast Guard, a man in his 50s went kayaking Sunday, but he was nowhere to be seen. His kayak was found adrift southwest of Edmonds with his car keys inside. The keys matched a car that was left near an Edmonds park. Crews searched for 20 hours and covered 97 square miles of water and traveled 380 track-line miles, according to the Coast Guard. Multiple air and marine units responded. It's unclear what the man was wearing when he went missing. This is a developing story. A 64-year-old Collinsville man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly stabbing his wife multiple times and shooting her in the head, according to police. Robert L. Doll of Lafayette Court was charged in Madison County with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated battery. His wife is expected to survive and make a full recovery, according to Collinsville police. According to a press release, neighbors called 911 to report that a woman was outside screaming for help. When officers arrived, they found the woman covered in blood. She told them she had been stabbed multiple times by her husband and also believed she had been shot in the head, the release stated. The woman was taken by ambulance to a St. Louis hospital. Her condition was not available Monday afternoon. After surrounding the apartment building for several hours with the assistance of neighboring police agencies, it was determined that Doll had been able to flee the area to avoid arrest, but he was captured Sunday by police in Maryland Heights, Missouri, police said. Doll is being held in the Madison County Jail awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing. Washington The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that former President Donald Trump is disqualified from holding the presidency under the Constitution's so-called insurrection clause and ordered the secretary of state to exclude his name from the state's Republican presidential primary ballot. The landmark decision from the divided Colorado Supreme Court that Trump cannot hold public office under the Civil War-era provision is unprecedented, and it marks the first time a court has found him to be ineligible to return to the White House due to his conduct surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Never before has a court determined that a presidential candidate is disqualified under the clause, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. What to know about the Colorado Supreme Court's Trump ruling, and what happens nextRead the Colorado Supreme Court's opinions in the case disqualifying Trump from the primary ballot Asked about the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling on Wednesday, President Biden told reporters it is up to the court to determine the application of Section 3, but said there's "no question" Trump supported an insurrection. The ruling does not apply outside of Colorado, and the state high court, whose justices were all appointed by Democratic governors, paused its decision until Jan. 4 one day before the deadline for Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold to certify the candidates for the state's March 5 primary. "We conclude that because President Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President under Section Three, it would be a wrongful act under the Election Code for the Secretary to list President Trump as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot," the court's majority wrote in an unsigned opinion. "Therefore, the Secretary may not list President Trump's name on the 2024 presidential primary ballot, nor may she count any write-in votes cast for him." Lawsuits challenging Trump's candidacy have been filed in more than 25 states ahead of the 2024 election, though the Colorado case brought on behalf of six voters marks the most immediate threat to his campaign. National polls show Trump atop the field of candidates vying for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, a spokesman for his campaign said, setting up a high-stakes showdown over his eligibility to run just as voters in early states begin casting their ballots in the Republican primaries. In pausing its decision, the Colorado Supreme Court said that if review to the nation's highest court is sought before Jan. 4, its stay will remain in place, and the secretary will be required to list Trump on the 2024 primary ballot until the U.S. Supreme Court rules. "The Colorado Supreme Court issued a completely flawed decision tonight and we will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court and a concurrent request for a stay of this deeply undemocratic decision," Steve Cheung, spokesman for the Trump campaign, said in a statement. "We have full confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court will quickly rule in our favor and finally put an end to these unAmerican lawsuits." The seven-member Colorado Supreme Court divided 4-3 on the ruling, with its majority reversing the trial court's finding as to the scope of Section 3 to conclude that it encompasses the office of the presidency and one who has taken an oath as president. "President Trump asks us to hold that Section Three disqualifies every oathbreaking insurrectionist except the most powerful one and that it bars oath-breakers from virtually every office, both state and federal, except the highest one in the land," the majority wrote. "Both results are inconsistent with the plain language and history of Section Three." Griswold, in an interview Wednesday on CBS News' "America Decides," said, "There shouldn't be a loophole for the president if the president decides to engage in insurrection or rebellion." "Donald Trump incited the insurrection. He tried to stop the peaceful transfer of the presidency, trying to steal the presidential election from the American people," Griswold said. "Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has clear language. So I do believe the Colorado Supreme Court got it right. But unlike Donald Trump, I will follow whatever court decision is in place, the law, the U.S. Constitution, when it comes time to certify the election." She pushed back on the argument that the decision is antidemocratic and disenfranchises voters. "It's ironic because Donald Trump literally tried to steal the presidency. That is the only reason that this case moved forward, because of his actions," she said. Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which brought the lawsuit in Colorado, praised the decision and said the group will work to ensure that it remains in place. "The court's decision today affirms what our clients alleged in this lawsuit: that Donald Trump is an insurrectionist who disqualified himself from office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment based on his role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol, and that Secretary Griswold must keep him off of Colorado's primary ballot. It is not only historic and justified, but is necessary to protect the future of democracy in our country," he said in a statement. The case adds to the ongoing legal issues facing Trump and his presidential campaign, including a criminal case related to the 2020 presidential election that is set to go to trial in March if allowed to move forward. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment The Colorado case hinged on whether Section 3 bars Trump from the nation's highest office. The provision aims to prevent those who swore an oath to support the Constitution and engaged in insurrection from holding state or federal office. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed the lawsuit in Colorado state court on behalf of four Republican voters and two unaffiliated voters in September, arguing that Trump's actions related to the Jan. 6 assault disqualified him under Section 3. Dozens of suits filed across the country have raised the same argument, though several have already been dismissed by state courts. In November, a trial court in Denver found that the events on Jan. 6 satisfy the definition of insurrection, and concluded that Trump engaged in insurrection through incitement. Judge Sarah B. Wallace ultimately determined that the language of Section 3 is unclear as to whether it covered the presidency and the former president, and ordered Griswold to list Trump on the GOP presidential primary ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court agreed to review the district court's ruling, and held arguments in the case earlier this month. The justices weighed whether the events of Jan. 6 could be considered an "insurrection," and, if so, one that Trump "engaged in." They also considered whether the president is an "officer of the United States" under Section 3. In their ruling, the four justices in the majority acknowledged that "we travel in uncharted territory, and that this case presents several issues of first impression." "We do not reach these conclusions lightly. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us," the majority wrote. "We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach." The justices rejected claims from Trump's lawyers that the breach of the Capitol by his supporters on Jan. 6 was not an insurrection and instead concluded that the record in the case "amply established that the events of January 6 constituted a concerted and public use of force or threat of force by a group of people to hinder or prevent the U.S. government from taking the actions necessary to accomplish the peaceful transfer of power in this country." Attorney Eric Olson, far right, argues before the Colorado Supreme Court on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Denver. / Credit: David Zalubowski / AP In determining that Trump engaged in insurrection, the Colorado high court said there is "substantial evidence" that the former president was "laying the groundwork for a claim that the election was rigged" before the November presidential contest. Trump, the majority said, "continued to fan the flames of his supporters' ire, which he had ignited" by making false claims about the integrity of the election on social media and in a speech outside the White House on Jan. 6. "President Trump's direct and express efforts, over several months, exhorting his supporters to march to the Capitol to prevent what he falsely characterized as an alleged fraud on the people of this country were indisputably overt and voluntary," the justices wrote. "Moreover, the evidence amply showed that President Trump undertook all these actions to aid and further a common unlawful purpose that he himself conceived and set in motion: prevent Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election and stop the peaceful transfer of power." The high court found that Trump "did not merely incite the insurrection," but "continued to support it" by continuing to urge then-Vice President Mike Pence to unilaterally toss out state Electoral College votes. "These actions constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection," the majority wrote. Justices Richard Gabriel, Melissa Hart, Monica Marquez and William Hood were in the majority, while Chief Justice Brian Boatright and Justices Carlos Samour and Maria Berkenkotter dissented. In his dissent, Samour warned that because other states differ from Colorado in their election laws, Trump will likely be disqualified from the presidential primary ballot in less than all 50 states, "risking chaos in our country." "This can't possibly be the outcome the framers intended," he wrote. Other legal challenges Enacted in 1868, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment sought to keep former Confederate civil and military officeholders from serving in federal or state government, and was primarily invoked in the years after the Civil War. It has seldom been used in modern times, and never against a former president. The Jan. 6 riot and allegations that Trump incited the attack, followed by his decision to seek a second term in the White House, led to lawsuits in more than half the states seeking to keep him off the ballots. In Michigan, a judge ruled in November in part that it is up to Congress to determine whether Trump is disqualified from holding public office. The state court of appeals affirmed the lower court's ruling last week, finding that the secretary of state's role in the presidential primary is "chiefly that of an administrator," and it's the political parties and candidates that determine who to place on the primary ballot. "Even if Trump were disqualified from holding the office of President of the United States by the Insurrection Clause, nothing prevents the Michigan Republican Party from identifying him as a candidate in the upcoming primary election," a three-judge appeals court panel concluded. Michigan voters challenging Trump's candidacy have appealed to the state supreme court. In Minnesota, the state's high court dismissed a lawsuit seeking to exclude Trump from the ballot for the Republican primary because it is an "internal party election to serve internal party purposes" and doesn't automatically qualify the winner for the general election ballot. The Minnesota Supreme Court said voters could, however, pursue their case regarding the general election ballot after the state's March 5 primary. On the heels of ruling in Colorado, California Lieutenant Gov. Eleni Kounalakis urged the secretary of state to explore "every legal option" to remove Trump from the state's 2024 primary ballot. Secretary of State Shirley Weber is set to announce the certified list of candidates for California's March 5 primary on Dec. 28. "The Colorado decision can be the basis for a similar decision here in our state," she wrote in a letter to Weber. "The constitution is clear: you must be 35 years old and not be an insurrectionist." Republicans rally behind Trump The decision from the Colorado Supreme Court prompted widespread condemnation from Republicans, including his opponents in the race for the party's presidential nomination. Nikki Haley, who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in the Trump administration, said in a town hall Tuesday evening in Agency, Iowa, that "we don't need judges making these decisions. We need voters to make these decisions. So I want to see this in the hands of the voters." "The last thing we want is judges telling us who can and can't be on the ballot," she added. Trump's other major challenger in the Republican primary, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, did not address the ruling during a campaign event in Ankeny, Iowa, but later tweeted that "the Left invokes 'democracy' to justify its use of power, even if it means abusing judicial power to remove a candidate from the ballot based on spurious legal grounds. SCOTUS should reverse." Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, the most vocal GOP critic of Trump in the race for the White House, said the former president has not been tried for inciting an insurrection and is entitled to due process. "I do not believe Donald Trump should be prevented from being president of the United States by any court," he said during an event in New Hampshire. "I think he should be prevented from being president of the United States by the voters of this country." Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who remains in the primary race, predicted that the court's finding that Trump supported an insurrection "will haunt his candidacy." House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the decision of the Colorado Supreme Court, calling it "nothing but a thinly veiled partisan attack." "Regardless of political affiliation, every citizen registered to vote should not be denied the right to support our former president and the individual who is the leader in every poll of the Republican primary," he said in a post to social media. "We trust the U.S. Supreme Court will set aside this reckless decision and let the American people decide the next President of the United States." Inventor of dental device backs off his claims after investigation of patient harms Dangerous waves, some as big as 40 feet, wreak havoc along Pacific coast "The Points Guy" shares his top travel destinations for 2024 Research reveals evidence for early domestic yak on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Xinhua) 09:59, December 19, 2023 XI'AN, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Herders living at high altitudes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau started extensively raising yaks, cattle, and their hybrids around 2,500 years ago, according to recent research. Scientists from China and the United States conducted a study exploring the origin of ancient cattle and yaks, the historical context of husbandry adapted to extreme conditions on the plateau, and the early hybridization of yak and cattle. Genetic studies show that the current wild yak is closely related to the ancestors of domestic yak, and the cattle in the prehistoric era on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were likely brought into the region from the northwestern areas of China, as indicated by archaeological findings. It has been observed that hybrids may adapt better to harsh environments while producing more milk and meat and exhibiting greater strength compared to cattle at high altitudes. Scholars have also argued that herders integrated yak, cattle, and their hybrids, along with sheep, goats, and horses, to generate multiple livelihoods for obtaining meat, milk, fur, and dung for fuel. The research offers genetic evidence to support further investigation into the domestication of yaks and the high-altitude adaptability of cattle. The study was published in Science Advances in December. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Dec. 21, 2023, after being convicted by a federal jury of racketeering conspiracy and a dozen other counts. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Jurors held their first full day of deliberations Tuesday in the racketeering case of ex-Ald. Edward Burke, the longtime City Council powerhouse charged with abusing his substantial clout for his own personal gain. The panel of nine women and three men have now deliberated for about 10 hours over two days without reaching a verdict. Advertisement U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall said the jury sent a note soon after arriving at 9 a.m. asking for additional copies of the indictment. The panel sent its first substantive note to the judge less than an hour later, asking for clarification about a count charging co-defendant Charles Cui with using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity. Advertisement The count required the jury to determine whether Burke accepted property from Cui that he was not authorized by law to accept and took a fee or reward which he knows is not authorized by law. In their note, jurors asked for a definition of the phrase not authorized by law. After lengthy arguments from prosecutors and Burkes attorneys, Kendall ultimately sided with Cuis lawyers, who asked her to tell jurors only that the answers are in the instructions they already received. The question reflects just how complicated some of the jurys findings have to be. And it was a reminder that, while the count at issue charges only Cui with a crime, Burkes alleged actions and his status as alderman underlie everything about the case. Just before 3 p.m. Tuesday, jurors sent out a third note, asking whether Amtrak employees are considered public officers. After a brief discussion, Kendall agreed to tell them that the answer is no. Amtrak came into play during evidence about the $600 million renovation of the Old Post Office. Since the project sits over train tracks that run to and from Union Station, the redevelopers had to deal with Amtrak extensively and ran into significant bureaucratic hurdles. Prosecutors allege that Burke worked to smooth the way for the developers in a scheme to get their legal business for his firm. The jury was previously instructed that the term public officer is a person who is elected to office by law to discharge a public duty, so Amtrak does not qualify. After discussing the last note, attorney Todd Pugh, who represents Burkes co-defendant Peter Andrews Jr., told the judge his client was in the hospital. He did not disclose why in open court, but said things were not as bad as initially thought and he might be discharged. Andrews appearance has been waived for now. Advertisement Pugh declined to comment further on Andrews condition after the hearing. [ Ex-Ald. Ed Burke corruption trial: Evidence seen and heard by the jury ] Deliberations are expected to last for days. The charges against Burke and his co-defendants are substantial and complicated; it took Kendall nearly four hours on Monday to read the jury instructions alone. They must sort through the 19 counts in the case, which include 14 counts against Burke and a combination of other charges involving Andrews and Cui. At the heart of the case were dozens of wiretapped phone calls and secretly recorded meetings made by Daniel Solis, the former 25th Ward alderman who turned FBI mole after being confronted in 2016 with his own wrongdoing. With Christmas week looming, Kendall told the panel last week they should not feel rushed in their discussions, particularly after a six-week trial, so if there is no verdict by Friday, they would not come back until after New Years. I dont want you to think Im going to be Scrooge if you want to take a long time, the judge said. Im not going to make you sit Christmas week. I dont want anybody to be stressed that you cant be with your families. Advertisement Burke, 79, who served 54 years as alderman before leaving the City Council in May, is charged with 14 counts including racketeering, federal program bribery, attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity. Andrews, 74, is charged with one count of attempted extortion, one count of conspiracy to commit extortion, two counts of using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity and one count of making a false statement to the FBI. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Cui, 52, is facing counts of federal program bribery, using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity and making false statements to the FBI. The racketeering charge alleges Burke used his significant City Hall power to try to get business for his private law firm from developers. The indictment alleges Burke and Andrews conspired to extort the Texas-based owners of a Burger King in his Southwest Side 14th Ward, and in a separate scheme, Cui is accused of hiring Burkes firm, Klafter & Burke, because he was desperate to win a pole sign permit for a Binnys Beverage Depot in Portage Park. Burke is also accused of threatening to block an admission fee increase at the Field Museum in retaliation against officials who failed to give a paid internship to a daughter of one of his longtime City Council allies. Advertisement jmeisner@chicagotribune.com mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com rlong@chicagotribune.com Comcast cable network's Xfinity confirmed this week that it had a major security data breach. According to a statement sent to customers on Monday, Xfinity determined that information likely acquired by the hackers included usernames and hashed passwords, and in some cases, contact information, last four digits of Social Security numbers, dates of birth and/or secret questions and answers. The assessment followed a "thorough review." The cable network said it notified federal law enforcement and started an investigation. According to a report with Maines attorney general data breach notifications, Comcast verified that over 35.8 million customers are affected by the breach. More: NJ seeing increase in respiratory illnesses. CDC warning to be cautious in holiday travel. The company said the issue was uncovered during a routine cybersecurity exercise on Oct. 25. Xfinity discovered suspicious activity due to a Citrix software vulnerability. Citrix is a software program used by Xfinity. Xfinity determined that between Oct. 16 and Oct. 19, 2023, there was unauthorized access to its internal systems as a result of the vulnerability. Xfinity requested customers reset their passwords and recommends customers enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication to secure their accounts. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Comcast cable network confirms security breach of millions of customers The brother of Hezbollah fighter Ali Hassan al-Atat, who was killed by an Israeli strike, lies on top of his sibling's coffin during his funeral procession in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh, Lebanon, on Dec. 7, 2023. (Bilal Hussein/AP) Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is traveling to the Middle East this week in part to press Israel to moderate its war plans in Gaza and prepare for a transition to lower-intensity operations against top Hamas commanders. President Joe Bidens administration is increasingly impatient about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, a small coastal territory that has essentially become hell on earth. The Israelis, meanwhile, are increasingly impatient about the situation in the north, near Israels border with Lebanon. Ever since the war in Gaza began on Oct. 7, the Israeli military and Hezbollah, the Lebanese terrorist group that runs south Lebanon, have been firing at each other across the United Nations-demarcated border. Hezbollah drones and missiles, some of which are precision-guided, frequently target empty Israeli settlements and military posts. The Israelis quickly retaliate with airstrikes against Hezbollah weapons facilities, launch sites and Hezbollah cells preparing attacks. Approximately 94 Hezbollah fighters, as well as eight Israeli soldiers, have been killed in the bombardments, along with dozens of civilians. Tens of thousands of Israelis have evacuated the northern towns and kibbutzim near the Israel-Lebanon border. Advertisement Fortunately, the exchanges have been contained to the border region. But it doesnt take a geopolitical expert to understand that one errant rocket or airstrike with a high casualty rate could turn controlled escalation into chaos. Indeed, just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is receiving pressure from some quarters to negotiate another truce with Hamas, Netanyahu is getting flak from Israelis in the north who want to return to their homes. Earlier in the war, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made the case that Hezbollah should be attacked preemptively to degrade the militia groups ability to conduct an Oct. 7-style attack in the north. That recommendation was ultimately rejected. Yet as hostilities on the Israel-Lebanon border persist, Netanyahu may eventually have a change of heart. Gallant remains committed to his position, warning the United States, Lebanon, Iran and every state in between that if the world doesnt get Hezbollah away from the border, Israel will do it. Advertisement An Israeli military spokesman was more ominous: Hezbollah a proxy of Iran is dragging Lebanon into an unnecessary war that would have devastating consequences for the people of Lebanon. The statement amounts to a soft ultimatum to the world. From Washingtons standpoint, the ultimatum evokes mixed feelings. On the one hand, Hezbollah is the regions most formidable terrorist group, equipped with state-of-the-art missiles that can rain down fury on every major city in Israel. Yet on the other, a large-scale Israeli campaign against Hezbollah, even if it were warranted, is the last thing the U.S. wants right now. The Biden administration has invested significant diplomatic capital into containing the fighting to Gaza and preventing it from spreading to other faultlines in the Middle East. Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, CIA Director William Burns, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs CQ Brown Jr. and President Joe Biden himself have all flown to the region in the hope of tamping down the flames of war. While all of these officials recognize that Israel has a responsibility to defend its citizens from terrorism, none of them wants to see Israel take rash actions that could cause more problems and suck the U.S. into a war it would (rightly) rather avoid. We should be under no illusions: If Israel were to act preemptively against Hezbollah, and the Lebanese militia group were to retaliate by launching some of the more than 150,000 missiles in its arsenal, its highly likely the U.S. would get more directly involved on Israels behalf. The U.S. military posture in the Middle East is already in a high state of alert and larger than it has been in years. Two aircraft carriers remain stationed in the regions waters, both carrying numerous fighter and bomber aircraft onboard. There are too many U.S. warships in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean to count, but all of them are equipped with the kinds of cruise missiles that would allow Washington to target Hezbollah positions at a relatively safe distance. The Biden administration has reportedly discussed possible military options against Hezbollah. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > To date, all of those discussions are preliminary. This is what U.S. officials in the national security space do: They consider various contingencies and plan in the hopes that the worse-case scenario never occurs. Averting the worse-case scenario, however, takes a lot of work, patience, persistence and frank talk. The U.S. has actually been frank with the Israelis at times, for instance by reprimanding them for striking the U.S.-supported Lebanese army more than 34 times since October. (Some of these strikes were likely by accident.) But the possibility of the war in Gaza expanding to Lebanon is of such gravity and consequence that working to avoid it is or at least should be a top Biden administration priority. Given Hezbollahs extensive arsenal, its 100,000-person army and decades of experience fighting Israel, a full-blown conflagration could get bloody quickly. Israel isnt ignorant of the risks theres a reason why around 80,000 Israeli civilians were evacuated from their homes when the Israeli-Lebanese border started to become an active combat zone. Even so, emotionalism is running high in Israel. While completely understandable, its also dangerous because emotion poisons prudent policymaking. The U.S. is continuing to press upon the parties to, if not de-escalate, then at least keep current hostilities confined to a limited area. Ultimately, however, the spat between Israel and Hezbollah wont be resolved through military means but by a diplomatic agreement that solidifies an internationally enforced buffer zone along the border. That is easier said than done. Advertisement Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. ABINGTON Three years ago, when retired carpenter and tireless "tinkerer" Steve Temple built a 24-foot wooden replica of the Eiffel Tower in his backyard, he never expected he'd wind up playing Cupid. The wooden structure, painted black, in a small woodland behind his house was a chance to work with the kind of math calculations that appeal to him. He called his Eiffel Tower research his "black hole," spending weeks figuring out the 40:1 scale and the 8-square-foot base for his model. Amber Jogie, left, and her fiance, Belmiro Da Veiga, are pictured near the 24-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower built by Steve Temple in his Abington backyard in 2020. After his tribute to the world's most iconic monument was finished in 2020, he moved on to other challenges. He built a 12-foot model of the Egyptian Sphinx , a 14-foot giraffe and, this past summer, a full-size model of the 1917 British Sopwith Camel World War I fighter biplane. After an article about his Eiffel Tower was in The Patriot Ledger in July 2020, people occasionally sought it out to also enjoy some of its magic. A teacher in Rhode Island wanted to borrow it for his students' junior prom, until he learned how big it is. A former family member got back in touch after many years. Two strangers showed up unannounced at his door and asked to see it. By far the most ardent, creative and persistent request came from a young man in Brockton: 24-year-old Belmiro Da Veiga Jr. He is a student at UMass-Boston, studying business management, who also works as a mortgage loan officer. In November 2022, Belmiro emailed The Patriot Ledger. "I would like to propose to my girlfriend using this Eiffel Tower replica in the background and would like to contact him. Do you have any way I can reach this man?" he said. Steve Temple explains how he built this model of the Eiffel Tower in his Abington backyard in front of which Belmiro Da Veiga, of Brockton, proposed to his girlfriend, Amber Jogie, of Boston. Steve and Belmiro were connected and nothing more was heard. Then a month ago, Belmiro sent this message: "After being in contact with (Steve Temple) over this past year, we coordinated a date for the proposal and it just happened yesterday (Nov. 12)! I wanted to follow up with you and give you the good news. Thank you so much for connecting me and my now Uncle Steve." Belmiro Da Veiga Jr., of Brockton, proposes to Amber Jogie, of Boston, in front of the 24-foot Eiffel Tower replica that retired carpenter Steve Temple built in his backyard in Abington in 2020. Friends helped Belmiro prepare the replica for the surprise proposal. (Josh Joseph photo) Belmiro attached several photos of the engagement scene. Belmiro and Amber Jogie, 26, have set a tentative wedding date for next July. Amber, from Georgia, is a graduate student at Boston University, where she also has worked as a resident assistant. The two met in 2021 at a Halloween party at Jubilee Christian Church in Mattapan. A friend introduced them; they soon began dating. "She was a beautiful presence, such a sweet soul," Belmiro said. In April 2022, he asked her to be his girlfriend. She mentioned at some point that one of her dreams was to get engaged someday in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. His mission was to make her dream come true As their relationship grew more serious, Belmiro's mission became "to make her dream come true. This is the love of my life and how do I get her to Paris?" Amber Jogie, of Boston, left, and her fiance, Belmiro Da Veiga, of Brockton, right, pose with carpenter Steve Temple in his Abington backyard, where he built a model of the Eiffel Tower in front of which Belmiro proposed to Amber. He consulted a church pastor and decided that he would "find a way to bring Paris to her." "Can I build an Eiffel Tower?" he wondered. He visited Home Depot, had more consultations, and then went online to search for "Eiffel Tower near me." He had heard there was a model in Las Vegas. "It came up that there was one right here in Abington!" he said. He looked up the article in The Patriot Ledger. "It's huge!" he said when he saw the photo. Once he and Steve were connected, they began emailing and calling over several months.. Finally, this past May, Belmiro met Steve and his wife, Sandra, at their Abington home. Amber still was in the dark about all this. Ideas went back and forth. A plan was made, and, along the way, Steve became "Uncle Steve" rather than "Sir," as Belmiro had been calling him. On Nov. 12, Belmiro told Amber that they were driving to his Uncle Steve's house so she could meet him. This was a family member she had never heard of and she hoped she was dressed appropriately. It was late in the afternoon when they arrived at Steve's house in Abington. Belmiro told her that Uncle Steve was always puttering in the backyard. "In the dark?" she wondered. They walked slowly across the backyard in the dark and as they reached the woodland grove, Belmiro used a remote control Steve had given him to switch on dozens of lights strung across the Eiffel Tower replica, revealing the perfect scene for Belmiro's proposal. The ground near the tower had flower petals arranged in the shape of a heart. Belmiro took a bouquet from a table and presented it to Amber as she said, 'Honey, what's going on?' He told her that since the day they had met, "I haven't stopped falling deeply in love with you." He dropped down on his knees and continued, "And today I have decided that I want to spend the rest of my tomorrows with you. So I want to ask you today, will you marry me?" "Yeah," she said, her voice catching with emotion. "I love you." He placed the ring on her finger and as she got up, they hugged, then he picked her up off the ground and swung her around. "We did it! We did it!" Belmiro shouted out in joy. "My heart was bursting, overflowing, when I saw this Eiffel Tower," Amber said last week. When she learned that a stranger had built it and then had offered to help Belmiro propose, she realized "the real Eiffel Tower could never give that sense of intimacy and warmth." Belmiro and Amber are both grateful for the wide network of support they have enjoyed. "I never could have pulled it off without our church community and friends," he said. His "brothers" from the church helped him set up the proposal scene, stringing lights over the tower, decorating the ground and testing the remote control switch to turn on the lights. Belmiro Da Veiga Jr., of Brockton, proposes to Amber Jogie, of Boston, on Nov. 12, 2023, in front of the 24-foot Eiffel Tower replica that retired carpenter Steve Temple built in his backyard in Abington in 2020. The popular path to the Eiffel Tower in their backyard has been energizing for both of the Temples, as well as their daughter Christa, who was visiting from New York during one planning session. "Steve and I both thoroughly enjoyed the whole process," Sandra Temple said. "It was exciting and it was fun to have the energy and enthusiasm of these youngsters come into my life," Steve said. "It was a very nice experience." Reach Sue Scheible at sscheible@patriotledger.com. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Man surprises fiancee with Eiffel Tower marriage proposal in Abington EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso County Search and Rescue Team successfully rescued an injured hiker at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site on Sunday, Dec. 17, according to a Facebook post made by Montana Vista Fire Rescue. Photos courtesy of Montana Vista Fire Rescue Facebook page Montana Vista Fire Rescue originally responded to the scene about reports of an injured hiker on the mountain, but because of the complexity of the rescue operation, the County Search and Rescue Team was called in. The injured hiker was successfully rescued from the mountain and the incident reached completion without any further incident, according to the social media post. The County Search and Rescue Team consists of personnel from Montana Vista Fire Rescue, Horizon Fire and the El Paso County Sheriffs Office. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Mequon Alderman Mark Gierl The Mequon-Thiensville School District has lost an appeal of a circuit court decision on an open records lawsuit filed by a former city of Mequon alderman. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals District II ruled Dec. 6 that the Mequon-Thiensville School District must turn over to Mark Gierl email distribution lists for district alumni, the district's Momentum newsletter and recreation department. The law is perfectly clear that government distribution lists whether emails, phone numbers, or mailing addresses must be released to record requesters, said Gierl's attorney, Tom Kamenick, president and founder of the Wisconsin Transparency Project, in a news release. Government custodians need to stop obstructing the publics access to this information. "Judges have ruled against MTSD on this issue four times in a row. They need to stop wasting everyones time and money," Gierl said in the release. Mequon-Thiensville School District Chief of Communications Molly Loucks said in an email to a reporter Dec. 18 that the district is aware of the ruling and is working with its legal counsel "to determine next steps." Here's more information about the lawsuit and its circumstances. When was the lawsuit filed? The lawsuit was filed in February 2022 after Gierl sought two year's worth of records in November 2021 related to three email distribution lists and emails sent to those lists, and the district refused to turn over the requested records. He then modified his request to six months. In October 2022, Ozaukee County Circuit Court Judge Steven Cain ruled in Gierl's favor before the Mequon-Thiensville School District appealed that decision. What did the appellate court say in its ruling? In its ruling, the appellate court disagreed with the district's argument "that the circuit court erred by determining it improperly withheld the email messages." "It contends that its initial refusal to provide Gierl with the email messages was rendered moot when Gierl amended his request to a six-month time period and the District provided him with those requested messages. We disagree," the court said in its ruling. "The District did not provide Gierl with the requested email messages until after Gierl petitioned for a writ of mandamus ... Stated another way, by the time Gierl filed his petition, the alleged violations had occurred," the court said in its ruling. The court of appeals also said it agreed with the circuit court's decision that the district provided insufficient reasons for refusing to provide Gierl with the email addresses. "The District denied Gierls request by stating that Gierls interest was not implicated in the records; that there was no subject-matter limitation on the request; that the request would likely require the production of voluminous records; that it would be burdensome for the District to review the records for confidentiality concerns; and that there was ongoing litigation. We conclude that these reasons, without more, are legally insufficient to justify a refusal to withholdthe records in this case," the court's ruling said. The court also said the district did not support its assertion that Gierl's request for emails sent to the three specific distribution lists for a certain period of time was insufficient under state statute. "There is also no indication that the District engaged in any balancing test in its denial, and no specific legal or policy basis was given that suggested the records were protected from disclosure. The Districts stated reasons in its denial for withholding the records do not outweigh the strong public policy in favor of disclosure," the court said. What was the result of the first open records lawsuit Gierl filed? This was not the first open records suit Gierl filed against the school district. In August 2020, Gierl filed a suit seeking parent email addresses related to a webinar titled "The Talk: A Necessary Conversation on Privilege and Race with Our Children." Cain ruled in Gierl's favor in October 2021. The district filed an appeal in December 2021, but the Court of Appeals District II denied the appeal in December 2022. That led to the district appealing to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which also denied the district's appeal, in March 2023. Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Court of Appeals denies Mequon-Thiensville's appeal of open records lawsuit By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday temporarily blocked the administration of President Joe Biden from destroying razor wire fencing that Texas placed along its border with Mexico to deter illegal border crossings. The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said a judge was wrong to rule that the U.S. government was immune from a lawsuit by Texas claiming a federal policy of removing the fencing was illegal. The court ordered U.S. immigration authorities not to destroy the fencing while Texas appeals the judge's ruling. The judge had refused to block the destruction of the fencing pending the outcome of the state's lawsuit. The office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the U.S. Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The concertina wire fencing was installed on private property along the Rio Grande river by the Texas National Guard as part of Operation Lone Star, which was launched by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2021 to deter illegal border crossings. The initiative has spurred a series of court cases, including a lawsuit filed on Tuesday challenging a new Texas law that allows state officials to arrest, prosecute, and deport people who illegally cross the border. The state's lawsuit over the razor wire claims U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents recently stepped up an existing practice of cutting, destroying or otherwise damaging fencing that the state had strategically placed on private land with landowners' permission. Last month, a federal judge criticized the Biden administration for its "utter failure" to prevent unlawful entry into the United States. But she said Texas had not shown that it had legal standing to challenge the federal government's conduct. The 5th Circuit on Tuesday said the judge had misinterpreted a law granting the U.S. government immunity from some legal claims by states, and that Texas was likely to prevail in its lawsuit. "The public interest supports clear protections for property rights from government intrusion and control," Circuit Judge Kyle Duncan wrote for the court. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Leslie Adler, Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot) Hunter Biden is slated to make his first appearance in California federal court next year over felony tax charges in the state. Bidens arraignment on his nine felony tax counts is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the federal court in Los Angeles, according to the Central District of Californias court calendar. He was indicted earlier this month on three felony charges in connection to tax evasion and filing a false return as well as six misdemeanor charges for failure to pay taxes between 2016 and 2019. Hunter Biden engaged in a four-year scheme in which he chose not to pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019 and to evade the assessment of taxes for tax year 2018 when he filed false returns, prosecutors wrote in a press release earlier this month. Bidens attorney, Abbe Lowell, has argued that his client has received unfair treatment over his late tax filings. [W]heres the fairness, justice and decency in this? Abbe Lowell said in an interview with CNN earlier this month. The charges in this new tax indictment talk about a period where Hunter was at the lowest ebb of his addiction. And like people in that regard, and I know everybody in America either has somebody in their family or friends who suffer from addiction, he certainly did things that hes not proud of. The court appearance comes months after a plea deal between prosecutors and Biden over his tax and gun charges fell apart in July. A plea deal likely would have cut down on Bidens potential jail time if convicted, whereas now he could face up to 17 years in prison for the tax charges alone. Biden already pleaded not guilty to charges relating to concealing drug use when buying a weapon in October. The scheduled court appearance also comes as President Bidens family is under increased scrutiny from House Republicans, who are investigating his familys business dealings. The House GOP formalized its impeachment inquiry into the president last week in an effort to get more information from the White House. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FILE - Armed police officers at the scene of a stabbing attack in a health club in Duisburg, Germany, Tuesday, April 18, 2023. A radicalized Syrian man was convicted of murder, attempted murder and bodily harm on Tuesday, Dec. 19 over two knife attacks in Germany this year, including an assault on visitors to a gym. The 27-year-old defendant, identified only as Maan D. in line with German privacy rules, was sentenced to life in prison. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa via AP) BERLIN (AP) A Syrian man described as radicalized was convicted of murder, attempted murder and bodily harm on Tuesday over two knife attacks in Germany this year, including an assault on visitors to a gym. The 27-year-old defendant, identified only as Maan D. in line with German privacy rules, was sentenced to life in prison. The Duesseldorf state court determined that he bears particularly severe guilt, meaning that he wont be eligible for release after 15 years as is usually the case in Germany. He was convicted of stabbing a 35-year-old man to death with a kitchen knife in the western city of Duisburg in April, and attacking four people at a gym in the city with the same knife nine days later. The victims in that stabbing survived, though some sustained life-threatening injuries. The court found that the man, who was arrested a few days after the gym attack and has been in custody since then, is still determined to kill people who are infidels from his point of view and that he is a danger to the public. The defendant arrived in Germany as a refugee in 2015 and, starting in 2020, became radicalized online by the ideology of the Islamic State group, the court said. It added that, without a direct link to IS or other terror organizations, he was determined to kill arbitrarily chosen male residents of Germany. The man showed no reaction as the verdict was announced on Tuesday, German news agency dpa reported. The defendant has set out his terrorist attitude with an openness that the court is unused to, presiding judge Jan van Lessen said. He thinks he has seen the true religion in the militant ideology of jihadism. Barn owls have moved into new boxes installed at Courteenhall this year Work to attract barn owls to a country estate has paid off, a monitoring group has said. Staff at Courteenhall, near Northampton, installed four barn owl boxes earlier this year and three have shown signs of occupation. A barn owl has also been ringed at Courteenhall for the first time, so its progress and movements can be tracked. The estate has asked neighbouring landowners to put boxes up to encourage more of the birds. Courteenhall is a private estate near Northampton with an imposing Georgian hall and its gardens are teeming with wildlife Courteenhall, which is close to junction 15 of the M1, has been owned by the Wake family since 1672. Its Georgian hall is surrounded by landscaped parkland which is home to a variety of wildlife, but the estate has been keen to attract more owls. Four boxes were installed earlier this year, monitored by Chris Payne, a licensed senior ringer and trainer for Northants Ringing Group. "On my first winter visit to Courteenhall, in two of the barn owl boxes, there was great evidence of barn owls using both," he said. "One of the boxes had a few little owl pellets inside too." Expert bird-ringer Chris Payne was delighted to find evidence of occupation in the new barn owl boxes Mr Payne said that during a second visit to check the other new boxes, the managed to ring "our first Courteenhall barn owl", which was roosting in one of the boxes. "This beautiful female is a good weight at 300g, her plumage is absolutely immaculate and, as I found out, she has needle-sharp talons," he said. Dr Johnny Wake, managing partner of Courteenhall Farms, said: "We're delighted with our growing owl population. "Ringing is important because it allows us to build up a general picture of movement in and around the estate and beyond. "It's even more effective when adjoining landowners do the same and put up owl boxes too." He said the boxes would be closely monitored over the next couple of months and before the breeding season starts. Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830. In the practice of human services, responsibility, accountability and empathy are essential, and humanity is required. When a peoples lived experience is oppression, it is much more egregious to denigrate another distressed population. Black voices count, particularly those in leadership whose voices reverberate. How effective is the NAACP or any organization to have, as its voice, a spokesperson who labels another vulnerable minority group as savages, rapists and burglars? Illinois NAACP President Teresa Haley suggested to reporters that those comments toward migrants were not hers, but rather that it was artificial intelligence. That response is informing. Advocacy for the most powerless requires character and truthfulness. Haley expressed her truths. We should believe the feelings she expressed among local NAACP branch leaders. Advertisement Was former DuPage County NAACP President Patrick Watson the only local leader to be offended? Shamelessly, other NAACP leaders have criticized Watson for releasing the video of Haleys remarks by comparing his determination to uphold NAACP tenets to government tactics. The United States is a nation of immigrants. Historically, its greatest sin is the atrocities suffered by Indigenous Americans and enslaved African Americans. Those groups await reconciliation as poor health and academic outcomes caused by disproportionate treatment continue to burden our nation. Advertisement The NAACP must respond to the responsibility, accountability and empathy question with consequential changes. In light of Haleys suspension, its questionable if we should trust an operation that empowered Illinois NAACP branches to affirm her with their votes as a representative following a vicious and racist rant made public. Arguably, the United States needs a humane and sensible immigration policy that supports and protects our citizenry but also keeps migrants and refugees fleeing their birth countries safe, as well as minimizes trauma. Lets hope the NAACPs vast experience as an advocacy organization for civil rights takes the opportunity to join forces with Chicago and Illinois state leaders to foster humanity and facilitate a process to oversee rights for all concerned with resolute and humane leadership. An apology from someone who holds Haleys views is insufficient as a resolution. The NAACP is a human rights organization, and to show empathy toward others no matter how they enter this country is demanded. Janice F. Guider, former member, NAACP, Naperville Haley should step down If Illinois NAACP President Teresa Haley does not step down, or if the NAACP does not force her to step down, the association will lose significant credibility. The civil rights organization in Illinois is at a point now in which it has a leader who has vilified more than 25,000 people of color by calling them savages and making what looks like unsubstantiated allegations that some migrants have committed horrible crimes. An apology will not do it. To have a state NAACP president attack any group of people, let alone people of color, is disgraceful. Perhaps Haley suffered a moment of misdirected anger, but her comments were still reprehensible. The NAACP cannot afford to let this incident pass without taking action. Should Haley remain state president of the NAACP, the association will lose no small amount of integrity. Terry Takash, Western Springs Advertisement High schools diversity Chicagos magnet schools have allowed students of all races to attend racially diverse schools. However, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Board of Education, with the likely encouragement of the Chicago Teachers Union, appear to want to eliminate selective-enrollment schools. This is going to deny students the opportunity to have access to an enriching curriculum while experiencing a diverse student body. Students will attend schools in their respective neighborhoods without the opportunity to interact with a diverse student body. Francoise Friedman, Chicago Possible ripple effects Chicagos selective-enrollment schools may soon be dismantled. Theres a move afoot to dump the top selective-enrollment magnet and charter school programs in order to provide an equalizing educational effect for the rest of the citys public schools. Parents clamor to get their children tested with the hope that their child will be accepted to one of the 11 elite selective-enrollment schools. The perception has long been that a child will receive a premium education with broader curricula and superior instruction by attending one of these selective-enrollment schools. What will the reaction be if selective-enrollment schools are abolished? Will parents elect to spend the money and send their children to private schools or move to the suburbs? Michael Oakes, Chicago Bettering Chicago schools The current city administration is focusing on the crown jewels of our educational system Chicagos selective-enrollment high schools. Is it because these schools show how Chicago Public Schools is failing the rest of the city? Hence, the response is take these schools down so the discrepancy is not as obvious. If its not broke ... break it? Advertisement These are not elitist schools! The elites are the students who see value and a future in a great education and are not focused on their smartphones all day long. The teachers who facilitate their dreams are also the elite. The graduates of these schools are the lifeblood of our country contributing citizens. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > If the demographics of these schools were to be made public, they would show that minorities are the majority. Graduates of these schools may be the first in their families to go on to higher education. Well off? My old school, Lane Tech, just had a winter coat drive for the students. Earlier this year, it had a food drive. Elite? Why not replicate what these schools do throughout the city? Children from every neighborhood should have the opportunity to attend a quality school. Where is the will of CPS and the city leaders? The mayor promised enhanced early education. Start there and build upon it. Its not going to happen overnight, but let go of the fixation on the crown jewels and put that energy into building a better school system for all the children of Chicago. Bill Gurolnick, Lane Tech Class of 1948, Northbrook Join the conversation in our Letters to the Editor Facebook group. Advertisement Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. I remember reading that the words to the hymn "Joy to the World," written by Isaac Watts in 1719, was not intended to be a Christmas carol. It was actually written to glorify the Lord's triumphal return at the end of the age. This fact reminds me of the most unusual and joyful children's Christmas program I ever attended. In the mid-1980s, a young man named Tony, whom I had coached in college baseball, was doing his student teaching in a rural Christian school in New Mexico. Tony taught in grades five through eight and had volunteered to direct the annual Christmas program. He was thoughtful enough to invite me to attend ... opening night . Dan Van Ommen Being young, inexperienced and rather adventuresome, Tony decided to allow the students to create their own production and to permit them to work somewhat independently. He did, however, choose the theme: "Joy To The World." There was nothing unusual about that selection; that title has served us well since 1719. This particular version was a "bit" non-traditional. Imagine a cast of more than 50 elementary students, mostly shepherds and angels, who looked "comfortable" in their self-designed costumes. Tony had asked the kids to "think outside of the box." The children were of various ethnic backgrounds. Mary was African American. The baby Jesus was a well-worn doll of unknown origin; painted a golden bronze and Joseph had blond hair ... spiked no less! I learned later, that this kid was the son of a local minister; and had appointed himself the "creative director." As the program began, a well-intentioned American Indian girl read the traditional Christmas story from the New Testament book of Luke 2:1-20, with a soft voice and little emotion. Then suddenly a male angel interrupted the performance and shouted "I bring you joyful news!" And all heaven broke loose! Instead of the aforementioned "Joy to the World" written by Watts, the cast broke into a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, back-flipping, dance featuring the "Joy to the World" rendition by Hoyt Axton and made popular by the band Three Dog Night. You may remember, it's the one that begins with the words: "Jeremiah was a bullfrog." I would share a verse or two, but the words are, what we might refer to as "unsanctified." The chorus however, which the cast sang and danced to, at least three times, goes like this: "Joy to the world, all the boys and girls now, joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me." As I reflect on that Christmas program, I recall that "fun" things occurred that night. The message that stays with me is vivid. When that young angel interrupted the silence with a "message of great joy," everything changed; much as it did on a Bethlehem hillside over 2,000 years ago. We are journeying (Advent) toward Christmas. At times, we may feel a bit somber, penitent; a little too "dressed up." On Sunday, Dec. 17, many of us lit the Advent candle of Joy. The birth of Jesus is indeed the moment when God, "took off his tuxedo," became a man (John 1:14) and brought us the most joyful news ever announced. Joy and even fun can be a part of our holiday experience. Humor can interrupt life and make it liveable. So what if the Christmas pageant isn't perfect? It can be a necessary interruption of what we traditionally expect. Children often treat their world with eager expectancy; so when joy enters, it's time to show a little emotion. Some of us "older folk" need to do the same. May we reach out with our hands and hearts this holiday season. May we enter into the joy ... and experience the fun and excitement that's always ready to explode. And, loosen up ... so what if Joseph had spiked hair? Dan Van Ommen is a Zeeland resident and a member of the Reformed Church in America. Contact him at dan.vanommen@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Dan Van Ommen: Joy to the world (KRON) A college student from Danville is fighting for his life after a truck crashed into his apartment in November, his family told KRON4. The crash happened in Utah, where Dodge Mulock, 22, is a student at Utah Valley University. Mulocks aunt says the young man was asleep on Nov. 27 when the truck plowed through his bedroom and pinned him for 45 minutes. He has been in a hospital since. Image from the Mulock family. The Pleasant Grove Police Department in Utah said the crash happened when a man on his way to work experienced a sudden medical condition that left him unconscious. His truck left the roadway at a high rate of speed before crashing into an unoccupied car and Mulocks home. At this time there is no suspicion of drugs or alcohol to have been involved. It appears to be a freak accident caused by the sudden onset of an unknown medical condition, PGPD said. A GoFundMe set up for Mulock said he suffered internal organ damage, bone fractures, and extreme loss of blood. His mother and twin sister flew down from Danville to be with him, and his mother has remained at the hospital. In addition to his injuries, Mulocks belongings, including his computer and video games, were reduced to rubble, the GoFundMe said. KRON ON is streaming news live now Mulock was attending Utah Valley while working to support himself. He attended Monte Vista High School. To access the GoFundMe, click HERE. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Rescue workers inspect the truck that crashed into a Christmas market close to the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church in Berlin, Germany, on December 19, 2016. File Photo by Paul Zinken/EPA Dec. 19 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1777, Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army began a winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pa. In 1946 the First Indochina War began with Vietnamese troops under Ho Chi Minh clashing with the French at Hanoi. In 1958, the U.S. satellite SCORE (Signal Communications by Orbiting Relay Equipment), launched aboard an Atlas rocket, transmitted the first radio voice broadcast from space, a 58-word recorded Christmas greeting from President Dwight Eisenhower. In 1972, the splashdown of Apollo 17 ended the United States' manned moon exploration program. "It's a beautiful day," astronaut Eugene Cernan said upon exiting the command module. President Bill Clinton said he deeply regrets his actions during an impromptu meeting with the press in the White House Rose Garden on December 11, 1998, as the House Judiciary Committee votes on impeachment proceedings. On December 19, 1998, In 1998, he became the second U.S. president to be impeached. File Photo by Ian Wagr/UPI In 1974, Nelson Rockefeller was sworn in as Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford. File Photo by David Hume Kennerly/Gerald R. Ford Library The Apollo 17 spacecraft, containing astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, Ronald E. Evans, and Harrison H. Schmitt, glided to a safe splashdown December 19, 1972. File Photo by NASA/UPI In 1984, the prime ministers of Britain and China signed an agreement to return Hong Kong to China in 1997. In 1998, Bill Clinton became the second U.S. president to be impeached (Andrew Johnson was the first) by the House of Representatives, which approved articles charging him with perjury and obstruction of justice. Like Johnson, he was acquitted by the Senate. Robert Gerenser (C) portrays Gen. George Washington as he and other members of the Washington Crossing Re-enactors Society take part in the 54th annual re-enactment of the famous crossing of the Delaware River from Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania to Washington Crossing, New Jersey on December 25, 2006. On December 19, 1777, Washington and the Continental Army began a winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pa. File Photo by John Anderson/UPI In 2006, a Libyan court sentenced five Bulgarian nurses and a doctor to death for deliberately infecting 426 children with HIV. In 2012, Britain announced it would begin a gradual withdrawal of its forces in Afghanistan in April 2013. Afghan soldiers train under the supervision of British troops at Ghar Ordoo military base on May 26, 2010, in Herat province west of Kabul, Afghanistan. On December 19, 2012, Britain announced it would begin a gradual withdrawal of its forces in Afghanistan in April 2013. File Photo by Hossein Fatemi/UPI In 2012, South Koreans headed to the polls to elect Park Geun-hye as the nation's first female president. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI In 2013, Target, confirming a security breach, said criminals stole credit and debit card information millions of people who shopped in its stores in the post-Thanksgiving period. In 2016, a failed Tunisian asylum seeker drove a truck into a group of people at a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people and injuring dozens more. The driver, Anis Amri, was killed days later in Milan when confronted by police. In 2018, President Donald Trump announced the full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, declaring victory over the Islamic State. File Photo courtesy of SANA A Daytona Beach Police Officer has been placed on leave after he was arrested for domestic violence, the department announced Monday. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS Officer Rayshaun McGrew was arrested while off-duty Friday afternoon on a charge of aggravated battery on a pregnant person, a felony. According to an incident report, officers responded to a home McGrew shared with the victim just after 1:30 p.m. Friday for reports of a disturbance. READ: Video shows arrest of off-duty Seminole County deputy accused of drunken driving in Volusia County The officers first made contact with the victim who identified McGrew as her boyfriend. The victim said she and McGrew were arguing because he was not helping with a young child they have in common. According to the report, the victim was upset that McGrew was talking on the phone and playing video games with his friends instead of helping with their child. According to police, the victim said McGrew had been staying in another room in the house for approximately two months while they worked on their relationship. On Friday, the victim said she went to McGrews room to speak with him, at which point he opened the door, put his right hand on her neck and shoved her to the ground. According to the arrest report, the victim tried to push McGrew back but said hes built like a wall, so it did nothing. The reporting officers noted McGrew stood approximately 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 240 pounds while the victim was just over 5 feet tall and weighed only 140 pounds. The victim told officers McGrew grabbed her by the neck a second time and shoved her backwards approximately five feet into a bookshelf, breaking it. READ: 1 person hospitalized after fire in apartment near Downtown Orlando Responding officers noted the victim had a red mark on the side of her neck and a scrape on one of her arms consistent with striking the bookshelf. The victim also had a mark on the heel of her left foot, which she said came from her hitting the wall. The officers also noted the broken bookshelf in the report, further corroborating the victims statement. In his interview with police, McGrew claimed the victim was trying to force her way through the door as he was closing it to keep her out of the bedroom. According to police, McGrew said the victims injuries likely happened as a result of her sticking her arm between the frame and the door as he tried to close it. When officers mentioned the injury to the victims foot, McGrew claimed she had some marks from a previous unrelated incident. In their report, officers also noted that McGrew should have been aware that the victim was pregnant. McGrew was ultimately arrested and booked into the Volusia County Jail. READ: Florida man pleads guilty to threatening to kill a U.S. Supreme Court justice Responding officers contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families because a young child witnessed the incident, according to the report. McGrew has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcomes of both criminal and internal investigations by the police department. According to the police department, McGrew was initially hired as a full-time officer in March of 2020 before he resigned in February of 2021 and was rehired in June of 2022. He has not been involved in any prior disciplinary investigations. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A deadly storm that deluged much of the the Northeast has given way to frigid temperatures as tens of thousands of people grapple with no electricity in the cold. More than 140,000 Maine power customers such as homes and businesses had no electricity as of Wednesday night, according to PowerOutage.us. Thats a big drop from the 400,000 outages in Maine during the peak of the storm. But its a small consolation for residents with no heat as nighttime temperatures across much of the state will plunge into the teens by the end of the week. While the brunt of the storm has passed, travel remains treacherous in some areas due to damaged roads and widespread flooding. Right now, there are 68 state road closures down from nearly 100 yesterday as a result of downed trees and power lines and significant infrastructure damage, Maine Gov. Janet Mills said Wednesday. Roads in Maine and elsewhere were damaged due to the storm. - Eustis Fire Department The western Maine town of Eustis turned into an island due to damaged roads, its fire department posted Tuesday on Facebook. By Wednesday, Eustis was also suffering from major communication outages. For everyone in the Eustis area TDS internet and phone services currently not working. Town office and fire station without services, the fire department posted. Major outages from Kingfield to Carrabasset Valley to Eustis and beyond. Restoring electricity in some of Maines hardest-hit areas could take several days, warned Central Maine Power, which serves more than 600,000 customers. The utility says Mondays windstorm was the strongest its ever seen. 6 people are dead and 2 remain missing The vicious storm system barreled up the East Coast over the weekend and into Tuesday, unleashing torrential rain and leaving at least six storm-related deaths. Three of those killed were people in their 70s who died after their vehicles were submerged in water, officials said. Those deaths were in South Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York. Heavy rain and ferocious winds in Massachusetts caused a tree to fall on a small travel trailer in Plymouth County, fatally injuring an 89-year-old man inside, the local district attorney said. And on Wednesday, Maines governor confimed two deaths in her state, with two people still missing. In the Maine town of Mexico, two people vanished after their vehicle was swept into rising floodwater, local police said Tuesday. A search was ongoing. The storm also caused widespread travel nightmares. A cruise ship that was supposed to go to The Bahamas this week had to be diverted to Canada and New England due to unseasonable and rapidly worsening weather, MSC Cruises USA said. River flooding is still a major concern River flood warnings remained in effect Wednesday across the Northeast, from Pennsylvania and New Jersey up to New England. I cant stress this enough: If you live in any area that is at risk of flooding or has been hard-hit from the storm please stay off the roads as much as possible, Mills implored. A road that you may be very familiar with that is now under water may have a lot deeper water than you anicipate. Heavy rain flooded the roadways in Wayne, New Jersey, stranding cars as rivers and streams overflowed. - Kyle Mazza/Anadolu/Getty Images In Little Falls, New Jersey, residents were urged to evacuate ahead of major flooding. On Tuesday night, 11 people needed to be rescued, Mayor James Belford Damiano posted on Facebook. The city was using multiple water pumps to remove up to 80,000 gallons per minute from the area to help reduce the flooding, he said. But while several rivers remain at major flood stage in the Northeast, it appears they have crested and will slowly fall as dry weather is forecast over the next five days. CNN meteorologists Rob Shackelford and Taylor Ward and CNNs Michelle Watson, Danny Freeman, Jamiel Lynch, Caroll Alvarado, Jennifer Henderson, Sarah Engel, Maria Sole Campinoti, Zoe Sottile and Caroll Alvarado contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Duke Universitys offer of free tuition to financially eligible students from North Carolina and South Carolina appears to have directly contributed to the record number of early-admissions applications the university received this fall. That initiative, announced in June, covers the cost of tuition more than $63,000 this academic year for students from the Carolinas whose families have an annual income of $150,000 or less. The program covers additional expenses for students whose family income is $65,000 or less. The university this fall received 6,240 applications for early decision admission a binding application process, in which applicants must attend Duke if they are accepted. Thats a 28% increase from last year, and the universitys highest-ever number of early-decision applicants, topping the previous record by more than 1,000. Duke, in an announcement Thursday, said the increase in applicants was driven by students from the Carolinas. So, how many applicants were accepted? And how many of those were from North Carolina or South Carolina? Welcome to Deans List, a weekly roundup of higher education news in the Triangle and across North Carolina from The News & Observer and myself, Korie Dean. We plan to publish this roundup in an email newsletter format in the new year, but we wanted to first give you a taste, on our website, of the insights on higher education trends and research you can expect each week. This weeks edition includes more information on Dukes record number of applications, salary information for the new interim chancellor at UNC-Chapel Hill, a new president at Alamance Community College and more. Lets get started. Duke receives record number of early applications Of the more than 6,200 students who applied to Duke this fall, the university accepted 806 of them. That equals an acceptance rate of about 12.9%, which is the lowest-ever rate for the early decision period at the university, the Duke Chronicle reported. Of those students accepted, 145 a 25% increase from last year were from the Carolinas. The bulk of those applications came from North Carolina, with 121 students from the Tar Heel State admitted, while 24 students from South Carolina were admitted. Duke always attracts phenomenally talented students, Duke Provost Alec Gallimore said in an announcement Thursday. Our goal in providing more equitable access to a Duke education was to help more academically outstanding students from the Carolinas see Duke as an option. Im so pleased that we will be admitting more students from the region we call home. The university also saw an uptick in applications through the QuestBridge National College Match program, which helps top-performing students with low incomes apply to top universities. Of the pool of early decision applicants, 97 almost twice as many as last year were admitted through QuestBridge. That increase is another representation of our commitment to expanding access to a Duke education and strengthening the economic diversity of our student body while maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence, Gallimore said. From left, Elsie Gotham, first-year; Ansh Amin, first-year; and Cheryl Li, sophomore, study together on the Abele Quad during a gorgeous spring afternoon. Jared Lazarus/Jared Lazarus/Duke University Besides North Carolina and South Carolina, Duke received the most applications from students in California, New York, Texas and Florida. Of the admitted students, 625 plan to enroll in Dukes Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, while 181 plan to enroll in the Pratt School of Engineering. Duke Dean of Admissions Christoph Guttentag said the process was as challenging an early decision process as Ive experienced. The deadline to apply to Duke in the non-binding regular decision process is Jan. 2. UNC interim chancellor salary Lee Roberts, who was named interim chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill on Friday, will make an annual base salary of $684,053 in his new role, according to his appointment letter provided by the UNC System. Thats the same amount that current Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz makes following a legislative salary increase for state employees, passed in the state budget. Guskiewicz, who was hired this month as the next president of Michigan State University, made $620,000 per year when he became chancellor of UNC in 2019. He will make close to $1 million at MSU. Roberts is also entitled to use either a university vehicle or receive a vehicle allowance of $750 per month. He may also use the chancellors residence and receive reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses. Roberts, a former state budget director under Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and a member of the UNC System Board of Governors since 2021, is an investment manager who has spent most of his career in the private sector. He has been a public policy course instructor at Duke University since 2020, but has no experience in university administration. Roberts begins his new role Jan. 12. He will resign from the Board of Governors to serve as interim chancellor. Lee Roberts, photographed in Raleigh, N.C. on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, will serve as the interim chancellor at UNC-Chapel Hill after current chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz departs the university on Jan. 12. Kaitlin McKeown/kmckeown@newsobserver.com A&T band named HBCU band of the year The Blue and Gold Marching Machine (BGMM), North Carolina A&T State Universitys marching band, on Friday was crowned the Division I HBCU (historically Black college or university) Band of the Year. The band faced off against Jackson State Universitys Sonic Boom of the South to claim the title. The winning performance is available on YouTube. Next up: BGMM, the largest student organization at A&T, will perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Years Day. NC A&Ts Blue and Gold Marching Machine performs at the 2023 homecoming game. Courtesy of NC A&T State University Alamance Community College gets a new president Ken Ingle will be the next president of Alamance Community College. Ingle moves to ACC from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where he was the chief officer of information services. In that role, Ingle played a pivotal role in spearheading strategic planning, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and leveraging information technology to advance educational objectives, per an announcement from ACC. Ingle holds a bachelors degree from UNC Charlotte and a masters degree from Bellevue University in Nebraska. He holds a doctorate in community college leadership from NC State University. I am humbled and thrilled to embark on the journey as President of Alamance Community College. I have witnessed the transformative impact of community college in my own family and strive each day to help students realize their full potential through education, Ingle said. I look forward to building relationships, collaborating to meet the evolving needs of our area, and shaping a brighter future for our students, faculty, staff, and the entire Alamance County community. Ken Ingle will be the next president of Alamance Community College. Courtesy of Alamance Community College Higher ed news Im reading From the U.S. Supreme Court striking down race-conscious admissions to a dip in first-year student enrollment, 2023 was a disruptive year for college admissions, Inside Higher Ed reports, which could pave the way for reflection and evaluation in 2024. Sign up for our higher education newsletter Thats all for this weeks roundup of North Carolina higher education news, the last of 2023. I hope youll stay tuned for more in the new year. Like what you read here and want to be on our mailing list when the Deans List newsletter launches? Have suggestions for what kind of content youd like to see featured in the future? Let us know by filling out the form below: Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asked by a journalist whether there is a difference between the deaths of people in the Gaza Strip caused by Israels actions and the deaths of Ukrainians caused by the Russians, said that these are different things. Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference on 19 December Quote: "We recognise the policy of two states Israel and Palestine. We recognise this tragedy, we recognise that the humanitarian consequences are terrible on the territory of both states. We recognise the independent people of Israel, we recognise the independent people of Palestine. But I cannot equate this with our war. Russia's occupation and invasion of Ukraine did not begin with a terrorist attack by people with Ukrainian citizenship on Russian territory. We were living in our independent state, and the enemy came in and killed our people. So these are different things." Support UP or become our patron! Four people, including two children, were hospitalized after an explosion in South Florida leveled the house they were in, damaged several nearby homes and caused debris to land on roofs, front yards and the street early Tuesday morning, according to authorities. The house blew up around 12:30 a.m. in the 5200 block of Southwest 20th Street in West Park, a few blocks south of Pembroke Road, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Michael Kane told reporters at the scene. Amid the rubble, firefighters found two adults, including at least one woman, and two children with injuries including burns and broken bones. They were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood; from there, three of them were transported to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami-Dade County. First responders reported that multiple residences and cars were damaged by the explosion and people were evacuated from nearby homes. Although the cause of the explosion is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal, Kane told reporters at the scene that it could be gas-related. The home was completely destroyed, Kane said. This type of damage is consistent with a gas explosion. Firefighters investigate a house explosion in West Park, Florida, on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Kadijah Orr, 24, was sleeping at her boyfriends house next door to the leveled home when the explosion happened. Somehow, she slept through the blast, but her boyfriend roused her and rushed her and her 5-year-old daughter out of the house through a broken window that shattered in the explosion. I just jumped out of that window and ran down the street because someone said gas, and I thought there might be more explosions, Orr, who had cuts on her legs from the broken glass, told the Herald. I was leaking blood everywhere. The mother of Orrs boyfriend was sleeping on the couch in the living room, but her son also got her out safely. Thank God, shes OK, Orr said. Shere Whitaker, 43, lives in a small one-story apartment building a block west of the explosion. Still, the blast was so powerful that the glass in her windows broke. It was just loud, and the glass shattered, Whitaker said. When she went outside, she saw Orr and her daughter, and she treated the mothers cuts with peroxide and bandages. I was just trying to help that baby right here, she said pointing to Orr, because she was trying to help her baby. Shere Whitaker explains to reporters the moment she saw Khadijah Orr, on the right, running down the street after a house exploded early Tuesday morning, Dec. 19, 2023, in West Park, Florida. A woman, who asked to be identified as Miss Harris, told the Herald she thought a car had crashed into a house when she felt the explosion in her house, about five houses west of the site. She rushed to see what was going on outside, but when she grabbed the knob to her front door, it was hot to the touch. The door also wouldnt open because the shock wave had damaged it. You cant even open the door, Harris said. Several hours after the blast, another woman who lived four houses west of the razed home was clearing debris from her front yard. A tarp was taped over where her homes front door used to be, and she closed her accordion hurricane shutters because the blast broke her windows. Firefighters investigate a house explosion in West Park, Florida, on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. About a mile away, the sound of the explosion was recorded by the doorbell camera of Fernando Antonios Parkview at Hillcrest home. Looks like something exploded and my entire neighborhood felt the shock (wave), Fernando Antonio said on X, formerly Twitter. This was (a) big explosion. Another security footage obtained by WPLG Local 10 News shows a fiery mushroom cloud. A cellphone video obtained by NBC 6 reporter Julia Bagg shows neighbors, minutes after the blast, pointing toward where the house stood. Right there, right there! a man is heard saying. Firefighters investigate a house explosion in West Park, Florida, on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. This article will be updated once more information is available. This embedded content is not available in your region. Dr. Timothy Kuzel, who will oversee the cancer center at Northwestern Medicine's Orland Park campus, speaks Tuesday at a dedication ceremony. (Daily Southtown) Northwestern Medicine officials celebrated Tuesday the opening of the Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute at its Orland Park campus. The center was made possible by a gift of $51 million from The St. George Corporation, and Northwestern said it represents the largest one-time gift in Northwesterns history. Advertisement Northwestern also introduced Dr. Timothy Kuzel, who will be medical director for the institute. Kuzel is also medical director for oncology at Northwestern Medicine Palos. The cancer center opened in summer 2022, but the gift from St. George has allowed Northwestern to expand services and specialties offered. Northwesterns Orland Park campus is at 153rd Street and West Avenue. Advertisement The cancer center offers hematology and medical oncology care, laboratory services, nutritional counseling and social work. A full-service infusion suite and specialty pharmacy provide on-site chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and supportive care, according to Northwestern. The clinic features nine infusion exam rooms and 13 infusion bays. We have an unwavering commitment to providing our patients with access to world-class, compassionate care closer to where they live and work, said Howard Chrisman, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. This gift will have a generational impact on our ability to increase and enhance the offerings of cancer care in the south suburbs. Dr. Terrence Moisan, president of The St. George Corporation, said the directors are committed to expanding the delivery of world-class cancer, cardiovascular and neuroscience care. This marks a new phase of The St. George Corporations commitment, building upon its previous support to advance cardiovascular, neuroscience and cancer care in the south suburbs, according to Northwestern. A long-term expansion plan to create more patient and clinical spaces in the cancer institute facility is also in progress. Given the multiple visits required for cancer treatment, typically over an extended period of months and sometimes even years, this one-stop experience eases the burden on patients and their loved ones, Kuzel said. Kuzel said since the center opened in August 2022, more than 200 new patients each month are coming there. Kuzel, who was with Rush University Medical Center before coming to Northwestern, said many of his patients live in the southwest suburbs near the Orland Park campus. Robert Jarvis, a Frankfort resident who was a patient at the center, thanked staff and said the center is much needed. Advertisement Jarvis was diagnosed in 2021 with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and fast-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to Northwestern. He initially received treatment at Northwestern in Chicago before the Orland Park center opened, and told dozens of people at the dedication ceremony I am cancer free. He said a cancer diagnosis does affect a lot of people, not just the patient and immediate family but friends as well. I connected with so many people, he said. You found it in your hearts to be more than just doctors and nurses. Based in Burr Ridge, The St. George Corp. had been the longtime operator, through Palos Health, of the 425-bed Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights. Palos Health also operated the medical campus in Orland Park where the new cancer center is located. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Palos Health joined Northwestern Medicine in January 2021. According to Northwestern, St. Georges mission includes granting and oversight of funds for the health and well-being of the communities traditionally served by Palos Health. Moisan was previously chief executive of Palos Community Hospital. Advertisement Through a partnership between Palos Health and Loyola Medicine, an expansion of 83,000 square feet at Palos Healths Orland Park campus was completed in the summer of 2018. Loyola also established the Loyola Center for Cancer Care & Research there. A health and fitness center Palos Health operated, separate from the Orland Park campus to the west of the main buildings, is now owned and operated by the village of Orland Park. Palos Health and Loyola had explored a merger, signing a nonbinding agreement in January 2019, but a few months later ended talks without explanation. Loyola this summer opened a 72,000-square-foot ambulatory care center in Tinley Park, at 179th Street and La Grange Road. mnolan@tribpub.com An attorney in eight death-penalty cases in the 10 Judicial Circuit is challenging policies at the Polk County Jail that prohibit inmates from receiving paper mail and ban attorneys from bringing into the jail their own laptops or other devices that are capable of taking pictures. A defense lawyer representing multiple Polk County defendants facing capital murder charges is trying to roll back jail policies that she alleges restrict communications with her clients awaiting trial at the county jail and violates their constitutional rights. A hearing is set for Jan. 9 to hear testimony and arguments in the 10th Judicial Circuit Court in Bartow on motions filed by Debra Tuomey. Ultimately, the policies restrict effective and efficient defense of her clients, Tuomey said in her motions, which could impact as many as eight death penalty cases pending in the court. Among her motions, she has asked Circuit Judge J. Kevin Abdoney to allow her and her defense team the use of their own laptops during consultations at the jail. They also have asked the court to allow their clients access to written legal mail instead of a scanned copy of the attorney-client letters. The Polk County Jail started looking into the use of a mail scanner, including legal correspondence between detainees at the jail and their lawyers, after a 2016 incident in which inmates were sickened through contraband that was unknowingly delivered to the jail by a lawyer on documents laced with chemicals, according to testimony at an October hearing. The jail policy toward attorneys bringing laptops and smart phones to client consultations also changed after the Sheriff's Office found that images taken inside the jail were posted to social media accounts. Whats in the motion? In the capital murder case of the State vs David Murdock, Tuomey filed a motion for protective order and motion to compel reasonable access to counsel and digital evidence on July 12. In it, she cites the U.S. Constitutions First, Second, Fifth and 14th Amendments as well as corresponding rights in the Florida Constitution. Debra Tuomey, right, in another death-penalty case in 2019, is saying Polk County jail policies forcing all mail to be scanned and prohibiting attorneys from using their own laptops are an impediment to her defense. Murdock is facing two counts of capital first-degree murder and is detained at the Polk County Jail in Frostproof. The Polk County Sheriffs Office manages and maintains the jail. The Sheriffs Office changed jail policy on Oct. 14, 2021, stating that attorneys were no longer allowed to use their own personal laptops when meeting with clients in secure housing and interview booths. The (policy) letter specifies no professional visitor shall be allowed to bring a cell phone, camera, or smart device capable of transmitting or receiving calls or taking pictures inside the secure facility of interview booth, Tuomeys motion said. Families say it's 'heartbreaking' Florida considers limiting visitation at prisons Further, detainees at the jail do not receive physical mail, which is also scanned but through a different software application. And when legal mail is sent, it is opened in the presence of the inmate and scanned into a legal mail account, the motion said. The detainee then views the correspondence via an online account. The detainees are required to stand and read the legal mail from one of three computer screens at kiosks inside the housing units where the screens can be seen by other inmates and detention deputies. A few years after the contraband incident had hospitalized some inmates, the jail started to research using a scanner to prevent contraband entering the jail via mail. The Sheriffs Office entered into an agreement with Smart Communication Holdings Inc. of Seminole in a contract dated Dec. 9, 2022 for mail scanning. The legal mail policy violates Murdocks access to the courts, right to freedom of speech and his Sixth Amendment right to have unfettered confidential communication with his attorneys and defense team, Tuomey wrote. Tuomeys motion asks the court for an order preventing the Polk County Sheriffs Office detention facility from scanning legal mail into the Smart Mail legal email account without the approval of the detainees lawyer. She wants the court to order that any legal mail already scanned be deleted and proof from the Sheriffs Office that its servers and electronic devices have been sanitized. Further, Tuomey wants an order allowing Murdocks defense team to have private visits alone and of a reasonable length of time. And she asks that the defense team be allowed to bring their own laptops. The jail also allows offsite video professional visits, but such visitation is limited to a fifteen (15) minute session at a cost of $12.95 per session, the motion said. These non-contact, in-person, professional visitations are available during three spans of visiting hours between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. If an attorney arrives 30 minutes before the close of visiting hours, they are turned away. Tuomey filed the motion with the court after a mitigation specialist and member of Murdocks defense team was told she could not bring her laptop into the visitation room and told to put it back in her vehicle, the motion said. In court in October, Abdony called the motions prayers and said he did not think the criminal court had jurisdiction to strike down the sheriffs jail policy. My basic observation is I have jurisdiction to do individual things in individual criminal cases but not to say whether a sheriffs policy at a jail is going to stand or not, Abdoney said. Tuomey had said in court filings that, in matters of constitutional law, the judicial branch of government was not stepping on the authority of the executive and legislative branches by ruling on her motion. If the court finds that there is a constitutional violation by the Sheriffs Office, then your honor does in fact have jurisdiction, she said in court. 'I don't know what's on the paper' The motions filed at the Bartow courthouse were deliberated during an afternoon hearing Oct. 13 before Abdoney. Murdock was one of eight defendants in the court on Oct. 13 claiming through their legal team that they cannot get effective and efficient representation because of the jail policies. The other death penalty defendants were Marlon Tyrone Burgess, Joshua Emanuell Badillo, Ernst Cherizard, Ladevon Rashon Cottingham, Jermaine Hawthorn, Regis Johnson and Antonio Davis. Tuomey had filed similar motions in the states cases against Tony TJ Wiggins, who is expected to stand trial in July in the slayings of three people in Frostproof in 2020; and Marcelle Jerrill Waldon, who is accused of the murders of two people at a Lake Morton Drive home in Lakeland. Waldon's trial is set to start on Jan. 15. Mario Cabrera, a lawyer for the Sheriffs Office, squared off with Tuomey and her team during a nearly four-hour hearing. Among the witnesses to testify in October was Chief Michael Allen with the Sheriffs Office. He oversees the agencys two detention facilities, booking facility and inmate transportation, among other duties. Tuomey asked him about the processing of general and legal mail addressed to inmates and detainees at the jail. He described a legal cart as a device developed by Smart Communications for inmates to visit in a vestibule area separate from the jails housing unit, and it provides detainees and inmates access to legal correspondence with their lawyers. On that cart, it has a computer, it has a scanner and it has a shredder, Allen said. "It also has a screen that only the inmate can see. A deputy assigned to the legal cart brings the cart to the inmate and their legal mail is opened by the detainee in the presence of the deputy." Polk County sheriff's Chief Michael Allen, who oversees the county's jails, said under questioning that the jail took action against paper mail after two incidents in which inmates were sickened by paper laced with intoxicating or dangerous substances. The inmate scans their mail and can view it on the screen, Allen said, then has the option to keep the hard copy or shred it. Tuomey asked Allen what would happen if the detainee declined to scan the mail for storage on the Smart network. Allen said the mail would then be placed in property, which would only be returned to the detainee after leaving the jail. Allen said the shredding of mail started in 2019 in part because of the 2016 incident, when 13 inmates were exposed to chemicals on laced paper, including bug spray and methamphetamine. Four of them nearly died at the hospital, he said. Once we found out, we looked for a solution to stop that from happening again, Allen said. The Sheriffs Office first looked at Smart Communications' mail system in November 2017 for regular mail. But then a defense lawyer unknowingly passed laced documents to an inmate and then the Sheriffs Office decided to ask Smart Communications for help in developing a mail system for legal correspondence as well. In a previous report by The Ledger on Sept. 12, 2018, nine arrests were made after K2, a synthetic cannabinoid compound, was found to have been sprayed on paper and sold in transactions totaling $4,500. Sheriff Grady Judd had discussed the operation during a news conference. He said documents passed to inmates unknowingly by at least one attorney were reaching inmates, who were eating the paper or finding an electric spark to ignite it and then inhaling the smoke. In cross-examination, Tuomey asked Allen, If the legal mail is scanned into Smart Communications' network and the inmate elects to place that legal mail, the original legal mail, in their personal property and it contains some type of contraband, are you saying that the Polk County Sheriffs Office is now or could potentially be housing contraband at the jail? Allen responded, I dont know what is on the paper, ma'am. That is their choice to shred it or place it in personal property. I just have the responsibility to make sure that while they are in the jail they dont get their hands on any documents that could hurt them. She asked how he knew whether a document was laced, and Allen said there was no way to tell. Tuomey then asked whether the Sheriffs Office was familiar with a hand-held drug scanning system for detecting contraband within envelopes being used in facilities elsewhere. Allen said he had been approached by the company that developed such a system, but the agency opted for the Smart system. 'Postings that were being done on Facebook' Tuomey also questioned Allen about a prohibition on smart phones and other electronic devices capable of taking photos being brought into client-attorney meetings at the jail. Allen said the Sheriffs Office provides as many as 10 computers for attorneys to use during attorney booth visits with their clients. That policy was initiated after the Sheriffs Office became aware that photos of inmates were posted to Facebook that had been uploaded by incarcerated inmates. 'Unlivable' Amid Florida heat, advocates decry lack of air conditioning in state prisons There were postings that were being done on Facebook at the time that people who were incarcerated were in the attorney booth, and these postings came out at the time they were in the attorney booth. He said the postings contained messages. He was not sure who posted them," he said. Tuomey also asked Allen about the potential for computer viruses being transmitted from Sheriffs Office computers to attorneys' laptops through the thumb drives attorneys use to show their clients documents. Allen said the computers are sanitized after each use with a computer application. The October hearing also included testimony from the developer of the Smart Communications mail scanning system, who had traveled from Seattle to attend the hearing. Tuomey asked him how secure the data is that's scanned into the jail cart and stored on Smart servers. He said data was encrypted with software similar to financial transaction applications. The testimony from potentially seven witnesses took too long for them to finish, so Abdoney set another hearing for 9 a.m. on Jan. 9, when he could rule on the motions. More witnesses, including the deputy who oversees the mail scanning cart for the Sheriffs Office, are expected to be called when the hearing continues. Similar policies elsewhere The Polk County lockup is not unlike Florida Department of Corrections prisons that have banned state prisoners from receiving any tangible routine mail at all 128 of its facilities, as reported by Prison Legal News in its September edition. Circuit Judge Kevin Abdoney has called Debra Tuomey's motions "prayers" in court and has questioned whether he has the jurisdiction to nullify or change policies of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The FDC policy began in January 2022 at several facilities, and now all prisons statewide deliver electronic copies of inmates mail on tablets they can checkout. A spokesman with the FDOC did not respond to further questions about the mail scanners in state prisons. The Ledger reached out to the FBI, which investigates civil rights complaints, about whether the agency had looked into the Polk jail policies. In an email to a Ledger reporter, an FBI spokeswoman said she was prohibited by Department of Justice guidelines from denying or confirming its agents had visited the Frostproof jail for an investigation. The DOJ could not be reached for comment. In Pennsylvania, its state prisons had contracted with Smart Communications for $16 million for its mail scanners. The prison bureau was trying to eliminate drug exposure of its staff but changed its policy in April, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer report. In that case, an emergency injunction had been filed in federal court to stop what attorneys called a lack of access to the courts by inmates. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections agreed to eventually "revert to some variation on the previous system, which did not involve photocopying and relied on individual attorney-identification numbers to track legal mail," the Inquirer report said. According to David C. Fathi, director of the ACLU National Prison Project, "There certainly are cases that hold that the confidentiality of attorney-client communications is sacrosanct. It is entitled to the highest level of confidentiality and protection and so any jail policies or practices that threaten that confidentiality are subject to very searching scrutiny." Correction An earlier version of this story had a word wrong in the ending quotation from David C. Fathi, director of the ACLU National Prison Project. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Defense attorney in 8 death penalty cases fights Polk jail policies A medical expert testifying for the defense of two paramedics accused of causing 23-year-old Elijah McClains death said he doesnt believe the ketamine dose the pair gave McClain contributed to his death. The defense started presenting their case last week for Aurora Fire Department paramedics Jeremy Cooper, and Lt. Peter Cichuniec, who was charged with reckless manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and three counts each of second-degree assault in connection to McClains death. Theyre being tried to determine if the injection of ketamine they gave McClain three years ago following a struggle with Aurora police that sent him to the hospital ultimately killed him. Paramedics Jeremy Cooper (left) and Peter Cichuniec (right) are on trial for the death of Elijah McClain (center) after administering a 500-milligram dose of ketamine to McClain after he was involved in a struggle with police. (Mugshots: YouTube/Law & Crime) During an encounter with three police officers on Aug. 24, 2019, McClain was forced to the ground, handcuffed, and put in a neck hold that restricted oxygen flow to his brain and caused him to lose consciousness briefly. He even vomited into his ski mask as he was being restrained. He was returning from a convenience store that night buying iced tea when someone called police about a suspicious person in a ski mask. During his transport to the hospital, the medics decided to administer a 500-milligram dose of ketamine, a sedative used for anesthetizing pain. However, they never asked or consulted McClain about the dose, and he ended up going into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing just a few minutes after receiving it. A doctor declared him brain-dead three days later. According to the Denver Gazette, Kennon Heard, an emergency physician and toxicologist at UCHealth, pointed to Aurora paramedic protocols that indicate that 500 milligrams of ketamine were more than what McClains body weight called for. That dose would have been more appropriate for someone who weighs roughly 80 pounds more than McClain. However, Heard also said respiratory arrest is a rare and extreme possible side effect of ketamine and concluded that McClains death was accidental. I would not expect life-threatening effects from this amount of ketamine, Heard told the jury. Heard never approximated what constitutes a fatal dose. On cross-examination, one prosecutor asked Heard if people can die from expected side effects if they dont receive the proper intervention or treatment, to which Heard said, Yes. Prosecutors argued that Cooper and Cichuniec decided to administer ketamine because they solely relied on the police officers account of McClains behavior. Bodycam footage revealed that one officer said McClain showed extreme strength, implying he had to be on something. Aurora paramedics are reportedly trained to administer ketamine to patients suffering from a syndrome called excited delirium. This condition isnt one thats recognized by the American Medical Association or the American Psychiatric Association, and even the Colorado Licensing Board for Peace Officers voted to remove the term from training documents. Another medical expert testifying on behalf of the defense said that the blame should be on the officers rather than the medics. That forensic pathologist, Ljubisa Dragovic, determined McClain died from brain damage caused by inhaling his own vomit. Both Heards and Dragovics conclusions contradict one doctor who conducted the autopsy for McClain and another who testified for the prosecution. Dr. Stephen Cina, with the coroners office, initially determined McClains cause and manner of death were both undetermined until he reviewed bodycam footage. He amended his previous conclusion and determined that ketamine contributed to McClains death. Dr. Roger Mitchell determined McClains cause of death as complications following acute ketamine administration during violent subdual and restraint by law enforcement and emergency response personnel. Cooper and Cichuniec also faced second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and a sentence-enhancing count also involving a deadly weapon, but a judge dismissed those counts after their defense counsel successfully argued that ketamine cant be considered a deadly weapon. A source told CNN its uncommon for paramedics to be held responsible for patient deaths like this but the coroners report and the dose of ketamine raise questions about whether Cooper or Cichuniec are criminally liable for negligence or wanton behavior. In another case, two Illinois paramedics are facing murder charges for allegedly improperly restraining a man in an ambulance, which led to his death last year. An autopsy determined the mans cause of death was compressional and positional asphyxia due to prone facedown restraint on a paramedic transportation cot by tightened straps across the back and lower body. The three officers who were involved in the struggle with Elijah McClain Randy Roedema, Jason Rosenblatt, and Nathan Woodyard did stand trial for McClains death. Roedema was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault and will be sentenced in January. Rosenblatt and Woodyard were acquitted of all charges. Woodyard is eligible to return to restricted duty with the Aurora Police Department. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The Biden administration is increasing pressure on Israel to scale back its military campaign in Gaza. The defense secretary met with leaders in Israel Monday about those concerns. The U.S. says its support for Israel in the war against Hamas is unwavering, but the Biden administration is urging Israel to do more to protect civilian lives. I know that Israel has been profoundly changed from where you were on October 6, said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Austin was in Israel Monday for a second time since the war began to meet with leaders there and to reiterate American support for Israel in its war against Hamas. At a time of mourning a real friend shows up, and I know how terrible these days have been for the Israeli people, Austin added. Austin said the U.S. is not trying to dictate timelines for Israels military but wants Israel to do more for the civilians caught in the crossfire. We also have some great thoughts about how to transition from high intensity operations to a lower intensity and more surgical operations, he said. Israeli defense leaders say they will not stop its military campaign until Hamas is defeated and hostages are free. On Capitol Hill, senators are continuing to negotiate funding for Israel as part of a larger bill. The White House says its working hard to get another hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis talks with audience members during a meet and greet on Nov. 3, 2023, in Denison, Iowa. | Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press The College Board released the updated curriculum for its AP African American Studies course Dec. 6, after months of conflict with Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education over what it should include. The final curriculum largely coincides with the February iteration in its organization and major themes. The College Board has denied that DeSantis complaints caused the omission or deemphasis of some controversial topics, like the Black Lives Matter movement and reparations. We certainly didnt modify the framework in February, or this operational final framework that we released last week, in response to any pressure from any state, College Board spokeswoman Holly Stepp told the Deseret News. Related The College Board made the full, 286-page curriculum available online, along with a side-by-side comparison of the topics and sources included in the February and December versions. The interdisciplinary course covers a range of topics dealing with Black history and culture within the U.S. After the course was piloted across the country in fall 2022, it faced a backlash from some on the political right including from DeSantis, who said the course had a political agenda and said it lacks educational value. In Florida, DeSantis signed the Stop the WOKE Act in late 2021, which altered how public school teachers could discuss topics like race and ethnicity in their classrooms. In subsequent months, over two dozen states passed measures against critical race theory. In February, the College Board released an updated framework, incorporating feedback from high school teachers and subject experts. The new framework included a shortened list of required readings and the elimination of some topics. Topics like Black Lives Matter, incarceration and reparations for the descendants of African slaves were deemphasized. The new required reading list no longer included Black writers bell hooks and Ta-Nehisi Coates. The Florida Department of Education took credit for the changes, which the College Board denied. At the center of the courses rollout was Trevor Packer, the College Boards senior vice president over AP courses, who grew up in Provo, Utah, and attended Brigham Young University. Packer also denied that DeSantis, who is running for 2024 GOP presidential nomination, or other political actors influenced the new course curriculum. So its been interesting to see all sides taking credit for the work and declaring victory some declaring that it represents the influence of conservative leaders, others declaring that it represents a denunciation of such influence by adding or restoring topics especially valued by academics in the discipline, Packer said. Last week, after 10 months of gathering feedback, the College Board released a final version of the curriculum, which will be used when the course finishes its pilot stage and is available to schools nationwide in the fall of 2024. A major change is the introduction of a Further Explorations week, which is not included in any other AP curriculum. Teachers are given five days to cover material of their choice that will not be covered on the final exam. The curriculum provides ideas for potential topics, many of which stirred controversy in the curriculums early iterations, including the Black Lives Matter movement, reparations and prison reform. Making these topics optional was the result of attempting to reflect university-level African American studies courses. While students were interested in these topics, Stepp said, they werent as frequently taught at the university level. The required content really is built on what we heard from higher education faculty as the most important concepts to cover, Stepp said. The class cant cover everything. For now, this version of the curriculum is here to stay. Advanced Placement courses are updated every fight to eight years, to ensure they are in line with university expectations. This is the framework that well roll out next fall, Stepp said. It will certainly be several years before it gets an update. Phony. Tricky. Too lame to lead. These claims from negative Iowa campaign ads arent attacks on front-runner Donald Trump. They're name-calling between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley as they brawl on the airwaves over who will become the prime challenger to the former president for the Republican presidential nomination. With less than a month before the Iowa Caucuses, Trump maintains a dominant lead in polling, while DeSantis and Haley jockey for second place in Iowa and other early voting states. A recent Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows Trump with 51% support among likely Republican caucusgoers, more than 30 percentage points ahead of DeSantis, at 19%, and Haley, at 16%. David Kochel, a Republican strategist who opposes Trump but is not supporting another candidate, said both candidates need the field to narrow as quickly as possible to a one-on-one race with Trump. Its the equivalent of Trump already making it to the Super Bowl, while Haley and DeSantis are still trying to secure a spot, he said. Theyre going to focus on each other because theyre both trying to get to the finals, he said. Trumps already in the finals. Hes got a bye into the finals, and theyve got to play the game in Iowa and New Hampshire and South Carolina. Making it a 2 person race: DeSantis bets on Iowa, while Haley looks to New Hampshire DeSantis and Haley have the same goal: They need to impress in the early GOP contests Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina to knock out other challengers. DeSantis is betting on an old-school Iowa campaign to propel him forward. He completed the full Grassley, visiting all of Iowas 99 counties over the course of more than 130 campaign stops. Supporters with his super PAC, Never Back Down, have said they've knocked on 755,000 doors in Iowa by mid-December, with plans to contact every targeted voter at least five times. DeSantis intense focus on Iowa helped earn him the endorsement of Gov. Kim Reynolds and evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds holds up a signed commit-to-caucus card soon after endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president. DeSantis told reporters he anticipates a strong finish in the Iowa Caucuses will winnow the field, allowing him to take on Trump directly in the next primary states. I'm the only one that could possibly defeat Donald Trump in a primary, in a one-on-one, because I have the ability to win voters who are very conservative, conservative, somewhat conservative, in a way that the other candidates just simply cannot, DeSantis said. I think Iowas going to be able to show that very clearly, given the ideological demographics of the caucus. It should be very clear on the night of Jan. 15 that this is a two-person race between Donald Trump and myself." Although Haley has seen her poll numbers rise to challenge DeSantis for second place, shes been a less frequent visitor to Iowa. Shes made a stronger showing in New Hampshire, winning the endorsement of New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu. Republican presidential candidate former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Gov. Chris Sununu speak to reporters following a town hall campaign event, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Manchester, N.H. Haley received the New Hampshire governor's endorsement. At a November town hall in Ankeny, Haley walked the crowd through her early state strategy, citing her strength in New Hampshire and her home-field advantage in South Carolina, where she served as governor. "Were going to see three to four people fight for Iowa," she said. "A couple people are going to drop, then were going to go into New Hampshire and then were going to fight for Granite Staters. Then more people are going to drop, and then I go head to head with Trump in my home state of South Carolina. And we take it." Sununu told reporters he believes the GOP primary will become a two-person race between Trump and Haley. Theres going to be no choice but for those other candidates to say, 'Hey, we ran a good race but were all gonna get behind Nikki Haley now,' Sununu said, according to NBC News. Kochel said the expectations are higher for DeSantis in Iowa because hes focused his campaign more heavily on the state. I think the pressure is on him to perform in Iowa unless he starts to grow his support in New Hampshire and South Carolina, he said. Attack ads paint Haley as too liberal, DeSantis as a liar As DeSantis and Haley try to bolster their support in early states, their campaigns and super PACs have dumped money into negative advertising. Many of these ads have focused on each other, rather than the former president. DeSantis campaign and super PACs supporting his candidacy such as Never Back Down and Fight Right have unleashed a slew of ads against Haley. Federal Election Commission data provided by American Bridge, a Democratic super PAC, shows Never Back Down spent more than $4 million on ads attacking Haley from July 1 to Nov. 6. Thats 10 times the amount the PAC spent going after Trump in the same time frame. One recent ad from Fight Right shows a cracked stone bust of Hillary Clinton hovering beside videos of Nikki Haley. The ad includes clips of Haley talking about how a speech from Clinton inspired her to enter politics but the clips do not include Haleys repeated statements that she does not agree with Clintons political ideology. Another Fight Right ad ends with a simple warning to viewers: You cant trust Tricky Nikki. Haley typically refrains from mentioning DeSantis on the campaign trail. But at a town hall in Altoona on Sunday night, she addressed the attacks. "Let me tell you, I am seeing the ads that you are seeing on TV," she told the crowd. "Ron DeSantis has not put one truthful ad up there about me. He has spent millions of dollars against me." "And while hes lying about me, Im going to tell you the truth about him because he doesnt want to hear it," Haley added, attacking DeSantis' record on energy and spending policy. SFA Fund, a super PAC supporting Haley, has run its own ads in response, accusing DeSantis of lying about Haley and throwing mud because of her rise in the polls. DeSantis is lying about Nikki because hes losing, a Haley campaign spokesperson said in a statement to the Des Moines Register. Ultimately, this is a two-person race between Nikki and Donald Trump, and we hope to see him on the debate stage. More: Few Republican women make it to Caucus Day. As Nikki Haley closes in, gendered attacks rise. One SFA Fund ad that began airing in Iowa in December shows DeSantis mimicking Trumps phrases and hand gestures. What a phony, the ads narrator says at the end of the 30-second spot. Ron DeSantis: Too lame to lead. Too weak to win. The DeSantis campaign provided data showing SFA Fund spent $4.9 million against DeSantis between mid-October and early December. During that period, Haleys team ran even more negative ads against DeSantis than Trumps team ran against him. The DeSantis campaign said theres been over $10 million in negative ad spending against DeSantis since April. Candidates portray attacks against them as sign of strength, but Iowans say theyre tired of the negativity Negative attention is still attention. Both Haley and DeSantis have brushed off the attacks from each other, arguing its a sign of their campaigns own strength. When asked about Haleys rise in polls, DeSantis often points to Trump's and Haleys negative ad buys against him as proof that hes the bigger threat in the race. I would just watch where the money goes, DeSantis said in Marshalltown on Nov. 17. Who are they attacking? That shows you who the threat is. Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis speaks with reporters during a campaign stop at Elevate Business and Events Center on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in West Des Moines. And when DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy began the fourth Republican presidential debate with immediate criticism of Haley, she quipped: I love all of the attention, fellas. Thank you for that. When Ramaswamy and DeSantis attacked Haley for receiving corporate donations, she responded, they're just jealous and wish that they were supporting them. Donald Morfitt, a 65-year-old retired Missile Defense Agency worker from Spirit Lake, saw Haley speak earlier this month and said hes planning to caucus for her. He attributes the attacks between the candidates to Haleys rise in the polls. I think theyre talking to whos across the stage from them, he said, referring to the debate. But I believe that some of that friction may be the fact that she is doing well and improving in the polls and would have a good chance to win. Other Iowa caucusgoers say theyre fed up with all the negative ads between Haley and DeSantis. Linda Herington, a Republican from Waukee, saw Haley speak there recently. The retiree, who is in her 70s, said shes 80% sure shell support Haley, but is also considering DeSantis. Im not overly crazy about it, she said of the candidates attacks on each other. I would rather (they) not be attacking but just really talking about how they would do and focusing on their policy. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley waves to supporters during a campaign stop at K & B Emporium on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Clear Lake. Herington says she doesnt want DeSantis and Haley to spend their time attacking Trump either. No, I dont, she said. There again, he will do that. Hes going to go after them, name call them, talk about their appearance dont like it. I dont like it. We should be above that. Michelle Gescheidler, a 58-year-old real estate appraiser, also saw Haley speak in Waukee. Gescheidler, who is registered as an independent but leans Republican, said shes decided to support Haley. She hopes to avoid a rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden. Gescheidler said she disagrees with the ads the DeSantis and Haley camps are airing against each other. I think that they should be touting what they can bring to the table so that we know what they are going to do, not what they think is bad about other people, she said. We can figure that out. She doesnt really want to see the candidates spend their time attacking Trump, either, but said that makes more sense than going after each other. I just think if theyre going to place and do comparisons and say this is not the guy for you, why are you wasting your time on each other? If youre going to draw your comparison, I would rather them draw it between them and Trump than other candidates. Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller. Katie Akin is a politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at kakin@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @katie_akin. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why DeSantis and Haley attack each other more than they attack Trump As Ron DeSantis seeks to cut into Donald Trumps double-digit lead in the Republican presidential race, the Florida governor has criticized the former president for failing to deliver on one of his signature promises. He didnt clean up the swamp, DeSantis said during a recent debate of Trumps vow to eliminate the hold lobbyists and special interests have on government. He said he was going to drain it. He did not drain it. DeSantis, who had adopted the drain the swamp pledge for himself in his bid to become Floridas 46th governor, routinely tells voters on the campaign trail that he kept that promise in Florida and will do the same in Washington, DC if elected president. But a CNN investigation into the very first bill DeSantis signed into law as governor, legalizing smokable medical marijuana in the Sunshine State, raises questions about his own record on catering to special interests and campaign donors. Its a chapter of his political career that went unmentioned in his book published earlier this year and one that isnt part of his campaign stump speech along side his other legislative victories. To piece together this story, CNN reviewed campaign finance reports, court records, business filings and newly obtained video footage of a private political fundraiser hosted by a doctor once at the forefront of the medical marijuana movement. Combined, they show how DeSantis repeatedly intersected with a cast of players in the states budding cannabis industry to his benefit and sometimes to theirs. As he was promising Floridians he would clean up Tallahassee if they elected him, DeSantis was also courted by marijuana interests who helped bankroll his campaign, including the family of a man who would become one of his top political appointees and a Republican fundraiser who would later go to prison for campaign finance violations. Industry lobbyists raised money for him, special interests donated to him, and one marijuana entrepreneur flew him in a private plane. Once enacted, the new law DeSantis signed helped fuel what would become a billion-dollar industry in Florida. DeSantis then quietly fought to ensure only a handful of companies could sell marijuana through a regulatory system he once likened to a cartel but ultimately helped to preserve. Among those that benefited was one of the top medical marijuana producers in the US, a Florida company launched amid allegations of the sort of swampy behavior DeSantis would later vow to eradicate. DeSantis campaign did not respond to a detailed list of questions from CNN. In a statement, spokesman Bryan Griffin accused CNN of reporting opposition narratives from the Trump campaign and their allies to smear Ron DeSantis. As hes always said and repeatedly shown, donors have no influence on policy decisions, Griffin said. No one has done more to deliver on his promises for the conservative movement than Ron DeSantis and that is why he is the hands-down best choice to lead the Republican Party in 2024 and America as our next President. Our foot on the gas pedal for Ron At first blush, DeSantis seemed an unlikely candidate to usher in a momentous expansion of marijuana. He ran for governor after serving in the US House, where he voted against making the drug more accessible to veterans. During his 2018 campaign he dismissed recreational marijuana because his high school classmates who smoked pot didnt do good in school and sports. He counted among his financial backers the billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, whose fortune had often funded anti-marijuana efforts across the country, including in Florida. Yet, within DeSantis political orbit was a trio of close friends with deep ties to the marijuana industry, led by US Rep. Matt Gaetz. Before advancing to Congress, Gaetz, the son of a former president of the state Senate, served in the Florida legislature, where in 2014 he introduced Floridas first foray into medical marijuana, a bill legalizing a non-euphoric strain of the drug for use with patients suffering from cancer and other serious ailments. In this May 1, 2014 photo, Florida state Rep. Matt Gaetz answers questions about the medical marijuana bill during session in Tallahassee. - Steve Cannon/AP The bill had support from state Rep. Halsey Beshears, the former chief financial officer at a family-owned tree farm that later joined forces with two other nurseries to win one of a handful of coveted licenses created by the 2014 law to produce medical marijuana. That venture would become Trulieve, Inc, which is today one of the leading medical marijuana producers in the US. His brother Thad co-founded the company and owns a sizable share of it. Shortly after the 2014 law passed, Jason Pirozzolo, a doctor and close friend of Gaetz and Beshears, launched a medical marijuana consulting company and later co-founded an advocacy group aimed at educating doctors about its use as an alternative to opioids. In summer 2018, Pirozzolo hosted a private political fundraiser for DeSantis at his posh lakeside house a few minutes west of Orlando. He showed up in style, touching down in a helicopter alongside Gaetz. Inside his home mingled Beshears and several members of Pirozzolos advocacy group, the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association. With DeSantis looking on, Gaetz thanked Pirozzolo for helping him and Beshears when I wrote Floridas first medical marijuana law, according to video of the fundraiser obtained by CNN. Pirozzolo, meanwhile, told his guests it probably would not be the last time he asked them for money and suggested the solicitations might continue all the way up to a hypothetical 2024 White House bid by DeSantis. Ill be honest with you, he said. Weve got to keep our foot on the gas pedal for Ron. Later that month, the doctor would personally fly DeSantis to a campaign event, an early example of DeSantis preference for private air travel arranged by wealthy donors. Such arrangements have lately come under scrutiny during his presidential campaign. David Haas, an attorney for Pirozzolo, said in an email to CNN that his client never discussed marijuana legislation with Ron DeSantis. Any allegation or inference that any such discussions occurred is categorically false. In this September 2019 photo, Dr. Jason Pirozzolo is seen during a meeting of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority in Orlando, Florida. - Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Reuters Closest governors race in state history Around the time of the fundraiser, Beshears, Pirozzolo and Gaetz traveled to the Bahamas where they spent time in the company of young women. The trip made headlines in 2021 amid disclosures that federal prosecutors were investigating Gaetz for sex trafficking and an alleged pay-to-play scheme involving medical marijuana. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and the investigation was dropped without charges earlier this year. In fall 2018, Pirozollo co-hosted another fundraiser in which he was listed as a $50,000 co-chair. Around that time, Gaetz gave DeSantis $75,000 from a federal campaign committee that was full of donations from marijuana interests. Gaetz did not respond to a request to be interviewed for this story. Trulieve contributed $50,000 to the Florida GOP, which was heavily involved in electing DeSantis and paying for his campaign ads. The Beashers brothers donated more than $75,000 to DeSantis campaign and political committee, including through a half dozen businesses and entities controlled by their family. Surterra, another medical marijuana company operating in the state, contributed $60,000 to DeSantis committee. In this June 2016 photo, Surterra Therapeutics Cultivation Manager Wes Conner displays the fully grown flower of one of their marijuana plants at their north Florida facility, on the outskirts of Tallahassee, Florida. - Joe Rondone /Tallahassee Democrat/AP DeSantis political committee also received $10,000 from Brian Ballard, a Florida lobbyist deeply involved in its cannabis industry. At the time of the donation, Trulieve was paying Ballards firm $40,000 every three months to represent it in Washington, DC. Before that, Ballard had lobbied for five Florida nurseries that sought to grow and sell medical marijuana in the state after the 2014 law passed. He also had a financial interest in three different marijuana ventures that received licenses, according to their applications to the state. All three eventually sold those licenses to out-of-state companies in eight-figure deals. The day after winning the closest governors race in state history, DeSantis tapped Gaetz to head up his transition team. Pirozzolo received a coveted spot on the board governing Orlandos airport. Halsey Beshears was given a top post as the secretary of the Department of Business and Regulation. His brother Thad was put on the transition advisory committee on Health and Wellness. Ballard, meanwhile, was named chair of DeSantis inaugural fundraising committee. The co-chair was a lobbyist for Surterra, who touts his extensive work shaping Floridas marijuana laws and regulations on his website. Who am I to judge? It didnt take long for DeSantis to advance the marijuana industrys top priority. At a news conference nine days after his swearing in, DeSantis stood next to Gaetz and demanded state lawmakers quickly draft and approve legislation that would make medicinal pot available to Floridians in smokable form. They were joined by John Morgan, a wealthy plaintiffs attorney nicknamed Pot Daddy for his medical marijuana advocacy and a major donor to DeSantis Democratic opponent in the governors race. Morgan had helped bankroll a successful 2016 ballot referendum to amend the state Constitution and greatly increase patient access to medical marijuana in Florida. He sued Florida the following year after state lawmakers and then-Gov. Rick Scott moved to prevent doctors from prescribing marijuana in smokable form. Just as he would with other contentious priorities over the next five years, DeSantis pursued this one aggressively, publicly threatening lawmakers with an ultimatum and using the bully pulpit to rally support for his cause. The Republican-controlled state legislature, two years after prohibiting smokable medical marijuana, reversed course and lifted its ban, delivering DeSantis a win and the first law of his governorship. Who am I to judge? DeSantis asked at the time. I want people to be able to have their suffering relieved. The early victory surprised many in Florida political circles, but apparently not one noteworthy figure who attended Pirozzolos fundraiser for DeSantis. Joel Greenberg, then a little-known Orlando area tax collector, predicted it, according to a video shared by Morgan on the day DeSantis signed the bill. I owe this man an apology, Morgan said, referring to Greenberg, who stood next to him grinning. In the video, shot at the home of a future Trulieve lobbyist, Morgan said Greenberg claimed during the campaign that DeSantis would take steps to end the ban on smokable medical marijuana. Today, it was proven that the tax collector is not a liar, Morgan continued in the video, which featured an appearance by Gaetz. Most transactional governor Greenberg would a short time later become the subject of a wide-ranging criminal probe that expanded to include his associates Gaetz, Pirozzolo and Beshears and their trip to the Bahamas. Greenberg began cooperating with prosecutors and implicated Gaetz and others in various alleged crimes, but prosecutors filed no charges. Gaetz has consistently denied wrongdoing. Greenberg himself was convicted of sex trafficking a minor, stalking, fraud and identity theft and sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. In an interview with CNN, Morgan dismissed Greenberg as a blowhard who could have pretended to know more than he did. Then again, Morgan said, somebody seemed to have gotten to DeSantis regarding an issue that was not previously on his radar. Once an ally of DeSantis when it came to medicinal marijuana, Morgan told CNN he ultimately came to see him as maybe the most transactional governor weve ever had. Gaetz is no longer a DeSantis ally, either. Hes backing Trump in 2024. Some marijuana advocates hoped DeSantis would make other changes as well. The law authored by Gaetz in 2014 and voted for by Halsey Beshears prevented Floridas licenses from going to businesses that hadnt been in operation for at least 30 years. That was no accident, according to John Thomas Burnette, a longtime friend of the Beshears brothers and the husband of Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers. Burnette told an undercover FBI agent posing as a wealthy former drug dealer looking to invest in medical marijuana that he and Halsey Beshears had put some little tweaks in the law designed to benefit Trulieve and keep out competitors. Burnette, who did not know the 2016 conversation was being recorded as part of a corruption probe in which he was a target, told agents he and Rivers knew little about the industry when they applied for one of a handful of licenses in the state other than that getting one would be f**cking real valuable. We didnt have to know anything more than that, Burnette added, according to a transcript of the conversation obtained by CNN. Burnette, who was charged with extortion and bribery as part of a Tallahassee City Hall corruption scandal, testified during his trial two years ago that what he said on the recording about him and Beshears tweaking the marijuana law was him bragging about something that kind of happened before my time. Asked and answered Prosecutors nonetheless cited the episode in a sentencing memorandum submitted to the judge after Burnette was convicted, arguing that the court should not believe Burnettes explanation and noting that both he and Halsey Beshears had benefited from the marijuana law. Burnette was sentenced to three years in prison. Though his ties to Trulieve and the medical marijuana industry routinely came up during the investigation, he was not charged with any crimes related to either. Beshears was never charged with any criminal wrongdoing. He left the DeSantis administration in 2021, citing a health issue. In a brief phone conversation with CNN, Beshears dismissed questions about his role in medical marijuana as a long time ago. All of this has been asked and answered, Beshears said. I just dont have anything to tell you, man. Trulieve did not respond to a request for comment. The 2014 law also required companies to operate the entire marijuana business from growing the plant to manufacturing products to operating dispensaries a unique regulatory framework known as vertical integration. Only a handful of companies, including Trulieve, could meet the requirements. Opponents of vertical integration thought they had an ally in DeSantis. At the same press conference where he called on lawmakers to approve smokable marijuana, DeSantis criticized the states existing regulatory framework as a cartel essentially that violated the free-market principles he ascribed to. He threatened to pull Florida out of a lawsuit that would have effectively dismantled the cartel. But legislation to open Floridas marijuana market died that year without public acknowledgement from the governor. Far from dropping Floridas lawsuit, lawyers for DeSantis office defended vertical integration and convinced the state Supreme Court to preserve it. After they passed the smokeable bill, they acted like they got everything they really wanted, said former state Sen. Jeff Brandes, a Republican who authored both the bill to end the ban on smokable marijuana and an unsuccessful bill to end vertical integration. He said he was instructed by Senate leadership to put each issue in a separate bill. Asked about the political donations to DeSantis from the marijuana industry, Brandes told CNN: I cant speak to the money. I dont know his motivation, but it stands to reason that it had an impact. CNN asked DeSantis office why the governor ultimately came to defend the regulatory system he once derided. A spokesman there did not respond to this or any other questions posed by CNN. Record profits DeSantis administration that same year sided with Trulieve in another legal dispute, this time over a state law that initially capped the number of dispensaries a single entity could own at 25. By that spring of his first year in office, DeSantis state Department of Health reached a settlement with Trulieve that allowed it to nearly double the number of dispensaries it could open in a unique arrangement that didnt apply to other marijuana operators in the state. Courtney Coppola, the director of the state Office of Medical Marijuana Use at the time, brokered the deal with Trulieve, according to a local press report. Coppola later became a top aide in DeSantis office but now is a registered lobbyist for Trulieve. She works for Ballards firm, which opened a national cannabis practice in 2022. Trulieve already had the most dispensaries in Florida before DeSantis arrived, but its outlook improved considerably after he took office. Within six months of DeSantis legalizing smokable medical marijuana, Trulieve, touting record profits, told investors smokable flower made up half of its sales in Florida and was driving patient growth. A year later, the company reported its quarterly revenue had doubled to $136 million. Around that time, Trulieve made a $25,000 contribution to DeSantis political committee. Four months after, DeSantis helped kill legislation that could have capped the potency of medical marijuana sold in Florida. Leah Hartigan and Brandon Garcia ring up an order for a customer at the Trulieve Fort Walton Beach Dispensary in Florida in August 2020. - Devon Ravine/Northwest Florida Daily News/USA Today Network Trulieve recently reported its revenue had reached $282 million for the three-month period ending June 30. Amid Trulieves good fortune, Thad Beshears cashed in. In August 2020, with Trulieves stock near what was then its all-time high, he sold 585,000 shares worth nearly $12 million. A year later, the Beshears family nursery contributed $30,000 toward DeSantis reelection. CNN reached out to Beshears for this story. He responded in a text declining comment. Its old news and nothing new to write or talk about, he said. Beshears remains a major shareholder in Trulieve. Trulieve now has a new goal for Florida: recreational marijuana. The company has put more than $39 million into a referendum campaign to force full legalization of cannabis in the state. DeSantis on the campaign trail said hes against legalizing marijuana. Hes worried it will become too accessible to kids, and he doesnt like the smell. He has even begun to question the merits of the law he once championed. Its very controversial, he said at campaign stop earlier this year in South Carolina, because obviously there are some people that abuse it. An endorsement from Trump One person who claims to have insight into why DeSantis went against his party to support more liberal use of medical marijuana is Lev Parnas, a once well-connected Republican fundraiser who had ties to Rudy Giuliani when Trump was President. Parnas later emerged as a key figure in the first Trump impeachment, mainly regarding his work with Giuliani searching for dirt on Joe Biden in Ukraine. He was also sentenced last year to 20-months in federal prison for unrelated campaign finance violations while trying to obtain marijuana licenses in other states and for defrauding investors in one of his companies of more than $2 million. But when DeSantis met him in 2018, Parnas still had close ties to Trumps inner circle. As first reported by Reuters and the local CBS station in Miami earlier this year, Parnas has said he was closer to DeSantis than the governor has publicly acknowledged, and that early in their relationship, DeSantis asked for his help in obtaining an endorsement from Trump. In an interview with CNN at his home in Boca Raton, Parnas said he was initially unwilling to help because he perceived DeSantis as being unfriendly to his business prospects. Parnas was looking to invest in medical marijuana after Floridas successful 2016 referendum, which made the drug more accessible. I told him, Youre on the other side of the fence on that, and you are against everything I believe and am trying to establish, Parnas said, recounting their first meeting at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. But according to Parnas, when the two ran into each other at the hotel again later that month, DeSantis told Parnas he could be swayed into supporting more liberal marijuana policies if Parnas could deliver an endorsement from Trump. It opened the door and we talked more about it until he assured me he was going to be pro cannabis, Parnas told CNN in a series of interviews about his interactions with DeSantis. DeSantis publicly expressed his support for legalized medical marijuana at a June 2018 Drain the Swamp campaign event in Pensacola at which he was joined by Gaetz. Twelve days later, Parnas donated $50,000 to DeSantis political committee through a business named Global Energy Partners. The next day, Trump announced he was backing DeSantis for governor. He will be a Great Governor & has my full Endorsement! Trump tweeted. Parnas told CNN it should have been clear to DeSantis that his help was contingent upon him being supportive of medical marijuana. I dont recall us having an exact conversation, like a quid pro quo type of a situation, Parnas said. But the whole conversation was a quid pro quo. CNN was unable to independently verify Parnas account. DeSantis declined to answer detailed questions about his interactions with Parnas from this time period. The Trump campaign and a spokesman for Giuliani did not respond to requests for comment. Following Parnas legal woes, DeSantis returned the $50,000 contribution and downplayed their relationship, describing him as like any other donor. But text messages between Parnas and DeSantis first reported by Reuters and reviewed by CNN showed the two had communication about fundraising, with DeSantis at times asking Parnas to nudge Giuliani to post certain messages on Twitter. On election night, he and Parnas embraced in a celebratory hug as preliminary returns showed DeSantis was victorious. Parnas was then a VIP at DeSantis inauguration. Parnas acknowledged others may have had Trumps ear about endorsing DeSantis. Multiple sources told CNN that Gaetz was one of them. But in his mind, there was a clear linkage. The reason why Ron DeSantis became governor of Florida is because of a little plant called cannabis, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Washington Elementary School in Elgin, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2017, is one of six proposed to close under plans presented Monday to the District U-46 School Board. (Rafael Guerrero / The Courier-News) Six elementary schools will close, two elementary schools will be built and an early learning center will be converted into an elementary school under plans proposed Monday to the District U-46 School Board. We do not take these decisions or recommendations lightly, Deputy Superintendent Ann Williams said at the meeting. We know that this is difficult news for many of our staff, students, families and community members. Advertisement However, we are committed to providing safe, modern learning environments for all of our students and the recommendations presented this evening represent a start by announcing we will move students out of several of our elementary schools with the most pressing needs and into improved, updated or even brand new learning spaces. The proposal comes as the latest development in ongoing plans to address building incapacities and grade restructuring throughout the district, part of which will be funded with money approved in a referendum in April. Advertisement Williams and district Chief of Staff Brian Lindholm said the recommendations were: Lowrie, McKinley and Washington elementary schools in Elgin close in June 2027. Century Oaks Elementary in Elgin and Hanover Countryside and Glenbrook elementaries in Streamwood close on dates yet to be determined. A new elementary school be built somewhere on Elgins northeast side on a date yet to be determined. A new elementary school be built in the Hanover Park/Streamwood area on a date yet to be determined. A feasibility study about converting Illinois Park Center for Early Learning in Elgin into an elementary school be conducted. Parkwood Elementary in Hanover Park be monitored for possible consolidation at a later date. Additions and renovations be considered for Gifford and Highland elementary schools in Elgin. Elementary school boundaries be revised and information communicated to families and residents in fall 2024. This is in addition to previously announced plans to expand Kimball Middle School in Elgin and Kenyon Woods Middle School in South Elgin, build a new Elgin middle school at 2604 Rohrssen Road, and close Ellis and Abbott middle schools in Elgin will close at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Preliminary cost estimates for the newer proposal indicate the work at Gifford and Highland would be a combined $33 million; each new elementary school would be about $60 million; and conversion of Illinois Park into an elementary school would require about $10 million. The moves would rebalance class sizes and staffing to provide the best opportunities for students in the wake of declining enrollments, mostly tied to a drop in the birth rates, the admininistrators said. In August 2018, U-46 had 20,000 elementary school students attending 40 schools, with an average of 500 students per building, Lindholm said. Projections for August 2026 put those numbers at 13,500 students attending 38 schools with average attendance at 335 students per building. The 2026-27 school year also is when the district plans to move sixth-graders from the elementary system into middle schools. District U-46 has a number of aging buildings. McKinley, Washington and Lowrie all date back to the late 1800s, sit on relatively small lots and have issues related to their age, the officials said. In fact as recently as 2021, Lowrie had a catastrophic plumbing failure that resulted in no water to a portion of the building for several days, porta potties on site and kids eating lunch in their classrooms as the lunchroom was also inaccessible at the time, Lindholm said. Advertisement Century Oaks was built in the early 1970s but the schools design isnt conducive to learning, he said. Since there arent really any hallways in the instructional area of the building students and staff often need to walk through one classroom to get to another, Lindholm said. However, because Century Oaks stands on eight acres of land, the district might consider building a new school at the location, he said. The district is seeking the communitys input on the proposals. Discussion sessions will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, and Wednesday, March 13, at Elgin High School, 1200 Maroon Drive. The talks will focus on boundary planning criteria and parameters. More information and community meeting attendance registration is available online at www.u-46.org/uniteu46. The district also sent an email to staff and families after Mondays meeting providing an update of the nights presentation and an overview of the sites discussed. Advertisement Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis on Tuesday swiped at former President Trump over his push for a primary challenge to DeSantis-backer Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), pointing out the filing deadline in Texas already passed. While @chiproytx is fighting to do what Donald Trump promised to dosecure our southern borderthe former president is on social media demanding a primary challenge to one of the most conservative members of Congress (even though the Texas primary filing deadline was over a week ago.), DeSantis, also the governor of Florida, wrote Tuesday in a post on X, formerly Twitter. I stand with Chip and am honored to have his support. The time for talking is over. We must stop the invasion, and I will get it done. DeSantiss remarks were in response to Trumps Monday social media post in which he suggested a Republican should attempt to primary Roy, a longtime supporter of DeSantiss White House bid. Has any smart and energetic Republican in the Great State of Texas decided to run in the Primary against RINO Congressman Chip Roy. For the right person, he is very beatable, Trump posted on Truth Social. If interested, let me know!!! Roy appeared on the campaign trail in Iowa with DeSantis earlier Monday, and the two Republicans dug into Trumps record. Roy gave a preemptive endorsement of DeSantis in March before the governor announced his candidacy and reiterated his support last month when he maintained he stands 100 percent with DeSantis. DeSantis has struggled to make a significant dent in Trumps lead in the GOP primary polls, with recent analysis from The Hill and Decision Desk HQ showing Trump with a 54 percent lead over his GOP rivals. DeSantiss second-place spot in the polls has recently been threatened by former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who has seen a recent uptick in support. Roy, sitting alongside DeSantis on Monday in an interview with Fox News, appeared to dismiss the polling numbers, arguing the polls are supposed to reflect public opinion, not shape it. Thats the reality and whats going to decide this election are the people on the ground, not polls, the people in Iowa. Thats the beauty of our process, right? Were for principals, not princes. We dont coordinate anybody. We dont let polls decide, Roy continued. Its the American people through this process and the people of Iowa who take it very seriously. Trump and Roy have feuded with one another on multiple occasions. Roy was one of a handful of Texas Republicans who voted against overturning the 2020 election results, and he objected to seating 67 House lawmakers from states where Trump and his supporters claimed election fraud. Roy argued at the time that if the president and his allies were claiming fraudulent results, the other ballots must be questioned too. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An announcement on the famed and respected Detroit musicians Instagram page said he died after an extensive and noble battle with cancer, describing him as a world renowned ambassador of funk, soul, & electronic music, keyboardist, producer, Afro-futurist, and guiding force of light for so many. Joseph Amp Fiddler died at 65, prompting several tributes from his musical peers. According to Rolling Stone, an announcement on the famed and respected Detroit musicians Instagram page said he died after an extensive and noble battle with cancer. The statement referred to Fiddler as Detroits own world renowned ambassador of funk, soul, & electronic music, keyboardist, producer, Afro-futurist, and guiding force of light for so many. Amp Fiddler live jams out on the Movement Stage at Hart Plaza on Saturday, May 29, 2004 during Movement Festival Detroits Electronic Music Festival 04. (Photo credit: Syndication Detroit Free Press) It would be impossible to encapsulate the gravity of his energy, global impact & contributions, the statement added. His lifes work, legacy, & most importantlyhis LOVEwill far exceed his earthly presence. How blessed are we, to have experienced Amp Fiddler in this lifetime. Fiddler, who contributed heavily to funk, soul, hip-hop, and dance music, rose to prominence as a session musician and collaborator during his tenure with Parliament and Funkadelic. He mentored J Dilla, providing his first Akai MPC drum machine and introducing Q-Tip and A Tribe Called Quest to the future hip-hop icon. Rest easy brother Amp, musician and record producer Questlove said via Instagram. For all those talks during the Pfunk tour. For all the music. Especially of course mentoring the one who mentored us (Dilla)thank you brother. Fiddler also collaborated with Prince, Sly & Robbie, Carl Craig, Moodymann, and Maxwell, according to Rolling Stone. Top Stories Raven-Symone brother Blaize News Raven-Symones brother, Blaize Pearman, dies at 31 after colon cancer diagnosis TheGrio Staff Black male breast cancer, Can men get breast cancer? Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Mens Breast Cancer Awareness Week, when is Mens Breast Cancer Awareness Week? theGrio.com Lifestyle Dressing up for the doctor: Many people of color say its a must Colleen DeGuzman for KFF Health News Radcliffe Bailey dies News Trailblazing artist Radcliffe Bailey dies at 55 after battling brain cancer TheGrio Staff News Shirley Jo Finney, trailblazing Black director, dies after cancer battle TheGrio Staff Featured Black life expectancy jumped by 1.5 years, lower than Hispanic Americans Associated Press Zepbound, weight loss, theGrio.com Featured What the new obesity drug Zepbound means for the Black community Dr. Shamard Charles Black maternal health x when does morning sickness start Lifestyle Scientists identify single hormone that causes morning sickness, better treatment to come TheGrio Lifestyle Fiddler launched his solo career in the 2000s. In 2003, he released the EP Love and War, which was strongly related to his work with house producer Moodymann; the following year, Fiddler published his debut album, Waltz of a Ghetto Fly. In 2006, Fiddler released his second album, Afro Strut, and in 2008, he teamed up with the Jamaican rhythm section/production duo Sly and Robbie on the collaboration LP Inspiration Information. Fiddlers output continued throughout the 2010s and 2020s. He released several other solo albums and collaborated with Detroit musician Will Sessions. He compiled offerings from his long-running Basementality series into a single CD in 2021, and in June, he collaborated with Luke Solomon on a new track, Come On Over. In a 2017 Red Bull Music Academy interview, Fiddler praised his profession for allowing him to be part of a lot of Detroit music in different ways and described what makes the city and its historic musical output so distinct. We are all passionate and we are a community of musicians that respect each other and love what we all do, said Fiddler, Rolling Stone reported. I think what creates the love and makes the music so successful is that we are not really tripping about how much we have to pay [each other] to play on something or any of that nonsense, its always about, I need you to do this for me, and its going to be great. Experience is the payoff for it, and the music is the pay for it. Fiddlers family is accepting donations to cover funeral expenses through a GoFundMe page previously set up to help with his medical fees and recovery after surgery and a lengthy hospital stay in 2022. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Detroit icon Amp Fiddler dies after cancer battle, hailed by peers appeared first on TheGrio. Longtime Detroit journalist Charlie LeDuff is charged with domestic violence in an incident Monday involving his wife at their Oakland County home. Judge Jaimie Powell Horowitz of 45th District Court allowed LeDuff to be released on $5,000 personal bond. He can't contact his wife or go back to their shared home in Pleasant Ridge under the terms of his release. Charlie LeDuff, pictured while covering a news story in Detroit on Monday, March 13, 2013. LeDuff stood mute during his Tuesday arraignment. His lawyer, Todd Perkins, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. "This is a man that loves his family," Perkins told the Free Press after the hearing. He said he and his client are trying to keep the matter "as private as possible." Pleasant Ridge Interim Police Chief Robert Ried confirmed to the Free Press that police were called to LeDuff's home around 9:30 p.m. Monday. He said LeDuff allegedly assaulted someone at the home, but would not confirm the victim's identity. LeDuff was then arrested and taken to the Berkley police station, where he stayed overnight, Ried said. LeDuff was released on bond shortly after his arraignment Tuesday afternoon. LeDuff is the host of a weekly podcast, "No BS News Hour With Charlie LeDuff." He's a controversial print and TV journalist known for unconventional reporting, often infused with opinion and his own personality and often putting local politicians in his crosshairs. He's worked for the New York Times, the Detroit News, Fox 2 and other outlets. He was fired in October as a columnist at the Detroit News after using a coded insult toward Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on the social media platform X, where he wrote "See you next Tuesday" (typically spelled C U Next Tuesday" as a pejorative). LeDuff told the Detroit Metro Times he thought the insult was "clever," given that his weekly column at the Detroit News was published on Tuesdays. The tagline for the last column he wrote for the Detroit News, dated Oct. 17, said his column appeared on Wednesdays. Im not apologizing. I have nothing to apologize for. I stand by it, he told the Metro Times. Early in his career, LeDuff apologized for plagiarism after lifting passages from a nonfiction book. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 2001 as a contributor to the New York Times' "How Race Is Lived In America" series. In 2012, he was sued over a story by Cindy Pasky, president and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions, while working for Fox 2. The station and Pasky settled; the station retracted the story and issued an on-air apology. LeDuff was accused in 2013 of urinating in public and then biting a security guard during Detroit's St. Patrick's Day parade, though charges were never filed. In recent years, LeDuff has been accused of using right-wing rhetoric to attract a conservative fanbase, a claim he denied during an appearance this month on Detroit Free Press investigative columnist M.L. Elrick's podcast, "ML's Soul of Detroit." Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. She can be contacted at 313-264-0442 or asahouri@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Charlie LeDuff charged with domestic violence against wife Are any of your DHL packages delayed? If so, its most likely due to the strike at the facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. Workers there were demanding better pay and benefits. That strike then was extended to various locations across the country, and when we say it was extended, the actual members from Cincinnati flew out here and set up picket lines at the facilities in Seattle, said Jamie Fleming, spokesperson for Teamsters Local Union 174. Fleming says DHL workers in Seattle did not strike but showed their support by not going to work for five days. She said they represent over 130 workers from both the DHL Sea-Tac and Boeing Field facilities. After 12 days of negotiations, the union reached a tentative agreement with the company on Tuesday. DHL employees have gone back to work; however, they face piles of packages. The strike came during the busiest season of the year, but Fleming has faith that employees will work around the clock to get back up to speed. So obviously, this is the heaviest time of year, and with five days of packages piled up, they certainly have a lot of work to do, but you will be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated professional group of workers than the DHL Teamsters, so if anybody can get all those gifts delivered by Christmas it will be them, said Fleming. Company officials say they are doing everything they can to minimize any disruptions. This is one example of a Delta-8 THC product that can be purchased a stores. Unlike the THC from cannabis plants, Delta-8 and Delta-9 are manufactured chemicals that are not regulated by the government and are said to be dangerous by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Wilfredo Lee/AP) The Highland Park City Council is considering a citywide ban on the sale of synthetic THC products and kratom, along with restrictions for under 21-year-olds, expanding a ban on the sale at tobacco locations approved last month. Frustrated the state hasnt taken action on regulating the illicit products, the potential regulation comes at the urging of local state representatives, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said at a recent meeting, adding that the city has often been a trailblazer in setting policy thats influenced Springfield. Advertisement We are a community with a certain set of values, Rotering said at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Dec. 11. To me, this (ban) represents those values. The council members agreed the potential ban on the sale of hemp-derived cannabis products should include cannabis dispensaries a highly regulated industry. Advertisement Use and possession of the product also will be banned for those under the age of 21. Violating the ban could result in a fine consistent with alcohol and tobacco penalties. Businesses that continue to sell the product after the proposed start date of April 1, 2024, could face a penalty as well. The council will have the opportunity to approve or deny the proposed ordinance at the next City Council meeting in January. Chemically derived from federally legal hemp, synthetic variations of THC, such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC and THC-O, are advertised to have intoxicating effects similar to cannabis. Kratom is a plant that produces stimulant and sedative effects. There is no age restrictions on the purchase of hemp-derived products. Theyre not regulated at all, City Manager Ghida Neukirch said. The packaging doesnt include the level of detail that it should as to what is in the package or drink or substance, as well as the effects of it. We feel that is problematic. Gummies, vapes and beverages are often marketed toward kids. Neukirch noted that the packaging can be comparable to popular candy brands such as Sour Patch Kids. Now that the market and sciences have been able to evolve, you see so many different types of products being sold, and theres no age restriction on that, state Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Highland Park, said. Two years ago, Morgan introduced legislation in the Illinois General Assembly to regulate the products, many of which are coming from out-of-state, but it went nowhere. Advertisement There is a risk of harm to children when we dont know whats in these products, he said. That troubles me as a regulator, and also a parent. The local ban is in the best interest of public health and safety, a memo from city staff said. The synthetic cannabis can cause adverse health effects, including hallucinations, vomiting and tremors. [ Hemp-based cannabis overdoses at Chicago high school linked to neighborhood smoke shop prompt calls for strict state regulation ] Last month, the council approved a ban on the sale of the unregulated THC products at tobacco establishments, which took effect after the councils approval on Nov. 13. After the ban at tobacco establishments, Neukirch said a majority of the council wanted to discuss expanding the ban. A review of local business by city staff found that hemp-derived products are commonly sold by businesses that dont require a tobacco license, such as grocery stores, spas, salon businesses and gas stations. Feedback from local businesses to city staff included concerns related to current inventory, pending deliveries and lack of understanding as to which products can no longer be sold. Advertisement Recently, neighboring municipalities have issued similar bans and restrictions on synthetic cannabis products. In November, Barrington prohibited the sale, possession and use for all ages; Antioch banned the sale of the products at all stores. In Elk Grove Village, an ordinance just took effect banning the sale of any product containing THC. Neukirch said if the ordinance is approved in January, the city will share the ordinance with neighboring communities, the Metro Mayors Caucus and the Northwest Municipal Conference. Regulations are shared with all municipalities when they are strongly urged to be implemented on a greater scale, said the city manager. We do feel that it would be most effective as a statewide policy, but according to our state officials, the state is not yet ready to advance such proposed legislation, Neukirch said. So having municipalities consider this type of regulation perhaps could motivate the states to advance such laws. Other municipal partners have asked the state to provide clear regulation on the products, Morgan said but, the state has not provided that kind of clarity. Advertisement Its undisputed that there is a gap in regulation, he said. chilles@chicagotribune.com Dave Bunnell is the leader of a group of homeowners who say the wastewater treatment plant in Liberty Hill needs to decrease the amount of phosphorus it discharges into the South San Gabriel River to reduce excessive algae growth. GEORGETOWN Dave Bunnell slowly walked in the shallow waters of the South San Gabriel River through blankets of algae clouding it. Bunnell, Stephanie Morris and other neighbors who live along the river in Georgetown and Leander have been involved in a legal fight to get the Liberty Hill Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant to lower the amount of phosphorus in the treated wastewater it dumps into the water. They and their lawyers say the phosphorus is causing the excessive growth of algae, which violates state water quality standards by preventing recreational uses of the river such as fishing and swimming. "When we first got here, we could swim and fish in the river. But we can't do that anymore," said Bunnell, who bought his home on the river several years ago. The house is 3 miles downstream from where the treatment plant discharges into the river. More: Nonprofit plans suit over Liberty Hill wastewater plant Stephanie Morris discusses the South San Gabriel River and the phosphorus that is damaging it. Some administrative law judges sided with the residents on Nov. 30, saying the Liberty Hill treatment plant needs to reduce the level of phosphorus in the treated wastewater it releases from 0.15 milligrams per liter to 0.015 milligrams per liter to prevent the overgrowth of algae, according to a proposal for a decision issued by the judges. "Videos, photographs, and eye-witness testimonies in the record establish that the operation of the Citys wastewater plant has badly degraded the River for at least several miles downstream of the plants outfall," the document says. But the three members of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have the final say in the matter. They haven't scheduled a meeting to vote on it and are not under a deadline to do so, said Richard Richter, a TCEQ spokesman. The lawyers for the city of Liberty Hill have objected to the proposed lowering of the limit on phosphorus, saying it violates Texas Surface Water Quality Standards rules that apply to the river. The lawyers also say it would be too expensive to lower the amount of phosphorus in the water. The executive director of the TCEQ has sided with the city, saying no permit has been issued in the state requiring the phosphorus level to be so low. More: Another wastewater spill hits river The Office of Public Interest Counsel, which was created by the Legislature to make sure the public's interest is represented in issues considered by the environmental commission, has sided with the residents, saying that the phosphorus level should be lowered in its response to the judges' proposal. Dave Bunnell walks in the shallow waters of the South San Gabriel River amid a cloud of algae in front of his Georgetown home. State law allows treatment plants to dump treated wastewater into rivers. The fight about the phosphorus level in the South San Gabriel River began after the Liberty Hill plant submitted a renewal application to the TCEQ in 2018, according to the judges' proposal. The application seeks to continue dumping treated wastewater in the river at a daily average flow not to exceed 2 million gallons in the interim phase and a daily average flow not to exceed 4 million gallons in the final phase. The proposed renewal permit would have allowed the phosphorus to remain at the current level of 0.15 milligrams per liter. Phosphorus is produced by several sources in the wastewater the plant treats, including human waste. The Liberty Hill Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility is about 8,800 feet southeast of the intersection of Texas 29 and U.S. 183 in Williamson County. Liberty Hill is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. Its population has jumped from 967 in 2010 to 9,099 in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Morris, who lives in Leander near the outfall of the treatment plant and has been fighting for years against the degradation of the river, filed a request for a contested case hearing after a public hearing in 2020 about the proposed renewal permit. Bunnell and a group of his neighbors who entered the fight after Morris also filed a request for a hearing about their permit objections. Administrative law judges from the State Office of Administrative Hearings held an initial hearing in 2022. The state office resolves disputes between Texas agencies, other governmental entities and citizens. The judges issued a proposal that included lowering the level of phosphorus the treatment plant could dump into the river. The TCEQ asked the judges in 2023 to hold a second contested hearing to determine the level of phosphorus that could be released to comply with the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, according to the judges' proposal. "Under the standards, the total phosphorus effluent limit should prevent excessive algal growth that impairs an existing use of the receiving water," the document says. Stephanie Morris lives in Leander near the outfall of the treatment plant and has been fighting for years against the degradation of the river. After the second contested hearing, the administrative judges issued their proposal, saying that uses of the South San Gabriel River, under the Surface Water Quality Standards, include fishing, swimming, wading, tubing and paddling. The river could not be used for any of those activities at least 3.83 miles downstream of the outfall where the Liberty Hill plant discharges its wastewater because "the quantity of the algae growth is excessive," the document says. The judges also said that scientific experts had testified for the residents in the hearing that reducing the level of phosphorus to 0.015 milligrams per liter would reduce the growth of algae. A lawyer for the city, Natasha Martin, disagreed. She said the judges are not seeking to prevent degradation but are trying to force this permit to improve water quality from current conditions, which is not appropriate when the law requires only the prevention of future degradation and the maintenance of existing water quality, according to the city's filing in the case. Martin said that no other wastewater treatment plant in Texas has had to meet the low limits of phosphorus proposed by the administrative law judges. Martin also said that since the recommended permit limit is below what any accredited lab in Texas can detect, it is infeasible of implementation. Several homeowners report that algae is preventing them from boating, swimming or fishing in the South San Gabriel River. Another lawyer for the city, Rudy Metayer, said in an email that it would be too expensive for the city to comply with the proposed lowered level of phosphorus. "The state will be forcing the city to build another brand new wastewater treatment plant at a cost to the taxpayers of tens of millions of dollars with no guarantee that 0.015 mg/L total phosphorus will result in no excessive algae growth in the river," he said. He said the phosphorus limit proposed by the judges was "a made-up non scientifically based magic number." The city's lawyers said the experts for the residents were not using data from acceptable laboratories approved by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, according to responses to the judges' proposal. Lauren Ice, an attorney for Morris, disagreed with the lawyers for the city. She said in an email that "the city's plan for growth is to simply sacrifice the South Fork San Gabriel to always be a river of algae." The Texas Surface Water Quality Standards prevent degradation of water to the point that it impairs uses such as recreation, she said. "Degradation is measured from the highest water quality sustained since November 28, 1975 long before the city started discharging effluent which is completely logical if you think about it. The city doesn't get a pass today because they've already filled the river with algae for the past decade," Ice said. She also said there was a "mountain of scientific evidence" admitted in the contested case that was clear. "Two of the country's leading academic researchers who study the effects of nutrient enrichment on freshwater streams examined the scientific literature, their own research, and site-specific water quality data on behalf of the protestants and determined a TP limit of 0.015 mg/L is necessary to prevent excessive algal growth in the South Fork San Gabriel River," she said. She also said there are labs that could test for the proposed lower limit of phosphorus in the water, according to a filing responding to the city's objections. Ice said the city could meet the proposed lower level of phosphorus by limiting its total amount of treated wastewater discharge into the river and trucking away the rest, according to the filing. Phosphorus is a pollutant that can cause algae growth, which can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic life. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Residents fighting Liberty Hill water treatment plant over algae Kenyan President William Ruto (L) was in Kinshasa to meet his Congolese counterpart Felix Tshisekedi (R) in November last year The launch of a Congolese rebel alliance in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, has rattled diplomatic relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya. It has also further soured relations between DR Congo and the regional bloc the East African Community (EAC), of which it is a recent member. The matter has led to DR Congo recalling its envoys both from Kenya and Tanzania, which hosts the EAC headquarters. DR Congo has also barred EAC observers from getting into the country to monitor the elections due on Wednesday. What is the row about? Over the weekend, Corneille Nangaa, the former head of DR Congo's electoral body, announced in a Nairobi hotel that he was creating a political-military alliance with M23 rebels and other armed groups so as to restore peace. He was with Bertrand Bisimwa, the head of M23, one of the largest of the dozens of rebel groups that have been operating in eastern DR Congo. There are accusations that M23 is backed by Rwanda, something that Rwanda has always denied. Mr Nangaa has in the past questioned the legitimacy of Felix Tshisekedi's presidency in DR Congo. And the fact that the announcement of his alliance with M23 was made in Kenya led to an angry reaction from Kinshasa. It asked Kenya to stop rebel activism on its soil. What was Kenya's response? Kenya's President William Ruto told journalists on Sunday that he refused to heed DR Congo's request to arrest the politicians as it would have been "undemocratic". "Kenya is a democracy. We cannot arrest anybody who has issued a statement. We do not arrest people for making statements, we arrest criminals," he said. Kenya's foreign ministry had earlier said it "strongly disassociates" from DR Congo's internal affairs, adding that it had begun investigating the matter. "Kenya further affirms its non-involvement in the internal affairs of the DR Congo and supports the peace, security and democratic consolidation of the country," it said. The appearance in Kenya of the leader of M23 and Mr Nangaa, who now lives in exile, hit the DR Congo's government "in a very rough way", a foreign policy analyst told the BBC. Macharia Munene, a professor of history and international relations at the United States International University in Kenya, said the Congolese government was clearly not happy. What does it mean for regional relations? With the latest row, DR Congo relations with Kenya appear to have further deteriorated, with Kenya being accused of hosting a "destructive alliance". "I wanted to remind [Kenya] to stick to the rules and several instruments which bind us in particular the charter of the community of East African states, which ensures that we cannot attack each other, that we cannot maintain armed groups which destabilise our respective countries," DR Congo Interior Minister Peter Kazadi said in a statement. Kenya and DR Congo have enjoyed good diplomatic relations in the past. Kenya has hosted several talks with representatives of major rebel groups in eastern DR Congo in the past year in the elusive search for peace in the region. The talks have since stalled. In addition, Kenyan troops were part of an East African force set up to curb militia violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenyan soldiers left DR Congo earlier in December The forces were ordered out of the country earlier this month following concerns by the Kinshasa government that they were ineffective. DR Congo joined the EAC last year, but its membership has been complicated by the by the fact that Mr Tshisekedi, as well as UN experts, say fellow member Rwanda is backing the M23, which is denies. Has Kenya's change in president changed relations? President Ruto, who came to power last year, is seen to have a different approach from his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta. Mr Kenyatta was good friends with Mr Tshisekedi and was said to have been instrumental in pushing for DR Congo to join the EAC. He was reportedly the only African head of state at Mr Tshisekedi's inauguration in 2019 - amid reservations by the international community over the election results. But Mr Ruto and Mr Tshisekedi are said not to be as warm. Prof Munene says the deterioration of things between DR Congo and Kenya could also be a reflection of the not-so-good relations between Mr Ruto and Mr Kenyatta. "We have a situation where [Mr] Ruto is not very happy with his predecessor. Maybe it's that unhappiness with his predecessor now rubbing off This could be one of the manifestations of that," he says. While Mr Ruto defended Kenya's refusal to arrest DR Congo's rebel leaders, Mr Kenyatta has condemned the alliance as an attempt to challenge the "the legitimate political status quo in [DR Congo]". A statement by his office said he "repudiates these developments and in particular their military character, and the accompanying politically charged and provocative rhetoric". Mr Kenyatta has been the facilitator of the EAC-led Nairobi Peace Process, trying to broker a peace deal between DR Congo and the rebels. He has called for an indefinite extension of a recent US-brokered ceasefire in the region that will set the stage for the resumption of the peace talks. What is the way forward? DR Congo has announced there will be "consequences" for Kenya hosting the Congolese rebel leaders on its soil. And for the first time since EAC was formed, it has been blocked from monitoring elections in a member country. Prof Munene says Kenya should seek to resolve the issue diplomatically "carefully and without rushing". He says while the rebel alliance may not pose an immediate threat to the Congolese authorities, that could change in due course. You may also be interested in: Content warning: This story includes a description of sexual assault. A former doctoral student at Duke University has sued the university, alleging it failed to promptly investigate the students claim that he was sexually assaulted by a faculty member and that the university retaliated against him for his claim. The student, identified in the federal lawsuit as John Doe, was enrolled in a five-year PhD program at the Duke Fuqua School of Business beginning in 2021. The lawsuit claims Professor X an unnamed faculty member at the university who served as an adviser to Doe and supervised Does graduate research groomed Doe and initiated unwanted sexual contact with Doe and committed multiple acts of touching and attempted digital penetration that constitute sexual assault under North Carolina law in June of that year. Following the June 2021 incident, Doe was subsequently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder), depression and anxiety, the lawsuit states. Despite a no-contact order being issued for Doe and Professor X, the lawsuit states that Doe was told that Duke could not effectively prevent Doe and Professor X from ever coincidentally being in the same place in person or virtually, which, in one incident, led to Doe experiencing a panic attack. Doe alleges that the university acted in a deliberately indifferent manner by failing to promptly investigate Does claims of sexual assault by a Duke faculty member, resulting in a nearly two-year Title IX investigative process. Doe faced a retaliatory hostile environment at the university following the incident, including pressure to resume work obligations despite a medical diagnosis and his eventual termination from the PhD program, the lawsuit states. This brave young man keeps being victimized by this sexual assault. Duke University failed to take this complaint seriously, pressured our client to violate his therapists directions, refused to admit key evidence during the Title IX hearing and kicked him out of the PhD program soon after the hearing, attorney Artur Davis of HKM Employment Attorneys said in a news release. This has not only caused untold harm to this survivor, it has put countless others at risk of this perpetrator striking again. Duke spokesperson Gregory Phillips told The News & Observer by email Monday that the university does not comment on litigation. Reporting the incident, Title IX investigation Doe reported the incident, including the professors identity, to university officials including Duke President Vincent Price and campus police in the summer of 2021, the lawsuit states. But after a campus police captain expressed skepticism at the seriousness of the incident and said male-on-male sexual assault isnt really common or even really a thing, Doe opted not to file a criminal complaint, the lawsuit claims. Current estimates suggest more than 25% of men have been sexually victimized at some point in their life, according to a literature review on the topic published this April. Another estimate from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs claims 10% of men in the U.S. have suffered trauma as a result of sexual assault. Duke began a Title IX investigation in the fall of 2021, the lawsuit says. The university did not convene a formal hearing in the investigation until June this year, almost two full years after the June 2021 incident occurred, the lawsuit states. Title IX, the federal civil rights law, prohibits educational programs that receive federal funding from discriminating on the basis of sex, including sexual assault and sexual violence. There are currently no formal guidelines on how long a Title IX investigation should take to complete, though previous guidelines suggested a typical investigation would take about 60 days, with more complex cases likely taking longer. Duke on July 29 issued its findings from the investigation, which showed insufficient evidence to conclude that a Title IX violation occurred, the lawsuit states. Three days after the universitys findings were issued, on Aug. 1, Doe was terminated from the PhD program on Aug. 1. Dukes unlawful retaliatory behavior has caused Doe to suffer economic losses including the loss of the opportunity to obtain a PhD from the nations most prestigious business school, which will continue to limit his earning potential, the lawsuit states. Doe is asking for a jury trial in the case. He wishes to be reinstated to the PhD program at the Fuqua School and to receive back pay, lost benefits, punitive damages and other relief. El Paso police arrested three Dunkin' Donuts employees accused of pulling out handguns and threatening to kill a drive-thru customer during a dispute earlier this month. Three guns allegedly brandished by the doughnut shop workers were seized by police in connection with the alleged assault on Dec. 9 at the Dunkin' Donuts at 9114 Dyer St. at the Hondo Pass Centre in Northeast El Paso, police officials said this week. Luis Arturo Dominguez, a Dunkin' Donuts employee, was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a customer was allegedly threatened with guns on Dec. 9 at a Dunkin' Donuts shop in Northeast El Paso. Luis Arturo Dominguez, 20, Jesus Dominguez, 17, and Elijah Richard Garcia, 19, were each arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, police said. Crime: EPISD investigating after campus intruder enters girls' restroom at Andress High School "We are aware of the incident that occurred at our franchised location in El Paso, TX. The franchised team members have been terminated and the franchisee is fully cooperating with police in their investigation," a Dunkin' spokesperson said. The confrontation occurred about 8:30 p.m. after a woman accompanied by her boyfriend attempted to order doughnuts in the drive-thru. Jesus Dominguez, a Dunkin' Donuts employee, was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a customer was allegedly threatened with guns on Dec. 9 at a Dunkin' Donuts shop in Northeast El Paso. The woman told police that she felt an employee was rude and when she asked to speak to the manager, "the employee on the other end of the intercom stated he was the manager with explicit language," a police news release stated. Gun crime: El Paso police arrest 2 teens in McDonald's carjacking, SWAT standoff in far East Side The woman drove toward the drive-thru window when one employee, followed by two others, walked out of the back of the shop, police said. All three allegedly had guns. Elijah Richard Garcia, a Dunkin' Donuts employee, was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a customer was allegedly threatened with guns on Dec. 9 at a Dunkin' Donuts shop in Northeast El Paso. During the confrontation, one of the Dunkin' workers allegedly chambered a round in a gun and pointed it at the woman's 41-year-old boyfriend, allegedly telling him, "Ya'll gonna die tonight," police said. Police were initially dispatched on a call of a disturbance involving a person with a gun before arresting the three employees. Crime: El Paso's entertainment districts, teen party rentals generating hundreds of crime reports Jesus and Luis Dominguez, both of Northeast El Paso, were booked into the El Paso County Jail on Dec. 10 and were each released that same day on a $100,000 bond, according to jail records. Garcia, of Chaparral, New Mexico, was also booked into jail on Dec. 10 before being released on a $100,000 bond on Dec. 12. El Paso police seized three handguns allegedly used by three Dunkin' Donuts employees to threaten a customer on Dec. 9 during a dispute at the doughnut shop at 9114 Dyer St. in Northeast El Paso. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Dunkin' Donuts workers arrested in El Paso drive-thru gun threat Three Dunkin workers accused of threatening customers with guns have been arrested, Texas police say. The El Paso Police Department said the incident happened in the Dunkin drive-thru at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. A 41-year-old man and his girlfriend were ordering doughnuts, but the woman said an employee was acting rude and she asked to speak to the manager, police said in a Dec. 18 news release. The worker responded that he was the manager, using explicit language, according to police. When the couple drove toward the window, the employee came outside, followed by two co-workers. The three workers, ages 17, 19 and 20, brandished handguns toward the couple, police said. One of the employees chambered a round in the pistol, pointed the gun at the 41-year-old customer, and verbally threatened him, saying, Yall gonna die tonight, officers said. The three workers were arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, police said. They were jailed in the El Paso County Detention Facility on $100,000 bonds. McDonalds worker shoots and kills woman at North Carolina restaurant, police say Hardees workers stole from drive-thru customers to bail out inmates, Indiana cops say Dunkin worker punches customer in the face in argument about sugar, Ohio cops say Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren has raised concerns over potential cuts in funding for Ukraine following recent parliamentary elections in the Netherlands, particularly after the far-right PVV party led by Geert Wilders secured victory in November, Dutch newspaper NL Times reported on Dec. 18. During the election, the PVV party declared a shift away from providing financial aid or equipment to Ukraine. Minister Ollongren has criticized this stance, asserting that the PVV is attempting to "hide behind dikes" at a crucial juncture for Dutch security. She said that the defense of the Netherlands goes beyond its borders extending to the boundaries of Ukraine. Ollongren underscored the heightened international threats that the Netherlands is currently facing, suggesting that the current level of global danger and uncertainty has not been seen since the Cold War. She urged caution and warned the PVV against adopting an isolationist approach, stating, "Be cautious! You can't bury your head in the sand." Previously, the lower house of the Dutch parliament approved a proposal to continue providing support, offering Ollongren a measure of "cautious reassurance," according to the NL Times. 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 Allied infantrymen crouch low in the snow as they look out for snipers in embattled Saint Vith, Belgium, on Jan. 31, 1945 at the end of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Christmas includes the anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the largest land battle fought by the United States. The battle was hell on earth. On Dec. 16, 1944, Nazi Germany launched an enormous offensive through the quiet, thinly defended Ardennes Forest in Belgium. Adolf Hitler and planners in Berlin achieved total surprise. German forces rapidly gained ground. Advertisement For Europeans among the Allies, the attack was reminiscent of the stunning 1940 German drive that overran France and secured Nazi domination of Europe. Among Dwight D. Eisenhowers associates at Supreme Allied Headquarters, fear was visible with alarm. The tide of the battle did not clearly turn until Gen. George S. Pattons Third Army broke through to the 101st Airborne Division, surrounded by the Wehrmacht in Bastogne, Belgium, the day after Christmas. Advertisement Brutal fighting continued through January. However, with the relief of Bastogne, the Nazi vision of the future of Europe and the world faded. Other battles in U.S. history were more costly or complicated. During the Civil War, Gettysburg and other engagements resulted in a higher percentage of casualties among combatants. During the Second World War, such enormous amphibious invasions as Normandy, Iwo Jima and Leyte Gulf in the Philippines, were inherently more complex in logistical terms than the Bulge. In the European Theatre, the scale of the war on the eastern front was much greater than in the west. Nonetheless, in American history the Battle of the Bulge remains our biggest single land engagement. Approximately a quarter of a million United States troops were pitted against a comparable number of German forces. Basic lessons of the Bulge include personnel and materiel, and leadership. Eisenhowers skills included getting difficult personalities to work together, constant attention to logistics, and organizational genius. Both sides suffered enormous losses, in men and supplies. The Allies could replace them; the Germans at that point could not. Controversial Patton undeniably was a brilliant combat leader. At Kasserine Pass in Tunisia in early 1943, Field Marshal Erwin Rommels Afrika Korps decimated poorly led American troops. Eisenhower put Patton in command. A month later, these same troops defeated Rommels troops at El Guettar. Patton immediately, accurately evaluated the Ardennes offensive, and acted fast. During the Bulge, African American soldiers were offered combat service, previously denied, but only if they sacrificed earned military seniority. Thousands volunteered, and were vital to Allied victory. Advertisement At the tactical level, Corporal Henry F. Warner near Dom Butgenbach, Belgium knocked out two German tanks, and then his 57-mm. anti-tank gun jammed. He was firing a pistol at a third approaching tank when the German driver backed up and withdrew. One of Warners shots had killed the commander, and the crew was unable to proceed, a common reaction of German troops. American, British and other Allied soldiers were much more likely to improvise and continue fighting after officers went down. Warner, killed later in combat, received the Medal of Honor. Lake County News-Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > When the Nazi Reich surrendered, Eisenhower commented the war was over, but not won. True victory meant Germany embracing stable democracy. Admirable and effective German Chancellor Angela Merkel was TIME Magazines 2015 Person of the Year. The Allies have won the war, by Eisenhowers demanding standard of success. Honor contemporary Germany, which is economically strong, firmly democratic and committed to European peace. Advertisement Honor the men who faced, fought and won this momentous battle. Learn more: Carlo DEste Patton: A Genius for War, and the movie Patton. Arthur I. Cyr is author of After the Cold War American Foreign Policy, Europe and Asia (NYU Press and Macmillan). Contact acyr@carthage.edu At least five people have died after dangerous flooding pounded New England. A man in Pennsylvania and a woman in South Carolina both in their 70s died after their vehicles were submerged in high water, local officials reported. Two other people were killed by falling trees in Maine and Massachusetts. Meanwhile, a fifth person died in New York when their vehicle went around a barricade on a flooded road and was swept into the Catskill Creek, the Times Union reported. It comes after 58 million Americans were put under flood warnings yesterday amid a major storm on the East Coast. The storm unleashed between two and four inches of rainfall across the region within a 24-hour period, triggering flooding that engulfed cars, trapped drivers on inundated roadways in New Jersey and Connecticut, and prompted water rescues in New Hampshire and Maine. The severe weather also left more than 620,000 homes and businesses in the region without power, according to poweroutage.us. Most of the power outages were reported in Maine, where 432,000 people remain in the dark as of Tuesday morning. Key points 58 million Americans under flood watches More than 600,000 across the northeast are without power: tracker Five killed as dangerous floods pound New England Storm moves to Canada, but its impact will linger - NWS Death toll from storms climbs to five 14:02 , Martha Mchardy The death toll from a major storm that battered the East Coast on Monday has risen to five. A man in Pennsylvania and a woman in South Carolina both in their 70s died after their vehicles were submerged in high water, local officials reported. Two other people were killed by falling trees in Maine and Massachusetts. Meanwhile, a fifth person died in New York when their vehicle went around a barricade on a flooded road and was swept into the Catskill Creek, the Times Union reported. Latest pictures show extent of flooding 13:45 , Martha Mchardy Members of the Jamaica, Vt., Fire Department look at the damage to a failed culvert for the North Branch Ball Mountain Brook on Monday (AP) The water level of the Deerfield River creeps up to the edge of Route 100 in Wilmington (AP) ICYMI: Record-breaking storm hit the northeastern US 13:30 , Katie Hawkinson A disastrous rainstorm struck the northeastern US over the weekend and into Monday, causing flooding and power outages throughout the region. Hundreds of thousands were without power by Monday afternoon, with Maine experiencing the most outages, tracker PowerOutage.us reported. Meanwhile, heavy rain caused hundreds of flight delays and cancellations at New York City and Boston airports. South Carolina and Georgia also broke records for rainfall, one of which was last set in 1880. As the rain is expected to calm on Tuesday morning, weather officials warn that floods may still pose a threat to residents for several days. 500 flights cancelled as a result of storm, with almost 5,000 delayed 13:15 , Martha Mchardy Some 500 flights travelling to or in the US were cancelled on Monday as a result of a major storm that killed four, according to FlightAware. Meanwhile, 4,900 flights were delayed. The worst-affected airports were in the Boston and New York areas. On Monday, high winds caused delays of up to three hours for flights leaving John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Four dead from flooding and fallen trees 12:47 , Martha Mchardy At least four people have died after dangerous flooding and strong winds pounded New England. A 72-year-old woman, named as Nancy Morrow, died in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, on Sunday after becoming trapped as her car was fully submerged in water, officials said. Officers jumped in the water to try to save her but were not able to, officials added. More than six inches of rain inundated the area on Sunday. Another 73-year-old man, identified as Allan Ray Nolt, in Pennsylvania was also killed after his vehicle became submerged in high water caused by heavy rainfall on Monday, according to coroners office in Lancaster County. Two people were killed by fallen trees after the storm caused strong winds. A 40-year-old man whom police have not yet named was killed in Windham, Maine, on Monday after a tree piece fell on him while he was on his roof trying to clear another part of the tree off his home, authorities said. On the same day, an 89-year-old man, named as Robert Horky, died from severe head trauma in Massachusetts after a tree collapsed on a small travel trailer while he was inside, the local district attorney said. The 89-year-old was rescued from the trailer but later died from his injuries. Storm moves to Canada, but its impact will linger, with snow in NY and Penn - NWS 12:25 , Martha Mchardy The storm is now heading for Canada, but its impacts will linger on the East Coast, the National Weather Service has warned. Parts of New York and Pennsylvania could see snow heading into Tuesday, as well as in the Great Lakes. Up to a foot of snowfall could be seen in parts of northwestern New York and Ohio as well as central Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where winter storm warnings are in effect on Tuesday morning. Areas around the Great Lakes are also forecast to receive up to seven inches, according to the weather service. Meanwhile, the threat of flooding remains in areas with high river levels. Flooding prompts school closures in several states 11:45 , Martha Mchardy Flooding has prompted school closures in several states. Schools were closed in Maine and New Hampshire, as well as Paterson, New Jersey, after a major storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the East Coast on Monday. Paterson mayor Andre Sayegh declared an emergency on Monday afternoon, closing schools until further notice in the area. He said the decision was made in anticipation of flooding from the rising Passaic River, saying he expects the worst of flooding to happen in the next 24 hours. The Passaic is expected to crest around 12 feet on Tuesday afternoon, a potentially record-breaking level that could flood some adjacent roads, according to the National Weather Service. Fully restoring power to Maine may take several days, warns Central Maine Power 11:30 , Martha Mchardy Fully restoring power to residents in Maine may take several days, Central Maine Power has warned. A powerful storm caused extensive damage and power disruption to thousands of our customers today. Wind-speeds exceeded 60mph in several areas, causing widespread tree damage. As the storm exits our area, we anticipate a multi-day restoration effort involving hundreds of crews, the utility company said on X. As of Tuesday morning, more than 432,000 people in Maine are without power after a major storm ripped through the East Coast. The storm caused four inches of rainfall across the region, resulting in flooding that killed two people. A further two people were killed by collapsing trees. The dangerous weather also left over 700,000 people without power. ICYMI: Rescuers retrieved dozens of motorists stuck in flood waters this weekend 11:24 , Martha McHardy Authorities rescued dozens of motorists stranded by floodwaters in South Carolinas waterfront community of Georgetown, Georgetown County spokesperson Jackie Broach said. Its not just the areas that we normally see flooding, that are flood-prone, Broach said. Its areas that were not really expecting to have flooding issues...Its like a tropical storm, it just happens to be in December. More than 9 inches (22.9 centimeters) of rain fell in the area situated between Charleston and Myrtle Beach since late Saturday. Latest pictures as major storm batters East Coast 11:10 , Martha Mchardy Flood waters surround a gas station in New Jerset after a large rainstorm (Getty Images) High winds drive surf into a retaining wall in front of a residence in Mattapoisett, Mass (AP) Cars drive through a flooded street in New Jersey after a large rainstorm (Getty Images) A truck is submerged in flood water on Nepperhan Avenue in New York after a large rainstorm (Getty Images) Watch: Doorbell Camera Captures Possible Tornado In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 10:51 , Martha Mchardy Hazardous winds have battered East Coast homes and drivers have been forced to abandon submerged cars. A storm brought heavy rain and dangerous winds to the Carolinas as it moved up the East Coast on Sunday (17 December). A tornado warning was briefly issued for parts of Horry County in South Carolina as an observed tornado moved through the Socastee/Forestbrook area. This doorbell camera video shows a possible tornado moving through Arrowhead Country Club in Myrtle Beach. South Carolina and other parts of the East Coast experienced severe flooding, which led to road closures and people abandoning their cars after getting stuck. More than 600,000 across the northeast are without power 10:46 , Martha Mchardy A major storm has left more than 620,000 homes and businesses on the East Coast without power, according to poweroutage.us. Most of the power outages were reported in Maine, where 432,000 people remain in the dark as of Tuesday morning. Four killed as dangerous floods pound New England 10:31 , Martha Mchardy At least four people have died after dangerous flooding pounded New England. A man in Pennsylvania and a woman in South Carolina both in their 70s died after their vehicles were submerged in high water, local officials reported. Two other deaths were reported in Maine and Massachusetts. It comes after 58 million Americans were put under flood warnings yesterday amid a major storm on the East Coast. The storm unleashed between two and four inches of rainfall across the region within a 24-hour period, triggering flooding that engulfed cars, trapped drivers on inundated roadways in New Jersey and Connecticut, and prompted water rescues in New Hampshire and Maine. The severe weather also left more than 620,000 homes and businesses in the region without power, according to poweroutage.us. Most of the power outages were reported in Maine, where 432,000 people remain in the dark as of Tuesday morning. Although the storm has now moved into Canada, its impact will linger, according to the National Weather Service. Parts of New York and Pennsylvania, as well as parts of the Great Lakes and Appalachians could see snow, while the threat of flooding remains in areas with high river levels. ICYMI: Storm hit New York City amid a nearly two-year spell of no snow 09:00 , Katie Hawkinson This weeks vicious storm hit New York City amid a nearly two-year stretch without recordable snow in the Big Apple. New York Citys Central Park hasnt seen more than one inch of snow in a single day in more than 22 months thanks to the La Nina and El Nino phenomenons, a National Weather Service meteorologist previously told The Independent. With temperatures on Monday near 50 degrees and this weeks temperatures forecasted to stay above freezing during the day, it appears the streak may continue even with the heavy precipitation. Maine temperatures expected to drop below freezing Tuesday night 07:24 , Katie Hawkinson Temperatures in Maine are forecasted to drop below freezing Tuesday evening, less than a day after rain is expected to stop, meteorologist Derek Schroeter told The Independent. Maine has seen the most power outages out of any state impacted by the dangerous storm that struck the northeast. Residents were warned to stay off the roads as heavy rain posed a flood risk to several areas. As rainfall dwindles early Tuesday morning, temperatures are expected to stay above freezing, allowing for some drying, Mr Schroeter said. However, Tuesday evening will bring freezing temperatures, potentially creating icy conditions and preventing drying. ICYMI: Georgia, South Carolina beat rainfall records over the weekend. 05:03 , Katie Hawkinson The Savannah International Airport in Savannah, Georgia recorded 3.16 inches of rainfall on Sunday, beating the previous record of 1.96 inches in 1880, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston, South Carolina. The region beat an additional two records over the weekend. Downtown Charleston, South Carolina was hit by 3.86 inches of rainfall on Sunday, beating the 1923 record of just 1.18 inches. Meanwhile, the Charleston International Airport recorded 3.17 inches, more than three times the 1975 record of just .66 inches. ICYMI: New York, Boston airports slammed by delays and cancellations on Monday 03:03 , Katie Hawkinson Airports serving the New York City and Boston areas saw delays and cancellations as severe weather hit the northeastern United States on Monday. Bostons Logan International Airport cancelled more than 100 flights and delayed more than 150 due to severe weather, FlightAware reports. Meanwhile, New Yorks LaGuardia Airport saw more than 80 flights cancelled and 66 delayed. New Yorks JFK International Airport bore than brunt of delays, with at least 25 per cent of flights running late on Monday, according to FlightAware. Even as rain ends, threat of flooding persists: NWS 01:03 , Katie Hawkinson The National Weather Service for the Boston region says flooding still remains a risk as rain eases Monday evening. Even as the rain comes to an end this evening, the threat for river flooding remains, the organization wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The Maine region faces threats of flooding through Monday night and early Tuesday morning as well, posing a risk to drivers on roads that may become washed out, meteorologist Derek Schroeter previously told The Independent. Maine hit especially hard by rare extreme weather: meteorologist Monday 18 December 2023 23:00 , Katie Hawkinson A meterologist with the National Weather Service told The Independent this type of severe weather in December is unusual for the region. Well, this is certainly a very high impact fan for our area, and it's certainly not normal, meteorologist Derek Schroeter told The Independent. While a similar severe weather event occured last year on 23 December 2022, the hurricane strength winds and flooding that struck Maine on Monday morning arent typical for the state. Maine is seeing the highest number of power outages during this storm as of Monday afternoon, more than 380,000 Maine customers are without power, according to tracker PowerOutage.us. New York City lifted city-wide flood watch Monday 18 December 2023 20:46 , Katie Hawkinson New York City is no longer under a city-wide flood watch as rainfall eases up in the region, according to emergency management officials. Brooklyn, Staten Island and South Queens are still under a Coastal Flood Warning until 6pm local time. Meanwhile, Manhattan, Bronx and North Queens are under a lesser Coastal Flood Advisory until the same time. Maine drivers should stay off roads as rare extreme weather continues: meteorologist Monday 18 December 2023 19:58 , Katie Hawkinson As Maine is hit with severe rain and winds, a meteorologist with the National Weath Service in Gray, Maine told The Independent one of the biggest concerns for residents is road safety. Heavy rain is causing roads to become washed out and creating dangerous conditions for drivers, according to meteorologist Derek Schroeter. As we are losing daylight, the main concern here is people going out and traveling on roads, as we still will probably see some rises on area rivers through the middle of tonight, Mr Schroeter said. Temperatures will remain above freezing for the next 24 hours, Mr Schroeter said, allowing some drying as the rain is forecasted to end early Tuesday morning. Heavy rain hits New York City amid a nearly two-year spell of no snow Monday 18 December 2023 18:04 , Katie Hawkinson This weeks vicious storm hitting New York City comes amid a nearly two-year stretch without recordable snow in the Big Apple. New York Citys Central Park hasnt seen more than one inch of snow in a single day in more than 22 months thanks to the La Nina and El Nino phenomenons, a National Weather Service meteorologist previously told The Independent. With temperatures on Monday near 50 degrees and this weeks temperatures forecasted to stay above freezing during the day, it appears the streak may continue even with the heavy precipitation. More than 700,000 across the northeast are without power as of Monday afternoon, power outages tracker reports Monday 18 December 2023 17:26 , Katie Hawkinson At least 700,000 customers from Pennsylvania to Maine are without power as of Monday afternoon, tracker PowerOutage.us reports. Leading the outages are Massachusetts and Maine, both of which have more than 200,000 customers without power, the tracker shows. The National Weather Service for Boston confirmed that 260,000 customers are experiencing power outages as of noon local time. Maine state offices close as officials predict more power outages Monday 18 December 2023 17:04 , Katie Hawkinson All State of Maine offices will close at 1pm local time on Monday due to extreme weather, according to an announcement from Governor Janet Mills. With the storm expected to grow stronger in the coming hours, I encourage all Maine people to be safe and vigilant and to exercise caution when traveling, Ms Mills wrote in her statement. Maines utility companies also expect continued power outages throughout the day for residents. Reports of power outages in Maine drop Monday 18 December 2023 16:30 , Katie Hawkinson Estimates for Maine power outages have dropped to 30,000 less than an hour after tracker PowerOutage.us reported 100,000 outages in the state. Warnings for powerful, damaging winds in the state for the next 12 hours are still active, per the NWS. Maine hits 100,000 without power as high winds expected to cause more damage Monday 18 December 2023 16:11 , Katie Hawkinson Maine hit 100,000 customers without power late Monday morning, tracker PowerOutage.us reports. Damaging winds will continue through early Tuesday morning. Several inland counties should expect damaging winds that will down trees and power lines, according to the National Weather Service for Gray, Maine. Meteorologists also say coastal residents should prepare for hurricane force wind through 1am on Tuesday. The NWS warned that vessels may also capsize or suffer damage due to the dangerous conditions. Rain expected to ease up this afternoon in New York City Monday 18 December 2023 15:41 , Katie Hawkinson Rainfall is expected to ease around 1pm local time in New York City, the National Weather Service for New York City reports. The current temperature sits around 59 deegrees, which is unseasonally high for the region. Average December temperatures in the Big Apple range from the low 40s to the high 30s, according to the NWS. Temperatures are expected to drop to 50 degrees Monday afternoon and reach 39 degrees by the evening, the NWS forecasts. Northeast hits estimated 400,000 customers without power Monday 18 December 2023 15:08 , Katie Hawkinson In Massachusetts alone, more than 110,000 electric customers are without power as a powerful storm pushes through the northeast, according to the tracker PowerOutage.us. That brings the total of those without power in the northeast to more than 400,000. The number of people impacted appears to have doubled in just two hours an estimated 200,000 customers were without power at approximately 8am local time on Monday. New York, Boston airports hit by delays and cancellations amid holiday travel Monday 18 December 2023 14:47 , Katie Hawkinson Airports serving the New York City and Boston areas are seeing delays and cancellations as severe weather continues to hit the northeastern United States. LaGuardia Airport is first in the country for cancelled flights as of Monday morning, with at least 81 flights cancelled and 38 delayed, FlightAware reports. Bostons Logan International Airport is a close second, with 68 cancelled and 53 delayed. The delays are averaging one hour and 45 minutes, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Meanwhile, New Yorks JFK International Airport is leading the country in delays as of Monday morning, with 72 delayed flights and 33 cancellations. Georgia beat 143-year-old rainfall record over the weekend Monday 18 December 2023 14:25 , Katie Hawkinson The Savannah International Airport in Savannah, Georgia recorded 3.16 inches of rainfall on Sunday, beating the record of 1.96 inches in 1880, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston, South Carolina. The region beat an additional two records over the weekend. Downtown Charleston, South Carolina was hit by 3.86 inches of rainfall on Sunday, beating the 1923 record of just 1.18 inches. Meanwhile, the Charleston International Airport recorded 3.17 inches, more than three times the 1975 record of just .66 inches. Rhode Island coastal levels may hit a 32-year high Monday 18 December 2023 14:09 , Katie Hawkinson Thanks to heavy rain, parts of Rhode Island might see their highest coastal levels in three decades, meteorologists say. Water levels at Fox Point in Providence, Rhode Island are expected to approach 10 feet, according to the National Weather Service Boston. The last time water levels hit that point was during Hurricane Bob in 1991. Meanwhile, cities across the northeast are preparing for similar spikes in coastal levels and potential flooding as heavy rain continues to beat down. Watch: Massive storm system drenches East Coast threatening travel impacts Monday 18 December 2023 14:00 , Martha Mchardy Almost 200,000 still without power as storm batters through dozens of states Monday 18 December 2023 13:30 , Martha Mchardy The storm left hundreds of thousands of people without power on Saturday and Sunday, with almost 200,000 people still without electricity in states including Virginia, New Jersey and New York as of Monday morning, according to the tracker PowerOutage.us. The storm began trekking up the coast on Saturday, sweeping through much of Florida, before moving along the Southeastern coast on Sunday. It is now moving along the East coast. Latest pictures as more than a dozen states issued with flood warnings Monday 18 December 2023 13:00 , Martha Mchardy A car drives through a flooded street near the Battery, Sunday (AP) Effects of storm will likely linger past Monday, says weather service Monday 18 December 2023 12:35 , Martha Mchardy The storm system will start to push away from the Northeast later on Monday evening, but its effects will likely linger, the weather service said. Even though the big storm will begin to depart the Northeast Monday evening, the huge circulation of the storm will overspread the entire eastern U.S. with very blustery conditions, the weather service said. Monday 18 December 2023 12:00 , Martha Mchardy An intense late-year storm barreled up the East Coast on Sunday with heavy rains and strong winds that shattered rainfall records, forced water rescues from flooded streets and washed out holiday celebrations. Authorities rescued dozens of motorists stranded by floodwaters in South Carolinas waterfront community of Georgetown, Georgetown County spokesperson Jackie Broach said. More than 9 inches (22.9 centimeters) of rain fell in the area situated between Charleston and Myrtle Beach since late Saturday. Its not just the areas that we normally see flooding, that are flood-prone, Broach said. Its areas that were not really expecting to have flooding issues...Its like a tropical storm, it just happens to be in December. Storm drenches Florida and causes floods in South Carolina as it moves up East Coast 58 million Americans under flood watches Monday 18 December 2023 11:26 , Martha Mchardy More than a dozen states, including New Jersey and Connecticut, are under flood warnings with heavy rain and strong winds moving in. The flood warnings affect 58 million people. Mayor Eric Adams warns New Yorkers to be alert as heavy rain expected to hit city Monday 18 December 2023 11:18 , Martha Mchardy With significant rainfall and high winds predicted for this Sunday into Monday, we want to remind New Yorkers to be alert, keep checking the forecast, and stay prepared, Mayor Eric Adams said in a press release. If you have loose things outside, now is a good time to secure them, before the winds start. People in low-lying and poor drainage areas should take extra precautions. New York braces for major storm with millions across US under flood watches Monday 18 December 2023 11:11 , Martha Mchardy New York is bracing for a major storm with 58 million people currently under flood watches in the East Coast just as holiday travel plans get under way. Around one foot of inundation is expected in New York on Monday as more than a dozen states, including New Jersey and Connecticut, are under flood warnings with heavy rain and strong winds moving in. The National Weather Service has warned that strong gusts of wind may make travel particularly difficult in parts of southern Connecticut, southeastern New York and Boston. The strong gusts may down trees and power lines, as well as damage or blow away outdoor holiday decorations in parts of the region, officials have warned. The severe weather conditions have already affected traffic along the I-95 corridor, which has been at risk of delays from wind and rain throughout the weekend and into Monday. South Carolina was hit hard with flooding rains on Saturday, while around 45 million people from eastern Georgia to the Northeast were also under high wind alerts late on Sunday. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has greenlit a capital increase of EUR 4 billion ($4.4 billion), paving the way to double its investments in Ukraine, Reuters reported on Dec. 19. The fresh capital injection is set to fuel major investments in the real sector of the Ukrainian economy, both during wartime and the recovery period, according to the EBRD. This marks the third capital increase in the bank's history, propelling it to a total of EUR 34 billion ($37.3 billion). The augmented capital will allow the EBRD to sustain its annual investments in Ukraine at around EUR 1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) during the war, with plans to increase the support to EUR 3 billion ($3.3 billion) annually once the country's recovery gains momentum. Read also: Over $4.2 billion provided by global allies to aid Ukrainian businesses, PM Shmyhal reveals The EBRD has been the largest institutional investor in Ukraine for the past 30 years. After Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, its support increased significantly. The EBRD allocated EUR 3 billion ($3.3 billion) to Ukraine in 2022-2023. The EBRD has already provided Ukraine with financial support worth $1.2 billion this year. In total, the bank has promised to allocate at least $3 billion to help Ukraine. Read also: KSE Institute reports only 304 out of over 1,500 companies finally leaving Russia 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 QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's National Assembly on Tuesday approved a tax amnesty proposed by President Daniel Noboa aimed at coaxing delinquent taxpayers to pay outstanding bills, part of a tax reform that also includes new incentives to employ young people. It is estimated the reform, including the amnesty, will generate more than $830 million and stimulate the ailing economy. Noboa took office last month promising to improve economic conditions, especially for youth, amid surging crime in the Andean country. The reform was approved by 107 legislators out of 135 present in the session, with minor changes that the 36-year-old president can now approve or reject. "We will once again have order and the resources to combat lawlessness," said Noboa in a statement after the vote. The new tax incentives, mostly in the form of income tax discounts, will apply to companies that hire workers aged 18-29 for a minimum of one year. Last week, Noboa told Reuters in an interview that he expects the incentives to cut youth unemployment by at least 10 percentage from its current rate which exceeds 50%. The tax amnesty offers a waiver on interest due on outstanding tax debts, as well as fines. It does not allow officials like the wealthy Noboa, their relatives or lawmakers to file for the benefit. The business of Noboa's father, banana magnate Alvaro Noboa, owes more than $89 million in delinquent taxes, according to Ecuador's tax authority. In addition to the amnesty, the reform includes monthly income tax payments for the largest taxpayers, as well as a refund on sales taxes paid for purchases of construction materials and some real estate developments, in a bid to attract more private investment. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by David Alire Garcia; Editing by David Gregorio) In trying to win support from recalcitrant Republicans to reform a badly broken immigration system, the Biden administration has reportedly indicated itd be open to indefinite authorities to expel asylum seekers and a huge expansion of our already largely unaccountable detention system. This restrictionist approach will probably be framed as a compromise, as a breath of fresh air in a hyper-polarized environment. Yet it is worth pointing out that much of whats on the table would have been considered an ultra-extreme position a decade ago, so heavy-handed that it would have been well outside the mainstream GOP, relegated to the radical fringes. These fringes included Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, often a lonesome voice for diehard anti-immigrant ideas at a time when conservative colleagues like Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham were negotiating for a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants. Sessions was known to have long and spirited discussions around shutting down immigration with his then-communications director, a young Republican agitator named Stephen Miller. Years later, Sessions would be attorney general and Miller one of the most powerful people in the Trump White House, tasked with turning these years of discussions into policy. Miller was more or less directly responsible for that administrations most egregious infamies, including the family separation policy. Much of what he drew up, including the Title 42 expulsion policy, is a direct predecessor to whats now being considered. At the time, these policies were rightly and roundly condemned by Democrats, not to mention civil libertarians, human rights groups and others. Its dismaying to see the Biden administration now sign off on the same. Everyone agrees that we need a shift in approach to immigration, but this isnt the way to do it. Its all the more embarrassing that this is all being considered as a trade for aid to Ukraine, an ally at current, dire risk of being subsumed into the imperialist ambitions of Vladimir Putin. People around the world are inspired by the tenacity of the Ukrainian population as its fought, for nearly two years now, to fend off the annexation effort of the despots armies. Admirable as their resolve is, ultimate victory is far from assured, and successes so far have been largely predicated on significant international support, including weapons and financial assistance. Some try to tarnish globe-trotting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as some kind of narcissist basking in the limelight, but its clear that the fatigue-clad wartime leader would rather be at home with his troops, where hes remained based despite pleadings from other leaders to decamp to safer locales. The reason that Zelenskyy went to Washington last week, the reason he keeps coming back and showing up at international conferences and summits is because he knows that the continued support from the world community and the United States in particular is instrumental to the war effort. Congressional Republicans know this, and they are aware of the implications of denying Ukraine aid to score some domestic political points and implement their extreme immigration agenda. Even as the Senate works to reach a deal, the House GOP seems uninterested, because ultimately they dont care much about the long-term implications of a Ukrainian loss. All that matters is pleasing the base. ___ Even as news broke about a 5-year-old boy, Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero, dying at a Pilsen shelter, the City Councils Committee on Health and Human Relations spent hours Monday listening to a dozen carefully chosen speakers all calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. What will be the impact of that resolution, should it pass the full council, on the actions of either Hamas or Israel? Zero. We, too, would like to see much better civilian protections in Gaza and an end to the loss of innocent life. But this particular hearing was both a distraction from a crisis and a performative sham: There was scant mention of the horrors of the Hamas atrocities. This complicated crisis requires nuance, an understanding of history and the engagement of both sides, all present within Joe Bidens administration but absent at City Hall. Israel still is dealing with the worst trauma in generations; this hardly is the moment to make most Jewish Chicagoans feel less safe. No wonder the Chicago Jewish Community Relations Council called the resolution from their own elected representatives reckless, irresponsible and dangerous. You might say that of how this administration has handled the migrant crisis, which seems to be spiraling further out of control as the holidays approach. Venezuelan migrants living in the Pilsen shelter have told the Chicago-based, nonprofit Borderless Magazine they are being treated like dogs in Chicagos largest migrant shelter, a former warehouse now home to more than 2,000 migrants. They described little dust and fiber-like particles falling from the ceiling, dirty bathrooms, limited and spoiled food and, overall, cots shoved together and becoming a hotbed of infections. Borderless reported another telling allegation in its piece, republished by Block Club: Staff have barred migrants from recording or taking photos inside the shelter and threatened to kick migrants out if they speak with members of the media. Why the attempt at muzzling the freedom of speech of folks who have traveled to the United States to take advantage of that very thing? We all know why: Neither the private contractors like Favorite Staffing nor the city want close scrutiny of what is actually going on inside a shelter that was supposed to house 1,000 migrants but now handles more than twice that number. For an administration that has claimed a commitment to transparency, thats outrageous. Cameras should be welcomed, and shelter residents who choose to speak to anyone they want should be free to do so. Remember the states impressive emergency medical facility set up at McCormick Place during the COVID-19 crisis? There was a news conference to show the media the care behind, and cleanliness of, the facilities. Why should this time be any different? We understand the difficulty of this cascading crisis for this city; time and again this page has called for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to stop this inhumane busing without notice, and for the federal government to face up to its responsibilities at the border, however politically toxic. But job one now in Chicago has to be about making conditions on the ground better for these folks, not about trying to deflect responsibility. Alas, Mayor Brandon Johnsons biggest worry appears to be about who is getting the blame and working to make sure it is not him. Theyre just dropping off people anywhere. Do you understand how raggedy and how evil that is and then you want to hold us accountable for something thats happening down at the border? an angry mayor told reporters on Monday, as the Tribune reported. No, Mr. Mayor, we dont hold you accountable for the border. But, given your elected office, we do hold you accountable for what is happening at a shelter in Pilsen. And the Tribune story of what happened to the migrant boy, a narrative of a family that apparently could not get the help it needed quickly enough, is harrowing to read, including as it does allegations of a feverish child without warmth or enough to eat, days of sickness going mostly unnoticed, and parents not being allowed to ride in the ambulance and then suffering the indignity of being patted down at the hospital rather than being allowed to be with their son at what turned out to be his final moments. All this just before Christmas. What a welcoming city we have become. One might think the alderman representing Pilsen would have spent Monday working to improve the situation. Instead, 25th Ward Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez spent much of the day at the committee meeting on the Gaza resolution, thundering about genocide and apartheid in Gaza 6,000 miles away. A perfect encapsulation of how this ideologically obsessed group of progressives would prefer to deal only with issues of their choosing rather than the urgent local matters immediately before them. If this were happening, if a child had died under those circumstances, on the watch of either of the two previous mayors, the outrage from immigrant-service organizations on the left would have been deafening. Theyve been co-opted by this administration, of course. Its time they found their voices nonetheless. As weve said before, City Hall must get a better handle on logistics, and it has to deal with Austin, however difficult that might be. Lashing out at easy targets achieves nothing. Take, for example, a city ordinance that passed last week allowing the city to tow and impound so-called rogue buses that dont deliver asylum-seekers to the citys designated landing zones within the assigned windows. Last Wednesday night, a bus was indeed towed and impounded. A good idea in theory. But in practice, the ordinance just made things worse. Unsurprisingly, private bus operators didnt care to see their vehicles towed away, or for being blamed for their companies being fined $3,000, so they starting hiding their activities even more blatantly, sending migrants to the suburbs or arriving when and where they would not be easily seen. What little communication had previously existed diminished even further, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Johnsons deputy chief of staff, told the Tribune. The landing zone is now being ignored. Unintended consequences strike again. The problem with the ordinance is that it targets the wrong villain. All kinds of entities are making a buck off a crisis costing Illinois taxpayers millions of dollars, whether its staffing shelters or chartering buses. The problem here is flowing from the state of Texas, not a guy driving a bus and trying to make decisions on the fly without getting fired. The problem, of course, is that there is no line of communication between Chicago (or Springfield) and Austin. One has to be established. Whatever has to be done. And in the meantime, these shelters have to be improved immediately. There are no other solutions and, as we all know now, lives are at stake. Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Now three years since COVIDs first classroom closures and a year before districts start to feel the true impact of the fiscal cliff, 2023 marked a pivotal moment for students and schools across America. Fresh scores revealed the stalled state of learning recovery. Educators warned about an escalating chronic absenteeism crisis that has seen students disengage and thrown off track. New political alliances formed around school choice legislation and education savings accounts. Districts became one of the preferred targets of cyberhackers, who posted sensitive student information online. A national alarm was sounded about the state of teen mental health. From the classroom to the ballot box to the dark web, weve been tracking the key storylines of 2023. Heres our most memorable and impactful journalism of the year: By Linda Jacobson The graph shows how many months of school students need to reach pre-pandemic levels in reading and math. (NWEA/Eamonn Fitzmaurice/The 74) Data released this past July from NWEA showed that learning recovery had essentially stalled for most students, in the wake of the pandemic. The results from 6.7 million students showed that, on average, they need four additional months in school to catch up to pre-pandemic levels. Older and Black and Hispanic students need much more, and the gap between pre- and post-pandemic achievement for kids in fourth through eighth grade grew larger this year instead of smaller. Read Linda Jacobsons report. Go Deeper Related NAEP Scores Flashing Red After a Lost Generation of Learning for 13-Year-Olds Related The Terrible Truth: Current Solutions to COVID Learning Loss Are Doomed to Fail Related New NAEP Scores Reveal the Failure of Pandemic Academic Recovery Efforts By Asher Lehrer-Small Eamonn Fitzmaurice / The 74 Districts across the country continue to pour money into expensive reading materials criticized for leaving many children without the basic ability to sound out words, an investigation by The 74s Asher Lehrer-Small revealed. Since the blockbuster Sold a Story podcast launched in October of 2022, opening the eyes of many to problematic reading instruction nationwide, at least 225 districts have spent over $1.5 million on new books, training and curriculums linked to the flawed three-cueing method, according to a review of their purchase orders. Read our full report. By Linda Jacobson Eamonn Fitzmaurice/The 74 Originally published in January: Republican governors across the country have put education savings accounts at the center of their 2023 legislative agendas. Many draw inspiration from states like Arizona, where almost 46,000 students use ESAs for private school, tutoring and homeschooling. Parents want an all-of-the-above approach when it comes to how their kids are educated, said ExcelinEds Tom Greene. But Jessica Levin of the Education Law Center said theres still a broad spectrum of groups that come out against them. Read the full story. By The 74 For months, The 74s journalists crisscrossed the country visiting innovative high schools, both established and emerging, that are headed by educators seeking answers to one common question: What if we could start over and try something totally new? The 13 schools profiled in our High School Road Trip series represent just a small sample, but they offer a promising vision of what young people, freed from 200 years of tradition and offered freedom, guidance, opportunity and agency, can look forward to. Greg Toppo and Emmeline Zhao have eight key takeaways. Explore the Series Related Phoenix Teens Build Their Own High School Program From 500 Class, Career Options Related How One NYC School Rebounded From the Pandemic By Re-engaging Students & Staff Related Meaningful, Big Things at One Stone, the Student-Led High School of Invention Related Americas Innovative High Schools By Jo Napolitano Meghan Gallagher/The 74 Are you team Fact Fluency or team Conceptual Understanding? Thats how one professor boiled down the debate over whats being called the science of math. That movement favors fact fluency, which says students need explicit, orderly instruction and must learn maths vocabulary to understand it. Others argue that children are more likely to engage with math when they can explore its concepts and the reasoning behind them, and call the alternative approach failed and outdated. Jo Napolitano reports. Related American Math Scores Fall on International Test But Many Other Countries Suffered More By Linda Jacobson More U.S. students may have to store their phones during the school day if Congress passes a bill to study and award grants for phone-free schools. (Yondr) Yondr, a company that produces pouches for locking up students phones, has seen more than a tenfold increase in sales since 2021 a clear sign that the movement to keep phones out of classrooms is spreading across the U.S. A Senate bill that calls for $5 million to support such bans could send even more business Yondrs way. One proponent called the system a game changer for improving students focus in school, but others say a complete ban goes too far. Linda Jacobson reports. By Beth Hawkins Eamonn Fitzmaurice/The 74 Twenty years ago, disabled children in the nations largest school system had their day in court and won. But today, even with fat files of documentation and legal orders in their favor, thousands of New York special education families cant get the district to pay for services. Now, a backlog of children who went unevaluated and unserved during the pandemic threatens to further overwhelm the system. Beth Hawkins reported in June on a court-appointed overseers daunting list of recommendations and the struggles of one family caught in the dysfunction. Related Desperate to Hire Special Ed Teachers? Try Looking in Regular Ed Classrooms By Mark Keierleber Getty Images Ever since ChatGPT burst onto the scene last year, educators have worried that it could help kids plagiarize. While 50% of teachers say they know of a student being disciplined for using or accused of using generative artificial intelligence, students say they are more likely to access it for personal problems than homework. Thats a top finding from a Center for Democracy and Technology report released in September that also documents a surge in school-based digital privacy concerns among students and parents. Read Mark Keierlebers report. Go Deeper Related National ChatGPT Survey: Teachers Even More Accepting of Chatbot Than Students Related The Promise of Personalized Learning Never Delivered. Todays AI Is Different By Linda Jacobson Ryan Walters was one of the most well-liked teachers at McAlester High, known for skillfully explaining complex social and political movements in AP history class. But former students and colleagues barely recognize the man who last year was elected Oklahomas schools superintendent. Walterss relentless crusade against woke ideology and attacks on educators have pushed the former small-town teacher into the national spotlight, alarming even some fellow Republicans. One lawmaker told reporter Linda Jacobson, This guy cares more about getting on Fox News than he does about doing his job. Read the full report. By Mark Keierleber Eamonn Fitzmaurice/The 74/iStock It was a Thursday morning when Las Vegas mom Brandi Hecht woke up to an unnerving email telling her that sensitive information about her daughters had been leaked and here were the PDFs to prove it. Hecht was being used as leverage in a new kind of cyberattack where the hackers went directly to parents and local media to issue threats and where they didnt use sophisticated skills to infiltrate and extract data, but instead exploited weak student passwords and flimsy file-sharing practices in Google Workspace. With virtually every school in the U.S. relying on similar cloud-based suites, one K-12 cybersecurity expert said the breach methods used against Clark County Public Schools should set off alarm bells for educators nationwide. Read more. Related Trove of L.A. Students Mental Health Records Posted to Dark Web After Cyber Hack By Greg Toppo Eamonn Fitzmaurice/The 74 As schools face record-setting chronic absenteeism nearly years after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators are looking for ways to bring students back into the fold of school. Here are six hidden and not-so-hidden possible reasons why so many young people are missing so much school from worsening mental health to a higher minimum wage. Related Absenteeism Crisis: Data Show Surge in Missing Suburban, Rural, Latino Students By Linda Jacobson New mid-year data from Amplify shows the percentage of students in K-2 on track in reading continues to approach pre-pandemic levels. (Amplify/The 74) As of late February, the percentage of third graders on track in reading hadnt budged since the same time in 2022, according to data provided by curriculum provider Amplify. The results, from 300,000 students in 43 states, was a reminder of the literacy setbacks experienced by those in kindergarten when schools shut down in 2020. But the data showed racial gaps had narrowed and K-2 students showed growth over the previous year, as skills among younger students slowly inched back to pre-pandemic levels. Linda Jacobson reports. By Chad Aldeman To understand the teacher labor market, you have to hold two competing narratives in your head. On one hand, teacher turnover hit new highs, morale is low and schools are facing shortages. At the same time, public schools employ more teachers than before COVID, while serving 1.9 million fewer students. Student-teacher ratios are near all-time lows. Contributor Chad Aldeman and Eamonn Fitzmaurice, The 74s art and technology director, plotted these changes on an exclusive, interactive map and explain how theyre putting districts in financial peril. Read the full story. By Kevin Mahnken Photo courtesy Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates may wield more influence over U.S. schools than any other figure outside the federal government. In the past 20 years, his massive philanthropic efforts have fostered a movement for small schools, fueled the spread of the Common Core standards and supported experimentation in teacher evaluations. Now, with student achievement still mired in the post-COVID doldrums, his foundation is making a billion-dollar commitment to revive math learning. U.S. education is a challenged space, the Microsoft founder told The 74s Kevin Mahnken. Read our full interview. Go Deeper: See our complete archive of 74 Interviews By Linda Jacobson The Stockton school district in Californias Central Valley received $241 million in relief funds to help students recover from the pandemic. But, beset by dysfunction in its central office and deep mistrust among board members, it spent millions on two abandoned projects and six-figure salaries for its central office staff. Last winter, an independent auditor released the results of a long-awaited fraud investigation into the districts finances. Linda Jacobson reports. Explore Our Full Series: Following the COVID Money By Jo Napolitano Chicago high school students (Getty Images) A recent study of Chicago Public Schools shows high schools that prioritized social-emotional development had double the positive long-term impact on students compared with those that focused solely on improving test scores. How safe students feel physically, socially, psychologically how deeply connected they are to others, how much they trust their teachers and their peers matters, University of Chicago senior research associate Shanette Porter told Jo Napolitano. Read our full story. By Asher Lehrer-Small Michelle and Luis Diaz with their son Tristan in their Bronx apartment. (Marianna McMurdock) After their autistic and nonverbal 7-year-old son came home from school with unexplained injuries, Luis and Michelle Diaz pressed for answers. But, to their surprise, the school pointed the finger back at the family, alleging neglect of their child. The response reveals a startling pattern: Across the nations largest district, parents who speak up on behalf of their special education children say they are accused of abuse a tactic advocates say schools use to intimidate parents. Asher Lehrer-Small reports in this special 74 Investigation. By Marianna McMurdock Getty Images Teenagers mental health has so taxed and alarmed school districts that many are suing the social media giants they say helped cause the crisis. At least 11 districts, one county and one county system that oversees 23 districts have filed suits this year, representing roughly 469,000 students. Sources say more will follow. Schools, states and Americans across the country are rightly pushing back against Big Tech putting profits over kids safety online, Sen. Richard Blumenthal told The 74s Marianna McMurdock. Read our full report. By Kevin Mahnken Eamonn Fitzmaurice/The 74/Leonidas Drosis Classical education, perhaps the oldest model of formal instruction in the Western world, is rapidly gaining adherents in the modern day. Sharing a focus on the liberal arts that can be traced back to the ancient world, classical schools have spread across the charter, private and homeschooling sectors in recent decades. Particularly since the pandemic, reports Kevin Mahnken, theyve been embraced by families seeking an alternative to traditional schools and by politicians, like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who see them as a check on progressive influences in the classroom. Read the full story. By Linda Jacobson Eamonn Fitzmaurice/The 74 The Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, one of the nations largest, disclosed tens of thousands of sensitive, confidential student records, apparently by accident, to a parent advocate who has been an outspoken critic of its data privacy record. The files identify current and former special education students by name and include letter grades, disability status and mental health data. If they dont have a system to respond in a protective, efficient manner, thats on them, said privacy expert Amelia Vance. Read our full report. By Jo Napolitano Learning Policy Institute Some in education say its time to reconsider calculus as an unofficial requirement for entrance to the nations top colleges. Many high schools particularly those serving large numbers of Black, Hispanic or low-income students dont even offer the course. And even when they do, its of dubious value, critics say. High school calculus is a complete waste of time and a form of torture, Alan Garfinkel, professor of integrative biology and physiology and medicine at UCLA, told The 74s Jo Napolitano. By Kevin Mahnken Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Monday that will massively expand private school choice throughout his state. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Ron DeSantis made Florida the nations biggest K-12 marketplace. The March law makes every student in the state eligible to receive a private school voucher or education savings account. In the best-case scenario, said economist Krzysztof Karbownik, schools and families will be able to leverage the power of competition to provide better options for kids. But he worries the new policy could create a whole market for relatively low-quality private schools. Kevin Mahnken reports. By Linda Jacobson In nearly half the states in the country, parents risk criminal prosecution and jail time if they use a false address to get their children into a better school, according to a report from the nonprofits Available to All. The authors say enforcement largely targets minority families, and they want more states to follow Connecticuts lead in decriminalizing so-called address sharing. But those tracking down offenders say residency fraud puts a strain on school budgets. Linda Jacobson reports. Egypt is the largest Arab country, and has played a central role in Middle Eastern politics. In the 1950s President Gamal Abdul Nasser pioneered Arab nationalism and the non-aligned movement, while his successor Anwar Sadat made peace with Israel and turned back to the West. Egypt's great cities - and almost all agricultural activity - are concentrated along the banks of the Nile and its delta. The economy depends heavily on agriculture, tourism, and cash remittances from Egyptians working abroad - mainly in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries. However, rapid population growth and the limited amount of arable land are straining the country's resources and economy, and political unrest has often paralysed government efforts to address the problems. ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT: FACTS Capital: Cairo Area: 1,010,408 sq km Population: 107.7 million Language: Arabic Life expectancy: 69 years (men) 74 years (women) LEADERS President: Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Egypt's President Sisi President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi won a third six-year term in December 2023. The former army chief beat three low-profile candidates - the leading opposition candidate Ahmed Tantawy had pulled out before the poll, claiming intimidation and violence against his campaign. Egypt's faltering economy and the war in Gaza were key electoral issues. Mr Sisi first became president in 2014, a year after he led the military's overthrow of his Islamist predecessor Mohammed Morsi. He won again in 2018. He will be in power until 2030, when he is barred by the constitution from running again. Under his leadership, huge sums of money have been spent on big infrastructure projects. Roads have been expanded and flyovers built. A new capital costing billions of dollars has been constructed near Cairo but is barely inhabited. Critics say this has drained much of the country's economic resources and created unprecedented levels of debt that have crippled the economy. MEDIA Cairo has been Egypt's most important city since the 12th Century Egypt is a major regional media player. Its TV and film industries supply much of the Arab-speaking world with content and its press is influential. TV is the favourite medium and there are several big hitters in the sector, including the state broadcaster. The authorities have been increasing controls over traditional and social media to an unprecedented degree. Reporters Without Borders says Egypt is "one of the world's biggest prisons" for journalists. Read full media profile TIMELINE The 1956 Suez crisis made Egypt's President Nasser a hero in Arab eyes Some key dates in Egypt's history: 3150BC - Egypt is unified under Menes, leading to a series of dynasties that rule the country for the next three millennia. c. 2700-2200BC - Old Kingdom. Sees building of numerous pyramids, most notably the Third Dynasty pyramid of Djoser and the Fourth Dynasty Giza pyramids. c. 2181-2055 BC - First Intermediate Period. End of Old Kingdom and period of political instability. c. 2040-1782 BC - Middle Kingdom. Sees political reunification. c. 1700-1550BC - Second Intermediate Period. Renewed politcal instability. Hyksos, from the Levant, rule Egypt from the Delta. c. 1550-1070BC - New Kingdom. Marks rise of Egypt as an international power expanding pharaonic rule to Nubia and the Levant. Noted for some of the most well known Pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti, Tutankhamun and Ramesses II. 525BC - Achaemenid Persians, led by Cambyses II, began their conquest of Egypt. 332BC - Egypt falls to Alexander the Great as part of his conquest of Achaemenid Persia. 323BC - Alexander dies. 305-30BC - Greek general Ptolemy and his descendants rule as pharaohs. 30BC - Egypt falls to Octavian - the future Roman emperor Augustus - after his forces defeat those of rival Mark Anthony and Egyptian Queen Cleopatra at the naval battle of Actium in 27BC. Egypt is a key province of the Roman, and later the Byzantine empires. 639-642AD - Byzantine Egypt conquered by Muslim Arab armies. Muslim rulers remain in control of Egypt for the next six centuries. 1250-1517 - Mamluk Egypt. The country is ruled by a caste of freed slave soldiers. 1260 - The Mamluks under Sultan Qutuz and Baybars rout the Mongols halting their southward expansion. 1517 - Ottoman Turks conquer Egypt, which becomes part of the Ottoman empire, but a semi-autonomous province under the Mamluks. 1798 - French troops led by Napoleon Bonaparte invade. 1801 - Defeat of French forces by Ottomans and British. 1805 - Ottoman Albanian commander Muhammad Ali establishes dynasty that rules until 1952, although nominally part of the Ottoman Empire. 1867 - Egypt becomes a Khedivate with the Ottoman Empire 1869 - Suez Canal is completed in partnership with France, but it and other infrastructure projects nearly bankrupt the country and lead to gradual British takeover. 1882 - British troops defeat Egyptian army and take control of country. 1914 - World War One. Egypt formally becomes a British protectorate. Period is marked by growing nationalism and discontent with British rule . 1919 - Egyptian Revolution - a countrywide revolution against the British occupation of Egypt and Sudan triggered by the exiling of nationalist leaders. 1922 - Egypt gains independence, although British influence remains significant until mid-1950s. 1949 - Committee of the Free Officers' Movement formed to overthrow the monarchy. 1952 - Coup sees Gamal Abdel Nasser become prime minister in 1954 and president in 1956. He sets up Egypt in opposition to the conservative Arab monarchies of the Gulf and Western interests in the Middle East. 1954 - Evacuation Treaty signed. British forces, who began a gradual withdrawal under 1936 treaty, finally leave Egypt. 1956 - President Nasser nationalises the Suez Canal to fund the Aswan High Dam, after Britain and US withdraw financing. Britain, France and Israel invade over nationalisation of Suez Canal, but withdraw at US insistence. 1958-61 - Egypt and Syria form the short-lived United Arab Republic. 1967 - Israeli pre-emptive attack defeats Egypt, Jordan and Syria, leaving it in control of Sinai up to the Suez Canal and Egyptian-occupied Gaza. 1970 - Nasser dies. 1973 - Egypt and Syria go to war with Israel to reclaim land lost in 1967. 1975 - Suez Canal is re-opened for first time since 1967 war. 1978 - President Anwar Sadat makes peace with Israel in return for Israeli withdrawal from Sinai. 1981 - President Sadat is assassinated by Islamist extremists. 1997 - 62 people, mostly tourists, are massacred near Luxor. 2011 - Arab Spring popular uprising sees the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak. 2012 - Mohammed Morsi, an Islamist affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, is elected president. 2013 - Country sees widespread turmoil between liberals and Islamists over Egypt's future direction After public discontent with autocratic moves Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood government, the army carries out a coup to oust Morsi. Army chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi takes over. 2014 - Abdul Fattah al-Sisi elected president. 2020 - Relations between Egypt and Ethiopia worsen over the latter's Grand Renaissance Dam. Egypt sees the dam as a threat, fearing it will reduce the amount of water it receives from the Nile. 2023 - President al-Sisi wins a third term. Ancient sites like Luxor draw millions of tourists to Egypt El Paso County and two immigrant rights groups filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas Tuesday, challenging a new law that allows state and local police to arrest people suspected to be undocumented migrants. The bill, signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Monday, sets up a legal challenge over whether state authorities can have jurisdiction over border matters. Previously, immigration arrests have been left to federal law enforcement. The plaintiffs claim that the new law goes directly against federal law and allows untrained local police to interfere in matters of the federal government. Immigration is a quintessentially federal authority, the suit reads. The federal government has no role in, and no control over, Texass scheme. The suit calls the new law patently illegal, claiming it jettisons the standards and protections of federal law, grasping control over immigration from the federal government and depriving people subject to that system of all of the federal rights and due process that Congress provided to them, including the rights to contest removal and seek asylum. El Paso County is joined by Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center and American Gateways in the suit, which is also supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Texas Civil Rights Project. The ACLU of Texas pledged last week to file a suit challenging the bill. Senate Bill 4 (88-4) overrides federal immigration law, fuels racial profiling and harassment, and gives state officials the unconstitutional ability to deport people without due process, regardless of whether they are eligible to seek asylum or other humanitarian protections, Texas ACLU Director Oni Blair said in a statement last week. Texas politicians have pushed through some of the most radical anti-immigrant bills ever passed by any state, she continued. This legislation is completely out of touch with our values and who we aspire to be as Texans. Abbott claims the Biden administration has not done enough to stem the flow of immigration across the U.S.-Mexico border. The goal of Senate Bill 4 is to stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas. It creates a criminal offense for illegal entry into Texas from a foreign nation for repeat offenders, that creates the events of illegal reentry with a potential prison sentence term of up to 20 years, Abbott said at the bill signing ceremony Monday. Bidens deliberate inaction has left Texas to fend for itself, he added, suggesting that Texas has a right to defend itself. Nearly two dozen House Democrats wrote a letter Monday calling on Attorney General Merrick Garland to challenge the law. The letter, led by Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), dubs the bill the most anti-immigrant state bill in the United States. SB 4 is an unlawful attempt to engage in federal law enforcement, the group wrote. We urge the Department of Justice to step in immediately to intervene and prevent this harmful piece of legislation from being implemented. The bill has also raised challenges from the Mexican government. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ordered the countrys Foreign Ministry to file a challenge against the law Tuesday. The bill is scheduled to go into effect in March. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso Water is looking for residents who would like to learn more about the utility and the services it provides. The second annual EPWater Citizens Academy is accepting applications for the 2024 class. The Citizens Academy will provide access to behind-the-scenes tours of EPWater facilities, interactions with EPWater executives and presentations from EPWater subject-matter experts. Citizens Academy allows EPWater to strengthen our connection to the community, said Christina Montoya, marketing and communications manager. We hope to build on the success of last years inaugural class with more participants in 2024. Notification of the selected participants will take place in January, and the program is scheduled to run from February to June. A time commitment of three hours on the first Friday of every month will be required of participants. Applicants should email a cover letter stating their interest and resume to publicaffairs@epwater.org by Dec. 29. To learn more about the 2024 Citizens Academy, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. The Remisoff Murals, originally installed in the Lake Forest Library rotunda in 1932, are set to be repaired starting in February. (Daniel I. Dorfman/Pioneer Press) Following the repair to the buildings dome earlier this year, the Lake Forest Library is set to restore the murals in the buildings rotunda installed in 1932. On Dec. 12, Library Board trustees unanimously approved a $266,000 contract to repair the paintings created by artist Nicolai Remisoff on a series of panels in the buildings main entrance. Advertisement Library Executive Director Ishwar Laxminarayan said library officials discovered damage to the paintings many years ago. However, with the possibility that water from the leaking dome was the source of the problem, the decision was made to fix the dome. That project was completed in August, allowing the focus to shift to the 12 paintings, where eight are on canvas and four painted directly on the wall. Advertisement That was the intent of the board that this would be the next project, Laxminarayan said. There is significant appreciation for the art. These murals are almost as old as the library itself. The Remisoff Murals are titled, Poets and Artists of Antiquity, representing iconic figures including Homer, Socrates, Aristotle and Plato. They were installed one year after the building opened. The art deco murals created by the Russian-born Remisoff in 1887, who after moving to the Chicago area was commissioned to create art projects in several places, including the Library. Laxminarayan anticipated the scope of the work on the large panels would be a restoration and cleaning, plus determining if there is any plaster damage on the walls behind the paintings. Library Board trustees signed off on a bid of $233,000 for the mural restoration work, with another $33,000 for contingencies. Funding will come through a private donation from the Friends of the Lake Forest Library, a private group that supports library efforts. It is important because of the attachment the Friends has for the library itself, Friends grant committee chairwoman Jan Gibson said. We want to do whatever the library wants us to do, Laxminarayan expects the repairs to start in February, and the project to last about eight weeks. He noted they are important to the community. Advertisement There is a lot of respect and affection for these murals, he said. Corresponding with the restoration, Laxminarayan said there was a possibility of lectures to students of all ages on the significance of the murals, along with a webcam livestreaming the project. Not only will it enhance the visual element of the rotunda, we also see it as a way to re-educate the community on the history and the value of these murals and reignite that interest in the library, he said. The murals were last restored in 1997, according to Laxminarayan. The Ngil mask, made by the Fang people of Gabon, is believed to be one of only about 10 in the world A second-hand dealer has won a case to keep the 4.2m (3.6m; $4.6m) proceeds from the sale of a rare African mask he found in an elderly French couple's attic. He had been brought in to help clear the attic of the couple, who sold him the mask for 150 (129; $165). The couple sued, arguing that they had been misled about the item's value. But the judge disagreed, saying they had failed to appreciate the artwork's true worth. The rare Ngil mask, made by the Fang people of Gabon, is believed to be one of only about 10 in the world. It would have been worn by members of the Ngil secret society. Historians believe members travelled through villages searching for troublemakers, including suspected sorcerers. The 19th-Century wooden mask was probably acquired "in unknown circumstances" around 1917 by Rene-Victor Edward Maurice Fournier, a French colonial governor and the plaintiff's grandfather. It was held in the family's possession until it was sold to the dealer. It was later resold at auction to an unknown buyer. The couple had gone to court to claim a share of the proceeds of the sale, alleging the dealer had misled them about the true value of the mask. The dealer denied knowing that it was so valuable and said he had demonstrated goodwill by offering the couple 300,000, the mask's initial valuation. His lawyer argued that the couple had failed to research the item's true worth before selling it. "When you've got such an item at home, you should be a bit more curious before giving it up," Patricia Pijot told French media. The judge ruled in favour of the dealer and said the couple had failed to exercise due diligence in evaluating the "historical and artistic" value of the mask. The offer was retracted after the couple sued. Frederic Mansat Jaffre, lawyer for the couple, said: "The judge has created a precedent... You or I will now need to ask a professional before then going to see another professional." Gabon had separately requested that the sale of the mask be halted on the grounds that it rightfully belonged to the country. But the court also rejected that argument. The West African country was a French colony at the time Fournier acquired the mask. Tens of thousands of works of African art are held outside the continent. Most were removed during the colonial era, sometimes under disputed circumstances. French President Emmanuel Macron has previously called for the restitution of African art. "I cannot accept that a large part of the cultural heritage of several African countries is in France," he said in 2017. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the first decisions of the US president elected in 2024 could "significantly" affect the course of the war in Ukraine if US policy becomes more "domestic". Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference, European Pravda reports Details: The head of state suggested that if Donald Trump is elected president of the United States, "he will definitely have a different policy", while regardless of the specific candidate, his "first signals" in politics will be important. Quote: "If the policy of the next president, whoever they are, is different towards Ukraine, colder or more domestic, i.e. more focused on domestic policy, more economical, then I think these signals will have a significant impact on the course of the war in Ukraine If one powerful piece falls out, the mechanism starts to crumble, and so if we allow the leaders of this assistance, the US, to fall out of the platform of assistance, it will definitely have an impact and it will definitely not be positive for assistance in Europe." Background: Trump, the former US president, has repeatedly said that he has a "plan" to ensure peace in Ukraine within 24 hours if he returns to the top position. Last month, Zelenskyy invited Donald Trump, who had previously said that as US president he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine in one day, to visit Ukraine. Trump refused, citing a "conflict of interest" with the current Joe Biden administration. Support UP or become our patron! Maya Energy's planned facility, which sits at 2727 W. 35th Avenue, is still not operational more than 5 years since it first received an operating permit. The facility would convert waste into burnable fuel for use in energy production. (Christin Nance Lazerus/Post-Tribune) Work on a driveway at the planned site of a controversial waste-to-fuel plant in Gary is on hold after the city intervened, pausing a previously issued construction permit. The vacant lot on West 35th Avenue is owned by the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission and leased by Maya Energy, who has planned for more than five years to use the land for a facility that would convert waste into burnable fuel for use in energy production. In 2017, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) issued the company an air permit to begin operating the facility, which was renewed in 2022. Advertisement So far, nothing has been built on the property, which is separated from the roadway by a wide drainage ditch. Maya Energy president Jim Ventura said that installing a concrete culvert in the ditch and building a driveway over it would allow the company access to the site in order to address vegetation overgrowth as well as potential flooding and fire hazards. Maya hired the Calumet City, Illinois-based Hasse Construction to install the driveway. On Nov. 1, the Gary Board of Public Works and Safety issued a driveway permit to the contractor. Advertisement Work on the driveway began on Dec. 11, Ventura said, but the following day the city directed Hasse to stop work. Ventura said that the city had not provided an appropriate stop work order and directed that work begin again on Dec. 13, only for the city to intervene again. The Gary Board of Public Works and Safety voted at its rescheduled Dec. 15 meeting to place a hold on the driveway permit. The permit appears to have been issued prematurely, without the approval of the Department of Environmental Affairs as is needed to certain criteria to be fulfilled pertaining to storm water management given the large culvert set to be placed and the construction involved on the site, the city Law Department wrote in a memorandum to the board. The document was read at the meeting by chief of staff Joy Holliday, who serves as the boards secretary. Additionally, there appear to be activities taking place on the premises that raise questions about whether only maintenance and mowing were occurring or if there were other activities that may require a permit or site plan review, the Law Department wrote. The recommendation would be to have the applicant work with the appropriate city officials, including city engineer, Building Department, Department of Environmental Affairs and storm water management to resolve any issues. City spokesman Michael Gonzalez declined to provide additional details. While former Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson initially supported Mayas proposed facility, her successor, Jerome Prince, has been antagonistic toward the project. My position has been pretty consistent, Prince told the Post-Tribune, and that is I personally, and as the administration, did not want to move forward with Maya Energy. Ventura believes that the city has not provided an adequate explanation for its handling of the permit, and said that his company intends to move ahead with the driveway installation, and will pursue legal action against the city if it proves necessary. Advertisement Our attorney already is on it, he said. Theyre trying to just show the city that we can move forward. Maya Energys proposed facility has prompted legal action from environmental advocates. In May, attorneys with the Environmental Law & Policy Center refiled a complaint with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Office of External Civil Rights Compliance on behalf of the grassroots group Gary Advocates for Responsible Development. The organization alleged that IDEM violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by renewing Maya Energys air permit for the site, which sits near the predominantly Black neighborhood of Glen Park and across the street from Steel City Academy Charter School. The Ukraine Energy Support Fund has already accumulated 400 million euros ($438 million), which will help Ukraine get through the winter, Ukrinform reported on Dec. 19, citing European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. The fund was established in the spring of 2022 as a joint initiative between Simson and Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko to channel financial aid to the Ukrainian energy sector. It is managed by the Energy Community Secretariat, the executive institution of the Vienna-based Energy Community. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels following a ministerial meeting on energy, the commissioner said Ukraine remains her top priority, especially in the context of the European Council's decision to open accession talks. Simson called on European ministers to continue supporting Kyiv with equipment and financial aid to help the country overcome its second winter of war. The fund's leading donors include the EU, Germany, the U.K., Switzerland, the U.S., Belgium, Denmark, Austria, and several private companies, according to Energy Community director Artur Lorkowski. The combination of cold weather and intensified Russian attacks puts Ukraine's energy sector under heavy strain, especially as Russia intentionally targets critical infrastructure. The U.K. Defense Ministry said 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: Kyivs local businesses gear up for another difficult winter Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FILE - European Union flags wave in the wind as pedestrians walk by EU headquarters in Brussels, on Sept. 20, 2023. The European Union said Monday Dec. 18, 2023 that it has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia over its war against Ukraine, targeting the lucrative diamonds industry, more than 140 officials and organizations, and closing loopholes that Moscow has used to bypass previous punitive measures. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File) BRUSSELS (AP) The European Union said Monday that it has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia over its war against Ukraine, targeting the lucrative diamonds industry, more than 140 officials and organizations, and closing loopholes that Moscow has used to bypass previous punitive measures. Its the 12th round of sanctions and restrictions that the EU has slapped on Russia since President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine almost two years ago. The measures have targeted the energy sector, banks, companies and markets, and made over 1,000 Russian officials subject to asset freezes and travel bans. EU headquarters said the latest measures would deliver a further blow to Putins ability to wage war by targeting high-value sectors of the Russian economy and making it more difficult to circumvent EU sanctions. The import, purchase or transfer of Russian non-industrial natural and synthetic diamonds and diamond jewelry will be banned starting Jan. 1. The ban applies to diamonds originating in Russia, exported from Russia and transiting through Russia, as well as Russian diamonds processed elsewhere. The EU estimates the diamond sector to be worth around $4.5 billion each year to Moscow. The new round of sanctions also obliges EU companies to prohibit in their contracts the export of certain goods so buyers cant sell them on to Russia, particularly sensitive goods and technology that could be used by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. Additional chemicals, lithium batteries, thermostats, certain electric motors that could be used in the manufacture of drones, and some machine tools and parts have been put on the EUs list of restricted items banned for export to Russia. Imports into the EU of some goods that generate significant revenue for Russia also were tightened, including on copper and aluminum wire, foil, quantities of tubes and pipes above a certain limit, and restrictions on liquefied propane. The EU also added 29 more entities often organizations, agencies, companies or banks alleged to be supporting Russias military and industrial complex in the war against Ukraine. The entities and people whose assets have been frozen were not immediately named. The sanctions were expected to be published in the EUs official journal shortly, which allows for them to formally enter force. The 27 EU countries will now consider imposing sanctions against people who benefit from the seizure of European assets or parts of companies in Russia. The member states will also come under tighter control to ensure they are actively tracing the assets of people targeted for sanctions. ___ Follow all of AP's coverage of Europe: https://apnews.com/hub/europe By Daphne Psaledakis and Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The European Union and the United States urged Serbia to address concerns about its electoral process after independent observers found worrying irregularities including vote buying during Sunday's snap election. The electoral process in Serbia, which has been a candidate to join the EU since 2012, needs to be improved significantly, two EU commissioners said on Tuesday. "We conclude with concern that the electoral process requires tangible improvement and further reform, as the proper functioning of Serbia's democratic institutions is at the core of Serbia's EU accession process," EU commissioners Josep Borrell and Oliver Varhelyi said in a joint statement. The country's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) gained an unfair advantage in snap parliamentary elections through media bias, the improper influence of President Aleksandar Vucic and voting irregularities such as vote buying, an international monitoring mission said on Monday. The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday it was reviewing the findings of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) observer mission. Washington urged Serbia to work with the OSCE to address "unjust conditions" surrounding the electoral process. The OSCE "did find as well that the elections were marred by numerous procedural deficiencies (like) pressure on public employees, and misuse of public resources, and that these factors together with the ruling party's systemic advantages create unjust conditions. So we will urge Serbia to work with the OSCE to address these concerns," a State Department spokesperson said. The populist SNS won 46.72% of the votes in Sunday's elections, according to state election commission preliminary results, based on the count from 96% of the polling stations. The centre-left opposition alliance Serbia Against Violence came second with 23.56% of the votes and the Socialist Party of Serbia third with 6.56%. Observers also said there was misuse of public resources, a lack of separation between official functions and campaign activities, voter intimidation and vote buying. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Kanishka Singh in Washington and Bart Meijer in Brussels; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Leslie Adler) The US says steel and aluminium production is vital to national security The European Union and the US have agreed to pause their trade war until after the presidential election. US tariffs on steel and aluminium and the EU's retaliation on goods including motorcycles and whisky will be suspended until the end of March 2025. They were originally imposed when Donald Trump was president on national security grounds. But they were paused under Joe Biden's administration. The deferment will allow President Biden to keep his EU allies onside. But because they have been paused and not abolished, he will appear to be tough on trade for a domestic audience. The US metal industry provides jobs in places such as Pennsylvania and Ohio - states which could be crucial to President Biden in the election in November 2024. In the absence of a full solution to their differences "this has always been the obvious deal", according to Brad Setser, a trade expert at the Council on Foreign Relations think tank in Washington, who has also worked on trade policy for the Biden administration. "Returning to open conflict isn't in the interest of the US or the EU", he said, especially now that Ukrainian and Russian production has largely been removed from global markets. Mr Trump imposed 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminium coming from the EU into the US in 2018. He cited national security grounds for the decision, using a law known as Section 232. At the time, he said: "If you don't have steel, you don't have a country". In retaliation, the EU put tariffs on US-made goods such as Harley Davidson motorcycles, jeans and bourbon whiskey. President Biden has backed the tariffs but in 2021 said his administration would allow "limited volumes" of EU-produced metals into the US from 2022. Last year, the EU suspended its measures until 31 December 2023, meanwhile the US replaced the Section 232 tariffs with a quota system, resulting in above-quota EU steel and aluminium still being subject to tariffs. Last year, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruled that the tariffs were against global trade rules. At the time the US government strongly rejected the ruling and said it had no intention of removing the measure. It said it was "committed to preserving US national security by ensuring the long-term viability of our steel and aluminium industries". President Trump has already raised the idea of new 10% tariffs on all goods coming into the US if he wins next year's presidential election. Bruce Kasman, chief economist at the US investment bank JP Morgan, told the BBC that the re-emergence of a trade war would be "significant", because of the potential impact on business confidence if not because of the tariffs themselves. EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has welcomed the latest suspension as providing stability and confidence to European companies. "It provides us with the necessary space to continue pursuing the full and permanent removal of 232 tariffs on EU exports, as well as working on addressing global overcapacity and decarbonisation of steel and aluminium industries". The agreement that has been extended allows 3.2 million metric tons of EU made steel to be imported under a tariff free quota each year. However, last year the US actually bought 3.8 million tons, resulting in tariffs worth 293m (252m) In 2022, the US collected 42m of tariffs on EU aluminium, they were paid on 64,000 tons out of total imports of 289,000 metric tons. The UK was among the countries to agree an exemption to the US tariffs on steel and aluminium. Carbon emissions The US and EU have been leading efforts to reach a global deal on steel and aluminium production which would address its impact on climate change as well as dumping, which is when countries sell metal they don't need to other countries at below cost price. Both metals are responsible for significant amounts of carbon emissions, and the dirtiest production would face the highest tariffs if an agreement can be reached in talks which have already lasted more than two years. The US Trade Representative Katherine Tai welcomed the suspension of tariffs with the EU, saying it allowed more time to complete complex negotiations. "Our goal is to forge a forward-looking arrangement that will allow us to join forces economically to incentivize fair and clean production and trade in the steel and aluminium sectors", she said. However, the lack of a global deal, as well as the failure to reach a permanent solution on bilateral tariffs reflect a wider malaise in international trade talks. The Biden administration has repeatedly said it wants to see reform of global trade rules including the WTO and its system for resolving disputes. However, it has not published a lot of detail of what that those changes would be. It means there are low expectations for a major meeting of the WTO which is scheduled for Abu Dhabi in February. Last week the French trade minister Olivier Becht said "it's important to be prepared in case it's not possible to save the system". Mostly True During a whirlwind budget and legislative season, some of what lawmakers work on can get lost in the sauce. For instance, you may have forgotten there were multiple failed proposals this year to cut middle-class taxes, even if taxes were clearly on voters minds when they headed to the polls last November. In polling before the fall 2022 election, when Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, was on the ballot, around half of registered voters said they were very concerned about taxes. State Sen. Julian Bradley, a Republican representing Franklin, reminded constituents of politicians proposed tax cuts this year in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on December 8, 2023. Wisconsin Republicans have passed multiple billion dollar middle-class tax cuts this year, but each time we have, Governor Tony Evers has vetoed the relief, Bradley said. State Sen. Julian Bradley (R-Franklin) speaks in the State Senate Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the Capitol in Madison, Wis. His claim caught our attention, especially as we look back on the state budget and major legislative efforts at the end of 2023. Has Evers vetoed multiple billion dollar middle-class tax cuts this year? Yes, but theres a little more to the picture. Cut for middle-class bracket was vetoed in special session rewrite, state budget When PolitiFact Wisconsin reached out to Bradleys office, communications director Alex Walker pointed to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel articles that detailed the two times Evers vetoed a middle-class tax cut. Twice this year, Republicans proposed cutting taxes for a broad group of middle-income earners that make between $27,630 and $304,170 as individuals and $36,840 to $405,550 as a married couple. The income tax rate for that group would have been reduced by about 17%, from 5.3% to 4.4%, amounting to a more than $2 billion reduction over two years, according to a state fiscal analysis. Republicans included that cut in a workforce and child care special session bill they rewrote that significantly changed Evers original plan. Democrats called the rewrite veto bait for containing provisions the governor previously vetoed, like tightening unemployment rules. Evers did veto the plan in November. In his veto message, Evers said the cut was too steep and would drain the states rainy day fund. It might be a bit of a stretch to say Evers vetoed the tax cut by citing that bill, because he couldnt sign only that part and remove provisions he doesnt like. But that wasnt the case for the earlier veto Bradleys office cited. When signing the state budget this summer, Evers used a line-item veto to specifically remove the cut for that bracket. Along with the 17% reduction for the second-highest bracket, Evers removed a 15% cut for the highest earners those that make $405,550 or more as a couple. He kept in place reductions for the two lowest brackets. In that veto message, Evers cited concerns that the move would reduce funding for schools, local governments and other budget priorities. He criticized the plan for focusing the most relief on the wealthiest residents. So, its even fairer to say Evers vetoed the cut in the state budget, because he can use partial vetoes to remove language. Evers said he would not sign standalone tax cut, stands by own plan Evers has also said he would not sign a standalone piece of legislation that only included the tax cuts he vetoed from the state budget. "(If) their concern now is that there isn't a big enough tax cut for the middle class, all they had to do was adopt mine to begin with, Evers said after Republicans said theyd introduce tax cuts again after his veto. Evers was referring to his initial budget proposal, which would have provided about $1.2 billion in tax relief to low- and middle-income residents. Republicans who control the Legislature typically scrap Evers budget plan and write their own. So, it isnt that Evers is opposed to a billion dollar tax cut for the middle class, but he has so far rejected Republicans ideas on how to do that. Two other pieces of legislation a bill and an amendment also included Republicans proposed cut for that middle-class bracket. But those have failed to reach Evers for his signature or veto. Its also worth noting that all groups of earners, including the wide middle-class bracket, will still see some relief, just not the billions that Republicans wanted. Under Evers signed budget, taxpayers will see an average decrease of $36 in 2023, compared to $573 under the GOP plan. That totals $82.9 million for 2.3 million filers, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. And Evers often notes hes enacted income tax reductions that total $1.5 billion annually since taking office but that might be a PolitiFact for another time. Our ruling Bradley said Wisconsin Republicans have passed multiple billion dollar middle-class tax cuts this year, but each time we have, Governor Tony Evers has vetoed the relief. Republicans have repeatedly pitched a 17% reduction for a wide group of earners, totaling about $2 billion over two years. Evers vetoed a bill that contained that and other provisions, and he also removed it as an individual piece from the state budget. Evers has, however, supported a different way to cut middle-class taxes to the tune of a billion dollars. He and Republicans just havent agreed on how to deliver the relief. Bradleys statement is accurate, but requires some additional explanation to give a full picture of what happened with tax cuts this year. For those instances, we assign a rating of Mostly True. Sources X, Sen. Julian Bradley, Dec. 8, 2023 Marquette Law School, Poll Table with Variable b159, 2022 Department of Revenue, Fiscal Estimate, Sept. 25, 2023 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Republicans pass workforce plan with middle-class tax cut that Evers previously vetoed, Nov. 15, 2023 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Evers vetoes $2 billion tax cut and child care credit expansion, calling proposal 'completely unserious', Nov. 20, 2023 Gov. Tony Evers, Special Session Senate Bill 1 Veto Message, Nov. 20, 2023 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Gov. Tony Evers issued 51 partial vetoes to the state budget. Here's what they do., July 6, 2023 Gov. Tony Evers, Senate Bill 70 Veto Messages, July 5, 2023 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Speaker Robin Vos vows moves to restore tax cut after Tony Evers' veto. Evers promises another one., July 6, 2023 Department of Administration, Budget in Brief, February 2023 Wisconsin State Legislature, Assembly Bill 386 Wisconsin State Legislature, Senate Amendment 2 to Assembly Bill 438 Legislative Fiscal Bureau, Individual Income Tax Rate Reductions under Enrolled 2023 SB 70 and 2023 Act 1, July 7, 2023 This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Has Evers vetoed multiple middle-class tax cuts this year? We checked. FALL RIVER Convicted former Fall River mayor Jasiel Correia II is on the move again in his travels through the federal prison system. According to the Bureau of Prison inmate tracker website, Correia is now in a federal facility in Oklahoma City, OK. Its not clear if the 32-year-old ex-politician will land there for any amount of time. This is the third time he has been moved in a month. According to the BOPs website, the prison is an administrative security federal transfer center. The average length of stay is 4 to 6 weeks. Inmates are not housed at the FTC any longer than necessary. It is not unusual for other inmates to arrive after you and depart before you. Movement is normally based upon when you were designated; not when you arrived at the FTC, according to the BOP. Then-Mayor Jasiel Correia walks down South Main Street, waving to a cheering crowd during the Fall River Children's Holiday Parade on Dec. 1, 2018. Correia, found guilty of corruption and fraud charges and sentenced to six years in prison, was originally held at a federal prison in Berlin, New Hampshire, starting in April 2022. But most recently, he was transferred to the Federal Detention Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after a stopover in the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. Family business Jasiel Correia II's SnoOwl app led to him going to prison. Now his wife has started one. Why do federal prisoners get moved? The BOP does not release any details of why a prisoner is transferred to other prisons, like Berlin, which is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. However, on Oct. 26, The Herald News received an email from the Berlin prison written by Special Investigative Services Tech Hunter Braase. After a stop over at a New York federal prison, former mayor Jasiel Correia II was moved to FDC Philadelphia. Now he's on the move again. White Mountains stay Jasiel Correia is behind bars in federal prison. Here's what's next for the former mayor The investigator requested a copy of an article reported by the newspaper in July 2022 regarding Correias wife starting her own app company called ItsaVibe just 11 days before Correia reported to federal prison with a Boston-based partner. The app is reminiscent of his app SnoOwl, which was at the center of the fraud charges against him. The app is on the Apple iStore, but it does not appear to be functional. Braase never responded to a request for information on whether there is or was a BOP investigation related to Correia. When is Jasiel Correia scheduled to be release from prison Correia is set for release on Oct. 29, 2026, according to the BOP website. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Jasiel Correia II, ex-Fall River mayor, moved to Oklahoma City prison A Republican mayoral nominee who lost the race for Derby, Connecticut, in November will plead guilty to a misdemeanor for his role in the Jan. 6 attack, according to court documents. Gino DiGiovanni Jr., who serves as an alderman for Derby, admitted to NBC Connecticut in October 2022 that he went to the U.S. Capitol after a reporter showed photos of him unearthed by the online investigative community Sedition Hunters. I was there, I went inside there, and, you know, I didnt damage or break anything, he said. A court document filed Monday states that DiGiovanni did knowingly enter and remain in a restricted building and grounds without lawful authority to do so. Martin Minnella, one of the aldermans lawyers, told NBC News that his client was there just to express his views. He didnt do any damage. He added that he believes DiGiovanni will be handed a fine and probation, which, according to NBC News, is typical of cases with misdemeanor defendants who dont have a criminal record. Judge James E. Boasberg set a plea agreement hearing for Jan. 3., 2024. Read it at NBC News Read more at The Daily Beast. The Portage High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard posts colors during a Wreaths Across America ceremony at Luther Cemetery in Washington Township in Porter County on Saturday, December 16, 2023. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) Volunteers presented wreaths in the rain to honor veterans laid to rest at Luther Cemetery, one of the countys oldest, near Porter County Regional Airport. Wreaths Across America was observed Saturday at more than 3,700 locations in the United States and abroad. Advertisement The William Henry Harrison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution adopted the cemetery after member Diane Schweitzer researched ancestors buried there. Wreaths are placed by members of the William Henry Harrison Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution during a Wreaths Across America ceremony at Luther Cemetery in Washington Township in Porter County on Saturday, December 16, 2023. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) Were all proud to be Americans living in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life, she said. The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here in this cemetery before us and across the nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear. Advertisement Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world, she said. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free. We shall not forget you. We will all remember, she said. These men and women are part of the best trained, best equipped forces in the world, Schweitzer said. We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred and injustice. Porter County Recorder Chuck Harris, also representing Bartholomew Funeral Home, said Luther Cemetery was a victim of not only the effects of time but especially vandalism. Monuments have toppled, slabs have cracked, stones have sunk deep into the ground. Quite frankly, it was embarrassing. Jason Zimmer plays "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes during a Wreaths Across America ceremony at Luther Cemetery in Washington Township in Porter County on Saturday, December 16, 2023. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) The DAR chapter prompted a large restoration project there. There has been hundreds of volunteer hours put into this cemetery in the last year or two, Harris said. Theres still work to be done there. A lot of these stones did not have a firm foundation underneath and the ground has given way, causing the monuments to topple, Schweitzer said. Sherry Taylor, a Washington Township resident and a DAR member, gave a brief history of Luther Cemetery. It holds some 645 graves representing 160 family names, she said. In 1836, the townships first schoolhouse was built on the southwest corner of the cemetery. The schoolhouse served as a school as well as a church where services which included funerals for burials within the cemetery, Taylor said. Many of the graves are from the 1800s. The first known burial was in 1841. Advertisement Sherry Taylor recounts the history of Luther Cemetery in Washington Township in Porter County during a Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, December 16, 2023. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) Luther Cemetery holds the graves of 30 veterans, including 18 from the Civil War, two from World War I, four from World War II, three from Vietnam and three from other eras, she said. DAR members have been going through the cemetery to identify graves and include them on the Find A Grave app so others can locate them, Schweitzer said. Wreaths Across Americas roots go back to 1992, when Worcester Wreath Co. in Harrington, Maine, placed 5,000 surplus wreaths on graves at Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington, D.C. A grave of a veteran is decorated with a wreath during a Wreaths Across America ceremony at Luther Cemetery in Washington Township in Porter County on Saturday, December 16, 2023. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) In 2022, 2.7 million wreaths honoring veterans were placed by more than 2 million volunteers, a third of whom were children. Nearly 28,000 volunteers placed more than 275,000 of those wreaths on veterans graves at Arlington National Cemetery, according to the Wreaths Across America organization. Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Timber and wood products giant Weyerhaeuser Company has scrapped plans for a log fumigation plant that would have released among the nations highest levels of a toxic hazardous pollutant in an area of coastal Georgia that critics argued already faces heightened environmental and health risks. The company said Monday it was no longer seeking a state air-quality permit that would allow the proposed facility just outside Riceboro in Liberty County to send up to 10 tons of methyl bromide a gas used as an insecticide into the air annually. The reversal follows opposition from local leaders and residents, as well as from environmental justice organizations. If approved, the plant would have been the third-largest emitter of methyl bromide and by far the largest in Georgia. In announcing its decision, the company conceded that it hadnt been transparent enough in planning for the project. Although we believe fumigation would have been done safely and in full compliance with all state and federal laws, as we have demonstrated at multiple other locations, we recognize that we should have engaged with the local community and addressed potential concerns earlier in the process, Weyerhaeuser Senior Director for Advocacy and Philanthropy Nancy B. Thompson said in a statement. Timber fumigation involves the intense application of chemicals to wipe out pests and decontamination before timber is shipped out of the country. Susan Inman, mid-coast advocate with the environmental group One Hundred Miles, said opposition to the project was rooted primarily on how, not where, the plant would operate. Timber farming is an important industry in Georgia, Inman said Tuesday. The lumber facility in Riceboro wasnt a surprise to Liberty County but the toxic chemical and process that they chose for fumigation was. Methyl bromide was chosen over alternatives and its ... bad to people and bad to the environment. Excess emissions: Georgia has world's largest wood pellet factory, and state says it's exceeding pollution limits Potential impacts on already-vulnerable community Inhalation of methyl bromide can severely damage the lungs, as well as cause respiratory and neurological issues, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Severe exposure can lead to paralysis, convulsions, kidney damage and death from respiratory or cardiovascular failure, the EPA says. And several studies have found that potential health issues extend outside sites where methyl bromide is used. Those risks, along with the demographics of the area surrounding the proposed plant, raised concerns about environmental justice. More than two-thirds of residents living within three miles of the proposed plant site are black, while nearly half are considered low-income, according to written comments submitted jointly to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division by the Southern Environmental Law Center, One Hundred Miles, the Ogeechee Riverkeeper and the Altamaha Riverkeeper. The same population already faces disproportionate health outcomes, the groups added. Those residents have a higher rate of adult cancer than roughly 90% of the U.S. population for asthma and cancer, and 75% for life expectancy, according to EPA data. Soaring storage: Warehouse boom threatens coastal Georgia communities, environmental groups say Methyl bromide also depletes the ozone layer that protects Earth from the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. While Weyerhaeusers projected methyl bromide emissions for the Riceboro plant were within the states allowable limits, Georgias methyl bromide standards ... are outdated and significantly more lenient than those in other states, and the companys modeling results show substantial exceedances of health-based standards implemented in nearby states, including Virginia, South Carolina, and Texas, the environmental groups argued in their filing with the Georgia Department of Environmental Quality. Despite its decision Monday, the company said it still plans on adding a comparable facility. Weyerhaeuser has a long history of operating in Georgia, Thompson said. We are proud to support local jobs and the regions thriving forest industry, and we will continue to seek locations for the export yard that benefit local landowners and the broader community. John Deem covers climate change and the environment in coastal Georgia. He can be reached at jdeem@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Weyerhaeuser scraps Liberty County export facility after pushback Claim: A video clip shows a "Muslim immigrant" urinating on pork products in a Dutch grocery store. Rating: Rating: Fake Context: By email, the creator of the video confirmed to Snopes that the video was fake, meaning that the subject did not urinate in the grocery store and that a sound effect had been added for the effect of a prank. Further, they said that the man in the clip is Muslim, but is not an immigrant. On Dec. 17, 2023, Paul Golding, leader of the far-right Britain First group, posted (archived) on X a video that he claimed showed a Muslim migrant facing away from the camera while urinating on pork in a Dutch supermarket. Golding's caption included an angry-face emoji and read as follows: "Muslim immigrant in Holland urinates on the pork section of the supermarket as another films saying 'we don't eat pork.'" In the video, another man apparently recording the clip could be heard speaking Dutch. The man's words translated to English as, "Bro, you are radical, just because he doesn't want to eat pig. Wow. We don't eat pork. We don't eat pork." Around three hours after Golding put up his post, the same video was also reposted by Geert Wilders, a far-right lawmaker whose party captured a victory in November's Dutch general election, according to The Associated Press. Wilders did not share the same caption that Golding shared. Wilders' repost was from a post put up prior to Golding's by the Dutch video platform Dumpert. The post from Dumpert had a Dutch caption that translated to the following words in English: "Young pisses on pork in the Albert Heijn." The caption from Dumpert did not mention anything about the man in the video being a Muslim migrant, nor did it provide any further context. (Albert Heijn is the name of a supermarket chain in the Netherlands.) This video was originally posted around Dec. 14 by a user who sometimes uploads prank-themed content to his TikTok account. His TikTok handle is @buurtwachtt, which translates in English to "neighborhood watch." He also hosts livestream videos that show him cooking, as well as other clips of him working out at a Basic Fit gym, among other types of content. In the video, no urine was visible, as again, the man's back was turned to the camera. Also, as one user on X pointed out, an apparent sound effect was audible that sounded like liquid hitting liquid, such as urine going into a toilet. A commenter under the TikTok video also said much the same, posting, "Dudes, it's a joke. It's a sound." In other words, all signs pointed to the idea that the man in the video was not, in fact, urinating on the meat. Further, we found no data to indicate that the man was a Muslim immigrant. Dus, de video die Geert deelde alsof het een moslim was die over varkensvlees piste, is nep Het is een (niet erg goed) prank-accountje Je hoort ook duidelijk het wc geluidsfragmentje dat ze over de winkel video hebben geplakt Check je bron voordat je iets deelt#PVV #Wilders pic.twitter.com/ljFzcYLBom Sam (@Sam_Wenmakers) December 17, 2023 Another commenter under the video added, "People, understand that this is a joke." Two other users both posted laughing-with-tears emojis alongside their comments, "Do people really think this is real?" and, "People who believe this omggg." Other videos posted by @buurtwachtt on TikTok also supposedly depicted the user urinating. In one such clip of the user standing in the corner of what looked to be a gym locker room, liquid was visible. One commenter said, "It's water," while another user claimed to hear the quick, faint sound of a crinkle of a plastic bottle that was purportedly hidden in his hand. After all, in other videos unrelated to urination, @buurtwachtt can be seen holding water bottles. In a different video, @buurtwachtt was recorded standing level with a sink while purportedly urinating from above. Once again, commenters pointed out how they believed the act looked fake. "That really is the clearest water ever," one user said. Further, @buurtwachtt tagged @Basic-Fit, the official TikTok account for the gym from which he posted some of the videos. We reached out to @buurtwachtt but did not receive a response within several hours. This story will be updated if we receive a response. Sources: @buurtwachtt. TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@buurtwachtt/. Corder, Mike. Far-Right Dutch Election Winner Wilders Wants to Be Prime Minister, Promises to Respect Constitution. The Associated Press, 13 Dec. 2023, https://apnews.com/article/netherlands-wilders-coalition-election-constitution-plasterk-14883f30ea676c6894519ebc1c5bae19. @Sam_Wenmakers. Dus, de Video Die Geert Deelde Alsof Het Een Moslim Was Die over Varkensvlees Piste, Is Nep. X, 17 Dec. 2023, https://twitter.com/sam_wenmakers/status/1736489603882778958. Updates: Dec. 21, 2023: This report's fact-check rating was updated from "Unproven" to "Fake" after we received word from the video creators, who said the clip included a sound effect and that the subject did not, in fact, urinate in the grocery store. (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to treat e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, similarly to tobacco and ban all flavours.That could spell trouble for some big tobacco companies, which have staked their futures on a shift to cigarette alternatives. British American Tobacco, for example, wants 50% of its revenues to come from non-combustible products by 2035. Vapes were banned in 34 countries as of July of this year, according to the WHO, including Brazil, India, Iran and Thailand. But many countries struggle to enforce e-cigarette rules, meaning they are often available on the black market. 74 countries, mostly in Africa but including Pakistan, Colombia and Mongolia, did not regulate e-cigarettes at all as of July, according to the WHO. In other nations, including key markets like the U.S. and China, governments allow vapes but regulate their use. Heres how they measure up: AUSTRALIA Australians need a prescription to use nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, but the country has struggled with a flood of illegal disposable vapes. From Jan. 1, 2024, it will be illegal to import disposables into Australia. From March, it will also be illegal to import any type of non-therapeutic vape, the government says. It also wants to introduce a bill next year to outlaw domestic manufacturing or supply of non-therapeutic e-cigarettes. CHINA The worlds largest producer of e-cigarettes introduced a raft of laws controlling their use domestically in 2021, including banning the flavoured products many Chinese manufacturers continue to send overseas. The government cited health concerns related to youth vaping. E-cigarette companies require a license to sell to consumers and taxes on production, import and wholesale distribution were introduced in 2022. EU AND MEMBERS The European Commission has set regulatory standards for e-cigarettes, including limits on nicotine content and labels explaining they should not be used by non-smokers. National governments also introduce laws governing their use. In France, for example, people under the age of 18 cannot buy vapes and their use is banned in certain public places, including universities and on public transport. Italy lifted a ban on using electronic cigarettes in public in 2013. Use in or near schools is still forbidden. Disposable vapes have also attracted particular attention from lawmakers in some EU countries amid environmental and health concerns. France has moved to ban them entirely. The German Federal Council, the upper house of parliament, has called on the government to push for a similar ban on disposable vapes across the EU. JAPAN E-cigarettes containing nicotine count as medicinal products under Japanese law. None have yet been approved for use. RUSSIA Minors cannot buy e-cigarettes. There are no restrictions on flavours or disposable vapes. Local media reported in November on the government quashing a proposed ban on e-cigarettes. The Russian Ministry of Health said this would lead to loss of tax revenue and fuel a black market, Izvestia reported. TURKEY The sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned since imports are allowed only in small quantities and production is forbidden. E-cigarettes are nevertheless widely available. UK The United Kingdom has put vapes at the centre of its public health policy, even offering starter kits to smokers to help them quit. However, an influx of flavoured, disposable vapes has also driven concerns around the environment, health and youth vaping. The government launched a consultation in October on proposals aimed at tackling a rise in youth vaping, including restrictions on flavours and the sale of disposable vapes, following a threefold rise in the number of children vaping in the past three years. U.S. E-cigarette manufacturers in the worlds largest market for nicotine alternatives must apply to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to sell their products legally. Some have been allowed on the market while they wait for the agency to review their applications. The FDA weighs several factors when considering an application, including the potential benefits for helping smokers quit. It has yet to approve a vape flavour other than tobacco. However, poor enforcement means that flavoured, often disposable products remain widely available. (Compiled by Louis van Boxel-Woolf, Gaelle Sheehan, Anastasiia Kozlova, Milla Nissi and Canan Sevgili in Gdansk; Editing by Emma M. Rumney and Josie Kao) The City of Fairborn did not pass a proposal to build a Wawa convenience store and gas station. The property the city was looking to rezone was 2.2 acres located at 600 East Dayton Yellow Springs Road. City council members heard over an hour of testimony from residents. Dr. Alice Sowders owns Fairborn Animal Hospital next door to the proposed Wawa property. She spoke in favor of the new development. >> New Wawa gas station approved for Huber Heights, but not without concerns Honestly at first I really wasnt sure until I researched it some more. I think this is an excellent opportunity for Fairborn, Sowders said. Weve had more problems with the empty building than we will with a building in there. A large majority of residents at the meeting spoke in opposition to the ordinance. Theres a reason this community has said no again and again and again ... all were asking you to do is to do everything we have done before in the city and say this is not the right place, Mike Spehar, a Fairborn resident said. Ultimately the ordinance did not pass a vote by council members. WaWa has said it plans to open 60 stores in Ohio in the next 10 years. Chinese rural policy bank ups financial support for Inner Mongolia Xinhua) 10:03, December 19, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Agricultural Development Bank of China, the country's rural policy bank, has issued opinions on supporting the high-quality development of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China. The opinions urge efforts to provide strong financial support for the accelerated modernization of Inner Mongolia, and emphasize service focuses in key fields based on the region's location and resource endowment advantages. Work should be done to promote the modernization of agriculture and animal husbandry sectors, build a new energy system, and facilitate the integrated conservation and restoration of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts. Measures should also be taken to improve the region's long-term sustainable rural development mechanism and help the region integrate into the country's "dual circulation" model, which involves both domestic and foreign markets, according to the opinions. They also stress the importance of continuously optimizing the region's credit structure and constantly stimulating innovation momentum while serving the region's high-quality growth. Experiments in the fields of green finance and energy finance should be encouraged to achieve a batch of replicable results. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) David Uran, on Jan. 20, 2022, when he was still mayor of Crown Point, has resigned as president and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, effective Dec. 32, 2023. (John Smierciak/Post Tribune) (John Smierciak / Post-Tribune) One day after the head of Lake Countys tourism bureau resigned, there was no comment on how the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority board would find a replacement. Andy Qunell, SSCVA board chairman, declined to comment Tuesday on how the entity may proceed finding a replacement for president and CEO David Uran. Uran announced his resignation Monday, effective Dec. 31, ending his 19-month tenure at the head of the agency. His resignation comes in the wake of a Friday executive session where information about alleged misconduct was listed as the reason. Advertisement Uran on Monday said the resignation and the executive session were unrelated. Uran was selected for the position in April 2021 after a nationwide search to find a replacement for ousted then-president and CEO Speros Batistatos produced two top candidates for the job heralding from Lake County: Uran, who was the mayor of Crown Point at the time, and Phil Taillon, executive director of planning and development for the city of Hammond. Neither had experience running a tourism bureau. Advertisement Qunell declined to comment on whether the board would conduct another nationwide search for a replacement. He also declined to comment on whether the resignation may have any impact on the bureaus efforts to submit a proposal to run a future Lake County Convention Center. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Monday said he was surprised by the announcement. He said he was at three SSCVA events over the weekend and everything appeared normal. I know Daves been working real hard. I obviously reached out to him. He was a police officer for a couple decades, then mayor I think hes just cooked, McDermott said, adding he thought Uran did a great job. Ill miss him in that role. McDermott said he is concerned the tourism bureau will be without a leader as efforts to locate a convention center in Lake County heat up. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. speaks before the annual Victory for Veterans Memorial Ride at Wicker Park in Highland on Sunday, September 25, 2022. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune) We dont even know whos going to be running the convention and visitors bureau, he said, adding it could take a couple months for a replacement to be found and in the meantime, the position will be unfilled heading into the coming legislative session. Uran said Monday that when he first took the job after being mayor of Crown Point, he thought it might not be as daunting. Instead, working with 16 municipalities and the state legislature turned out to be more so. He said he was missing too much time with his family and wanted to be able to be more present in the next phase of his childrens lives. Former tourism bureau chief Speros Batistatos said based on his work with Uran while he was mayor, he thought he would have a grasp of what the job really was. I had high hopes for him. Unfortunately, he just never rose to the level that job needs to be performed at, Batistatos said. The job is not about one community. The job is about a vision, about creating a place people want to visit. Advertisement Batistatos said he is hopeful the board hires a professional who understand how to run a convention and visitors bureau. Hopefully, their search will yield somebody with convention and visitors bureau experience that is up to the task and can amass a team this building, this organization and the destination require, Batistatos said. Speros Batistatos, former head of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau, is shown in his backyard of his St. John home on Saturday, July 16, 2022. (John Smierciak/Post Tribune) (John Smierciak / Post-Tribune) State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, who sponsored the legislation enabling the possibility for a convention center, said he has absolutely no concerns whatsoever the lack of a leader at the helm of the visitors bureau as the proposal process moves forward and doubts it will have any impact on a future convention center because the organization was written out of the legislation. Slager said the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority has just commissioned the update for its feasibility study identifying potential sites for a convention center. He expects the study will take approximately six months to complete. The results of that study will form the basis for any proposals to locate a convention center. Slager said he is aware the SSCVA is planning to submit a proposal. The entity is in the process of its own study to determine what role the organization could fill if a convention center is built. Slager said in his opinion a proposal by the convention bureau to build or operate a convention center is not a good idea. Advertisement Their job is to market Lake County and to bring people to that convention center and to the hotels. I would hate for them to be caught up trying to manage that, Slager said. He said there would be no purpose to accepting a proposal by the tourism bureau to run the convention center if they would just have to go out and hire somebody to do it. Indiana state representative Hal Slager, R-Schererville, speaks during the Purdue University Northwest fall commencement ceremonies on Saturday, December 9, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune) It just creates another layer of government, Slager said, adding the legislation clearly allows for the tourism bureau to submit a proposal. He is hopeful there will be multiple proposals submitted. Michael Repay, president of the Lake County Board of Commissioners, said that while the SSCVA was written out of the legislation, the entity will have a large role to play in its success, whether it submits a winning proposal or not. Commissioners have been chosen by the legislature to select the winning proposals. Its important they select a qualified individual to lead the organization to help with this important project, Repay said. cnapoleon@chicagotribune.com FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) A man from Fairfax was sentenced on Monday to over three years in federal prison for cyberstalking a man and a woman. Person rescued from flooded road in Montgomery County According to his guilty plea, beginning in June 2020, Michael Ghali, 35, sent one of the victims a series of sexually explicit and threatening text messages. He used an app that allows people to send messages from a different phone number. After receiving the messages, the Maryland woman contacted the Anne Arundel County Police Department for a protective order, which became effective on July 7, 2020. During that same time, he sent another victim a series of emails from addresses he specifically created to send the man threatening messages. Ghali accused the man of sexually abusing employees in his workplace and minors, and claimed he had photos of the abuse. Ghali demanded that the victim resign from his position and threatened to send the purported photos of abuse to the press. DC police to receive new crisis intervention training in 2024 The man knew Ghali, as he had previously worked at the same place. After receiving an email from Ghali that threatened the victims life and the lives of his grandchildren, he hired a professional security detail and changed his work schedules. The victim suspected that Ghali sent the messages and found out that, in 2019, Ghali was charged in Fairfax for brandishing an AR-15 assault rifle within 1,000 feet of a school. On July 21, 2020, the victims workplace obtained a temporary restraining order and, ultimately, a preliminary injunction against Ghali on behalf of the victim. Officers executed a search warrant at Ghalis home on Aug. 25, 2020. There, they seized several electronic devices and three boxes of .44 caliber ammunition. From a Federal Firearms Licensee in Fairfax County, law enforcement also seized a .22LR caliber semi-automatic firearm, a 10-round capacity magazine and additional ammunition, a news release said. Car, home damaged by storms? Heres how to make the most of your insurance claim A review of Ghalis phone revealed another social media page he had created in which he posted photos of people, including the initial victim. Several images of the woman were on the page with sexually explicit captions. On Aug. 28, 2020, Ghali got a new phone and in violation of the protective orders against him sent both victims more messages and emails. He posted sexually explicit and threatening messages regarding the woman to another one of his social media pages. Another search warrant was executed on Oct. 2, 2020, in order to find the new phone, but officers were unable to find it. They did, however, find the phones original packaging and receipt for its purchase. Ghali was sentenced to 38 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a federal cyberstalking charge, related to the sexually explicit and threatening messages and emails. Claude Moore Charitable Foundation in Virginia addresses health care worker shortage He has been detained since his arrest and will remain detained, according to the news release. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. In Niches 2024 Best HBCU Schools in America category, Florida A&M University placed No. 1. FAMU President Larry Robinson said he is happy to see the transformative years recognized. Great things happen every day at FAMU, and we are proud to know that what we do is being recognized nationally, Robinson said, according to Tallahassee. For 136 years, FAMU has been changing and transforming lives, and we will continue to stay true to this important mission. The university moved to No. 91 among public universities in U.S. News & World Reports 2023-2024 Best Colleges ranking breaking into the Top 100. The university was also ranked the nations top public HBCU. In the latest Niche list, FAMU is ranked No. 9 for best Greek life colleges and No. 11 for best criminal justice colleges. Among the countrys public and private HBCU schools, FAMU was ranked first by Niche, with Spelman College and Howard University second. FAMU was given an Overall Niche Grade of an A-, topping Spelman and Howards B+ score. The Niche review was based on graduate students who stated that the universitys instructors are very attentive to student needs and offer assistance when requested. The publication gave FAMU a C+ for residence halls when multiple construction projects have occurred on campus recently. Plans are in place to increase the bed count from 2,684 to 4,600 at the Institution. By fall 2025, two of the three proposed buildings planned for the initiative will be complete. Spelman College continued to hold the No. 1 spot among public and private HBCUs, according to U.S. News and World Report. Howard University came in second place again, with FAMU in third place. quotes from gaza The people of Gaza have lived for more than two months under the constant specter of death. Shaken by falling bombs, surrounded by advancing troops and grieving the loss of loved ones, they have communicated with the rest of the world mainly through social media as long as the internet is working. Their messages have been sporadic amid Israel's ongoing airstrikes and invasion in response to Hamas deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israeli civilians. According to their respective governments, about 1,200 people have been killed in Israel; in Gaza, close to 19,000. Through posts on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram, Gaza residents have offered glimpses at life in this war zone. Presuming their own deaths are imminent, they have written what could be their last words. They consist of pleas for help, defiant outbursts and many ways of saying goodbye. (Adam Maida/For The Times) Dressed in dark blue scrubs, a stethoscope slung over his shoulders, Husam Almanassra looks worn down in the selfie he posted to X on Nov. 5. Before the war I had these high ambitions. Big dreams I was fighting to achieve, Almanassra, who is an anesthesiologist and intensive care doctor at Shifa Hospital according to his profile, captioned the photo. But these days the entire world is just leaving you to die. quote: Every second I expect to lose everything Hes still active online, but The Times was unable to reach Almanassra directly for comment. However, Abdelrahman Abu Shawish a doctor in the Aqsa Martyrs Hospital surgery department confirmed the authenticity of Almanassras X account and said his colleague survived Israels raid on Shifa. Husam is fine, Shawish said on Nov. 21 via direct message. Hes in one of the [United Nations] shelters after he left the hospital. Dozens of cats, of all colors and sizes, lounge around a sparsely furnished room, sleeping and scratching and picking at food from a plate on the floor. Maryam Hasan moves among them in a bright tunic and hijab, cleaning up, stopping to play or give a hug. (Adam Maida/For The Times) Calling herself a friend of the homeless animals, Hasan has attracted a social media following through her short videos often accompanied by jangly pop music that feature cats she rescues and cares for in her Gaza City residence. Since the war began, her posts have been sporadic. Living in a neighborhood where, she says, homes have been destroyed by bombing, Hasan wrote on Nov. 22 that the situation is worse than you think, I am still in danger, I have not left the northern Gaza Strip, more relatives are dead. The terrible pressure she feels is not limited to fears for her own safety. I think about the cats more than myself. I hope we die together. I don't want my cats to be homeless after I die. Since her last communication on Nov. 22, Facebook friends from around the world have typed frantic messages, including reports of renewed bombing in Hasan's neighborhood. A Dec. 13 post reads: "Has there been any news? Everyone is talking as though she is gone. Please pray she isn't gone." Looking back at the filmmaker and photojournalist Roshdi Sarrajs social media with the benefit of hindsight, he almost seems to have known how things would end. quote: We think that we live the last moments in our life He wrote those words on Oct. 9. Days later, he suggested on Facebook that the only time Palestinians would leave Gaza was in death. And he penned another X post on Oct. 17 criticizing Israel for the number of journalists killed in its bombardment. He would join their ranks days later, struck by shrapnel on Oct. 22 in an Israeli airstrike. His production company Ain Media confirmed his death "We are all Roshdi now and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay called for an investigation. His Facebook page has become a memorial. Sarraj leaves behind a wife, Shrouq Aila, whom he met through work, and a daughter, Dania, who turned 1 in early November. I never saw him as a husband, because not all husbands are good, Aila told The Times in a voice message. I used to see him as a best friend. Wed sometimes speak the same sentence at the same time. As collapsed buildings and mounds of uncollected trash passed by outside, Al Jazeera correspondent Youmna ElSayed drove with her family from Khan Yunis in the south Gaza Strip back to their apartment in Gaza City. With several small kids in the backseat, she filmed a video in mid-October documenting the journey: Yesterday and all night and today in the morning, the bombardments did not stop in the southern parts of the Gaza Strip. Thats why so many families who have evacuated south are going back now, because at least if were going to die, were going to die with dignity in our homes. I know in Gaza we don't have electricity, water, or internet, but at least we have our homes. After passing by a plume of smoke she said was the aftermath of an airstrike, the reporter and her family ultimately made it home safely. Since then, ElSayed has kept covering the war. Wearing a bluish flak jacket emblazoned with the word "Press," she was recently in a Rafah refugee camp reporting on the lack of women's sanitary products. (Adam Maida/For The Times) Belal Aldabbour was an avid chronicler of Palestinians plight even before the war in Gaza began, posting on X about civilian casualties and Israeli settlements. But it wasnt until Israels bombardment of the Gaza Strip began this October that he started talking about not just other people's deaths, but the possibility of his own. Soon, the last sliver of electricity and connection will be exhausted, he wrote on Oct. 11. quote: we had dreams, names, and achievements. our only fault was being classified as inferior A neurologist, he would continue to post online and make media appearances through mid-October, describing the dire circumstances his Palestinian patients faced: closed pharmacies, dwindling medicine. On Oct. 18, he shared an academic article hed co-written with a colleague who, he said, had been killed days earlier. If I am killed too, he said, let it be my last contribution. Soon thereafter, the doctors social media profile went quiet. It seemed like his worst fears had come to pass. But by mid-November he was back online, and has remained an active critic of the crisis ever since. The Times was unable to reach Aldabbour himself for comment, but on Nov. 15 a colleague with whom hed previously co-authored a scientific paper passed along that the doctor had told a friend the situation is unbearable. (Adam Maida/For The Times) Snapshots from happier times show Bayan AbuSultan dressed in a blue cap and gown, graduating from Al-Azhar University in Gaza. Or sitting at a desk, wearing a blouse and scarf as she begins her new job as the office director for the Falasteniyeh Media Network. The young woman with long, black hair and a bright smile looks very different in a Facebook video from Oct. 13, the seventh day of the Israel-Hamas war. Speaking from what appears to be a darkened apartment, dressed in a black T-shirt and with a silver necklace, she is quietly defiant. We dont know if were still going to be alive when there is sunlight again. In case this is my last video and my last message to the world, I would like to say that I do not forgive anyone who could have stopped this bloodshed, AbuSultan continues. I do not forgive the western world for taking the enemy's side. I hope our faces haunt you forever. Her latest post, from Nov. 30, mentions the short-lived truce and a brief respite. She asks if anyone knows someplace in the city where the internet is working. There have been no posts since then and efforts to reach her have been unsuccessful. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. For five decades, Martin Brubaker worked in local government, but it was only after he stepped away from city council that he dealt with two new processes: farmland nearby lying fallow for the first time and those of the Maryland entity that manages the states solar development. He described the roughly 60 once-agricultural acres, which are slated for solar development, nearby his Washington County residence and the site on the scenic corridor with a direct line of sight from the Appalachian Trail, after he expressed his view of the governmental procedures, the effects of which came close to home. I was very disappointed in the process, said Brubaker, a retired community planner and budget manager in Montgomery County, who served for a decade on the Hagerstown City Council before not seeking reelection in 2016. I found the Public Service Commission process very frustrating. As state law requires an increased amount of renewable energy, solar developers are seeking agricultural land to help meet the goal. Some rural counties are reluctant to see the ag land ceded, especially when it conflicts with their local jurisdictions planning. And the Maryland Public Service Commission that signs off on the large-scale solar projects has had procedures left over from the days of coal, where several larger power plants could meet the states needs, creating a 21st century crossroads for the organization created in 1910 to regulate utilities like rail. Like a connection line that Brubaker claims is lacking between the nearby proposed site and the public grid, critics claim the governor-appointed commission has not always received the publics input well on projects. A Dec. 15 meeting was held at the headquarters in Baltimore to hear potential fixes for the process, and Brubaker drove all the way from Western Maryland to make his voice heard. And he wasnt alone. We dont like your rules Jesse Drewer, planning director for Somerset County, came all the way from the states southernmost jurisdiction, a roughly two-and-a-half-hour drive, to make his voice heard. He was one of about 20 individuals or entities that submitted written comments in advance of the conference. His remarks were among those from less than a third of the states counties, which individually made a submission. Aggressive preemption and the solar developers outright hostility toward local authorities has led to the present tensions, said Michael Sanderson, executive director of the Maryland Association of Counties, in his written remarks. Maryland Public Service Commission Advisor David Chy, standing at right, opens with remarks at a conference where paths forward about the processes for solar development in the state were discussed at the commission's Baltimore headquarters Dec. 15, 2023. With developers among the 30 or so in attendance in the Baltimore hearing room, Drewer, too, expressed that sentiment and put what he heard from someone looking to situate solar in a Somerset County residential zoning area in the past few months. We dont like your rules, he recounted a developer saying, were just going to go above you. More: States solar power increases by the day. Which Maryland counties lead the way? The Public Service Commission, which used to work with just a few large utilities to situate coal power plants within Maryland to meet the states energy needs, now faces more energy producers as the state shifts more towards renewables. The five-member body, not the local counties, continues to have the final say on energy projects through a process known by its acronym, CPCN (certificate of public convenience and necessity). John Lennon Miller, director of development for Chaberton Energy, a Montgomery County-based solar developer with four applications in the CPCN process, spoke about engagement with the counties and locals before starting a project. At what point have we done enough? he said, "I dont want to be expected to show up at everyones door 10 times." Another developer, speaking for himself and his industry counterparts during the four-hour meeting, put the situation this way: We, as developers, are really caught between counties that dont want to engage, counties that really want to keep us out and the Public Service Commission, which gives us this tool that without it we wouldnt be able to move projects forward. Thousands of acres of state's farmland could be used for solar installations But move forward Marylanders must if the state is to meet its own energy goals, which were created to reduce greenhouse gases and curb climate-related crises. The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, for instance, called for cutting greenhouse gas emissions 60% from 2006 levels by 2031. Rachel Jones, director of government relations at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, put forth projections from her department and the Maryland Energy Administration, which came from a legislatively-created Solar Task Force about how much farmland would be needed for the goals to be met. More: Energy policy and the Maryland General Assembly: Where we are now and what's coming The projections she said were based off two different models: a 60/40 model (where 60% of the needed, necessary new solar would be ground mounted and 40% would be rooftop or on other non-impervious surfaces) and an 80/20 model (where 80% of the necessary solar would need to be ground mounted). For the 60/40 model, Jones said, The current projections are that that would require 17,000 new acres of solar installation and out of that 17,000, it is projected that about 10,000 of that would need to be on (agricultural) land. For the 80/20 model, she said: The current projected numbers are 23,000 acres of new solar, and out of that about 13,000 of that would need to be on (agricultural) land, but weve seen projections as high as 18,000. In 2022, Maryland had about 2 million acres of farmland. With the highest projections Jones cited, the total percentage of farmland that could be lost to solar, statewide, is less than one percent. But that same year (2022), some 12,400 Maryland farms averaged 161 acres each and 2017 data from the Census Bureau showed 96% of farms in the state are family owned, creating a circumstance where some the states nearly 6,000 farmers are indispensable to the solar energy goals. Delmarva business news: A new brewery is hitting Berlin, Squeaky's original spot now closed | What's Going There To meet the goals, you need the land, and the farmers own the land, said Jones, a former state delegate representing Calvert and Prince Georges counties, in the Southern part of the state. We need their buy-in in order to meet the goals. Some (agricultural) land will need to be converted to solar, she told the staff of the Public Service Commission during the conference, but youre actually going to need farmers to buy into that. Fit that in between a set of panels On the Eastern Shore, Queen Annes County government officials started planning for this future with solar years ago, according to Republican County Commissioner Jim Moran. In 2017, he said the county calculated, our fair share, if you were to divide it up among all the counties, is 2,200 acres of solar. The county mapped out a zone for solar development around the local transmission line to meet that mark. In 2023, Moran expressed concern that the goalposts may be moving, and his county and the eight other Shore counties could be called upon to do more than its fair share. Gateway Solar along Route 50 Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Berlin, Maryland. Were hearing a lot of coming out about 5 to 7 percent of the land on the Eastern Shore, tillable land, is going to be used for solar energy, he said. Were willing to do our part, but when do you say enough is enough? A Queen Annes County planner who came to Baltimore with Moran discussed some difficulties of solar installations coexisting with the grain operations in that locale. He told the conference about a farm tool called a sprayer, which he said has a maximum extension of 132 feet. Fit that in between a set of panels, he said. Somehow, it has to be made so its perceived as fair The seeming disconnect between a rural resident like Brubaker and the urban setting of the public service commission could be heard when the former Hagerstown councilman described the location of the proposed 110-foot solar project about two ridges over from where I live. His remarks, within blocks of Baltimore's Inner Harbor in a downtown 16th floor hearing room for the commission, led by Chair Fred Hoover (coincidentally a Hagerstown native) did not seem to fall on deaf ears, however. REVIEW: Residents still concerned about proposed solar farm in Chewsville area Theres going to be some land that needs to go to this, said Benjamin Baker, a senior commission advisor, who asked several questions, including of Brubaker, at the conference. Were all trying to figure that out. It sounds like there also might be some process improvements, just with the existing things such as notice for the public to get involved, extending deadlines, he said. Baker asked the former councilman about potential process improvements such as bringing the trial process into the county instead of at this building and making it easier for people to get involved earlier in the process. Brubaker responded affirmatively to both. There needs to be a serious public hearing in the jurisdiction, said Brubaker, in an interview during the conference lunch break, and the points raised transferable automatically to whatever hearing is held in Baltimore. Solar panels are shown in a field near the Maryland prisons off Route 65 south of Hagerstown. Andrew Eshleman, director of the Washington County division of public works, said in a hallway interview during the break that he drove 90 minutes to represent the countys interests. Its a priority of the county commissioners, he said. Were all hoping to find balance cause we recognize that the legislation is there thats driving the development. He noted the local pride in agriculture, and the importance of the agritourism industry as someone who has been in Washington County 15 years. More: How agritourism boosts Maryland farmers, through Halloween and beyond Each community and county across Maryland is different and unique," he said. "Were America in miniature, so we do have a lot of historic and cultural resources." "People take pride in their communities for those things, said Eshleman, sporting a white shirt and tie beneath a brown jacket with the Washington County government logo as he got ready to leave Baltimore. You want to hear input from the citizens in the community because theyre the ones that live there. Cases in point: a Washington County contractor who came to the states largest city for the conference and Brubaker, who told the commission staff, two things as solar projects are expected to proliferate in Maryland---one about the process and one about the siting of the panels throughout the state. The public needs to have a shot at it, he said. Somehow, it has to be made so its perceived as fair. Dwight A. Weingarten is an investigative reporter, covering the Maryland State House and state issues. He can be reached at dweingarten@gannett.com or on Twitter at @DwightWeingart2. This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Solar developers seek farmland, so Maryland strives for a balance Some 3,000 tractors were brought to the protest as the German government faces a potentially major revolt - Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu German farmers have accused Olaf Scholz of declaring war on their industry as they amassed in Berlin to protest against cuts to fuel subsidies and tax breaks. Some 10,000 agricultural workers descended on the capitals Brandenburg Gate on Monday with 3,000 tractors, bringing traffic to a standstill as they demanded an about-turn on plans by the German chancellors coalition administration. Berlin says that ending farmers diesel subsidies and vehicle tax exemption are a necessary part of austerity measures aimed at resolving the countrys budget crisis in 2024. But the German government is now facing a potentially major revolt from agricultural workers about the changes. Some farmers carried placards to Mondays demonstrations that claimed Mr Scholz had declared war on their industry. Too much is too much, its over now! fumed another placard. There is nothing I like more than a beautiful John Deere tractor, but a John Deere tractor in a protest, now that is a sight to behold. Berlin is rising: pic.twitter.com/gu8Ngzm9U9 Colette Murphy (@Iammurphycolet) December 18, 2023 The German government has vowed to cut the subsidies and benefits to help fill a 17 billion (14.6 billion) funding gap for 2024, the result of a shock ruling from the constitutional court in November that banned ministers from using pandemic-era funds in future budgets. The total savings from ending the farmers benefits are estimated at 900 million (774.6 million) per year. Joachim Rukwied, the president of German farmers association DBV, has hinted that major, unprecedented protests will continue until the cost-saving measures are scrapped, in a significant challenge to Mr Scholz. We will be present everywhere in a way that the country has never experienced before. We wont accept this, Mr Rukwied said. The agricultural workers descended on Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on Monday, bringing traffic to a standstill - JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP Diesel subsidies are a particularly sensitive issue because farming lobbies say that they help Germanys agriculture industry to compete with other EU countries where the fuel is much cheaper. Hubert Heigl, the president of the German organic farming association Naturland, said that he believed even organic farmers may have taken part in the protests despite their dislike of the use of diesel. [Organic farmers have] two hearts beating in their chests, Mr Heigl said. As an organic farmer, it is difficult to demonstrate for a diesel tax break. But if the benefit simply disappears now, it will hit us hard and will slow down the ecological restructuring of agriculture. First time I have experienced a tractor demo. I've witnessed many in Argentina, but not of this number of tractors. The line was not ending. People were also very supportive, even if they had to wait to cross the street. #Berlin pic.twitter.com/mNewcCA8R4 Flor Yannelli *typo queen* (she/her/ella) (@floryannelli) December 19, 2023 The farming lobby has claimed that food prices will need to rise if the tax subsidies are imposed, compounding an ongoing cost of living crisis in Germany. However, Greenpeace has argued that there are plenty of alternatives to diesel that German farmers can rely on instead. The technology for this is available and the first electric tractors are already in use, a Greenpeace spokesman said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A Bullhead City father left home to go grocery shopping and buy Christmas gifts Saturday, Dec. 16. While he was gone, a fire killed five children staying in his home on Anna Circle. He later reported to investigators responding to the fire that he was gone for about 2.5 hours, Bullhead City officials said. A 13-year-old boy, 5-year-old boy, 4-year-old girl, and a 2-year-old boy were all siblings who were residents of the home. An 11-year-old boy was a relative and visiting at the time. All five children were located in the same upstairs bedroom of the two-story duplex, according to fire officials. Bullhead City house fire: What we know about the weekend fire that killed 5 children There were no survivors. According to Emily Fromelt, a spokesperson for both the Bullhead City Police Department and Bullhead City Fire District, neighbors reportedly attempted rescue efforts and placed an extension ladder to the upstairs bedroom of the duplex structure. The initial fire investigation revealed the fire originated in the downstairs foyer area, most likely making it impossible for the children in the upstairs bedroom to get out of the residence safely, according to fire officials. The fire traveled up the only staircase inside the home, preventing the victims from exiting, officials said. On Monday evening, Fromelt provided a statement and timeline of emergency response: 4:54 p.m. Dispatch received a call of a structure fire on Anna Circle. 4:59 p.m. Bullhead City Fire Units arrived at the scene. Less than a minute later, there was water on the fire, Fromelt said. 5:01 p.m. Water supply was established from the fire hydrant. 5:03 p.m. The main body of the fire was extinguished. Fromelt said that a Bullhead City Fire District employee was the grandfather of the victims. Due to the relation, fire investigators from the Lake Havasu City Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms were called in to assist the Bullhead City Police Department with the incident, Fromelt said. Lake Havasu City and ATF Fire investigators were the agencies charged with determining how the fire started. Almost two days after the deadly blaze, federal authorities wearing white protective suits and respirators removed the final bins of evidence from the home on Monday. A memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, and children's toys were gathered at the fence at the end of the driveway. A kiddie pool sat untouched in front of the open garage door, seemingly the only area of the home that survived the fire. Items of evidentiary value were collected to help determine the cause of the fire, according to the statement. The fire debris analysis will be conducted by ATF chemists and electrical engineers. The Bullhead City Police and Fire Departments thank the fire investigators for their assistance and making this investigation a priority, Fromelt said in the statement. The names of the five victims were withheld pending official identification by the Mohave County Medical Examiners Office. The investigation team asked that any witnesses who have photos or videos of the fire contact the Bullhead City Police Department at 928-763-9200 and ask to speak with detectives. Local deaths: Suspect in stabbing incident fatally shot by Phoenix police This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Father was out of house shopping during Bullhead City house fire A man broke into a home and opened fire, killing the mother of his child and her dad, Michigan police say. The shooting happened at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at a home in Battle Creek, about 65 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, the Battle Creek Police Department said in a news release. Todd Edward Bolden Jr., 22, turned himself in a day after the shooting, police said. He is charged with two counts of murder. Police said Bolden went to the same home earlier in the day. Members of the household reported vandalism and a fight breaking out, but Bolden was gone by the time authorities arrived. When he returned and was attempting to break in, someone in the home called 911, police said. The dispatcher then heard gunshots. Officers found a 22-year-old woman, identified Monday as Veronica Cica, dead at the scene with gunshot wounds, according to police. Her father, 44-year-old Steven Cica, was also shot and died a day later at a hospital. Bolden is the father to Veronica Cicas two children, family members told WWMT. Words cant explain it, it doesnt feel real, Austin Cica, Steven Cicas son, told WWMT. Im hoping to just wake up, but words cant explain how I feel. Police said Bolden fled the home, but he turned himself in Sunday. A motive for the shooting is unclear. During his arraignment Monday, Bolden was denied bond, police said. It is unimaginable this time of year to lose one, let alone two, family members of such horrible circumstances, a family friend said in a GoFundMe. Teen flees cops and is found dead in pond, MI police say. He had the biggest heart Road-rage incident ends with woman stabbed on side of Michigan interstate, cops say Body of man missing for month found in vents at community college, Michigan cops say Life is unbearable, say Alex Druzhin and Dan Bruce, with worsening conditions at their condemned flats and soaring costs We're just scared it's all going to collapse one day, with us in it, and we will die," says jewellery designer Alexandra Druzhin, gazing at cracks in the new-build flat in Camden she bought in 2019. The 53 Agar Grove development, once envisioned as a sanctuary for its leaseholders, has become a "nightmare" and her flat is now effectively worthless. The BBC first visited the property in May, after which Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove called the situation there deplorable. "Every day we discover new problems. There are leaks everywhere and I lose sleep from not knowing where this will all end, adds 49 year old Ms Druzhin, who lives here with her daughter. Shortly after moving in, leaseholders began noticing serious defects in the property, which was completed in 2018. These ranged from faulty windows and unstable terraces to foundational problems with the brickwork and pervasive leaks that continue to this day. A survey by an independent structural engineer questioned the suitability of the foundations, finding the building "unfit for purpose" and potentially unstable, suggesting demolition and rebuilding might be the only solution. The new-build flats, sold for between 700,000 and 900,000, are now effectively worthless, residents say. The leaseholders have tried to seek redress, leading to disputes with the developer, building inspector, contractor and warranty provider Acasta European Insurance Company Ltd. It supposedly offered the leaseholders protection in the event of major damage. Despite years of reports about the building cracking, bending and leaking, the insurance firm has refused to pay out in four years of attempted claims by those who live at the property in Agar Grove. Acasta has disputed the level of coverage and what it includes. Mr Gove wrote to Acasta in May, describing its behaviour as "unacceptable". Compensation fight intensifies Ms Druzhin's neighbour Daniel Bruce, 40, invested his life savings in a two-floor new-build property after selling his tech startup. "In terms of our living condition right now, things are just getting worse because the building's just not been fixed yet. In terms of our legal position, the fight's just getting more and more bitter," says Mr Bruce. The BBC received no response from Acasta after asking it why no payments had been made to any of the leaseholders, who say they are awaiting a court date for legal proceedings to commence against the company. Previously, Acasta told the BBC: "We take these concerns very seriously and are committed to fulfilling any obligations under the relevant insurance policies." Alex and Dan are fighting to be compensated 'It's wrecked my life' The case highlights the broader issue of poor workmanship and weak consumer protection in the new-build sector. Many new builds in London have been blighted by substandard construction quality. Homeowners often struggle to get serious problems resolved, with the onus on leaseholders to seek redress. Mr Gove told the BBC's Rogue Traders programme in June that consumers had "more protection when buying a washing machine" than they do with a new-build property. A recent Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) report found concerns over construction standards had led to buyers being "put off" new builds. Leaseholders at Agar Grove have received support from Michael Gove and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer As the leaseholders await legal developments, they say they feel all the cards are stacked against them, with them having to fund the action themselves to try to win compensation. They say they have been told by their lawyer it might take three years to resolve their legal situation. They have spent thousands of pounds on legal bills and are unable to obtain contents or buildings insurance. Nonetheless, they have no choice but to carry on living here as their homes are impossible to sell. "This whole situation has wrecked my life. We've been dragged through hell," Mr Bruce says. "I've just spent 5,000 each on solicitors fees, at Christmas, when nobody really has that money to spend, and the properties here are becoming more unliveable by the day. It's a total living nightmare each day being stuck here." Owners of the MVP Southgate natural gas pipeline project now have until June 2026 to finish building it, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said in an order issued Tuesday. Previously, the project would have needed to be built and in service by June 18, 2023, a deadline its owners missed due to permitting problems in both North Carolina and Virginia amid ongoing questions about the fate of the Mountain Valley Pipeline mainline. The extension allows the owners of MVP Southgate to move forward with building the interstate pipeline if they secure state-level permits. Without FERCs order, they would have been unable to build the pipeline. The 75.1-mile pipeline would be an extension of the 303-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline that will carry natural gas from West Virginia south. The Southgate extension would run into Rockingham and Alamance counties from the main pipeline in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. At one point, both the mainline and the Southgate extension seemed stalled. But Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who is a staunch supporter of the fossil fuel industry, insisted that federal approval of the mainline be inserted into the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. That also revived the Southgate extension. Who supports the pipeline? In North Carolina, many Republicans, including Sen. Phil Berger, support MVP Southgate, arguing it is necessary for energy security and economic development. If completed, MVP Southgate would become the second pipeline that carries natural gas to enter North Carolina. Supporters of the project have said the other pipeline, Transco, is full and that additional capacity is necessary for energy resilience. Who opposes the pipeline? Some Democrats, including Gov. Roy Cooper and U.S. Reps. Kathy Manning and Valerie Foushee, have said it poses too much risk for a state that is in the midst of a transition away from fossil fuels. In a letter to FERC commissioners this week, Foushee and Manning joined with Virginia Democrats Jennifer McClellan and Bobby Scott to reiterate their opposition. If built, this pipeline would lock homes and businesses in the Southeast into the long-term use of natural gas during a critical moment in which we must transition away from fossil fuels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, the lawmakers wrote. Methane, the main component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas. It is better at trapping heat than carbon dioxide but is also shorter-lived in the atmosphere, leading some scientists to argue that curbing its use could more quickly lower greenhouse gases. This is a developing story and will be updated. This story was produced with financial support from the Hartfield Foundation and 1Earth Fund, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. A federal jury found two Pittsburgh-area nursing homes guilty on Monday of healthcare fraud after two days of deliberations. The two facilities, Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and Mount Lebanon Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, are both owned by Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services. Previous coverage: 5 people, 2 local nursing homes, including Brighton Rehab, indicted on health care fraud charges The Department of Justice said evidence presented at the trial showed that both facilities falsified staffing information provided to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and CMS to show that they were in compliance with Medicare and Medicaid. That false certifications were provided to avoid penalties that would have been imposed for failing to meet those conditions, including that the facilities provide enough staffing to meet the needs of the residents. Five individuals who were charged in connection with the fraud were all exonerated, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Sentencing is scheduled for May. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Code Blue declared for Monday, Tuesday night in Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh Squirrel Hill restaurant issued consumer alert after inspection finds several high-risk violations She doesnt have control over her muscles: Celine Dions sister gives grim update VIDEO: Sinkhole opens up underneath parked car in Spring Hill DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts This concept art shows what office towers at 5202-5250 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, would look like in a proposed project to develop them into 245 aparrtments and commercial space. The project's developer, GW Properties, passed its first hurdle when Skokie's Plan Commission approved the project at its meeting on Dec. 7. Photo courtesy of Village of Skokie. A mixed-use development offering 245 apartments and tens of thousands of square feet in commercial space could come to Old Orchard Road in Skokie after a vote of the villages Plan Commission this month. Chicago developer GW Property Group has drawn up plans for converting the Old Orchard Towers at 5202 and 5250 Old Orchard Road, west of Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, into such a development. The villages Plan Commission at its Dec. 7 meeting approved a modification to the developers existing site plans, the first of multiple steps the village requires, to convert seven floors of office space to apartments. The Village Board would also have to vote on the project. Advertisement A petition by GW Property Group stated most of the office space in the buildings is vacant, and proposed plans to add apartments and commercial space to both buildings in an adaptive reuse project designed to minimize construction waste and incorporate other sustainability features. To make the deal economically viable in current market conditions, none of the apartments will be designated as affordable, according to the petition. Right off the Edens Expressway exit for Old Orchard Road, seven floors of office buildings in Skokie could be converted to luxury apartments. The project will be going to the Dec. 20 Appearance Commission meeting for approval. Provided by the Village of Skokie The atrium between the seven-story buildings, located at 5230 Old Orchard Road, will remain office space and clinic space for the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, according to the staff report by the villages Planning Manager, Paul Reise. Advertisement The atriums roof will go through an overhaul to add a recreational space, including a pool and putting green, for the apartment complexs tenants, according to sketches made for the apartment complex. The apartment buildings will have 24 studio units, 84 one-bedroom apartments, 115 two-bedroom apartments and 22 three-bedroom apartments, according to the staff report. The renovations include 32,000 square feet of commercial space and 740 parking spaces, well over the 518 parking spaces required by the village. Developer GW Properties is proposing to convert seven floors of mostly vacant office space at 5205-5250 Old Orchard Road in Skokie into 245 apartments. About half of those units will be two-bedroom apartments. Courtesy Village of Skokie According to a staff analysis of the project, the buildings will have sustainable practices such as parking and charging for 12 electric vehicles, energy-saving washers and dryers, water-saving plumbing, a solar-energy-ready roof, and a bike room for commercial and residential tenants. GW Property Group does not yet own the properties at the site, said Brian Augustine, building and zoning manager for the village of Skokie. He said he assumed that the sale would be contingent on whether or not the village board approved the plans to convert the office space into apartments. Augustine said that because the project is converting office space into apartments, no foundation permits must be filed with the village. Instead the plans will focus on converting the existing building to residential, he said. The plan commission unanimously approved the project with a 5-0 vote from the commissioners present, including Chair Paul Luke, Vice-Chair Jeff Burman and commissioners Ross Mathee, Cindy Franklin and Scott Berman. Four commissioners were absent. According to Augustine, the project was scheduled to go to the Appearance Commission for a vote on Dec. 20 and eventually to the Village Board, but no date has yet been set. GW Property Group isnt the only developer looking to build hundreds of apartments along that stretch of Old Orchard Road. In November, developers Wingspan Development Group and Tucker Development secured a $100 million construction loan for a 294-unit residential complex with a mix of townhomes, apartments and commercial space. Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center announced plans in Dec. 2022 for a $100 million renovation throughout the mall, opening 350 apartment units in its first remodel phase. A year after being charged with working as an unofficial agent for the Venezuelan government, former Congressman David Rivera is now accused of failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in income and diverting some of that money through a political campaign account to himself, according to an amended federal indictment. The new indictment accuses Rivera, a Miami Republican who served in Congress a decade ago, of three tax crimes. It includes submitting a false corporate return for his consulting firm in 2017 and attempting to evade taxes on his personal return the following year. The charges were added Friday to an original indictment unveiled a year ago that charged Rivera, 58, with acting as an agent for Venezuela without legally registering with the U.S. government for a lobbying job that paid him $20 million before he was fired, according to court records. In 2017, Riveras business, Interamerican Consulting, was hired as a lobbyist by a U.S. subsidiary of Venezuelas state-owned oil company. However, as required by law, he didnt register as a foreign agent with the Justice Department. In an unusual turn of events, Rivera has yet to enter a formal plea to the indictment because he and his temporary defense attorneys have been battling federal prosecutors over the freezing of certain real estate properties belonging to him and another defendant that they want to sell to pay for their legal fees. That dispute, which lawyers for Rivera and the other defendant won in a preliminary round this year, is expected to be finally decided before U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles in early 2024. Riveras defense attorneys, Ed Shohat and David Weinstein, questioned the timing of the additional tax charges and vowed to fight them. As with the rest of this indictment, Mr. Rivera denies he committed any tax crimes and looks forward to vindicating himself in court, Shohat told the Miami Herald Monday. Reached later, Rivera told the Herald: As with the false [Foreign Agents Registration Act] allegations, these false tax allegations will be similarly disproved and show it all to be a complete politically motivated witch-hunt. What led to Riveras new indictment? According to the amended indictment, Riveras company, Interamerican Consulting reported revenue of $20 million with total deductions of $15,725,213 resulting in corporate income of $4,274,787. The deductions on a tax form included unspecified advertising expenses, the indictment says, that were really non-deductible payments to Rivera for his personal benefit in 2017. Among them: three principal payments on Riveras home equity line of credit on his residence in Doral; two contributions to his campaign account at SunTrust Bank for a state representative seat in the 2018 general election; and a contribution to his political action committee, Florida First, for marketing expenses. In addition, the indictment accuses Rivera of instructing an unnamed law firm that he had hired to represent Interamerican Consulting to transfer most of a $1 million retainer fee to Riveras campaign account at SunTrust in 2018. Interamerican had listed the $1 million as a deduction on its tax return for the previous year, the indictment says. As part of his scheme, according to the indictment, Rivera filed a termination report for his legislative campaign with the Florida Division of Elections that falsely claimed he had disbursed about $50,000 in a charitable donation to a Miami-area high school and $336,821 in a loan repayment to himself leaving his campaign account with no balance. The indictment claims, however, that Riveras campaign account still had a balance of $1,355,451 on Sept. 30, 2018. That month, Rivera used the funds in his campaign account at SunTrust Bank ... to pay for various personal expenses, the indictment alleges, including $902,792 in legal fees that his consulting companys law firm had returned to him through that account. As a result, Rivera and his wife failed to declare the $902,792 on their tax return for 2018, the indictment says. Instead, Rivera reported total taxable income for the couple of $56,689 on their IRS 1040 form, resulting in a total tax purportedly due of zero dollars. The latest tax charges add to an already convoluted case brought against the Republican politician and an associate by Assistant U.S. Attorney Harold Schimkat. Work for Venezuelas oil subsidiary Last December, the original indictment charged Rivera and the associate, Esther Nuhfer, with conspiring to commit offenses against the United States, failing to register as foreign agents as part of their consulting work for Venezuelas oil subsidiary, PDV USA, and money laundering. As Venezuelas economy was crashing in 2017, the countrys state-owned oil company hired Rivera for a costly public relations campaign to prop up the Venezuelan firm in the United States and to prevent U.S. sanctions. In just a few months, Riveras business, Interamerican Consulting, collected $20 million from Venezuelas U.S. subsidiary, PDV USA, but its $50 million contract with the former politician abruptly ended when he was accused of doing little work, according to a lawsuit in New York that was filed before the federal indictment in Miami. Court documents in both the civil and criminal cases revealed that Rivera diverted more than half of his PDV USA income $13 million to three subcontractors in Miami who supposedly provided international strategic consulting services for the Venezuelan firm. The three recipients of the proceeds were his Venezuelan lawyer, Raul Gorrin, known as a TV medial mogul in Caracas with political connections; Riveras associate, Nuhfer; and a formerly convicted drug trafficker, Hugo Perera. Both Perera and Gorrin owned homes on exclusive Fisher Island. Gorrin, who is not charged in Riveras case, was indicted by a Miami federal grand jury on foreign corruption and money laundering charges in 2018. In court papers, prosecutors describe Gorrin as a fugitive from justice. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken about his relationship with Pedro Sanchez, Spanish Prime Minister. Source: European Pravda, citing Zelenskyy at a press conference "Pedro is a great fellow. He has been very helpful, and Spain's presidency of the EU Council in the second half of the year (2023 ed.) has brought us closer," Zelenskyy said. He added that he spoke with the head of the Spanish government even the night after the EU decision to start negotiations with Ukraine was made, because the next day Hungary planned to block the EUR 50 billion of aid for Ukraine. "We have a strong relationship. We send important messages on WhatsApp about how to support Ukraine. Pedro personally calls me (to do this). I was impressed with our meeting in Granada. It was very productive," Zelenskyy said. "Pedro Sanchez changed the defence package on-the-go, and we agreed that he would provide us with additional HAWK air defence systems when Russia attacks. I am very grateful to him and the people of Spain," the head of state summed up. Earlier, the Spanish prime minister announced his desire to start negotiations on EU enlargement with Ukraine before the end of his country's six-month rotating presidency of the EU Council on 31 December. Before that, it was reported that a new contingent of Ukrainian soldiers had been trained in Spain to use Hawk anti-aircraft missile systems. Spain confirmed the provision of six launchers for Hawk anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine and announced the supply of 155 mm and 105 mm artillery ammunition. The Spanish government has decided to provide Ukraine with six Hawk air defence systems after the talks between Sanchez and Zelenskyy. Support UP or become our patron! [Source] Fashion house Fendi has teamed up with streetwear pioneer Hiroshi Fujiwara's Fragment and Pokemon to unveil a collection celebrating the upcoming Year of the Dragon in 2024. Fendi x FRGMT x Pokemon: The collaboration marks the latest chapter of Fendi's "Friends of Fendi" project, where renowned designers create limited edition drops. Led by its artistic director Kim Jones, the collaboration reimagines iconic Fendi pieces with a playful Pokemon twist. It also showcases the "FF Fragment," reinterpreting Hiroshi Fujiwara's signature on Fendi's iconic FF jacquard logo in bold yellow and traditional brown and tobacco shades. The capsule collection: Set to debut at Fendi boutiques on Jan. 4, 2024, the collaboration features Dragon-type Pokemon characters such as Dragonite, Dratini and Dragonair on Fendi classics like the Peekaboo, the Shopper and the Baguette. Trending on NextShark: Manila crowned world's top city destination for 2023 "Its a living history that Hiroshi [Fujiwara] adds to with both FRGMT and Pokemon; hes taken our handbags and made them into mini pop monuments," Silvia Venturini Fendi, artistic director of accessories and menswear, said in a statement. FF Fragment meets Pokemon: The collaboration offers limited edition pieces across men's and unisex styles. Highlights include a spacious messenger bag and sleek belt bag for men, both showcasing Fragment's signature "disruption" with bold yellow zippers. Beyond bags, the collection features a white T-shirt with the Fendi x Fragment logo, hoodies and eye-catching jewelry like soft chain bracelets and necklaces. Trending on NextShark: Grateful Priyanka Chopra showcases 2023 Christmas decor at LA home Pokemon GO Integration: Digital versions of the designs from the Fendi x Fragment x Pokemon collection will also be available via the Pokemon GO mobile game, where trainers can purchase and obtain digital avatar items online. Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! A man from Fernandina Beach pleaded guilty on Monday after the United States Attorneys Office said he threatened to kill a specific Supreme Court Justice. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< According to court documents, on Jul. 31, 2023, Neal Brij Sidwaney, 43, placed a phone call from Florida to the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington D.C., and left an expletive-laden, threatening voicemail message. On that voicemail message, Sidhwaney identified himself by name and repeatedly threatened to kill a specific Supreme Court Justice, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a statement. Court documents say that Sidhwaney threatened Chief Justice John Roberts. Sidhwaney is facing up to five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Ancient streets and houses are seen from above in Xidi Village, Yixian County of Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province, July 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Han Xu) A conference aimed at promoting the protection and industrial development of ancient architecture kicked off Monday in Huangshan City in east China's Anhui Province, which is famous for its Hui-style buildings. Around 380 representatives, including scholars and business people from relevant industries, attended the opening ceremony of the conference. It features a keynote conference, three subforums and exhibitions of traditional Hui-style carvings. On Monday, a signing ceremony was held for 16 projects, with a total value of 2.84 billion yuan (about 398.4 million U.S. dollars). An online platform for the Hui-style building industry was also officially launched to boost the development of the whole industrial chain. Huangshan is home to many well-preserved Hui-style buildings dating back to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties that feature black roof tiles and white walls with exquisite wood, stone and brick carvings. The Hui-style architecture industry has gained significant momentum in recent years, thanks to China's efforts for the preservation and development of traditional culture. According to official data, 254 companies in Huangshan City are involved in the ancient architecture industry, with the number of craftsmen in the city exceeding 14,000. From January to November this year, the output value of the Hui-style architecture industry in the city hit 2.6 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 57.9 percent. "The Hui-style buildings are an iconic element of Huangshan. They serve as a carrier of traditional culture and a window for the world to learn about China," said Ling Yun, Party chief of Huangshan, adding that the Hui-style architecture industry is currently thriving, with numerous enterprises expanding the industry beyond the local region to other parts of the country and even globally. Photo taken on Oct. 23, 2020 shows a morning view of Hongcun Village in Yixian County of east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) Kentuckys bourbon industry is booming, with new distilleries coming all the time. Here are five spanning the state from from Eastern Kentucky to Western Kentucky, all worth adding to your whiskey map. Some are up and running now. Others are under construction with plans for you to visit. A couple have brands for sale now to buy; at least one you may never see on store shelves. So far none of the new distilleries has joined the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Heres what you need to know about these newcomers (several of whom arent newcomers at all) to the Bluegrass bourbon scene. Brothers Wright Distilling, Pike County The $38 million Brothers Wright distillery promises to be a unique concept: The company will use a rehabilitated underground coal mine to age whiskey. They plan to build a 12,000-square-foot distillery, rickhouse, welcome center, museum and restaurant on 20 acres on Ky. 292 in Pike County. Plans also call for lodging and an underground visitor experience down the road. Brothers Kendall and Shannon Wright will age bourbon in a 1,400-acre underground mine that operated from 1913 to 1946, and the site already has the distillers first barrels inside. The Wrights bought a 1,200-acre farm on the banks of the Tug Ford tributary of the Big Sandy River in 2020 to use as a corporate retreat then discovered the underground mine. Brothers Wright, Brothers Wright Barrel Proof, Brothers Wright Reserve Bourbon, Brothers Wright Wheated Bourbon and Brothers Wright Rye Bourbon are available online and in select stores to buy now. Sign up for our LexGo Eat & Drink newsletters The latest on food, dining and bourbon delivered right to your inbox for free. See what's happening in the world of bourbon, including buying, tasting tips and more on Tuesday. Stick around for the biggest restaurant news in Central Kentucky on Thursday. Sign up here. J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, Frankfort The new J. Mattingly distillery opened Nov. 1 at 20 Reilly Rd. in Frankfort, moving there from a Georgetown location. It was started by Jeff Mattingly, a descendant of distilling pioneer John Graves Mattingly, one of Kentuckys earliest distillers: John Graves Mattinglys first distillery in Marion County may have been the first registered distillery in Kentucky and the family helped develop at least nine distilleries and connections to George Garvin Brown of Brown Forman, the Willett family and the Samuels family, with Margie Mattingly Samuels creating the iconic Makers Mark design. In 2010, Jeff Mattingly revived the tradition, starting his own craft bourbon business. Today his son Cameron has joined the team as vice president of production and they have opened a $6 million, 23,000-square-foot distillery with a gift shop, tasting bar and tours. J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery has opened its doors after moving to Frankfort from Georgetown. J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery has three new Frankfort releases: Open Doors, a limited edition bourbon; Frankfort Hayride, a limited edition light whiskey; and Ryelly, a limited edition rye whiskey. J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery has several releases and offers visitors a chance to blend their own bottle from a combination of barrels of bourbon, wheated bourbon or rye whiskey. Were excited to be in Frankfort and we appreciate the warm welcome weve received from the community, said Jeff Mattingly, in a statement. Our slogan is One Hell of a Pick, which came about when I was blending a batch with some bourbon experts from around the United States and it was so good we proclaimed it One Hell of a Pick. That batch and that slogan will always have special meaning to me since it was one of the first bourbons sold and marketed in over 100 years under the Mattingly family name. Now, were starting another new chapter with our move to Frankfort, and we look forward to helping our guests blend their own One Hell of a Pick! Potter Jane Distilling Co., Springfield, Ky. The Potter Jane Distilling Co. is the brainchild of two longtime distilling industry veterans from Makers Mark and others, Denny Potter and Jane Bowie, hence the name. Distilling industry veterans Denny Potter and Janie Bowie are opening Potter Jane Distillery. They have begun building their own $50 million distillery outside of Springfield with very definite thoughts about what they want to do with it. We both truly love bourbon and American whiskey and we want to make bourbons that remind us of why we fell in love with the industry, Bowie said. They plan to make primarily traditional bourbon, both a wheated and a rye, aged in traditional style small rickhouses built on a hilltop. Potter Jane Distillery is under construction and expected to begin distilling in 2025. Well make whiskey for ourselves, put in the warehouse and not have it on the market for four to eight years, Potter said. While we wait on that, well produce for other brands, contract distilling. Producing bourbon for others isnt exactly new, Bowie said, Go to Liquor Barn there are probably 1,000 SKUs on the shelves ... how many have their own distilleries? ... Its nice to be able to make other peoples whiskey dreams come true by producing for them. They hope to be operations in January 2025, so you might see a bottle of Potter Jane bourbon on store shelves in 2030, they said. Whiskey House, Elizabethtown, Ky. The team that built Bardstown Bourbon Co. into a powerhouse behind many boutique bourbon brands is building Whiskey House. David Mandell said he and his partners, former Barton and BBC distiller John Hargrove and Daniel Linde, saw the opportunity for the contract distilling side of the business has only grown as the industry has consolidated. Whiskey House is the first of its kind to do nothing but flexible custom production, Mandell said. No investor barrels. Were here for customers who need innovative liquid. Whiskey House Distillery is under construction in Elizabethtown. And as always it will be up to the customer if they want to disclose on the label where the whiskey was distilled. They dont plan to release a Whiskey House label and have no plans to be open for tours but might (down the road) set up a tasting room so the brands that the work with have an opportunity to reach customers. What they are building is big: They will start at 112,000 barrels and then in just a few years plan to double that. And everything will be data-driven so customers can analyze exactly what went into a particular liquid. Well be Willy Wonka for whiskey manufacturing, he said. Distilling industry veterans David Mandell, left, and John Hargrove are building Whiskey House Distillery in Elizabethtown. Whether youre starting a brand or its one thats been around a long time, you have to be innovating, thats driving growth. There are still plenty of ways to do things differently. Plenty of running room, whether on the grain, the blending, the wood side. Lots of different variables you can work with. Western Distilling Co., Ohio County The new $30 million Western Distilling operation had a grand opening in October in Beaver Dam, the first official distillery in Ohio County since Prohibition. The 25,000-square-foot distillery is at 1880 Old Liberty Church Rd., in the Bluegrass Crossings Business Center. Western Kentucky Distilling filled its first barrel in July 2023. The company, run by distiller Jacob Call and founder J.D. Edwards, will focus on contract distilling then release its own brands down the road. Western Distilling has 15 warehouses and will be able to distill over 50,000 barrels a year. Master Distiller and COO Jacob Call, an eighth-generation distiller who helped revive Green River Distilling, is already producing bourbon and rye whiskey with co-founder J.D. Edwards. The first barrel was filled in July. The distillery will focus on contract distilling to start, with signature brands and a visitors center down the road, according to a news release. Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, run by one of five NHS trusts under fire - Christopher Furlong/Getty The heads of the NHS trusts with the worst ambulance queues and most chaos in A&E have been hauled in front of the Health Secretary and ordered to buck up their ideas. Victoria Atkins made the intervention amid concern about the number of patients facing waits of as much as 10 hours in ambulances parked outside A&E units. The meeting came as the NHS braces for three weeks of extreme disruption. Junior doctor walkouts were due to start at 7am on Wednesday and last until Saturday, with their longest strike yet in the new year, while rates of flu, norovirus and Covid hospital admissions are rising. On Monday, the heads of University Hospitals Plymouth Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust were summoned for a dressing down from the Health Secretary. It was sparked by unpublished data showing a deterioration in performance in areas which already had appalling records for ambulance and A&E delays. One of the trusts on Tuesday announced that one of its A&E units will close for weeks because of junior doctors strikes. The closure of Cheltenham A&E will mean emergency patients are diverted to other hospitals. NHS officials said both the unit and its minor injury service would be closed until Saturday, when the latest round of industrial action ends. The A&E unit will remain closed until Jan 1, with the unit only treating minor injuries. Even when it reopens it will close at 8pm every night for a further week under plans drawn up by Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation trust. With scenes of chaos even before strikes start in some parts of the country, health chiefs have ordered a crackdown on 10-hour waits outside casualty units. Under new protocols, national teams must be alerted and extra help sought when the clock reaches eight hours. NHS figures show average handover times of five hours for ambulance arrivals at University Hospitals Plymouth Trust and Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust on Dec 8. On the same day, average waits reached almost three hours at Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust. A source close to the Health Secretary said the chief executives of the five trusts were told in no uncertain terms that their performance was not acceptable and that they will be kept under close scrutiny from now on. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins is targeting failing NHS trusts - Ian Davidson/Alamy The source said: The Secretary of State made it abundantly clear to senior management that they should buck up their ideas this winter. The managers accepted they had all the resources they needed from the department and NHSE but were not hitting their targets and failing their local communities. It is frankly, not fair that patients in these areas are facing the longest delays due to poor management - whether that is stuck on an ambulance, sat in A&E or waiting to be discharged from the wards to go home for Christmas. In the week ending Dec 10, 83 per cent of ambulance arrivals to the Plymouth and Cornwall trusts faced delays of at least half an hour, along with 69 per cent of those at the Gloucestershire trust, 64 per cent of those at the Shrewsbury trust and 59 per cent of those at the Worcester trust, where problems are focused at Worcester Royal Hospital. Across England, one in three ambulances had such a delay in handing over to A&E. The five called in were Ann James, chief executive of University Hospitals Plymouth Trust since 2012, Steve Williamson, chief executive of Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust since January 2022, Deborah Lee, chief executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation trust since 2016, Louise Barnett, chief executive of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust since 2020 and Glen Burley, who became chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust in August 2023. On Monday, Amanda Pritchard, the head of the NHS, set out new protocols to attempt to prevent patients being held in ambulances for 10 hours. The new escalation process reported by the Health Service Journal means national teams will be contacted when any wait reaches eight hours, in an attempt to find extra help to resolve the situation. Doctors strikes which start on Wednesday mean there are just four days when the NHS is fully functioning in the next three weeks. Junior doctors will walk out until Saturday, just ahead of Christmas and return to picket lines for their longest strike yet in the new year. The prolonged action surrounding the holidays means hospitals will be forced to scale back most routine care and focus on emergencies for a three-week stretch. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust has reported handover times of five hours for ambulance arrivals - Paul Slater/Alamy On Tuesday, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: We would encourage junior doctors to consider carefully the extremely significant impact striking at such a challenging time will have, both on the NHS and for individual patients, and to return to talks. I know the Health Secretary is very open to continuing discussion. Prof Sir Stephen Powis, the NHS national medical director, said the strikes would cause huge disruption to the NHS with services already under strain, and likely to see a significant rise in demand as the new year approaches. Officials said almost all routine care will be affected. Just four weekdays are unaffected Sir Stephen said: Over the holiday period, I would encourage anyone who needs medical help to continue to come forward - in a life-threatening emergency, call 999 and use A&E in the usual way. For everything else, use 111 online. The next set of strikes begin at 7am on Wednesday finishing at 7am on Saturday Dec 23. In the new year, doctors will strike again for six days from 7am on Jan 3 to 7am on Jan 9. Officials said this means that in the coming three weeks, just four weekdays are unaffected by holidays or industrial action. One Gloucestershire Integrated Care System health and care partners, which represents NHS organisations in the county, said: It is a source of great regret that patients continue to experience waits longer than any of us would wish and our staff are working unrelentingly to reduce the length of time patients wait in an ambulance. A Royal Cornwall Hospitals spokesman said: Staff across Royal Cornwall Hospitals work incredibly hard to provide the most rapid handover possible from our ambulances. The significant demand on our services and the ongoing challenges associated with timely discharge of patients does inevitably lead to long waits for people in our emergency department or on ambulances. None of us want our patients to experience delays at any point in their care and colleagues in Royal Cornwall Hospitals and across our wider health and care system are committed to taking all possible actions to support rapid handovers for ambulances. 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. Imagine: its the last week before Christmas and the UKs airports are heaving. At London Gatwick airport, the second-busiest in the nation after Gatwick, many hundreds of thousands of passengers are set to pass through on journeys to see loved ones or to escape to the sunshine, snow or some exciting city. But on the evening of 19 December 2018, all flights at Gatwick airport were halted because a drone was sighted close to the runway. Over the following three days, more than 1,000 flights were cancelled with 150,000 passengers having their travel plans torn up. Talk us through that extraordinary time Between 19 and 21 December, two unmanned aerial vehicles closed the worlds busiest runway for 33 hours, across three days. The aviation industry is extraordinarily safe, and no significant risk is tolerated. The closure of Gatwick airport cost airlines around 50m in lost revenue and passenger care costs. But the emotional cost was even higher. Why are drones so risky for passenger planes? If an aircraft wing struck a drone, it would probably cause damage but no danger to the plane. But a drone being ingested by an engine could be much riskier. While bird strikes are relatively frequent, and passenger aircraft are perfectly capable of flying with one engine out of action, there are concerns that a metallic object containing lithium batteries could cause an uncontained failure, with debris impacting on the airframe. Pilots are also worried about a drone striking an aircraft windscreen, or a helicopter rotor. Did we ever get to the bottom of what happened? Sussex Police, which spent nearly 1m investigating the incident, said the drones were flown in 12 separate bursts across the three days. More than 100 credible witnesses were interviewed, who were used to working in a complex airport environment In other words, these were not merely members of the public who might confuse a normal procedure with a drone. They included a pilot, airport workers and airport police. The activity ranged from seven to 45 minutes. On six of these occasions, witnesses clearly saw two drones operating simultaneously, say Sussex Police. Assistant chief constable Dave Miller, head of Operations Command, said: This was a serious and deliberate criminal act designed to endanger airport operations and the safety of the travelling public. Was anyone prosecuted? No. A couple from Crawley were wrongly arrested in December for the drone attack and released without charge. Months the incident, Chris Woodroofe, then chief operating officer at Gatwick, told BBCs Panorama: It was clear that the drone operators had a link into what was going on at the airport. Sussex Police said they had identified, researched and ruled out 96 people of interest, but concluded without new information coming to light, there are no further realistic lines of enquiry at this time. Could it happen again? Evidently. In May this year, 12 inbound flights were diverted away from Gatwick for almost an hour while an investigation took place into the suspected drone. But there is better tech available the kind of kit that keeps Tel Aviv airport in Israel safe and the likelihood of a wholesale shutdown is thought unlikely. Sussex Police say: Measures now available have strengthened our capability to respond to and investigate a similar incident in the future. Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, died Dec. 1 in Arizona at 93 after battling dementia for years. Flags will fly at half-staff across the United States on the day of her interment, upon the order of President Joe Biden. Interment is burial and when and where that will take place is unclear at this time. But many states have issued their own proclamation to lower flags at half-staff on the day of her funeral, which is taking place today at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. American Flags Express, which posts nationwide half-staff notices on its website, is also interpreting Biden's half-staff order to mean today, Dec. 19, 2023. Nominated by President Ronald Reagan, O'Connor served on the Supreme Court from 1981 until 2006. O'Connor's casket arrived at the Supreme Court Monday in Washington, D.C. All nine current justices stood in the Great Hall during a private ceremony. Members of the public paid their respects throughout the day with O'Connor lying in repose. A private funeral service will be held for OConnor Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral. A public livestream will be on the Cathedrals YouTube channel. Will flags fly at half-staff in Florida? While Biden's proclamation covers Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has not yet issued posted a separate proclamation that has been posted on the state's website. In Arizona, where O'Connor was from, flags have been flying at half-staff. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff after O'Connor died on Dec. 1 until the day of her interment. Across the US, governors order flags to fly at half-staff for Sandra Day O'Connor Biden ordered the flag of the United States to be flown at halfstaff on the day of her interment at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions until sunset. He also directed that the flag be flown at half-staff at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. Several governors across the U.S. have ordered flags to fly at half-staff in their states from sunrise to sunset Tuesday, Dec. 19, the day of O'Connor's funeral, including Gov. Ned Lamont in Connecticut, Gov. Josh Green in Hawaii, Gov. Jarden Polis in Colorado and Gov. Doug Burgum in North Dakota. What President Biden had to say about Sandra Day O'Connor In his proclamation, Biden described O'Connor as an "American icon" who spent her career committed to the stable center, pragmatic and in search of common ground. "Defined by her no-nonsense Arizona ranch roots, Justice OConnor overcame discrimination early on, at a time when law firms too often told women to seek work as secretaries, not attorneys. She gave her life to public service, even holding elected office, and never forgot those ties to the people whom the law is meant to serve. "She sought to avoid ideology, and was devoted to the rule of law and to the bedrock American principle of an independent judiciary. Justice OConnor never quit striving to make this Nation stronger, calling on us all to engage with our country and with one another, and her institutes work to promote civics education and civil discourse has touched millions," Biden said. "She knew that for democracy to work, we have to listen to each other, and remember how much more we all have in common as Americans than what keeps us apart." Is it half-mast or half-staff? On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. On shore, flags are flown at half-staff. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Flags to fly at half-staff, half-mast to respect Sandra Day O'Connor Flights in and out of Icelands main airport have been affected by a much-anticipated volcanic eruption. For six weeks the Icelandic authorities have been monitoring seismic activity close to Keflavik airport, a major North Atlantic aviation hub. The eruption is around 10 miles southwest of the airport and northeast of the town of Grindavik whose 4,000 inhabitants were evacuated as a precaution. According to data from Flightradar24, the last flight to depart from Keflavik airport was an easyJet departure to Manchester. It took off at 1.35am, over five hours late, and arrived safely at Manchester airport at 4am. Passengers were told by easyJet: Were sorry that your flight has been delayed. This is because volcanic activity in Keflavik (KEF) is causing restrictions to the areas in which aircraft are permitted to fly. The safety of you and our crew is our highest priority and we thank you for your patience. Arrivals at Keflavik began at around 5am and have been continuing largely normally. The flight situation is being complicated by a series of strike by air-traffic controllers. The staff, who are involved in a dispute over pay, have been walking out intermittently, with another stoppage scheduled for Wednesday morning, 20 December. The national airline, Icelandair, is telling passengers: The eruption does have a very minimal affect the operations of Icelandair or Keflavik airport. Our flight schedule remains unchanged. No flights have been delayed or canceled due to the eruption. The safety of our passengers and staff is always our number one priority and at the heart of every decision we make. Were monitoring the situation closely and will inform our passengers of any new developments. Some other Tuesday morning departures from Keflavik are showing long delays. The first wave of flights on Play, a new Icelandic airline, are expected to depart four to five hours late. Play is telling passengers: Due to a volcanic eruption in the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland on 18 December 2023, the roads to the town of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon have been closed while the situation is being evaluated. We do not expect any disruptions to our flight schedule but safety is always our top priority and the situation is being monitored closely by the relevant authorities. We ask all passengers booked on upcoming flights to keep a close eye on messages from us regarding a possible disruption to our flight schedule. Flights from the UK to Iceland appear to be operating normally. The first departure between the two countries was easyJets flight 2259 from Manchester to Keflavik, which departed a few minutes ahead of schedule. At present there is no sign of an ash cloud of the kind that grounded flights in 2010. One of Icelands most popular tourist attractions, the Blue Lagoon, has closed as a result. It is close to the eruption zone and had only just reopened for the build-up to Christmas after weeks of closure. Guests are told: We have temporarily closed our facilities. All guests with confirmed bookings in the upcoming days will be contacted. We will continue to monitor the progress and maintain close communication with the authorities, prioritising safety and well-being. Clive Stacey, founder of the leading Iceland specialist travel firm Discover The World, told The Independent: There is a potential for the lava to flow to enter Grindavik sometime in the future, although it is expected a wall will be constructed to try and divert the flow away from the town. The Blue Lagoon and geothermal power plant are already protected by such a wall. As things stand this is not a tourist eruption in its present phase and sightseers have been warned to stay away from the area. At Discover The World our thoughts are with the people of Grindavik at this very difficult time. Suffice to say that the town was evacuated long before this latest eruption took place. The eruption has also had little impact on flights to and from Keflavik airport, save for a standard closing of airspace for around an hour after the start of the eruption, to assess danger to air travel. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians of a growing scam that involves utility bills. According to Moody, some crooks are threatening to cut off utilities unless the victim immediately sends money. In fear of losing their power, some people gave their information to someone who does not work at a utility company. Watch: Longwood Police warn of grandparent scammers that clone family members voices Moody says no utility company will threaten service disruption the first time they contact you about a late bill. Dont feel rushed. Always check your bill. Make sure it is a legitimate utility company calling you. Those simple red flags to look out for can help protect a lot of Floridians from falling prey to these scammers, Moody said. Watch: Very frustrated: Scammers order 60 nightstands using consumers debit card The attorney general says its easier to protect yourself rather than try and recover your money. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. An art exhibition on the theme of "moving forward with a clear mind" opened to the public at the Songzhuang Contemporary Art Archive in Beijing on Dec. 16. The exhibition features more than 100 artworks by 44 well-known artists. Works on display are put into three categories: figurative and expressive art, abstract and material-based art, and cartoon and trendy art. It aims to showcase the unique connotations and zeitgeist of contemporary art, as well as reflections on the changes of the times. "We hope to convey the artistic spirit of 'moving forward', 'paying homage' and 'never giving up' through different presentation methods of contemporary art exhibitions," said Bai Yao, who initiated the exhibition. At the same time, the "forward art exhibition" will continue to focus on the current domestic and international contemporary art environment, as well as the future development trends of the global art market, Bai added. "We will consistently pay attention to outstanding contemporary artists in China and provide them with more diverse development opportunities." The exhibition will be on until Feb 19 (closed during Spring Festival). Building Brains Academy said the incident took place after the toddlers class spontaneously decided to act out elements of Rosa Parks historic story, including her arrest. The NAACP has demanded an investigation into a Florida daycare center after a 2-year-old was handcuffed there during a civil rights lesson on Rosa Parks. In a letter, the NAACP called for the immediate cessation of such activities within the curriculum at Building Brains Academy in Osceola County and said the organization would be exploring all legal avenues to address this grave matter and ensure such incidents are not repeated, Fox 35 News reported. The civil rights organization requested the Florida Department of Children and Families probe after a Black toddler experienced an alarming act of simulation when a white peer at Building Brains Academy handcuffed and fingerprinted her. A 2-year-old Black girl was pulled by her parents from the Building Brains Academy daycare in Florida after she was handcuffed and fingerprinted during a civil rights lesson on Rosa Parks. (Photo: AdobeStock) The toddlers parents expressed outrage at the situation of which they were initially made aware after someone shared photos via the school app. Her hands restrained behind her back as if she was being taken into custody, said the parents, who did not want to be identified. Then the next image was her hands being placed on a table as if she was being booked, and the look on her face alone, it was horrific. After being pulled from the daycare center, the parents said their daughter is back to being her bubbly self. Building Brains officials told Fox 35 News in a statement that the images published do not provide a comprehensive or accurate depiction of their lesson about the significance of equal rights. Recommended Stories Featured Some reflections about my parenthood life as my youngest child turns 3 Panama Jackson Miami preschool - Studio Kids Little River Education Mom pulls her children from preschool after alleged blackface incident TheGrio Staff Featured Black women have long been the breadwinners heres why thats a problem Amaya Smith AP African American studies class, theGrio.com Featured College Board revises advance placement Black studies class Associated Press learning disabilities, is your child struggling in school, learning delays, autism, learning disorders, What is a 504 program, What is an IEP, 504 vs. IEP, theGrio.com Featured Is your child struggling in school? Heres how to advocate for early intervention Aja Hannah Politics Looming shutdown rattles families who rely on Head Start program for disadvantaged children Associated Press Education COVID hurt kids math scores, with larger decreases among Black, Latino students Associated Press They asserted that a class at the multicultural school was learning about Parks legacy and the necessity of treating each other equally. In the moment, the class spontaneously decided to act out elements of Ms. Parks story, including her arrest for refusing to give up her seat at the front of the bus, the institution shared. Our school believes in and teaches the importance of equality, of standing up for our rights, and of speaking up when we see something isnt right, its statement said. We teach these lessons not to celebrate the wrongdoings of others in the past, but to encourage our children to prevent such actions in the future. We deeply regret the assumption that our teachers, our leadership, or our administration would in any way choose to make a child feel uncomfortable or negatively singled out. However, the toddlers parents contended there are many [other] ways to teach the Rosa Parks story, according to Fox 35. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Florida child, 2, restrained at daycare during civil rights lesson, NAACP urges investigation appeared first on TheGrio. MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A former Hardee County deputy is on the run after he was accused of animal cruelty at his business last month. The Manatee County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) began investigating Nicholas Anthony Zotto, 29, after videos of concerning behavior toward animals at his pet sitting business went viral, sparking outrage online. Hardee County deputy fired over animal cruelty at pet sitting business: SAO Zotto was ordered to shut down Pawsome Sitters, located in Palmetto, after he was charged with animal cruelty on Nov. 2. He was also terminated from his position at the sheriffs office, which he held since April 2022. On Tuesday, Manatee County deputies announced that despite their attempts to arrest Zotto, he has yet to be found. Investigators believe he fled the county and is likely in New York state. Zotto was slapped with another animal cruelty charge after he was ordered to shut down the pet sitting business. According to MCSO, Zotto boarded two dogs from Nov. 18 to Nov. 29, and when the owner came to pick them up, one of the dogs looked sick and was in obvious discomfort. Photos of the Chihuahua, Aussie Shepherd mix receiving veterinary care. (MCSO) Photos of the Chihuahua, Aussie Shepherd mix receiving veterinary care. (MCSO) The Chihuahua, Aussie Shepherd mix had open sores and was severely dehydrated, a veterinarian told deputies. Through the investigation, detectives learned the dog, while in Zottos care, was left in a confined space and sat in its own filth for an extended period, the sheriffs office said in a news release. A warrant was issued for Zottos arrest on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Oil giant BP announced on Monday that it has paused all shipments of oil through the Red Sea after attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebel group. "In light of the deteriorating security situation for shipping in the Red Sea, BP has decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea," the company said in a statement. "We will keep this precautionary pause under ongoing review, subject to circumstances as they evolve in the region," it added. Oil prices jumped on the announcement. Brent crude, a global benchmark, rose more than 2 percent on Monday afternoon to above 78 U.S. dollars per barrel, erasing earlier loss. Also on Monday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) authority said it had received a report of a possible explosion south of the Yemeni port of Mokha on the Red Sea coast. Later it reported some more incidents in the area, with no further information given. The Houthi militia on Monday claimed responsibility for attacks on an oil ship and a cargo ship in the southern part of the Red Sea, near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. It said that one was the Swan Atlantic loaded with oil, and the other was the MSC Clara carrying containers. Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Houthi group, which controls large swathes of northern Yemen, has intensified its maritime aggression against Israel-linked ships, launching over ten attacks on vessels in the region. The Houthis have openly declared their intent to target all ships en route to Israel, irrespective of their national origin, to show solidarity with Hamas. In addition, the Houthis have issued explicit warnings to international shipping companies, advising against engagement with Israeli ports. Industry giant Maersk was the first to advise its fleet on Friday to halt all voyages through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow sea passage near Yemen, which holds immense strategic significance, serving as a major artery for global oil shipments and as a crucial gateway to the Suez Canal. Other shipping leaders, including Switzerland's MSC, France's CMA CGM, and Germany's Hapag-Lloyd, quickly followed suit, expressing similar worries over maritime security in the region. If this situation persists, in a worst-case scenario about 25 percent of global capacity would be removed from the market as vessels are forced to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, extending transit times and lengthening the amount of time it takes for each vessel to complete its voyage, according to logistics company Flexport. "It's too early to determine the impact this will have on international shipping, and is worth noting that the situation is evolving quickly," Flexport said. As the Suez Canal is a critical artery in global logistics, it noted, "blockages can cause global backlogs of container vessels and shipping delays for everyday goods around the world." A 23-year-old Florida woman with ties to the state Republican party has been arrested and charged for her alleged role in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, authorities announced Monday. Barbara Balmaseda, of Miami Lakes, was arrested on Thursday and charged in a criminal complaint with obstructing an official proceeding, as well as four misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. Balmaseda, who interned for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in 2018, also worked as an organizer on Gov. Ron DeSantis 2018 campaign and was the campaign manager for Ileana Garcias controversial 2020 state senate race, according to the Miami New Times. Garcia, a conservative Republican, faced criticism for suggesting that being gay is not a permanent thing. Balmaseda allegedly traveled from Florida to Washington, D.C. in early 2021 to protest against the results of the 2020 presidential election. In the weeks leading up to her arrival, the young Republican exchanged messages with several associates in which she expressed her beliefs that the election had been stolen, court documents allege. The then-active GOP operative is accused of being towards the front of the mob of rioters on the west front of the Capitol grounds on Jan. 6. According to the allegations, Balmaseda and one other person climbed on equipment that had been staged in preparation for the Presidential Inauguration to gain closer access to the Capitols northwest stairs. She also climbed on top of the concrete stairs and up the balustrade toward the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol, according to the document. Security footage shows Balmaseda entering the Capitol building with Gabriel Augustin Garcia, a member of the Vice City chapter of the Proud Boys, four minutes after rioters initially breached the building, an FBI agent wrote in a complaint against her. Garcia was found guilty in November of obstruction of an official proceeding and interference with law enforcement during a civil disorder, both of which are felonies. Hes scheduled to be sentenced in March. Balmaseda was once affiliated with the Miami Young Republicans, but a spokesperson for the group told the Miami Herald she was no longer a member of the organization. More than 1,200 people have been charged for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court said it agreed to hear an appeal that could undo charges brought against more than 300 people for their roles in the riot. With News Wire Services Two former Georgia election workers are suing Rudy Giuliani just days after they won a previous defamation lawsuit against him. Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss are asking a federal judge in Washington, D.C., to permanently bar Giuliani from making additional defamatory statements about them, according to the complaint filed Monday. They are aiming to prevent the former New York City mayor from persisting in his defamatory campaign against them. Defendant Giuliani has engaged in, and is engaging in, a continuing course of repetitive false speech and harassment specifically, repeating over and over the same lies that Plaintiffs engaged in election fraud during their service as election workers during the 2020 presidential election, the complaint reads. Giuliani was ordered Friday to pay Freeman and Moss $148 million for making false claims that they committed fraud in the 2020 presidential election. The pair of workers had said in that first lawsuit that they received violent and racist threats as a result of Giulianis remarks following the 2020 election. Attorneys for the two former election workers pointed to recent comments made by Giuliani during the four-day trial and after the verdict was released as reasons for the lawsuit. Giuliani last week said his testimony will definitively clear that what I said was true, and that, whatever happened to them which is unfortunate about other people overreacting everything I said about them is true, according to the complaint. The plaintiffs also included comments he made after the jury released their verdict Friday, when he claimed in an interview with NewsMax that he had video evidence that his allegations of election fraud against the two workers were true. Defendant Giulianis statements, coupled with his refusal to agree to refrain from continuing to make such statements, make clear that he intends to persist in his campaign of targeted defamation and harassment, the complaint says. It must stop. In these unique circumstances, the proper remedy is a targeted injunction barring Defendant Giuliani from continuing to repeat the very falsehoods about Plaintiffs that have already been found and held, conclusively, to be defamatory, the complaint continues. The parties on Monday agreed to lower the jurys verdict by about $2 million in connection with a previous settlement Freeman and Moss reached with One America News Network and other outlets. The final judgment would be about $146 million. Ted Goodman, political advisor to Giuliani, declined to comment on the lawsuit when reached for comment by The Hill. Im not going to comment on any potential upcoming legal matters, but I will say thisthe Rudy Giuliani you see today is the same man who took down the Mafia, cleaned up New York City, lifted hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty, and comforted the nationand worldfollowing the terrorist attacks of September 11th, he said in a statement. Zach Schonfeld contributed. Updated at 9:45 pm. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A former Proud Boys leader was sentenced Tuesday to more than three years in prison for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, according to court records. Charles Donohoe, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly to 40 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release on two felony counts: conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and one count of assaulting, resisting or impeding a law enforcement officer. Donohoe was the second Proud Boys leader to plea guilty to the charges last year, when he agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors investigation into the right-wing groups alleged role in organizing members to obstruct the certification of the 2020 election results. Donohoe could be eligible for release in the coming months as he gets credit for the jail time he already served since being arrested in March 2021, The Associated Press (AP) reported. During his sentencing Tuesday, Donohoe apologized to family members, the law enforcement officers who were working on Jan. 6 and America as a whole for his actions, the wire service added. I knew what I was doing was illegal from the very moment those barricades got knocked down, he said, per The AP. Kelly on Tuesday said Donohoe appears to be taking actions to make amends for his conduct, telling him in court, I think youve got all the ingredients here to put this behind you. Donohoe, of Kernersville, N.C., was the former leader of the Proud Boys chapter in that state. Donohoe fell under the direction of the organizations national leader, Enrique Tarrio, who was sentenced in September to 22 years in prison. Tarrios sentence marked the highest so far given to any defendant charged in the riot by four years. Tarrio, alongside three other former Proud Boys leaders, was convicted by a jury in May of seditious conspiracy charges. While Donohoe agreed to cooperate with the federal investigation into the group, he was not called to testify at the trial of Tarrio and the other Proud Boys earlier this year, the AP noted. Federal prosecutors sought a sentence of 35 to 43 months for Donohoe, while the sentencing guidelines recommended a prison term of 70 to 87 months. Calling him a trusted lieutenant of Tarrio, prosecutors said Donohoe was instrumental in the aftermath that followed the riot, along with serving a key role on the ground during the riots. On the morning of Jan. 6, Donohoe was among more than 100 Proud Boys members who marched from the Washington Monument towards the Capitol, prosecutors stated. While he did not enter the Capitol, prosecutors said he threw two water bottles at a line of officers and later celebrated that Jan. 6 made him feel like a complete warrior. Donohoe, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has eagerly divorced himself from the Proud Boys, said defense attorney Ira Knight, according to the AP. It took Charlie time to understand the nature of his wrong, Knight said, per the news wire. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal has been appointed to oversee developments in the complex appeal and aftermath of the double-murder case of Alex Murdaugh. Toal, 80, will replace trial Judge Clifton Newman, the familiar judicial face of many a Murdaugh hearing and the judge who presided at Murdaughs six-week trial in Colleton County earlier this year. Developments Toal will oversee include handling allegations that Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill improperly interfered with jury deliberations at the Murdaugh trial in which he was found guilty of killing his son Paul and wife, Maggie. Hill is also the subject of various complaints before the S.C. Ethics Commission, complaints that may or may not have a bearing on the Murdaugh case. I cant imagine anybody better suited than Toal, said Jay Bender, a Columbia attorney who is a former law partner, a friend and self-described fan of Toal for more than 50 years. I think she would recognize and appreciate its significance to the judicial system of South Carolina. Toal is a storied judge in South Carolina. She was the first female justice on the State Supreme Court and the high courts first female chief justice. She is known for her intellect, her mannered courtesy as well as her ability to be blunt at times while cutting to the core of a matter. In 1988, she managed the rare feat of leapfrogging directly from a seat in the House of Representatives to the Supreme Court, avoiding a stint as a trial judge or Court of Appeals judge. As a judge who made the history books, her career is a match for the high-profile Murdaugh murder case, which has been called South Carolinas crime of the century. Murdaughs six-week trial earlier this year was streamed live across the nation and has been the subject of numerous documentaries and crime shows. Murdaugh, 55, was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison by Judge Newman last March for the murders of Maggie and Paul. Murdaugh has contended he is innocent. In overseeing appeals in the case, Toal will have to manage the egos and courtroom theatrics and wiles of Murdaughs two high-powered defense attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, as well as the State Attorney Generals hard-charging prosecution team, led by Creighton Waters. Toal, who has been hearing cases in a semi-retired capacity, was appointed to the Murdaugh case on Tuesday afternoon by current Chief Justice Donald Beatty. Judges such as Toal, who are past the mandatory retirement age of 72, are allowed to stay on the bench for limited purposes, but they have to be found qualified by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission and be appointed to a case by the chief justice. Toal was found qualified in recent months by the commission. In his one-page order, Beatty gave Toal wide latitude to preside over motions pertaining to Murdaughs motion for a new trial, including motions to appoint and relieve counsel, and shall retain jurisdiction over these cases regardless of where she may be assigned to hold court and may schedule such hearings as may be necessary at any time without regard as to whether there is a term of court scheduled. The appointment ends speculation about who would succeed Newman, who is stepping down at the end of his month due to his retirement on reaching mandatory retirement age of 72. A former Wichita police officer has been stripped of his law enforcement certification after he pleaded guilty to battery in connection with accusations of child sex crimes. Joshua Hageman was a Wichita officer from July 2016 to February 2021. He was initially charged in May 2020 with two counts of indecent liberties with a child stemming from an incident in 2012 when he was 20, The Eagle reported. Hageman pleaded guilty to aggravated battery, a felony, and battery before his trial and was sentenced in August to 24 months of probation with an underlying 13-month prison sentence if he violated his probation, the Sedgwick County District Attorneys office previously said. Contacted by phone, Hageman did not want to comment on his license being revoked. The Kansas Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training, known as KS-CPOST, gave this summary in the revocation order documents: A police report was made on Jan. 29, 2020 after a woman accused Hageman of inappropriately touching her in 2012 when she was 15. On July 16, 2012, two teenage girls both 15 were at a home with other people drinking alcohol. Hageman was also there. Later that night, both girls fell asleep on couches in the basement of the home. One girl reported waking up to Hageman kissing her on the mouth. She told him to stop. The same girl woke up again to Hageman kissing her on the neck and inappropriately touching her. She also reported vaguely remembering Hageman going over to the other girl and kissing her. The other girl woke up to Hageman kissing her on the mouth. He left after she panicked and called her boyfriend. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Four people are wanted after a man was shot and killed at a store in South Memphis last week. Memphis Police say on December 14, at 5:16 p.m., officers responded to a shooting at the In and Out Deli on South Third Street. A man was pronounced dead at the scene. According to police, the victim was fatally shot during a robbery inside the store. Shooting on Lamar leaves teen injured Police say the suspects, three males and a female, arrived at the store in a purple Hyundai Elantra. Three of the suspects entered the store and attempted to rob the victim. Courtesy: Memphis Police Department Courtesy: Memphis Police Department Courtesy: Memphis Police Department If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Former President Donald Trump is leading President Biden among young voters by a 13-point margin, according to the latest Fox News Poll. Forty-one percent of respondents under 30 said they'd vote for Trump, 77, in the 2024 general election while 28% said they'd vote for Biden, 81. Those under 45 years old also favored Trump, with 41% saying they'd vote for Trump versus 31% who'd cast their vote for Biden. Trump is also more popular among women voters at 41% to 34% for Biden, according to the poll, which interviewed 1,007 registered voters randomly selected between Dec. 10 and Dec. 13. FOX NEWS POLL: TRUMP'S LEAD IN GOP PRIMARY WIDENS Former President Donald Trump, left, and President Biden The polling results come as the Trump campaign is targeting young voters and widening its support among GOP voters. On Saturday, Trump made a stop at the University of New Hampshire and railed against Biden's economy and the migrant crisis at the southern border. According to a USA Today report that interviewed Republican and Democrat college students outside the rally, some young voters agreed that Biden's handling of the economy and foreign affairs were critical issues heading into the 2024 election. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP President Biden delivers remarks in Nantucket, Massachusetts, on Nov. 26, 2023. Trump keeps gaining ground in the Republican presidential nomination contest as fewer than one third of GOP primary voters now back all his rivals combined, the survey also found. Trump's support stands at 69% in the primary race. That's up seven points since November and 26 points since February. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis receives 12% support (down 1 point since November), former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley gets 9% (-1), businessman Vivek Ramaswamy at 5% (-2), former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at 2% (-1) and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson with 1% (steady). TRUMP GETS OVATION, HIGH-GIVES FANS UPON UFC 296 ARRIVAL FOR BIGGEST FAN COLBY COVINGTON'S FIGHT Fox News Poll In hypothetical general election matchups against Biden , Haley is ahead by six points, Trump is up by four (though neither advantage is statistically significant) while DeSantis and Biden are tied. As recently as August, Biden was narrowly ahead of all three of them. CLICK HERE FOR TOPLINE AND CROSSTABS The Fox News Poll, conducted under the joint direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points for all registered voters, and plus or minus 4.5 points for Democrat primary voters and 5 points for Republican primary voters. Fox News' Dana Blanton contributed to this report. Original article source: Younger voters help boost Trumps edge over Biden in latest Fox Survey Ukrainian military pilots are expected to start training in France next year as part of the country's military assistance to Kyiv, the French Armed Forces Ministry said in a statement on Dec. 19. French President Emmanuel Macron had on May 15 offered Ukraine the opportunity to train fighter pilots with European partners, the ministry's press service recalls. Read also: France, Ukraine discuss joint arms production A group of Ukrainian pilots will arrive in early 2024 for initial training in France before continuing with fighter aircraft training under the supervision of partner nations, according to the statement. Read also: France boosts support fund for Ukraine by EUR 200 million Franceinfo The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Nov. 30 that France pledged to extend military support to Ukraine through 2024 and increase the supply of ammunition. On Dec. 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while visiting Argentina, held a phone call with Macron. 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 France will begin training Ukrainian pilots on Western fighter jets in early 2024, as the initial part of a training programme that will be continued by European partners. Source: French Defence Ministry's report on military assistance to Ukraine since the start of the Russian full-scale invasion; European Pravda The French Ministry of Defence noted that in May, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed their readiness to train Ukrainian fighter pilots together with several European partners. Quote: "The first pilots will come in early 2024. After initial training in France, they will continue their fighter jet training at courses organised by our partners," the report says. Although the French side does not specify this, these are likely to be training exercises on F-16 fighter jets organised in Europe by a coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands. In the meantime, Ukrainian pilots have begun training on the F-16s in the United States, where they have moved on to flight training, as well as in Denmark. A training centre has been opened in Romania with the assistance of the Netherlands, which will also train Ukrainians. The UK also expressed its intention to conduct training for Ukrainians on Western fighter jets. Support UP or become our patron! The questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris The questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris By Elizabeth Pineau and Michel Rose PARIS (Reuters) -French lawmakers gave their final approval to a contested bill that toughens rules for immigrants on Tuesday, giving President Emmanuel Macron a policy victory that nonetheless exposed cracks in his centrist majority. The bill, a compromise reached between Macron's party and the conservative opposition, illustrates the rightward shift in politics in much of Europe, as governments try to fend off the rise of the far-right by being tougher on immigration. "Today, strict measures are necessary," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the vote in the lower house. "It's not by holding your nose in central Paris that you can fix the problems of the French in the rest of the country." The minister expressed relief that the bill passed with the votes of his centrist coalition and the conservatives, without relying on the surprise endorsement of far-right lawmakers, whose support had caused embarrassment in the presidential camp. The French government had initially said this would be a carrot-and-stick legislation that would make it easier for migrants working in sectors that lack labour to get a residency permit, but would also make it easier to expel illegal migrants. In order to gain support from the right, however, the government agreed to water down the residency permits measures, while delaying migrants' access to welfare benefits - including benefits for children and housing allowances - by several years. The French have long prided themselves on having one of the most generous welfare systems in the world, granting payments even to foreign residents, helping them pay rent or care for their children with means-tested monthly contributions of up to a few hundred euros. The far right and, more recently, conservatives, have argued these should be reserved for French people only. The deal agreed on Tuesday would delay access to housing benefits for unemployed non-EU migrants by five years. The compromise also introduces migration quotas, makes it harder for immigrants' children to become French, and says that dual nationals sentenced for serious crimes against the police could lose French citizenship. The deal, hashed out by a special committee of seven senators and seven deputies and later approved by both houses, was initially good news for Macron, who had made the migration bill a key plank of his second mandate and could otherwise have had to shelve it. Just six months before European Parliament elections in which immigration will be key, however, it could also boost Marine Le Pen who, sensing a political opportunity, called the rejigged bill "a great ideological victory" for her far-right party. She surprised the government by announcing her party would vote for the bill, causing immense embarrassment to the left wing of Macron's party, who find it unpalatable to vote in unison with the far right. VOCAL REPRESENTATIVES One of the most vocal representatives of Macron's left wing in parliament, Sacha Houlie, voted against the bill, his entourage told Reuters. In the end, 20 members of Macron's Renaissance party voted against the bill, 17 abstained and 131 voted for the bill. Speculation about some ministers threatening to resign if the vote passed had swirled in French media ahead of the vote. But none had immediately materialised after the results were announced. The conservative Les Republicains, who have over the years hardened their discourse closer to that of the far-right, also claimed victory, saying the bill was essentially theirs. Macron won his two presidential mandates in 2017 and 2022 when voters rallied behind him to bar Le Pen from winning and left-wing MPs said the rejigged migration bill was a betrayal of promises made to fend off far-right ideas. The rebels in Macron's party could further weaken his hold on parliament and potentially complicate the rest of his mandate. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne told parliament that the bill "will make our system more efficient because it will drastically simplify our procedures for processing asylum applications, (and) because it will make it possible to expel criminal or radicalised foreigners more quickly". Other governments across Europe are opting for tougher migration policies. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Saturday that he would push for global reforms to the asylum system, warning the threat of growing numbers of refugees could "overwhelm" parts of Europe. (Additional reporting by Tassilo Hummel; writing by Ingrid Melander and Michel Rose; Editing by Ed Osmond and Stephen Coates) The ninth China-Russia Financial Ministerial Dialogue was held in Beijing on Monday. [Photo/m.mof.gov.cn] China and Russia should deepen bilateral cooperation in the financial sector for more win-win results, officials from the two sides said on Monday. Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo'an said the two countries should continue to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in the financial sector, support their financial institutions to carry out services in the other country, and provide support for improving trade and investment facilitation. He told the ninth China-Russia Financial Ministerial Dialogue in Beijing on Monday that "China-Russia relationships showcase strong internal dynamics and resilience", and the dialogue aims to further tap the potential for financial cooperation. During the dialogue, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on the equivalence of auditing standards and audit oversight. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said the signing of the memorandum will lay a solid foundation for the two sides to strengthen audit cooperation, which will also help boost economic development and create more jobs. Lan said the signing of the memorandum will provide institutional guarantees for cross-border bond issuance by enterprises of both countries. According to Lan, both sides will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in fiscal and tax policies, and more efforts should be made to encourage think tanks of both countries to enhance sharing of experiences and collaborative research through seminars and reciprocal visits. Data from China's General Administration of Customs showed bilateral trade surged 26.7 percent year-on-year to a historical high of $218.2 billion in the January-November period, achieving the goal set by the two sides to be reached before 2024. In 2022, China-Russia trade increased by 29.3 percent year-on-year, reaching $190.27 billion. The two countries had previously set a goal to lift the bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2024. Referring to many unstable and uncertain factors in the external environment, Lan called for more efforts to strengthen macroeconomic policy communication and coordination, saying that will contribute to global prosperity and stability. During the dialogue, the two sides also had in-depth discussions on the macroeconomic situation and policies, cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the G20 and BRICS, reform of multilateral development banks, and collaboration on financial and audit supervision. They also held discussions to facilitate in-depth exchanges on mutual concerns. Trade between China and Russia has "big prospects" to grow further, Russian First Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Vasily Osmakov said during the sixth China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November. He also said China and Russia's relationship has achieved big progress in many fields. He expects Chinese imports from Russia, which are mainly agricultural products and software, will further expand to include more industrial products like pharmaceutical products, chemicals and machinery equipment. Enjoy a free day at the zoo while helping others across southwestern Pennsylvania at the same time. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, along with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, is hosting its annual Donation Day on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Visitors can enjoy free daytime admission with donations of non-perishable food items, such as canned dry goods. Items will be collected in the zoo parking lot during the day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Donation Day free admission can not be used for additional daytime paid programming or the Zoo Lights Drive-Thru. Qualifying items must be non-perishable, shelf-stable and have not yet past their expiration dates. No glass items will be accepted. Items most needed by the Food Bank include: Canned fruits packed in 100% juice Low sodium/ no salt added canned vegetables Low sodium/ no salt added canned beans and soup Canned tuna or chicken packed in water Whole-grain cereal, oats, and pasta Peanut butter Paper products Household items Hygiene items Items for infants and children Items for seniors The zoo said last year, over 4,000 guests came together to donate 5,536 pounds (more than 2.5 tons) of food. Click here for more information about the event and items needed by the Food Bank. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Code Blue declared for Monday, Tuesday night in Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh Squirrel Hill restaurant issued consumer alert after inspection finds several high-risk violations She doesnt have control over her muscles: Celine Dions sister gives grim update VIDEO: Sinkhole opens up underneath parked car in Spring Hill DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Eased state and federal guidelines have made it easier for school districts with many low-income students to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students. And districts from Brockport and Kingston to North Rockland and White Plains have already opted in.But advocates and many legislators want free school meals to be automatic. They are pushing for the New York State Fiscal Year 2025 budget to offer Healthy School Meals For All, which includes universal free breakfast and lunch. Layla Vargas, 6, a Stony Point Elementary School kindergardener enjoys lunch on Thursday, Dec 14, 2023. Free school lunch is popular According to a November poll by Siena College Research Institute, 77% of respondents supported using state funding to ensure free breakfast and lunch at school. More meals: Thousands more NY children will get free school lunch this year National support for free breakfast and lunch is strong, too. According to an August YouGov poll, 60% of U.S. adults support free school lunch for all students; 57% back free breakfast for all. Recent changes boost access A federal program, the Community Eligibility Provision, was expanded, making it easier for school districts to tap into free meals for low-income students. Plus, the current state budget included an extra $134 million to help close a federal funding gap, a compromise after universal meals were cut from the plan. The expanded funding means more than 500 of some 800 school districts in the state can offer free breakfast and lunch. Those districts cover about 80% of kids in New York schools. Will free meals make it into budget? Advocates say another $60 million, on top of this year's extra funding commitment, would fuel the Healthy School Meals for All fund for the 2025 fiscal year. Stony Point Elementary School students enjoy lunch on Thursday, Dec 14, 2023. Gov. Kathy Hochul will announce her budget plan in early January. A state budget is due by April 1, though it is frequently late. Research shows universal free meals in schools reduces food insecurity, improves students' mental and physical health and boosts learning, according to Health School Meals For All. 'It creates more equity' Stony Point Elementary School Principal Rebecca Mizrahi said universal access to lunch has been a success on her K-3 campus. "It creates more equity," said Mizrahi, whose North Rockland school district opted in this fall. "We all have the same thing." A recent lunchtime visit to Stony Point Elementary found most kids eagerly grabbing a lunch tray (cheeseburgers and tots were on the menu) with some still opting to bring lunch from home. Layla Vargas, 6, happily munched on her burger, without cheese, with frequent dips into a dollop of ketchup from the packets she squeezed carefully. The first-grader said the burger-and-tots menu was her favorite. "And the ketchup." Nancy Cutler writes about People & Policy for lohud.com and the USA Today Network New York. Reach her at ncutler@lohud.com; follow her at @nancyrockland on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Threads. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Free NY school breakfast and lunch for all, say state advocate groups Ms Riffaud, who turns 100 next year, is a household name in France for shooting dead a German soldier, surviving Gestapo torture, being a renowned poet and the countrys first female war reporter. - CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT A care worker has gone on trial accused of defrauding French wartime Resistance heroine Madeleine Riffaud out of 140,000 to buy personal items including sex toys. Ms Riffaud, who turns 100 next year, is a household name in France not just for shooting dead a German soldier and surviving Gestapo torture, but also for being a renowned poet and the countrys first female war reporter. As recently as this month the staunch Communist gave an interview to Le Monde newspaper in which she reminisced how a kick in the ass from a German soldier whose advances she refused in a train station prompted her to join the fight against the Nazis. While still sound of mind, she is frail, bed-ridden and blind and as a result she requires home help. Friends who visited said the ex-Resistance fighter looked neglected and she confided in them that her hair had not been washed in months - CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT The woman who ran the company tasked with caring for her, known only as Myriam B., 67, went on trial on Tuesday for allegedly using Ms Riffauds credit card to steal more than 140,000 (120,000) of her money, which she withdrew from ATMs or spent online. Her alleged purchases included Chanel perfumes, Claudie Pierlot clothes and handbags, Pokemon T-shirts and a clitoral vibrator purchased on Amazon. Withdrawals varied between tens to thousands of euros. A witness cited in the case said she had even turned up to a bank masquerading as the 99-year-old to withdraw 15,000 (13,000) from a life insurance account. The defendant faces charges of aggravated abuse of weakness of a vulnerable person, which carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a 750,000 (646,000) fine. Years of deceit An investigation was launched after an assistant became suspicious when the accused told her not to open sealed envelopes containing Ms Riffauds bank statements. The employee eventually did open the statements and was shocked to find a plethora of payments for goods that the near-centenarian was highly unlikely to have made herself given her modest way of life. While Ms Riffaud ate very little, inspectors noticed a steady increase in her sometimes mind-boggling food expenses, including restaurant deliveries, between 2013 and December 2021. Despite being bedridden since 2018, they found regular payments to beauty salons and hairdressers that often corresponded to changes in Myriam B.s hairstyle or outfits. Meanwhile, the pensioner had her hair cut by her cleaning lady and had been wearing the same moisturiser and perfume for years. Friends who visited said the ex-Resistance fighter looked neglected and she confided in them that her hair had not been washed in months. Ms Riffaud, who has retained all her mental capacities and therefore has an excellent memory, told police that Myriam B. quickly interfered in [her] life and prevented certain people around her from seeing her. Ms Riffaud a diva In police custody since April this year, Myriam B. insists that all these expenses were justified because Ms Riffaud led a fairly lavish lifestyle. The care worker described the elderly woman as a diva who demanded far too much attention and claimed she was particularly fond of good food, ignored the value of money and handed out expensive gifts. Unable to attend the trial, Ms Riffaud told France Inter on Tuesday: Its a bit stupid but I can defend myself. I can fight. Myriam B. denies wrongdoing. French heroine Ms Riffaud began working for the French Forces of the Interior at the age of 18 under the codename Rainer, participating in several operations against occupying Nazi forces and contributing to the capture of 80 Wehrmacht soldiers from an armoured German supply train. On July 23, 1944, on her 20th birthday, she shot dead a German officer in broad daylight on a bridge overlooking the river Seine. She told Le Monde the idea was to step up our actions so that Paris would rise up after the Normandy landings. We had to send out a signal, make a splash by shooting a German in front of everyone, an officer if possible, to show that this was the solution. Captured by a French collaborator and handed to the Gestapo, Ms Riffaud was tortured and held in Fresne prison. She managed to escape from a train heading for the Ravensbruck womens concentration camp only to be recaptured and sentenced to death. She was released at the eleventh hour in a prisoner swap. After the war ended in 1945, the French heroine became a journalist and reported on the Algerian War for the Communist newspaper LHumanite - Keystone-France After the war ended in 1945, the French heroine became a journalist and reported on the Algerian War for the Communist newspaper LHumanite, losing an eye during the conflict. Pablo Picasso drew her portrait for the frontispiece of her collection of poems published in 1945. In 1946, she met with Vietnamese nationalist leader Ho Chi Minh in Paris, moved to South Vietnam, and lived with the Viet Cong resistance for 7 years. She fell in love with poet Nguyen inh Thi but they were unable to marry because of a law forbidding the marriage of Vietnamese and foreigners. Upon her return to France, she worked as a nursing assistant in a Paris hospital, where she wrote the best-seller Les Linges De La Nuit (Night Laundry). She was awarded the National Order of Merit in 2013. Asked about the current state of the world this month, she told Le Monde: The world is covered in blood. We tried to make it better; we probably failed. Im leaving it in a state thats really not what I would have wanted. You have to tell the truth, you see, even when the truth is dark. 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. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear speaks to the audience gathered to witness his public swearing in ceremony on the steps of the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley) FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) Looking to build on his resounding reelection victory, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear took his budget directly to the voters in a televised speech Monday night as he pressed for a massive boost in education funding, child care support and continued investments in infrastructure. The holiday message coming about two weeks before the Republican-dominated legislature reconvenes represents the Democratic governor's effort to turn political capital into more of a mandate for his top policy priorities, especially in public education. Beshear also proposed pay raises for state workers and increased funding for public universities, economic development and foster care. He proposed hiring more state troopers and social workers, building more juvenile detention centers and investing more in regional airports. Beshear said the state can afford that and more, without tapping into its vast budget reserves. Tax collections have surged in Kentucky even as its individual income tax rate has been lowered. This budget aims to meet our families where they are, to address the concerns they worry most about, Beshear said in his address, less than a week after being sworn in for a second term. Look, Kentuckians dont wake up every morning thinking about Democrat or Republican, and neither does this budget. Public education including higher teacher pay and access to universal pre-K ranked atop his wish list, as Beshear presented his blueprint for the state's next two-year budget in a statewide speech on Kentucky Educational Television. Beshear's November reelection win in GOP-leaning Kentucky sets him up to be on the national radar in coming years when the country looks for a new generation of leaders. The speech's timing reflected the friction of divided government in Kentucky. Governors traditionally reveal their budget plans in a televised speech when the legislature is in session. This time, the governor opted for a pre-session speech after House Republicans preempted him in early 2022 by unveiling their budget plan before the governor presented his blueprint. In his new two-year proposal, Beshear called for pumping more than $2.5 billion of additional funding into preschool through high school education. Topping his requests is an 11% pay raise for teachers and all other public school employees. He also recommended an 11% increase in the minimum teacher salary. Its simple, you cannot give a child every opportunity if they dont have a teacher in every classroom," Beshear said. "We wont have enough bus drivers unless we pay a better wage. And we cannot remain competitive with other states if we dont pay our teachers and other employees what theyre worth. The investments would lift Kentucky to the middle of the pack nationally in average teacher starting pay and average teacher pay. The state now ranks near the bottom in both categories, he said. Another Beshear priority is providing preschool for every 4-year-old in Kentucky. The governor's budget plan includes $172 million each year of the two-year budget to accomplish that. Similar proposals previously made no headway with lawmakers. The program would extend preschool education to an estimated 34,000 additional 4-year-olds, he said. This will be an unprecedented investment for Kentuckys children," Beshear said. "Imagine the difference itll make when every single Kentucky child enters kindergarten prepared to learn. The governor's plan also would increase per-pupil funding under the states main funding formula. It would fully fund teacher pensions and student transportation. Another key Beshear proposal calls for spending about $141 million over two years for child care assistance, in part to help cushion child care programs from the loss of pandemic-era federal subsidies. Meanwhile, his budget calls for a nearly 8% increase in the base budgets of public universities, which endured state budget cuts for several years. For the state's workforce, Beshear proposed awarding a 6% across-the-board pay raise effective next July 1, followed by a 4% raise the next year. He proposed using $500 million in state funds for water and wastewater projects statewide and $300 million for major transportation projects with an eye toward widening the Mountain Parkway in eastern Kentucky and building an Ohio River bridge between western Kentucky and Indiana. To build on the state's record pace of economic development, the governor proposed allocating another $200 million to help land new employers. Half the amount would go to prepare mega-development projects and the rest would aid county and regional site development. Beshear proposed building two female-only juvenile detention centers and to retrofit other detention centers. As with any governor's proposal, the legislature will have final say on the budget the state's main policy document. Republican House Speaker David Osborne said lawmakers have been preparing for the next budget since finishing their last one. Now they can delve into details of Beshear's rendition. "While we are not aware of any of the governors requests, we welcome his early submission and are hopeful that it includes information that we have asked for over the past several months, Osborne said. The state's next two-year budget period starts next July 1. A 64-year-old Fresno man who was charged with pepper-spraying a group of pro-Palestinian supporters at a rally near River Park in 2021 was sentenced Monday to one year of probation and 40 hours of community service. Brian Lee Turner agreed to a plea agreement with Fresno County prosecutors who had charged him with two felony counts of using tear gas against several people attending the May 15 rally in support of Palestine. Turner was also charged with a hate crime. As part of the plea agreement, the hate crime charge was dropped and the felony counts were reduced to misdemeanors. In exchange, Turner pleaded no contest to two counts of using tear gas. Judge Gabriel Brickey sentenced Turner to one year probation, plus 40 hours of community service. Brickey will also review the case in six months and if Turner is complying with the terms of his probation, he will terminate it and the misdemeanor charge will be expunged, said his attorney Mark Kapetan. Had he not agreed to a plea agreement, Turner was facing up to five years and four months in prison. Turner declined to comment after the hearing, but Mark Kapetan said his client is relieved its over. He was just an innocent guy who was driving home after having dinner with his mother when he got caught up in it, Kapetan said. He did not want to be part of it, he did not ask to be part of it. But he was being taunted, and he felt he needed to do what was necessary to protect he and his wife. That day about 200 supporters of Palestine gathered near the popular shopping center at Nees and Blackstone avenues to speak out about the growing acts of violence in the region. One of the pepper-sprayed victims, 21-year-old Ahmad Qutami, testified during a preliminary hearing in April that he and two friends were in a car on Blackstone Avenue, honking and waving a Palestinian flag when Turner pulled up next to them. Looks were exchange and then an argument ensued. He was staring at us and shaking his head, Qutami said during the April hearing. Then he started basically cussing us out, saying he doesnt support Palestine and we are going to kill all the Palestinians, and I started cussing him out. A video taken by Qutami shows Turner yelling at them as the Palestinian flag is being waved near him. The argument escalated when a backseat passenger in the car Qutami was riding in began wildly waving a flag at Turner. The passenger also opened the door and took a step out before being pulled back inside. Thats when the pepper spraying began, Qutami testified. The rally goers suffered burning, itchy and watery eyes. Qutami had trouble breathing and was treated at the hospital. No serious injuries were reported. WASHINGTON - Conflicting information, long shuttle lines, and technical problems caused frustration among some Red Line commuters amid the start of closures that will last to the end of the year. The two-week construction project to perform major safety repairs to the transit system began Monday. There will be no Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Gallery Place from Monday, Dec. 18 through Saturday, Dec. 30. Additional schedule changes will disrupt service in other ways. READ MORE: Metro Red Line closures: Heres what you need to know. Some frustration among Metro commuters amid Red Line closures "Credibility is based on honesty," said Metro General Manager Randy Clarke in a post to X, formerly Twitter. Clarke called Mondays service to the Red Line "bad" and said "we own that." "Team worked very hard to isolate an arching issue that stretched the planned shuttle. Apologies to those impacted. We are doing a review to improve." FOX 5s Bob Barnard spoke with passengers about the service Tuesday morning. "So far, so good," said one rider who added she was on time because there were plenty of shuttles available. Another commuter said she plans to use Uber on the way home to avoid expected delays. "It was a disaster yesterday, but I think its going to be better today," another passenger said. Some frustration among Metro commuters amid Red Line closures METRO RED LINE CLOSURES SUMMARY - No Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Gallery Place from Monday, Dec. 18 through Saturday, Dec. 30. Farragut North will be closed, and no Red Line service will be available at Metro Center (upper level). Normal service will operate on all other lines serving 97 of Metros 98 rail stations. - Trains on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines will continue to provide service to Metro Center. Customers will be able to access the station at both entrances on 12th Street NW, while the entrances on G Street NW at 11th and 13th streets will be closed to accommodate equipment and work crews. - Customers traveling to Gallery Place will be able to use the Red Line from Glenmont. The Yellow and Green lines will provide normal service. - During construction only Farragut North will be closed for the entire duration of the project and frequent shuttle buses will run to every station affected. - From Friday, Dec. 22 through Sunday, Dec. 24, Metro will extend the work zone with no Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Union Station. Farragut North and Judiciary Square stations will be closed and Red Line service will be unavailable on the upper level at Metro Center and Gallery Place. Additionally, the Gallery Place entrance at 9th & G streets NW will be closed. Free Shuttle Service Shuttles will operate every 6-8 minutes during Metrorail operating hours: December 18-21 and 25-30, 2023 No Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Gallery Place Farragut North closed Metro Center no Red Line service (upper level); Blue, Orange and Silver lines normal service Trains will operate in two segments: Between Shady Grove and Dupont Circle every 8 -10 minutes Between Gallery Place and Glenmont every 10 -12 minutes Free shuttle buses replace trains. Shuttle 1: Express service between Dupont Circle and Gallery Place. Boarding locations: Dupont Circle Boards at the stations north entrance at Connecticut Ave & Q St NW Gallery Place Boards at the stations north entrance at 7th & H streets NW (by Chinese Friendship Archway)* *Wheelchair accessible vehicle available at 7th Street NW between F & G streets Shuttle 2: Express service between Dupont Circle and Farragut West. Boarding locations: Dupont Circle Boards at the stations south entrance at 19th St & Dupont Circle NW Farragut West Boards at the stations west entrance at 18th & I streets NW Shuttle 3: Local service between Dupont Circle, Farragut North, Metro Center, and Gallery Place. Boarding locations: Dupont Circle Boards at the stations north Entrance at Connecticut Ave & Q St NW Farragut North Boards at stations north entrance (by Mayflower Hotel) at Connecticut & L streets NW Metro Center Boards at the stations north entrance at 12th & G streets NW Gallery Place Boards at the stations north entrance at 7th & H streets NW (by Chinese Friendship Archway)* *Wheelchair accessible vehicle available at 7th Street NW between F & G streets The weekend of December 22-24, 2023 No Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Union Station Farragut North and Judiciary Square closed Metro Center: no Red Line service (upper level); Blue, Orange and Silver lines normal service Gallery Place: no Red Line service (upper level); Green and Yellow lines normal service Trains will operate in two segments: Between Shady Grove and Dupont Circle every 8-10 minutes. Between Union Station and Glenmont every 8-10 minutes. Farragut North, Metro Center (upper level), Gallery Place (upper level), Judiciary Square closed Free shuttle buses replace trains. Shuttle 1: Express service every 6-8 minutes between Dupont Circle and Union Station. Boarding locations: Dupont Circle Boards at the stations north entrance at Connecticut Ave & Q St NW Union Station Boards at Massachusetts Ave & E St NE* *Wheelchair accessible vehicle available at First & G streets NE entrance Shuttle 2: Express service between Dupont Circle and Farragut West Boarding locations: Dupont Circle Boards at the stations north entrance at Connecticut Ave & Q St NW Farragut West Boards at the stations west entrance at 18th & I streets NW Shuttle 3: Local service between Dupont Circle, Farragut North, Metro Center, Gallery Place, Judiciary Sq, and Union Station. Boarding locations: Dupont Circle Boards at the stations north Entrance at Connecticut Ave & Q St NW Farragut North Boards at stations north entrance (by Mayflower Hotel) at Connecticut & L streets NW Metro Center Boards at the stations north entrance at 12th & G streets NW Gallery Place Boards at the stations north entrance at 7th & H streets NW (by Chinese Friendship Archway)* *Wheelchair accessible vehicle available at 7th Street NW between F & G streets Judiciary Square Boards at 4th & E streets NW Union Station Boards at Massachusetts Ave & E St NE *Wheelchair accessible vehicle available at First & G streets NE entrance Additional rail and bus options: Virginia VRE Fredericksburg Line from Franconia-Springfield, King St (Alexandria), or Crystal City to Union Station Loudoun County Transit Commuter Bus Service Serves Farragut North, Metro Center, Judiciary Square Omniride Express Bus Service Serves Farragut North, Metro Center Maryland MARC Penn, Camden, or Brunswick Line to Union Station MTA Commuter Bus Service Serves Farragut North, Metro Center DC A wheelchair accessible vehicle will be available at the same location as shuttle buses unless otherwise noted. Customers are also encouraged to consider regular route Metrobus service as an alternative and Red Line customers traveling to/from downtown Dec 22-24, may also consider transferring to/from the Green Line via Fort Totten. For more information and a full list of travel alternatives, visit here. Some of Ukraine's staunchest Western supporters are now talking about the need for Kyiv to recognize a frozen conflict and declare victory Some of Ukraine's most ardent Western supporters are now talking about the need for Kyiv to accept a frozen conflict and declare victory, the Financial Times reported on Dec. 18. We have to flip the narrative and say that Putin has failed, says one former U.S. official. Read also: The war drags on: what 2024 holds for Ukraine and the world NV event Ukraine goes into the new year short of ammunition, money, and diplomatic support, the FT says. Underlying these critical shortages, there is another important deficiency the country and its Western backers no longer have a convincing theory of victory. Unless they can come up with one, Western support for Ukraine will continue to waver. The current situation is a stark contrast to the optimism at the beginning of this year back then, Kyiv and its supporters had a clear view of how victory might be achieved. Ukraine would go on the offensive in the spring and summer, break through Russian lines, and threaten Crimea, the FT writes. The doves hoped this would force Moscow into peace negotiations on terms acceptable to Kyiv. The hawks talked of taking the fight into Crimea and precipitating the downfall of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Read also: Dutch Defense Ministry raises concerns over cuts in Ukraine aid following recent elections But the counteroffensive failed and neither hawks nor doves ever saw their theory of victory put into practice, the article says. The FT deems the prospects for 2024 much bleaker. Both the EU and the U.S. are struggling to agree new packages of military aid. Western leaders normally pledge to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, the article says. But President Joe Biden recently ominously revised that to as long as we can. Without a convincing theory of victory, the pressure on Ukraine to force it to negotiate with Russia will increase, the FT says. The Ukrainians might make a deal even if it involved making territorial concessions if they had any confidence that Russia would stick to it. But Ukrainian officials can point to a litany of agreements that Putin has made and then broken. They believe that any cessation in the fighting would simply be used as an opportunity for Russia to rearm. Read also: Switzerland chosen as location for next Peace Formula meeting One alternative to a formal agreement between Russia and Ukraine might be a de facto freezing of the conflict, according to the FT. In this scenario, Ukraine would move into a mainly defensive posture and hold off further Russian advances. The fighting would never stop completely but it would dwindle. An intermediate situation somewhere between a frozen conflict and a formal peace treaty would be an armistice, the article says. The two sides would agree only on a cessation of hostilities, without settling any of the underlying political issues. The model here would be the end of the Korean war and the division of the peninsula into North and South Korea. The South Korean model also points to a possible new theory of victory for Ukraine. Once the fighting in Korea stopped, the South Koreans were able to concentrate on rebuilding their economy with enormous success. The FT says that it is crucial that Ukraine still has access to the Black Sea and controls the port of Odesa, that it has also been given the green light to begin negotiations to join the EU which should be combined with more financial and technical aid to begin the process of rebuilding the economy. Read also: No day off for Ukrainians on Christmas Russia has performed much worse in this conflict and Ukraine far better than most analysts dared to hope in February 2022, when the full-scale invasion began, the article says. The Russians were humiliatingly defeated in the battle for Kyiv. Putin sacrificed hundreds of thousands of lives for minor territorial gains. And Russia for the first time in centuries has virtually no allies on the European continent. Ukraine, by contrast, now enjoys an unprecedented level of international support and respect. The country has also paid a terrible price in this war. But its status as an independent nation with its own proud culture and identity will never be erased again. The FT says that in the great sweep of history, this is a victory that really counts. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A local funeral home business with a presence in Hornell, Canisteo and Angelica across Steuben and Allegany counties has new ownership, but visitors are unlikely to notice major changes. Brown & Powers Funeral Homes has been acquired by Milestone Funeral Services of New York, which touts a decentralized approach to its acquisitions. Funeral directors Chet Gosper and Jerry Brown will continue to direct day-to-day operations at the Brown & Powers Funeral Homes, said Gosper. Milestone CEO and co-founder Michael Martel said Brown & Powers was a cultural fit for the growing business. We're a financial partner so we want to work with funeral directors who are focused on community and have a great service reputation. We want them to continue doing that, said Martel. We support them and help them build on that. Chet and his team do an amazing job. It was a great cultural fit for myself and our other partners. That's one of the first things we look at when we work with someone. The Brown and Powers Funeral Home at 354 Canisteo St. in the City of Hornell. The business, with locations in Hornell, Canisteo and Angelica, has been acquired by Milestone Funeral Services. Jerry Brown founded the Brown Funeral Home in his hometown of Canisteo in 1963. Acquisitions and mergers of the Bender Funeral Home and the Landon-Beaver Funeral Home of Hornell followed in the early 1980s, with the former Robertson Funeral Home later joining the fold. Gosper joined the team at Brown & Powers in 1997 and the business added a presence in his hometown of Angelica. Gosper stressed there will be no changes in how the funeral homes operate under the Milestone umbrella. Martel agreed. When someone is running a good business in our profession, it is about the service and caring for families on the worst day of their lives, he said. It would make no sense for us to make any changes. It's a personality driven business. Today, Brown & Powers operates funeral homes at 354 Canisteo St. in Hornell, 6 Spruce St. in Canisteo, and 101 West Ave. in Angelica. County records show the properties were purchased for a total of $705,000 on Oct. 30. The Brown and Powers Funeral Home at 354 Canisteo St. in the City of Hornell. The business, with locations in Hornell, Canisteo and Angelica, has been acquired by Milestone Funeral Services. Milestone Funeral Partners is based in Maine and operates in the Northeast. The company was founded in 2021 by Martel and Timothy Smart, who have worked in the funeral business since the early 1990s. More: Arkport native Jason Burdett will crew chief for Jimmie Johnson, 7-time champion, in 2024 Brown & Powers marks its first entry into the Southern Tier market. Previously its closest operation was in Orchard Park, outside Buffalo. We're Northeast funeral directors and that's where we intend to be and grow our firm, said Martel. We've been blessed to meet people like Chet and others interested in becoming part of what we're building. We like all of Upstate New York, the Southern Tier, New England, Pennsylvania. "Assuming there's a cultural fit, we'd be thrilled to partner with someone else in the area. This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Brown & Powers Funeral Homes in Hornell, Canisteo, Angelica sold This photo taken on Dec. 19, 2023 shows houses damaged by earthquake at Chenjia Village in Jishishan Bao'an, Dongxiang, Sala Autonomous County in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. [Photo/Xinhua] The 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted an ethnic county in northwest China's Gansu Province midnight Monday has killed 111 people in Gansu and neighboring Qinghai Province, according to local earthquake relief headquarters. According to China Earthquake Networks Center, the quake jolted at 11:59 p.m. Monday and has a focal depth of 10 km. The epicenter Liugou Township is about 8 km from the county seat of Jishishan Bao'an, Dongxiang, Salar Autonomous County in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu. The earthquake was also felt strongly in the cities of Xining and Haidong in Qinghai, where some houses collapsed and cracked. Xinhua reporters at the scene saw rescue vehicles and ambulances hurrying to the quake-hit areas in Gansu. Ding Xiaolong, a resident of Chenjia Village, was asleep at home when the quake struck. The strong tremor woke him up, and he quickly rushed out of the house. Ma Shijun, a student at Dahejia Middle School, ran out of the dormitory barefoot and without even putting on a coat. The strong tremors left his hands a bit numb. He said after the quake, teachers promptly organized students to seek refuge on the playground. "Watching more and more rescue personnel, I'm not as frightened as I was when the quake first occurred," said Ma. The provincial fire and rescue department has sent 580 rescuers aided with 88 fire engines, 12 search and rescue dogs, more than 10,000 sets of equipment to the disaster area. The railway authority has suspended passenger and cargo trains passing through the quake zone and ordered a safety check of railway tracks. Hu Changsheng, Party chief of Gansu, and Ren Zhenhe, governor of Gansu, have rushed to the disaster area to command rescue and relief. In the Dahejia Township where the temperature dropped to 16 degrees Celcius below zero at dawn, more than 140 medical staff at a local hospital were busy taking care of the injured people, some of whom also have loved ones out of contact in the quake. "All our seven houses collapsed," said Shi Lizhen with the hospital of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in Jishishan. While wiping off her tears, she put several bottles of saline solution into the quilt to defreeze. Ma Yuanjun, head of the hospital, told Xinhua that cracks were found on the hospital building walls. They lost no time to get the medical supplies out of the warehouse and set up makeshift beds by the road to treat the injured. "Life is paramount," he said. "There is hope so long as people are alive." Georgia energy regulators unanimously approved a plan Tuesday to let Georgia Power pass on to customers almost $7.6 billion of its costs in building two additional nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle. The Atlanta-based utility agreed in August to reduce the costs it was asking the state Public Service Commission (PSC) to declare reasonable and prudent by about $2.6 billion after years of delays and cost overruns that more than doubled the price tag from the $14 billion the commission authorized back in 2009. The first of the new reactor units at the plant south of Augusta went into service at the end of July. The second is due to follow by the end of March 2024. The project will increase the average residential customers bill by about 10% per month, which for many is about $9. Commissioner Lauren Bubba McDonald, the only member of the PSC who was on the board in 2009, acknowledged the difficulties the project has faced during the last 14 years. It has been a journey, McDonald said before Tuesdays vote. (But) for the first time in 34 years in America, a nuclear plant has been built. ... We suffered the pain, but were also going to enjoy the benefit. Representatives of environmental and consumer advocacy groups that signed onto the agreement with Georgia Power pointed to the companys commitment to significantly expand its energy efficiency programs and increase the number of seniors who will qualify for its bill-relief program. We are pleased the commission included programs that will provide the most vulnerable customers with some bill relief, said Codi Norred, executive director of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light. That being said, Georgia Power customers have and will continue to pay heavily for Vogtles budget overruns. After Vogtle, we hope the commission will double down on their support of cost-saving renewable options like solar and battery storage. Bryan Jacob, representing the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, complained during a hearing last week that the August agreement fails to set forth how the costs of the Vogtle nuclear expansion will be allocated between residential and small-business customers and large industrial customers. Georgia Power has the obligation to prove its rate allocation is just and reasonable, he said. Jacob also suggested the commission should have required Georgia Power to credit residential and small-business customers for what theyve already paid up front for the project. Georgia Power is a 45% partner in the Vogtle expansion, working with Oglethorpe Power, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG) and Dalton Utilities. By Jorn Poltz and Ludwig Burger MUNICH (Reuters) - A German court on Tuesday invalidated a patent that was the basis of a patent violation lawsuit brought by CureVac against its domestic rival BioNTech, in a blow to CureVac's claims for a share in billions of euros in COVID-19 vaccine revenues. "The patent is being declared invalid for the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany," Walter Schramm, presiding judge in Germany's Munich-based patent court, said in his ruling after a hearing. CureVac's Nasdaq-listed shares plunged 35% to a record low after the verdict. The patent in question is one of several intellectual property titles related to messenger RNA technology in vaccines that CureVac claims were infringed in ongoing legal proceedings. BioNTech has responded by challenging the validity of CureVac's patents and of its so-called German utility models, which are easier to obtain than patents but confer a shorter exclusivity period. CureVac's efforts to develop an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine did not come to fruition during the pandemic, whereas BioNTech and its partner Pfizer chalked up more than $40 billion in combined vaccines sales in 2021 and 2022. CureVac, which is working with GSK on next-generation mRNA shots, said in a statement it would appeal before the German Federal Court of Justice and that Tuesday's court ruling did not affect its ongoing litigation related to seven other intellectual property titles against BioNTech. BioNTech said it welcomed the court decision. "We will continue to vigorously defend our innovations against all allegations of patent infringement including this case," it added. Analysts have previously said being awarded even a small fraction of BioNTech's revenues could transform CureVac's financial position. A regional German court in September put on hold a separate patent infringement trial brought by CureVac against BioNTech over the use of mRNA technology in COVID-19 vaccines, weighing on CureVac's shares. The Duesseldorf regional court said at the time it suspended its proceedings until the German and European patent offices decide on a legal challenge filed by BioNTech over the validity of CureVac's intellectual property rights. (Additional reporting by Patricia Weiss ; Editing by Rachel More, Hugh Lawson and David Evans) Artist Candice Breitz worked for several years to set up an exhibition in the German city of Saarbruecken, only for it to be cancelled over her stance on the Israel-Hamas war. In Germany, where politicians have voiced steadfast backing for Israel following Hamas' devastating attack in October, a wave of cultural events and prize ceremonies have been axed after participants expressed views considered too anti-Israel. The trend has fuelled fears that artistic freedoms are being eroded, even as organisers defend their decisions as necessary to push back against any signs of anti-Semitism, which has spiked in Germany since the start of the conflict in Gaza. The upshot of this, believes Breitz -- who is herself Jewish -- is that "German institutions are likely to increasingly avoid working with artists who are politically engaged". "The future for contemporary art in Germany may look very much like the past," the artist, whose scrapped exhibition was a video installation made in dialogue with sex workers in her native South Africa, told AFP. This would mean that spaces are preserved for artists who are "compliant and not prone to asking critical questions," she added. While other countries have seen event cancellations in similar circumstances, the trend in Germany has been particularly pronounced. The country's response to the Hamas attacks and ensuing war has been led by guilt over its own dark past -- the slaughter of six million Jews by the Nazis during the Holocaust -- with politicians rushing to voice support for Israel's right to self-defence. - Cultural fallout - Breitz's installation -- which is called TLDR, and has already been exhibited widely -- was due to be shown at the Saarlandmuseum next year before organisers announced last month it was being axed. The Saarland Cultural Heritage Foundation said it would "not provide a platform for artists who do not recognise Hamas's terror as a 'rupture in civilisation', or who consciously or unconsciously blur the boundaries between legitimate and illegitimate actions". Breitz however insisted she has publicly condemned both Hamas's attack, and Israel's "disproportionate" response, on multiple occasions. "I do not question Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism, but nevertheless believe that the collective punishment of Gazan civilians cannot be the answer," said the 51-year-old. "Progressive" Jews in Germany with dissenting viewpoints were increasingly being targeted, she said. "The notion that every progressive Jew in this country can be assumed to be harbouring anti-Semitism, unless they publicly denounce Hamas, is patently ridiculous," she added. More than 19,400 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments since 7 October, according to the Hamas government's Ministry of Health. A total of 1,139 people were killed in Israel during Hamas's unprecedented attack, according to Israeli authorities. Around 250 hostages were initially seized by Hamas, of whom 105 have been released and several killed. - 'Move away from fear' - Another prominent figure to be affected is Russian-American writer and journalist Masha Gessen, who is Jewish and lost family members in the Holocaust. Gessen -- who uses the pronoun they -- had been due to receive a prestigious German prize, the Hannah Arendt Award for Political Thought, last Friday. But a foundation backing the prize withdrew from the ceremony after Gessen wrote an essay in The New Yorker in which they compared the Gaza Strip to Jewish ghettos in Nazi-occupied Europe. The organisers pushed ahead however, and the prize was awarded a day later. In another case, a major literary prize due to be awarded to Berlin-based, British writer Sharon Dodua Otoo did not go ahead over a petition she had signed eight years ago that critics said supported a movement to boycott Israel. Much of the sensitivity is driven by a desire to ensure security for Germany's Jewish population amid the spate of anti-Semitic attacks, including the targeting of a Berlin synagogue with Molotov cocktails in October. In a statement sent to AFP, Culture Minister Claudia Roth said that "Israel's security is a fundamental principle" for Germany, but stressed it was important to try to keep cultural spaces "open and safe for everybody". "I would hope that we can move away from fear and move towards dialogue and discourse," she said, adding that cancelling events or revoking awards should be "the last step, not the first". sr/hmn/db/lb You are here: China A railway connecting north China's Tianjin Municipality with the Beijing Daxing International Airport opened on Monday, the latest move to support the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The G8842 Fuxing bullet train departed the Tianjin West Railway Station at 7:58 a.m. and arrived at the Daxing Airport Railway Station at 8:50 a.m., marking the inauguration of the new line's operation. According to the China Railway Design Corporation, the fastest train on the 101-km line takes 41 minutes to travel one way. The line covers six stations, and a 47-km section is new, with a designed speed of 250 km per hour. (Bloomberg) -- Germany will sell a smaller volume of federal debt next year as the government continues to wind down aid earmarked to offset the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the energy crisis. Most Read from Bloomberg The government plans to issue about 440 billion ($481 billion) in debt, according to a statement published Tuesday by the federal finance agency. That compares with a record volume of around 500 billion in 2023. The plan includes sales of bonds worth 248 billion and 165 billion in bills, as well as between 17 billion and 19 billion in green bonds, the agency said. German bonds held gains after the announcement, with the 10-year yield down about five basis points on the day to 2.03%, near the lowest level since March. Borrowing by Germanys federal government soared starting in 2020 to help finance a surge in spending to deal with fallout from the pandemic and to help ease the burden from surging energy prices after Russias invasion of Ukraine. After those crises subsided, Finance Minister Christian Lindner, who chairs the fiscally hawkish Free Democrats, initially insisted that Germanys three-party coalition restore a constitutional limit on new borrowing for this year. However, last months shock ruling by the nations top court that curtailed the use of off-budget funds upended the governments budget planning and Lindner was forced to suspend the mechanism known as the debt brake for a fourth straight year. The governing alliance also left open the option of doing so again for next years finance plan. --With assistance from Aline Oyamada. (Updates with market reaction in fourth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. When you live in a rental house, sometimes it seems the ghosts of previous residents linger. Very real are their packages, however, and they just keep coming this time of year. Instead of porch pirates, Im getting unwanted packages sent to my address but not to me. And its taking up a lot of my time dealing with them. It started back in June, when someone thought they had rented the house I was moving into. I got their packages for several weeks after that. And it continued in October, when I received a large box from Target. I knew I hadnt ordered anything and when I looked at the shipping label, a name different from my own was on the box with my address. Just this week, I have received two boxes, one from Pottery Barn and one from Amazon. Again, right address, but wrong owner. There are several questions that I had, and you may have, as a person who receives packages that you did not order but were mistakenly left on your doorstep. First off, can you keep a package that does not belong to you, even though it was delivered to your legal address? Well, the answer is maybe not. Many sources cite 39 U.S. Code 3009 - Mailing of unordered merchandise, which states the recipient may keep any unordered merchandise as a gift. The Federal Trade Commission also says yes. (What would you do? Take our survey below.) In Missouri, there is a similar law, Title XXVI: Where unsolicited merchandise is delivered to a person for whom it is intended, such person has a right to refuse to accept delivery of this merchandise or he may deem it to be a gift and use it or dispose of it in any manner without any obligation to the sender. But the problem here is the phrase for whom it is intended. The packages I received were not intended for me. They were misdelivered. This is different than a package intended for a different person and address but ends up at your place. Play it safe: Try to get the package to the right owner. But how can you find them if the only address on the box is yours? Reaching out to Target, Pottery Barn, Amazon Ive found using social media can be helpful when trying to contact companies. When I received the Target box, I reached out to the company on X (formerly known as Twitter) and they told me to keep the items (a doormat, makeup and dog treats); they would get the order to the right people. How surprised was I when the actual people came to my door asking for their box. There they were, standing on the Happy Fall doormat they had ordered. I hoped they didnt notice. We told them that they should be hearing from Target, and they did. Problem solved. Next, the package from Pottery Barn: Again, I reached out to the company on X. They took too long to respond, so I contacted UPS, the deliverer. They took the tracking number and picked it up the next day. Hopefully, the owner gets their package or a refund. Next was from Amazon, the easiest to work with, once you find the link on the website. When I submitted the unwanted package form, and put in the tracking number, a representative thanked me and told me to keep the package. Anyone want a vegan cookbook in gift wrapping? These interactions can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, if you dont know how to do the reporting, and thats precious time you could spend decking your halls or making merry. Still, I know Id want to receive orders I paid for or gifts someone sent to me. And because I think that whole unwanted merchandise code is a little murky unless the package has your name on it, Id take the time if I were you. The two Georgia election workers who just won a $148 million defamation lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani want the Donald Trump lawyer's election lie peddling to stop, and they're taking action. Just three days after a Washington, D.C. jury delivered a massive verdict in their favor over Giuliani's false claims that they committed election fraud in 2020, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss filed a new lawsuit against the former New York City mayor on Monday, seeking to prohibit him from repeating the election allegations as he did multiple times during and after last week's trial. According to Politico, the new suit requests a court injunction that would block Giuliani from continuing to peddle his false election claims about the mother-daughter duo. Though the complaint doesn't explicitly pursue any monetary damages, paperwork filed with the case says it is seeking more than $75,000. Freeman and Moss immediately asked for the case to be assigned to U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, who presided over last week's trial and earlier this year ruled Giuliani liable in the defamation case after finding that he willfully defied attempts by the plaintiffs and the court to corral evidence related to their claims. Despite the pressures imposed by the new suit, Giuliani returned to pushing his false fraud claims hours after the complaint dropped. When Newsmax host Rob Schmitt questioned Giuliani about the second lawsuit and the injunction it seeks on Monday night, the lawyer said it "sounds kind of un-American." Thats prior restraint," Giuliani continued. "Are they actually going to put a gag on me when I walk around? I mean, this bears no relationship to my learning in law school about the First Amendment, the right of free speech. He went on to bemoan not being allowed to defend himself during last week's trial before Schmitt asked if he still believed the allegations he leveled toward the women. Yeah. Well of course theyll sue me again for it when I say that. But yeah, I do, Giuliani replied, echoing his insistence from last week when he said outside the courthouse that "everything I said about them is true" and added, "Of course I don't regret it. ... I told the truth. They were engaged in changing votes." But they want me to lie. They basicallythey are suing me in order to lie to them. Im sorry. I cant do it, Giuliani told Schmitt with a chuckle. If I showed you the evidence right nowand I think youve played it on your airpeople would see that what I said was absolutely true and theres support for it. In December 2020, Giuliani alleged that during ballot counting, Freeman and Moss added fake votes by quite obviously, surreptitiously, passing around USB ports as if theyre vials of heroin or cocaine. But the women both testified that Freeman was giving her daughter a ginger mint. After the end of the interview, Schmitt encouraged viewers to donate to Giuliani. If youd like to help Mayor Giuliani fight what is an utterly ridiculous verdict, and specifically the damages$148 milliondonate to the Giuliani Legal Defense Fund, he said, as a phone number and website address showed on screen. President Trump has endorsed this fund, urges you to support it. Wed like you to donate. Schmitt: Your initial allegations, do you still believe them to be true? Giuliani: Yeah. Of course, theyll sue me again for it when I say that. Yeah I do. They want me to lie. They basically they are suing me in order to lie to them. I'm sorry. I can't do it. pic.twitter.com/EDaihK6fYA Acyn (@Acyn) December 19, 2023 Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade called the new lawsuit "really clever." "They've already got $148 million as a judgment, so they're not looking for more money," McQuade explained on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Tuesday. "What they really want is for Rudy to shut the hell up." If the court-ordered injunction to stop Giuliani from further spreading the false claims is granted, McQuade elaborated, it allows the parties to seek a contempt order if he continues to peddle the allegations. If held in contempt of court, the judge could then jail him until he complies for up to 18 months, she added. "That may be what they're seeking here, is the ability to hold that over his head, and maybe that'll provide some disincentive to finally cause him to stop spreading these lies," McQuade concluded. Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner noted that Giuliani's continued attacks on the women following despite his court loss further puts him at risk of violating the terms of his pretrial release in Fulton County, Ga., where he's charged with 13 counts in a criminal racketeering case. "Here's the part where we're talking about the intersection," Kirschner told MSNBC. "You know, he is on release in the Georgia case. I have his release conditions right here, and Joy, number five is that the defendant, Giuliani, 'shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him to be a co-defendant or witness in the case, or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice.' "What is he doing? After that jury award in D.C., he's intimidating and endangering the lives of the witnesses in the Georgia case, Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman," Kirschner continued. "They will almost certainly testify in Georgia." Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. The former federal prosecutor also noted that Giuliani's transgressions weren't minor, pointing to another defendant in the case Harrison Floyd who returned to court to answer to an allegation that he intimidated witnesses, and narrowly dodged pretrial detention because of the discretion of presiding Judge Scott McAfee. "How about Rudy?" Kirschner added. "It feels like Rudy should now be up because it sure looks like he's violating the conditions of his release in the Georgia case by continuing to intimidate, lie about, defame, and endanger Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman." Freeman and Moss on Monday also urged Howell to hasten efforts to enforce the $148 million judgment, pointing to reports of Giuliani's soaring debts, which they say could prompt him to find ways to dodge payments, Politico reported. Given that Defendant Giuliani has already refused for months to pay the fees awarded in this Courts prior sanctions orders, there is especially good reason to believe that Defendant Giuliani intends to evade payment of the judgment by any means he can devise, argued Michael Gottlieb, a lawyer for Freeman and Moss. In August Howell ruled that Giuliani was liable for defaming the women, a conclusion she founded in part on his refusal to maintain and turn over key evidence in the case. In that decision, Howell also noted that Giuliani had concealed efforts to determine his net worth and assets that she had sought information on in previous court orders. Now, the plaintiffs argue they need to jump on those assets before Giuliani has the opportunity to rid himself of them. There is a substantial risk that Defendant Giuliani will find a way to dissipate those assets before Plaintiffs are able to recover, Gottlieb wrote, adding, Giuliani is widely reported to have other, significant debts threatening his personal solvency. An eight-member jury awarded the women $148 million on Friday in a unanimous verdict that included $75 million in "punitive" damages meant to prevent future efforts to disparage election workers involved in counting votes in future elections. Even if Howell rules in favor of the election workers' on the pending matter and Giuliani is unsuccessful in his promised appeal, due to the former mayor's current financial state, it's unlikely Freeman and Moss will receive any amount close to the full award, the outlet notes. Two Georgia poll workers have filed a new lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani, days after winning a $148m (116m) defamation case against him. Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss allege that Mr Giuliani continued to lie when he repeated false claims mid-trial that "they were engaged in changing votes". The mother-daughter pair are seeking an injunction to bar Mr Giuliani from making further false statements about them. "It must stop," the lawsuit demands. An attorney for Mr Giuliani did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The new legal action says that Mr Giuliani "has engaged in, and is engaging in, a continuing course of repetitive false speech and harassment". They added in their filing that his "wrongful conduct was extreme and outrageous, and it was calculated to cause harm to Ms Freeman and Ms Moss". The two women previously filed a defamation case against Mr Giuliani, who was found liable for spreading lies that the poll workers had tampered with votes during the 2020 election. A jury ultimately ordered Mr Giuliani to pay the women $148m (116m) in damages.. During the trial, Mr Giuliani insisted numerous times that he told the truth about the women and reiterated falsehoods about them. These statements are the source of the new lawsuit. "Of course I don't regret it," Mr Giuliani told reporters on 11 December. "I told the truth. They were engaged in changing votes." In another instance on 15 December, he said his statements "were supportable and are supportable today". The women's new lawsuit notes several other instances where Mr Giuliani made allegedly defamatory statements during and after the trial, including in right-wing media appearances. Last week, a Washington DC jury heard hours of painful testimony from Ms Moss about the fallout of those claims. She testified that she and her mother were subjected to violent and racist threats that made them fear for their lives. Mr Giuliani did not testify during the trial, but Judge Beryl Howell, who presided over the case, warned his attorneys that his remarks could be defamatory. So, you got some weed for Christmas. Now, what? Well, if youre anything like other Americans this holiday season, youll be traveling. According to AAA, 115.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home over Christmas or New Years, whether thats by car or plane. So, this begs the real question: if you are given legal weed as a Christmas gift from another state, can you bring it back to Mississippi with you? I mean, it was a gift, right? Heres what the law says. Can I bring legal marijuana into Mississippi? Well, the short answer is no, but theres a bit more to it. According to the Mississippi State Cannabis website, it is a civil offense to have up to 30 grams of marijuana and you will probably be required to pay a fine of $250. Multiple offenses could mean bigger fines and jail time. If you were gifted more than 30 grams of weed for Christmas, it could cost you big time in Mississippi. For a person who is caught with more than 30 grams, it is considered a felony and comes with jail time for up to three years. If you possess more than that, the jail time increases and could go up to 16 years. So, can you just sneak some into the state while driving? Also, no. In Mississippi, it is illegal to transport marijuana from one state to another, even if the destination has legalized cannabis. Under federal law and Mississippi law, marijuana is a Schedule I substance. Marijuana is still illegal at the national level, and moving them across state lines is a federal crime, according to the Mississippi State Cannabis website. If you are actually caught with it while traveling, there are more things to consider, like if you already have a criminal record and if you have more drugs on you than just marijuana. If youre caught with marijuana at the airport, you could be arrested on site. TSA agents may be more concerned with terrorism and large-scale drug trafficking. However, marijuana possession is still a federal crime, according to LawInfo.org. Sorry, Mississippi residents. Looks like youll have to turn away the gift of weed this year. Which 3 Christmas movies were filmed in Mississippi? Weve made the list & checked it twice MS parents should watch out for THC products mistaken for childrens snacks, FDA warns Where do snakes go when it gets cold outside in the South? Heres what the experts say What are your reactions to this story? Let us know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com Just a week into his second term as Kentucky governor, Andy Beshear says only one political job matters to him: The one he now has. Since winning re-election over Republican challenger Attorney General Daniel Cameron last month by 5 percentage points, Beshear has generated significant buzz in national political circles, both as a potential candidate for future office and the architect of a victorious election strategy that could be replicated elsewhere, including the race for the White House. Its OK with me if this is my last political job, the 46-year-old Beshear said Tuesday in an end-of-the-year interview with the Herald-Leader. Im at peace with that, if thats what its going to be. I just want to do my very best each and every day. Being governor is an incredible job. I love being governor because I love this state. My only plans right now are to do the very best I can for our people and to try to finish raising my kids the best I can. The Hill, a Washington, D.C.-based news and politics site, has declared Beshears profile has skyrocketed nationally, and Vanity Fair has reported President Joe Bidens campaign team is intrigued by the governors winning strategy in the GOP stronghold of Kentucky. Its a campaign blueprint that can be replicated nationally in 2024, the magazine reported. On Tuesday, Beshear did say he believes his win can be a road map for anybody who not only wants to get elected, but wants to get things done. People dont wake up in the morning and think about Democrat or Republican, or Trump or Biden, he said. They think about their job and the salary that they make. The roads that theyre driving. The school that theyre dropping their kids off. On their safety. And if we can focus on those things, theyre not red or blue. Theres an opportunity to truly show people that you care about them, about their biggest concerns and moving forward. Prior to his Nov. 7 victory, Beshear had committed to serving the full term. That would rule out a run for U.S. Senate in 2026 when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnells term runs out. Beshear reiterated that promise Tuesday, saying he doesnt know what comes next for him as a politician. Ill have two kids in college or going to college, and that will be one of my priorities, to make sure we can send them where they want to go, he said. Being governor is really special, and everybody always thinks, Whats next? Whats next? This is an incredible job, and its one where you can do so much, so I dont have any future political plans. I did this job because I thought that I could help, and I thought we needed a change from the example that was set by my predecessor, Beshear said of Matt Bevin, the controversial Republican governor Beshear defeated in 2019. Beshear said he will look for opportunities to help in races elsewhere, like in North Carolina where Democratic Attorney General John Stein is running for governor in 2024. Stein and Beshear were attorneys general of their states at the same time, as Beshear was Kentuckys attorney general prior to becoming governor. If I can help individuals like that, then good. That helps the people of North Carolina, Beshear said. But most all, my attention is right here. Kentuckys dramatically different reputation Compared to where it stood four years ago, Beshear sees the perception of Kentucky transforming on the national stage. Its now one of an economic up-and-comer, or an economic leader. Beshear cites economic development projects, such as the BlueOval SK battery park in Glendale and Nucor Steel mill in Brandenburg, as some of the exciting things driving that image. Right now, were one of the first places that businesses look, especially in emerging industries, Beshear said. Beshear, who has routinely drawn the ire of legislators in the Republican-controlled House and Senate, insists theres enough credit to go around. It certainly starts with an economy that is booming, with us winning some of the biggest projects, well, in the history of the United States, and then us being able to do big things as a state, he said. Kentucky is no longer a flyover state that can be ignored, the governor insisted. Were going to be the destination, and its pretty exciting, he said. This is where Im from. This is where I grew up. I love Kentucky, and to see the rest of the country talking about us in such a positive way, it makes me proud, not just as a governor, but as a Kentuckian. It also makes it more likely that my kids, and other peoples kids, choose to call this home in the future. But Beshear also cautioned that good business policy relates to more than just the tax code. I believe if you want to be a business friendly state, you have to be welcoming and accepting, he said. If we are going to claim that were business friendly, its not just tax policy. Its how we present ourselves to a CEO that might be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Following the 2023 legislative session, national LGBTQ groups deemed Kentuckys Senate Bill 150 among the worst and most extreme anti-transgender bills in the country. Heading into the 2024 General Assembly, some lawmakers have indicated their opposition to diversity and inclusion initiatives on college campuses a hugely controversial target of laws in other states, like Florida. When we look at all those pieces of legislation, we absolutely have to look at what type of economic impact that they could have, Beshear said. Also, Id like for us to be more of a leader in terms of kindness. You dont have to agree with someone to be kind to them, to be empathetic, to say, This piece of legislation is going to hurt people. Whether or not, again, you agree or disagree, knowing that somebody else is going to feel pain because of something you pass, thats something we ought to taken in consideration. I believe that were not supposed to do mean things. Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday approved spending $19 million to conserve rural land used for cattle, while also expanding a list of agricultural properties the state could help shield from residential or commercial development. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Meeting briefly by phone, DeSantis and the Cabinet approved a new ranking list of 258 farms, ranches, and forests that could be preserved through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Thats 178 new projects just applied for this year and 80 that have rolled over from the previous cycle, Department Rural and Family Lands Director Sue Mullins said. Mullins and other state staff members were listening in the Capitols Cabinet meeting room while DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and Attorney General Ashley Moody met for about 20 minutes by phone. Conservation easements allow farmers and ranchers to continue operations with the promise that their land wont be developed. The state pays property owners for the easements. DeSantis and the Cabinet approved three conservation-easement deals, with one under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and two under the states Florida Forever program. The largest deal involves the state paying $8.195 million for an easement on 2,101.5 acres of Syfrett Ranch in Highlands and Glades counties. That deal is under the Rural and Family Lands Protection program. The property is in the Lake Okeechobee watershed and the planned Florida Wildlife Corridor. RELATED: Gov. DeSantis, Cabinet back $141 million deal to preserve land from panhandle to Southwest Florida DeSantis and the Cabinet also agreed to pay $5.243 million for an easement on 1,425.5 acres of cattle-ranch land from Ferguson-House Farms, Inc. in Hendry County. Another $5.586 million was approved for an easement covering 1,531 acres of 4Ls Ranch LLC property in west-central DeSoto County. In support of the 4Ls Ranch deal, the Florida Conservation Group said the easement would provide benefits such as preserving drinking water supplies and promoting agriculture and tourism through connections to the Florida Wildlife Corridor. DeSantis and the Cabinet also approved the new priority list for the Rural and Family Lands Protection program, topped by a 12,098-acre parcel owned by Trailhead Blue Springs LLC in Levy County. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Second is 12,000 acres owned by Anderson Land & Timber Company in Dixie County. Third is 8,665 acres in Jefferson County owned by Pines of Avalon LLC and Avalon Plantation LLC. The Rural and Family Lands program continues to use money held over from the 2022-2023 budget. DeSantis vetoed funding for the program in this years budget but has proposed spending $100 million on it during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Simpson is seeking $300 million for the program. These rural land protection easements strengthen our food security through the protection of prime agricultural land, keep the protected property on the local tax rolls and require every property owner to maintain the land and its natural resources according to state standards, Simpson said in a prepared statement after Tuesdays meeting. DeSantis has also pitched $100 million for the Florida Forever program in his 2024-2025 budget recommendations. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Sometimes, in their unguarded moments, our political leaders tell us more than they really intend to say. That may have been the case last week, when Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared on a CNN town hall meeting broadcast from the campus of Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. DeSantis spent most of the hourlong program fielding questions from Iowans and moderator Jake Tapper on predictable topics like the economy, foreign policy, immigration, Social Security, Medicaid expansion and energy policy. Tapper's last question seemed to catch DeSantis a bit off guard, though. The moderator asked DeSantis to name his "favorite Democratic official in Florida." The governor hemmed and hawed for a couple of moments, saying he didn't want to get himself into trouble by leaving a Democratic ally out of his answer. Then, after mentioning his appointment of Greg Tony as Broward County sheriff, DeSantis alluded to someone whose name, and abrupt departure from political life, have been a topic of much discussion on the Treasure Coast lately. "We actually just had a sheriff, who was a Democrat, from St. Lucie County who we worked very closely with," DeSantis said. Although DeSantis didn't say his name out loud, that could only be one person: Ken Mascara. Run that by us again, please, Ron Mascara, a Democrat, caught the community off guard Dec. 1 when he abruptly resigned from the post he held for two decades, citing health reasons. DeSantis announced Keith Pearson, a lieutenant well down the sheriff's office's organizational flowchart, as Mascara's interim replacement within an hour of Mascara's bombshell. Less than 72 hours after professing that DeSantis' appointment took him by surprise, Pearson had filed qualifying paperwork to run for the permanent position, which is on next year's ballot. Pearson is running as a Republican, so the only Democratic sheriff from St. Lucie County DeSantis could have been talking about was Mascara. DeSantis said he "just had" occasion to work closely with him. But according to the narrative about the sheriff's office transition Pearson's supporters have been pushing, Mascara has been seeking treatment out of state for a serious illness. So when did this alleged "working together" occur? Messages I left with Mascara, the governor's office and DeSantis campaign headquarters haven't been answered. How recently were Mascara and DeSantis collaborating? Florida Sen. Erin Grall, R-Fort Pierce, (center left, in white) looks over the right shoulder of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis as he signs Senate Bill 300, also called the Heartbeat Protection Act, into law Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Tallahassee. The controversial legislation forbids the abortion of a fetus older than 6 weeks. One of two things is likely to happen if people start asking questions about the town hall meeting remark. Either DeSantis and his minions will clam up entirely, or else they'll get into Mr. Peabody's Wayback Machine and name some time in the past when DeSantis happened to be in our area, maybe following a hurricane or other natural disaster, when the governor could plausibly say he and Mascara were "working together." Common sense, and a reading of the circumstances when DeSantis made the comment, suggest the governor wasn't talking about a long-ago collaboration. It seems a lot more plausible he was talking about some type of political arrangement with Mascara. His response to that question didn't draw much attention from the national media. Some Florida journalists highlighted his decision to mention Tony, who was a controversial selection three years ago. Tony, as a teenager in Philadelphia, had killed a man, then was accused of covering the incident up while he pursued a career in law enforcement, according to various media reports. At one point during that controversy, the governor tried to distance himself from Tony. Its not like hes my sheriff, DeSantis told reporters in 2020. I didnt even know the guy. It was not like he was a political ally of mine. Politics makes strange bedfellows, but really? St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara in 2023 Three years later, it would seem DeSantis does consider Tony a political ally, since his name was the first Democrat that sprung to the governor's mind. Mascara, although unnamed, was the second. At some point during the presidential campaign, one or more of DeSantis' foes may start asking questions about the peculiar nature of Mascara's replacement. A presidential opponent or surrogate might note some irony in the circumstances under which DeSantis said what he said. Maybe it'll be Donald Trump, whom DeSantis accused of being unpredictable in his unscripted comments. ("When he gets off the teleprompter, you don't know what he's going to say," DeSantis told the Iowa crowd.) Maybe it'll be Nikki Haley, whom DeSantis accused of working in league with Democrats. ("She's getting funded by liberal Democrats from California, like the founder of LinkedIn," DeSantis said.) Coverup could be a career killer BLAKE FONTENAY Even if the remark escapes scrutiny on the presidential campaign trail, it's bound to come up, again and again, as Pearson runs against several challengers in the Republican primary for sheriff. Remember, in Watergate, it wasn't the burglary of the Democratic headquarters that ruined President Richard Nixon's political career. It was the steady drip-drip-drip of scandalous revelations about the coverup that eventually led to his resignation. As long as Pearson is a candidate for the full-time job, questions are going to be asked about how he gained the advantage of pseudo-incumbency that comes with being interim sheriff. Unless he and his allies come up with better answers than they've given to date, Pearson's tenure as sheriff may be shorter than Nixon's was as president. This column reflects the opinion of Blake Fontenay. Contact him via email at blake.fontenay@tcpalm.com or at 772-232-5424. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Did DeSantis let the cat out of the bag regarding Mascara transition? On Monday Gov. Greg Abbott signed three border-related bills into law, including one that makes illegally crossing the Texas-Mexico border a state crime. Credit: Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribune Gov. Greg Abbott traveled to the Rio Grande Valley on Monday to sign into law three bills that pour more money into his three-year effort to deter illegal immigration at the Texas-Mexico border and give Texas law enforcement authority to arrest undocumented immigrants anywhere in the state. Senate Bill 3 earmarks $1.54 billion in state money to continue construction of barriers along the 1,200-mile border, and allows the state to spend up to $40 million for state troopers to patrol Colony Ridge, a housing development near Houston that far-right publications claim is a magnet for undocumented immigrants. The money would be added to at least $1.5 billion in contracts the state has issued since September 2021 to build about 40 miles of border barrier. As of August, Texas had erected 16 miles of steel bollard barriers in Starr, Cameron, Val Verde and Webb counties. Senate Bill 4 creates a state crime for illegally crossing the border from Mexico a new law that is likely to force a legal showdown with the federal government. Another Senate Bill 4 this one passed by lawmakers during the third special session earlier this year would increase the minimum sentence from two years to 10 years for smuggling immigrants or operating a stash house. The laws funding the border barrier and making crossing illegally a state crime go into effect in early March. The human smuggling law goes into effect in early February. Abbott, who was in Brownsville on Monday to sign the bills, said Texas needs to defend itself from drug cartels, blaming the Democratic President Joe Biden administrations immigration policies. Bidens deliberate inaction has left Texas to fend for itself, Abbott said. Immigrant rights organizations, Democrats and former immigration judges said the SB 4 that makes illegally crossing the border a state crime is unconstitutional because immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. Federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have ruled that immigration laws can only be enforced by the federal government. But some Texas Republicans have said they hope the new law will push the issue back before a U.S. Supreme Court that is more conservative since three appointees of former President Donald Trump joined it. The law would make it a state crime to cross the Texas-Mexico border between ports of entry. The new crime is a Class B misdemeanor carrying a punishment of up to six months in jail. Repeat offenders could face a second-degree felony with a punishment of two to 20 years in prison. The law allows a judge to drop the charges if a migrant agrees to return to Mexico. These measures not only threaten the safety and dignity of asylum seekers, but also risk undermining the foundational principles of our legal system, said Krish OMara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, a national organization that helps refugees settle in the U.S. Immigration is clearly a federal authority, and this legislation knowingly dances on the edge of constitutional cliffs at the expense of vulnerable children and families. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, sent a letter, signed by other Democratic members of Congress, asking the U.S. Department of Justice to sue Texas to stop the law from taking effect. We urge you to assert your authority over federal immigration and foreign policy and pursue legal action, as appropriate, to stop this unconstitutional and dangerous legislation from going into effect, the letter says. In another statement, 30 former immigration judges appointed by both Republican and Democratic administrations said the bill is unconstitutional. The proposed Texas legislation, which would allow a state court magistrate judge to issue a removal order, is not lawful. Immigration is plainly a federal function, the statement says. State legislators cannot enact immigration laws for the same reasons that the United States Congress cannot enact Texas state legislation. State magistrate judges cannot conduct immigration proceedings for the same reason that federal Immigration Judges cannot adjudicate Texas state criminal cases. Under the new law, migrants who decline to return immediately to Mexico would serve their sentence, then be transported by police to a port of entry and they could face a felony charge for refusing to return to Mexico at that point. The new law faces a potential roadblock if the Mexican government refuses to accept certain migrants when theyre deported. Professors and a former Mexican immigration official have said Mexico is under no obligation to accept non-Mexican immigrants deported by Texas. When asked what Texas would do if Mexico does not accept migrants deported by the state, Abbott said at the news conference: Were going to send them right back to Mexico. The new law prohibits police from arresting migrants in public or private schools; churches and other places of worship; health care facilities; and facilities that provide forensic medical examinations to sexual assault survivors. The bill doesnt prohibit arrests on college or university campuses. Texas isnt the first state to empower its police to pursue undocumented immigrants. In 2010, Arizona lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1070, which made it a state crime for legal immigrants not to carry their immigration papers and required police to investigate the immigration status of any person they come into contact with. In a landmark 2012 case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that local police didnt have the authority to arrest someone solely based on their immigration status and said that responsibility falls to the federal government. Gov. Hochul is expected to sign legislation creating a commission for the study of reparations in New York, according to the bills sponsors. The Tuesday move would come six months after state lawmakers passed the bill and three years after California became the first state to create a reparations task force. The New York bill calls for a nine-member commission that would study the effects of slavery in New York and make non-binding recommendations on reparations. Three members would be appointed by the governor, three by the Assembly and three by the Senate. Slavery was legal in New York State for two centuries and racial wealth gaps persist. Statewide, Black workers make about 74 cents for every dollar earned by white workers, according to federal Labor Department data. Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, the bills sponsor in her chamber, said she expected Hochul to sign the legislation without any amendments. Im really appreciative of the governor and the Legislature for taking this moment to acknowledge that we need to have a conversation around reparations, Solages told the Daily News on Monday. Tomorrows a historic moment where we can finally come together and realize that when we lift up one New Yorker, we lift up all New Yorkers, the Long Island Dem added. Sen. James Sanders, the Queens Democrat who sponsored the bill in his chamber, said in a brief phone call that he had every faith that Hochul would sign the bill on Tuesday. The ceremony is expected to be held in Manhattan. A majority of Americans oppose reparations for the descendants of slaves, according to polling. In a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 77% of Black voters supported reparations, and 80% of white voters opposed them. But the plan for a commission to study reparations had broad support in the Legislature. The bill passed 41-21 in the Senate and 106-41 in the Assembly. Americas original sin must be resolved, Sanders told The News in June. He said he had faith that the children of Samuel Adams, the children of Tom Paine can meet with the children of Martin Luther King and the children of Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman and make sure that we move the American experiment forward. Michael Gove said he hoped Michelle Mone will have a case brought against her - SOFI ADAMS/SOFI ADAMS Michael Gove has said he is cooperating with the National Crime Agency inquiry into Baroness Mone and that he hopes a case is brought against her. The Levelling Up secretary revealed he has spoken to investigators about the scandal surrounding PPE Medpro, the medical firm linked to the peer. Ministers are suing the company, set up by her husband Doug Barrowman, for breach of contract over allegedly faulty gowns it provided during Covid. Lady Mone, dubbed the bra queen, who joined the Lords as a Tory, has admitted she may have benefited from the Government contracts that were awarded to her husbands firm. She has also acknowledged lying to the media over her association with the firm, but said she only did so to protect her family from press scrutiny. They needed massive quantities of PPE In an interview with the BBC this week, she named Mr Gove, who at that time headed up the Cabinet Office, as a minister she recommended the company to. She said that she did so following a call to arms for all lords, baronesses, MPs, senior civil servants, to help, because they needed massive quantities of PPE. I just said we can help, and we want to help. And he was like oh my goodness, this is amazing, Lady Mone recalled. She claimed the Government, including the Cabinet Office, and the NHS all knew about my involvement from the very beginning. Her spokesman told Sky News there were more than 1,000 pieces of correspondence between her and the Government on the issue, including messages to Mr Gove. Ministers are suing the company set up by Mone's husband Doug Barrowman for allegedly faulty gowns - SOFI ADAMS/SOFI ADAMS The peers remarks dragged the Levelling Up secretary into the scandal and sparked calls for him to be hauled before MPs and the Covid Inquiry to explain his involvement. Asked about his role on Tuesday, Mr Gove said: With respect to fairness, as Im sure you know, there is a National Crime Agency inquiry going on. Ive cooperated with that inquiry because I want to ensure that it reaches its conclusion quickly, that justice can be served. If there are further questions to ask about PPE procurement, and I believe the Government has a strong record, then Im more than happy to do so with the Covid Inquiry. He then added: I hope that inquiry results in a case being brought. Mr Gove also said it was his understanding that Lady Mone was neither a Tory peer nor a member of the party at present. The peer has taken a leave of absence from the Lords but her party affiliation is still listed as Conservative on the official Parliament website. Mone regretted lying about her involvement in the firm Lady Mone and her husband are being investigated by the NCA, the British version of the FBI, over allegations of suspected fraud and bribery. PPE Medpro was awarded contracts worth 200m during the pandemic through a VIP lane which fast-tracked bids by firms recommended by politicians. It was contracted to supply Personal Protective Equipment to the Government and NHS, including millions of face masks and sterile surgical gowns. Lady Mone initially denied holding any interest in the firm, insisting through her lawyers in 2020 that she had no role or function in it winning the contracts. But in her BBC interview on Sunday she admitted that she and her children do stand to benefit from around 60m of profits which are held in a trust. She said that she regretted lying about her involvement, but added: I dont honestly see there is a case to answer. I cant see what we have done wrong. Lady Mone has said that she and her husband are being made scapegoats for the Governments wider failings over the procurement of PPE. The Department of Health is suing PPE Medpro over the provision of what it says were faulty gowns that could not be used by the NHS. It is seeking 122m the value of the order plus costs for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. Lady Mone said on Tuesday she had admitted my mistakes and that Mr Gove and Sir Chris Wormald, the Department of Healths top civil servant, also need to be held to account, not least for the vast waste in PPE that they oversaw. Former health minister: You did not declare your financial interests She also hit out at Lord Bethell, a health minister at the time of Covid, after he accused her of failing to be honest with him about her links to PPE Medpro. The Tory peer published a text message apparently from Lady Mone in which she said that the team from PPE Medpro had asked for the UKs criteria for Covid testing kits. He said: She didnt explain from the very beginning about her financial involvement. It wasnt in her Register of Interests, as youd expect it. She accused Lord Bethell of having mysteriously discovered access to messages that he told the Covid Inquiry were lost when his phone was replaced in 2021. He denied the suggestion he had lied about losing his messages, replying to her: No, this is not true. I have set out what messages I do and dont have. I have sent this message and all other relevant messages to the NCA. This message shows that you did not declare your financial interests in this company. 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. Michael Gove is considering ways to overrule Sadiq Khans decision to block the sending of cars that will be scrapped under the Ulez scheme to Ukraine, The Telegraph understands. Mr Khan, the London Mayor, has claimed Ulez non-compliant 4x4s cannot be sent to Ukraine because they do not meet the legal threshold that requires the scrappage scheme to benefit Londoners from an economic, social and environmental perspective. However, Mr Gove, the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary, is looking at ways the vehicles could be donated to Ukraine and whether the section of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 cited by Mr Khan can be overruled. Grants Shapps, the Defence Secretary, is also exploring ways that could be achieved. He said in a speech at Lancaster House on Monday: I am working with colleagues in Government to secure the transfer of roadworthy vehicles from London, that were due to be scrapped under the Ulez scheme, to Kyiv to help in the war effort. A source close to Mr Shapps told The Telegraph: Grant is genuinely angry that Khan is hiding behind a technicality. He should be doing everything he can, like the British Government is, to support Ukraines fight against Putin. Meanwhile, a Conservative Party source accused Mr Khan of applying sketchy legal arguments to block the cars move, which was initially proposed by Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv. Sadiq Khan has been caught out and is resorting his old tricks as a former lawyer, throwing around sketchy legal arguments to dig himself out of a hole, the source told The Telegraph. The GLA Act does not prohibit the scrappage scheme from allowing people to donate vehicles to Ukraine, so long as the schemes main purpose is to deliver social, economic or environmental improvements in London. This embedded content is not available in your region. Last week The Telegraph obtained a letter from Mr Khan to Mr Klitschko, in which he said that he would not allow the vehicles to be sent to Ukraine. In March 2023, RAC research suggested that nearly 700,000 cars registered in Greater London were Ulez non-compliant, which prompted Mr Klitschko to make enquiries to his counterpart in September. He asked whether some of those vehicles could be donated to Ukraine, where they would be painted with camouflage, fitted with machine-gun or rocket launchers, and used on the front line. He said the move would have enormous potential and be used in a variety of life-saving and transport roles. A spokesman for Mr Khan said: Sadiq is calling on the Government to temporarily alter the national regulations for the certificate of destruction, which is required as proof that a vehicle has been permanently scrapped, to enable the export of suitable vehicles to the Ukraine via a registered charity or national scheme. Officials are already in discussions, and we are optimistic the Government will listen to our pleas to enable Londoners to receive money for taking polluting vehicles off Londons streets while helping the people of Ukraine. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Michael Gove will clamp down on council planning departments whose delays are holding up house-building - Aaron Chown/PA Michael Gove will on Tuesday vow to promote house-building without concreting over the countryside, saying councils will not have to build on the green belt to meet targets. Mr Gove, the Housing Secretary will say that town halls will not need to set aside protected countryside to meet future population growth as previous guidelines had suggested. He will also clamp down on council planning departments whose delays are holding up house-building in their area, pledging in a speech in central London to intervene if town halls do not act quickly enough. A source at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: We have been clear that the Government is on the side of the builders and not the blockers councils must play their part and deliver the homes this country needs without concreting over the countryside. The Housing Secretary has already told councils that they need to step up, and we are providing a lot of support to help them do so so those that continue to drag their feet can expect to face Government intervention. Mr Gove will make it clear that, under proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, there will be no review of existing green belt boundaries. At present, local authorities have to set aside land to meet expected future population growth, even if that land is in the green belt. New rules will allow authorities to reduce the number of homes they build to ensure they do not impinge on protected land. They state: Through a change to the Frameworks chapter on protecting Green Belt land, we propose to make clear that local planning authorities are not required to review and alter Green Belt boundaries if this would be the only way of meeting need in full (although authorities would still have the ability to review and alter Green Belt boundaries if they wish, if they can demonstrate that exceptional circumstances exist). In a similar change, local authorities will be able to reduce the number of houses to be built if development would significantly alter the character of their areas. This change recognises the importance of being able to plan for growth in a way which recognises places distinctive characters and delivers attractive environments which have local support, the Government said. Councils will also be given an exemption from building on prime agricultural land. While the changes will delight Tory housing rebels, who last year forced Rishi Sunak into dropping mandatory house-building targets for local areas, developers said the change would be disastrous. To counter claims that he has given in to Nimbys, Mr Gove will also tell councils to speed up publishing their local plans, something that was slowing down development. A government source said he would criticise these local authorities and that, where expectations for the planning system were not met, he would intervene. The source said this would help the government deliver its target to build one million homes over this Parliament. Other changes are designed to hold developers to account and cut bureaucracy, and Mr Gove is also expected to announce a series of measures to boost planning performance across the system. This builds on the 42.5 million already announced by the Department for Levelling Up to tackle planning backlogs and speed up decision-making. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Two Grand Rapids firefighters are being credited for finding a case of human trafficking while attending a conference in Traverse City. Battalion Chief Ed Brayman and Equipment Operator Nate Bazen were at an EMS instructor conference in March when they saw a woman who needed their help. It was much like today. Kind of cold, snowy out and she had a very light jacket, spring jacket on. Kind of in the corner of the front entrance of the hotel. Duct tape on her shoes, Bazen said. They did not immediately suspect human trafficking but quickly came to that conclusion after speaking with the woman, who was hesitant to talk. We just let her know that we were Grand Rapids firefighters, that she didnt have anything to worry about, that if somebody needed help, were there to help, Brayman said. The firefighters were on their way to dinner. They immediately sensed something was off. We just stopped and asked if everything was OK and if we could help, Bazen said. She started crying and after a little bit more talking she let on that she had been upstairs with another individual and he was refusing to take her home, refusing to help her. She didnt have a phone, didnt have a way to get home. They contacted the police department, which sent an officer to investigate. As we asked more questions, we got more information that didnt get better. The more we heard the worse the scenario was getting probably got to a point where didnt really ask very many questions anymore because it wasnt going to help the situation, Brayman said. Firefighters are trained to recognize human trafficking, and they say years of experience of working as a first responder was crucial. Its also just stopping to check on people. Thats what we do. We dont have it in us just to walk by somebody thats down, Brayman said. The two Grand Rapids firefighters say it is all part of what they sign up for, a commitment to help people in need. We try and help. Thats our job, thats our life, thats what weve taken on. Were here for other people, Brayman said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A man admitted to using the internet to advertise a minor for sex and then arranging sex dates, according to federal attorneys. Torey Franklin, 29, of Grand Rapids, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a child. He was charged in August with federal child exploitation and human trafficking crimes. GR man accused of sex trafficking a minor in Kent Co. He admitted that during the spring and summer of 2022, he advertised a minor for sex to online customers. He would also negotiate prices and sexual acts. Then, he would take the minor to several locations for sex dates he arranged and get paid through a money-sharing app, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. He will face anywhere from ten years to life in prison at sentencing, attorneys said. Franklin was arrested because of Operation Cross Country, which is a coordinated group of FBI, other federal agencies, state and local police, and social services agencies nationwide to find and help victims of human trafficking. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Members of the Veterans 1st of NEW board of directors are, from left, Rick Giesler, Gail Nohr, Kim Nohr, and Jeff Reince. The agency is planning on building tiny homes for veterans in northeastern Wisconsin. GREEN BAY The Green Bay area is about to get its own veterans village to help local veterans get back on their feet. The project has been in the works for two years and it is expected to get the go ahead this week. The Brown County Board will vote to approve the land for the homes Wednesday night. The idea came to Gail Nohr, a U.S. Navy veteran herself, after she visited the veteran tiny home village in Racine. Nohr worked at the Brown County Veterans' Services Office for six years and would get calls from veterans every day who were about to lose their homes or couldn't find an affordable place to live, she said during an announcement Monday morning. With a degree in substance abuse counseling and having also worked as a counselor at a veterans shelter, she understood the struggles veterans face. So, she decided to work with her husband, Kim, to create transitional homes for veterans in the Green Bay area. "We want to give them the resources to get them back on their feet," Nohr said. Brown County is donating 3.5 acres of land on the city's east side to make Nohr's dream become reality, saving about $2.5 million, she said. The vacant site is across from Veterans Manor on St. Anthony Drive, near the Milo C. Huempfner Veterans Administration Health Center and served by public transportation. The 3.5 acres is part of the approximate 33 acres of the the former Brown County Mental Health Center site at 2890 St. Anthony Drive. The village, created by the Nohrs' nonprofit Veterans 1st of Northeast Wisconsin, will be made up of 21 homes that will house up to 25 veterans. The homes will be 400 or 600 square feet and will include some transitional homes, where veterans can live for free and then pay 30% of their income when they get a job. The nonprofit hopes to hopes to start construction in the spring and open seven homes by October 2024. Construction of the entire village is set to finish by 2025. Nationwide, more than 33,000 veterans are homeless, according to the most recent data from the Point-in-Time Count by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. About 80 in the Green Bay area are homeless, Nohr said. Four people are already on the waitlist for the homes in the veterans village. The goal of the village is to get the veterans back in the community within five years, Nohr said. The transitional living will be a two-year program and the affordable homes will be for three years. "We want to give them the resources to get them back on their feet," Nohr said. The village will include a community center that will offer mental health and substance abuse counseling, job training, apprenticeships, and mentorships. If there is a need for more homes, the county may provide more acres of land down the line, Streckenbach said. "Having a safe home to for someone start their journey in recovery is the first step," said Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach. To approve the land donation, 17 members of the County Board will need to vote "yes" Wednesday night. Veterans 1st of Northeast Wisconsin is accepting applications for veterans to get on the waitlist for a home. Applications can be found online at veterans1stnew.com. Veterans looking to become a mentor can also sign up online. More: Veterans find community, resources at Wisconsin Veterans Village in Appleton This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay could get a veterans village to provide community, resources for veterans Women for America First, a group formed to support former President Donald Trump, lied on a permit for the protest held at the Ellipse near the White House on January 6, 2021, a report from the inspector general with the Interior Department found. According to the report, WFAF intentionally failed to disclose information regarding a march to the US Capitol when the group applied for a permit with the National Park Service to demonstrate on the Ellipse. In preparation for WFAFs demonstration at the Ellipse, the NPS coordinated with WFAF on logistics, required documentation, and security. Throughout the permitting process, the NPS asked WFAF if it planned to march after the demonstration, and WFAF repeatedly stated it did not, the IG report said. On January 1, 2021, NPS issued a permit to WFAF to hold a rally at the Ellipse. The permit did not authorize a march to the Capitol. Despite this, WFAF sent an email message to supporters saying, President Trump has drawn a line in the sand to save our republic. The showdown will be in Washington, DC on January 6th and the march for Trump is rallying all patriots from sea to shining sea. CNN has reached out to the NPS for comment. The report also revealed a text message written from a White House liaison to WFAF saying, POTUS expectations are intimate and then send everyone over to the Capitol. The Interior Department provided a text message sent from a WFAF representative to a potential speaker, previously revealed by the January 6 committee, further indicating the pro-Trump group intended to march to the Capitol. This stays only between us, we are having a second stage at the Supreme Court again after the ellipse. POTUS is going to have us march there/the Capitol, the text message stated. The Justice Department declined to prosecute WFAF for its failure to disclose the information of a post-demonstration march to the NPS, according to the IG report. CNN previously reported WFAF also held rallies in Freedom Plaza in November and December of 2020, as well as two March for Trump bus tours that went nationwide seeking to generate interest in the organizations Washington rallies. CNNs Holmes Lybrand contributed to report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The death of a man found in Grand Rapids Saturday has been ruled a homicide, police say. Around 10:40 a.m. Saturday, police were called to the scene at Roosevelt Park, located at 1340 Godfrey Ave. SW near Chicago Drive, where the body of a man had been found by Plaster Creek, the Grand Rapids Police Department said. Police at the time said it was a suspicious death. In a Tuesday update, GRPD said the Kent County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide following an autopsy. Police have identified him 26-year-old Pacifique Uwimana. This embedded content is not available in your region. Anyone with information should contact GRPD detectives at 616.456.3380 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345 or silentobserver.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Grand Rapids Public Schools is moving forward with its Reimagine! GRPS with Us facilities plan. Part of the plan calls for the closure of several academic buildings as the district responds to declining enrollment. The GRPS Board unanimously approved the districts facilities recommendations on Monday night, after community feedback sessions over the last month. GRPS changes upgrade plan after community feedback No one has promised that this is going to be an easy decision but were about uplifting whats good for the community overall and that requires sometimes that were going to have some tough choices, said Dr. Leadriane Roby, GRPS superintendent. What was approved includes the closure of 10 academic buildings over the next five years as leaders look at right-sizing the district. GRPS currently has the space for 27,000 students despite enrollment being around 14,000. Its a purposeful plan around how do we do whats best for our community, how do we do whats best for our scholars, and our staff? Roby said. By closing 10 buildings and moving students to other nearby schools, the district is expected to save around $63 million in deferred maintenance costs. Roby said the plan will also allow GRPS to improve the learning experience for students. Our young people are saying, We need to have licensed teachers, we need to have strong programming within our schools. If you have it in one school and dont have it in another, it becomes an equity issue and we are really trying to address that, Roby said. Before the vote was taken, some community members pushed back on the school closure plan. Id like to see a believable plan where people have a reasonable way to bus or bike or walk to school and I know were going to have to make hard decisions but I believe this deserves more time and consideration, said Marta Johnson, a parent with two students at Grand Rapids Montessori Academy. GRPS wants community feedback for upgrade plan One parent said she was concerned specifically about the planned closure of Palmer Elementary and Aberdeen Academy. In an original plan released last month, in 2027, GRPS planned to move students from then-closed Palmer Elementary and Aberdeen Academy to the current site being used by North Park Montessori, which would be renovated. After community members spoke out, recommendations were changed to a new or significantly renovated neighborhood elementary school on the Northeast side, but did not say exactly where. Many families are now considering where to send their children in the fall. Learning that two of the traditional elementary school options will be closing with no replacement in place, I know many families personally that are currently looking outside of GRPS, said Hannah Werth, a parent with a child at Palmer Elementary. Some support for the plan was also shown during Mondays school board meeting. I believe this plan addresses historic disinvestment in what we might call the southeast and southwest quadrants of our district that have been long overdue, said Eric Brown, president and CEO of Urban League of West Michigan. Roby said that the vote doesnt mark the end of the facilities process and the district will continue to address concerns. GRPS plans to close schools amid low enrollment How do we continue to grow from this? And continue to go back to our community, weve done this for the last two and a half years, Roby said. The first two schools that are slated for closure are Stocking and East Leonard Elementary and thats expected to occur next year. List of ten schools approved for closure: Aberdeen Academy Brookside Elementary East Leonard Elementary Fountain (Current Grand Rapids Montessori Academy) Jefferson (Current Southeast Career Pathways) Palmer Elementary Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy Stocking Elementary Wellerwood (Current North Park Early Childhood Center) Westwood Middle School For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. There are powerful, combined opportunities between the state and tribes that would benefit Oklahomans, a guest columnist says. Oklahoma is Native America. Oklahomas economic success depends on state, business and tribal partnerships. Period. Our culture is blended. This gives us strength through our diverse story and progressive tribal partnerships in competing with larger states for economic growth. Oklahomas 2024 budget is projected to be over $13 billion. The economic impact of Oklahomas tribes is over $16 billion. The combined operating budgets of the Chickasaw and Cherokee is over $6 billion alone. Tribal governments are the equivalent of multiple Fortune 1,000 companies and economic engines within Oklahomas economy. Their impact is critical for the growth and sustainment of rural Oklahoma. They have large health care systems, educational investment and infrastructure development that brings new enterprises to Oklahoma. Annually, they employ over 50,000 Oklahomans and pay over $2.5 billion in wages. It is hard to understand why our governor continues to attack the tribes and refuses to acknowledge their significance to Oklahoma. Why not accept the powerful, combined opportunities between the state and tribes that would benefit Oklahomans? The current adversarial, antagonistic policy is detrimental to our growth. Oklahoma is a small state. We have a total population of about 4 million. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex alone has double this population. We need every advantage to compete for new jobs and business investment nationally, and our tribal heritage is a key to this. We are powerful together and weaker divided. Businesses need labor options, our workforce development is lagging and we have a 15% shortfall. Tribal governments invest in education, job development, health and welfare all essential components of a growing workforce. We are falling short in the number of available college educated employees the key to advanced research, IT, health care, aerospace and energy jobs. We need all the collective economic power we can muster. According to a WalletHub report, Oklahoma ranks 11th among states with the most financial distress. According to the U.S. Census, we rank among the top 10 poorest states in the United States, and CNBC has us 41st among top states for business. Despite rhetoric, we are top 10 ... we are, just in the wrong categories. For ourselves, our children and our future as Oklahomans, we cannot overlook the significance of the role of Native Americans in our history, culture, society and, now, economy. The stories of Indian Country are collectively powerful, poignant, tragic and courageous. They are stories of survival in the greatest sense of that word. In a mere 100 years, Oklahomas tribes have re-emerged as powerful economic and cultural leaders, willing to work together with the state despite the checkered history of abuse and disrespect. They are ready to move beyond our past to a more united and progressive Oklahoma. They are true to their Native cultures but also consider themselves Oklahomans and, importantly, neighbors. Oklahoma's story, if positively developed, has power for economic growth and our states image. We must embrace it. Consider the impact of First Americans Museum in OKC and tribal investments in communities statewide. Together, achieving top 10 status in the right categories. We must insist our governor and state government move into the 21st century. There can be no turning back on progress. We can set a national example of partnership, inclusion, acceptance and working together for the common good. Phil G. Busey Sr. Phil G. Busey Sr. is chairman and CEO of DRG and The Busey Group of Cos. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tribal economies are essential to Oklahomas economic success A super PAC backing former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley fired back at former President Trump in a new 30-second ad buy released in New Hampshire on Tuesday. Stand for America (SFA) released its ad attacking the former president the same day the Make American Great Again (MAGA) Inc. super PAC released its own video taking aim at Haley. The ad supporting Haley suggested that Trump is attacking the former South Carolina governor because she is the only threat to him securing the GOP nomination. Of all the Republicans running for president, why is Donald Trump only attacking Nikki Haley? Because Trump knows Haleys the only one who can beat him, the narrator in the SFA ad stated. As governor, Nikki Haley cut taxes for small businesses by 40%. And now shes pledging to eliminate the federal gas tax. Want an 80-year-old name from the past or new generation of conservative leadership? MAGA Inc., Trumps primary supporting PAC, launched its ad in New Hampshire earlier Tuesday slamming Haley for walking back a 2013 South Carolina gubernatorial promise to not raise the gas tax. Her campaign has since denied that she was ever in support of raising the gas tax while governor. Haley took the MAGA Inc. ad as a positive sign for her campaign in a Tuesday post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Two days ago, Donald Trump denied our surge in New Hampshire existed. Now, hes running a negative ad against me, she said on X. Someones getting nervous. In recent weeks, Haley has surged in New Hampshire to surpass Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for second place in the GOP primary. A recent poll by CBS News/YouGov found that 29 percent of likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire say they would vote for the former South Carolina governor, putting her 15 points behind Trump, the front-runner to win the GOP nomination. According to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ average of polls, Haley has about 23 percent support in New Hampshire while Trump maintains a strong lead with 45 percent support. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sri Lankan navy arrests 14 Indian fishermen for illegal fishing Xinhua) 10:06, December 19, 2023 COLOMBO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's navy said Monday it has arrested 14 Indian fishermen on board a trawl boat over illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters off the Northern Province. The navy said in a statement it conducted a special operation to chase away Indian trawlers from Sri Lankan waters on Sunday, leading to the seizure of the Indian trawler. According to the navy, the northern naval command deployed its fast attack craft to chase away a cluster of Indian trawlers, after having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters on Sunday. The navy conducts regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices by foreign fishing trawlers, taking into account the impact of these practices on the livelihood of local fishermen and marine resources of the South Asian country, the statement said. The navy said it has caught 35 Indian trawlers and arrested 240 Indian fishermen over illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters this year. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and former President Trump have reached out to Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) about endorsing their presidential candidacies, The Hill has confirmed. A source familiar with the situation confirmed other outlets reports that both candidates have tried courting the former presidential contender and high-profile Senate Republican to throw his support behind them. Semafor first reported their attempts. The outlet reported that Haley called Scott on Friday to try to get his endorsement, while Trump had privately worked to get Scotts support. Scott struggled to gain traction in Republican primary polls for months before dropping out last month. Still, he was well-liked and viewed more positively than several of his competitors. But all the major candidates seem to have expressed interest in Scott since he left the race. Semafor reported that Haley, who is a former governor of South Carolina, texted Scott after he dropped out, and Trump and Scott have remained in touch. It also reported that former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has reached out about an endorsement, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has been in touch with the senator, although the context of that exchange is unclear. Scott has said that he does not plan to endorse any candidate anytime soon and certainly wont do so this year, if at all. The Hill has reached out to the Trump and Haley campaigns and Scott for comment. The efforts to gain Scotts support come as Haley has been surging in polls for the first-in-the-nation primary of New Hampshire. She received 29 percent support in a CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday, only 15 points behind Trump still a significant margin but much smaller than previously. Republican strategists said last week, before the poll was released, that New Hampshire presents an opportunity for Haley to build more momentum to try to challenge Trump for the nomination. Polling has also shown Haley in second place in her and Scotts home state of South Carolina, which will hold its primary about a month after New Hampshire. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Israel has claimed to have killed a prominent Hamas financier behind tens of millions of funding for the terror group. Subhi Ferwana was killed by a fighter jet in an airstrike in Rafah, the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) said in a joint statement. They added: Hamas military wing depends on these funds transferred to them via financiers and its capabilities are consequently diminished without them. The IDF and Shin Bet said Ferwana and his brother were involved in the transfer of tens of millions of dollars to Hamas. It comes as President Isaac Herzog announced Israel would be prepared for another foreign-mediated truce, should it lead to the exchange of hostages from Gaza. The Israeli President told a gathering of more than 80 ambassadors: Israel is ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid in order to enable the release of hostages. In response, a Hamas senior official rejected holding negotiations over a prisoner exchange but reiterated that the group was open to any initiative to end the war. Earlier in the day, Rishi Sunak told the House of Commons liaison committee that too many civilians are being killed due to Hamas embedding itself in civilian communities. The prime minister also warned Cabinet that malign actors are seeking to exploit the situation in the Middle East for their own ends, as Iran-backed Houthi rebels doubled down on attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea. 04:31 PM GMT That's all for today Thank you for following our coverage today. 04:18 PM GMT Today's headlines: The US defence secretary said the US will continue to arm Israel and condemned Houthi attacks on Red Sea tankers. Israeli forces raided the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza overnight and into Tuesday. UN officials voiced anger and disbelief about the situation in Gaza hospitals. The Red Cross president criticised moral failure of the international community. Rishi Sunak told the Commons too many civilians are dying due to Hamas embedding itself in civilian communities. Israel President Isaac Herzog announced Israel would be ready for another foreign-mediated truce in exchange of hostages, and blamed the UN for a lack of aid to Gaza. Foreign correspondents petitioned the Israel Supreme Court for Gaza access. 04:04 PM GMT Pictured: Children gather at a food donation point in the southern Gaza Strip Palestinians gather with pots, hopeful of receiving food in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip - Bashar Taleb/Zuma Press / eyevine A charitable organisation disseminates food to Palestinians in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip - Bashar Taleb/Zuma Press / eyevine 03:39 PM GMT Foreign correspondents petition Israel Supreme Court for Gaza access The Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem has filed a petition with the Israeli Supreme Court requesting international media access to the Gaza Strip. While Israeli and international reporters have entered Gaza with the Israeli military, the association has dismissed this as limited access for it does not permit access to where soldiers are not present. The FPA, which represents some 370 journalists from around 130 media outlets, said it had submitted multiple requests to the government for access but had not yet received a response. 03:16 PM GMT Rishi Sunak warns of malign actors in the Red Sea Updating Cabinet on the situation in the Red Sea, the prime minister said malign actors were seeking to exploit the situation in the Middle East for their own ends, such as Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacking commercial shipping in recent weeks. The attacks have led to several companies suspending passage through the area. Rishi Sunak said the UK has always stepped up to protect free trade and confirmed HMS Diamond and HMS Lancaster were in the region to provide necessary deterrence. Meanwhile, a Houthi official told Iranian Al-Alam TV that any country to move against Yemen would face its ships being targeted in the Red Sea. 03:04 PM GMT Pope Francis: A Christmas of pain and mourning for the Holy Land For the inhabitants of the Holy Land, a #Christmas of pain and mourning looms. We do not want to leave them alone. May we stand by them in prayer and tangible aid. The suffering of Bethlehem is an open wound for the Middle East and the entire world. Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 19, 2023 02:46 PM GMT Israel President blames UN for lack of aid to Gaza President Isaac Herzog has claimed the amount of humanitarian aid can be tripled instantaneously if inefficiencies are addressed by the United Nations. The Israeli President told more than 80 ambassadors: You can triple the amount of trucks easily if there was only an effort by the United Nations and its partners. The world has to know that you could have had tens of thousands of tons a day more going into Gaza. UN agencies are failing to keep up with Israels inspections of hundreds of trucks at the Nitzana Crossing each day, according to Mr Herzog. Pushing back against this assertion, the UN said that Israeli bombing was disrupting its ability to deliver aid, while the US has argued that a bottleneck had been created by Israels refusal to reopen the Kerem Shalom crossing. When this crossing was opened on Sunday, nearly 200 trucks of aid entered Gaza for the first time since the truce. 02:26 PM GMT Israel ready for another humanitarian pause in Gaza so hostages can be recovered, says Israel President President Isaac Herzog has announced that Israel would be prepared for another foreign-mediated truce, should it lead to the exchange of hostages from Gaza. The Israeli President told a gathering of more than 80 ambassadors: Israel is ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid in order to enable the release of hostages. And the responsibility lies fully with (Hamas leader Yahya) Sinwar and (other) Hamas leadership. He added: We are not fighting the residents of Gaza, they are not our enemies we are fighting Hamas, they are the enemy. Israels war is more just than ever. In response, a Hamas senior official rejected holding negotiations over a prisoner exchange but reiterated that the group was open to any initiative to end the war. 02:07 PM GMT Sunak tells Commons too many civilians are dying in Gaza Too many civilians are being killed due to Hamas embedding itself in civilian communities, Rishi Sunak told the UK House of Commons liaison committee. The prime minister told MPs: Too many civilians are dying, of course too many civilians are dying. That is different from saying humanitarian law has been broken. Every civilian dying is a tragedy. Asked who was responsible for the high loss of civilian life, Sunak said: There are two sides to this. Israel is trying to defend itself. If a terrorist organisation which is perpetrating these attacks is deliberately embedding itself inside civilian populations, then they have to accept responsibility for that. Israel, its right they should take every precaution to avoid harming civilians, but that will be very difficult if the precise organisation which has caused untold suffering for the Israeli people is hiding among civilians, knowingly doing so, knowingly putting them in harms way. Rishi Sunak attending the Parliamentary Liaison Committee hearing - AFP 01:59 PM GMT Red Cross president criticises moral failure of the international community The conflict in Gaza is a moral failure of the international community, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Tuesday. I have been speaking of moral failure because every day this continues is a day more where the international community hasnt proven capable of ending such high levels of suffering and this will have an impact on generations not only in Gaza, ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric told journalists in Geneva. The ICRC president also responded to commentary that the organisation is merely a taxi service for Israeli hostages, labelling the criticism as outrageous. 01:47 PM GMT Alec Baldwin shouts shut the f--- up at Palestinian protesters Alec Baldwin angrily confronted pro-Palestine protesters in New York on Monday evening, shouting at one to shut the f--- up before being led away by police. The actor found himself in the heated encounter in Manhattan after being recognised by several demonstrators, who flocked towards him. The rally began at Grand Central Station and targeted major transit hubs throughout the day, including Penn Station. In footage of the incident, Mr Baldwin can be heard saying to one man: You ask stupid questions. Ask me a smart question and Ill answer your question. Read the full story here. 01:07 PM GMT Italian navy to send frigate to boost Red Sea security The Italian navy will in the coming hours send one of its frigates to help protect the Red Sea shipping route against attacks by Yemens Houthi militants, Italys defence ministry said. The attacks, a response to Israels assault on the Gaza Strip, target a key supply link between Asia and Europe, driving up the cost of shipping as companies seek alternative maritime routes and threatening the global economy. Italy will do its part, together with the international community, to counter the terrorist destabilisation activity of the Houthis, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said after a video call with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. The US earlier announced it would lead a multinational effort to safeguard commerce in the Red Sea. 12:37 PM GMT Cameron: UK and France working to find long-term political solution to Middle East crisis The UK and France are working together to maintain support for Ukraine and find a long-term political solution to the crisis in the Middle East. It was great to speak to President @EmmanuelMacron and @MinColonna in Paris today pic.twitter.com/KXm2aTLM6d David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 19, 2023 12:10 PM GMT War in Gaza fuelling drug-resistant infections among Israeli troops Wounded Israeli soldiers are battling drug-resistant infections in the Gaza Strip, health officials have warned. The Association for Infectious Diseases (AID) in Israel said that several drug-resistant pathogens have been found, mainly in limb injuries, including highly resistant bacterial strains of Klebsiella and Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus fungi. In all hospitals it is reported that soldiers have returned from the battlefield with resistant infections, said Prof Galia Rahav, Chairman of the AID. Read more here 11:53 AM GMT Rafah in pictures: Men warm up around a fire outside one of the tents housing Palestinians displaced by the conflict in Gaza - MAHMUD HAMS/AFP A man sits with children by a fire outside one of the tents housing Palestinians in Rafah - MAHMUD HAMS/AFP 11:38 AM GMT Houthi attacks on Red Sea tankers 'threaten' global trade flow Lloyd Austin, the US Defence Secretary, condemned unprecedented attacks by Yemens Houthi rebels on international shipping in the Red Sea, saying they threaten global trade flows, according to a statement. Secretary Austin condemned Huthi attacks on international shipping and global commerce as unprecedented and unacceptable, noting the attacks threaten the free flow of commerce, Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder said in a statement. 11:19 AM GMT Health workers fear for their lives, says WHO Girl killed, 2 children injured following attacks on Nasser Hospital in south #Gaza; health workers fear for their lives -- @WHO mission finds. A WHO, @UNOCHA and @UNDSS team, on a mission to Nasser Hospital in south Gaza today, found deeply concerning conditions following Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) December 18, 2023 10:46 AM GMT UN agencies voice anger at attacks on Gaza hospitals UN officials voiced anger and disbelief about the situation in Gaza hospitals, where injured people do not have basic supplies and children recovering from amputations are being killed in the ongoing conflict. Im furious that children who are recovering from amputations in hospitals are then killed in those hospitals, said James Elder, spokesperson for the UN childrens agency. He added that the Nasser Hospital, the largest operational hospital left in the enclave, had been shelled twice in the past 48 hours. Margaret Harris, World Health Organisation spokesperson, described the situation in Gaza hospitals as beyond belief and unconscionable. 10:06 AM GMT Pictured: Firefighters spray water on the rubble of a building following Israeli bombardment in Rafah Firefighters spray water on the rubble of a building following Israeli bombardment in Rafah - MOHAMMED ABED/AFP 09:42 AM GMT At least 10 killed in strike on Jabaliya refugee camp At least 10 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike on the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, a spokesperson for the Hamas-run health ministry said. The ministry said 40 others were wounded in the strike. 09:09 AM GMT Israeli troops raid hospital in Gaza City Israeli forces raided the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City overnight and into Tuesday. Don Binder, a pastor at St. Georges Anglican Cathedral in Jerusalem, which runs the hospital, said the raid left just two doctors, four nurses and two janitors to tend to over 100 seriously wounded patients, with no running water or electricity. It has been a great mercy for the many wounded in Gaza City that we were able to keep our Ahli Anglican Hospital open for so long, Binder wrote in a Facebook post late Monday. That ended today. He said an Israeli tank was parked on the rubble at the hospitals entrance, blocking anyone from entering or leaving. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. 08:43 AM GMT Ceasefire protests around the world: People pose with a banner reading 'Ceasefire' in front of the illuminated Eiffel Tower - YOAN VALAT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Amnesty International USA, MoveOn, Oxfam America and Win Without War place candles spelling out CEASEFIRE in front of the White House as part of a Global Day of Action for a ceasefire - Joy Asico/AP Pro-Palestine activists march as they participate in a Global Strike for Gaza in New York City - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images North America 08:34 AM GMT Houthis will not change stance on Gaza due to naval alliance, says official Yemens Iran-aligned Houthis will not change their stance on the Gaza conflict due to the establishment of a multinational naval alliance to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea, top Houthi negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam told Reuters on Tuesday. The naval alliance led by the United States was essentially unnecessary, he said, adding that all the waters adjacent to Yemen were safe except for Israeli ships, or ships heading to Israel, because of the unjust aggressive war on Palestine. Lloyd Austin, the US Defence Secretary, announced the creation of a multinational operation to safeguard commerce in the Red Sea following a series of missile and drone attacks on shipping by the Houthis. 08:33 AM GMT US will continue to arm Israel but pushes for surgical war The US will continue to arm Israel but is pushing for a more surgical war, Lloyd Austin, the US defence secretary, said in Tel Aviv on Monday. On a visit to Israel intended to convey US pressure to limit the civilian toll in Gaza, Mr Austin said he had discussed with Israeli leaders how to transition from higher intensity operations to low-intensity and surgical operations. Mr Austin, standing alongside Yoav Gallant, his Israeli counterpart, denied reports that the US was pushing for this transition to happen in three weeks. Regarding timeline, this is Israels operation and Im not here to dictate timelines or terms, he said. Read more from Nataliya Vasilyeva here 08:28 AM GMT At least 20 killed in Israeli strikes on Rafah Israeli missiles and air strikes on the Rafah area in southern Gaza struck three houses killing at least 20 Palestinians, Gaza health officials said. Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have crammed into Rafah on Gazas border with Egypt to escape Israeli bombardments further north, despite fears that they will also not be safe there. Early on Tuesday, residents in Khan Younis, a city also in southern Gaza, reported fierce gun battles between Hamas fighters and Israeli forces. Israeli tanks and planes bombed areas near the city centre, residents said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Charities have warned the number of people sleeping rough in the UK is rising. Those sleeping on the streets already face freezing conditions, but in recent weeks there have also been several high-profile attacks on homeless people. BBC News has spoken to two people who were both violently attacked as they slept. The stony ledge under Blackpool's north pier is no place to find rest. The Irish Sea, whipped by a bitter wind, crashes onto the shore, hurling spray landwards and soaking the ledge. For several months last year, this is where Eve Monks slept. "I just sat there and cried all night, that my life had come to this," says the 38-year-old, recalling her first night under the pier. "I kept asking God to take me as I didn't want to be here at all." Eve, originally from Dublin, had been working as a carer in Blackpool when she suffered a heart attack and a stroke. Unable to earn, she couldn't pay her rent and returned to her flat one day to find her landlady had thrown all her belongings onto the street. She spent the little savings she had staying in a hotel for a few nights, but by July 2022, her money had run out and she had nowhere or no-one to turn to. Having scoped out various options, Eve chose Blackpool's north pier as she thought she'd be hidden from public view. Getting to sleep was difficult, she says. It was the height of summer and above her, the pier was open until late, with bars full of party-goers. On the evening of 22 August, a stranger spotted Eve. "I remember I hadn't been to sleep for so long," she says, remembering how she fell into a deep sleep that night. "And a guy came up and - he just raped me. I was kicking and shouting and telling him to go away from me. And he just put his hand over my mouth - I couldn't scream or anything." Eve thought it would be a waste of police time to report the rape, saying: "I didn't know what he looked like. I just closed my eyes so hard - I was wishing him to go." After some time, she went to the hospital to get examined. Someone there put her in touch with the local housing department, which eventually led to her being offered a small flat in Blackpool. Earlier this month, a video of a McDonald's security guard throwing water on a rough sleeper's tent went viral. West Midlands police are also investigating an incident in which a homeless man was set on fire in a Birmingham underpass, last month. The charity Crisis says "violence, dehumanising verbal abuse, robbery and harassment are unacceptably common experiences" for many homeless people. A small survey it conducted, of 156 people with experience of rough sleeping in England, found 90% of them had suffered some form of attack. A very small number said they had been sexually assaulted. However, there are no official figures for any attacks on homeless people. "There is seriously a problem with a small section of society who think that people sleeping rough are an easy prey for some horrific crimes," says Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis. "To some people, it's clear that rough sleepers are less than human, which is completely unacceptable." John says he woke to find flames at his feet That's certainly been the experience of John Campbell, who spent about a decade sleeping on the streets of Newcastle. "I got my jaw broken, got booted in the face," he says. "Woke up in hospital. I've been urinated on, while sleeping in a doorway." Having become homeless in his mid-teens, after falling out with his mother, John, 30, says his life spiralled downwards while rough sleeping. He became addicted to various drugs. "Anything I could get my hands on," he says. If his daily begging routine didn't go well, he would feed his habit by stealing and says he self-harmed on numerous occasions in an effort to end his life. All the while, he says he was being repeatedly attacked. "My tent's been sent on fire twice. The first time, I came back and all my stuff was burnt out, there was nothing left. The second time, I was actually in the tent, fast asleep. I felt something hot at the bottom of my foot, I woke up and the flames were just there, smoke everywhere. I nearly lost my life." John says the police had no interest in finding out who had attacked him, a sentiment supported by Crisis, which says most rough sleepers "don't feel there is any point in speaking to the police". The charity says most fear "they won't take them seriously". John says he's clean of drugs now and has been staying in a flat for nearly two years. He gets intermittent contact with his daughter, who has given him a renewed purpose. But he still gets visibly angry at people who attack rough sleepers, some of whom are his friends, still on the streets of Newcastle. "They think they're just having a bit of fun when they're doing it. But it's not a laugh. It could cost someone their life." Eve says she is also slowly rebuilding her life, having received extensive support from the Salvation Army's Bridge Project, in Blackpool. "Being on the streets is not a good place to be, for your health or anything else. I've had really low days. It was a really horrible time. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy." If you have been affected by any issues raised in this story, you can find help and support via BBC Action Line. Members of the public line up to enter the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts, where activist publisher Jimmy Lai's trial takes place, in Hong Kong, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. The national security trial of Hong Kong's most famous activist publisher Jimmy Lai entered its second day, with judges expected to rule on his lawyer's bid to throw out a sedition charge that has been increasingly used to target dissidents under Beijing's crackdown on Friday. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte) HONG KONG (AP) The national security trial of Hong Kong's famous activist publisher Jimmy Lai entered its second day Tuesday, with judges expected to rule by the end of the week on his lawyers' bid to throw out a sedition charge that has been increasingly used to target dissidents. Lai, 76, was arrested in August 2020 during a crackdown on the citys pro-democracy movement following massive protests in 2019. He faces a possible life sentence if convicted under a national security law imposed by Beijing. He was charged with colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring with others to put out seditious publications. His landmark trial tied to the now-shuttered pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily that Lai founded is widely seen as a trial for press freedom and a test for judicial independence in the former British colony, which was promised to have its Western-style civil liberties remain intact for 50 years after returning to Chinese rule in 1997. After Lai walked into the courtroom Tuesday, he smiled and waved to his supporters just as he did the day before. He also subtly blew a kiss to the public gallery. A supporter chanted, Hang in there! Before opening statements, the judge heard arguments from both sides about whether the prosecution had passed the time limit in charging Lai for sedition. The law requires the prosecution of sedition charges to begin within six months after an alleged offense was committed. Robert Pang, one of Lai's lawyers, argued the prosecutors had laid the charge too late for the alleged conspiracy that ran between April 2019 and June 2021. But prosecutor Anthony Chau said the time limit should be set based on when the alleged conspiracy involving at least 160 articles actually ended. The judges, approved by the government to oversee the proceedings, said they would make a decision Friday. The trial is expected to last about 80 days without a jury. British Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said Monday the U.K. would continue to press for consular access to Lai, who holds British citizenship. The citys prison authorities have repeatedly refused that request, she said. China considers anyone of Chinese heritage born in China to be a Chinese national, she said. Asked Tuesday about the United Kingdom's demand to consular access, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin insisted the citys law enforcement and judicial authorities have handled the case in accordance with the law. Lai's prosecution has drawn criticism from the United States and the U.K. In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated calls for Lai's release Monday, saying, We have deep concerns about the deterioration in protection for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong and that includes the rule of law." Beijing has dismissed criticisms from Western governments. Wang said Monday the U.S. and the U.K. made irresponsible remarks that go against international law and the basic norms of international relations. Hong Kong leader John Lee said he was confident in the citys judicial system and in the professionalism of its courts. Lee said some people, particularly representatives of foreign governments, tried to exert pressure in an effort to influence the court presiding over Lais case. He said such action violates the spirit of rule of law. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center has a plan for hundreds of dogs looking for a home during the holiday season, but it needs the publics help. The shelter is hosting its annual holiday sleepover event, asking people in the area to let an adoptable dog stay at their home until Dec. 26. Staff will open the building for anyone to come pick up dogs on Wednesday and Thursday until 6 p.m. There are some cases too, if you decide you want to extend that through the New Year, you can definitely keep the sleepover foster until the New Year and then bring them back on the second, said Animal Care Manager Hannah Henschen. Animal Care Manager Hannah Henschen sits with a dog up for adoption at the Franklin County Dog Shelter. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn) The Franklin County Dog Shelter was housing around 230 dogs as of Monday. The shelters maximum capacity is around 300, and Henschen is hoping at least half of the current residents get to go to sleepovers. If we could do 105 dogs in one day last year, with two days this year, to get 120 out would be amazing, Henschen said. While adopting is optional after the sleepover, Henschen noted that all of the dogs eligible for adoption will also be offered at a special discount. Any adoption that comes from the sleepover event is just an $18 license fee. The actual adoption fee is kind of waived, Henschen said. If youre on the fence, but you want to still keep the dog kind of as a foster but not adopt it, you can turn that dog into a long-term foster as well. The animal care manager also said that the sleepover is beneficial even if the person hosting doesnt keep their dog afterward, because it provides a test run for shelter staff to see how they behave in a home environment. A lot of people come just for that intention, just to give the dogs kind of time out of the shelter for the holidays, Henschen said. For dogs that may have been here for a long time, over a hundred days and never left, we dont know how they do in a home. Henschen recommended coming to visit earlier on Wednesday or Thursday, as long lines and wait times may affect how many people the shelter staff can pair with a dog. For dogs that arent taken to sleepovers, the shelter will keep staff on hand to care for them during the holiday weekend. The shelter will stay open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday for anyone still interested in helping a dog. The Franklin County Dog Shelter has a Facebook event for the sleepover, where anyone can RSVP to bring a dog home. As of Tuesday, 499 people had expressed interest. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. FIRST ON FOX: A group of dozens of House and Senate Republicans filed a legal brief Monday to urge the Supreme Court to take up two cases related to President Biden's authority to lock up public lands from resource development and other uses. In the brief first obtained by Fox News Digital, the lawmakers led by Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., and joined by House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and 26 other lawmakers including three senators argued that the president's use of the 1906 Antiquities Act is an example of federal overreach and violates the U.S. Constitution. The lawmakers specifically asked the high court to hear both American Forest Resource Council v. United States of America and Murphy Company v. Biden, two cases challenging the expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southwest Oregon. Plaintiffs have argued that the monument expansion was both illegal and caused significant economic damage, particularly to the timber industry. "We urge the Supreme Court to hear these cases and send a clear message that the President cannot simply bypass Congress and rewrite our nation's land laws with the stroke of a pen," Bentz said in a statement. "This is about upholding the Constitution, protecting our rural communities, and ensuring responsible management of our public lands." BIDEN ADMIN CREATES PATHWAY WITH ECO GROUPS TO SHUTTER ENERGY SOURCE SERVING MILLIONS OF AMERICANS Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore. The Antiquities Act, designed as a federal conservation tool, grants the president broad authority to establish national monuments on existing federal lands. Since taking office in 2021, Biden has established five such monuments in Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Mississippi and Arizona, which have faced opposition from industry, lawmakers and garnered legal challenges. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Invoking the Antiquities Act and establishing a national monument effectively blocks the designated lands from normal uses. Under separate legislation passed in the 1970s, Congress established the so-called "multiple-use" and sustained yield mandate, requiring the Bureau of Land Management to open the lands it manages to various uses including energy development like drilling, grazing, recreation and mining. DEM, GOP SENATORS TEAM UP TO FORTIFY DOMESTIC GREEN ENERGY, DEFENSE SUPPLIES DOMINATED BY CHINA "For far too long the executive branch has abused the Antiquities Act to cut off millions of acres of public lands, an action that greatly impacts rural communities across the country and ignores Congress directive on how those lands must be responsibly managed," Westerman said Tuesday. "The president does not have the constitutional authority to lock away our federal land and waters, especially without any local input," he said. "I urge the Supreme Court to take up these two critical cases and set the record straight on the executive branchs authority when it comes to regulating our federal lands and waters." President Biden discusses investments in conservation and protecting natural resources in Tusayan, Arizona, in August. The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument which involves the two cases that Republicans are asking the Supreme Court to consider was designated in 2000 by former President Clinton then expanded in early 2017 by former President Obama. Environmentalists for years have defended the designation and expansion, saying it protects wildlife and plant species in the area. But while the two cases are focused on that monument, they have much wider ramifications for future use of the Antiquities Act and national monuments created by Biden over the last two years, according to plaintiffs. BIDEN ADMIN SEEKS TO LOCK UP CRITICAL MINERALS WITH ECO PROTECTIONS AMID GREEN ENERGY PUSH Biden's designation of the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada and Baaj Nwaavjo Itah Kukveni National Monument in Arizona, for example, have faced opposition that included legal challenges from state governments as well as mining, livestock and agriculture groups. "Whether youre living in southwest Oregon near the illegal expansion of the monument, in Utah where numerous presidential proclamations have placed massive areas off-limits in recent years, or in Washington, D.C., where concerns about the protection of our democracy and constitutional processes are top of mind, this case and its outcome are critical to the future management of our federal lands," American Forest Resource Council (AFRC) President Travis Joseph said last month. Pilot Rock in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument outside of Ashland, Oregon, is shown on Feb. 20, 2018. In 2019, after the AFRC sued the federal government over the designation of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, a lower court ruled in favor of the group and said the executive branch lacked authority to override the will of Congress which, in separate legislation, defined sustained-yield timber harvest as the dominant use of public land in Oregon. Then in July, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision. Months earlier, in April, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals came to a similar conclusion in Murphy Company v. Biden, the second case that Republicans asked the Supreme Court to review. "This lawsuit attempted to rob Oregonians and all Americans of a biological treasure that deserves permanent protection," Kristen Boyles, an attorney with eco group Earthjustice, said after the appellate court ruling on July 18. "Appeals courts in D.C. and Seattle have now upheld monument expansion, rejecting every single one of the timber industrys arguments." Original article source: House, Senate lawmakers demand Supreme Court block White House eco actions: 'Set the record straight' HILLSBORO, Mo. Days after a vandal destroyed a Christmas display at a preservation area in House Springs, authorities in Jefferson County have made an arrest. Lucas Clayton was arrested on Sunday, Dec. 17. On Monday, the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Clayton with first-degree property damage. He remains jailed on a $10,000 bond. Clayton is accused of ruining the light display at House Springs Park. On Dec. 13, the sheriffs office received word that someone had slashed six inflatable Christmas decorations, stole extension cords, and tossed items in the pond, such as a reindeer decoration and several plastic candy canes. Investigators allege Clayton ripped Christmas lights down and tossed them in the pond as well. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. HOUSTON - BARC, the City of Houston's Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, is now at capacity, and they urgently need your help, according to a release. Officials said BARC will be opening its adoptions center at 3200 Carr Street for anyone wishing to sign up to help as a foster or have wanted to adopt a shelter pet. SUGGESTED: Houston Star of Hope lights up Christmas early with FOX 26 partnership to end homelessness "Since Friday afternoon, our intake and adoption kennels have been filled, leaving us with nowhere to hold newly arrived pets who need our help. Were typically closed on Mondays to allow our staff time to perform necessary training and deep cleaning, but its crucial we use every opportunity we have to open kennels," said Shelter Director Jarrad Mears. "The demand for room has become so great that our shelter team has brought in temporary pop-up crates to house newly arriving pets. When those pop-up crates appear, the situation is critical." There are multiple ways in which you can help the shelter: - Adopt: BARC will be completely waiving adoption fees on Saturday, December 23, as the finale for its Home for the Holidays campaign. The adoption center, which is located at 3300 Carr Street will be open the following hours. Noon 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Friday Sunday Noon 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays - Foster: Short-term holiday fosters are also needed for our long-stay shelter dogs as the shelter faces its current capacity needs. Opportunities are available for those in our approved foster boundaries to pick up a PURRFURRED pet from BARC through December 21 and foster them for the holidays. After the holidays, fosters can make an appointment to bring them back to the shelter. Fall in love with your foster? Adopt them for just $5 and make their holiday wish come true. Learn more by clicking here. - Get Involved: VOLUNTEER: https://www.houstontx.gov/barc/volunteer.html RESCUE: http://www.houstontx.gov/barc/Rescue2.html DONATE: https://www.houstontx.gov/barc/donate_landingpage.html URGENT PETS: https://www.houstontx.gov/barc/urgent-pets.html For any additional information, you can contact BARC at (832) 395-9084. Small boats sail past the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, seized by the Houthis offshore of the Al-Salif port on the Red Sea - YAHYA ARHAB/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK It was a bizarre spectacle, even by the standards of the Middle Easts more eccentric militia groups. Stamping on American and Israeli flags, Arab tourists cheered as they were led around a recently hijacked cargo ship, the Galaxy Leader, by triumphant Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The Iranian-backed Houthis, who for a decade have waged a bitter civil war against a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, had managed to land on the ship commando-style and take control with ease. At the time, some may have dismissed the video as an amusing curio which framed the Houthis as mere pirates. In fact, it was an early sign that the Houthis were about to explode onto the global stage as a major power player in the war between Israel and Hamas and one that was underestimated by the West. A string of recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on vessels crossing the Red Sea, a key shipping route that carries 40 per cent of Europes trade with Asia and the Middle East, has prompted oil giant BP to halt gas and oil shipments, with major consequences for global trade. The Houthis leadership claims the attacks are aimed at pressuring Israel to halt its bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, where nearly 20,000 Palestinians have been killed so far. Houthi attacks on commercial ships have proven so disruptive that the United States has launched a maritime mission to maintain order in the Red Sea, amid fears that the instability could trigger severe price rises on oil and other goods. But if the Houthis are hoping to force president Joe Biden into backing a long-term Gaza ceasefire, the gamble could backfire according to recent reports, he is exploring options for a retaliatory strike on missile sites in Yemen. This in turn risks causing an even greater escalation in the Middle East, such as a direct confrontation with Iran, something Mr Biden is anxious to avoid. How the West dismissed the threat Gulf experts say the West may well have underestimated the power of the Houthi movement, which was long perceived as a troublesome but isolated militant group that largely depended on weapons and funding from Iran, Israels arch foe in the region. The Houthis are pretty battle hardened, having been fighting a decade plus civil and regional war with military backing from Iran, said Julien Barnes-Dacey, director of the Middle East & North Africa programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations. This has involved years of firing missiles towards Saudi Arabia, an area where theyve increasingly honed their skills with outside support, and they clearly see this as an opportunity to further cement their regional standing. While dismissed as a ragtag army by some, the fact that they resisted a US-backed, Saudi-led military operation and now have Riyadh suing for peace, suggests a somewhat different story, he added. The Iranian-backed Houthis have spent a decade fighting a bitter civil war against a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen - HANI MOHAMMED/AP Dr Elisabeth Kendall, an expert on the Houthi movement from Cambridge University, said she suspected that standing up for Palestinians was just part of what motivated the group. Inside Yemen, they frame themselves as defenders of Palestine and that definitely gives them credibility not only within their base but more broadly in Yemen, she told France 24. And then regionally it gives them leverage in the ongoing peace talks with Saudi Arabia to solve the Yemen war. Internationally it ensures they grab headlines and get more eyes on their cause and the Palestinian cause because money is involved, global trade is at risk and that means its all eyes on them, she added. Irans proxy war The Houthi movement was founded in Yemen as a Shia Islamist group during the early 1990s. In 2014, it launched an insurgency against the Yemeni government that seized the capital of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen. A catastrophic civil war ensued, creating the worlds worst humanitarian conflict and killing an estimated 150,000 people, on top of a further 200,000 deaths linked to poor health facilities and famine. As of December 2023, there has been some tentative progress on a ceasefire between the Houthis and neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which backs the former Yemeni government. Saudi officials are said to be eager not to allow any further escalations in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Gaza or the Red Sea, that might derail that process entirely. To Western observers, it may seem odd that a militia group locked in an ongoing civil war would divert resources to a separate conflict raging on the other side of the Middle East. But the Houthis have close military links and ideological affinity with Iran, which for years has used the Houthis as a proxy group to increase its own influence in the Red Sea and create opportunities to harass Western trade routes. Tensions between the West and Tehran remain extremely high due to crippling sanctions imposed on Iran over its ongoing nuclear programme, which Israel regards as an existential threat. Iranian proxy groups across the region have also been eager to show an increasingly united front against Israel, with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and even some Shia groups in Iraq threatening to join the war against Israel. Its becoming quite serious, we havent seen a spate of missile and drone attacks, and boardings, like this in the Middle East for 40 years, said Peter Aylott, policy director at the Chamber of Shipping. The good news is the US defence secretary announcing the set-up of a task force, though whether it can cope with attacks in that region really depends on how many assets they deploy. Finally, and this is speculation, there may be some attacks into Yemen to destroy [Houthi] bases there, and if that happens it will change things quite quickly, he added. Pirates and a murky relationship There are rising concerns too about cooperation between Somali pirates and the Houthis. On Nov 26, the Houthis fired missiles near a US destroyer which had captured some Somali pirates as they attempted to seize a cargo tanker. The apparent co-operation surprised analysts. Further signs emerged on Friday when a Malta-flagged carrier hijacked by Somali pirates began to head towards Yemen. The pirates are more likely to be motivated by cash than any ideological cause. Israel squarely blames Iran over what it increasingly fears is a new front opening against it and Western allies in the Red Sea, with Tehran directing proxies to cause maximum chaos. Kasra Aarabi, the director of research on Irans fearsome Revolutionary Guard at the campaign group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), suspected they were closely involved as well. The ongoing escalation by the Iran-backed Houthis against Israel, the US and Western interests which includes commercial shipping since Oct 7 will have certainly received a level of strategic coordination and planning emanating from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC], he said. The attacks themselves are straight from the IRGCs playbook. Houthi troops guard a pro-Palestinian protest in the Yemen capital - YAHYA ARHAB/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK But the Houthis naval and missile attacks may also be a sign they want to stand up and present themselves as a key regional player, and not just a tool of the Iranian regime, Mr Barnes-Dacey suggested. I think most probably the Iranians have a slightly kind of complicated relationship with them and difficulty managing them, he said. Theyre certainly partners and allies, and Iran can kind of push them in a direction, but they dont have the ability to unilaterally set the agenda. I think theres a very good chance here that the Houthis are looking to show that they are independent rather than just as a property of Iran. What can the US do? As for the US maritime operation, it is unclear how effective it would be in deterring further attacks and whether it will end up provoking more violence from Iran and its allies. Its the big question for the US there was a necessity to respond and reinstate US deterrence in the region. It looks like some of the ships will be involved in escorting while others will just observe and collect intelligence. For now we dont have a lot of details, said Camille Lons, a Gulf affairs expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations. But the objective for now for all players is sending a sign that they are watching very closely, and to reassure shipping companies that there wont be too much disruption. Its more about signalling than really escalating against the Houthis. 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. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Nearly 700 people were arrested for drug sales and nearly 800 arrested for drug use in the first six months of a San Francisco drug crackdown, the mayors office announced Tuesday. The six-month operation to dismantle open-air drug markets was launched on May 3. The multiagency effort is a joint operation between the San Francisco Police Department, the San Francisco District Attorneys Office, the California Highway Patrol, the San Francisco Sheriffs Department and the California National Guard. The initiative has focused on coordinated enforcement and disruption of illegal activities, San Francisco Mayor London Breeds office said in a news release. Woman vanishes in Santa Cruz, musician boyfriend uncooperative, police say We are bringing together local, state, and federal law enforcement to coordinate and hold those breaking the law in our city accountable, said Mayor Breed. We want people who need support to get help and we will continue to offer people second chances, but San Francisco cant be a place where anything goes and allow harmful behaviors to become the norm. Working with state and federal partners, SF law enforcement agencies have centered the enforcement efforts around the Tenderloin and South of Market areas. In the six months since the initiative was launched, the mayors office said agencies have: Arrested nearly 700 people for drug sales Arrested nearly 800 people for public drug use Arrested over 420 wanted fugitives in the Tenderloin and SoMA neighborhoods Seized 148 kilos of narcotics, including over 80 kilos of fentanyl These numbers, the mayors office said, dont reflect additional federal efforts from the U.S. Attorneys Office and Drug Enforcement Agency. On the local side, SFPD and Sheriffs deputies have seized 119 kilos of Narcotics from the Tenderloin and SoMa, including 64 kilos of fentanyl, and arrested 556 dealers. In 2023 overall, SFPD officers have arrested more than 900 dealers. The DAs office has seen a record number of narcotics cases presented this year as a result of this enforcement. Additionally, SFPD has arrested nearly 800 people for public intoxication laws for public drug use. On the state side, CHP and National Guard efforts have resulted in the seizure of 30 kilos of narcotics including 18 kilos of fentanyl and 119 drug arrests, the mayors office said. These first six months are just the start of the work we know we need to continue, said Mayor Breed. I want to thank our local law enforcement partners for their work, as well as Governor Newsom and U.S. Attorney Ramsey for their continued support in our efforts to make our neighborhoods safer for all. The data cited in the mayors news release Tuesday does not include arrests and seizures in other parts of San Francisco, other than the Tenderloin and SoMa. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Hundreds of false bomb threats that were emailed over the weekend to Jewish facilities across the US are believed to be connected and originating from outside the country, according to the FBI. At this time, based on similar language and specific email tradecraft used, it appears the perpetrators of these threats are connected. Additionally, these threats appear to be originating from outside of the United States, the FBI said in a message to national Jewish organizations that was obtained by CNN. To date, none of these email threats have involved any actual explosive devices or credible risk of harm to congregants, the bureau added. More than 400 Jewish facilities received the false bomb threats over email since Saturday, the Anti-Defamation League, an international Jewish non-profit organization, said on Monday. Oren Segal, vice president of the Center on Extremism at ADL, told CNN the organization believed one person or a small number of people were behind the threats. The emailed messages contained similarities, including the nature of the alleged threats and variations in the name of a group claiming to be responsible for them, said Segal, who had seen the messages. Segal on Monday described the spate of bomb threats intended to inflict fear as an old technique using modern technology and said threats sent online are cheaper and easier to mask than any time in human history. The Secure Community Network, a nonprofit, had also earlier reported more than 200 bomb threats and swatting calls prank calls made to lure authorities to a location under the false pretense that a crime was committed were made against Jewish institutions. The false threats and incidents targeted facilities in California, Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado, Washington and other states, the network said. More than 30 of the FBIs field offices across the US are investigating the threats, the bureau said. Previously, the federal agency said it was aware of the hoaxes and there was no information to suggest a current, credible threat. The false threats come just days after the end of Hanukkah and amid a spike of threats against the Jewish community documented since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. In the time since Hamas October 7 attack and amid Israels ongoing siege of the enclave reports of hate crimes and bias incidents targeting Jews, Muslims and Arabs have surged across the US. CNNs Sabrina Shulman and John Miller contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Valdosta police recently arrested five people from out of state involved in an alleged credit card scheme. On Dec. 11, officers responded to responded to Comfort Inn and Suites on West Hill Avenue after receiving a call about a fraudulent credit card. Officers discovered that someone had rented four rooms with a fraudulent credit card. They were made aware that the possible offenders were attempting to leave in two vehicles. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officers stopped the two cars and arrested 25-year-old Donte T. Leonard, 29-year-old Shadane S. Henry, 20-year-old Avonte Radway of New York along with 25-year-old Raymond Kensworth-Williams, Jr. of New York and 44-year-old Fredrick R. Byfield from Arizona. After responding, detectives found more than 230 credit cards and 260 gift cards, which police said were purchased fraudulently. TRENDING STORIES: All five suspects were arrested and taken to Lowndes County Jail. They have been charged with possession of stolen property and financial transaction card theft. Police said this investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Valdosta Police Department Investigations Bureau at 229-293-3145 or the Crime Tip Line at 229-293-3091. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Protestors with signs saying 'How much longer?' outside Serbia's Electoral Commission in Belgrade on Tuesday (ANDREJ ISAKOVIC) Hundreds of people demonstrated against alleged voter fraud in the Serbian capital of Belgrade Tuesday, following calls by the main opposition camp to protest the weekend's election results that have been marred by reports of "irregularities". The protest came a day after thousands rallied in front of Serbia's election commission following the vote that saw President Aleksandar Vucic claim a commanding victory in parliamentary and local elections. The crowd on Tuesday was smaller than the previous protest, with demonstrators, including a large number of students, chanting anti-government slogans and hoisting signs targeting Vucic. "I am here tonight because I am very angry because of the voter fraud, not only in Belgrade but in all of Serbia," Marko Radicevic, 29, told AFP. Opposition leader Marinika Tepic indicated that protests would continue, saying more rallies would be needed to pressure the government. "We caught them committing voter fraud, and we can't accept that," Tepic said. Among the demands from the protestors, Tepic said opposition leaders were hoping to appear on a major state broadcaster, where coverage of the rallies and alleged fraud has not been shown. Earlier in the day, the country's leading opposition coalition called on people from across the political spectrum to join the demonstration. "We invite all opposition parties and movements, citizens and civil society to join us," said Miroslav Aleksic, a leader from the Serbia Against Violence (SPN) movement, at a press conference in Belgrade. - 'Concerns' - Criticism of the elections mounted after a team of international observers, including representatives from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), denounced a string of "irregularities" including "vote buying" and "ballot box stuffing". Germany later labelled the reported allegations "unacceptable" for a country hoping to join the European Union, while the United States called on Belgrade to address the "concerns" of the election monitors. "Claims of irregularities reported both by OSCE and other election observation teams should be investigated, and violence directed at election authorities, journalists, accredited observers -- of which we have seen reports -- is unacceptable," US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. The EU also joined the chorus of criticism, saying Serbia's "electoral process requires tangible improvement and further reform". Even though Vucic was not personally on the ballot for the parliamentary and local elections over the weekend, the contest was largely seen as a referendum on his government. Vucic's right-wing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) earned roughly 46 percent of votes in the parliamentary elections, while the leading opposition coalition secured 23.5 percent of ballots, according to official results. The SNS also said it won in municipal elections in the capital Belgrade, where the party faced their stiffest challenge from a loose coalition of opposition parties and candidates running under the SPN banner. The SPN movement was formed in the wake of back-to-back mass shootings earlier this year, which spurred hundreds of thousands to take to the streets in rallies that morphed into anti-government protests over several months. Opposition groups have cast doubts over the validity of the contest following accusations that the government allowed unregistered voters from neighbouring Bosnia to cast ballots illegally in the capital. us/ds/js U.N. General Asembly holds high-level meeting on adoption of resolution on Ukraine in New York BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary will lift its objection to Bulgaria joining Europe's passport-free Schengen zone after the Bulgarian parliament formally confirms its scrapping of an extra tax on Russian gas shipments, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Tuesday. "I was informed by my Bulgarian colleague that yesterday the Bulgarian parliament scrapped this law," Szijjarto said in a video on his Facebook page. He said that once the law was published on Friday as expected in the parliament's legislative periodical, Hungary would drop its objection and ask the European Commission to halt an infringement procedure that Budapest had initiated. Bulgaria introduced a new transit fee of about 10 euros per MWh of Russian gas in October this year, prompting strong criticism from Hungary, whose foreign minister called the action "hostile". Hungary's foreign ministry had said over the weekend the country would veto Bulgaria's entry into Schengen if the tax through Hungary's main gas import route remained in place. (Reporting by Boldizsar Gyori; Editing by Alex Richardson) Hunter Biden will make his initial appearance in a California federal court on nine tax-related charges on Jan. 11, 2024. Biden will appear before Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar at 1 p.m., according to the Central District of California's court calendar. The court is located in Los Angeles. During an initial court hearing, defendants learn more about their rights and charges against them, according to the Justice Department's website. A judge then decides whether the defendant will be released or not if they meet the requirements for bail. "Before the judge makes the decision on whether to grant bail, they must hold a hearing to learn facts about the defendant including how long the defendant has lived in the area, if they have family nearby, prior criminal record, and if they have threatened any witnesses in the case. The judge also considers the defendants potential danger to the community," the DOJ states. FROM SEX CLUBS TO STRIPPERS: HERE ARE THE 5 MOST SALACIOUS DETAILS FROM THE HUNTER BIDEN INDICTMENT Biden faces federal charges in connection with a "four-year scheme" in which he didn't pay his federal income taxes from January 2017 to October 2020 while also filing false tax reports. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The charges break down to three felonies and six misdemeanors centered around $1.4 million in owed taxes that were since paid. Special Counsel David Weiss alleged Hunter "engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019, from in or about January 2017 through in or about October 15, 2020, and to evade the assessment of taxes for tax year 2018 when he filed false returns in or about February 2020." HUNTER BIDEN FACES NEW INDICTMENT IN CALIFORNIA Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is seen after making a statement during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol about testifying publicly to the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Weiss said Biden spent millions to fund an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills. "[W]hen he did finally file his 2018 returns, included false business deductions in order to evade assessment of taxes to reduce the substantial tax liabilities he faced as of February 2020," Weiss alleged. Hunter pleaded not guilty in October to federal gun charges in U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware after being charged out of Weiss' yearslong investigation. Earlier this month, Biden's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, attacked Weiss over the charges. "Based on the facts and the law, if Hunters last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought," he said on Dec. 7. "First, U.S. Attorney Weiss bowed to Republican pressure to file unprecedented and unconstitutional gun charges to renege on a non-prosecution resolution. Now, after five years of investigating with no new evidence -- and two years after Hunter paid his taxes in full the U.S. Attorney has piled on nine new charges when he had agreed just months ago to resolve this matter with a pair of misdemeanors." Biden still faces the possibility of being held in contempt of Congress after refusing to comply with a subpoena to appear before House lawmakers to testify about his financial dealings. Fox News Digital's Houston Keene contributed to this report. Original article source: Hunter Biden given date for initial court appearance in California on tax charges Hunter Biden was photographed Monday afternoon shopping in Delaware with his father, President Biden, just days after he defied a congressional subpoena to attend a closed-door deposition. Hunter and the president together visited a jewelry store in Greenville, Delaware, and, hours earlier, were spotted at St. Joseph's on the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware, for mass. The president's embattled son has faced heavy criticism and calls to be held in contempt of Congress in recent days after he refused last week to sit for the deposition requested by House investigators. "Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings," House Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said in a joint statement on Dec. 13. "We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden." "As our committees were today prepared to depose Hunter Biden, he chose to make a public statement on Capitol Hill instead where he said his father, Joe Biden was not financially involved in his familys business dealings," they continued. "Exactly how was Joe Biden involved? Evidence shows Joe Biden met with Hunters business associates and his name was at the center of the family business strategy." COMER DEFENDS PRIVATE DEPOSITION OF HUNTER BIDEN, VOWS TO RELEASE TRANSCRIPT AND HOLD PUBLIC HEARING Hunter Biden and his father President Biden were pictured Monday shopping and at a restaurant in Delaware on Monday. Hunter ultimately refused to sit for the deposition in a press conference last week, where he accused Republican lawmakers of attempting to "dehumanize" him and embarrass his father. The younger Biden said his father had never been financially involved in his business dealings, including his work with Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma Holdings or Chinese firms. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP And after he defied the subpoena, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters President Biden and first lady Jill Biden were "proud" of their son for "continuing to rebuild his life." The White House has repeatedly said that President Biden did nothing wrong and had no knowledge of his son's business dealings. Later that evening, the House voted along party lines to formalize its impeachment inquiry into the president over his family's business dealings. NOTORIOUS MOBSTER STUNNED BY LATEST HUNTER BIDEN ALLEGATIONS: MIND-BLOWING' Since taking control of the House, Republicans led by Comer have pursued a sprawling investigation into the Biden family and whether the president participated in questionable deals Hunter was involved in. The probe gained momentum this month after Comer released subpoenaed bank records showing an entity owned by Hunter had made "direct monthly payments to Joe Biden." In addition, in June, the House Ways and Means Committee, which has also participated in the investigation, released 2017 messages in which Hunter Biden excoriated Chinese business partner Henry Zhao for not fulfilling a "commitment" and said his father was sitting beside him. "I am sitting here with my father, and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled. Tell the director that I would like to resolve this now before it gets out of hand, and now means tonight," Hunter Biden wrote in a WhatsApp message to Zhao, the CEO of Beijing-based asset management firm Harvest Fund Management, on July 30, 2017, according to documents released by House Republicans. FORMER UKRAINE PROSECUTOR MAKES EXPLOSIVE CLAIMS AGAINST JOE AND HUNTER BIDEN IN NEW INTERVIEW Days after that message , on Aug. 4, 2017, Chinese firm CEFC Infrastructure Investment wired $100,000 to Hunter Bidens law firm Owasco, according to a 2020 report published by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Days later, on Aug. 8, 2017, CEFC Infrastructure Investment sent $5 million to Hudson West III, a firm Hunter Biden opened with Chinese associates. And the 2020 Senate report revealed that, beginning on Aug. 14, 2017, Hunter Biden initiated a string of 20 wire transactions from Owasco to Lion Hall Group, a consulting firm linked to President Biden's brother, James Biden, and his wife, Sara. The transactions continued through Aug. 3, 2018, and totaled $1.4 million. President Biden has insisted he remains proud of his son amid the accelerating investigation into his business dealings. The payments between Hunter Biden and his father, which Comer released earlier Monday, were sent from an account linked to Owasco. Last week, Fox News Digital reported that a bank investigator raised concerns about Hunter Bidens receipt of an additional $5 million wire from a Chinese company in August 2018 to his bank account, Hudson West III. Hunter Biden transferred $400,000 to his Owasco PC account. Funds were then transferred to a business account belonging to James Biden and later transferred to a personal account belonging to James Biden and Sara Biden. Comer claims they used those funds to then cut a check to Joe Biden for $40,000. That check was labeled as a "loan repayment." Original article source: Hunter goes shopping with Joe Biden days after defying congressional subpoena South Korean car producer Hyundai Motor announced on Dec. 19 that it intends to sell its only Russian plant. The firm will dispose of the St. Petersburg-based factory for a symbolic sum of 7,000 rubles ($77.67), a Hyundai official told Reuters. This adds the company to the list of major car producers leaving Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and a wave of sanctions, also including Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Toyota, and others. "Hyundai Motor Company today held a Board of Directors meeting, approving a plan to sell its entire stake in Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Rus (HMMR LLC) to Art-Finance LLC," the firm said in its statement. "The operation of St. Petersburg-based HMMR has been suspended since March 2022." In its regulatory filing, the company said it is bound to lose around $219 million by selling the plant. A Hyundai Motor official cited by Reuters also said the South Korean firm would receive 10,000 rubles ($110.57) for the sale of all its assets in Russia. In 2021, Hyundai and its affiliate Kia were the two most popular foreign car brands in Russia, topped only by the domestically produced Lada. Read also: Investigation: Italian company makes sure Russian war machine has the steel it needs Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FIRST ON FOX: Immigration and Customs Enforcement is launching a 60-day task order to evaluate a California detention center that can house up to 2,000 illegal immigrants but has been nearly empty since a COVID-era order and was expected to close as soon as this month amid Republican calls to fully re-open. The facility in Adelanto, California, can house nearly 2,000 inmates but was blocked by a September 2020 court order in response to a lawsuit from immigrant activists calling for fewer inmates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency declaration for COVID-19 was ended by the Biden administration in May, but while other facilities and prisons have opened back up, Adelanto remains limited, and only a handful of inmates live there. ICE TO CLOSE CALIF. FACILITY ABLE TO HOLD 2,000 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AMID ONGOING CRISIS: SOURCES Republicans have accused the administration of not doing enough to challenge the order and of "enforcement malpractice" at a time when thousands of illegal immigrants are being released onto the streets each day. Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., has accused the administration of making "negligible" efforts to rectify the legal limbo and said that it should purse "all available avenues" to lift the ban. Fox News Digital reported last month that the facility was expected to close as early as mid-December, a move that the National Federation of Federal Employees warned would have a "devastating" impact on the more than 300 workers staffing the facility, particularly before Christmas. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP A guard escorts an immigrant detainee from his segregation cell back into the general population at the Adelanto Detention Facility on November 15, 2013 in Adelanto, California. But in a statement on Tuesday, ICE said it had issued the 60-day task order with the GEO Group, which runs the facility, and stressed that no final decision has been made regarding the facility. "While no final decision has been made regarding the disposition of the facility, ICE must consider the effect of ongoing litigation that prevents full use of the facility, likelihood of relief from that litigation, the cost associated with maintaining the facility, and the operational requirements for effective national detention operations," spokesperson Jenny Burke said in a statement. "We are also very keenly aware of the impact to both government and contract employees at the facility." Burke said the order "provides both the government and the vendor the opportunity to evaluate all factors to ensure that appropriate accommodations can be made for both personnel, operations, and individuals in custody." "As part of routine strategic operational planning, Enforcement and Removal Operations continually assesses various factors when contemplating changes to the national facility system," she said. "Discussions with detention providers are critical to ICEs custody management mission and occur on a regular basis." ICE DETENTION CENTER HOUSES HANDFUL OF INMATES DESPITE HAVING THOUSANDS OF BEDS: LAWMAKER ICE noted that the agency also has detention capacity in Desert View Annex facility, which is also situated in Adelanto. The move comes amid ongoing negotiations in Washington over the Biden administrations request for additional border funding, including increased ICE detention. The White House has reportedly been open to additional tougher measures on border-crossers, including a Title 42-type authority to expel migrants, national expedited removal and increased detention. The administration has ended family detention and has closed multiple ICE facilities , but liberal civil rights groups have called for more closures, including dozens of groups calling for such moves along with ICE funding cuts in November last year. June 2, 2022: ICE agents conduct an enforcement operation in the U.S. interior. Republicans and conservatives have previously said the closing of Adelanto would clash with the administrations claims that it wants to detain more illegal immigrants, with House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green saying "its actions tell the real story." CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP RJ Hauman, president of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE) said he believes that the administration was trying to avoid "the bad press of people losing jobs around Christmas" with the 60-day review, and urged Republicans to closely monitor the situation. "This decision means nothing unless they plan to work with the Justice Department over the next 60 days to truly reopen Adelanto and then keep it at full capacity," he said." Republicans on Capitol Hill must watch closely and stop continuing to flirt with the idea of more money and discretionary authority for the Biden Administration as a means to address the crisis. Hint: it isnt." Original article source: ICE launches 60-day evaluation of California detention facility amid GOP demands to fully reopen Flash An injured man is transferred to a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Dec. 8, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] The humanitarian corridor from Cyprus to Gaza was inaugurated with the sailing of a ship loaded with 80 tons of aid for the conflict-beleaguered Gaza residents, state broadcaster CyBC reported on Monday. According to the CyBC report, the ship, a British shallow draft vessel, departed from the southeastern port of Larnaca on Saturday. It added that the ship was escorted by British navy warships and was headed for an Israeli port. CyBC reported that Israel gave its approval for the dispatch of the aid cargo after the arrival of a second team of Israeli technocrats who follow the procedures of scrutinizing and loading the aid. Israel has said that it has opened a second aid corridor in the northern part of Gaza. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday that official announcements on the inauguration of the aid corridor could be made soon. He also said that he was undertaking another initiative for the cooperation of countries in the region for Gaza. The CyBC report said the aid sent to Gaza is comprised mostly of tents donated by Britain, to which several tons of aid offered by Cyprus were added. A volcano has erupted in south-western Iceland after weeks of shifting underground magma triggered hundreds of earthquakes. Fast-moving lava fountained from large cracks in rocks near the Fagradalsfjall volcano, threatening nearby Grindavik, a fishing village home to 4,000 people. The town was evacuated before the eruption on Monday night. Experts believe the town could be devastated by the eruption but they do not expect disruption on the scale of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in 2010. Where is the volcano? Fagradalsfjall is a volcano on Icelands far south-western Reykjanes peninsula. A major build-up of magma in a 10-mile fissure between one and three miles underground has caused a series of earthquakes in the area since the start of November. The Coast Guards helicopter found a crack in the earth that was around 3.5kms long on Tuesday morning. It is located approximately 3kms from the southern edge of Grindavik. Seismic activity before the eruption split roads in two and caused blackouts in Grindavik, prompting its evacuation. Volcanic activity regularly affects Iceland because of its position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a crack in the ocean floor which separates the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. When was the last time it erupted? There have been eruptions from Fagradalsfjall every year since 2021 but these have been smaller and have affected less densely populated areas than Grindavik. The volcano had been dormant for 6,000 years, until its first ever fissure appeared in March 2021. Sunday hikers look at the lava flowing from the erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano in March 2010 - Getty How many people will be affected? Grindavik and the surrounding areas are now off-limits to civilians and all of its 4,000 residents have been evacuated. Some have been allowed to return temporarily to collect belongings from their homes before leaving again. Officials and some engineers remain in the area and are using a bulldozer to build protective walls around the nearby geothermal power plant at Svartsengi. The popular Blue Lagoon tourist site, where visitors can bathe in natural hot springs, has also closed. The only other settlements nearby are on the peninsulas northern coast and these are not expected to be affected, whether by earthquakes or the explosion itself. Will anyone die? The evacuation of Grindavik is likely to limit the number of civilian casualties, potentially to none. Prof John Smellie, a volcanologist at the University of Leicester, earlier said the lava is expected to flow relatively slowly, and people can generally at least drive away or run away from it. However, it is possible that the volcano will release toxic gas. In 1783, a fissure at the Laki volcano in southern Iceland emitted fumes killing so many livestock it caused widespread famine. Residents came out of their homes to watch as the sky turned orange on Monday night - Getty Dr Phil Collins, a geologist at Brunel University London, previously said: It doesnt look like a Laki-scale disaster is likely. Will flights be affected like in 2010? The eruption is not likely to affect flights in the same way as the eruption at Eyjafjallajokull did in 2010. That eruption shot huge amounts of ash into the atmosphere from underneath 200 metres of ice, forcing the cancellation of some 100,000 flights and leaving more than 10 million travellers stranded. Dr Marc Reichow, a geochemist at the University of Leicester, previously said: This is unlikely to happen this time as there is no substantial amount of ice in the area where an eruption is expected to occur. The latest eruption threat is a completely different situation, added Prof Smellie. Reykjaviks international airport, which is located nearby, remains open for now despite the eruption. 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. Lava continues to spew from a volcano in southwestern Iceland that erupted late Monday, but local officials said Tuesday that it does not present a threat to life. After showing signs of unrest for weeks including periods in which thousands of small earthquakes rattled the region each day the volcano, on the islands Reykjanes Peninsula, began belching fountains of lava and sending smoke billowing into the dark sky overnight. On Tuesday morning, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said the intensity of the eruption was decreasing. Government officials also said lava from the eruption appears to be flowing away from the nearby town of Grindavik, an encouraging sign that homes and other critical infrastructure there may emerge unscathed. iceland volcano eruption icelandic (Kristinn Magnusson / AFP - Getty Images) Early estimates suggest that lava flows have slowed to about one-quarter of what they were at the beginning of the eruption, according to the meteorological office. Local officials also said that reconnaissance flights indicated the lava is spewing to a maximum height of around 100 feet (30 meters) lower than the roughly 300 feet (90 meters) observed at the outset of the eruption. But its too soon to tell what the slowdown really means. The fact that the activity is decreasing already is not an indication of how long the eruption will last, but rather that the eruption is reaching a state of equilibrium, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said in an update online. This development has been observed at the beginning of all eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in recent years. Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir told the Icelandic public broadcaster RUV on Tuesday that authorities are closely monitoring the situation. This is a huge eruption, she said. We have yet to see how it will develop throughout the day. Jakobsdottir added that lava flows are not currently threatening the town of Grindavik or a nearby power plant. But we also know that the flow of lava can change the surrounding landscape, so this can change with short notice, she said. A volcanic eruption started Monday night on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, turning the sky orange and prompting the countrys civil defense to be on high alert. (Icelandic coast guard via AP / AP) More than 3,400 people were evacuated from the fishing town of Grindavik in early November. Its unlikely that residents will be able to return anytime soon, but Jakobsdottir said the government is working to meet housing needs for those affected. The eruption opened up a 2.5-mile-long fissure, sending thousands of cubic feet of lava across the landscape. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, one-third of the fissure remains active and roughly five eruption vents are spread along its length. Local officials said the area is closed to all traffic as emergency responders and scientists assess the situation. People are strongly warned not to approach the area for their own safety and in order not to disrupt traffic and the work of responders, several Icelandic government offices and ministries said in a joint statement. The meteorological office said the volcanic plume is now drifting east. Volcanic gases and ash may be noticeable in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago and around the capital city of Reykjavik Tuesday and into Wednesday, officials said, but other populated areas may be spared. A volcanic eruption began on Monday night in Iceland, south of the capital Reykjavik, following an earthquake swarm, Iceland's Meteorological Office reported. (Icelandic Coast Guard / AFP - Getty Images) There have been no disruptions to flights in and out of the countrys Keflavik International Airport, the Icelandic government said. The United States Embassy in Iceland said airlines will continue to monitor ash forecasts from the meteorological office and its partners. If you have pending travel plans, contact your airline or check their website for information, the embassy said Tuesday in an alert. A volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula last erupted in 2021, after scientists observed similarly heightened seismic activity in the region. Iceland is one of the most active volcanic hot spots in the world because it sits atop two tectonic plates that are slowly moving away from each other. There are around 30 active volcano systems in the country, according to the meteorological office. In 2010, a series of major eruptions at the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, located southeast of the current eruption, produced an enormous ash cloud that blanketed the area, causing extensive air travel cancellations across Europe. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A group of migrants follows a state trooper vehicle after surrendering in Eagle Pass on July 29. Two immigrant rights groups have filed a lawsuit to stop a new Texas law that would make illegally crossing the border a state crime. Credit: Veronica G. Cardenas for The Texas Tribune Immigrant rights organizations have sued Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott approved one of the strictest state immigration enforcement laws, which authorizes police to arrest immigrants suspected of crossing the border illegally. [Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill making illegal immigration a state crime] In their lawsuit, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Texas and the Texas Civil Rights Project claim that Senate Bill 4, which Abbott signed on Monday and is scheduled to take effect March 5, violates the U.S. Constitution because Congress has given the federal government sole authority over immigration enforcement. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in an Austin federal court, says SB 4 would prevent immigrants from requesting asylum in the U.S., a right they have regardless of how they enter the country. The groups filed the lawsuit on behalf of El Paso County and two immigrant rights organizations El Paso-based Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center and Austin-based American Gateways. The groups are asking a federal judge to prevent Texas from implementing SB 4 and declare it unlawful. They name Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Bill Hicks, El Pasos district attorney, as defendants. Governor Abbotts efforts to circumvent the federal immigration system and deny people the right to due process is not only unconstitutional, but also dangerously prone to error, and will disproportionately harm Black and Brown people regardless of their immigration status, said Anand Balakrishnan, senior staff attorney at the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project. Were using every tool at our disposal, including litigation, to stop this egregious law from going into effect. Abbott and state Rep. David Spiller, R-Jacksboro, a sponsor of the legislation, defended the new state law and said the Biden administrations immigration policies have created a crisis that the state now has to address. SB 4 is the Texas solution to a Texas problem. It is a humane, logical and efficient approach to a problem created and fostered by the Biden administrations continued failure and refusal to secure our border, Spiller said. Abbott said that the law would deter immigrants from crossing illegally into Texas. The consequences of it are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas, Abbott said on Monday during a bill signing event in Brownsville. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday criticized Abbott and said his government will challenge the law. With those policies he wants to win popularity, he said. Hes not going to win anything, on the contrary, hell lose. Neither Biden nor the U.S. Department of Justice have publicly commented on the Texas law, but a White House spokesperson said in a statement that SB 4 is an extreme law that will make communities in Texas less safe. Generally speaking, the federal government not individual states is charged with determining how and when to remove noncitizens for violating immigration laws, the spokesperson said. The new law would make it a state crime to cross the Texas-Mexico border between ports of entry. Police who suspect that a person crossed the border illegally can arrest them and charge them with a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of up to six months in jail. Repeat offenders could face a second-degree felony with a punishment of two to 20 years in prison. The law allows a judge to drop the charges if a migrant agrees to return to Mexico. Migrants who decline to return immediately to Mexico would serve their sentence, then be transported by police to a port of entry and they could face a felony charge for refusing to return to Mexico at that point. Federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have ruled that immigration laws can only be enforced by the federal government. In 2010, Arizona lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1070, which made it a state crime for legal immigrants not to carry their immigration papers and required police to investigate the immigration status of any person they come into contact with. In a landmark 2012 case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that local police didnt have the authority to arrest someone solely based on their immigration status and said that responsibility falls to the federal government. France and the UK will support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion "for as long as it takes", and it is important that President Vladimir Putin is defeated. Source: AFP citing UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron after talks in Paris with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "Britain and France have been staunch supporters of Ukraine and we will continue to be for as long as it takes... I have no doubt that we can make sure Putin loses and it is essential he does lose," Cameron said. "We must be absolutely staunch in how we back Ukraine," he added. Details: Insisting that the West must stay the course, Cameron likened the fight against the Russian invasion to a play made up of different acts. Cameron noted that "the first act was the stunning failure of Russia to achieve its objectives" at the initial stage of the invasion. "The second act was the brilliance the Ukrainians showed in driving back the Russians... and of course the third act has been more difficult on land," he pointed out, referring to the Ukrainian counteroffensive operations this summer, when a breakthrough failed. Cameron stated that the fourth act has not been written yet and "we must be sure we write it in the correct way". Both Cameron and Colonna were keen to emphasise that the UK and France remain on the same page on major international issues, including Ukraine and the Middle East, even after Brexit. Background: On Monday 18 December, the White House warned that current funds will only be enough for one military aid package to Ukraine before the end of the year. Pentagon Comptroller Michael McCord alerted the heads of pertinent US Congress committees that the agency only has enough funds to continue supplying military aid to Ukraine until 30 December. The US Senate and therefore Congress in general are unlikely to advance new border security restrictions, on which the allocation of billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine depends, by the end of the year. Support UP or become our patron! Flash A hydronaut unhitches the rope on the crewed submersible Shenhai Yongshi (Deep Sea Warrior) from the scientific research ship Tan Suo Yi Hao (Discovery One) to make preparations for underwater investigation in the South China Sea, May 26, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] China on Monday said the Philippines should realize that tying itself to some major power and forcing China to back down on issues concerning China's core interests will lead nowhere. China remains committed to upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries. But China will not weaken in its resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, said Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry. He made the remarks in response to recent comments by Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, who reportedly said that a more assertive China posed a real challenge to its neighbors in Asia, and that the South China Sea situation is the most complex geopolitical challenge that the world faces. Marcos also said the Philippines and Japan are having increasing collaboration and should carry out trilateral cooperation with the United States. Wang said that over the past few months, it has been the Philippines who is breaching the common understandings with China and heightening tensions in the South China Sea. It is the Philippines who has attempted to change the current status of Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea and make it a fait accompli, and it is the Philippines who has on every occasion courted external forces to put pressure on China, Wang said. He asked the Philippines not to ignore the following facts: -- The Philippines promised to tow away a warship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Jiao 24 years ago. But 24 years on, the warship is still there. -- China and the Philippines had agreed to properly manage the issue of Ren'ai Jiao and thereby kept things stable at sea. -- However, over the course of this year, the Philippines has gone back on its words and kept sending government and military vessels into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao to supply construction materials for the large-scale repair and reinforcement of the "grounded" warship and permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao. "This is what has caused tensions between China and the Philippines," Wang said. "The Philippines, bolstered by external support, has brushed aside China's goodwill and restraint and repeatedly challenged China's principles and red line." "This is the major risk that could drive up tensions at sea," he said. LAFAYETTE, Ind. Greater Lafayette Commerce announced Tuesday that the state of Indiana ceased all action on the development of a pipeline to transport water from Tippecanoe County to the Lebanon LEAP district until the Indiana Finance Authority completes its major water study. This news comes hours after Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement regarding his visit to Tippecanoe County last week with House Speaker Todd Huston and state Senator Rodric Bray to discuss water issues with local stakeholders in the county. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. proposed to tap the Wabash River aquifer southwest of Lafayette and pump up to 100 million gallons of water across one-third of the state to the Lebanon site for the LEAP industrial site along Interstate 65. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb speaks to the audience gathered at the Greater Lafayette Commerce annual luncheon, on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, in Lafayette, Ind. All three leaders provided assurances the state would not take any action to advance the water project before the Indiana Finance Authority's study is completed which is expected to take until the fall of 2024. Fridays meeting provided the opportunity to have an unfiltered conversation around the issue of water and a chance to reiterate what has been said all along, and that is the data yet still to be gathered will drive any or all future decisions, Holcomb said in the statement. By joining Speaker Huston and Sen. Bray in Tippecanoe County, it is my hope we demonstrated the close working partnership we share and our commitment to making sure we have the right statewide water policy in place to support the entire states economic growth and needs. Finally, it was especially nice to hear directly from local leaders as they shared their individual perspectives and discussed how we can all best cooperate and share data as the Indiana Finance Authority continues its work on its regional water study. The meeting provided an opportunity for local leaders to express their concerns regarding the status of the LEAP district and its potential utilization of area water resources to the three top leaders in state government. To try and halt any additional movement on the project, the Tippecanoe County Commissioners passed an ordinance earlier this month that placed a nine-month moratorium on the high-volume export of water outside of Tippecanoe County. We understand a well is not going to be built in nine months, but they could sign a contract and then we would have no recourse whatsoever if this moratorium wasnt on the books, Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tom Murtaugh said at the meeting earlier this month. So it is actually very valuable to have something on the books," Murtaugh said earlier this month. "Nobody is saying we think theyre going to build wells in the next nine months. We know thats not possible, but its for the whole situation of preemption. Its important that we have that in place. The three state leaders met with Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski, West Lafayette Mayor-elect Erin Easter, Murtaugh, Greater Lafayette Commerce Board Chairwoman Rachel Hazaray, Greater Lafayette Commerce President Scott Walker, Purdue University Trustee Gary Lehman, and representatives from Purdue University President Mung Chiangs office last Friday after the three called for a last-minute meeting on Thursday. We appreciate our state leaders coming to our region and talking through the issues that concern us and our local constituents. We are committed to keeping the public informed about the process, Roswarski said in a Greater Lafayette Commerce announcement news release. At the meeting, Indiana Finance Authoritys Chief of Environmental Programs Jim McGoff noted that his agency is committed to being fully transparent with the public regarding developments on the project and that the state's economic development corporation's consultant, Intera, would not be drilling any additional test wells. The state and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. faced severe criticism earlier this year after it was discovered how much progress was made on the LEAP project without the input, and knowledge of the public and a lack of data-driven studies that would highlight how the project would affect the county. The state's economic development corporation also faced criticism because of its unwillingness to provide unredacted documents to news agencies that required them via the request to inspect public documents. While the (Indiana Economic Development Corp.) is tasked with the important role of attracting business investment to the state, the many associated aspects of a major project like LEAP, including environmental impact, infrastructure development, tax and appropriation implications and workforce policy are the joint responsibility of the executive branch and the legislature, Brad said in Holcomb's news release. "The (Indiana Economic Development Corp.) has been a vital and successful driver of Indianas job growth, but they are not and will not be the final decision maker on water issues related to the LEAP project." Murtaugh summed up the meeting, saying, They were very willing to hear our concerns and I think they were responsive. We were relieved to hear that they would not be processing anything at this point in regard to a pipeline until a lot further into the project. Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette water pipeline for LEAP on hold until study is completed Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) released an internal poll Tuesday that shows him with a large lead in the New Jersey Senate primary against the states first lady Tammy Murphy and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.). The South Jersey congressman leads Murphy 45 percent to 22 percent among likely primary voters, according to the poll, which was first reported by The New Jersey Globe. Menendez garnered just 3 percent support in the poll. Kim was the first New Jersey Democrat to call on Menendez to resign after he was indicted on corruption charges in September, and launched an unplanned Senate challenge against him the next day. Murphy, the wife of Gov. Phil Murphy (D), launched her Senate bid last month and gained the support of influential establishment figures. Both candidates are popular among New Jersey Democrats, with each candidate holding double-digit net favorability ratings. Kim boasts a +35 net rating, per his campaigns poll, while Murphy stands at +17, with about half of voters not familiar enough with each to make a determination. Kim holds a significant lead against Murphy in multiple demographic categories, according to the poll, including a 42-point lead among progressives and a 19-point lead among moderates. He also has a 17-point lead among women respondents. Ive never seen this kind of energy in New Jersey that Im seeing now on the campaign trail. Voters are fed up with usual Jersey politics and are hungry for a change, Kim said in a statement. People are coming out in droves all over New Jersey to join us because they want an experienced public servant that will represent them with integrity through these challenging times. A previous Kim campaign poll from last month found the congressman with 40 percent support compared to Murphys 21 percent, and Menendez at 5 percent. Menendezs job approval has plummeted since he and his wife were indicted on allegations they accepted bribes. According to prosecutors, the couple accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts in exchange for political favors to interests in Egypt. Dozens of Democrats across the country have called on Menendez to step down, which he has refused to do. He has denied wrongdoing. The internal poll surveyed 1,040 likely New Jersey Democratic voters earlier this month, with a margin of error of 3 percent. The New Jersey Democratic primary is set for June 4. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Welcome to Investigative Stories from Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent's newsletter that walks you through the most prominent investigations of the past week. If you are fond of in-depth journalism that exposes war crimes, corruption, and abuse of power across state organizations in Ukraine and beyond, subscribe to our investigative newsletter. If you enjoy this newsletter, consider joining our membership or supporting us with a one-time donation. Start supporting independent journalism today. Kyiv Independents exclusive ______________________________________________ Italian firm Danieli aids Russian war machine Italian steel giant Danieli had contributed to Russian steel production since 2014, when Russia first invaded Ukriane, and continued doing business with Russia after the all-out war broke out in 2022, a joint investigation by Follow The Money and Kyiv Independent found. Russian companies that Danieli could have preserved ties with after the full-scale invasion produce steel for Russian weapons. Among them could be Severstal and Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK), the owners of which are under international sanctions. Danieli Corus, the Dutch branch of the Italian Danieli Group, shipped a furnace cooling element to Severstal on Aug.10, 2022, half a year into the full-scale invasion, according to the data from ImportGenius, obtained by journalists. Danieli Corus moved forward with the supply being well aware that the companys owner was subject to the European Union sanctions, according to a lawyer whom Danieli sought advice from prior to the shipment. The Severstal plant produces steel used in the making of AK-100 Kalashnikov machine guns and Kalibr cruise missiles, among other weapons Russia extensively uses in its war against Ukriane, according to the Russian independent media Proekt. Follow The Money and the Kyiv Independent also 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. According to the journalist investigation, the company has worked with at least 14 Russian metal companies since 2014, most of which are major steel producers and processors. Danieli has an office in Russia. In April 2023, over a year into the all-out war, Danieli said it would leave Russia. Over half a year later, it hasnt. Read the full story in English here. Top investigative stories ______________________________________________ Journalists allege that key government agency controlled by unofficial boss A businessman and former advisor to the head of Ukraines Agency for Investigation and Management of Assets, known by its Ukrainian acronym ARMA, appears to still have a top role in the agency unofficially, according to an investigation by Ukrainian media outlet Bihus.Info. ARMA is responsible for managing assets seized from people under indictment, generally accused of corruption, until a final decision is reached as to their guilt or innocence. ARMA is a controversial agency, having been embroiled in scandals that led to a member of parliament calling for its dissolution in February 2023. In November and December, Bihus.Info filmed Vadym Hrona, a businessman previously employed by ARMA who resigned from his position in October, entering the office daily with a keycard reserved for employees. Moreover, journalists captured Hrona on fim entering the office with Duma or arriving in her office car. According to the journalist investigation, based on conversations with employees and leaked CCTV footage, Hrona gives instructions to ARMA staff even though he is not officially employed there. According to Bihus.Info, this raises concerns that Hrona is a behind-the-scenes puppetmaster curating the agency for senior politicians. CCTV footage also shows that Hrona punched Vladislav Romanov, an ARMA employee who was dismissed following the incident, while Hrona, who had already resigned from the agency, faced no repercussions. Romanov told Bihus.Info that Hrona threatened his life after Romanovs refusal to carry out Hronas instructions. Responding to allegations, ARMA told Bihus.Info that Hrona appears in meetings as a member of the agencys public anti-corruption council. According to Bihus.Info, this position does not make Hrona an agency employee or allow free access to its offices. The council has only met once, not explaining Hronas daily visits to the agency. Watch the full story in Ukrainian with English subtitles here. General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces splurges on extravagant items The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine spent Hr 10 million ($270,000) on various expensive and frivolous items, including a thousand-dollar chess set, crystal tableware, and 21 Apple Watches, according to an investigation by Ukrainian media outlet Slidstvo.Info. Some items were reportedly purchased at inflated prices. For example, an Orthodox icon bought for Hr 13,400 ($360) is listed on the stores website at Hr 2,900 ($78), according to Slidstvo.Info. The General Staff is the government agency within the defense ministry responsible for the operational management of Ukraines armed forces. The General Staff did not respond to the journalists questions about the reason for purchasing extravagant items. Read the full story in Ukrainian here. Ex-minister convicted for corruption expanded his business empire while under investigation Mykola Zlochevskyi, who served as minister of ecology under pro-Russian fugitive president Viktor Yanukovych, expanded his business empire while facing corruption charges, according to an investigation by Ukrainska Pravda. Among other business exploits, Zlochevskyi founded Burisma, a scandal-ridden company that once counted Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, as one of its board members. A previous investigation by Ukrainska Pravda revealed that in May 2023, Zlochevskyi reached a deal with anti-corruption prosecutors, which saw him pay up to Hr 660 million ($17.7 million) as a donation to the military and an Hr 68,000 ($1,800) fine and admit his guilt of attempting the largest bribe to date in 2020. The decision, which was kept secret, saw Zlochevskyi get no jail time. While under investigation in the bribery case, Zlochevskyi, his family, or known associates acquired up to $18 million worth of property in Kyiv. In March 2023, Ukrainian law enforcement opened another investigation into a Zlochevskyi-owned gas company and froze its assets. According to the journalist investigation, authorities unfroze gas company assets just two days after Zlochevskyi donated millions to the military, raising concerns of a possible quid-pro-quo. According to Ukrainska Pravda, the fact that Zlochevskyis immense wealth continued to grow while under investigation and after his conviction raises questions as to whether the prosecution deal amounted to little more than a slap on the wrist. Watch the full story in Ukrainian here. Impact ______________________________________________ Ukrainian law enforcement search Spanish villa belonging to indicted Odesa official The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Ukraines law enforcement agency that investigates crimes committed by government officials, announced that it had searched the Spanish villa of Yevhen Borysov, former head of Odesas military commission suspected of corruption. Borysov was removed from office and detained on suspicion of abuse of office and illicit enrichment in July 2023. In June 2023, an investigation by Ukrainska Pravda revealed that Borysov owned real estate and cars worth almost $5 million near Marbella, in southern Spain. According to Ukrainska Pravda, the crown jewel of Borysovs Spanish holdings was a villa worth $3.3 million. The raid by the SBI carried out in Spain alongside local law enforcement confirmed that Borysov was the owner of the villa. Documents recovered by the SBI also show that Borysov owns seven real estate objects in the Odesa oblast and six cars. MP charged with violating travel ban following journalist investigation The Prosecutor General of Ukraine initiated criminal proceedings against Oleksandr Kunytskyi, a member of parliament from President Volodymyr Zelenskys Servant of the People party following a journalist investigation that revealed he violated travel restrictions. Since January 2023, Ukrainian officials and lawmakers have been permitted to travel abroad only under a narrow set of circumstances that will apply for as long as Ukraine is under martial law. Authorities have already investigated other members of parliament for violating travel restrictions. An investigation by Schemes, a Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe project, showed that while Kunytskyi received permission to travel to Israel on a short trip, he flew to a Florida airport and exceeded his travel permission by more than two weeks. Meanwhile, in Russia ______________________________________________ Journalists reveal Russian spy working in Ukraine just before full-scale invasion Leaked documents obtained by the Dossier Center, a Russian independent media outlet in exile, reveal the names and operations of agents tasked with destabilizing and attacking Ukraine. The journalist investigation focused on two agents, Viktor Lukovenko and his curator, Denis Smolyaninov. According to the leaks, both men work for Russias military intelligence service, best known under its Russian acronym GRU. GRU is known for conducting attacks and operations abroad, including the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in the UK in 2018. Lukovenko, a Russian nationalist and convicted murderer, was recruited by Smolyaninov, Dossier Center reported citing the documents they obtained. According to the leaks, Lukovenko was sent to Ukraine in 2022 to track down and possibly assassinate a Kazakh activist who fled to Ukraine after being persecuted by pro-Russian authorities in Kazakhstan. The documents show that Lukovenko was also meant to recruit Russian sympathizers in Ukraine but was quickly outed to Ukrainian security forces and had to flee to Transnistria, a Russian-backed separatist region of Moldova. According to the journalist investigation, Smolyaninov had been working on Ukraine since 2014, when he participated in recruiting militants to fight for Russia in eastern Ukraine. The Dossier Center reached out to Smolyaninov, posing as a police officer with Lukovenko in detention for a petty crime. Smolyaninov confirmed that Lukovenko is a GRU agent and that he operated in Ukraine just before the start of the full-scale invasion. Watch the full story in Russian with English subtitles here. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. EXCLUSIVE - Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa charges that former President Trump is "misleading" voters in her state. "Its misleading and its not fair to Iowans," the governor said Monday night in an interview with Fox News Digital while referring to an ad the Trump campaign is running in the Hawkeye State that spotlights years-old clips of Reynolds praising the former president. Reynolds endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the race for the White House last month, and the two teamed up again in Bettendorf, Iowa, with four weeks to go until the state's caucuses kick off the GOP presidential nominating calendar. While Reynolds supported Trump during his 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, their relationship soured this past summer when the former president blasted Reynolds for staying neutral in the Republican nomination race following a long-standing tradition of Iowa governors. DESANTIS TURNS UP THE VOLUME ON TRUMP Republican Gov. of Iowa Kim Reynolds (left), Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (right), and his wife, Florida first lady Casey DeSantis (center), at a campaign event in Bettendorf, Iowa, on Dec. 18. "He was upset with me because I was going to stay neutral at the beginning of the campaign for the first-in-the-nation caucus, which I did for seven months," Reynolds said in her Fox News interview and in comments to the crowd minutes earlier. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Trump's attacks on Reynolds intensified after she endorsed DeSantis. "It's not going to make any difference, because the only endorsement that matters is the Trump endorsement," the former president claimed at a campaign event in Ankeny, Iowa, earlier this month. Reynolds noted that after she backed DeSantis, Trump said her "endorsement didnt mean anything" and called it "worthless," adding that she was "the worst governor in the country." DESANTIS STOPS IN ALL 99 OF IOWA'S COUNTIES BUT WILL IT HELP HIM CLOSE THE GAP WITH TRUMP? "Thats on one hand, and now we look at another hand hes using me in a commercial that dates back to 2016 and again [is] misleading Iowans as if I was endorsing him and going back and forth," the governor added. "In 2016 and 2020 I supported President Trump. I endorsed him. I helped him in the state of Iowa. It's a different day. Its a different time." Pointing to Hawkeye State voters, Reynolds said "its OK for Iowans to say thank you for what you did and move on. We need somebody that can win. We need somebody that can follow through on what they said they were going to do." Asked for a response, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung asked Fox News, "is she saying that she lied to voters all those years?" Trump remains the commanding front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination as he makes his third straight White House run. He made history earlier this year as the first former or current president to be indicted for a crime with his four indictments, including in federal court in Washington, D.C., and in Fulton County court in Georgia on charges he tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The former president's legal difficulties have only boosted his support among Republican primary voters. TRUMP HOLDS A MASSIVE LEAD IN THE POLLS WITH FIVE WEEKS TO GO UNTIL THE IOWA CAUCUSES Trump holds an extremely formidable double-digit lead over DeSantis and the rest of the remaining field of 2024 nomination rivals in the latest polls in Iowa, but Reynolds remains optimistic. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, takes a photo with Iowa voters following a campaign event on Dec. 18 in Bettendorf, Iowa. Asked about the polls, she told Fox News "it can change." "The energy, the momentum, is with [DeSantis]. Iowans break late. So weve got a lot of time left," she emphasized. "Were going work hard to get him across the finish line." Fox News' Clare O'Connor contributed to this report Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: Iowa Gov. Reynolds, with DeSantis, takes aim at Trump over 'misleading' TV ad Some 12 per cent of global trade passes through the Red Sea. If that is cut off, or even hindered, then we have a major economic crisis on our hands. When a ship blocked the Suez Canal in 2021, we saw how severely these crises can hit the global markets. While cost estimates vary wildly, one suggested that it held up as much as $10 billion of cargo every day. Today we face a more serious threat. Current events in the Red Sea are not an accident, nor the work of rag-tag pirates. We are defending trade against a well-funded and highly equipped militia group the Houthis which is firing pot-shots and has boarded ships transiting the area. The effect on trade has already been significant, with several liquified natural gas and container companies either changing route or waiting nearby. The geopolitical consequences, given that this group is believed to be funded by Iran, could be enormous. The West must therefore be prepared for the worst and ready to stand up for the international trading network. This has always been a task of the Royal Navy worldwide and should be reflected in our maritime strategy. If we dont take firm enough action then Iran may be tempted to threaten the Strait of Hormuz. While it is welcome news that the US has launched an expanded maritime protection network in the Red Sea with Operation Prosperity Guardian, this should highlight the need to properly fund our naval forces in an increasingly volatile world. Sadly, our contribution to such essential operations will already have been hindered by cuts. Indeed, there was a time when British ships escorted trade through challenging waters. But do we have the capacity to take the lead today? For now, Operation Prosperity Guardian has to be robust. If ships are further targeted by Houthi weapons, there would be a clear self-defence case for hitting back. We should strike at the obvious target: not just their boats, but the missile or drone pads from which the strikes are launched. This would be the only way to show that were serious about stopping the Houthis. It would also send a message to Iran: that we are not afraid of striking its proxies when they get in our way. The Iranian regime may believe it can trigger global instability with impunity by seemingly arming and training militant groups we must prove that is far from the case. At home, we need to strengthen our maritime and trade resilience. Our population doesnt seem to realise just how much of the worlds merchant shipping is run from London. Just-in-time supply chains are at risk of falling apart as soon as there is disruption anywhere, so we ought to develop storage facilities and variable supply routes. It cannot be right that our economy is ruined, and Christmas is spoiled for families in English towns, over a militia causing trouble in faraway lands. Investment in resilience now would reduce the costs over the long-term. We should also take more notice of failed or conflict-ridden states. The Red Sea is now surrounded by them: Yemen, Somalia and Sudan. Instability in these countries fuels the rise of militant groups, which then target the West as their enemy. Finally, we need to defend the current British fleet, including aircraft carriers, from ignorant criticism. We clearly have too few ships to do what the nation expects of us. Britain is, first and foremost, a maritime nation. Our ability to protect trade routes has always been paramount. We should be proud and keep it that way. Admiral Lord West is a former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff 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. Mohammadi has spent much of the last two decades in and out of jail (Javad Parsa) Jailed Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi refused to appear on Tuesday at her first trial hearing since the award ceremony, describing the court as a "slaughterhouse", her family said. Mohammadi, whose family accepted the 2023 prize in Oslo on her behalf on December 10, said the revolutionary court where she is being tried is responsible for ordering death sentences for young Iranians. "The revolutionary court is the slaughterhouse of the youth of Iran, and I will not set foot in this slaughterhouse," she said in a statement published by her family on her Instagram account "I refuse to grant credibility or authority to judges affiliated with secret services and courts that engage in staged trials," she added. The charges in the trial were not immediately clear but are believed to be related to her activities behind bars in Tehran's Evin prison where she has defiantly campaigned against Iran's Islamic authorities and the mandatory dress code for women. She has also repeatedly denounced Iran's use of the death penalty which has seen hundreds of people executed this year. Eight men have been executed in cases related to the protests that erupted in September 2022 and were sparked by the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini. The movement was strongly supported by Mohammadi from prison. Her family has said that if convicted in the latest case, she risked being told to serve her sentence in a prison outside the Iranian capital. Mohammadi, 51, has spent much of the past two decades in and out of jail. She began serving her most recent sentence in November 2021. The family said this will be the third trial Mohammadi has faced related to her activities in prison. In the two previous cases, she was sentenced to 27 months in prison and four months of street sweeping and social work. During the past two decades, Mohammadi has been arrested 13 times, and sentenced five times to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. The family confirmed that Mohammadi -- who has not seen her Paris-based husband and children for several years -- remains deprived of the right to make phone calls. She has not spoken to her twin 17-year-old children -- who accepted the Nobel prize on her behalf -- for almost two years. sjw/jh/kir Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on his reelection as Egyptian president. In his congratulatory message, Xi noted that China and Egypt are good friends who share the same ideal and trust each other, and good partners who work together for development and common prosperity. In recent years, Xi said, China-Egypt relations have flourished, practical cooperation in various fields has brought fruitful outcomes, and the friendship between their people has been deepening continuously. Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Egypt relations, and stands ready to work with Sisi to continue to firmly support each other, promote China-Egypt Belt and Road cooperation, jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and continuously lift the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership to higher levels so as to bring more benefits to their people. Darnell Smith will serve as the Mayors Chief of Staff starting on January 2. The news comes four days after Action News Jax told you Mayor Deegans first pick for Chief of Staff, Pat McCullough, would be stepping down to explore other roles in city government. Smith is an executive with Florida Blue, serving as its North Region Market President. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read: New Florida bill would create dangerous dog registry and require liability insurance He served on Mayor Deegans transition team, and on the boards of Sulzbacher, the Cathedral Arts Project, First Coast YMCA, LIFT JAX, the JAX Chamber, the JAXUSA Policy Council, United Way of Northeast Florida, the A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity and Impact Fund, and Blue Zones Jacksonville. Im excited and grateful that Darnell is joining the Mayors Office to lead our talented team, Mayor Donna Deegan said in a news release. He will build upon our administrations early successes, and with decades of experience and a deep love of Jacksonville, I believe he will maximize this transformational moment in time for our city. Read: Witnesses say Orange Park officer punched for almost colliding with woman Its an honor to answer the call to serve Mayor Deegan and people across Jacksonville, Darnell Smith said in the same news release. I believe in her vision of an inclusive and thriving city that works for all of us and the shared value that our community is stronger when its united. Im looking forward to working with Mayor Deegan and the team to take big steps forward for our city. Florida Blue will cover Smiths salary and benefits. Hes on an executive loan through a contract between the company and the City of Jacksonville. Read: JSO hosting virtual hiring event for correctional officers [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Police seized the cocaine Edward Durnion had planned to transport and re-packed the pallet with books instead A man who hid cocaine with a street value of about 18m in a consignment of frozen chickens has been jailed. Police said Edward Durnion, 36, of Warwickshire, kept 192kg (423lb) of the drug at a north London business park. Officers carried out a search after following up on drugs found in November 2022 and discovered the same supplier had delivered the chickens. At Stafford Crown Court, Durnion was jailed for nine years after admitting conspiring to supply a Class A drug. West Midlands Police said the search had been carried out on 13 March and cocaine packed in boxes underneath frozen chickens had been found on a pallet. Det Insp Dave Simpson said it had an estimated wholesale value of 5.5m and a potential street value of 18m. He described it as "a significant seizure which will have caused considerable disruption to that particular chain of supply". The police said the drugs would have been worth up to 18m on the street Police seized the drugs and the pallet was repackaged with books instead. The force said that the next day Durnion, of Crackley Lane, Kenilworth, had arrived in a van, collected the pallet and driven it to a storage unit in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, where he discovered the drugs were missing. He was arrested and later charged by the Metropolitan Police. Durnion was sentenced on Tuesday. A co-defendant, 49-year-old Alan Brown, from Bedford, was found not guilty at the same court of conspiring to supply cocaine. Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk When Kentucky Congressman James Comer decided to investigate and ultimately pursue an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, he knew the political waters might get choppy. I fully expected the press and the Democrats would work overtime to cover up for Biden, and I knew the White House would come after me, Comer told me. But even with my experience being the target of dishonest attacks, I had no idea just how dumb it would be. At issue is an allegation from the Associated Press that Comers ownership of six acres of land in Monroe County, held in a Limited Liability Corporation (an LLC in common business parlance) called Farm Team Properties, makes him a hypocrite because he is investigating the president and his son, Hunter Biden, for the Biden familys use of shell corporations to mask the source and movement of tens of millions of dollars. It is a disgrace that the Associated Press wrote this article, claiming Im somehow the same as Hunter Biden, Comer said. Anyone with any financial literacy knows that an LLC with assets is clearly not a shell company. My company has assets and an active business purpose of land management, real estate speculation, and hunting leasing. The Bidens have over 20 actual shell companies with no assets and no known business purpose. Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, arrives to talk to reporters about the Republican investigation on his business dealings at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington on Dec. 13, 2023. Hunter Biden lashed out at Republican investigators who have been digging into his business dealings, insisting outside the Capitol he will only testify before a congressional committee in public. Comer owns land, the Bidens own 'smoke and mirrors' I own land, and the land is an asset with a purpose. The Bidens own smoke and mirrors designed to hide millions in payments from foreign sources that went for services that not a single person can define, Comer said. But sure, were all the same, I guess, he said, laughing. Maybe I ought to take up painting instead of farming. Comer is a well-known farmer in his hometown of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, where he owns roughly 1,600 acres. Even the Associated Press reports that his business interests are meticulously documented in his congressional financial disclosure forms. As for the LLC that owns the six acres, Comer disputes that it is designed to create opacity. His office said that Comer previously consulted with the House Ethics Committee to ensure he was properly disclosing it on the required forms. Comer bought the land before becoming a Member of Congress. House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., background, after Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden's son, defied a congressional subpoena to appear privately for a deposition, at the Capitol, Dec. 13, 2023. Comer follows facts to hold the powerful accountable Comer's interest in following facts over partisan considerations is well known back home. Shortly after taking office as Kentucky agriculture commissioner in 2011, he partnered with Democratic Auditor Adam Edelen to investigate the department. The examination culminated with the previous commissioner, a Republican, going to prison. House speaker: Evidence against Biden can't be ignored. We're pursuing impeachment inquiry. Elected to Congress in 2016, Comer didn't set out to become the top Republican on the House Oversight Committee. But as his colleagues left the committee or Congress altogether, Comer again accepted the responsibility of following the facts and holding the powerful accountable. He says he doesnt wish for any president to be impeached, but that his job is to follow the money and the information. It is amazing to me that the press has decided to just chant without evidence, without evidence like some sort of cult-inspired mantra, Comer said. The presidents family has benefited enormously from foreign payments, and some of these sources are extremely shady. We have bank records. Documents. Witness and whistleblower testimony. Text messages where Hunter Biden is threatening people with retribution from his father if they dont pay up. None of this information is in dispute. Comer has evidence against Biden and public support Where I come from, thats what we call evidence, Comer said. Whether the House decides to impeach President Biden, I cannot predict. Maybe the House decides this doesnt rise to the level. But my job is to investigate things that smell funny. And the way the Biden family has made its money, with Joe Biden as the product and Hunter Biden as the salesman, stinks to high Heaven, Comer said. Democrats, pull yourselves together. Remember: Biden is still better than Trump. Comer seems to have substantial public support for his view. An Associated Press poll taken in October found most adults say President Biden has at the very least acted unethically in his handling of the international business dealings of his son Hunter, including about a third who say he did something illegal. And an NPR-PBS-Marist University poll released last week showed 49% of Americans support the impeachment inquiry, including nearly one quarter of Democrats. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. Comer says hes proud of his work, despite the ferocious pushback and personal attacks. He notes that when former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi launched the first impeachment inquiry against former President Donald Trump in 2019, two Democrats defected. I got 100% of the Republicans to support the inquiry, despite the obvious divisions in our party. For goodness sakes I have Don Bacon and Matt Gaetz coming to the same conclusion. Pelosi never achieved that sort of party unity when she went after Trump, and she was heralded as some crusading genius. It is clear that our evidence is persuasive and merits a serious review to see if the president of the United States is compromised by a son for whom he clearly has a blind spot, Comer said. No predictions on the future, but I believe weve shown, at a minimum, that a lot of shady foreign money changed hands to the benefit of the Biden family and that the president wasnt honest about it in 2020 or since. Scott Jennings is a Republican adviser, CNN political contributor and partner at RunSwitch Public Relations. He can be reached at Scott@RunSwitchPR.com or on Twitter @ScottJenningsKY. Scott Jennings is a Partner at Louisville-based RunSwitch PR. He is a longtime Republican advisor and serves as a Senior Political Commentator for CNN. This column first published in the Louisville Courier-Journal. You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: James Comer isn't Hunter Biden. His land LLC isn't a shell company Uranus is not the first planet that comes to astronomers' minds when they hear about rings; its more spectacular celestial cousins like Saturn and Jupiter earn that distinction. Yet the rings around Uranus are quite magnificent on their own, as revealed among other things by recent images taken by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The images, which were captured by the JWST's NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera), are particularly notable for the clarity and detail that they offer in showing the rings of Uranus. Among these is the famous zeta ring, a very faint and dusty celestial object first discovered by the Voyager 2 satellite in 1986. On its website NASA describes this ring as "elusive" and adds that the JWST was only able to capture an image of "the extremely faint and diffuse ring closest to the planet" because of its "exquisite sensitivity." The rings of Uranus are certainly not alone as far as standout images from JWST are concerned. While the Voyager 2 images of Uranus shows a cyan ball, the new JWST images show a number of hues: Electric bright white, soft purple, light blue and dark blue. The JWST also caught images of many of the 27 moons that orbit Uranus and sport Shakespearean names: Belinda, Bianca, Cressida, Desdemona, Juliet, Perdita, Portia, Puck and Rosalind. NASA scientists also pointed out that the new images reveal tumult beneath the seemingly placid Uranusian surface. They note that there are several bright storms visible both near and below the southern border of the polar cap. It's a good thing we got this image, because there are no NASA missions officially planned to the distant planet, though one may launch between 2028 and 2038. Members of Jersey's Filipino community are asking for more support as their community grows in the island. The community estimates there are about 2,000 Filipino living in Jersey. Staff from the Philippine embassy in the UK recently came to Jersey for the first time in six years to help people with issues including passports, civil registration and citizenship. Community leaders have called for such visits to become annual due to the significant population growth. Those needing to renew or update official paperwork would normally have to travel to the country's embassy in London. Marlene Ferrer said it could cause a lot of problems for people like herself: "Normally, we have to go to London for a day or two and then come back again. "We have to spend a fortune on [travel] and then, if it's not finished, you have to go back again." Rhenita Rodriguez said it was important for the embassy to build on its relationship with the Government of Jersey Dina Rouse is working with the embassy to arrange more regular visits. She said: "This helps the Guernsey community too, because it's much easier for them to come here rather than trying to go to London. "The population is getting bigger because more people are working in hospitality, the health sector, as well as traditional industries like farming and fishing." Rhenita Rodriguez, deputy head of mission and consul general for the UK embassy, said it was important to build on the relationship with Jersey's government as well. Christine Hellio said the current system was penalising the people needed most for industries such as farming She said: "It's been a few weeks of back and forth between the Philippine embassy and the Government of Jersey. "We want to continue this work and we look forward to more visits here in Jersey." Farmer Christine Hellio employs a number of Filipinos. She has called for a change in the rules so people with work permits in Jersey do not have to pay social security and long-term care contributions as their permit forced them to leave the island, so they would not benefit. She said: "The farming industry could not cope without them, we just would not function ... they are penalising the people we need most. "All my workers ... are not going to get old here - they are never going to be able to use the long-term care; they are only allowed to stay for a maximum of nine months." In October, a scrutiny panel found more could be done to protect and inform work permit holders. At the time, Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles recognised "areas for improvement, some of which concern immigration policy". Follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Fifteen Jewish organizations on Tuesday pledged their strong support for President Joe Bidens historic Muslim court pick Adeel Mangi days after Republican senators subjected him to hostile and Islamophobic questioning in his confirmation hearing. Having ethical and unbiased judges is ingrained in our Jewish teachings in which we are taught that judges need to be people of strength through good deeds, reads the groups letter to all 100 senators, obtained by HuffPost. It is clear to us that Adeel A. Mangi is a person of strength and good deeds, as evidenced by his career, devotion to his community, and commitment to religious freedom and civil rights. The letter hails Mangis legal record and highlights numerous amicus briefs he has filed in federal courts, including the Supreme Court, on behalf of religious communities relating to LGBTQ rights, unlawful surveillance of religious communities and the repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Mangi has also spoken movingly about his faith, the groups wrote, and his pro bono work on behalf of religious organizations. Its important that people of faith have a voice on many of the critical issues that are before the Supreme Court and the appellate courts, reads the letter, quoting Mangi. Theres something beautiful about ... more than 150 different religious groups coming together to present a common position to the Supreme Court of the United States. The letter is signed by the National Council of Jewish Women, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Carolina Jews for Justice, The Shalom Center, and others. The groups collectively represent more than a million people nationwide. Heres a copy of their letter: Mangi Jewish Orgs Support Letter by jen_bendery on Scribd This embedded content is not available in your region. Mangi, if confirmed, will be the nations first-ever Muslim federal appeals court judge, and only the third Muslim federal judge. Biden tapped Mangi for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, based in Philadelphia. The Jewish groups letter comes after Mangi, who is a partner at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, endured a series of offensive and irrelevant questions from Republicans in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. GOP Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas), Tom Cotton (Ark.) and Josh Hawley (Mo.) yelled at and interrupted Mangi throughout his hearing. They demanded that he share his personal views on the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Oct. 7 attack in Israel and the Israeli-Hamas conflict in general. They also repeatedly tried to tie him to pro-Palestinian comments made by people he didnt know, and to events he didnt know about. Mangi repeatedly had to attest that he wasnt antisemitic or sympathetic to terrorists. Cruz, for one, specifically pressed Mangi to say whether he sees any justification for the Hamas militants terrorist attack in Israel that left some 1,200 Israelis dead. I have no patience none for any attempts to justify or defend those events, Mangi replied. President Joe Bidens judicial nominee Adeel Mangi testifies during his Senate confirmation hearing on Dec. 13. President Joe Bidens judicial nominee Adeel Mangi testifies during his Senate confirmation hearing on Dec. 13. Democrats on the committee later condemned Republicans for their treatment of Bidens judicial pick, including chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who banged his gavel several times in response to Cruz repeatedly interrupting Mangi. On Friday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the country, condemned all three Republican senators for their behavior. Singling out a Muslim judicial nominee and forcing him to answer gotcha questions about the Middle East simply because of faith or because of his tangential connections to Muslims who comment on the Middle East is Islamophobic and un-American, said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, CAIRs national deputy director. So is raising the hateful trope that presumptively assumes that Muslims are antisemitic. Mangis nomination isnt going anywhere soon. The Senate is about to recess for the holidays and isnt expected back until Jan. 8. After that, its up to Durbin to decide when to schedule a committee vote on Mangis nomination. Related... It may have been a service of thanksgiving for the life of Alistair Darling, but so extensive was the array of Labour stars in Edinburghs St Marys Episcopal Cathedral that it quickly became an impressive display of the partys history. And in doing so, it reminded the voters what theyre missing. The great and the good from Labours recent past, who put on a united show while making up the bulk of the thousand-plus mourners, had two main purposes. The first was an unreserved and genuine tribute to a man they all admired for his honesty and integrity. The second was to parade the talent which Labour believes will help win the next general election. The family had a private cremation service 24 hours earlier and Tuesday was meant as a celebration of Mr Darlings life. Tony and Cherie Blair also attended the service to celebrate the late former chancellor's life - SWNS Sir Keir Starmer joined Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar in the church - Andrew Milligan/PA Wire It was an impressive cast list. There were two prime ministers - Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown - with their wives, as well as one-in-waiting (hes certain thats the case) in Sir Keir Starmer. There was an assortment of shadow cabinet ministers led by Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary and Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor. The latter described Darling as her mentor. Spot the stars soon became a party game for the serried ranks of mourners as they waited for the impressive service to begin. There was Lord McFall of Alcluith, the Lords Speaker, Dame Rosie Winterton, the deputy Commons Speaker, and any number of former frontbenchers from the days when Blair and Brown ruled the roost. Oh yes and there, also, were two of the men who helped them to the rule that roost - in Lord Mandelson and Alastair Campbell. But in truth, there were more names there than you could shake a stick at. Lord Mandelson was one of a number of former frontbenchers from the days when Blair and Brown ruled the roost - ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images Rachel Reeves described Darling as her mentor - Andrew Milligan/PA Wire Isnt that old whatisname over there who used to be defence secretary? someone asked. The answer was Yes - but did they mean Geoff Hoon or Lord (Des) Browne? They were both there in the huge congregation and both did that job. And isnt that Lord (George) Robertson, another former defence secretary who went on to be Nato general secretary? Yes, it was. But while there were Labour politicians aplenty paying tribute to Darling, there was no end of media personalities paying their last respects - all the TV celebrities were there, including Sarah Smith, the BBCs US editor, and elder daughter of the late John Smith. He had died, like Darling, before his time, in 1994, aged 55. And just as has happened with Darling, who died aged 70, Smiths political opponents had publicly and in large numbers mourned his loss. I well remember a Scottish Tory conference being abandoned when Smith died. All of that said, it may still have taken many by surprise that leading Tory big wig George Osborne was also one of the principal mourners in Edinburgh and was seated amongst the major Labour personalities. He had also run the Treasury, in Osbornes case from 2010 to 2016, and had helped persuade Darling to take on the post of head of the Better Together campaign which defeated the SNP in the independence referendum in 2014. It may have taken many by surprise that leading George Osborne was one of the principal mourners - Andrew Milligan/PA Wire Darling took a lot of persuading and his agreement to do the save the Union task was in stark contrast to the attitude adopted by Brown who was, and still is, reluctant to share platforms with Conservative speakers. He did relent towards the end of the 2014 campaign but by that time Darling had won the battle. Also in attendance was former Liberal leader Lord (David) Steel. All of that said, it was Browns presence at the service that was more than a little controversial. He and his chancellor had been long-time allies but their relationship cooled dramatically when Brown was blamed for briefing heavily against Darling after, in an interview, the latter predicted that tough economic times were on the way. Brown was furious about the suggestion but denied being responsible for leaking against Darling. It is a denial still not accepted by many in Darlings camp. But there were no obvious signs of ill will between friends of the two senior Labourites on Tuesday. JK Rowling, a long-time friend of Alistair and Maggie Darling, was also in attendance - Andrew Milligan/PA Wire In fact, the proceedings, in one of Edinburghs and Scotlands biggest churches, were entirely cordial with speaker after speaker praising Darlings qualities of clarity, courage and calmness in dealing with the toughest problems. There is little doubt that politics and specifically Labour politics was the order of the day but there was more than a sprinkling of stardust amongst the mourners, too. JK Rowling is a long-time friend of Alistair and Maggie Darling and the two families used to be near neighbours. Harry Potters inventor is a Labour voter and was a keen supporter of the Better Together campaign and it was Darling who encouraged her to make a huge donation, reportedly over one million pounds, to the campaign fund. Another famous author, Ian Rankin was also present. He and the former prime minister are avid supporters of Raith Rovers FC in their native Fife. Darling's wife Margaret arrives at the service for her husband - ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images It is a sad fact that the star of Tuesdays show was Darling and he couldnt be there; indeed its difficult to think of a modern-day politician more highly regarded for possessing those often elusive political qualities of honesty and integrity. That was a motion that was passed by acclaim in St Marys. Nevertheless, we were treated to another side of the man when his son Calum and daughter Anna delivered their heartfelt and wonderful tributes to their father - painting a picture of a humorous family man whose favourite pastime seemed to be messing about in tractors. They and their mother Maggie - always referred to as Margaret by her husband - were the centres of attention but the whole service showed that occasionally politics and politicians can display a human face. 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. For 33 years, the parents of Joanna Parrish have faced countless twists and turns in their fight for justice for their murdered daughter. Roger Parrish and Pauline Murrell have watched numerous French investigations, police blunders over DNA, and a serial killer deny any involvement in her death, only to then confess and die in prison before he could be brought to trial. Over the past few weeks, they have sat in a courtroom watching the killer's accomplice, who appeared to hold the key to the truth of what happened to their 20-year-old daughter. It was a moment they said they had been "waiting a lifetime" for. Monique Olivier, 75, the former wife of one of France's most prolific serial killers, Michel Fourniret, has been jailed for life after a trial in Paris. The court heard she helped Fourniret lure Miss Parish to her death in 1990. "We didn't think for one minute it was going to take this long, but we were so determined that we would find who was responsible - that we just kept on going, however long it took," said Mr Parrish. "Jo was a very kind person who achieved a lot in her life, so for someone to take that away there was no way we were going to just leave it to the authorities - no way at all." Olivier was also found to be complicit in the killing of another woman and the disappearance of a nine-year-old girl. Roger Parrish said it was a "bombshell" for the parents to think it could be Fourniret Fourniret, who was dubbed by French media as the "Ogre of the Ardennes", was convicted of murdering eight girls and young women between 1987 and 2001. He repeatedly denied killing Miss Parrish, but finally confessed to investigators in 2018. He died three years later, aged 79, before he could be put on trial and face justice. His former wife, Olivier, has been serving a life sentence since 2008 for complicity in her husband's kidnappings, rapes and murders, but was charged earlier this year in relation to Miss Parrish's death. Olivier was also found to have been complicit in the murders of 18-year-old Marie-Angele Domece and nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin, whose bodies have never been found. Miss Parrish, from Newnham-on-Severn in Gloucestershire, had been working as a teaching assistant at a school in Auxerre in France when in May 1990, just a fortnight before she was due to finish, she placed an advert in a local paper offering English lessons. A man, now known to be Fourniret, answered the advert and they arranged to meet. Miss Parrish's body was found the next morning in the River Yonne, at Moneteau, not far from Auxerre. The French authorities began an investigation, but mistakes were made early on and the crime scene was not protected. Bernie Kinsella, a retired Det Ch Supt with Gloucestershire Constabulary, worked with Miss Parrish's family for many years. "Even in 1990 you would secure and ensure any crime scene like this was kept completely sterile," she said. "But that wasn't the case there, where a number of people were allowed to walk over the scene at the time, which could obviously, potentially, destroy or contaminate any evidence that was there." With the prospect of finding who had killed Miss Parrish fading, her parents kept up pressure on the authorities and visited Auxerre regularly. Pauline Murrell, Joanna's mother, regularly went out to France to keep pressure on the investigation "We distributed as many leaflets as we could," said Ms Murrell. "We were showing the picture to people and they were saying 'Is this what she looked like? We didn't know. We'd heard that somebody had been missing and then in the river'. "They hadn't put a picture out of her or anything." But over the years, the case ground to a halt. Suspects were investigated but the leads came to nothing and the case was dogged by further problems. Ms Kinsella even travelled to France with a DNA scientist but found that crucial DNA evidence had been lost. Fourniret and Olivier hit the headlines in France in 2004 when they were arrested over a string of horrific murders of young women and teenagers aged between 12 and 22. In 2008, Fourniret was found guilty of killing seven young women. He was also found guilty in 2018 of killing the wife of someone he was in prison with. Crucially for Miss Parrish's case, it was revealed ahead of his first conviction that Fourniret had lived close to Auxerre at the time she was murdered. "It was like a bolt of lightning," said Mr Parrish. "Pauline and I had discussed the kind of person that could gain Jo's confidence and we thought about several types of profiles. "But we never in a million years thought about a man with a woman accomplice." Monique Olivier is in prison for helping her husband commit terrible crimes He said it was a "bombshell" and he was "immediately convinced" the pair were responsible for Miss Parrish's murder. Mr Parrish and Ms Murrell went to France for Fourniret and Olivier's trial in 2008. Although Miss Parrish's case was not part of it, they wanted to see the couple suspected of killing their daughter. Ms Murrell said she "shivers" thinking back to that time. "To look at them back then, it makes me shiver thinking about it," she said. "She [Olivier] seemed to think she was beyond anything. He was doing the same thing. "One of the fathers stood up and shouted at him. "He [Fourniret] said something, the way they translated it, was that he said 'She asked for it'." Mr Parrish said: "Fourniret, as we know now, was very clearly a psychopath. "Not just a violent thug, a narcissistic psychopath who appeared to believe he was on a different level of intelligence to other people. "This is something we'd never seen or heard of before at all." Fourniret was given two life sentences in 2008 after a trial. Olivier, who was divorced from him in 2010, was sentenced to at least 28 years for her role in the crimes. Despite confessing to other crimes, Fourniret repeatedly denied any involvement in Miss Parrish's death until a new investigator, Sabine Kheris, interrogated him at length in 2018. Didier Seban, the Parrish family lawyer in Paris, said Ms Kheris, the examining magistrate, took a fresh approach to the case. Mr Seban said: "She decided to start the inquiry from the very beginning, starting with what we'd been asking for - the criminal history of Michel Fourniret and Monique Olivier." He explained how Ms Kheris got the judge to ask Fourniret about his passion for Dostoevsky, convincing him to start to open up. "Little by little she started to convince them it was in their interests to tell the truth," Mr Seban continued. "And so Monique Olivier and Michel Fourniret would admit the killing of Joanna Parrish." Mr Parrish said the confession was welcome, but Fourniret still played games with the prosecutors in the way he spoke. He said: "He had a very unusual way of speaking. The way he put it was something like, 'If these women had not come across my path, they would still be alive today'." The authorities took Fourniret back to Auxerre and the river where Miss Parrish's body was found. Her parents felt they were - at last - close to seeing someone convicted for her murder. But they were left cheated when the serial killer died in 2021 before he could be put on trial. "We would have wanted to face him in court but we both had to accept that he wasn't there," said Mr Parrish. "The world was a better place without him, and there's nothing much we could do about it." 'She deserved to live' But Olivier was still around to stand in the dock, and she was finally convicted for helping lure Miss Parrish into Fourniret's van so that he could take her life. During the trial, she told the jury that Fourniret had planned to imprison Miss Parrish for several days before killing her, but that changed on the night she was kidnapped. She said that Miss Parrish fought back but was overpowered in the back of Fourniret's van. Questioned by Didier Seban during the trial, Olivier spoke of her regret over the death. She said: "She was beautiful, she deserved to live. I regret it. She didn't deserve that. I am sorry." Ms Murrell said despite the trial, nothing would make them feel better about losing their precious daughter. She said: "It's a lifetime isn't it? "It's such a waste, a terrible waste. Yes, we've got a trial, but it's not going to bring Jo back." Mr Parrish said: "I can't deny that there were times in the late 1990s before Fourniret and Olivier had been identified, even to myself, I thought is this ever going to end? Are we ever going to find who is responsible? "But it didn't make us give up by any means - it just made us even more determined." Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk Joe Bidens administration on Tuesday announced a new proposal aimed at banning logging in old-growth forests, a move meant to protect millions of trees that play a key role in fighting the climate crisis. The proposal comes from an executive order signed by the president on Earth Day in 2022 that directed the US Forest Service and the land management bureau to conduct an inventory of old-growth and mature forest groves as well as to develop policies that protect them. We think this will allow us to respond effectively and strategically to the biggest threats that face old growth, the US agriculture secretary, Tom Vilsack, told the Washington Post. At the end of the day, it will protect not just the forests but also the culture and heritage connected to the forests. The US Forest Service oversees 193m acres of forests and grasslands, 144m of which are forests. In its inventory conducted after Bidens executive order, the agency found that the vast majority of forests it oversees, about 80%, are either old-growth or mature forests. It found more than 32m acres of old-growth forests and 80m acres of mature forests on federal land. The land management bureau defines old-growth forests as those with trees that are in later stages of stand development, which typically means at least 120 years of growth, depending on species. The giant sequoias in California, for example, are old-growth trees. Mature forests, meanwhile, have trees that are in the development stage immediately before old growth. Advocates for years have been pushing the Biden administration to explicitly ban logging in old-growth and mature forests. Trees that are in their old-growth stage are able to store more carbon than younger trees, making them a natural solution to fighting the climate crisis. In 2022, shortly before Biden announced his executive order, a group of more than 130 scientists wrote a letter to Biden advocating a ban on logging in old-growth forests. Older forests provide the most above-ground carbon storage potential on Earth, with mature forests and larger trees driving most accumulation of forest carbon in the critical next few decades, the letter read. Left vulnerable to logging, though, they cannot fulfill these vital functions. The ban will come into effect in early 2025, allowing time for the Forest Service to finalize rules that will protect old-growth forests from logging. Because it comes under an executive order, its existence depends on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, making advocates worried about the protections vulnerability to the countrys political climate. But federal agencies have also been under pressure from the timber industry, which argues that logging creates economic activity and helps to fight wildfires. The proposal focuses on most old-growth forests, leaving mature forests still vulnerable to logging, which is a middle ground between environmentalists and the timber industry. Chris Wood, the president of Trout Unlimited and a former official with the US Forest Service, told the Associated Press the policy is a step in the right direction. This is the first time the Forest Service has said its national policy will be to protect old growth, Wood said. Other advocates are emphasizing that this is just Bidens first step toward fulfilling his executive order. Protecting our old-growth trees from logging is an important first step to ensure these giants continue to store vast amounts of carbon, but other older forests also need protection, Randi Spivak, public lands policy director with the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a press release. To fulfill President Bidens executive order and address the magnitude of the climate crisis, the Forest Service also needs to protect our mature forests, which if allowed to grow will become the old growth of tomorrow. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on how Bidenomics is Investing in America the day before the first anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at Ingeteam Inc., in Milwaukee. President Joe Biden has had persistently negative poll numbers ever since the fall of his first year in office in 2021. There is no dressing that up. But because his predecessor (Donald Trump) was also unpopular, and because that unpopular ex-president is Bidens most likely opponent next year, its hard to know exactly how dire Bidens situation is. Lubar Logo Would Bidens unpopularity if it persists all but doom him to defeat? Or simply to another close election like the ones in 2020 and 2016? What does it mean these days to be an unpopular president when unpopularity seems to come with the job and voters are chronically unhappy with where the country is headed? More: President Joe Biden coming to Milwaukee to tout small-business growth, economic policies I looked back over 12 years of polling (more than 70 surveys) in battleground Wisconsin to see what it tells us about the popularity ratings of presidents and governors and whether those numbers are reliable election barometers. I looked at two kinds of measures: net favorability, which refers to the difference between the share of voters who view a politician favorably and the share who view that politician unfavorably; and net approval, which is the difference between the share of voters who approve of the job that an incumbent is doing and the share who disapprove. These two measures often (but not always) produce similar results. Lets start with presidents. The Marquette Law School poll began in early 2012. It polled almost 40 times on President Barack Obama between 2012 and 2017. Obama almost never had a negative favorability rating here (three times in 37 polls). On average, the percentage of Wisconsin voters who viewed him positively over those five years (52%) was 8 points higher than the share who viewed him negatively (44%). President Barack Obama speaks to Mary Townsend during a tour of Master Lock in Milwaukee on February 15, 2012. Obama promoted manufacturing and highlighted the importance of bringing the jobs back to America His job approval ratings were a bit lower than his favorability ratings and dipped into negative territory more often. More voters liked Obama personally than the job he was doing. But his average net job approval in Wisconsin from 2012 through 2016 was also positive (49% approve, 46% disapprove). By contrast, the two presidents who have followed Obama Trump and Biden have had consistently negative ratings. In fact, theyve almost never had a positive favorability or job rating in Wisconsin. In 24 Marquette polls during his one term, Trump had an average net favorability of minus 8: 44% viewed him favorably and 52% unfavorably. That is 16 points worse than Obamas net favorability as president from 2012 through 2016. Trump never registered a positive rating among registered voters in Wisconsin in those 24 polls. His average net approval rating was minus 6 (45% approve, 51% disapprove). Slightly more people disliked Trump personally than disapproved of his performance in office the inverse of the Obama pattern. Candidate Donald Trump speaks during the Republican presidential debate sponsored by Fox Business and the Wall Street Journal at the Milwaukee Theatre on November 10, 2015, in Milwaukee, Wis. How about Biden? Only once has he registered a positive favorability rating or job rating as president in Marquettes Wisconsin polling and that was the first Marquette poll of his first term, August of 2021. After that, his standing in Wisconsin and nationally turned downward and has never recovered. Over his first term, Biden has had an average net favorability rating of minus 10 across 11 Marquette surveys from 2021 through 2023. His net job approval in Wisconsin over those three years is minus 11, which is even worse than Trumps four-year average as president. I think we can agree those numbers are bad for Biden. But what exactly do they mean for his re-election prospects? Many Democrats are understandably dismayed by Bidens polling, though some believe these numbers overstate Bidens plight for at least two reasons. Donald Trump's popularity worsened post-presidency One is that if Trump turns out to be the GOP nominee, Biden will be facing someone who right now is even more unpopular than Biden. In Marquettes two polls this year, Trump has averaged a 35% positive rating and 63% negative rating. Those are Trumps worst numbers since before he became president in 2017, and theyre much worse than Bidens numbers. The other argument is that unpopularity doesnt tell us as much as it did in the past because voters are not only more deeply polarized today but have grown increasingly negative and pessimistic about where the country is headed. Nationally, starting with George W. Bushs second term (2005 through 2008), the last four presidents have suffered much more consistently negative approval ratings than their predecessors, raising the question of whether presidential disapproval is as much a measure of broad public dissatisfaction as it is of views of a particular president. (Of course, either way, it's not good for the incumbent). Broad measures of the public mood have worsened nationally since the mid-2000s, like the share of people who say the country is on the wrong track or the share who say theyre satisfied with the way things are going. These polling questions used to be more widely viewed as a kind of referendum on an incumbent president or incumbent governor. But as these mood indicators have turned downward, they have become more unreliable as election barometers. One reason is that lots of people in both parties are unhappy these days. An unhappy Republican is overwhelmingly likely to vote against an incumbent Democratic president. But unhappy Democrats may simply be mad at Republicans and are still quite likely to support their own party for president. Another reason is that even if widespread public pessimism is bad for incumbents, elections are still choices, and sometimes the challenger is even more unpopular than the incumbent. Over the past decade or more, weve seen several examples of a disconnect between the public mood and the re-election performance of presidents and governors. For example, Obama was re-elected in 2012 despite negative public attitudes about the direction of the country. In Wisconsin, Republican Gov. Scott Walker lost his bid for a third term to Democrat Tony Evers in 2018 despite positive public attitudes about the direction of the state. Four years later, Evers won re-election despite negative public attitudes about the direction of the state. Even job approval and favorability more direct measures of an incumbents political standing have been imperfect election barometers in Wisconsin. In 2016, Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in Wisconsin for president despite having terrible popularity ratings even worse than Clintons. But an unusually large slice of the electorate about 20% disliked both nominees and exit polls suggested they voted decisively for Trump. In 2018, Walker lost his bid for a third term even though his job ratings were slightly positive in part because voters had Walker fatigue after his two stormy terms in office. In 2020, Trump almost carried Wisconsin despite consistently negative approval ratings and favorability ratings that were much worse than those of his opponent, Biden. Looking at a Biden-Trump rematch Which brings us back to 2024, and the probability of a matchup between the two most consistently unpopular presidents of our time. Based on current polling, that matchup would leave about one in five voters disliking both major party candidates. This dynamic could change of course. Bidens numbers, for example, could improve with an improving economy. Trumps standing could worsen if hes convicted of a crime. A lot can happen in the next year. But what if current patterns hold? As the incumbent, Bidens poor approval ratings would seemingly leave him in very perilous shape. Add to that the publics general pessimism and dissatisfaction. In normal times of yore, you would view Biden as a sitting duck in this scenario. If Trump is the GOP nominee, however, his own dismal favorability ratings could level the playing field. In fact, in normal times of yore, you would view a nominee as widely disliked as Trump as completely unelectable. Only you cant call Trump unelectable when he won in 2016 and almost won in 2020. And you cant call Biden unelectable if hes running against Trump and when we have very recent precedents for an unpopular nominee winning the presidency in 2016 and almost winning it in 2020. As a result, its very easy today for people in both parties to imagine another universe where their side would have the clear upper hand if it werent for their own leading candidate. And its easy for them to imagine another universe where their side would be doomed if it werent for the other sides candidate. Editors Note, Dec. 19, 2023. A previous version of this story included an incorrect year for when Tony Evers defeated Scott Walker. The election was in 2018. Craig Gilbert provides Wisconsin political analysis as a fellow with Marquette University Law School's Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education. Prior to the fellowship, Gilbert reported on politics for 35 years at the Journal Sentinel, the last 25 in its Washington Bureau. His column continues that independent reporting tradition and goes through the established Journal Sentinel editing process. Follow him on Twitter: @Wisvoter. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What Joe Biden's negative poll numbers say about his re-election chances (WHTM) Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro handedly defeated Donald Trump in a hypothetical presidential matchup posed to voters by Muhlenberg Colleges Institute of Public Opinion. The survey found the first-term Democrat Shapiro receiving 48% to Trumps 37% with 11% leaning for another candidate and 4% unsure. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Shapiro has been viewed by many in the Democratic Party as a rising star in national politics. A member of President Joe Bidens national advisory board, Shapiro has been seen as potentially positioning himself for a 2028 presidential primary run. A Engagious/Sago focus group project released by Axios earlier this year found Pennsylvania swing voters wanted to see Shapiro run for president over Biden, highlighting the reopening of I-95 two weeks after after an overpass collapsed on June 11. Shapiro was asked shortly after winning the governors race in November whether he had any ambition to be the nations first Jewish president, to which he had ambition to get a little bit of sleep and to serve the people of Pennsylvania. Shapiro was also found to have a 51% approval rating in his first year as Governor in the Muhlenberg poll. The same Muhlenberg poll found Trump and Biden virtually tied with Biden receiving 42% and Trump with 41%. Sixteen percent of voters said they would select neither or another candidate. Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania lawmakers respond to potential U.S. Steel Deal Biden was also found to narrowly beat Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis 41% to 39% in a general election race, while former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley would beat Biden 38% to 33%. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A lawsuit journalists and allies of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange brought against the CIA advanced in federal court Tuesday after a federal judge turned down a bid by the spy agency to toss out the case. Manhattan-based U.S. District Court Judge John Koeltl ruled four Americans who visited Assange while he was holed up at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London several years ago can proceed with their suit over allegations that a security contractor gave the CIA data copied from their phones during those visits. In his 27-page decision, Koeltl rejected portions of the Assange visitors lawsuit filed last year that alleged the CIA violated their rights by eavesdropping on conversations at the embassy and by obtaining copies of their passports. However, Koeltl said accessing the contents of their phones if that occurred invaded the visitors privacy rights under the U.S. Constitution. The misconduct alleged is a violation of the plaintiffs reasonable expectation of privacy in the contents of their electronic devices under the Fourth Amendment, the judge wrote. Koeltl, an appointee of President Bill Clinton, threw out part of the lawsuit that sought money damages against former CIA Director Mike Pompeo. But the judge said the plaintiffs could continue to seek a ruling requiring the spy agency to destroy any records it may have gleaned from the Assange visitors phones. Spokespeople for the CIA and for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Manhattan, which is representing the federal government in the case, declined to comment. The judges ruling could prompt officials to try to invoke the state-secrets privilege a legal doctrine that can be used to shut down civil suits that implicate classified information. The suit was filed in August 2022 on behalf of two attorneys who visited Assange in 2017, Margaret Ratner Kunstler and Deborah Hrbek, along with two journalists: John Goetz with German broadcaster NDR and Charles Glass, a freelance reporter formerly with ABC News. We are thrilled that the Court rejected the CIAs efforts to silence the Plaintiffs, who merely seek to expose the CIAs attempt to carry out Pompeos vendetta against WikiLeaks, the lawyer for the visitors, Richard Roth, said in an email to POLITICO. The suit tracks allegations in reports by the Spanish newspaper El Pais that a security firm at the Ecuadorian embassy gave the CIA information about Assanges visitors. The data was gleaned from hidden cameras and microphones and from opening their phones while they were meeting with the WikiLeaks founder. The suit accuses Pompeo of spearheading the effort, citing his record of public animosity towards WikiLeaks, the controversial group which anonymously obtains secrets from governments, militaries, banks and political figures and publishes them onlineoften in raw form. Critics have accused the group of being a pawn of Russia, but supporters say the organizations practice of radical transparency has been groundbreaking. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Donald Trump praised the leaks of hacked emails from advisers to his opponent at the time, Hillary Clinton. Pompeo also welcomed those disclosures at the time, but after being confirmed as CIA chief the following year, he declared WikiLeaks to be a hostile intelligence service and spurred government-wide efforts to target the organization and Assange. Assange, an Australian citizen, entered the Ecuadorian embassy in London in 2012 and was granted asylum while he was on bail pending efforts by the Swedish government to extradite him to face a rape charge. That investigation was dropped in 2017, but the U.S. brought criminal charges against him the next year for allegedly conspiring to hack U.S. government computers and to disclose national security secrets. Ecuador effectively turned Assange over to U.K. officials in 2019, who have been detaining him for the past four years as he fights extradition to the U.S. A detainee at Brooklyns notorious federal jail was sent among the general population despite open wounds and a nasty, contagious infection and made to wear a yellow jumpsuit to single him out, enraging a judge, the Daily News has learned. James Young should have been sent to a medical facility as soon as a judge ordered it almost a month ago, but the Metropolitan Detention Center ignored that, order Brooklyn Federal Court Judge Dora Irizarry said at a pair of hearings last week. Apparently, the safety protocols that are followed is basically Mr. Young cant touch anything and he has to wear what is it? a yellow jumpsuit or something like that so that the other inmates know to keep away from him, the judge said Friday. So hes been ostracized for a medical condition. Lets put a big red letter A on him. Thats a reference to the classic novel The Scarlet Letter, about a woman whos forced to wear the letter A because she has an extramarital affair. Irizarry came within a hair of holding a staff attorney with the federal Bureau of Prisons in contempt and blasted an assistant U.S. attorney for missing a hearing about Youngs treatment. The judge threatened to hold the jails attorney, Neha Khan, in contempt if Young wasnt transferred to a medical facility by noon Monday. The Bureau of Prisons did not answer a News inquiry asking if the move in fact happened. Youngs plight marks the latest example of deplorable conditions at the Sunset Park jail, which has housed high-profile prisoners including R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell and has been described by a judge as an ongoing disgrace. Judges often knock months and at times years off prison sentences, saying the conditions at the jail were punishment enough. Big picture, people are locked in their cells for days at a time. Theyre not getting medical treatment and theyre not getting basic things like soap and laundry detergent, said Youngs Federal Defenders lawyer, Allegra Glashausser. Really no one should be jailed there. Continuing to put people there is inhumane. The jail continues to be understaffed, with only 200 out of its 301 correction officer positions filled as of Nov. 28 and 28 of those 200 are on extended leave, according to a recent court filing. The medical unit is similarly short-staffed, with only 20 of 29 positions filled. MDC Brooklyn has shown utter contempt both for court orders and our clients lives. MDC is now so short-staffed that they cant even take defendants for scheduled medical appointments or keep them safe while at the MDC, said Deirdre von Dornum, attorney-in-charge at the Federal Defenders. Young, whos accused in a string of gunpoint store robberies, was hit with federal charges last month. He was initially placed in a medical unit at Rikers Island before his transfer to MDC with a fractured hand and broken leg from a motorcycle crash, as well as open wounds infected by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA a contagious, severe form of staph infection. Magistrate Judge Robert Levy ordered him sent to a medical facility on Nov. 22. In fact, instead of being transferred to a medical facility, at some point, not clear to me exactly when he was placed in SHU, Irizarry said on Friday. Oh, by mistake. Thats a pretty darn big mistake SHU is an acronym for the segregated housing unit essentially, solitary confinement. Youngs medical supplies were thrown out, the judge continued. He didnt have any new gauze to replace his wounds with; he didnt have any kinds of sterilizing chemicals. None of that, Irizarry said. The unit he was housed in has no working laundry machines and the only soap, towel and washcloth James got were hand-me-downs, his lawyer said Wednesday. I have to buy soap from the other inmates, Young told the judge. On Friday, Irizarry tore into Khan, the jails staff attorney, as well as prosecutor Stephanie Pak, whos overseeing James case On Nov. 22, we didnt have those results yet, which is why I stated he didnt have MRSA because at that time, Khan said, drawing a sharp rebuke from the judge, who pointed out she had his medical records from Rikers Island. This is not a condition that goes away like a bad headache or a cold, Irizarry said, telling Khan, I dont get what your role at the MDC is here, because, quite frankly, your actions are negligent and contemptuous of the court. Frank Chambers wont get a new trial at least for now. Chambers, who is Black, was not a victim of discrimination in his 1994 Rowan County murder trial, Judge Richard Doughton ruled last week. He got a fair trial with a fair jury selection, the judge said. That jury was all-white save for one person. And notes from then-District Attorney Bill Kenerly and one of his prosecutors rekindled concerns of discrimination initially raised during jury selection. But there was no such discrimination, according to the judge. Doughton sat on the bench for about five minutes Thursday, shared his order with attorneys and left. But his 152-page opinion is full of defenses for the former district attorney. This court finds DA Kenerly asked questions of African American potential jurors and white potential jurors in an even-handed manner and did not ask a disproportionate number of questions to anyone, part of the opinion says. Case goes back decades Chambers is one of Salisburys more infamous murder cases. In October 1992 B.P. Tutterow a jail cook and former sheriffs deputy and his wife Ruby were found shot to death in their home. Court filings describe the couple, in their 70s, as both incredibly nice people. Police ultimately charged Chambers and two other men William Barnes and Robert Blakney in the case. And with DNA evidence, witnesses and other evidence, prosecutors convinced a jury that all three were guilty of breaking into the home, robbing the Tutterows and murdering them. I ask you for one thing, justice the death penalty, Assistant District Attorney Ariadne Symons told the jury, according to reporting from The Charlotte Observer. Anything less is a joke. Anything less means these men beat the system. Chambers and Barnes got that sentence. Blakney was sentenced to serve the rest of his life in prison. It has been a long and winding road since, with multiple appeals. In 2021 Chambers and Barnes death penalty sentences were vacated. A juror had discussed the death penalty with her pastor during deliberation, then shared the conversation with other jurors, the Salisbury Post reported. Judge: No evidence of discrimination Defense attorneys representing Chambers have spent months advocating for a new trial this time on a claim that prosecutors discriminated against Black potential jurors in 1994. Notes dating back to the original trial, written by Kenerly and Symons, were at the center of an evidentiary hearing this summer. Some of the concerns raised by the defense, according to a transcript from the evidentiary hearing: Prosecutors took notes on the race of Black potential jurors, but not white ones. Prosecutors wrote down Black peoples hairstyles, like cornrows and a box cut, in their notes. They were concerned over one Black woman working in Charlotte. Kenerly also worried that woman whom he described as attractive might be attracted to one of Chambers co-defendants, whom a psychiatrist had also described as attractive. That co-defendant was Black, too. And he asked if she would be subject to criticism from her Black friends if she supported a death penalty in the trial. None of that swayed Doughton, the judge. In his opinion, he said that Kenerly had various reasons for dismissing potential jurors. Prosecutors dismissed more than 66% of the Black potential jurors they met, and though those statistics are some evidence of potential discrimination, they were not enough compared to side-by-side comparisons, the judge wrote. Kenerlys testimony at the evidentiary hearing weighed heavily. This Court has found DA Kenerlys testimony that he did not intentionally discriminate against any potential jurors he excused in this case to be eminently credible and this weighs heavily in this Courts totality analysis of Defendants claim, the judge wrote. Other procedural and legal issues stopped Doughton from greenlighting a new trial, too, the judge wrote. Defense wants state Supreme Court to review case In a post, Chambers defense attorney and the Center for Death Penality Litigation Executive Director Gretchen Engel shared her dismay over Thursdays ruling. As his lawyer, I am devastated on two levels, she wrote. First, that this blatant discrimination happened to begin with. Second, that all these years later, a court has said it makes no difference whether Black citizens are denied their constitutional right to serve on a jury. Engel told The Observer that she will ask the North Carolina Supreme Court to review the case. She declined to comment further. A prosecutor in the case, Teresa Postell with the state attorney generals office, did not respond to a message from The Observer. Kenerly could not be reached on Monday. A federal judge on Monday issued a temporary restraining order to halt the removal of the Confederate memorial at Arlington National Cemetery the same day workers started the process to dismantle the monument. Reached by phone Monday afternoon, a spokesperson for the cemetery declined to comment on the restraining order, instead telling Military.com that any comment related to removal of the monument would be posted on the cemetery's website. No updates had been posted on the website as of publishing time. Judge Rossie Alston, a Trump appointee in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, issued the temporary restraining order blocking "any acts to deconstruct, tear down, remove, or alter the object of this case." Read Next: Second Fort Jackson Drill Sergeant Found Dead on Base This Month Alston also scheduled a hearing for Wednesday morning on whether to extend the restraining order, which is set to expire Wednesday evening. The restraining order was issued in a lawsuit filed Sunday by a group calling itself Defend Arlington. The group is affiliated with an organization called Save Southern Heritage Florida that describes itself as a "voluntary association of individuals who revere the South, Southern history and heritage." Earlier Monday, video and photos posted to social media by conservative commentators showed a worker being raised on a construction lift to the statue's head and other construction equipment surrounding the monument, and a cemetery spokesperson confirmed to Military.com that removal work had begun. The monument is being removed following recommendations from the Naming Commission, which Congress created in 2020 to provide suggestions on scrubbing Confederate names and other honorary symbols from U.S. military bases and property. Under the law that created the commission, the Pentagon is required to implement its recommendations by next month. Erected in 1914, the memorial at Arlington was funded by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which promoted the "Lost Cause" narrative of the Civil War during the Jim Crow era in part by erecting monuments primarily in the South honoring the Confederacy. The Lost Cause myth romanticizes the Confederacy as fighting to uphold Southern values while downplaying the horrors of slavery. The Arlington monument features a bronze woman crowned with olive leaves who is meant to represent the South. Underneath her is a frieze with 14 shields -- one for each of the 11 Confederate states, plus Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri, which were border states that did not secede to the Confederacy. Below the shields are 32 life-sized figures of mythical gods, Confederate soldiers and two enslaved African Americans. One of the slaves portrays the stereotype of a "mammy" holding the infant child of a white officer, and the other is a man "following his owner to war," according to Arlington's website. Also engraved on the monument is a Latin phrase that translates to, "The victorious cause was pleasing to the gods, but the lost cause to Cato." "The memorial offers a nostalgic, mythologized vision of the Confederacy, including highly sanitized depictions of slavery," the Naming Commission wrote in its report recommending the statue's removal. While the commission considered alternatives to removal, including adding signage to explain the context of the memorial, the group ultimately decided that "contextualization was not an appropriate option," it said in its report. Cemetery officials have previously said that only the bronze elements of the memorial will be removed and that the granite base will remain in place to avoid disturbing any nearby graves. While creation of the commission received bipartisan support after the 2020 racial justice protests sparked a recognition that it was far past time for the U.S. military to stop honoring those who fought against the United States to preserve slavery, a contingent of Republicans has been fighting to halt implementation of the commission's recommendations. Last week, 44 House Republicans sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arguing the commission "clearly overstepped its legislative authority when it recommended that the Department of the Army remove the Reconciliation Monument from Arlington National Cemetery." The lawmakers also claimed the memorial "commemorates reconciliation and national unity" rather than honoring the Confederacy. "The radical Left doesn't want reconciliation and national unity. They want division and destruction," Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., who organized the letter, posted Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the removal beginning. The lawsuit that led to Mondays restraining order argues that removing the monument "will desecrate, damage, and likely destroy the Memorial longstanding at ANC as a grave marker and impede the Memorial's eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places." Defend Arlington previously tried to block removal of the monument in a lawsuit in federal court in D.C. that was dismissed last week. In dismissing the earlier lawsuit, Judge Beryl Howell, an Obama appointee, determined that the law that created the commission "leaves DoD no discretion on the question whether to comply" with its recommendations. Editors note: On Monday evening after publication, a spokesperson for Arlington National Cemetery released the following statement: "The Army began disassembly of the monument atop the Confederate Memorial prior to the court issuing the temporary restraining order. The Army is complying with the restraining order and has ceased the work begun this morning." Related: Closing a Chapter of History, Last Army Base Ditches Confederate Namesake Following Years-Long Effort A New York federal judge on Monday ordered the unsealing of court documents identifying various people associated with Jeffrey Epstein, ruling that they should be released Jan. 1. The identifying documents come from a settled lawsuit involving Epsteins romantic partner Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking and acquiring girls for the disgraced financier. Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial for his own sex trafficking charges in 2019. U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska said in her Monday ruling that anyone who objects to their name being released has 14 days to appeal the decision. Jeffrey Epstein (left) and Ghislaine Maxwell are pictured in 2005. Jeffrey Epstein (left) and Ghislaine Maxwell are pictured in 2005. The list of names will include a range of people referenced in the civil defamation lawsuit against Maxwell from Virginia Giuffre, who accused Maxwell of recruiting her as a 16-year-old to be a sex slave for Epstein and some of his friends, including Britains Prince Andrew. Giuffre and Maxwell settled the lawsuit in 2017. Prince Andrew has denied the allegations and settled a sexual abuse lawsuit from Giuffre last year. The list of names, expected to identify over 150 people, could include co-conspirators and victims of Epstein. However, Preska ruled that a number of names should remain sealed or redacted because their release would disclose sensitive information regarding an alleged minor victim of sexual abuse who has not spoken publicly and who has maintained his or her privacy. The list includes at least one public figure whose name appears in Epsteins address book. But its unclear how many bombshell revelations will come from the release, as Preska noted in her order that many of the individuals associations with Epstein and Maxwell have already been widely reported in the media. Those names may include former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, as well as high-profile attorney Alan Dershowitz. Epstein was facing federal charges for the sex trafficking of minors in Florida and New York when he killed himself. A judge dismissed all criminal charges against him upon his death. A man salutes after placing a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Arlington, Va. A Confederate memorial is to be removed from Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia in the coming days, part of the push to remove symbols that commemorate the Confederacy from military-related facilities, a cemetery official said Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. A federal judge temporarily halted the removal of the Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. U.S. District Judge Rossie Alston Jr. issued the order on Monday after workers had begun working on the removal that was slated to be completed by the end of the week. On Sunday, the group Defend Arlington, an affiliate of Save Southern Heritage Florida, filed the emergency motion asking for the pause arguing that the removal of the monument would disturb gravesites. Plaintiffs have made the necessary showing that they are entitled to a temporary restraining order pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(b) to preserve the status quo pending a decision by the Court on the merits of this action, Alstons order reads. The order temporarily bars the Department of Defense from taking any acts to deconstruct, tear down, remove, or alter the object of this case." A hearing on the case is scheduled for Wednesday. '100 years of difficult work': Richmond removes final public Confederate monument Confederate memorial removal On Saturday, Arlington National Cemetery announced that safety fencing had been installed around the memorial and officials expected it to be completely removed by Friday. According to a news release, the landscape, graves and headstones surrounding the memorial will be protected while the monument is taken down. "During the deconstruction, the area around the Memorial will be protected to ensure no impact to the surrounding landscape and grave markers and to ensure the safety of visitors in and around the vicinity of the deconstruction," the cemetery news release said. The removal part of a national effort to get rid of confederate symbols from military-related spaces was slated to go ahead despite pushback from some Republican lawmakers. Last week, 44 lawmakers, led by Georgia Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin demanding the Reconciliation Monument be kept, Fox News reported. Clyde said the monument, does not honor nor commemorate the Confederacy; the memorial commemorates reconciliation and national unity. In a September 2022 report to Congress, an independent commission recommended the removal of the monument, which was unveiled in 1914 and designed by a Confederate veteran. The memorial "offers a nostalgic, mythologized vision of the Confederacy, including highly sanitized depictions of slavery," according to Arlington National Cemetery. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Judge halts removal of Arlington Cemetery's Confederate Monument ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) A federal judge on Tuesday allowed the Arlington National Cemetery to remove a century-old Confederate memorial one day after blocking the removal over a report that gravesites were disturbed. At a hearing in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. District Judge Rossie Alston said he issued the temporary injunction Monday after receiving an urgent phone call from the memorial's supporters saying that gravesites adjacent to the memorial were being desecrated as contractors began work to remove the memorial. He said he toured the site before Tuesday's hearing and saw the site being treated respectfully. I saw no desecration of any graves, Alston said. The grass wasn't even disturbed. Alston issued an 18-page opinion Tuesday evening to lift the injunction. He said the allegations that the removal efforts amounted to grave desecration were, at best, ill-informed and, at worst, inaccurate. Cemetery officials sought to have the injunction lifted quickly. They said they are required by law to complete the removal by the end of the year and that the contractors doing the work have only limited availability over the next week or so. In a statement Tuesday evening, the cemetery said it will resume the deliberate process of removing the Confederate Memorial from Arlington National Cemetery immediately. While the work is performed, surrounding graves, headstones and the landscape will be carefully protected. An independent commission recommended removal of the memorial last year in conjunction with a review of Army bases with Confederate names. The statue, designed to represent the American South and unveiled in 1914, features a bronze woman, crowned with olive leaves, standing on a 32-foot (9.8-meter) pedestal. The woman holds a laurel wreath, plow stock and pruning hook, and a biblical inscription at her feet says: They have beat their swords into plough-shares and their spears into pruning hooks. Some of the figures also on the statue include a Black woman depicted as Mammy holding what is said to be the child of a white officer, and an enslaved man following his owner to war. Defend Arlington, in conjunction with a group called Save Southern Heritage Florida, has filed multiple lawsuits trying to keep the memorial in place. The group contends that the memorial was built to promote reconciliation between the North and South and that removing the memorial erodes that reconciliation. Tuesday's hearing focused largely on legal issues, but Alston questioned the heritage group's lawyers about the notion that the memorial promotes reconciliation. He noted that the statue depicts, among other things, a slave running after his 'massa as he walks down the road. What is reconciling about that?" asked Alston, an African American who was appointed to the bench in 2019 by then-President Donald Trump. Alston also chided the heritage group for filing its lawsuit Sunday in Virginia while failing to note that it lost a very similar lawsuit over the statue just one week earlier in federal court in Washington. The heritage groups' lawyers contended that the legal issues were sufficiently distinct that it wasn't absolutely necessary for Alston to know about their legal defeat in the District of Columbia. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who disagrees with the decision to remove the memorial, made arrangements for it to be moved to land owned by the Virginia Military Institute at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park in the Shenandoah Valley. Kansans picked their new license plate design Monday after a weeklong statewide vote resulted in a landslide victory for a blue and yellow scheme. The new plate comes after the previous proposal, plain gold with dark navy accents reminiscent of New Yorks plates, was thoroughly rejected by the public. That design was lambasted as uninspired, cribbing from the Empire State and taking colors after the Kansas rival University of Missouri. Gov. Laura Kelly (D) threw out the design amid the criticism and threats from the state Legislature to override the selection, leading to the public vote last week. The votes winning design garnered 53 percent support from a slate of five options. More than 230,000 Kansans cast votes in the contest. The new plate features a gold-to-blue sunset fade with a silhouette of the Statehouse and a shortened form of the Kansas motto: To the stars. Its a change from the 2007 plate, a plain powder blue-colored background with a white state seal akin to the popular Kansas City Royals jerseys. It was prone to fading, making it hard to read for law enforcement, according to the state Department of Revenue. The new design will roll out starting in March, and Kansans must pay a $45 custom plate fee to avoid the new look. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Reporting on Kashmir from both India and Pakistan mainstream media is deeply politicized and reflects the tension between the two countries. INDIAN-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR Media in Indian-administered Kashmir are generally split between pro- and anti-secessionist. Local journalists work under strict curfews and also face threats from militant groups. Internet access is sporadic and text messaging services are regularly blocked. Until mid-2019, according to Freedom House, print media were thriving in Jammu and Kashmir. Online media had proliferated, providing new platforms for news and information. The 2019 announcement of the region's changed administrative status was accompanied by a severe clampdown on the activities of local and foreign journalists. A new media policy introduced in June 2020 gave government officials the authority to examine and censor content. Press Television Local cable TV channels: SEN TV JK Channel Take-1 TV Wadi TV 9 TV Terrestrial TV: Doordarshan's Kashir Channel - broadcasts in Urdu and Kashmiri Radio Big FM 92.7 - sole private station News agencies Kashmir News Service (KNS) Current News Service (CNS) PAKISTANI-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR The area is subject to laws curbing freedom of expression, particularly regarding reporting or commentary on its political status. Media organisations need official permission to operate. A wide range of outlets are present and active, but news coverage does not diverge from Pakistan's position, which is that India's hold over the Kashmir Valley is illegitimate and all Kashmiris seek accession to Pakistan. A number of outlets have faced closure by authorities in recent years. Internet access is also limited given the underdeveloped telecom structure. Many newspapers do not have an internet presence and publication is sporadic. No foreign media are based in Pakistan-administered Kashmir without the prior permission of the state government. Print media Siasat - Urdu-language daily Mahasib - Urdu-language daily Khabarama - Urdu-language daily Kashmir Express - Urdu-language newspaper Television PTV Azad Jammu and Kashmir - a subsidiary of state-owned Pakistan TV Corporation (PTV). Launched in 2004, broadcasts mostly in Urdu, Pahari and Gojri. Radio Azad Kashmir Radio (AKR) - government-run service broadcasting from Muzaffarabad and Mirpur FM 93 Muzaffarabad and FM 93 Mirpur - community radio run by Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), broadcasting in Urdu and English Voice of Kashmir - privately-owned radio station A kayaker who raised the alarm over the plight of Britains loneliest sheep has finally met the animal she helped save. The ewe, named Fiona, was first spotted by Jill Turner at the foot of a steep cliff in the Scottish Highlands in 2021. When Ms Turner returned two years later and saw the animal was still stranded, she took photos that went viral on the internet. Fiona was rescued last month and has been settling into a new home at Dalscone Farm in Dumfries. Dalscones Ben Best, or Farmer Ben as he is known in his popular live streams, said Fiona was a bit nervous when meeting Ms Turner but soon relaxed when offered some treats. He said it was a lovely moment seeing the pair meet almost three years after their first encounter. It was a nice way to get some closure on the whole story for Jill. She found it quite emotional, she just wanted to meet Fiona face-to-face and she spent about two hours on the farm. Ms Turner was kayaking by cliffs south of Balintore in Easter Ross in 2021 when she spotted a lone sheep. She repeated the trip in October and was upset to see the animal in the same place. Her footage prompted a rescue effort led by Ayrshire farmer Cammy Wilson who abseiled down to the beach. The group used a winch mounted on a truck parked at the top of the cliff, 220 yards of rope, and a feed bag fashioned into a makeshift sling to carry the animal to safety. Her rescuers named her after a character from the animated film Shrek a princess called Fiona. Fiona had unfettered access to a grassy field while trapped on the cliffs and was also in danger of being immobilised by the weight of her fleece. The fleece was trimmed with hand shears and sent to an expert knitter to produce items to be sold to help raise funds for the Scottish agricultural charity RSABI and the Scottish SPCA. 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. When youre part of a big family, like Glenn Evans is, you need someone to help watch over the family history. Evans, a financial adviser and part-time genealogist, has planned reunions and written histories tracing his familys roots in the South. The Evans family are descendants of some of the first free African Americans to settle in the Wake and Chatham county areas. Part of his family owns the Turner-Evans Family Cemetery on Old Apex Road in Cary, where relatives have 12 streets and three subdivisions named after them. A few months ago, a new challenge put Evans into overdrive. A question from a local historian led him on a quest to protect more of his ancestors graves, including nearly 40 unmarked ones, in Byrd Chapel Cemetery in Chatham County. The cemetery is near the future VinFast electric car plant in the Triangle Innovation Point business park in Moncure. The road to get there will run alongside the graves. She asked me if I was aware of the development initiative that was taking place in Chatham County and I wasnt, Evans said. Tucked off New Elam Church Road, beneath fallen tree branches and scattered litter are the graves of Willis and Lucy Byrd and their daughter, Emeline Macklin. They were among the first free Black Americans who settled in Chatham County in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Their graves are also the only three in the Byrd Chapel Cemetery with headstones. Others, some now sunken into the earth, are marked with rocks and stones, old markers from past researchers, and covered by grass and leaves. The cemetery was once attached to the Byrd AME Zion Church, which stood on the land now occupied by a brick house and mobile homes. Little is known about the congregation except that it likely included farmers, domestics, sharecroppers, and local Black leaders pre and post-enslavement. Evans is descended from Lucy, his third great-aunt. His third great-grandfather is one of Lucys brothers, Fielding. My first concern was, do we know where all the bodies are buried? What are the risks of us inadvertently disturbing a gravesite? Evans said. The other concern was ... whether or not the road building would require the moving of the grave sites. To build the plant, VinFast and the state Department of Transportation will need roads. This includes clearing space beside New Elam Church Road and U.S. 1, next to the Byrd family cemetery, taking 27 houses, five businesses, and relocating a church in Moncure, less than a mile from the graveyard. Evans said neither the state nor the company reached out to the descendants and relatives of the Byrd family about the graves or to provide any information about how they plan to project the area. So he set out to find the answers himself. One of gravestones that remain at Byrds Chapel AME Zion Church Cemetery off New Elam Church Rd. in Moncure, N.C., Photographed Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. A changing rural county with a deep history With the $4 billion VinFast project and the arrival of technology companies in southern Wake County, the mostly rural Moncure area in southern Chatham County will soon look very different. The county was formed out of Orange County in 1771. A year before the Civil War began, one in three people there were enslaved African Americans, according to local historian Jim Wiggins. After 1865, violence against free and newly freed Black Americans increased with the formation of the Ku Klux Klan. By the 20th century, the county had documented six lynchings of Black people. Sixteen-year-old Eugene Daniel was the last person to be lynched in 1921, five miles from Pittsboro. Last July, Wiggins published a document detailing the lives of the free people of color in the county. Beginning in 1850, race was recorded for each household and the offered categories were white, Black, mulatto, Wiggins wrote. Chatham County census-takers made liberal use of the unclear distinction as a large majority of the free persons of color were identified as Mulatto. Only free, that is not enslaved, people of color were listed in the population census. In 1850, 47 homes in the county were headed by free people, Black and Mulatto, numbering 221 people. That increased by 1860, with 255 free people living in the county. Many mulatto people were the children of a white woman and a Black man, Wiggins noted, which often had repercussions due to laws against relationships between white and Black people, freed or enslaved. Other Mulatto people were the children of an enslaved woman and a white man, typically her owner. Using wills, marriage and death records, Wiggins lists the names of several households headed by free people of color in 1850, including the names Byrd and Evans. Granderson Evans, Lucys younger brother, was a farmer, furniture maker and delegate to the 1870 North Carolina State Republican Convention, along with Willis Byrd, a farmer, and George W. Macklin, chairman of the Republicans of Chatham County. When I was a kid, I visited Southern Pines on multiple occasions and was close to my grandmothers side of the family but I actually knew very little about my grandfathers side, my Evans side, said Evans, a Harlem native. Working hard was just a core value in my family. My dad pushed my sisters and myself pretty hard, and he was a hard-working man. Evans second great-grandfather, George, moved from Chatham to Moore County to operate a turpentine business making barrels. The Evans family passed down land, titles, wealth and values that reached the new generations of the family. Owning land was integral to the survival of the family. That was a seed corn that gave us mobility, that gave us a livelihood, Evans said. We were farmers for many, many generations. Its important that African Americans do things like document in a will how they expect to have their assets distributed because it sustains families over generations. From left Larry Harris, Valerie Frasier, Glenn Evans and Donald Evans, Sr. walk through the woods on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, to get to Byrds Chapel AME Zion Church Cemetery off New Elam Church Rd. in Moncure, N.C. You cant buy memories In a survey by the Office of State Archaeology, researchers found the cemetery and former church were donated by Willis Byrds son Amos and his wife, Eliza, to the African American Methodist Episcopal Church in 1914. They believe Amos died in Durham in 1928, though no death certificate could be found. After the property was transferred to the church, AME Zion trustees sold the land in 1992 to Rhonda Stone Mitchell and her husband, Daniel. In 1998, the land was transferred to Mitchells relative, Patty Shelton Stone, and her mother, Lena Stone. The Stones, a white family, live in a one-level brick house and mobile homes in front of the cemetery on New Elam Church Road. In a phone interview, Stone, 51, said she remembered playing in the abandoned church before her grandfather had the old building torn down. We knew some things about it but not much, Stone said. We always tried to keep the cemetery up but after years, some of the graves look like theyre falling in, some dont have headstones, so it just sits there. We actually didnt know just how many graves were back there. When the family learned about VinFast, they grew concerned for the fate of the only homes they had ever known. Just about all our family grew up around here, Stone said. No matter what they pay you, you cant buy memories. None of the Stones relatives are buried in the Byrd Family Cemetery. When asked if her mother would consider selling the land to the Evans family, Stone said she doesnt think so. Im pretty sure my mom is not going to sell. She said (the family) can come and visit and have access to it, but beyond that, its only an acre. If it was more, we would really consider it. The Byrd and Evans families have faced threats to their ancestors graves before. In 2008, Prenetta Evans, a cousin of Glenn, watched a three-man construction crew tear down trees on her property in Cary and unearth her babys remains with a backhoe. The baby had died a week after she was born in 1974. Evans and her husband couldnt afford a proper funeral, so they wrapped their baby in a blanket, placed her in a box, and buried her in their yard. Even though residents along Evans Road, then a dirt path off N.C. 54, fought the project, the town of Cary used eminent domain to take part of the property for a $6.4 million road widening project. Evans Road now connects Cary and Morrisville. The project affected 55 properties. The family believes that because of a loss of communication and connection, no one in the extended Byrd-Evans family owns the land where the cemetery is located. Donald Evans Sr., another of Glenns cousins, said the familys main goal is to preserve and maintain the Byrd-Evans family legacy, not only for this generation but for future generations to come. Not having the ability to freely own, access, and preserve the permanent resting place of our ancestors with the sanctity and sacredness we desire is a form of bondage. We must be allowed to own and preserve this hallowed ground for the Byrd-Evans family, Donald said. Chatham County property records show the land where the 0.4-acre cemetery and Stones home are located is valued at $62,047. This embedded content is not available in your region. Bad things can happen Aaron Moody, a spokesperson for NCDOT, said Byrd Chapel Cemetery is outside of the VinFast project limits. The closest cemetery edge would be about 52 feet from the proposed road widening on New Elam Church Road and the actual edge of service would be about another 15 feet farther away. We always work to identify the path that has the fewest impacts on people, properties and the environment, Moody said in an email to The News & Observer. In some cases, this is unavoidable. Decisions are made balancing criteria such as safety, impacts to the natural and human environment, costs, and traffic service. Still, Evans said the family remains apprehensive. According to state archaeologists, Byrd Chapel Cemetery was active throughout the 19th and 20th centuries but lacks the qualifications to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That means there are no state or federal protections available for the cemetery. Despite the long history of the Byrd family as free African Americans beginning in the eighteenth (1700s) century, research does not indicate that the family were persons of transcendent national, regional, or local importance or that the cemetery is associated with events of historical significance, the study reads. The cemetery was first recorded in 1992 by Gertha Clark and was last surveyed in 2006, when 43 graves, including the three marked ones, were found there. Beverly Wiggins, a volunteer with the Chatham County Historical Association, helped survey the cemetery in 2006. When she learned about VinFasts plans, she asked the state for records of all the cemeteries in Chatham County. The Byrd Chapel Cemetery was listed but without a full report. That flagged for me that there was some reason for somebody to look at that cemetery, she said. That made me be concerned that the road was the reason. Since then, weve been trying to get additional information. The Historical Association usually learns of gravesites through word of mouth, hunters or new property owners. Volunteers try to count any graves they can identify and mark them. To date, some 600 graves have been found across Chatham County. In early cemeteries, man-made stones, markers were not common so a lot of graves are marked with fieldstones, a rock at the head and a rock at the foot, Wiggins said. The new technology is the ground-penetrating radar, but it doesnt always work, especially in overgrown sites like the Byrd Chapel Cemetery. Wiggins believes it is important for people to not accidentally destroy something that shouldnt be destroyed. When people were buried, their families meant for them to stay there, she said. That should be respected. And for people doing genealogy, sometimes what is written on a headstone might be the only information available to them. Valerie Frasier takes a photo of a gravestone while visiting Byrds Chapel AME Zion Church Cemetery off New Elam Church Rd. in Moncure, N.C., on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Keep our footprint On a sunny, humid afternoon in September, cars filled the parking lot outside Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Apex. Evans and his family were in the Triangle for their family reunion, but before it began, eight relatives wanted to see what they called the Byrd Family Cemetery. After the nearly 20-minute drive, they parked along New Elam Church Road and in the shaded property of the Stones homes to walk through the woods to the graves. Were on sacred ground, said Valarie Frasier, a cousin and real estate agent. She crouched in front of the three tombstones to get a better look at the markers, while Larry Harris, a descendant of Granderson Evans, examined the bricks left in the grass, possibly belonging to the old church. The only headstone with a date was Willis Byrds of 1904, the year he died at 91. Little is known about when Lucy died but the couples daughter, Emeline, died in 1940 at 105 years old, according to U.S. Census records. The family fell quiet, lost to thoughts of their ancestors, once a thriving community of freed people, their remains now lying beneath trash, pine needles and overgrown bushes. A cellar spider sat on Lucys headstone. Sunlight peaked through the towering oaks and long-leaf pines, offering just enough light to read the faded writing on the headstones. Can I ask if we say a prayer? Evans asked, grabbing the hands of his family. Lord, Jesus, we thank you for this wonderful day and for bringing us out here to visit our ancestors. The last time some of the descendants had visited the graves was in 2007. We have so many communities that are now completely gone, and folks are walking around on ground that they know nothing about, Frasier said. The visit inspired the family to take action. They talked about fencing the area and getting a marker, and about keeping the site clean throughout the year. Frasier wondered what it would take to move the three ancestors buried with headstones to the Turner-Evans cemetery in Cary. They made no decisions that day but vowed to stay ahead of whatever might come next. Were trying to keep our footprint here, Harris said. Thats all this is. Attorney General-elect Russell Coleman is bringing on a new leader for the states Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Chris Evans, a former chief operating officer for the Drug Enforcement Administration, is replacing Bryan Hubbard as executive director of the commission. The move, announced at a conference where Coleman unveiled picks for other senior staff, could signal a shift in the level of support the Attorney Generals Office has for a controversial psychedelic drug that could treat opioid addiction. Hubbard made waves under Attorney General Daniel Cameron as a supporter of using $42 million of the near $900 million settlement the state of Kentucky received in an opioid lawsuit settlement to help fund research of the drug ibogaine, which is an illegal psychedelic that many have reported helped treat their addiction. The proposal to use the money in that way was announced in May. Cameron, who is exiting after one term following a general election loss to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, previously stood by Hubbard and the commissions interest in ibogaine. When asked if the hiring of Evans in Hubbards stead signaled any change in the offices perspective on the drug, Coleman said he would take a look at ibogaine, and emphasized that hed focus on addiction prevention. What I need is to make sure we look at that (ibogaine) objectively, along with prevention efforts and other ideas that are out there there are some great ideas out there on the prevention side I want to see if we can scale those up, Coleman said. Theres been a lot of ink spilled on ibogaine. My concern is that we are not focused as intently as we should be on the prevention piece of this. Hubbard has not responded to recent inquiries on the fate of ibogaine research and the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. The proposal, controversial in part because ibogaine is a Schedule 1 drug in the U.S., has been spearheaded by Hubbard. The commission has hosted multiple public hearings on the proposal in the months since, and members have listened to several people share personal ibogaine success stories. But detractors have warned of the drugs cardiotoxicity and have cautioned against the state investing what amounts to taxpayer money into something so experimental. Evans and Coleman crossed paths when Evans was the special agent in charge in the DEAs Louisville office while Coleman was the Louisville-based U.S. attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. Coleman, who takes office as attorney general Jan. 1, said they worked together to establish a DEA office in Paducah. Incoming Kentucky AG announces other staff picks Jessie Halladay, a senior policy specialist with the Criminal Justice Institute and former adviser at the Louisville Metro Police Department, will serve as deputy director under Evans. Vic Maddox, who currently serves as the deputy attorney general and is a prominent conservative litigator in the state (he recently led the offices successful defense of redistricting maps drawn by the GOP-led state legislature) will continue in the office as counsel to the attorney general for special litigation. Other notable staffing changes include Rewa Zakharia moving over from director of special prosecutions to criminal chief. Zakharia is a former assistant commonwealths attorney in Fayette County. Richard Ferretti is reprising his role as commissioner of the Department of Criminal Investigations, a role that he previously held earlier in the Cameron administration. Solicitor General Matt Kuhn will remain in his role overseeing civil and criminal appeals. Justin Clark, a former Cameron staffer and general counsel to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, is now the offices civil chief. Christopher Thacker, current head of the offices civil division, will become the new general counsel. Previously announced staffing decisions include former Northern Kentucky state senator and one-time candidate for attorney general Wil Schroders return to Frankfort. Schroder will serve as senior counsel. Rob Duncan, former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, will be deputy attorney general. In response to a question about public corruption and whether he would seek to investigate Beshears administration, Coleman offered no comment. As a general matter, Im not going to comment either way on any potential investigation, Coleman said. A bourbon club is opening in Lexington that promises a surprising amount of access to hard-to-get rare bottles. The Paddock Bourbon Club is a liquor store and tasting room that specializes in Kentucky bourbon and other high-end spirits including champagne and wine, rum, tequila, gin and vodka. Sign up for our LexGo Eat & Drink newsletters The latest on food, dining and bourbon delivered right to your inbox for free. See what's happening in the world of bourbon, including buying, tasting tips and more on Tuesday. Stick around for the biggest restaurant news in Central Kentucky on Thursday. Sign up here. Onwer Erick Ostrander said the store will open at 1011 S. Broadway at the corner of South Broadway and Red Mile Road by the end of this week. The store will have rare bourbons and special releases in unusual numbers, Ostrander said. Customers can order online and pick up their bottles at the store. They do not deliver orders. You dont have to rush and get it ... Once you buy it, its yours and well hold it for you, Ostrander said. This is especially great for bourbon hunters, they dont have to wait in the cold and hope there is enough. Ostrander said that the store also will have a tasting room and bar where you can try before you buy a bottle. The Paddock Bourbon Club website offers premium bottles of bourbon at more reasonable prices, which they can do, owner Erick Ostrander said because his campus area bar does such high volume business. Now hes opening a separate high-end liquor store and bourbon club. This embedded content is not available in your region. Lexington bourbon club an offshoot of UK campus bar, Paddock Bar & Grille How does Paddock Bourbon Bar have so much rare bourbon, including the hard to find Pappy Van Winkle? The secret is a link to his other bar, The Paddock Bar & Grille, a college bar at 319 S. Limestone across from the University of Kentucky. While the campus area bar does offer shots of Pappy, they are much more likely to sell shots of Fireball. The Paddock on South Limestone is a popular University of Kentucky campus-area bar. The alcohol industry has become like the airline: The more you order, the more points you have. Paddock Bar on Lime is one of the largest accounts in the state, so we get a large allocation of Van Winkle, Blantons, the Elmer T. Lee and Weller, Ostrander said. Youll be able to buy drinks and bottles for less than other places because were a liquor store first. A lot of places are charging, in my opinion, too much for things. We want to be more accessible. For instance, at least for the opening, the Paddock Bourbon Club will offer Buffalo Trace liters for $26.99, priced to go, he said. The idea is to sell things people want to drink at a price they can afford, Ostrander said. Obviously some of the more elusive stuff will still have higher prices. How to join Paddock Bourbon Club for membership, perks To further that, The Paddock Bourbon Club will offer memberships with different levels of perks. You can sign up on the website paddockbourbonclub.com. Ostrander said that, for example, members will get pours at up to half price. So how much is a pour of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old? Pappy 23 is the most expensive. Walk off the street price is $300, and a club member would get it for $150, he said. So theres an incentive (to) become a member. He said there will be interesting bourbon experiences, such as back door access to Kentucky distilleries. The top tier of members will get to go on barrel picks at distilleries, Ostrander said. We picked 33 in 2023 and were hoping to pick 60 to 70 in 2024. A set of human remains that fishermen found "wrapped in heavy tire chains and anchored with a hydraulic jack" in a lake in Kentucky nearly 25 years ago has been identified as belonging to an FBI fugitive, state police have revealed. Kentucky State Police say with the help of "advanced DNA technology," Roger Parham has been determined to have been the body that was discovered in Lake Barkley in Lyon County on May 6, 1999. An FBI wanted poster described Parham who was sought after failing to appear in court for a rape charge involving a minor in Arkansas as being "very charming" and that he preferred "odd jobs so that he can get paid in cash." The FBI said at the time that Parham was believed to have fled Arkansas and "may have traveled to Mexico." ALABAMA AUTHORITIES RECOVER BODY OF 22-YEAR-OLD WHOSE KAYAK CAPSIZED WHILE DUCK HUNTING Kentucky State Police said Monday that when the remains were found in 1999, "investigators were unable to identify the male using traditional investigative techniques. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "In 2016, the body of the victim was exhumed in hopes that further examinations would help make an identification," police continued. "Despite extensive efforts using DNA technology, dental examinations, forensic pathology, and other advanced forensic testing, the victim remained unidentified." However, earlier this year, state police say they began working with Othram Inc., a private lab specializing in forensic genealogy. "A partnership with [the] National Missing and Unidentified Persons System and Othram Inc. allowed for advanced genealogy DNA testing of the remains. Through this testing, a relative of the unidentified person was located, which allowed investigators to identify the remains as Roger Parham," Kentucky State Police said. MISSING BRITISH BOY FOUND ALIVE IN FRANCE AFTER 6 YEARS: REPORT Officials say due to the "suspicious circumstances" surrounding how Parham's remains were found, his death is now being investigated as a homicide. Parham's exact cause of death remains unknown. "On November 21, 1998, Roger Parham was arrested for rape involving a minor. He was subsequently released on bond with conditions, by the Circuit Court of Sebastian County, Arkansas, Fort Smith District," the FBI has said. "Parham's bond was revoked after he failed to appear on the charge of rape. "On June 3, 1999, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. A federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 10, 1999, after Parham was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution," the FBI added. Original article source: Kentucky remains identified as FBI fugitive who vanished nearly 25 years ago The fine is the highest-ever issued by Kenya's competition authority Kenya's competition regulator has fined the local Carrefour franchise holder, Majid al Futtaim, $7.1m (5.6m) after accusing it of forcing suppliers to accept lower prices. The regulator said it had abused "its superior bargaining position" over two suppliers. The fine is the highest-ever issued by the competition authority. Majid al Futtaim, which runs one of the biggest retail chains in Kenya, has not yet responded to the fine. In addition to the fine, the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), has ordered the Carrefour franchise holder to refund the two companies involved - honey processor Woodlands and manufacturer Pwani Oil - $112,000. CAK has said that Majid al Futtaim forced suppliers to accept lower prices through a system of discounts known as rebates, which cuts final payments by up to 12%. The regulator also accused the supermarket chain of illegally transferring its costs to suppliers. "Investigations also determined that Carrefour's suppliers are required to provide free products and pay listing fees for every new branch opened as well as post employees to the supermarket's branches," CAK said in a statement shared on X on Tuesday. "These practices amount to transfer of the retailer's costs to suppliers, which is prohibited by the Competition Act." The supermarket chain has subsequently been ordered to "amend all its supplier contracts and expunge clauses that facilitate abuse of buyer power". In 2021, Kenya's Competition Tribunal (CT) found the franchise guilty of exploiting suppliers by forcing them to accept lower prices through charging them high listing fees and rebate rates, after another Kenyan company filed a complaint against its supplier practices. The company is yet to respond to the penalty, but after the 2021 investigation, it said that it "remains committed to working with its suppliers through mutually beneficial relationships". There are 21 Carrefour outlets in Kenya across many of the country's major cities. Kentucky State Police recovered $5.2 million in stolen items and broke up an organized cargo theft ring in an 18-month investigation, the agency announced Tuesday. The organized cargo theft ring was responsible for more than $10 million in theft by taking goods while they were being moved through the supply chain in transit, sitting at a storage facility or being loaded and unloaded, KSP said. The agencys Vehicle Investigations Branch opened an investigation after noticing a trend of cargo thefts throughout Kentucky, primarily including thefts of copper, and food and beverage-industry products. KSP Capt. Paul Blanton also said electronics were often targeted by the group. There were 10 federal indictments handed down as a result of the investigation, and seven people have been arrested, KSP said. KSP Capt. Blanton told the Herald-Leader that five of the suspects were charged in the indictment and the two others were arrested in separate cases. KSP is seeking to recover more property and has thousands of stolen items from the investigation listed on the FBIs National Crime Information Center, Blanton said. The KSP Vehicle Investigations Branch is a national leader in fighting organized cargo theft crimes, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said in a news release. Im proud of their efforts to combat a crime that targets high-value shipments by exploiting weaknesses in supply chains, causing substantial financial losses. The ring was comprised of men based out of Louisville, Blanton said. The group had connections to Miami. The primary targeted items by the ring were electronics, according to Blanton. KSP detectives partnered with resources at the local, state and federal levels throughout the investigation, KSP said. In August, Detective Steve Spurlock and Criminal Intel Analyst Gary Thomas were awarded for their investigative accomplishments involving the case at the Midwest Cargo Security Council Summit. The summit is hosted by the Midwest Cargo Security Council, a non-profit organization, according to its website. The councils purpose is to raise awareness and prevent cargo thefts through periodic training sessions. Our Kentucky State Police troopers, officers and civilian staff are the best in the nation, Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release about the investigation. Every day they are making Kentucky safer and creating a better place for our families and children to call home. I ask that the commonwealth join me in thanking our vehicle investigations branch and pray for their continued safety and protection as they risk their lives for our state. The Kyiv metro's Red Line could undergo partial closure for repairs pending an investigation into the safety of a key bridge, Kyiv City Council official Andriy Vitrenko said on national television on Dec. 19. Read also: Kyiv transport director outlines Metro safety measures The Metro Bridge has been in a 'tired' condition for two years, but only this year was a budget allocated for its major repairs, Vitrenko said. "For two years, no one paid attention to this; they simply stated this fact. If the examination shows that the Metro Bridge needs to be closed, funds have now been allocated for the development of project documentation and the creation of appropriate search work.'" Read also: Kyiv police launch negligence investigation over metro closure Vitrenko believes that this scenario is catastrophic for Kyiv, where there is already a shortage of bridges. "These are strategic objects for the movement of not only citizens, he said. We have martial law in the country, which has certain restrictions and the need to provide resources for the activities of the [Ukrainian] Armed Forces. Therefore, this is a terrible event that could happen at any moment. The Kyiv City State Administration announced a six-month suspension of train services between Lybidska and Teremky stations on Dec. 8. Travelers affected by closures in the Kyiv Metro system will be reimbursed, according to the citys transport authority on Dec. 18. 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 Filipino politicians, business leaders, scholars call for dialogue over South China Sea situations Xinhua) 10:24, December 19, 2023 MANILA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Some politicians, business leaders and scholars in the Philippines have expressed their views that the maritime issues do not comprise the sum-total of relations between the Philippines and China, and called on the two sides to strengthen dialogue and consultation. Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Jesus Domingo, in an interview with Xinhua, noted China is one of the most important economic and business partners of the Philippines, and that their economic and trade ties are "robust." "It is always good to take a deep breath, take a step back and look at the totality of our relationship," Domingo said. Maynard S. Ngu, Special Envoy of the President to China for Trade, Investments and Tourism, said he agrees that the maritime issues do not comprise the sum-total of bilateral relations, adding that the two sides should continue to expand their common ground in such fields as economic and trade cooperation. George Barcelon, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the tensions in the South China Sea "have been hurting the private sector and the business operations between the two countries." "Any action that looks provocative is not healthy," Barcelon said. "It is about time to say, wait a minute, let's sit down and talk for a while." Teresita Sy-Coson, Vice Chairperson of SM Investments Corp., said the Philippines and China are neighbors facing each other across the sea, and they need to handle disputes through peaceful negotiations. Lucio Blanco Pitlo, research fellow at the Philippine think tank Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation, voiced his concern that "the South China Sea tensions and disputes tend to dominate relations between the Philippines and China this year. And I think that is very regrettable." The situations in the South China Sea "can affect productive and constructive ties between the two countries. We hope that this would be prevented going forward, and that trade, especially in relation to agriculture, manufacturing, and the inflow of Chinese investments and tourists in the Philippines, won't be affected negatively by the prominence of these disputes," he said. Anna Malindog-Uy, Vice President of the Manila-based think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, said the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has achieved fruitful results, which have offered "a mix of opportunities and benefits for the Philippines." "Maintaining a balanced relationship with China is of strategic interest to the Philippines," she said, adding that diplomatic and economic engagements are part of this balance, and disrupting them could have consequences. Rigoberto Tiglao, former spokesperson and head of presidential office for former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said in his opinion article published by the Manila Times last week that Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos should make changes to the current foreign policy. "It will be not just the biggest mistake of his presidency, but our country's most colossally destructive policy ever, blocking our growth and even worsening poverty," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) (Bloomberg) -- Ukraines Black Sea grain corridor is performing better than expected, but stronger air defense is needed to quicken ship loading times and better shield ports, according to Kyivs top infrastructure official. Most Read from Bloomberg The war-hit nation has exported almost 10 million tons of commodities, mostly grains, through the passage since August despite a short period of unfavorable weather, deputy prime minister and Minister for Restoration Oleksandr Kubrakov told Bloomberg News. While the volumes are lower than last years exports through a UN-backed corridor approved by Russia, Kubrakov said Kyiv will catch up. His comments come as more than $100 billion in US and European Union aid to Ukraine is held up in political tangles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy left Washington earlier this month with no guarantees on more aid. Separately, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban vetoed the EUs planned financial support package. Read more: Zelenskiy Feels the Chill From Ukraines Allies in a Tough Week The flagging financial aid from its allies makes it even more crucial for Ukraines economy to ensure its grains and oilseeds reach the global markets. The safety of the unilateral Black Sea shipping passage announced in August but really in use since October is vital to that goal. The government has been working to assure traders can continue shipping, including a promise to help reduce insurance costs for such companies. Kyivs deal with Lloyds of London and brokers Marsh McLennan allowed it to cut insurance costs by half, Kubrakov said. Marsh is able to provide insurance cover for ships exporting grain from Ukraine at a third of the market rates under its Unity facility, according to Marcus Baker, global head of marine, cargo and logistics. The program has backing from the Ukrainian government, thats compensating underwriters up to a total of $20 million for any losses. All that has helped the new corridor keep trade ticking, although challenges remain. Russia stepped up shelling of Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea and on the Danube the pilot of a commercial vessel was killed in a strike last month and grain exports are down 23% in the period between July and mid-December. Strong shipments are needed to clear this years larger-than-expected harvest. Now it looks like normal shipping, as it was before the war, Kubrakov said. Still, some mainstream shipowners have been wary of using the corridor. Several dozen firms are now using the passage, including large international traders, according to the Ministry of Restoration. As Kyiv and Moscow trade drone and missile attacks, protecting port infrastructure in the southern Odesa region remains key for the safety of the shipping corridor, Kubrakov said. More modern air-defense, including US-made F-16 fighter jets, should help, he added. It is clear that civil vessels are not a difficult target, Kubrakov said, adding that Moscow likely understands that attacking trading vessels will elicit retaliation. They understand that there might be a response. --With assistance from Megan Durisin and Aine Quinn. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A thin layer density gauge, which uses radiation, was found Monday in the Antelope Valley after Public Works reported it missing. (L.A. County Department of Public Works) A potentially dangerous device that uses radiation went missing last week, but was found Monday and returned to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. The agency had issued a $1,000 reward over the weekend for information that could lead to the recovery of the device, which could cause radiation poisoning if damaged or mishandled. The device was last seen around 4 p.m. Thursday in the back of a county truck near 110th Street East and Avenue R-4 in the unincorporated Antelope Valley community of Littlerock. Read more: Meth and cocaine dipped in jalapeno paste? 349 bags of drugs extracted, carefully, in San Diego Public Works described the device as a thin layer density gauge, which is used during construction to measure soil and asphalt density. On Monday afternoon, a resident contacted the office of Supt. Kathryn Barger, whose district includes Littlerock, to report they had found an item that matched the description of the device. Public Works crews were dispatched to the address and recovered the tool, determining it had not been damaged, according to agency spokesman Kerjon Lee. "We're thrilled that it's been returned," Lee said. In a statement, Barger said she urged Public Works to report a corrective action plan to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors to prevent this from happening in the future. "Its a big relief to know that no one was hurt by radiation sickness in the process of recovering it," Barger said. "However, this cannot happen again." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Tzipi Hotovely and Mickey Levy, a former Speaker of the Knesset, with Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader - Twitter / Tzipi Hotovely Sir Keir Starmer has been urged by the Labour Muslim Network to boycott Israels extremist ambassador after she rejected the idea of a Palestinian state. The group, which represents Muslim MPs, councillors and party members, wrote to the Labour leader on Tuesday, saying he and other senior figures must not share a platform with Tzipi Hotovely. Ms Hotovely rejected calls for a two-state solution in an interview with Sky News last week, saying: The answer is absolutely no. 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. Its now two months after the war. The remarks earned her a rare public rebuke from Rishi Sunak, who said he did not agree with her position, adding: Our long-standing position remains that the two-state solution is the right outcome here. This embedded content is not available in your region. In its letter to Sir Keir, the Labour Muslim Network said the Israeli ambassadors comments were extreme and sharing a platform with her could transgress the partys code of conduct on Islamophobia. The right of self determination for Palestinians and an independent Palestinian state has been a long-standing position for the Labour Party, for the United Kingdom and for the international community, the letter said. To deny the right of Palestine to exist as an independent state is not only an extremist position, but also completely contrary to international consensus. Furthermore, denying the right of self-determination for Palestinians and millions of Muslims is clearly Islamophobic. There is a worrying trend of senior Israeli officials and members of the government Ms Hotovely represents making statements that are genocidal in nature towards the Palestinian people. Associating with such individuals or endorsing their views in any way is not only Islamophobic and morally reprehensible but also poses a significant risk to the Labour Partys integrity and our commitment to human rights and international law. We are therefore writing to you as leader of the Labour Party with the expectation that no further engagements be made or platforms shared by Labour Party representatives with the current Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely. It is clear for all to see, the ambassador is no partner in peace. Any Labour representatives that shares engagements and/or platforms with Ms Hotovely would not only be legitimising her extreme positions, but could also be violating our Islamophobia code of conduct. The letter will pile more pressure on Sir Keir to toughen up his position on Israel and Gaza, a subject that has divided the Labour Party. Last month, he faced a major frontbench rebellion over his refusal to bend to pressure from Labour MPs to back a ceasefire. Sir Keir did back calls for a sustainable ceasefire on Monday, but only after Mr Sunak said that was now the Governments position. 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. HARTVILLE Lake Local voters will see a 9.5-mill property tax levy on the March 2024 ballot. The school system's Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to seek the five-year operating expense levy. If approved, it would generate $6.1 million a year for each of the five years. The annual cost to a homeowner would be $333 for each $100,000 in auditors appraised home value of their property. The levy would begin in 2024 and the district will first collect in the calendar year 2025. In November, voters rejected a 9.9-mill, five-year levy request by 301 votes, prompting more budget cuts. Parents and student-athletes expressed concern when the board implemented a $950 pay-to-play fee for spring sports. The board later agreed to stick with the previously fee schedule for spring athletes in grades seven and eight of $150 and $250 for student-athletes in grades nine through 12. Facing a $3.1 million deficit in 2024-2025, the district has made numerous staffing cuts, and has plans for reducing bus routes and making more staffing cuts. Some cannot take place until the end of the school year because of contractual agreements. The district was able to immediately cancel all field trips and cancel all building use after school by outside sources. There will be a committee formed to lead a levy campaign, Superintendent Kevin Tobin said at the meeting. Tobin recited data provided by the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce Office of Budget and School Funding (FY2023) about the districts finances, including: The average annual salary for teachers at Lake Local is $68,791. That compares to districts similar to Lake Local with salaries ranging from $66,399 to $77,759. The district spends $12,211 per student. Other area districts spend from $11,887 to $14,996 per student. Only 15 other school districts in Ohio receive less total revenue per pupil. In other words, 97% of school districts in Ohio receive more per-student funding than Lake Local, which receives $12,243 per student. CORRECTION: The number of districts getting less funding than Lake is 15, according to Tobin. The number was incorrect when this story first published on 12/19/2023. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Lake Local school board votes to put levy on the March ballot Public lands across five counties in Washington state will be designated for conservation purposes under a new proposal, adding 2,000 acres to the 900,000 acres of forestland already managed by the state Department of Natural Resources. Clallam, Jefferson, King, Snohomish, and Whatcom Counties worked with DNR to identify parcels of land that are most important to protect fish and wildlife habitat as well as natural and cultural values, according to a news release from DNR Monday, Dec. 18. The proposed forestland conservation is funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Conserving these 2,000 acres will protect our most ecologically important forests, enhancing habitat for endangered, threatened and sensitive plants and wildlife, protecting biodiversity and habitat connectivity, and supporting high quality watersheds on our public lands, said Commissioner of Lands Hilary Franz in the release. More than 9,000 acres of land in Wahkiakum County are also in the process of being purchased by DNR, making it the largest land purchase in over a decade by the agency. Franz referred to the purchase as a win-win-win for the climate, communities and the economy. Development has caused a loss in forestlands in Washington, with the DNR noting that the state is currently less than 50% forested for the first time in history. The largest tract of land designated for conservation is in two sites in east Jefferson County, at approximately 950 acres. Approximately 670 acres adjacent to Dabob Bay Natural Area, which is managed by DNR, is the biggest portion of land in Jefferson County. Approximately 280 acres near Mount Walker and Notch Pass are designated and adjacent to a longtime conservation area. In Clallam County, 69 acres will be preserved within the Elwha River watershed west of Port Angeles and the land is formerly part of the canceled Power Plant timber sale. About 290 acres in Tiger Mountain State Forest, which is adjacent to the West Tiger Mountain Natural Resources Conservation Area, will be set aside to allow more wildlife habitat connectivity for local species including cougars, bobcat, elk, and pygmy owl. The agency noted that the lands primarily support local King County services and the construction and maintenance of buildings on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. In Snohomish, nearly 70 acres north of Sultan adjacent to Marsh Creek will also be set aside to protect the wetland complex. Local services in Snohomish County are supported by the land. Additionally, 650 total acres in Whatcom County are part of the proposal including 575 acres southeast of Lake Whatcom, and 75 acres just south of the Middle Fork Nooksack River. The Common School Trust, which funds K-12 school construction throughout the state, is supported by the lands. Local services in Whatcom County are also supported. County leadership will have to concur with DNRs proposal for the parcels before the land can be transferred. Once concurred, DNR will present the the Board of Natural Resources for approval. If the Board accepts the list of properties to be conserved, land transfers will occur as lands are acquired for each trust. Transfers must be appraised for full fair market value, and any acquisitions and transfers will be presented to the Board for approval, DNRs press release noted. In the week since the twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties, or COP28, climate talks wrapped up, media coverage of the outcome has been largely positive. That coverage has focused on the statement produced at the end of the conference, which calls on participating nations to contribute to the transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems. This marks the first time since the inaugural COP of 1995 that a final text actually mentions the words fossil fuels. Not even the 2015 Paris Agreement acknowledged that coal, oil, and methane gas are the root causes of climate change. Insofar as commentators have criticized the consensus text negotiators reached in Dubai last week, theyve noted that it lacks both ambition and teeth, since it calls merely for a transition away from fossil energy, when it should call for drastic immediate emission cuts and binding commitments from the largest contributors of the climate crisis to finance loss and damages and adaptation, as Greta Thunberg put it. But the problem with the outcome of COP28 is not only that its weak. Its that the statement is a masterclass in propaganda, upholding two prevalent and pernicious forms of greenwashing that support expanded coal, oil, and gas production: the false claim that the world can continue to use fossil fuels and still halt global heating and the equally false, if more subtle, claim that fossil-energy companies are trustworthy partners in the fight to preserve a livable climate. The positive coverage of COP28 shows that this greenwashing has succeeded in obscuring what really happened in Dubai. How does a text that calls on nations to contribute to the transitioning away from fossil fuels uphold the idea that the world can continue to use them? That seems like a paradox. Yet this is the paradox inherent to greenwashing itself. Actions to uphold the fossil fuel status quo are trusted because they look like efforts to make change. This dynamic is front and center in the COP28 decision text. First, lets look at what the text demands: It calls on parties (i.e., nations who are party to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change) to contribute to ... transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems. This may sound robust, but under UNFCCC guidelines, the verb calls on is the weakest possible request to the parties. It is truly a take-it-or-leave-it suggestion. And the text never defines what counts as a contribution to transitioning away from fossil fuels. Could a government merely establish a task force to study low-carbon energy systems and count that as a contribution? Going by this text, yes! This same vagueness bedevils the texts language on coal power, which calls on parties to contribute to accelerating efforts towards the phase down of unabated coal power. There are many levels of delay here: First, nations must respond to the call, then they must contribute to accelerating efforts, and then those efforts will move towards (but not achieve) the phase down rather than the phaseout of unabated coal power. (Phaseout implies eventually ceasing entirely; phase down does not.) It is worth noting also that unabated is yet another undefined term, implying that coal that is abated, i.e., that is offset somehow, is OK. This allows countries to claim without verification that they have offset their climate pollution. So, yes, COP28 negotiators agreed on transitioning away from fossil fuels, but the vagueness of that goal, and its position at the end of a series of delaying steps, enables the governments involved to continue to promote expanded coal, oil, and gas production while still claiming to be following the letter of the text. Even worse, the text actually provides support for fossil fuels when it recognizes that transitional fuels can play a role in facilitating the energy transition while ensuring energy security. Of course, providing parties with maximum interpretive flexibility, the text does not define transitional fuels, but historically methane gas has been represented as a transition fuel because it puts less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than coal does. Methane gas is itself a fossil fuel and a significant contributor to climate change; in the short term it forces more global heating than carbon dioxide does. Recent scientific studies have shown that when leaks from methane gas extraction, refining, and combustion are accounted for, methane gas is actually worse for the climate than coal. So any text that calls methane gas an element of the transition away from fossil fuels is in effect justifying many billions of tons more greenhouse gas pollution, virtually guaranteeing that the world will not achieve net-zero emissions in time to halt warming well below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Of course the United Arab Emirates, the host country of the conference, and Sultan Al Jaber, its president, celebrated the outcome as a great victory, calling it the UAE Consensus that will guide international climate action moving forward. Al Jaber called the text drafted at COP28 a historic achievement and a paradigm shift. This self-promotion is not just political theater but also the second form of greenwashing that currently retards progress in phasing out fossil fuels: the pretense of oil and gas executives and companies that theyre trustworthy partners in the energy transition. Al Jaber is the CEO of Adnoc, the UAEs state oil company. His job as an oil baron has made the outcome of COP28 appear all the more impressive and trustworthy in some climate coverage. Yet Al Jabers Adnoc is not moving away from oil and gas. It may drill a full 42 percent more than it is currently drilling overall by 2030, according to independent analysts. And, as The New York Times reported, the conference Al Jaber presided over is now being praised by fossil fuel companies for having no impact on their capacity to sell coal, oil, and gas. Saudi Arabias oil minister in particular celebrated the fact that dictating targets for reducing emissions or halting global heating at a certain temperature has been buried at COP28 and that his country and its concerns were given priority that I dont think I have ever seen. The petrostate hosts of the climate talks were not allied with nations calling for a phaseout of fossil fuelswhat the science says must happen if the world is to preserve a mostly livable climatebut a partner to the other petrostates that share its business interests. What does this say about how to understand the language of climate politics? Moving forward, journalistsand citizens as wellshould recognize that oil and gas producers increasingly sound like climate advocates, using the same words and phrases that call for the end of the fossil fuel era. This is their new greenwashing strategy. It is all the more important never to take anyones words at face value, but to interpret them in the context of an entire statementwhether an industry advertisement, a think-tank report, or a text from U.N. climate talksassessing that statement in relation to both the latest climate science and actual industry investments. Propaganda shouldnt be amplified. It should be exposed. Climate advocates can take a slightly different tack. If fossil fuel producers are appropriating the language of advocates for their greenwashing, advocates can steal their language right back again. As Bill McKibben said in his commentary on COP28: The phrase transition away from fossil fuels is now a tool for activists to use henceforth. No longer are the hippies the only ones saying that the fossil fuel era must end. The worlds nations have now publicly acknowledged that too, giving advocates new legitimacy and power in every discussion from now onespecially the discussions about any further expansion of the fossil fuel energy, as McKibben put it. Anyone who cares about the future can get even more targeted by grasping one little word out of the COP28 text as a rhetorical weapon against fossil fuel propaganda: the word away. That evocative word, which describes leaving something behind, offers civil society and governments a hard benchmark for both climate speech and climate action. Does that speech and action sustain, justify, excuse, or promote fossil fuels? Or does it transition, move, innovate, or legislate away from them? These questions can be answered with a clarity that not even the phrase phaseout can provide. The text countries agreed on at COP28 may be a masterclass in greenwashing, but it may also contain the seeds of its own undoing. Nineteen laptops were stolen from Virginia Heard Elementary School when the school was broken into during late November, according to Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Public Information Manager Shelia Blanco. Blanco confirmed in an email to the Savannah Morning News that the break-in occurred over the Thanksgiving break when schools were closed. She did not provide a specific date in her initial response, so the window that the break-in occurred would have been between Nov. 18- 27, according to SCCPSSs 2023-24 academic calendar. Blanco indicated there was a subsequent break-in, however, nothing was taken during that incident. She also said that SCCPSS campus police are working with federal and state authorities South Carolina to apprehend the suspect. No notification regarding the break-ins has been sent to Heard families. At least one parent voiced concerns about lack of communication to school administration. Blanco said: "We would not normally send a parent notification regarding an incident that happened after hours and did not affect students. There is not believed to be any threat to the school, students, or staff. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Laptops stolen from Heard Elementary in Savannah, Ga. Enjoying samba and caipirinhas in their country of origin will no longer be so easy for U.S travelers. Starting on Jan. 10, 2024, travelers with U.S. passports wishing to vacation in Brazil must first obtain a mandatory entry visa. The Electronic Visa (eVisa) of the Federative Republic of Brazil is a new entry requirement for American, Canadian and Australian travelers, Brazilian authorities announced. The U.S. Department of States Bureau of Consular Affairs alerted on its social media channels that the Brazilian government will reinstate a visa requirement for all U.S. nationals visiting Brazil. Unlike a consular visa, which must be obtained during an in-person visit to a consular office, the Brazilian eVisa process can be completed entirely online. Related subject: Which is the worlds most powerful passport for visa-free travel in 2024? Not the American Brazil: Beginning Jan. 10, 2024, the Government of Brazil will reinstate a visa requirement for all U.S. nationals visiting Brazil. Learn more about the e-visa option for qualified applicants and visa application procedures at https://t.co/TVe7bCM7jx. https://t.co/IBjmPz8fo8 pic.twitter.com/4nfzV4g0v8 Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) December 13, 2023 How do you apply for the new visa to travel to Brazil with a U.S. passport? According to VFS, the company authorized by the Brazilian government to issue the new electronic visas, the process consists of three steps: Submit the visa application through the VFS website using your cell phone. Pay the $80 visa fee plus $0.90 for a service fee with a credit or debit card. Download the eVisa that will be sent to your email in a pdf format once the visa is approved. Print the eVisa and show it both when boarding the flight in the U.S. and upon landing in Brazil. Related subject: Visa Lottery 2024: How to see US green cards winners results Which travelers can apply for the Brazilian electronic entry visa? Travelers can apply for the eVisa if they meet these conditions: They are traveling to Brazil under the Visitor category. Their stays in Brazil do not exceed 90 days. The travelers have United States, Canadian or Australian passports. Latto celebrated Christmas early. The rapper led another philanthropic effort by donating over $350,000 in a toy drive on Saturday, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Its the third year the event was organized for the community in Clayton County, Georgia. We are ecstatic to bring back Christmas in Clayton for the third time, District 1 Commissioner Dr. Alieka Anderson said in a news release. This event allows us to give back to Clayton County residents and children just in time for the holidays. WE LOVE TO SEE IT| Latto put in on da floor for kids with her 3rd annual Christmas in Clayco toy drive! pic.twitter.com/vj3zysjmHZ KenBarbie (@itsKenBarbie) December 17, 2023 Anderson thanked the rapper for her participation. They both greeted children and gave away toys at the Clayton State University Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon. Words cannot express how amazing it is to have Latto return to Clayton County to help spread some holiday cheer throughout our community, she added. Her generosity is sincerely appreciated for our children and our community. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BIG LATTO (@latto777) Last year, Latto was honored with a key to the city of Rex in Clayton Country, as well as her own day on Dec. 18, coined Latto Day. The Christmas celebration comes as the rapper released The Grinch Freestyle with Luh Tyler last week. The Lawrence County Community Foundation has applied for a $750,000 Matching Fund Grant through Lilly Endowment Inc.s eighth phase of Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow, (GIFT VIII). The matching grant is one of three funding opportunities available to community foundations in Indiana from Lilly Endowment, which has allocated up to $210 million to support community foundations in their efforts to enhance quality of life in their communities. The Community Foundation will be able to use its Matching Fund Grant to grow its unrestricted community assets. Developing the unrestricted funds is key to the Community Foundation being able to respond to present and future community needs, and to be proactive in their leadership efforts. Unrestricted funds provide support to many local charities and charitable programs (e.g., Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County, Beckys Place, LIFE Food Pantry, Hope Resource Center, White River Humane Society, and many more) through the annual open grant cycle. Lilly Endowments Matching Fund Grant will provide a $2 for $1 match for eligible contributions to the Lawrence County Community Foundations unrestricted endowments during GIFT VIIIs matching period of Oct. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a wonderful and rare opportunity for donors. By giving during this grant challenge, you can triple your generosity, said Hope Flores, CEO of Lawrence County Community Foundation Partnership. A gift of $100 will be matched with $200 and a $1,000 will be matched with $2,000. We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for this opportunity to increase our investment in our community. The Lawrence County Community Foundation recently celebrated 30 years since it was established. Through grantmaking, collaboration and securing grants from other funders, the Foundation has granted over $20 million to support community needs. During 2023, the Foundation awarded $571,000 in grants to Lawrence County nonprofits. This impact is made possible thanks to generous people working together to build a better tomorrow for Lawrence County. Gifts may be made payable to LCCF and mailed to PO Box 1235, Bedford, IN, 47421, or can be made online at https://www.cfpartner.org/. If you would like to learn more about the Matching Grant or inquire about establishing an unrestricted endowment at LCCF please call 812-279-2215 or email LCCF@cfpartner.org. To see a full list of unrestricted funds managed by LCCF visit https://www.cfpartner.org/funds This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Grant triples donations to community foundation fund Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice Patience Roggensack and other members gather for Governor Scott Walker's state budget address at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wis. Wednesday, February 20, 2013. An open records lawsuit against former Chief Justice Roggensack was dismissed Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, after Roggensack turned over all records she had related to her work investigating possible impeachment of a sitting justice. (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, John Hart, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) An open records lawsuit against former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack was dismissed Tuesday after Roggensack turned over all records she had related to her work investigating possible impeachment of a sitting justice. None of the records Roggensack produced earlier this month shed any light on the impeachment advice she actually gave to Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Vos has said he spoke with Roggensack on the phone about impeachment of Justice Janet Protasiewicz and he has refused to say what her advice was. Roggensack has also not said what she told Vos. Two other former justices Vos tapped for recommendations, David Prosser and Jon Wilcox, both advised against impeachment. The liberal watchdog group American Oversight sued Vos, Prosser, Wilcox and Roggensack to get all of the records related to the possible impeachment. The group also alleged that the three former justices had broken the state's open meetings law. Dane County Circuit Judge Frank Remington in November dismissed the open meetings allegation, saying American Oversight filed its claim prematurely and should have given the district attorney time to decide whether to launch his own lawsuit. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne decided against bringing charges. Remington had previously dismissed the open records allegations against Prosser and Wilcox after they produced records. In November, he gave Roggensack 30 days to turn over whatever records she had. In a filing with the court on Dec. 8, Roggensack said she had no responsive records beyond what had already been made public. Her attorney, Bob Shumaker, confirmed that again in court on Tuesday. American Oversight's attorney Ben Sparks agreed to drop the case against her and the judge dismissed it. The open records claim against Vos remains. His attorney, Matthew Fernholz, said Tuesday that Vos has already produced all of the records he has. Vos in November released about 20,000 pages of documents. The judge set a status hearing for Jan. 25. Vos originally said he was considering impeachment if Protasiewicz did not recuse herself from the redistricting case. She did not recuse. Vos did not move to impeach her, following the advice against impeachment from the former justices. But now hes suggesting he may attempt to impeach her if she does not rule in favor of upholding the current Republican-drawn maps. The Wisconsin Constitution reserves impeachment for corrupt conduct in office, or for crimes and misdemeanors. Republicans have argued Protasiewicz has pre-judged the case based on comments she made during the campaign calling the current maps unfair and rigged. Protasiewicz, in her decision not to recuse from the case, said that while stating her opinion about the maps, she never made a promise or pledge about how she would rule on the case. The court heard the redistricting case in November that could result in new maps being in place before the 2024 election. The court is expected to issue a ruling soon. By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) -Civil rights groups filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging a new Republican-backed law in Texas that will give state officials broad powers to arrest, prosecute, and deport people who illegally cross the U.S.-Mexico border. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Austin, Texas, claims that the law signed by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday unlawfully infringes upon the authority of the federal government under the U.S. Constitution to enforce the nation's immigration laws. The groups, led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), also said the law, which takes effect in March, illegally bars migrants from applying to the U.S. government for asylum or other humanitarian protections. The law, known as SB4, makes it a state crime to illegally enter or re-enter Texas from a foreign country and gives state and local law enforcement authorities the power to arrest and prosecute violators. It also allows state judges to order that individuals be deported, with up to 20-year prison sentences for migrants who refuse to comply. The Republican-controlled Texas legislature passed the measure in November. Abbott's office and the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Adriana Pinon, legal director of the ACLU's Texas chapter, said the law was one of the most extreme immigration enforcement measures taken by a U.S. state and would lead to racial profiling of minorities by police. "The bill overrides bedrock constitutional principles and flouts federal immigration law while harming Texans, in particular Brown and Black communities," Pinon said in a statement. The ACLU is representing two Texas-based immigrant advocacy groups and El Paso County, Texas in the lawsuit. The county says it will see up to 8,000 additional arrests per year as a result of the law, at a cost of $24 million. The new law also will interfere with the county's policy of only incarcerating people who pose a high risk to public safety, according to the complaint. Abbott on Monday said the law was necessary because of the failure of Democratic President Joe Biden's administration to stem a spike in illegal migration. Stephen Yale-Loehr, a professor of immigration law at Cornell Law School, said before the lawsuit was filed that the Texas law was vulnerable to legal challenges. Yale-Loehr cited a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said Arizona could not authorize state officials to arrest and prosecute people for being in the United States illegally, because that was the exclusive province of the federal government. Paxton, a Republican, told state lawmakers during a hearing in March that the 2012 decision "didn't make a lot of sense" and that passing SB4 could give the Supreme Court's conservative majority a chance to revisit the ruling. Texas is already embroiled in a series of court cases related to Abbott's efforts to deter and punish illegal border crossings, collectively known as Operation Lone Star. On Tuesday, a U.S. appeals court temporarily blocked the Biden administration from destroying razor wire fencing that Texas placed along its border with Mexico to deter illegal border crossings. Earlier this month, the same court upheld a judge's ruling requiring Texas to remove a 1,000-foot-long (305-meter) floating barrier it placed in the Rio Grande river. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Will Dunham, Rosalba O'Brien, Aurora Ellis and David Gregorio) Lawyers for one of the 15 co-defendants remaining in the Georgia election interference RICO trial in Fulton County have filed in court to stop representing their client. According to new court documents, attorneys for former Kanye West and R. Kelly publicist Trevian Kutti have chosen to withdraw as counsel of record for the defendant, one of the more than a dozen remaining indictees alongside former President Donald J. Trump. Kutti was released on a $75,000 bond in Fulton County, with the requirement that she report for pre-trial supervision every 30 days and not act in a way that would intimidate anyone known by her to be a co-defendant or witness in the case, nor obstruct the administration of justice. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: The Chicago-based publicist was also ordered not to communicate directly or indirectly with any of the people known to be a witness in the case aside from her counsel, nor post on social media about the facts of the case. Court records show attorneys Darryl B. Cohen, Steven A. Greenberg and Joshua G. Herman have all filed to withdraw as counsel for Kutti, telling the court in their motion that they have already informed their client of this action. The motion says Kutti may file an objection against the motion to withdraw within 10 days of filing. It is unknown if Kutti intends to object. No reason for the withdrawal was provided in the court motion, but Channel 2 Action News has reached out to the attorneys for comment on their decision to no longer represent Kutti. Responding to a request for comment, Steve Greenberg said he did not comment on matters that are best kept private, including discussions with my clients, and said that as far as Ms. Kutti is concerned this is a wrongful prosecution that seeks to extinguish her First Amendment rights. Channel 2 Action News is still waiting for comment from the other counsel who were representing Kutti in court. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: In this photo supplied by IFAW, an elephant lies dead metres from a watering hole in Hwange National Park, Tuesday Dec. 5, 2023. At least 100 elephants have died in Zimbabwe's largest national park in recent weeks because of drought, their decaying carcases a grisly sign of what wildlife authorities and conservation groups say is the impact of climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon. (Privilege Musvanhiri/IFAW via AP) HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) At least 100 elephants have died in Zimbabwe's largest national park in recent weeks because of drought, their carcasses a grisly sign of what wildlife authorities and conservation groups say is the impact of climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon. Authorities warn that more could die as forecasts suggest a scarcity of rains and rising heat in parts of the southern African nation including Hwange National Park. The International Fund for Animal Welfare has described it as a crisis for elephants and other animals. El Nino is making an already dire situation worse, said Tinashe Farawo, spokesman for the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. El Nino is a natural and recurring weather phenomenon that warms parts of the Pacific, affecting weather patterns around the world. While this years El Nino brought deadly floods to East Africa recently, it is expected to cause below-average rainfall across southern Africa. That has already been felt in Zimbabwe, where the rainy season began weeks later than usual. While some rain has now fallen, the forecasts are generally for a dry, hot summer ahead. Studies indicate that climate change may be making El Ninos stronger, leading to more extreme consequences. Authorities fear a repeat of 2019, when more than 200 elephants in Hwange died in a severe drought. This phenomenon is recurring, said Phillip Kuvawoga, a landscape program director at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which raised the alarm for Hwange's elephants in a report this month. Parks agency spokesperson Farawo posted a video on social media site X, formerly Twitter, showing a young elephant struggling for its life after becoming stuck in mud in a water hole that had partly dried up in Hwange. The most affected elephants are the young, elderly and sick that cant travel long distances to find water, Farawo said. He said an average-sized elephant needs a daily water intake of about 200 liters (52 gallons) . Park rangers remove the tusks from dead elephants where they can for safekeeping and so the carcasses don't attract poachers. Hwange is home to around 45,000 elephants along with more than 100 other mammal species and 400 bird species. Zimbabwe's rainy season once started reliably in October and ran through to March. It has become erratic in recent years and conservationists have noticed longer, more severe dry spells. Our region will have significantly less rainfall, so the dry spell could return soon because of El Nino," said Trevor Lane, director of The Bhejane Trust, a conservation group which assists Zimbabwes parks agency. He said his organization has been pumping 1.5 million liters of water into Hwange's waterholes daily from over 50 boreholes it manages in partnership with the parks agency. The 14,500-square-kilometer (5,600-square-mile) park, which doesnt have a major river flowing through it, has just over 100 solar-powered boreholes that pump water for the animals. Saving elephants is not just for the animals sake, conservationists say. They are a key ally in fighting climate change through the ecosystem by dispersing vegetation over long distances through dung that contains plant seeds, enabling forests to spread, regenerate and flourish. Trees suck planet-warming carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. They perform a far bigger role than humans in reforestation," Lane said. That is one of the reasons we fight to keep elephants alive. ___ AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa Chinas deadliest earthquake in more than a decade has killed at least 127 people and injured around 700, leaving rescue teams scrambling to reach survivors in freezing weather conditions. The 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck at 11.59pm local time on Monday, the China Earthquake Networks Centre said, as residents in northwestern Gansu and neighbouring Qinghai provinces were sleeping or preparing to sleep. It was followed by a second 5.5 magnitude earthquake hours later in neighbouring Xinjiang. The earthquake triggered landslides and wrecked roads and infrastructure, snapping away communication, electricity and water lines in the region. Thousands of survivors and rescue workers are bracing for a second night of sub-zero temperature as efforts to find missing people and survivors from the rubble ran into the evening. The Chinese government has dispatched military aircraft to expedite the deployment of hundreds of soldiers, rescue and relief workers, as well as relief materials to one of the countrys poorest provinces. People gather next to a fire after an earthquake in Dahejia, Jishishan County in northwest China's Gansu (AFP via Getty Images) Around 2,200 people from the Gansu provincial fire department, along with 900 from the forest brigade and 260 professional emergency rescue workers, were sent to the disaster frontlines, according to the Xinhua news agency. Additionally, hundreds from the military and police were mobilized for deployment. President Xi Jinping said all efforts should be made to carry out search and rescue, treat the injured in a timely manner, and minimise casualties. Images and videos shared by state media showed collapsed brick houses and bedrooms buried in rubble as rescue workers dug through rubble. Around 113 were killed as of 1pm on Tuesday (0500 GMT), and 536 were injured, in rural Jishishan County in Gansu Province, the epicenter of the quake, authorities said. The death toll in the city of Haidong in neighbouring Qinghai climbed to 14 later in the day, with 198 people injured. A general view shows a collapsed building after an earthquake in Dahejia, Jishishan County (AFP via Getty Images) Families in the earthquake-hit region were forced to huddle in the open or in makeshift tents in sub-zero weather conditions as several houses were damaged and a threat remained from aftershocks. Several reported taking respite around bonfires in their yards or burning cardboard boxes to stay warm while describing the shock of discovering the deaths of their neighbours and relatives as they tried to assess the damage to their homes. The temperature in Linxia, Gansu, near where the quake occurred, was about -14C on Tuesday morning hours after the disaster. Recounting the moments when the quake hit, a resident said the shaking was so violent that they were unable to stand up and another said it felt like being tossed up after surging waves. A man named Qin said his family rushed down to 16 floors after they felt strong tremors. This aerial photo shows damage after an earthquake in Jishishan County (AFP via Getty Images) I live on the 16th floor and felt the tremors so strongly. The moment of the earthquake was feeling like being tossed up after surging waves I woke my family up and we rushed down all 16 floors in one breath, the Gansu resident said. He said it was freezing cold at -12C when they stepped out and saw their panicked neighbours, some of whom had rushed outside without warm clothing. Another resident: I was at the epicentre of the earthquake, and my mother and I couldnt run away. The house was shaking so much that I couldnt even stand up, and things were falling down. He said when they finally managed to come out of the home it was freezing cold, but they were afraid to go back inside. It was very cold outside at more than ten degrees below zero. I didnt go back all night and there were constant aftershocks, he said. Human beings are really insignificant in the face of natural disasters. Tents are set up for residents in the aftermath of an earthquake in Dahejia village (AP) Icy weather conditions have exacerbated the challenges to rescue survivors and shortened the golden window to find quake people, Shi Wanjin, a captain of the Gansu Houtian Emergency Rescue Corps, said. The golden rescue time of this earthquake will be shortened, Mr Shi was quoted as saying by China News network. The province has been allocated 20m yuan ($2.8m) for emergency response work and sent supplies that included 2,600 cotton tents, 10,400 folding beds, 10,400 quilts, 10,400 cotton mattresses, and 1,000 sets of stoves. Gansu is one of Chinas poorest regions, bordering Mongolia between the Tibetan and Loess plateaus. It is currently witnessing freezing conditions, with overnight lows in the area recorded at minus -15C to -9C, according to the China Meteorological Administration. The large scale of damage in Gansu has been attributed to the houses constructed with clay and mud, according to experts and local authorities. The houses are not constructed robustly enough to withstand earthquakes, and the severity of the damage was exacerbated by the fact that the quake struck late at night, likely making it more challenging for people to escape. The earthquake was measured at 5.9 on the Richter scale by the United States Geological Survey, though the China Earthquake Administration said it was of 6.2 magnitude. Collapsed buildings are seen after an earthquake in Dahejia (AFP via Getty Images) It is Chinas deadliest since 2008 when a much more powerful 7.9-magnitude quake struck Sichuan, killing more than 90,000. It prompted a years-long struggle by authorities to rebuild the town with more resistant materials. In September last year, at least 74 people were killed in a 6.8 magnitude earthquake southwestern province of Sichuan. It caused landslides and shaking buildings in the provincial capital of Chengdu, where 21 million residents were under a Covid-19 lockdown. Lighting can make a big difference if you are trying to sell something If you want to sell a bicycle, light it up, says Eamon Barrett, owner of the Altitude bike shop in Waterford, Ireland. The glossy technicolour paints, the chrome, the shiny new spokes - they all glisten in bright light. But having fluorescent bulbs blazing all day long to help shift a supposedly green form of transport began to bother Mr Barrett. So, around three years ago, he decided to switch to more efficient LED lighting in Altitude's showroom and also the workshop, canteen and back offices. Motion sensors mean lights in some areas now only come on when someone enters the room. The system is powered partly by new solar panels and a battery. "It's a win-win," says Mr Barrett. "The quality of the lighting is better." And, he says, his annual electricity bill has fallen by 35%. That saving would be even greater, adds Mr Barrett, were it not for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which dramatically pushed up energy prices. Eamon Barrett spent thousands of euros upgrading the lighting at his bike shop LED lighting has been around for decades but many businesses are yet to install it. That's partly down to the upfront cost of a switchover. Mr Barrett says he spent roughly 10,000 (8,800; $10,900) on new lighting across his 6-7,000 sq ft property. He estimates that it will take around seven years to recoup this as well as the additional cost of the solar panels and battery. Last year, LEDs hit a milestone. They made up 50% of lighting sales globally, according to the International Energy Agency. However, because more people around the world are installing electrically-powered lighting than ever before, the total energy consumed by lighting is actually going up. The latest LEDs are ultra-efficient - but we probably need to do more to ensure that lighting doesn't end up using more energy overall. "The number of lights used in each household is increasing," says Shivika Mittal at Imperial College London's Grantham Institute. "That is offsetting switching to LED." She says many residential properties, particularly in the West, have already adopted LEDs. But the transition is taking longer in commercial buildings. Government policies could help encourage businesses to switch. And further energy savings can be made, she adds, when lighting is paired with smart systems, such as the motion sensors used by Mr Barrett. That could help global energy consumption for lighting come down. LED lights now make up half of global lighting sales Marmax Products in County Durham recycles plastic to make outdoor furniture such as picnic tables. Last year, the firm finally made the switch from incandescent bulbs to LED lighting in its warehouse and offices. "We felt that, because of our product range, we were doing our bit," says Dave Johnson, general manager. It was an energy reduction audit that flagged the possibility of moving to LED lighting. "You can always do more," adds Mr Johnson. The efficiency of an electric light can be measured in terms of how many lumens (the quantity of visible light emitted) it produces per watt of energy consumed. In the early 2000s, white LEDs only offered around 20 lumens per watt, says Paul Scheidt, senior product marketing manager at Cree LED, a major lighting manufacturer. In March, Cree LED announced white LEDs offering 228 lumens per watt. The vast majority of energy used by LEDs goes towards producing photons (light) whereas incandescent bulbs waste roughly 90% of the energy they consume as heat. Mr Scheidt notes that for warm-toned LEDs, the efficiency drops somewhat, but it's still possible to achieve around 160 lumens per watt for warm white luminaires, with a colour temperature of 2,700 kelvin. Yet more improvements are expected, though. Dr Mittal says the efficiency of these lights could double within the next 20 years. In some locations, simply replacing long-defunct lighting remains a challenge. Earlier this year, at the Stamford Hill Estate in London, lighting manufacturer Gemma Lighting was called in to recommend options for exterior and street lighting. Stamford Hill Estate in London recently switched to LED lights "When we surveyed the site, only 10% of those original lights were still working. It created a lot of dark spots," says Piers Lowbridge, marketing manager. The old lights were high pressure sodium, or SON, lamps. Now all, more than 100 fittings, have been replaced with LEDs. Annual energy consumption for the old lights - had they all been working - would have been 341,000 kilowatt hours (kWh), says Mr Lowbridge, which is enough to meet the annual electricity demands of more than 120 average British homes. The new LEDs require just 36,000 kWh annually, a reduction of nearly 90%. And although the switchover cost 34,500, the old lamps - again, had they all been functional - would have cost 115,000 per year to run including maintenance overheads, according to Gemma Lighting. The company has also just announced a standalone solar-powered street light that does not need to be connected to the grid. It comes equipped with a light sensor so that it only turns on when it is dark outside, and also a motion sensor. This allows the light fitting to increase its brightness from 30% to 100% whenever a vehicle or person passes by. More technology of business One problem with LEDs is that the blue light they emit has been linked to health issues such as disrupted sleep and various diseases. Blue light is emitted to some extent even by warm-toned luminaires. Dr Karolina Zielinska-Dabkowska at Gdansk University of Technology says our eyes have photoreceptors that are particularly sensitive to blue. "As a practising lighting designer and researcher, I think the only way is LEDs but they still need improvement," she says. LED lighting installations are also sometimes criticised for being excessively bright. Mr Scheidt says that, for years, lighting installers made the mistake of choosing luminaires with "too much blue" in them but that is now changing. LEDs are clearly growing in popularity. If installed judiciously, they can help businesses make big financial savings, emphasises Mr Barrett, who now notices less efficient lighting - and the wasted heat it gives off - when he's out and about. "If you've got any kind of a large retail space and you're running old lighting, honestly, at this point, you're just wasting money," he says. Austin (KXAN) Graduates of the Changing Lanes CDL School received their official certifications Saturday, ushering in a new class of drivers that could go on to fill vacancies in an industry hit hard during and after the pandemic era. Delbert Crawford, director and owner of Changing Lanes CDL School, said he receives calls from businesses every day trying to recruit his graduates. He said a majority of graduates are often able to get hired upon receiving their certifications. He chalks that success up the schools quality of training and high demand for qualified drivers. Trucking is always going to be here. People are going to need their stuff transported. Since the pandemic, weve had a lot more truck driver interest, Crawford said. Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) afford holders to drive commercial vehicles like box trucks, buses, and semi-trailer trucks. Struggles to fill CDL driver positions have been well-documented in recent years. Last year, Austin area school districts reported being short more than 300 bus drivers. Local districts still looking to hire more than 300 school bus drivers John Esparza, CEO of the Texas Trucking Association, said qualified CDL drivers remain in high demand, but there has been a slight slowdown in hauling for the transportation industry. What youre seeing between this time last year and today you might call it a little bit of a cooling off in the freight on the demand side, Esparza said. He attributes this slight decline as being on par with what nearly every industry has experienced over the last quarter year. Esparza said things should pick back up in the new year. The trucking industry, you dont get too excited when things are going well, and you dont get to panic when theyre not. Because its the most successful. Trucking companies are maintaining their employees, Esparza said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) A Michigan Conservation Officer was given the Department of Natural Resources Lifesaving Award for his quick actions during an incident last spring that saved a person in the middle of a medical emergency. The DNR said Officer Steve Orange was on the phone with Rich Dawkins, a volunteer hunter safety education officer, when he noticed Dawkins was starting to struggle with his speech. Orange, who was a county away, quickly called 911 for a medical check. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter Within minutes, an ambulance and a law enforcement officer from Grand Haven Public Safety arrived. The emergency responders immediately assessed that Dawkins was having a stroke and transported him to the hospital, the agency said in a release. Because of the quick response, Dawkins was on the mend and even able to start speaking again within four hours of his first symptoms. During that time at the hospital, I was very shocked and surprised to see Cpl. Orange walk into the room to check on my well-being to make sure I was OK, Dawkins told the DNR. (He said) That was the only thing on my mind. Without the quick thinking and action of Cpl. Orange, it could have been a very bad day to be me. DNR says nows the time to check for hemlock woolly adelgid Jason Haines, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division, credited Orange with falling back on his years of experience and training. Cpl. Oranges training kicked in and he was able to identify by sound that there was an immediate medical emergency, Haines stated. He knew the appropriate steps to connect with local emergency responders to ensure Mr. Dawkins received quick help and showed true dedication and concern by driving to the hospital to check on Dawkins. Orange has been a conservation officer since 2004 and coordinates volunteer hunter safety education instructors and programs. Dawkins has been an instructor since 2014. He has since made a full recovery. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A local police department has warned its community of a new scam. >> Flags in Preble County ordered to fly at half-staff after car crash kills Sheriffs deputy, 1 other The Fairborn Police Department informed residents that a scammer is posing as Sergeant Nathan Penrod, according to a social media post. The scammer will claim to have important legal matters to discuss with you. They are using the phone number (937) 735-0010 to contact residents. If you receive a call from this number, do not provide any personal information or engage in the conversation, the post said. >> Preble County deputy, second driver killed after head-on crash The department wants community members to remember that Fairborn police will never contact you in this manner for legal matters. If you ever have any doubts about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and contact the department directly using their official phone number: (937) 754-3000. Open-air drug markets are the norm in San Francisco, with addicts overdosing on the streets - Mark Leong/Redux/eyevine London and other UK cities risk becoming like drug-ravaged San Francisco because of a surge in super-strength synthetic opioids, one of Britains most senior policing figures has warned. Donna Jones, who chairs the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said the epidemic of drug overdoses in the California city offered a stark warning of what the UK might face as a result of global changes in the illegal drug market. Open-air drug markets are the norm in San Francisco, with addicts overdosing and walking around like zombies on the streets. In a recent incident, an addict lay in the street for minutes before anyone realised he was overdosing. One neighbourhood, Tenderloin, is dominated by its homeless population, which grew among the crises of fentanyl, pandemic-related unemployment and acute housing shortages. Violent crime rates are higher in this 50-block patch of downtown than the rest of the city, with some businesses shuttered and human waste dotting the streets. Tenderloin is dominated by its homeless population, which grew among the crises of fentanyl, pandemic-related unemployment and acute housing shortages - Mark Leong/Redux/eyevine Ms Jones said it was inevitable that London and other British cities would face the same spike in deaths after a 90 per cent fall in heroin from Afghanistan after the Taliban banned poppy farming in April last year. That will completely dry up the heroin supply down to Africa and up through Europe over the next 12 months, which means the Chinese synthetic opioid market is going to explode, she said. Its already happening in America, and heroin addicts in America are dying in their plenty because synthetic opioids like fentanyl are literally 50 times stronger than street heroin. And it is so tragic. Deaths registered from drug poisoning in England and Wales are already at their highest level since records began 30 years ago, according to figures on Tuesday from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Opiates accounted for just under half of the 4,907 drug-linked deaths last year. Super-strength street drugs more powerful even than fentanyl have already been linked to at least 54 deaths in the UK in the last six months, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA). A further 40 cases are awaiting final test results. Law enforcement agencies believe the synthetic opioids, called nitazenes, are being manufactured in labs and then imported into the UK from China. They can be up to 300 times stronger than heroin and six times the potency of fentanyl, which caused 75,000 deaths in the US last year. The Chinese gangs have been keeping a close eye on the supply of heroin around the world and have clearly seen an opportunity to exploit the market with a massive explosion in synthetic opioids, said Ms Jones. She warned that addicts used to a cocktail of heroin and other medical drugs were vulnerable to accidental overdoses by underestimating the potency of synthetic opioids. Donna Jones warned that London could face a similar drug crisis to San Francisco - OPCC Hants & IOW/Solent News & Photo Agency First detected in the UK from a sample of white powder found in the back of a taxi in Wakefield in April 2021, nitazenes have since been found in heroin, cannabis, cocaine, in a vape and most often in black market pills sold as the anti-anxiety drug diazepam. In October, a police raid on a sophisticated factory in Waltham Forest, north-east London, recovered approximately 150,000 nitazene tablets, the largest-ever recovered stash of synthetic opioids. Eleven people were arrested. Det Supt Helen Rance, who is leading the investigation, said: Synthetic opioids have been detected in batches of heroin found in London and across the UK. They substantially raise the risk of incredibly serious harm to the user, and are believed to be linked to a number of deaths. Prof Eamon Keenan, of the Health Safety Executive, said: These pose a substantial risk of overdose, hospitalisation, and death. Ms Jones said the NCA and police had done brilliant work to disrupt the drug market but called for a public education campaign to alert drug users to the risks and more resources for mental health services. Responding to the ONS drug poisoning data, David Fothergill, of the Local Government Association, said: We are particularly concerned to see a rise in the use of new synthetic opioids and benzodiazepines. Councils want to see greater regulation of the sale of substances online that often enter the UK in the post and increased surveillance to alert authorities to the types of drugs people are taking. Last month the Government announced that 15 nitazene drugs were being banned. Now branded class A drugs, possession carries a maximum sentence of up to seven years in jail. 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. Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A 103-year-old artificial Christmas tree, one of the first to be mass produced, was auctioned for more than $4,000 in Britain. Hansons Auctioneers said the 2.5-foot-tall tree, described as the "humblest Christmas tree in the world," sold for a total $4,296.13. The tree was brought to Dorothy Grant's family home when she was 8 years old in 1920 and it became a staple of her holidays for her entire life until her death at the age of 101. The tree, which features 25 branches, 12 berries and six mini candle holders, is believed to be one of the first mass-produced artificial Christmas trees and was likely purchased by Grant's mother at Woolworth's in London. "As simple as it was, Dorothy loved that tree," Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said in a news release. "It became a staple part of family celebrations for decades. The fact that it brought her such joy is humbling in itself. It reminds us that extravagance and excess are not required to capture the spirit of Christmas. For Dorothy it was enough to have a tree." The tree was passed down to Grant's daughter, Shirley Hall, 84, who lives near Loughborough, England. "The seller decided to part with it to honor her mother's memory and to ensure it survives as a humble reminder of 1920s life -- a boom-to-bust decade. Despite the devastation of the First World War and Spanish flu pandemic, there was renewed optimism," Hanson said. A dog named Rose was found living in the woods in England 6 1/2 years after she fled from her new family fewer than 24 hours after being adopted. Photo courtesy of Lost Dog Recovery UK South/Facebook Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A dog who fled from her new family within 24 hours of being adopted was found in England after living on her own in the woods for more than 6 years. Lost Dog Recovery UK South said team members were alerted to a stray dog in Crawley Down, West Sussex, in late November, so cameras were set up to investigate whether it was a loose canine or a pet that was allowed to roam free. They discovered the dog was a black Patterdale terrier, and neighbors told the rescuers they had been feeding the stray dog for years. The dog was lured into a trap baited with chicken, and the rescue group was shocked to learn the canine had been reported missing 6 1/2 years earlier by a family who had adopted her fewer than 24 hours before she fled. The dog, named Rose, was determined to be 12 years old now and had lived half of her life in the woods after fleeing from her family. Rescuers said the family who originally adopted Rose were unable to take her back, as their circumstances have changed, but they were happy to hear she was found alive and well. The group said Rose will now be cared for by Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge and will be available for adoption soon. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has no timeline for the reopening of the Lukeville Port of Entry as the closure stretches into its third week and economically devastates communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. CBP has not yet announced a reopening date after the port closed Dec. 4. Port officers were redirected to help Border Patrol process hundreds of migrants who were surrendering to agents a mile west of the official crossing. The indefinite closure of the port has caused catastrophic economic impacts for the small beach town of Puerto Penasco, Sonora, also known as Rocky Point. The Lukeville-Sonoyta port was the main gateway for Arizona travelers to visit the popular tourist destination. People living in Sonoyta have had to choose between their jobs or their families as the closure inflated travel times from Sonoyta to Ajo from 40 minutes to six hours. In Arizona, the closure has devastated small businesses and the economies of border communities that rely on tourism traffic. Businesses in Why and Ajo have had to cut open hours and let employees go as their profits are slashed in half. The Why Not Travel Store in Why, Arizona, barely makes enough to pay their electricity bill. 'Catastrophic': Closed Lukeville border crossing has Puerto Penasco facing 'catastrophic' economic impact Additionally, construction to add a new northbound lane to the Lukeville-Sonoyta Port of Entry is underway in Sonoyta as the crossing remains closed. Construction on the modernization project began in July and was projected to be completed in December, according to the Arizona Office of Tourism. Mexican mayors Luis Enrique Valdez Reyes of Sonoyta, left, Abraham David Mier Nogales of Caborca, center, and Jorge Pivac of Puerto Penasco are interviewed through the U.S.-Mexico border during a visit to see the situation of migrants and asylum seekers waiting to be picked up and processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument along the U.S.-Mexico border about a mile west of Lukeville, Ariz., on Dec. 4, 2023. The Lukeville Port of Entry was closed indefinitely by officials Dec. 4. Sonoras Secretary of Infrastructure and Urban Development is leading the project. CBP is aware of the ongoing construction. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs mobilized the states National Guard to the southern border Friday as she criticized the Biden administration for its refusal to send desperately needed resources to the Arizona-Mexico border. I am taking action where the federal government wont," Hobbs said in a written statement. "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 Gov. Katie Hobbs attends a news conference at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales on March 21, 2023. The number of National Guard members that would be deployed was not made immediately available after the announcement. Without federal government orders, National Guard members cannot reopen and man the closed Lukeville port. National Guard members will help the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies with fentanyl interdiction efforts, analytical support and human trafficking enforcement efforts. Border community impact: Lukeville port closure brings 'devastating' effects to border residents, businesses Members will be stationed at multiple locations along the border, including the Lukeville port and the San Miguel Gate on the Tohono Oodham Nation, according to Hobbs announcement. Hundreds of migrants have been crossing through the gate in recent months. Following the announcement, Tohono Oodham Nation Chair Verlon Jose said that the National Guard would not be deployed on Tohono O'odham Nation lands. Jose said that they are in close communication with Hobbs. We made clear that no National Guard would be deployed to the Nation and her office has agreed, Jose said in a written statement. Todays action by the Governor is a necessary step in addressing the crisis at the border. 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: Is Lukeville Arizona border crossing open today? Here's why not Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 A man forced migrants from Guatemala to work on farms in New York and raped a 16-year-old Guatemalan migrant, whom hes accused of abducting twice, federal prosecutors said. Augusto Mateo Francisco, 32, of Dunkirk, is facing forced labor, sex trafficking and kidnapping charges, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of New York announced in a Dec. 15 news release. John Joseph Morrissey, Franciscos appointed federal public defender, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on Dec. 18. Francisco is accused of helping Guatemalan migrants enter the U.S. and taking them to the area of Dunkirk, a city along Lake Erie, to work at farms, prosecutors said. He threatened two individuals with deportation and said hed hurt their families if they refused to continue working for him or didnt pay him money they purportedly owed, according to prosecutors. Francisco also pursued a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old who came to the U.S. from Guatemala with her mother, prosecutors said. He raped the teen on several occasions and threatened to hurt her siblings in Guatemala if she spoke out about the rapes, according to officials. In May 2020, Francisco kidnapped the teen and kept her inside a trailer in Ripley, about 25 miles southwest of Dunkirk, for nearly two weeks before police rescued her, prosecutors said. As the teen and her mother tried fleeing to Georgia, Francisco followed them and kidnapped the 16-year-old a second time, according to officials. He took her back to New York and unlawfully held her for several more days, until she was again rescued by police, officials said. As for the other Guatemalan migrants who worked on farms near Dunkirk, Francisco charged them for housing and transportation to work and took a cut of their pay, according to prosecutors. From September 2018 through September 2020, he caused two migrants to believe that if they did not perform such labor and services for him, they would suffer serious harm, the indictment says. A grand jury has indicted Francisco on 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, the attorneys office said. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the release. Dunkirk is about 50 miles southwest of Buffalo. Human trafficking Forced labor and sex trafficking are recognized as two primary forms of human trafficking in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of State. With an estimated 27.6 million victims worldwide at any given time, human traffickers prey on people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities, exploiting them for their own profit, according to officials. Industries where trafficking victims are forced to work include hospitality, restaurants, agriculture, construction, landscaping, factories, home care, salons, massage parlors, retail and janitorial, officials said. In the U.S., children in welfare or juvenile justice systems, such as foster care, are the most vulnerable to human trafficking, officials said. Children and teens experiencing homelessness, people seeking asylum, people who struggle with substance abuse, migrant laborers, people who identify as part of the LGBTQ community and victims of domestic violence are also more vulnerable to becoming victims of human trafficking Traffickers can be strangers, acquaintances, or even family members, and they prey on the vulnerable and on those seeking opportunities to build for themselves a brighter future, officials said. Suspected human trafficking can be reported to federal authorities at this State Department listed phone number 1-866-347-2423. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. To report potential trafficking situations, you can contact the national hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or chat with the online hotline. Family trafficked their children, forced them to beg, commit crimes, European cops say Truck driver accused of sexually exploiting kids, feds say. More victims are possible Deputies spot red flags during chase and save teen from sex trafficking, GA cops say A Sacramento Superior Court judge sentenced a 25-year-old man to more than 130 years in prison for a 2020 drive-by shooting that targeted four rival gang members including a man who was killed, prosecutors said. On Friday, Judge Laurel White sentenced Christopher Manuel Berger to 133 years and four months to life in prison for the late-night shooting three years ago that killed 27-year-old Alex Cardona, of Citrus Heights, and wounded three other men. A jury on Aug. 2 found Berger guilty of first-degree murder and three counts of discharging a firearm from a vehicle, according to a news release from the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office. His charges included enhancements for firing a gun, causing great bodily injury or death. The deadly shooting was reported about 1 a.m. Aug. 24, 2020, on Helena Avenue in Sacramentos South Hagginwood neighborhood. Officers arrived and found the four shooting victims, including the man later identified as Cardona who was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Sacramento Police Department. Berger and the four shooting victims were rival gang members, according to the District Attorneys Office. Cardona and three other men were outside in front a home in the 1200 block of Helena Avenue, just south of Del Paso Boulevard. Prosecutors said Berger drove up to the home in his vehicle and fired a .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun 11 times at the men before leaving the area. Cardona was shot in the head, killing him. The three other wounded men were shot multiple times. They were taken to hospitals and survived the shooting, authorities said. Berger then reported his vehicle stolen, according to the District Attorneys Office. Three days after the drive-by shooting, authorities found Bergers vehicle driven by someone else, who said he got the car from another person who turned out to be Bergers friend and that he threw a shell casing out of the car into a dumpster, prosecutors said. Investigators later found the shell casing and matched it to the murder scene. Later that day, Sacramento police arrested Berger in connection with the fatal shooting. Prosecutors said authorities found an unregistered gun, which matched the shell casings at the murder scene, during a vehicle stop eight months after the drive-by shooting. On Monday evening, Berger remained in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail awaiting transfer to a prison. A man was killed early Tuesday in a shooting in Southeast Baltimore, city police say. Around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Southeast District officers responded to an area hospital for a report of a walk-in shooting victim. There, police found a 44-year-old man with gunshot wounds. Following medical efforts, doctors pronounced the man dead, according to a news release from the Baltimore Police Department. Police believe the man was shot while on the 6500 block of St. Helena Avenue in Southeast Baltimores Saint Helena neighborhood, where a crime scene was located. Anyone with information is asked to contact homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup. CHICAGO - A shooting in Chicago Lawn left a man dead and a woman in critical condition, according to police. Officers were called just after 2 p.m. Monday to a residence in the 6500 block of S. Claremont Ave. Police say a man and a woman were inside the home when they were both struck in the head by gunfire. The woman, 47, was taken to Christ Hospital in critical condition. The man, 49, died at the scene, according to officials. No arrests have yet been made in the case and the homicide investigation continues. A man is accused of creating a fake deed and a notary public is accused of signing off on it when the son of a woman in hospice care said her home had been sold without her knowledge or consent, Tennessee police said. A quitclaim deed, or deed that relinquishes ownership over property, was filed May 17 for a Memphis home belonging to a woman receiving hospice care, according to an arrest affidavit from the Memphis Police Department. The deed had been filed by a 47-year-old man who was not related to the woman, police said, and had been signed by a notary public. Days later, the womans son, who has power of attorney for his mother, called police to say there was no way she had sold her home, according to the affidavit. Her son said she had stage 4 cancer and dementia, and she was receiving hospice treatment in New Jersey at the time of the sale, police said. When police questioned the man who they said had filed the deed May 20, he told investigators he purchased the home for $8,000 but was unable to provide any legal paperwork showing he had bought the home, according to the affidavit. The man told officers he had permission to be inside the home cleaning it out, according to police, but again could not prove he owned the residence. Then police reached out to the notary public who they said signed off on the quitclaim deed, police said. The notary, a 25-year-old woman, told police she remembered notarizing the document and agreed to speak with investigators, but then she didnt show up for her scheduled interview and stopped answering calls. On Dec. 12, the man was charged with theft of property, forgery and unlawful draw of property transfer documents without interest in the property, court records show. The same day, the woman was charged with official misconduct as a notary public for the State of Tennessee, court records show. The status of the home was not released in arrest documents from police. $95,000 in cash found in backseat during traffic stop on busy interstate, SC cops say Dentist hid money in moms accounts to avoid paying taxes, feds say. He owes IRS $900K Man said he lost $7,000 bracelet in crash, officials say. Then cops checked bank account Accused bank robber forgets to demand money because hes high, feds say. Give me the A man previously charged in a decades-old rape case of a 13-year-old girl pleaded guilty in court, authorities announced on Tuesday. Roger W. Reddick Jr., 41, of Cambridge, pleaded guilty to three counts of rape of a child with force. The Middlesex County District Attorneys Office has been searching for Reddick for 23 years, after they say he broke into the teenage victims Cambridge home on October 18, 2000, and sexually assaulted her. Associate Justice James Budreau sentenced Reddick Jr. to 10-12 years in state prison, with 3 years of probation to be served after the sentence. For twenty-three years, the victim in this case has lived with the mystery of who came into her bedroom and violently sexually assaulted her, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said. Today, that woman, now thirty-seven years old and living outside of Massachusetts, had the opportunity to hear the defendant admit to what he had done to her. She was able, through her statement to the Court, to describe the impact of these events and the defendants actions on her life. Reddick Jr. reportedly entered the victims room, covered her mouth with his hand, and ordered her to be quiet. During the ensuing sexual assault, he asked the victim how old she was. The victim was eventually able to escape and ran out of the bedroom, screaming for help. Reddick Jr. ran from the home and responding officers were unable to locate him. Investigators were, however, able to recover a fingerprint from a jewelry box inside the home, a pair of green mens boxer shorts, and work boots. In 2009, police were able to identify the fingerprint as belonging to Reddick Jr., but officials say they didnt have sufficient corroboration to charge him. In September 2022, the DAs Cold Case Unit began a renewed examination of the case and identified Reddick Jr.s as the source of the DNA profile on the green boxers. He was arrested on March 30, 2023, and has been in police custody since then. This is an example of how dogged detective work and diligent prosecution can ensure justice and provide accountability, said Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow. We will always be here for survivors and will never give up trying to find and prosecute the people behind such a horrific crime. At the time of the offense, Reddick Jr. was a resident of the City of Cambridge who lived less than a half mile from the scene of the crime. He had no known connection to the victim or her family. his case exemplifies our commitment to continuing to work on uncharged cases, to employing new technological advances and to collaborating with investigators and scientists to identify and hold accountable perpetrators, DA Ryan said. Even though decades have passed, Roger Reddick has now been held accountable for his conduct. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect in a South Austin stabbing earlier this year. APD says just before midnight on Friday, Oct. 27, officers responded to reports of a stabbing in the 1900 block of E. William Cannon Drive. Officers arrived and found a man with an apparent stab wound. The man was taken to the hospital in stable condition. The suspect left the scene immediately after the stabbing and headed into a nearby wooded area. MORE CRIME COVERAGE During the investigation, detectives were given a photo of the suspect, who is described as a Hispanic man in his 50s with dark hair and facial hair on his upper lip and chin. He was last seen wearing a blue-squared shirt. Anyone with any information should contact APD's Aggravated Assault unit at 512-974-5245. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin on Sunday took a hardline stance against former president Donald Trump, whom he says represents a direct threat to the future of democracy in the United States. He spoke on CNNs State of the Union as members of the Senate prepared to return this week for last-minute talks aimed at reaching a deal on three key issues: border security, funding for Israels military campaign against Gaza, and funding for Ukraines defence and counterattack against Russia. All three are linked by a GOP demand for border security measures to be addressed hand-in-hand with any foreign aid bills. Mr Manchin has for months teased the prospect of running as an independent in 2024, and most recently stoked questions about his political future by announcing that he will not run for his Senate seat next year. The senator faced a serious challenge for re-election in the form of the states Republican governor, Jim Justice, and has now likely pushed his seat entirely out of reach for the Democrats this cycle. On Sunday, he declined once again to say whether he would run for the presidency, and dodged questions from CNNs Jake Tapper about how he envisioned a third-party candidate could have a path to the White House beyond simply drawing votes from one or both major parties and serving as a spoiler. There is no timeline, he told Tapper about when he will decide for certain whether or not to run. Then, he addressed Mr Trumps recent quip to Foxs Sean Hannity and later to his own crowd at a rally that he would embrace authoritarian control on day one of his presidency, before supposedly relinquishing it. The ex-president and his allies have billed this remark as a joke, but it comes as news outlets have reported on the existence of a wide-ranging plan to reform the federal government and clear the way for the president to exert power over the Department of Justice. I think we all should be concerned about the support that Donald Trump has, said the senator. [H]es told us who he is. And when a person tells you who they are, you ought to believe them. Its not democracy as we know it, its not how the country has been able to survive through this experiment of ours for over 230-plus years. And here we are today now being threatened. Can democracy survive? he went on. Mr Manchin has previously insisted that he will not get into the presidential race unless he is certain he could win. In an interview with Hannity, he went as far as to declare that he wouldnt be a spoiler were he to run. But declaring ones innocence from those accusations would not make a Manchin 2024 candidacy immune to the realities of the US political system. Were he to jump into the race, Mr Manchin would face the traditional steep hurdles in front of any third-party candidate, including lack of ballot access, lack of funding, and lack of institutional support from the major parties and their associated infrastructures. He would also face very pointed skepticism about his intentions and a real fear, at least among Democrats, of abandoning an incumbent president in the face of an alternative in Mr Trump that most members of his party find truly repulsive. The most successful third-party candidates in recent memory have failed to win even a single state in the Electoral College. Many Democrats in particular soured on independent presidential candidates after 2016, when angry party activists and Hillary Clinton loyalists blamed Green Party nominee Jill Stein for drawing votes from Clinton in states that she had refused to visit during her campaign and ultimately lost to Mr Trump. The new vessel Manxman has living quarters for staff to use during rest periods Officers working for the Isle of Man's ferry firm will refuse to work overtime from 27 December in a dispute over changes to contracts, a union has said. A ballot of Nautilus members, who make up 48 of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's 70 officers, showed 89% supported taking industrial action. The dispute centres around live aboard arrangements on the new vessel Manxman during rest periods. It comes as the company already faces disruption this week due to gales. The 20:45 GMT crossing of the Manxman between Douglas and Heysham, in Lancashire, and its overnight return have both been cancelled because of gales over the Irish Sea. The company has warned the disruption to sailings could last until Christmas Eve due to the weather. 'Amicable solution' That uncertainty for passengers is now set to be followed by some members taking action short of strike, which is due to start at 18:00 on 27 December for an indefinite period. During the action, ships officers would not carry out over time or act up to cover senior roles on the vessel, the union said. However, it said the safety of the people and the vessel would be maintained throughout the action. The union said the dispute was over "fundamental changes" to contracts, the threat of fire and rehire, and a refusal to engage in independent arbitration. Senior national secretary for Nautilus Garry Elliot said it was "shameful" the public would "pay the price for management's stubbornness" The union, remained "willing to find an amicable solution to avoid disruption but only if the threat of fire and rehire is rescinded and existing contracts of employment are honoured", he added. Steam Packet managing director Brian Thomson said the firm had "offered everything we can". He said the company did not often ask officers to work "above and beyond" what their duties were, so he was "hopeful it won't affect the service too badly". The ballot results also showed 81% of members supported taking strike action, something the union had not ruled out in future. Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk Twinkly lights, lit candles, hot cocoa, presents, stockings, Christmas trees and Santa - whats not to love about the holiday season? Well, if you feel like you barely recovered from Thanksgiving and you're fighting your inner Grinch, the fact that Christmas is less than a week away might be filling your heart with more anxiety than joy. Luckily for you, there are still plenty of things to do and see so you can get your Christmas attitude adjusted with a minimum of stress. So, in the spirit of what makes Christmas great, heres a complete holiday guide for the procrastinators among us, whether youre looking for holiday light shows to attend with the family, a spot to get your kids pictures taken with Santa or wondering how much time you have left to mail gifts. Where to get your kids' photos with Santa Malls are a classic place for kids to visit with Santa and get their photos taken. And in Knoxville, that means a trip to West Town Mall, where you can book a time slot online. Not Santa, but Mrs. Claus will be stopping by Point B, 1020 Ebenezer Road, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 20. Kids get to make and take a craft and receive a complimentary waffle "dinner." Santas Wonderland is at Bass Pro Shops, 3629 Outdoor Sportsman Place, Kodak, from now until Dec. 24; book appointment online at www.basspro.com/santa. Kids will receive a free photo with Santa and enjoy games and crafts. Y12 Federal Credit Union, 9133 Middlebrook Pike, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 23. Where to find the best holiday lights in 2023 Many of Knoxville's neighborhoods go all out during the holidays with light displays. Check out the Knox News map, or head straight to one of these annual traditions: Boyd Family Christmas Light Show Enjoy this vibrant and popular light show at 1936 Winter Winds Lane in West Knoxville that runs until 10 p.m. each night until Christmas. Check out facebook.com/BoydFamilyChristmasLightShow for more information. Johnson Christmas display This computer-animated Christmas light show at 4901 Fragrant Cloud Lane has been a festive holiday treat since 2005. Tune your radio to 91.5 FM at 6 p.m. for the accompanying music. Find more information at Facebook.com/johnsonchristmasTN. Christmas on Conner More than 7,500 lights have been programmed to twinkle, shine and dance to holiday songs at this Fountain City home at 3008 Conner Drive. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., tune to 91.5 FM to listen to the music. Gray Eagle Lane Almost all the homes in the Gray Eagle Springs subdivision in West Knoxville are elaborately decorated each holiday season. Be sure to drive through Gray Eagle Lane off of Bob Gray Road to experience it all, but be prepared to wait in a line. Listen to the Lights Enjoy a synchronized light show at 929 Oak Haven Road as you listen to music from your car. Tune in to 93.7 FM to get the full experience. And keep a look out for Santa! Go to facebook.com/BranchLights for more information. There's still time to have a holly jolly holiday in downtown Knoxville There's still plenty of time to shop for last-minute gifts and enjoy time with loved ones in downtown Knoxville: Santas magical mailbox : Children can drop off their letter to Santa at the Market Square mailbox, designed and painted by local artist Paris Woodhull. The North Pole Postal Service is delivering letters dropped in the box by Christmas Eve. Elf on the Shelf Adventure : Pick up a North Pole Pass at Mast General Store or the Knoxville Visitors Center and search for elves inside dozens of participating businesses; the scavenger hunt ends Jan. 7. Peppermint Trail: Follow the trail of peppermints on downtown sidewalks for holiday-themed coffees, candies, cocktails and other creations from more than 75 merchants. Other flavors and scents, including gingerbread, eggnog, milk n cookies and more, can be found around almost every corner. Holidays on Ice: The citys open-air ice-skating rink in Market Square is open daily and nightly, seven days a week, for children and adults through Jan. 2. Places to go in Tennessee if you just want to get out of town You dont have to leave the state to get that dreamy Christmas that you imagined but just don't have the energy to conjure up on your own. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg rank as top holiday destinations for travelers both local and global. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas is a cherished tradition for many and this year features a new Joyful drone show. Gatlinburg, meanwhile, is celebrating 50 years of Festival of Trees," an annual tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season. If you want to get a little more off the beaten track, though, check out Knox News' round-up of perfectly charming Christmas destinations. If you're still doing some really last-minute shopping Last-minute shoppers should be aware of early holiday closures at businesses around Knoxville, notably on Christmas Eve, especially because most stores will closed on Christmas Day. You don't want to show up empty-handed to that family party. As you make your final lists and check them twice, here is a rundown of specific store hours. What if you really don't want to cook on Christmas Day? Relax, no need to Google "How to defrost a turkey in less than a day," followed by a quick internet search for salmonella symptoms. Knox News has you covered with this round-up of East Tennessee and Knoxville restaurants that will be open on the festive holiday. Christmas shipping deadlines: Get your gifts there in time If you want to mail that present in time for it to reach your friends or family members by Christmas or Kwanzaa, or if youre still planning to order gifts, here are some shipping deadlines to be aware of. Whether youre using the U.S. Postal Service, UPS or FedEx, the very last day for Christmas deliveries ranges from Dec. 20 to 22, but you will end up paying extra, so plan accordingly if youd like to save a few bucks. Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: How many days till Christmas? Knoxville's last-minute holiday guide A woman weeps at a candlelight vigil at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem to honor the Israelis who were killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas assault. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) After Israels war with Hamas erupted, Etgar Keret, who writes surrealist short stories, had an idea for a plot: Aliens from another universe come to Earth looking for a power source. They find it in human suffering. Lights on the alien planet shine bright when Hamas attacks Israel. A huge glow appears again during Israels retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza . The narrative is at once evocative and fantastical a nation inured to decades of conflict and bloodshed experiences a pain so deep it becomes a power all its own. In a post for Substack, Keret, the son of Holocaust survivors and one of Israels most admired writers, suggested early in the war the enormity he and other writers were facing: Since October 7, I havent really been able to write. For me, writing is a state in which you briefly release the suffocating grip of rationality and let your guts speak, but ever since this war broke out, my guts arent saying anything. "It's not that I don't feel," says writer and artist Etgar Keret. "I feel too much, all the time." (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Its not that I dont feel, he said. I feel too much, all the time. But the things Im feeling whether sorrow or fury or loneliness dont lead anywhere. And when your gut goes silent, nothing meaningful can be written, at least not the way I write. The Hamas massacre of 1,200 Israelis and Israels bombing and invasion of Gaza, which local health authorities say have killed more than 22,000 Palestinians, is testing how novelists, filmmakers and TV writers will distill a tragedy. For Israelis, it is one that rouses the past and raises existential questions many are unable to fathom. Read more: 14 essential books for understanding the Israel-Hamas war, according to experts Avi Issacharoff, a journalist and TV writer, said like many American writers immediately after Sept. 11, 2001 its too soon for him to find perspective in a war still unfolding. Issacharoff is the co-creator of Fauda, a Netflix series about an Israeli undercover unit tracking Palestinian militants, which was eerily prescient about the Hamas attack. We will have to wait for the war to end to see what will happen and how we deal with it creatively, he said. But we cant ignore this date. Oct. 7 is with us forever. Many Israelis have compared this moment to 9/11 or the pogroms of Europe events that shook nations and changed all that came after. The most riveting works to arise from the Holocaust were often stories of singular lives seared into the larger horror, notably The Diary of Young Girl by Anne Frank and Elie Wiesels Night, an account of the evils a boy faces in German concentration camps. Intimate perspectives also emerged from 9/11, including Don DeLillos Falling Man, a tale of grief and alienation around a man who survives the burning towers and becomes consumed by lingering trauma. In his novel, Saturday, Ian McEwan explores the dread and anxiety that pervade otherwise happy lives in an age when terrorists slam planes into buildings. In Israel, war and conflict are not abstractions; their reverberations are immediate and personal. Issacharoff is a former special forces soldier who was wounded years ago during clashes with Hamas fighters in Hebron. His step-daughters partner, an Israeli paratrooper, was killed in Gaza in November. Muli Segev, the man behind "Eretz Nehederet," an acclaimed Israeli satirical television show, attends the recording of an episode in the production studio. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) One of Israels most prominent novelists, David Grossman, published To the End of the Land, a story of a mother who escapes the notifiers who might bring news of her soldier sons death, after his own son was killed when his tank unit battled Hezbollah in the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. Grossman has often explored the Israeli-Palestinian question in essays and reportage. A peace activist and left-leaning Zionist, he believes in Israels right to exist but opposes the occupation of Palestinian territories in the West Bank that were seized after the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Grossmans seminal nonfiction work, The Yellow Wind, originally published in 1988, was an empathetic portrait of the hardship Palestinians face living under occupation. It was also a warning about the future if the decades of death and conflict that have defined this land were not quelled. In an updated introduction 10 years later as violence was escalating toward a second intifada, Grossman wrote: The heart cringes at the thought that we are doomed to endure another round of blood, worse than its predecessor, so we understand there is no choice other than the way of peace, the way we have barely tried. In the coming years whether negotiations continue ... or whether the process comes to a halt the most fanatical, primal, cruel forces in each nation are likely to break loose. They have. The war came when Israelis were more divided than perhaps any time in the nations 75-year-history. In January, liberals began months of protests against the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which bolstered the power of ultraconservatives and threatened to undermine the independence of the courts. Israel was heading toward a dangerous collision over its own ideals. Then came another existential jolt when Israels vaunted intelligence agencies failed to prevent Hamas October attack. The delusion of invincibility had been broken, and the Holocaust was evoked as images of scattered and mutilated bodies were glimpsed in places like Sderot and Kfar Aza. Read more: The author of The Iron Wall sees a sinister precedent behind Israels actions in Gaza No one felt safe anywhere in Israel. There was wailing and calls for vengeance. At night a strange silence fell amid the stones of the old towns; farther south, air raid sirens warned of incoming rockets. It seemed, for many, as if the past from nearly a century ago had rushed in. There are stories we all keep in our collective memory from the Holocaust, said Issacharoff, co-author of a book about Israels 2006 war with Lebanon. Thats a very, very sensitive place in the soul of Israelis. It made Israelis stand up and say no more. He added: It was very clear to me that on the first day [after the Hamas attack] the world stood by Israel. But I knew in a few days that would shift. Maybe it was a David and Goliath syndrome when Israel retaliated. Now were witnessing pure antisemitism and hate of Jewish people around the world. The war and its immediate aftershocks became sensitive terrain for Eretz Nehederet (What a Wonderful Country), an Israeli version of Saturday Night Live. The program stayed on the air during the early days of COVID-19 and was accustomed to using humor and satire to navigate wars, terrorist attacks and other national traumas. But Oct. 7 felt different. The writers spent more than two weeks to find the right balance and tone to pull a show together. Avi Issacharoff, co-creator of the series "Fauda," says, "We will have to wait for the war to end to see what will happen and how we deal with it creatively. But we can't ignore this date. Oct. 7 is with us forever." (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) We were ready to take the chance, said executive producer Muli Segev. We had a lot of requests from people that they needed to take a break from the news and the terrible images and the awful stories and the anxiety and the stress from the rockets and the soldiers and everything. To take a moment to take a breath. Read more: The author of 1948 on the mistakes Palestinians made in Israel from the very start We were ready to take the chance, said executive producer Muli Segev . We had a lot of requests from people that they needed to take a break from the news and the terrible images and the awful stories and the anxiety and the stress from the rockets and the soldiers and everything. To take a moment to take a breath. One of the skits focused on the true story of Rachel Edery, who stayed alive for more than 12 hours after militants invaded her home by feeding them cookies and coffee. Another bit parodied pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. college campuses. It featured two students at the made-up Columbia Untisemity who said they supported LGBTQH the H standing for Hamas. The students are oblivious to the sentiments of a Hamas fighter who despises their liberal values and wants toexecute them. One of the students wears a kaffiyeh and says, I totally simp Hamas, its so trending right now. He explains that hes not antisemitic, Im racist fluid. A recent episode satirizes a Netanyahu who appears oblivious to the fact that Hamas has been a longtime enemy. He refuses to take responsibility and tells Israelis: I decided to take respiratory breathing exercises with my wife to rest from everything that has happened to us. The show aims for small moments of comfort amidst the darkness, said Segev, adding that its a Jewish tradition to laugh very quickly at trauma. ... Its kind of in our DNA. The war and its consequences, said Keret, have created the picture that most people, depending on their politics and sympathies, or whether theyre Israeli or Palestinian, just take a fragment of. The challenge is to see and grasp its fullness. He was reminded of when he was a child and came home from school one day: I told my father, Today we learned the lesson of the Holocaust. My dad said, You know, the Holocaust was such a huge experience. Dont you think theres more than one lesson to it? Read more: Two strangers a Palestinian and an Israeli tell the story of a regions pain Keret, whose short story collections include Suddenly, a Knock on the Door, recently wrote a tale about a man who finds transcendence and hope in prayer even after his faith in God is shaken following the Hamas attack. It is a twist of optimism in a dark time. A lot of his writing these days has been short passages just trying to [record] those little pockets of humanity and confusion and the feeling of uselessness. A text he sent to a girl whose father was killed on Oct. 7 reads: Close your eyes, and allow yourself, just for a moment, to simply feel the pain, to hesitate, to be confused, to feel sorrow, remorse. You still have your whole life to spend persecuting, avenging, reckoning. But for now, just close your eyes and look inward like a satellite hovering over a disaster zone searching for signs of life. A lot has been taken away from you, but youre still a human being wounded, bloodied, angry, hurting, frightened, drowning in sorrow, but still human. In a recent essay in the Financial Times, Grossman wondered: Who will we be when we rise from the ashes and re-enter our lives? When we viscerally feel the pain of author Haim Gouris words, written during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, How numerous are those no longer with us. Who will we be and what kind of human beings will we be after seeing what weve seen? Where will we start after the destruction and loss of so many things we believed in and trusted? A few years ago, Grossmans fellow peace activist and novelist, the late Amos Oz, said fewer Israeli writers were exploring the larger questions around Palestinians and Israels troubled place in the Middle East. He told The Times in 2015 that in the decades since the country was founded, writers had gradually abandoned the role of prophets that show the way. Israeli writers, said Oz, who died in 2018, are normalized. They write about everyday life: love, jealousy, solitude, ambition, longing, loss, the great and simple topics. Everyday existence in Israel is no longer ... the epic of the birth of a nation. The nation is born for better or worse. So you will find fewer and fewer Israeli writers dealing with the birth of a nation, dealing with the question of where do we go from here. That question is still in search of an answer, although it seems likely writers will find that the nation is a looming and inescapable character. Lidman is a special correspondent. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Lead border negotiators are still trying to reach an agreement on a border security framework that would unlock billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine a condition that Republicans have placed on passing the White House's national security supplemental aid package that also earmarks aid to Israel and Taiwan. However, even if a deal is reached, which senators have signaled is not happening this week, the majority of members in the upper chamber have already left town, further pushing negotiations to January and setting the stage for a busy checklist. Lawmakers will have just 10 days when they return to pass FY 2024 appropriation bills. On Monday night, only 61 senators cast their votes to confirm Martin O'Malley, of Maryland, to be commissioner of Social Security for the remainder of the term ending on Jan. 19, 2025. Seventeen Republicans in total were present. Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday morning senators "must succeed" on border and Ukraine talks, adding it will take more time for a deal to be reached. LAWMAKERS UNLIKELY TO ADVANCE BORDER SECURITY, UKRAINE FUNDING LEGISLATION BEFORE CHRISTMAS Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) speaks following a Democratic policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on March 28, 2023 in Washington, D.C. "The details here matter immensely," he said. Lawmakers involved in the talks have repeatedly said the details of border security are complex but have remained tight-lipped on clarifying what those details are. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a staunch supporter of aid to Ukraine, added they are making "slow and steady progress" to reform "years of failure to enact basic common sense border security policy." Senate negotiators James Lankford, R-Okla., Krysten Sinema, I-Ariz., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., have all cited "progress" over the last few days as hours of negotiations have punted back and forth with White House officials and Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. "We finally have everybody at the table and everyone admitting that this is a national security crisis that we do have to address. That's actually progress. That may seem shocking to a lot of viewers, but that's taken a long time to be able to get to this point," Lankford said Tuesday morning on Fox News' "America's Newsroom." "We're just literally trying to be able to say to Democrats, listen, this has to be solved," Lankford said. "You don't want to solve it. We're going to actually push to get this solved. It'll be politically beneficial for Democrats to get this solved, to take this issue off the table." SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SENATE WILL CANCEL PART OF HOLIDAY RECESS AS BORDER TALKS CONTINUE According to U.S. Customs and Border Proection sources on Tuesday, there were more than 12,600 migrants encountered at the southern border in the last 24 hours, the highest figure recorded in a single day. Talks have been ongoing with senators and Biden administration officials. Republicans have refused to pass some $60 billion in additional aid to Ukraine unless it is tied to strict border security measures, such as immediate screenings for asylum processing, more detention beds and quicker expulsions for illegal entrants. The total amount of supplemental aid the White House first requested in October amounts to roughly $106 billion and includes $14 billion to assist Israel. President Biden has been urging Congress to take action on the package and Ukraine President Volodymr Zelenskyy made a final plea last week to both chambers in private meetings. MIGRANT ENCOUNTERS AGAIN TOP 10K IN A SINGLE DAY AS LAWMAKERS EYE NEW BORDER LIMITS Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., speaks as, L-R, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., look on during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 8, 2021 in Washington. On Sunday, in a letter to Senate Republican Conference Chairman Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., 15 Republican senators requested a conference meeting to discuss the "rushed and secret negotiations with Democrats who want an open border and who caused the current crisis," pleading for "an open and transparent process" beginning in 2024. The senators also requested the meeting take place no earlier than the week of Jan. 8, when Congress is scheduled to return to the Hill after the holiday break. Also on Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell reportedly sent a note to his colleagues that Schumer has a motion to reconsider the vote on the package's "shell" or the starting point for the supplemental bill but there is no confirmation yet about that vote. Fox News' Bill Melugin contributed to this report. Original article source: Many senators have already left town amid border negotiations as illegal crossings hit record South Korea has seen a surge in bedbug infestations, with more than 100 cases reported since late November (Anthony WALLACE) When news broke about a bedbug outbreak in his native South Korea, 29-year-old blockchain engineer and self-professed insectophobe Kang Jae-gu got straight to work -- on the data. As authorities scrambled to install high-temperature steam heaters at the airport and approve industrial-strength insecticides for home use, Kang started mapping reported infestations. South Korea has been largely bedbug-free for years, but it has seen a surge in infestations as travel has rebounded after the pandemic -- with more than 100 cases of the bloodsucking pests reported since late November, official statistics show. And while the public has bugged out -- and media coverage has spiralled -- thousands of people have turned to Kang's website, bedbugboard.com, for a sober data-driven look at the outbreak. "I am extremely sensitive to insects, so I sleep under a mosquito net throughout all four seasons," Kang told AFP. His fear of bedbugs drove him to create an interactive map that shows the approximate locations of reported infestations across the country, as well as real-time news stories on the issue. The site now receives as many as 50,000 visitors a day, up from around 40 when Kang launched it. He used a soothing olive-green colour scheme to try and create "peace of mind" for readers, but he told AFP that having to look at photographs of the critters and their eggs to run the website still gives him "goosebumps". - From Paris? - The bedbug invasion of Seoul comes on the heels of a similar outbreak in Paris, which is set to host the Olympic Games next year. A surge of reported sightings of the creatures sent a shudder through France during the summer and fall -- prompting several school closures nationwide. Public concern has also spread to Britain and Algeria. In South Korea, 44 percent of reported cases have been in so-called gosiwon -- cheap, tiny housing units typically measuring less than five square metres. Other affected locations include student dormitories, public bathhouses, and extremely small housing units known as jjokbang, which often lack basic amenities such as bathrooms or kitchens. Authorities have swung into gear, with Seoul city government allocating 700 million won ($500,000) to defend residents in vulnerable housing from the invading pests. Incheon International Airport, the main airport serving the capital, plans to install high-temperature steam heaters this month to prevent the entry of the bugs into the country. Seoul also recently approved Neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides used widely on farms, for home use against bedbugs. "The city of Seoul defines the inconvenience and concern of citizens caused by bedbugs as a significant public health issue," said Park Yu-mi, an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The city "seeks to take the lead in implementing countermeasures," she added. - Hard to remove - Bedbugs have appeared in greater numbers in recent decades, mostly due to high population densities, people taking more holidays and mass transit. In France, one in 10 households are believed to have had a bedbug problem over the past few years, usually requiring a pest control operation costing hundreds of euros that often needs to be repeated. The critters bite people to feed on their blood, creating wounds that can be itchy but do not usually cause other health problems. But exposure to bedbug droppings can trigger asthmatic attacks while bites can cause rashes or more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, and even depression. South Korean experts said the insects are particularly hard to eradicate. "Bedbugs can live for over 100 days even if they do not eat properly. They are thin and also hide well," Kim Ju-hyeon, a professor at Seoul National University's school of tropical medicine, said in a YouTube video. Kang plans to keep his website running until the South Korean outbreaks subside. He said he has never personally experienced an infestation, but "I can imagine how stressful it would be if that happened to me". cdl/ceb/tym Marine Le Pens support has placed the Macron camp in an embarrassing quandary - Julien de Rosa/AFP via Getty Images Frances lower house of parliament on Tuesday night passed a government Bill tightening immigration rules, despite a rebellion within the ranks of President Emmanuel Macrons governing party after it was backed by the hard Right. Interior minister Gerald Darmanin said that the strong text had been adopted with a sufficiently large majority of 349 for and 186 against, and that the votes in favour from Marine Le Pens National Rally party were not needed for it to pass. The upper-house Senate had earlier also passed the legislation. Ms Le Pen announced on Tuesday she would back Emmanuel Macrons flagship immigration Bill after he agreed to provide benefits to migrants only after five years of residency. She said the French presidents concession meant the Bill was an ideological victory for her hard-Right National Rally (RN) party. Legal migrants currently receive state benefits after six months. The RN had previously said it would vote against the Bill or abstain, and Ms Le Pen, who now leads the partys lawmakers in parliament but is widely expected to stand again for president in 2027, described the legislation as a toughening of immigration conditions. She said: We can rejoice in ideological progress, an ideological victory even for the National Rally, since this is now enshrined into law as a national priority, said the three-time presidential candidate. Six ministers intend to resign Despite getting its Bill through parliament, the Macron camp is in an embarrassing quandary, as many MPs may be uncomfortable approving a Bill supported by Ms Le Pen. On Tuesday night, Mr Macron called an emergency meeting at the Elysee amid reports that six Left-leaning ministers from his government intend to resign. The resignations, if confirmed, risk plunging his administration into crisis. The draft immigration Bill had prompted six Left-leaning MPs including Sacha Houlie to announce that they would not vote for the Bill in the National Assembly. According to France Info, the ministers who were due to take part in the meeting include Clement Beaune, the transport minister and former Europe minister who is known for his tough stance during Brexit negotiations and seen as close to Mr Macron. According to a participant at the meeting, Macron agreed to submit the Bill to a new reading rather than promulgate it if it were passed only with the help of the votes from Le Pens RN. It meant the government would not count the RNs votes in support of the Bill. The RN leaders bombshell came days after her party joined forces with the Left-wing opposition to reject an earlier version of the Bill, which aims to clamp down on illegal immigration and speed up asylum requests while granting stay permits to illegal workers in sectors with labour shortages. Legislation significantly toughened The rejection was a major blow to Mr Macron, as commentators warned a second failure to pass it could leave him a lame duck. However, the legislation was significantly toughened by a mixed parliamentary commission dominated by the Macron camp and members of the opposition conservative Republicans party. Mr Macrons Renaissance group lacks an absolute parliamentary majority and therefore requires ad hoc support from opposition MPs, notably the Republicans, for laws it tables. The two had been engaged in frantic talks since Monday. An agreement was finally reached on Tuesday afternoon after the Macron side ceded to the demand to make social benefits contingent on five years of residency in the country or 30 months for people who work. The other key measure would grant state prefects powers to hand out stay permits to illegal immigrants already working in sectors under strain, such as construction. It will not be open to those with a criminal record. Mr Darmanin called the agreement a good thing because it contained measures to protect the French, the necessary firmness with regard to foreign offenders, and fair measures such as the [historic] end to the detention of minors or regularisation for undocumented workers. Great moment of dishonour Eric Ciotti, the leader of the Republicans, said that it was thanks to our work and ideas, we are imposing this text, calling it a real turning point. But the Left said it was appalled at the prospect of the legislation being passed, with Boris Vallaud, the head of Socialist MPs in the National Assembly, describing it as a great moment of dishonour for the government. A group of 50 migrant rights groups, NGOs and unions called it the most regressive in at least 40 years in France, saying it smacked of unabashed xenophobia. 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. Emmy-nominated actor Jonathan Majors has been dropped by Marvel Studios after he was convicted of assaulting his then-girlfriend. On Monday, a jury in New York found that Majors, 34, attacked and harassed British choreographer Grace Jabbari during an argument in March. Following the verdict, a Marvel spokesperson said the studio would no longer work with the actor. Majors could face up to a year in prison when sentenced in February. It marks a stunning downfall for a leading Hollywood actor who had been expected to feature in multiple Marvel films. Majors played villain Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel films. He starred in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania last February and on Disney+ series Loki, now in its second season. Marvel had already pushed back release dates for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, in which he was due to play the starring role. He was set to perform again as the character in the follow-up film, Avengers: Secret Wars. It is unclear whether Marvel Studios plans to replace him with another actor or write his character out of the films. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel has already hired the creator of Loki to re-work a draft of the film that had been expected to be called The Kang Dynasty. The new working title for the movie is Avengers 5, sources told the outlet. Magazine Dreams, an upcoming film starring Majors that was being touted as a possible Oscar contender, had its release postponed as well following his arrest. The US Army also dropped the Creed III star from a major advertising campaign once the news broke. His former girlfriend, Ms Jabbari, was left with a fractured finger, bruising and a cut behind her ear after the couple fought over a phone in a hire car in New York City. Jurors were shown CCTV footage of the assault The incident took place when Ms Jabbari saw a text message from another woman on Majors' phone, which said: "Wish I was kissing you right now." In an effort to get his phone back, the film star grabbed his then-girlfriend, twisted her arm behind her back and hit her in the head, Ms Jabbari testified. He was found guilty of assault by recklessly causing physical injury, as well as harassment. The jury acquitted him on charges of aggravated harassment and assault with intent to cause physical harm, however. Text messages The prosecution painted the assault as the latest escalation in Majors' attempts to "exert control" over his girlfriend through physical and emotional violence. The jury was shown voice recordings and text messages between the former couple. "I'm a monster. A horrible man. Not capable of love," the actor sent in a text in September 2022 while threatening to kill himself. More text messages also discussed a prior incident between Majors and Jabbari.The actor appears to dissuade Jabbari from going to the hospital after she suffered an injury to her head. In audio from an argument that same month, Majors told Ms Jabbari she needed to act more like Coretta Scott King and Michelle Obama, the wives of Martin Luther King and former President Barack Obama. "I am doing great things, not just for me but for my culture and the world," he said, adding that she would need to "make sacrifices" for him. Ms Jabbari's lawyer Brittany Henderson said her client had shown "irrefutable strength and poise while being forced to relive, both in court and very publicly, the abuse she was subjected to". "Her unwavering resolve to see this case through to the end is borne out of a desire to show other survivors and victims of domestic violence, that they too, can hold their abuser accountable," she said in a statement given to the PA news agency. A statement shared by Majors' lawyer after the actor's conviction said that he continues to believe in his innocence, "still has faith in the process and looks forward to fully clearing his name". Sentencing will be on 6 February. The judge also issued a new protection order, requiring him to have no contact with Ms Jabbari. Conservationists are using GPS collars in a bid to protect the world's most endangered zebra. The experts from Marwell Wildlife, in Winchester, Hampshire, will use the technology to monitor 20 Grevy's zebra in Northern Kenya. The project, in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service and the Grevy's Zebra Trust, will track the animals for one year. The data will be used to inform planning and conservation decisions. The Grevy's zebra is one of the rarest equids in the world and can only be found in northern Kenya and isolated groups in Ethiopia. The GPS collar project comes as plans are under way to develop Eastern Africa's most ambitious infrastructure project, which forms part of Kenya's growth and development plan. Named the LAPSSET (Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport) corridor, the development will bring together Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan, and includes large infrastructure such as an oil pipeline, a motorway and a railway, which will cut directly across core Grevy's zebra range in northern Kenya. These infrastructure projects are recognised as one of the greatest emerging threats to the Grevy's zebra population in Kenya, Marwell Wildlife said. Prof Philip Riordan, Marwell Wildlife's director of conservation, said: "The Grevy's zebra is one of the most endangered mammals in the world and Kenya is the last stronghold for this species with less than 3,000 animals remaining. "We're working with our colleagues to ensure we have as much knowledge about Grevy's zebra, particularly given the amount of infrastructure and development across the region that might affect the animals. "By collaring them, we hope to gain more insights that can inform not just our conservation work but the mitigations that we might advise being put in place to ensure this species has a future." Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. Volcano! Following tens of thousands of earthquakes rocking the Reykjanes Peninsula southwest of Iceland's capital Reykjavik, a massive volcano officially erupted early Tuesday morning local time. As The New York Times reports, officials are now worried about an impending disaster. "We are looking at a worst-case scenario," volcanologist Thorvaldur Thordarson told the newspaper. "The eruption appears big, and only about two kilometers from major infrastructure." Officials are particularly worried about the eruption's proximity to the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. Footage being shared on social media shows gigantic plumes of lava being spewed into the sky. "Unreal," Iceland-based nature photographer Thrainn Kolbeinsson wrote in a Threads post. "Way bigger and more powerful than the last few eruptions." Footage shot from a coast guard helicopter shows an almost apocalyptic scene, with a massive wall of lava lighting up the nighttime scene. According to the NYT, some of these lava fountains are reaching up to 330 feet and are visible from the center of Reykjavik. "There are super-high plumes of magma," Thordarson told the Iceland Monitor. "Now its a total guess, but the highest plumes are probably 150 meters [492 feet]." https://twitter.com/shaksper/status/1736894782117396811 Evacuated Fortunately, the nearby town of Grindavik was evacuated weeks ago due to heightened seismic activity. At the time, massive steaming cracks opened up in the ground surrounding the town of 4,000 residents, which is less than an hour away from the island nation's capital. Per the Iceland Monitor, it's the fourth eruption to rock the Reykjanes peninsula in just three years. The catalyst appears to have been a 4.2 magnitude quake that hit the area around 9 pm Monday evening local time. More on the earthquake: Huge Crack Opens Up in Iceland, Steam Pouring Forth According to Apple, 'The remarkable sensor and app in Apple Watch Series 9 allow you to take ondemand readings of your blood oxygen as well as background readings, day and night.' The absolute latest possible day to purchase an Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the foreseeable future is officially Christmas Eve. The company has announced that it will pause online sales of its most recent wearable models beginning at 3pm ET on December 21, with in-store inventory suspensions going into effect after December 24. The upcoming unavailability isnt due to a dangerous safety recall notice. Its actually an ongoing patent dispute. According to legal filings , medical technology manufacturer Masimo claims Apple cloned its blood oxygen sensor tech hardware following a series of collaboration discussions that began in 2013. Although the two parties ultimately failed to team up, Masimo alleges that Apple stole tech information obtained during its meetings for its forthcoming Apple Watch design, as well as poached a number of Masimo employees. [Related: Apple Watch comparison: Which one is right for you? ] The specific blood oxygen monitor technology in dispute is only available in the latest Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, hence the specific moratoriums. When enabled, the latest wearable optical system emits red and near-infrared light onto a wrists blood perfused tissue. Light sensors then detect and process re-emitted photo-signals into what are known as photoplethysmograms (PPGs) to track heartbeat pulsations. These are then translated into blood oxygen level readings for users. Earlier existing options such as the Series 8 and Watch SE are unaffected by the patent litigation, as they do not contain hardware Masimo claims violate patents. Before Masimo, pulse oximeters were unreliable, providing inaccurate measurements and frequent false alarms, the medical companys About Us page reads before contending Masimo revolutionized the industry thanks to its Signal Extraction Technology . A US judge ruled in Masimos favor in January 2023 following years of legal back-and-forth, siding with the medical companys claims of patent infringement via Apple Watchs blood oxygen sensors. Although Apple appealed, an International Trade Commission ruling in October upheld the initial assessment. Although the Biden administration has since had 60 days to veto the ITC decision, its radio silence on the matter prompted Apple to preemptively announce its pulling of both Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from US markets. Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers, reads a portion of the company statement provided to news outlets on December 18. Should the order stand, Apple will continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible. If President Biden ultimately does not veto the ruling, Apple plans to appeal the ITC decision with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The two Masimo patents mentioned by the ITC do not expire until August 2028. There is also the possibility that the two parties settle out-of-court, likely including a licensing agreement that puts the dispute to rest once and for all. In any case, be prepared to settle for Apple Watch Series 8 or older for the time being. The last time a presidential administration issued a veto on Apples behalf was in 2013, when President Obama ruled in the companys favor in an iPhone and iPad patent dispute with Samsung. A few months prior to the veto, Masimos chief medical officer left his position at the company for a role within Apple. (Bloomberg) -- A federal appeals court rejected an effort by former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to transfer Georgia state criminal charges against him for election interference to federal court. Most Read from Bloomberg Meadows cant move his case because the actions for which he faces criminal charges werent part of his official federal duties under former President Donald Trump, according to an opinion issued by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Georgia on Monday. The ruling is a major defeat for Meadows, Trump and other defendants who were charged by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for trying to overthrow the states 2020 election results. Meadows and other defendants have sought to move their cases to federal court because they may have a better chance of getting charges dismissed by arguing they were carrying out official US government duties. Meadows, Trump and 17 others were charged by Willis in August, accusing them of violating Georgias racketeering law by participating in a criminal enterprise to keep Trump in office after his loss to President Joe Biden was repeatedly verified. Meadows conduct after the election involved either unauthorized interference with state election procedures or prohibited campaigning, the appeals panel ruled in a 49-page opinion. Neither were part of his official job, the judges said. A key part of the Fulton County criminal case against Meadows involves his arranging a call on Jan. 2, 2021, in which Trump urged Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find just enough votes to reverse his election loss in the state. Meadows had no official authority to operate on behalf of the Trump campaign, according to the opinion. But he offers no other plausible justification for calling and soliciting Raffensperger to alter the certified election results. The panel also found no official rationale for Meadows to travel to Cobb County, Georgia, after the election to try to observe the nonpublic signature-match audit being performed by law enforcement officers. Authority over electoral proceedings is expressly delegated to the states, the panel ruled. The appeals court upheld a ruling in September by US District Judge Steve Jones denying the bid by Meadows. While Meadows has been trying to remove his case to federal court, four other defendants charged by Willis have pleaded guilty. Willis has asked for a trial to begin in August. (Updates with more from ruling starting in the fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service predict an unseasonably warm Christmas in 2023. LIVINGSTON COUNTY Will it be a white Christmas in Livingston County? It's not likely. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service predict Christmas Day will be unseasonably warm this year, with a chance of rain in Livingston County and throughout the region. "We're looking at a high of around 50 degrees, and as of right now, there are some chances for rain," said NWS meteorologist Sara Schultz, out of the White Lake. "Looking at during the day, there's a moderate chance of rain, around a 40% chance." A child plays in the snow in Livingston County. Meteorologists predict a warm, snow-free Christmas this year. Despite a cold front moving in Monday, which produced snowfall and potential for slippery conditions in some parts of the state, the extended forecast predicts a gradual warming trend through the week. Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage Schultz said temperatures are expected to be above average on Christmas Day. Temperatures on Christmas Day average between a high of 33 degrees and a low of 22 degrees, with an average snow depth of 2 inches, according to NWS' weather history for southeast Michigan. The highest temperature on record was in 1982, when temperatures reached 64 degrees. The following year was the coldest on record, when temperatures dropped to 10 below zero. The deepest Christmas snow, 13 inches, fell in 1951. Contact reporter Jennifer Eberbach at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com. This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Meteorologists predict warm, wet Christmas in Livingston County A 27-year-old Mexican national was sentenced Monday in federal court to more than nine years in prison for trafficking 11 undocumented people and 45 pounds of methamphetamine on a panga boat that landed on Santa Barbara Countys Arroyo Quemada Beach in September 2021. The United Stated Department of Justice announced the sentence for Jorge Munoz-Munoz of Ensenada, Mexico, that was handed down by U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer. At the end of a five-day trial that took place last December, Munoz-Munoz was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to bring aliens into the United States, 11 counts of alien smuggling, 11 counts of alien smuggling for private financial gain, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine, and one count of importation of methamphetamine. The captain of the panga boat, Roel Aranzubia-Alvarez, 45, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was also convicted of alien smuggling charges and was sentenced to five years in federal prison. Meanwhile, 46-year-old Cain Camargo-Lopez of Sinaloa, Mexico, a crew member of the boat, pleaded guilty in April 2022 to two counts of alien smuggling and one count of conspiracy to allow an alien convicted of aggravated felonies to enter the United States. He was sentenced earlier this year to five years in federal prison. According to the Department of Justice, the panga was found at Arroyo Quemada Beach, on the Gaviota Coast about 25 miles west of Santa Barbara, on Sept. 27, 2021, with 15 people on board and two black bags that contained a total of 40 vacuum-sealed and plastic wrapped bundles of methamphetamine totaling about 45 pounds. Law enforcement said that the passengers arrived at a beach in Ensenada, Mexico, to board the panga, which would smuggle them into the United States for a price of approximately $15,000 each. Assistant United States Attorney Haoxiaohan Cai of the General Crimes Section and Justice Department Trial Attorney Siobhan M. Namazi prosecuted the case. The Department of Justice added that Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation also provided assistance. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday declared his country to be the foremost cultural power in the world, praising its ethnic and culinary diversity and international appeal. Lopez Obrador, a veteran leftist, has overseen a vigorous drive to recover historical artifacts from former European colonial powers and traveled to every corner of Mexico during years of campaigning for the presidency, which he won in 2018. "I'll keep saying it until it's internalized, because they were manipulating us for centuries. Mexico is the first cultural power in the world. Mexico, our country," he said after being asked during a press conference about Mexico City topping a recent Time Out poll on the best cities worldwide for culture. "There is no other country, with all due respect," he added. After mentioning China and India as possible rivals, he explained that Mexico had a mosaic of 60 cultures and ethnicities and a potent legacy in science, astronomy and mathematics. "You don't have that elsewhere. Where is there such a variety of foodstuffs, foods, dishes that there are in the country?" the 70-year-old president said. Mexico's population of around 130 million is just a fraction of that of China and India, which have more than 1.4 billion people each. Lopez Obrador said earlier this year that Mexico is safer than the United States, although its homicide rate is around four times higher than its northern neighbor. He also demanded apologies from Spain and the Vatican for human rights abuses committed during the 16th century conquest of the Aztec Empire under Hernan Cortes and his local allies. (Reporting by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Paul Simao) Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador pledged to fight a new Texas law allowing state authorities to prosecute migrants entering the U.S. from Mexico. Border issues previously were left to federal authorities, but the inclusion of state and local police contributes to rising tensions between Mexico and the U.S. as Congress struggles to negotiate border security policy. The foreign ministry is already working on the process to challenge this law, Lopez Obrador said Tuesday, Reuters reported. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) wants to win popularity with these measures, but hes not going to win anything, but hell lose favor, because in Texas there are so many Mexicans and migrants, he added. Lopez Obrador has frequently clashed with Abbot and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) over immigration, even encouraging Mexican-Americans not to vote for the pair. The Foreign Ministry filed a challenge against Abbotts Rio Grande buoys in July, which were also challenged by the U.S. federal government. A federal appeals court ordered them removed from the river this month. The new migrant prosecution also sets up a fight with the federal government over border authority because Abbott claims the Biden administration has not done enough to stem the flow of immigration across the U.S.-Mexico border. The goal of Senate Bill 4 is to stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas. It creates a criminal offense for illegal entry into Texas from a foreign nation for repeat offenders, that creates the events of illegal reentry with a potential prison sentence term of up to 20 years, Abbott said Monday at the bill signing ceremony. Bidens deliberate inaction has left Texas to fend for itself, he added, suggesting Texas has a right to defend itself. El Paso County and the American Civil Liberties Union also filed lawsuits against the state on Tuesday to challenge the law. The legislation is scheduled to go into effect in March. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Structures in the Chacoan landscape date back approximately 850 to 1250 years to when the area was home to a social and religious center for the Chacoan people. (Photo/Pueblo Council of Governors) New Mexicos public lands commissioner, Stephanie Garcia Richard, announced a 20-year extension of the states ban on new oil, gas, and mineral leasing around the Greater Chaco region. The extension continues decades of tribal efforts, along with efforts from elected officials, that sought to ensure the protection of 72,776 acres of state land that has cultural significance to the New Mexico Pueblos and area Tribes. The surrounding desert landscape of Chaco Canyon contains rich archaeological resources and Pueblo and other Tribal nations cultural sites, which are still utilized today. Structures in the Chacoan landscape date back approximately 850 to 1250 years to when the area was home to a social and religious center for the Chacoan people. The Pueblos are living cultures, said Mark Mitchell, Chairman of the All Pueblo Council of Governors and former Governor of Tesuque Pueblo, in a press release. We rely on the land and her ecosystems to sustain our traditions. In particular, Chaco Canyon has been subject to unfettered oil and gas development for decades. The permanent protection is not only for us, but for those who have yet to be born so they may continue to know that our roots, our cultures, our languages are tied to this sacred and irreplaceable area. The executive order follows a tribal summit in Washington last week where officials vowed to continue consultation efforts to ensure Native American leaders have more of a seat at the table when land management decisions affect culturally significant areas. New guidance for federal agencies were also recently published to help with the effort. The Greater Chaco landscape is one of the most special places in the world, and it would be foolish not to do everything in our power to protect it, said Commissioner Garcia Richard in a press release. This region is significant for our Indigenous communities and the cultural properties found in the area are irreplaceable. Action at both the federal and state level is necessary to ensure we are protecting these special resources. In 2022, Richard also implemented the agencys Cultural Properties Protection Rule, which requires cultural property surveys to be conducted before ground disturbance can occur on state lands. Analysis by the Cultural Resources Office within the State Land Office suggests more than 80 percent of state lands in the Greater Chaco Region have still not been surveyed for cultural properties. 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 Miami Beach police made a spate of arrests of homeless people in the days before Art Basel, enforcing for the first time a city law that officials revised in October to crack down on sleeping outdoors. Police arrested 20 people for camping in the city between Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, according to jail booking records and police reports reviewed by the Miami Herald. Most of the people arrested were lying on the sand under blankets or on top of beach chairs, police reports show. The camping charges they faced were coupled with charges of entering a park after hours, as the beach is closed to the public from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. All of the arrests took place in South Beach. The police reports note that officers had been assigned to a detail to enforce the city law about entering the beach after hours, a response to numerous complaints from residents and city officials [about] criminal activity occurring during the non-operational hours of the beach. A spokesperson for the Miami Beach police, Christopher Bess, told the Herald the enforcement was based on residential needs and wants. He said the timing was unrelated to the influx of tourists visiting for Art Week. The arrests represent a new level of enforcement of the citys camping ban, which has been on the books for years but previously required police to provide a warning to give people an opportunity to relocate. Booking records show Miami Beach police charged just 75 people between 2015 and when it was updated in October. The updated ordinance no longer requires a warning, but does say people must be offered a shelter bed before they can be arrested. If a person who is camping volunteers that he or she has no home or other permanent shelter, he or she must be given an opportunity to enter a homeless shelter or similar facility, if available, the ordinance says. If no such facility is available, an arrest may not be made. Convictions for violations of the ordinance can result in a prison term of up to 60 days and a $500 fine. Is the ordinance being followed? Police reports from the recent arrests say that, in some cases, officers asked people whether they wanted to receive homeless outreach services from the city or if they wanted help seeking permanent shelter. In other cases, officers said they asked if people wanted assistance to get access to a homeless shelter. It wasnt clear from the reports whether police provided details about available shelter beds. The reports also do not say whether police warned people they could be arrested if they declined a shelter placement. The Miami Herald has requested body-worn camera footage from several of the arrests. Miami Beach does not have any shelters. The city pays for use of more than 50 shelter beds at facilities in the City of Miami. Bess, the police spokesperson, said the department also has three shelter beds reserved for its use. Stephen Schnably, a University of Miami law professor who worked on the landmark Pottinger case that addressed homelessness in the City of Miami, reviewed the arrest reports and said they leave questions about whether the ordinance is being properly enforced. Its not at all clear that theres an offer of immediate housing, Schnably said. Do [officers] say, Youre violating this ordinance and you can be arrested for it, however, we have shelter, are you interested in that? Bess said Tuesday that the department is working to respond to questions the Herald submitted Friday about the arrest reports. The Herald also asked how many people have accepted a shelter bed to avoid arrest. Every officer was required to watch a 15-minute training video prepared by the city attorneys office before police began enforcing the revised ordinance, Bess said. Any questions they had were answered accordingly, he said. The Herald has requested a copy of the training video. Criminalization or encouragement? The updated ordinance reflects concerns from residents and elected officials about increased visibility of homeless people and a desire to take a tough on crime approach. City officials modeled the change after an Orlando ordinance that bans sleeping outdoors on public property in most cases and was upheld in 2000 by the Atlanta-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. This is absolutely not about criminalizing the homeless, Commissioner Alex Fernandez said at the October meeting. This is about making the homeless community accept services ... If this helps us encourage them, then we have to do this. Miami Beach had an unsheltered homeless population of 152 in an overnight count in August by the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, down from 235 in January and 167 from the previous August. The ordinance change sparked resistance from local homeless advocates, who have said it unfairly criminalizes a vulnerable population and effectively makes it illegal to be unhoused in the city. It doesnt accomplish anything about ending homelessness, and it just makes it harder for those individuals to ultimately find jobs and housing because its more of an arrest record, said Schnably. Advocates note there are many reasons why people may be resistant to go to a homeless shelter, including safety concerns, limits on how long people can stay, policies about abstaining from drug and alcohol use, curfews, and restrictions on bringing pets or certain personal belongings. Some people have had bad past experiences in shelters that shape their views, said Valerie Navarrete, a Miami Beach real-estate agent who advocates for the citys homeless population through a nonprofit, Favela Miami. These people need to be treated with respect, Navarrete said. While she said she doesnt take a stance on the camping ordinance, its very important to remember that they are people. In police reports, officers described how some people expressed their hesitancy to accept shelter. In one report, police said a woman told them, I do not want to be around those type of people in a shelter facility. One man told officers, I am homeless, not helpless, according to a police report. Court records show most of the people arrested were released without having to post bail. Most of the cases remain pending. One man who was charged with camping and entering a park after hours has remained in jail since his Nov. 29 arrest after his bond was set at $1,000, jail records show. Police say they found him shortly before midnight Nov. 29 lying in a sleeping bag on a lifeguard tower near 13th Street, and arrested him after he refused police assistance. Many of the cases are being charged by Miami Beachs municipal prosecution team rather than the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office. The municipal team handles criminal cases that involve only city ordinance violations and no state or federal crimes. Court records show judges have in some instances withheld adjudication of the camping charge, a form of probation that does not go on a persons record. Judges have also imposed stay away orders that restrict people from returning to particular locations. The motive for the murder of a South Florida aircraft mechanic likely stems from more than $300,000 that his partner in a fireworks business owed him, newly unsealed FBI documents reveal. Suren Seetal, 36, went missing Nov. 2 after leaving work at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. Nearly three weeks later, police found his partially decomposed body with a gunshot wound to the head in a wooded area off Snake Road in the Big Cypress Seminole reservation in Broward County on Nov. 21. A federal grand jury Monday indicted three Broward County men Avin Seetaram, 24, who the FBI says also goes by the name of Smalls; Somjeet Christopher Singh, 29; and 18-year old Gavin Hunter on murder and kidnapping charges connected with Seetals death. Agents found evidence that Singh owed Seetal $315,000, and Seetals girlfriend told police he had recently been trying to collect the debt, according to an FBI probable cause affidavit filed Nov. 22 that was unsealed in court Tuesday. Seetal, Singh and Seetaram were all partners in a side business that bought and sold fireworks, according to the affidavit. The FBI says Seetal was lured to his death at a Miramar warehouse where Singhs heating and air conditioning business is located. He drove their from the airport after receiving a text message from Seetaram that included a photograph of a key inside a drawer, according to the affidavit. Once he arrived, the grand jury indictment states Hunter was waiting for him with a gun and shot him. When police found his body at the reservation, there was a cut plastic zip tie nearby, the FBI said in its affidavit. According to the grand jury indictment, Singh gave Seetaram $5,000 to pay Hunter to pull the trigger on Seetal. Seetaram had owed Singh $10,000, a debt that was forgiven after the murder, the indictment states. FBI agents find Seetals notebook Using cell phone records and Sunpass toll information, the FBI states the following happened after Seetal was killed.: A tow truck driver removed Seetals car from the warehouse around 2:15 a.m. on Nov. 3. Seetaram and Signh drove to a Home Depot later that day and bought a 96-gallon yard waste cart for $124 in cash. Seetaram then drove back to the warehouse before driving west on Alligator Alley to where police found Seetals body. When FBI agents interviewed Seetaram, he first told them he was home sick all day Nov. 2. He then changed his story, saying he was on a job for the HVAC business with Hunter, who also works for Singh, according to the affidavit. Eventually, Seetaram told agents that he and Singh lured Seetal to the warehouse to kill him because he owed Singh a large amount of money, according to the affidavit. Singh told the FBI that he hadnt seen Seetal since before Halloween when they were together at a party in Orlando, the affidavit states. It wasnt until agents read a notebook kept by Seetal on Nov. 21 regarding the fireworks business that they discovered the motive may have been over debts he was owed. The notebook stated that Singh owed Seetal $315,000. According to Seetals LinkedIn page, he was a aircraft mechanic working at both Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. His family had been offering a $25,000 reward for information about his whereabouts. Seetaram, Singh and Hunter are charged with murder for hire conspiracy, murder for hire, kidnapping conspiracy, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice. Seetaram is scheduled to appear before a judge to answer for the charges Dec. 28. Hunters first appearance is set for Jan. 2; Singh is scheduled Jan. 3. If convicted, they would each face a mandatory sentence of either life in prison or the death penalty, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a statement. Singhs attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment on their clients arrest and indictment. Information about Hunters legal representation was not immediately available. Seetarams attorney emailed the following statement to the Miami Herald on Tuesday: First and foremost, any case involving a loss of life is a tragedy. We extend our sincere condolences to the Seetal family. Its still very early, but I have been in regular communication with the Government since my clients arrest, and working diligently with the Government to understand the allegations and reach a just and expeditious resolution to this serious matter. Minnesota officially settled on a new design for the state flag following months of intense debate and thousands of public submissions. The flag, approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission, was chosen from thousands of submissions. The commission met Tuesday to make its final adjustments to the design. The new design comes after the previous one was criticized for being offensive toward Native Americans. Part of the flag featured a Native American riding off into the sunset while a white settler plows his field. The final design includes an eight-point North Star and a light blue block to the other side. It represents the states official motto, LEtoile du Nord, which translates from French to The Star of the North. Minnesota is the only state with a motto in French. Minnesotas new state flag design. (Courtesy of the State Emblems Redesign Commission ) The design for the basis of the flag, created by a citizen from Luverne, was initially white, green and blue, which the designer said represented snow, nature and agriculture, and water, respectively. The design also included the states shape as well as the white North Star. On Dec. 15, the commission selected F1953 (above) as the basis for the next state flag. (Courtesy of the State Emblems Redesign Commission) While some residents were unhappy a loon was not part of the final design, the commission explained that more designs included the North Star, so it decided to feature that symbol, according to CBS News. Others, including Two Republican legislators who served as nonvoting members of the commission, criticized the pace of the process, according to Star Tribune. This process should have taken a lot longer, we should have taken more public testimony, we should have heard from more Minnesotans, state Rep. Bjorn Olson (R), said according to the Tribune. They reportedly plan to introduce legislation that puts the final design to the publics vote. However, there are still questions surrounding whether that action is constitutional. Commission Chair Luis Fitch said in his speech throwing support behind the design that the state needed to focus on one thing to make us different, according to the Star Tribune. He added that he saw the headwaters of the Mississippi River in the blue color. Heres the beauty: It still says Minnesota in two ways in the shape and in the star, he said, according to local NBC affiliate KARE11. Minnesota is water, Minnesota is rivers. Minnesota is this star. Heres the shape of Minnesota. We dont have to write Minnesota anymore. This is Minnesota. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A restaurant franchise that has been family-operated for more than six decades announced that it will be closing one of its Gettysburg locations. The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill at 230 Steinwehr Avenue shared on Facebook that after ten years, their last day of business is Saturday, Dec. 23. The hours will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. After 10 years at our DQ Grill & Chill location on Steinwehr Avenue, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors, the restaurant wrote on Facebook. We appreciate our loyal customers who made our time an enjoyable one. We will miss the camaraderie on Steinwher Avenue and being a part of all the events the businesses worked together on, for the community. Dauphin County senior living facility announces closure; approx. 40 residents affected The Maslowski family has owned the Dairy Queen in Gettysburg for 68 years. The other one at 915 York Road has been in the family since the 1950s and will continue to run for the foreseeable future, the restaurant wrote. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Severe Weather Alerts Our DQ family business will continue to support the community through our 69th year and beyond, the post read. The first Dairy Queen first opened in Illinois in 1940 and it wasnt until 1985 that one of the restaurants signature treats, the Blizzard, was created. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. SENATOBIA, Miss. (WREG) Police say a man went about his daily activities for weeks even though his wife was lying on the floor of their home in desperate need of medical attention. Man charged with murder after deadly Memphis shooting Robert Hibler, 80, was arrested Monday after his wife was found unresponsive and barely breathing at a house in the 200 block of Scott Street in Senatobia. Detectives said one of Hiblers relatives called 911 when they saw the womans condition. Robert Hibler It was obvious from the very beginning that the female victim was in a location in the home on the floor, lying down, and had been there for quite some time. It didnt take any kind of medical expertise to realize that, said Lt. Brannon Rushing. Hiblers wife was taken to the hospital in critical condition, and Tuesday night was still unresponsive. Suspect, deputy shot after serving search warrant in Gibson County Detectives said right now, they are treating this as a neglect case but charged Hibler with domestic abuse and aggravated assault because of the victims condition. Lt. Rushing wouldnt go into details but said it was one of the worst cases hes witnessed during his twenty years on the force. She was found in a location in the house that he would have had to constantly been around her and in the same vicinity as her, said Rushing. Besides her being on the floor, things had continued to go about the daily routine of life. Its a sad situation. Investigators said they dont know how she got into the condition she is in and are having trouble locating any of her relatives. Hibling is being held in the Tate County Jail on a $100,000 bond For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Jackson County, alleging the county illegally increased homeowners property assessments. The lawsuit, filed in Jackson County Circuit Court, accuses county officials of violating state law by failing to give homeowners proper notice of the increased property assessments, failing to perform physical inspections of certain properties and handling property owners appeals in an an illegally performed and dysfunctional process. Jackson Countys 2023 Assessments were not only unlawful, but the failures were systemic from failing to provide proper notice and inspections under the law, to coercing property owners to drop their appeals, the lawsuit from Bailey, a Republican, said. The Missouri State Tax Commission, which oversees property tax laws across the state, filed the suit along with Bailey against the county, various county officials including Gail McCann Beatty, a former Democratic state lawmaker who serves as director of the Jackson County Assessment Department, and Tyler Technologies, a company involved in the countys tax assessments. Spokespeople for Jackson County and Tyler Technologies did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. Bailey, in his suit, alleges that the countys assessments resulted in an average increase of at least 30% across the board. Some property owners, the suit alleges, reported increases higher than 100%. The lawsuit asks a judge for an order declaring void any increase in assessed value of certain properties as well as monetary damages to Jackson County property owners as appropriate. It also asks for an order forcing the county to comply with state law. Baileys suit comes just a day after fellow Republican state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick alleged the county used a flawed and inadequate property assessment process that violated state law, affecting up to 200,000 homeowners. Fitzpatrick, who released the preliminary findings of his offices ongoing audit of the county, urged homeowners whose valuation rose by more than 15% to only pay their taxes under protest. That process allows owners to file a lawsuit if they dont receive the refund they believe theyre owed. Many Jackson County homeowners have been outraged for months after assessments jumped significantly this year. Residential property values increased by roughly 40% overall since the last assessment in 2021, according to county data. The City of Lees Summit sued Jackson County over the assessment process in September; property owners have also filed multiple lawsuits that were argued in front of the Missouri Supreme Court last week. Property assessments, which take place every two years, have long been a source of controversy in Jackson County. Many houses were chronically undervalued, McCann Beatty and other officials have said, until she began raising valuations in 2019. The uproar over the increased assessments has prompted some lawmakers in the GOP-controlled Missouri General Assembly to propose legislation to make the assessor in Democratic-leaning Jackson County an elected position. The assessor is appointed by the county executive currently Democrat Frank White, Jr. and Jackson County is the only charter county in Missouri that doesnt elect the position. Separately on Tuesday, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled in favor of Jackson County and Tyler Technologies in two separate rulings related to the assessments. In one ruling, the court ruled 7-0 that a lawsuit against the county should be dismissed because a series of property owners failed to exhaust other options before suing the county. In another 7-0 ruling, the court made permanent an order that lower courts must dismiss claims in a lawsuit that put the technology company at fault for the increased assessments. A vehicle belonging to a man who went missing a decade ago was pulled from a pond in Missouri over the weekend. Army veteran Donald L Erwin, 59, vanished from Southern Camden County on 29 December 2013. He was last seen driving his 2002 Hyundai Elantra with license plate MK6-E3P after asking his wife for a $14 gift card to buy cigarettes, KY3 reports. Erwin was missing his leg above the knee and had left his home without his wallet or wheelchair, said Camden County Sheriffs Office Sergeant Scott Hines during a radio show earlier this year. The breakthrough in the case comes after freelance photographer James Hinkle began independently investigating the case and located a vehicle submerged in a small pond on private property in Camdenton while flying his drone. Mr Hinkle reportedly informed the property owner, who then alerted authorities of the developments. Investigators with the Camden County Sheriffs Office and a fire protection district dive team successfully pulled the vehicle from the pond on Saturday. According to the Camden County Sheriffs Office, the vehicle has since been determined to be Mr Erwins Hyundai Elantra and his family has been notified of the major breal in the case. In footage of the recovery posted by Mr Hinkle on his Youtube channel Echo Divers, a team is seen entering the pond before the vehicle is slowly removed from the water. Per to the channels description, Echo Divers is a Missouri-based scuba search and recovery team that works with law enforcement on missing persons cases. A dive crew pulled Donnie Erwins vehicle from a pond in Camdenton (Camden County Sheriffs Office) Mr Erwins whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unknown. Authorities said that investigators are still at actively processing the scene at the pond for evidence and searching the surrounding area for remains. Donnie Erwin was last seen on 29 December 2013 (Camden County Sheriffs Office) Erwins family Yvonne Erwin-Bowen wrote on a Facebook page Find Donnie Erwin that the property owner has given permission to authorities to drain the pond next year. Ms Erwin-Bowen also said that the cars driver window was down. I cant lie, this was an extremely difficult day. Emotionally drained, she wrote in a post on Monday. They recovered something out of the car and they gave it to me. How it survived 10 years underwater is a blessing. It is the cross that was hanging from his rearview mirror. Mitch McConnell with his wife, Elaine Chao, the former secretary of transport - EPA Mitch McConnell invoked his wife to take a rare swipe at Donald Trump over his controversial comments claiming that migrants are poisoning the blood of the US. The Senate Minority leader, who has a fraught relationship with the former president, was asked about Mr Trumps language which has been likened to the rhetoric used in Nazi Germany. During a speech in New Hampshire on Saturday, Mr Trump said: They let I think the real number is 15, 16 million people into our country. Theyre poisoning the blood of our country. Thats what theyve done. Mr McConnell was on Tuesday questioned on whether he was comfortable with his partys leading presidential candidate referring to illegal immigrants as poisoning the blood of our country. Earlier this year Mr McConnell adopted a policy of not commenting on any of the Republican candidates running for president - largely to avoid answering questions about Mr Trump. But on Tuesday he broke his pact, saying: It strikes me that didnt bother him when he appointed Elaine Chao the secretary of transportation. Ms Chao, who is Taiwanese-American, is Mr McConnells wife and was appointed to Mr Trumps cabinet in 2017. She stepped down in the aftermath of Jan 6 attack on the US Capitol, saying the traumatic and entirely avoidable event had deeply troubled me in a way I simply cannot set aside. Mr Trump has previously been accused of making racist comments about Ms Chao, having referred to her as China-loving and Coco Chow on Truth Social last year. Marc Short, a former Trump administration official and senior advisor to former Vice President Mike Pence, described his comments as a racial slur and obviously wrong. Steven Cheung, Mr Trumps spokesperson, said at the time that the former presidents criticism of Ms Chao was centred on her familys potential financial conflicts and not race. At the start of 2023 Ms Chao hit back, saying: When I was young, some people deliberately misspelled or mispronounced my name. Asian Americans have worked hard to change that experience for the next generation. He doesnt seem to understand that, which says a whole lot more about him than it will ever say about Asian Americans. Mr Trumps poisoning the blood comments have provoked backlash from several other GOP lawmakers. My grandfather was an immigrant so I dont agree with that sentiment, said Senate Republican Whip John Thune. Meanwhile, Thom Tillis, who is part of Mr McConnells leadership team, called Mr Trumps comments unhelpful rhetoric. Shelley Moore Capito, another member of the Senate GOP leadership team, told The Hill: Obviously, I dont agree with that. Were all children of immigrants, she said. Its just part of his campaign rhetoric, I guess. I dont know, I cant explain it. But some Republicans have doubled down on their support of the former president. Alabama senator Tommy Tuberville said he was mad that Mr Trump wasnt tougher. Because have you seen whats happening at the border? Were being overrun, he said. So a little bit disappointed it wasnt tougher. Meanwhile, Democrats have been quick to denounce Mr Trump. 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, a spokesperson for the Biden-Harris campaign said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. photo: OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has assured the public that he would not support mandatory mobilisation of women. Source: Zelenskyy during the summary press conference Details: The journalists asked the President whether he would sign the law about mobilisation of women or men under 27. Quote: "[The mobilisation of] women no, I will not sign it. Concerning [the mobilisation of] 25-year-old men [yes] if all the arguments are presented. As of today, I see that it is necessary, so I agree with it." Support UP or become our patron! The Forta Fermierilor Association demands that the Moldovan government impose restrictions on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products, similar to those introduced by Romania and Bulgaria. Source: This is said in a statement by the Forta Fermierilor association on its Facebook page. Details: The Moldovan government promised to lift the state of emergency from 1 January 2024, which automatically lifts all restrictions imposed during the state of emergency. This includes the decision to license the import of grain and oilseed products. According to the association, the cancellation of these regulations will have a negative impact on Moldovan farmers and would also negatively affect exports to Romania. Quote: "The absence of restrictions on imports will not only imbalance the domestic market but will also threaten the export of wheat, corn and sunflower to Romania, which has repeatedly warned our country about the danger of re-exporting grain from Ukraine. Blocking exports to Romania would be an absolute disaster for Moldovan farmers," the statement said. As a solution to the problem, the association demands that the government impose restrictions, similar to those imposed in Romania and Bulgaria after the state of emergency is lifted. Reminder: In Moldova, farmers demanded a ban on sunflower imports from Ukraine, which allegedly reduces the price of this crop in the country. The Ministry of Economic Recovery has started negotiations with Moldova and Romania to create a "green corridor" between the Reni (Ukraine) - Giurgiulesti (Moldova) - Galati (Romania) checkpoints to speed up the export of Ukrainian agricultural products. Support UP or become our patron! Moldovan farmers are calling on their government to implement restriction mechanisms on grain and oil imports from Ukraine, Moldovan outlet NewsMaker reported on Dec. 19. "In the past two months, we have even seen a slow increase in the prices of wheat and corn," the Farmers' Power Association's said Read also: Ukrzaliznytsia debuts 'first of its kind' dual-gauge grain car to boost exports to Europe "We know that Trans Oil intends to import about 300,000 tons of sunflower from Ukraine. This will again affect the interests of local farmers. Read also: How Ukraine keeps its agriculture afloat in wartime We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the absence of import restrictions will not only unbalance the domestic market, but also jeopardize the export of wheat, corn and sunflower to Romania, which has repeatedly warned our country about the danger of re-export of grains and oilseeds from Ukraine." The Slovak government has decided to extend the ban on grain and other agricultural goods imports from Ukraine during a meeting on Nov. 29, according to Czech news outlet Novinky.cz. On Sept. 15, the European Commission decided not to extend the ban on importing Ukrainian grains into Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia, provided that Ukraine complied with certain rules. The ban, which had been in effect since May 2, was instituted in response to a sharp increase in Ukrainian grain imports following the Russian invasion. 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 ANKARA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye and Canada's lift of arms embargo could help the Turkish parliament to ratify Sweden's NATO membership bid, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He made the remarks to journalists during his return flight from Hungary, the state-run TRT broadcaster reported on Tuesday. Erdogan said Biden assured him during a recent phone call that if the Turkish parliament ratifies Sweden's NATO bid, the U.S. would "pass it (the F-16 sale) in the Congress in the same way." The Turkish president also stressed that Sweden should fulfill its promises. "There are commitments that Sweden made to us in Vilnius. We expect these to be kept, and we will closely monitor developments." The Nordic state, hoping to join the Western military alliance, has pledged to support Turkiye's fight against terrorism and agreed to address Ankara's pending deportation or extradition requests for "terror" suspects. In July, during a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, Erdogan was committed to presenting Sweden's NATO membership bid to the parliament, which has yet to vote for the Nordic country's NATO bid. After being kicked out of the F-35 stealth fighter jet program by Washington for purchasing Russia's S-400 air defense systems, Ankara has sought to buy more F-16 jets from the United States, but the request has been pending for months. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) The vaccine designed to combat the spread of Monkeypox is being made available in Fresno. As of Monday, multiple appointments are available to receive the Mpox (JYNNEOS) vaccine. The vaccine will be available at the Rite Aid pharmacy at 1210 North Blackstone Avenue in Fresno. The move to provide the Monkeypox vaccine was done in partnership with the California Department of Health (CDPH), in response to high demand for the vaccine, according to Rite Aid. Experts say vaccination before exposure is the best chance to prevent contracting the disease. More information on Monkeypox can be found on the California Department of Public Healths website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. MONROE TOWNSHIP Housing on an old orchard property singled out for development more than two decades ago now has a key local planning approval, despite renewed opposition from residents over its traffic and environmental impacts. Smithfield Estates would be 349 units of single-family housing with 177 units to be age restricted to be built south of Glassboro Crosskeys Road and north of Route 322. Developer Bruce Paparone Inc. has official support from Monroe Township. Project opponent Helen Walker lives nearby on Pitman Downer Road, a house built by her grandparents and where three generations of her family grew up. This is just the latest residential development in a series that has eradicated the rural and agricultural nature of the area, she said. More: Washington Township planners final review done for senior citizen apartments More: Woolwich clears plan for 1,000-plus houses. What is Kings Meadow and when will it open? "Every bit of trees, every bit of woods, every bit of orchards has been ripped down, slowly but surely, since I was a teenager. Theyve destroyed our whole way of life here. Tony Dalessandro, also of Pitman Downer Road, worries about increased stormwater runoff problems when the property is landscaped and built on. Contaminants entering groundwater also is a concern given the long use of chemicals when the orchard was in operation, he said. The subdivision plan for Smithfield Estates, 349 houses Bruce Paparone Inc. intends to build in Monroe Township off Glassboro Crosskeys Road and Route 322. Consulting Engineer Services did the plan for Paparone. The Planning Board approved it Dec. 14, 2023. (My) concern is a water problem here and the radium that all our wells failed for on Rex Avenue and Pitman Downer (Road), Dalessandro said. Theyre not even worried about us. Theyre worried about that new development, to get their fresh water, city water. We havent drank our water here in 20 years because of this farm. Now, whats going to happen? Monroe, neighbors on opposing sides about Estates Walker and Young were among residents who came out for a special Planning Board hearing on Dec. 14 to review a request to approve a subdivision plan. The board approved the concept, which is similar to one Monroe came up with itself, with one dissenting vote. The approximately 147 acres will be cut into 349 housing lots as well as several commercial use lots. It could be another year or more before actual designs plans are ready for local review due to the number of county and state agencies that need to look over the concept, according to developer Bruce Paparone. The project is a good one because we are really working with the township on it, Paparone said, adding that the township itself pressed to include a commercial component to it. But we need housing, Paparone said. Theres a shortage. Were not keeping up with it. This addresses that with the single-family part. Walker said a wave of development, some built and some not yet, has regularized traffic congestion in the area. It also has compromised traffic safety for residents and endangered wildlife by eliminating their habitats, she said. People are just hitting deer all over the place, left and right, over here, she said. Squirrels, birds, dogs, cats. Ive seen three dead cats in the last three months on the side of the road here. The wildlife has no place to go. I have so many birds, squirrels, and chipmunks in my yard that are starving for food its ridiculous. Dalessandro and Walker direct much of their criticism toward township governments oversight of existing development issues. Dalessandro plans to put up for sale his house this summer. Because Im not going to deal with the traffic, he said. Monroe smooths approval path for housing development Efforts to obtain local building approvals for Smithfield Estates include a June 2018 Zoning Board review. The board at that time denied a variance for a proposed 173 housing lots. But in January 2022, the Township Council designated the land to be in need of rehabilitation as recognized under New Jersey redevelopment law. That designation made it easier to promote its development for residential and commercial use. In July 2022, the council adopted the Orchard Drive Redevelopment Plan. One aspect of that decision was to establish new zoning criteria, replacing existing residential zoning criteria. The current development plan exactly matches the new criteria. Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times. Have a tip? Reach out at jsmith@thedailyjournal.com. Support local journalism with a subscription. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Monroe sticks with housing plan as residents worries traffic, water More than 1,000 civil servants are unable to return to the office because of a lack of desks following post-pandemic downsizing, Telegraph Money can reveal. Senior civil servants were instructed in November to return to the office for more than 60pc of the working week, in an effort to promote strong visible leadership. New starters were told to come into the office more than 60pc of the time (meaning staff will no longer be able to work the TWaT days,) while existing staff were told they could only work from home two days a week. Ministers are trying to force civil servants back into the office following concerns about a drop in productivity as a result of extensive hybrid working since the pandemic. But workers at Companies House, which maintains the official register of UK companies, cannot come in as regularly as ministers demand, because of a lack of available office space. Meeting minutes released to Telegraph Money under the Freedom of Information Act revealed that the executive agency, a part of the Department for Business and Trade, has reduced the size of its office in Edinburgh. From April 2024, the office in Cardiff, which operates as the government agencys headquarters, will be reduced to one floor and some additional storage areas. There are similar downsizing plans for its Belfast office. One senior civil servant said in a meeting: We wont have the space to increase our occupancy, and weve discussed that with the Department of Business and Trade, who accept our situation, which is that we wont be able to do it. The civil servant continued to say that the requirement for staff at the government agency would remain just one day a week in the office. Former cabinet minister, Jacob Rees-Mogg, said that Companies House appeared to have made the downsizing decision at a most peculiar moment and questioned the agencys competency. Mr Rees-Mogg said: This is just bad management. When you are downsizing you work out how many desks you need on any individual day. You then work out how much you want to be in the office and then you provide enough spaces. He added: Its a perfectly rational calculation to make and not one you should be surprised by. A staff briefing sent to Companies House employees on November 14, after the new hybrid working requirements were announced, instructed part-time workers to be in the office at least 20pc of the time. The agency employed 1,340 hybrid workers, alongside 52 fully remote staff members, as of November 29. Thousands of HM Revenue and Customs staff were failing to routinely show up to the office even one day a week, figures obtained in September showed. It had been reported that Jeremy Quin, the former Paymaster General who was previously tasked with getting civil servants back in the office, had been considering tightening restrictions even further, and allowing civil servants just one day a week at home. Mr Quin was replaced by John Glen MP in a reshuffle in November. Large companies, including John Lewis, have also made moves to reduce their office footprint this year, as more workers adopt hybrid lifestyles. A survey of 500 London-based workers in February this year found that a quarter were downsizing their offices, while another 18pc are choosing co-working or flexible spaces, Bloomberg reported. But the collapse of flexible workspace company WeWork in November, with liabilities of up to $50bn (39bn), signalled that newer co-working spaces were also struggling. A Companies House spokesman said: In line with our commitment to an efficient and cost-effective public estate, we are optimising the space we occupy in Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast. Following government guidance, office attendance expectations are subject to current and committed future estate capacity. All staff, except for homeworkers, are required to attend the office on a weekly basis. On average, our staff are in the office at least twice a week, with many in at least three days a week. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: We have always been clear on the benefits of collaborative face-to-face working, particularly for the development of more junior staff. A minimum balance of 60pc for most civil servants in the office will help us retain both the benefits of office working and flexibility. Each Department is working through the implementation and any local adaptation ahead of implementing the new approach. The Department for Business and Trade 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. More than half of voters feel worse off under President Biden, according to a new poll released Monday. A Harvard CAPS-Harris poll found that 55 percent of respondents said they were worse off personally during Bidens presidency, including 85 percent of Republicans, 62 percent of independents or voters considered other and 21 percent of Democrats. Meanwhile, 45 percent of voters said they were personally better off under the Biden presidency, including 79 percent of Democrats, 38 percent of independent or voters listed as other and 15 percent of Republicans. But when respondents were asked if they were better or worse off personally under former President Trumps administration, the poll found 61 percent of voters said better off. That percentage includes 90 percent of Republicans, 59 percent of independent or other voters and 33 percent of Democrats. Of the 39 percent who said they were worse off during Trumps presidency, they included 67 percent of Democrats, 41 percent of independent or other voters and 10 percent of Republicans. This is a big problem for President Joe Biden perhaps his biggest issue people believe they are worse off under his policies and were better off under Trump, said Mark Penn, co-director of the Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll. The figures come as the 2024 general election increasingly looks like a match-up between Biden and Trump. The poll found that Bidens approval rating had dipped multiple points since a similar survey was conducted last month dropping from 45 percent in November to 43 percent in December. Biden has been mired in underwater approval ratings, while polls have also pointed to age as a major concern. Trump, meanwhile, is embroiled in four separate indictments and has received scrutiny over recent controversial statements hes made. The Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll survey was conducted from Dec. 13 to 14 and surveyed 2,034 registered voters. It is a collaboration of the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University and the Harris Poll. The survey is an online sample drawn from the Harris Panel and weighted to reflect known demographics. As a representative online sample, it does not report a probability confidence interval. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures are popular search trends on TikTok, with both terms getting 2.6 billion hits on the platform combined. Although people from multiple age demos search for these terms, Gen Zs interest in these procedures is rising. In fact, many Gen Zers have adopted Botox, fillers and other preventive anti-aging procedures into their lifestyle, participating in them earlier than previous generations. While Botox and lip fillers are some of the most commonly searched procedures, there is one that is gaining traction on TikTok called Morpheus8 especially with people who arent typically associated with anti-aging, amassing over 290 million views on the platform. What is Morpheus8? Morpheus8 is a nonsurgical needling procedure that uses radiofrequency to rejuvenate the skin. During the procedure, the needles use thermal energy to penetrate the skin up to 8 millimeters in depth. This then stimulates the skin to produce more collagen, which can lead to tighter, smoother skin. Collagen Project, a Miami-based skin care company, has seen Gen Zs increased interest in the Morpheus8 procedure. Yes, there is an increase. The Gen Z population is very savvy when it comes to aesthetic procedures mostly related to their exposure to social media, Danielle Smith, an aesthetic nurse practitioner at Collagen Project, told Yahoo News. They have access to a ton of content, and if their algorithm senses the interest, they are getting the content in the FYP. As they learn what it can do, the interest picks up. Collagen Project opened in October and has even dedicated an entire vertical on its website to Morpheus8 and Gen Z. I get a lot of Gen Zers and hear their concerns and questions and what they are looking for in regards to other treatments. So when we built the service menu for Collagen Project, it was part of the deck from the start, Smith said. She also said that while interest in the procedure has gone up, Gen Z looks to address certain concerns such as double chins, face slimming and acne scarring which can be addressed by Morpheus8. Morpheus8 is the best nonsurgical option for these patients, she said. When used correctly, Morpheus8 can intentionally melt fat in the right areas to help provide a slimming/contoured effect. Generally, Morpheus8 which benefits those with skin laxity takes one to four sessions, with each costing anywhere from $800 to $2000. Celeste Thomas (@celestethomasrn), a registered nurse and self-proclaimed skin care expert, posted a TikTok video of her Morpheus8 experience. This is what you look like right after. Im a little puffy, a little redness, a few little spots where Im bleeding, Thomas says. Thomas tracked her recovery on her TikTok page in the days after the procedure, which she says takes roughly one week. Morpheus8 is just one procedure of many that has seen increased interest from Gen Z. In 2022, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that patients ages 19 and under (but mostly 18 and 19) received over 200,000 minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that year total. Of the total 244,252 procedures done on this age group, over 197,000 of them were to treat the skin. This goes hand in hand with the idea that many Gen Zers treat skin care and skin aging prevention as a necessity in their lives. Furthermore, according to intelligence firm Circana, 70% of Gen Z uses anti-aging serums every day, CNN reports. Currently, the hashtag #lipfiller has over 6 billion views, while #preventativebotox has over 57 million views on TikTok, with several creators contrary to some doctors asserting that the best time to get treatment done is when patients are in their 20s. Twenty-five is definitely not too young for Morpheus. Its really popular in the anti-aging, skin care realm, says Amanda Divergigelis (@skincarebymandy), a medical esthetician, in her video. But I actually think its going to grow in popularity for 20s to 25 to 30. According to Dr. Teresa Song, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City, Morpheus8 is recommended for people in their early 30s experiencing loose skin. Are there side effects to Morpheus8? Although the procedure is nonsurgical, there are a few side effects. Dr. Song explained some of the things that could happen directly after the procedure. Immediate side effects include redness and swelling lasting from hours to one to two days, followed by flaky, dry skin within the first few days, Dr. Song told Yahoo News. There may be brown grid marks from the insertion point of the needles that can last from a few days to a few weeks. She added: Morpheus8 is not a comfortable procedure and may require topical numbing and oral pain medication in order to tolerate the procedure. Many Gen Zers appear undeterred by the potential pain from these procedures, given the increase in their usage. Whether its chemical peels, lip fillers or Morpheus8, it appears Gen Zers are actively seeking out procedures to help keep their youthful look intact. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Dec. 19 that air defenses near the Russian capital had shot down a drone as it approached the city. He claimed that there were no casualties or damage as a result. Earlier in the day, Russian media reported that three drones had been shot down over Kaluga Oblast and another in the skies above Bryansk Oblast. Three airports that serve Moscow Domododovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky were temporarily closed for security reasons. Russia's Defense Ministry said that the drones were Ukrainian. Kyiv has repeatedly targeted military infrastructure in Russia and Russian-occupied territories. It does not typically comment on claims of drone strikes within Russia immediately. Read also: Opinion: Putins dead-end Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Nearly three-quarters of the roughly 2,500 foreign components found in Russian weaponry and analyzed by Ukrainian authorities were made by U.S. producers, a database by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NAZK) reveals. Foreign-sourced goods and materials such as microchips fuel Russia's war machine amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, allowing Moscow to construct missiles, drones, and more. Despite Western sanctions aimed at cutting off these supply lines, Russia continues to obtain sanctioned goods via third-party countries or buys them directly from friendly nations. The database, published by the NAZK on Dec. 8, lists 2,453 components of foreign provenience, such as microcircuits or transistors, that were found in various Russian drones, missiles, electronic warfare systems, and other weapons. U.S. manufacturers top the chart with 1,816 items, followed by Switzerland (120), Japan (96), China (87), and Germany (75). From these five, China is the only country that has not joined the sanctions regime against Russia and maintains friendly ties with Moscow. The database identifies 22 more countries in Europe, East Asia, North America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The graph shows the origin of components found by Ukrainian authorities in various Russian weapons, according to the new database launched by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, or NAZK, as of Dec. 18, 2023. (Graph: Nizar Al-Rifai) Ukrainian authorities found at least 78 U.S.-made parts, as well as eight components from Switzerland, six from Japan, five from Taiwan, three from Germany, and one from Spain used in Russia's air-launched ballistic Kinzhal missiles with a speed of over 12,000 kilometers per hour. At least 17 U.S. components, as well as one from Switzerland and one from Taiwan were used in the notorious Lancet loitering munitions. In Russian-produced Shahed-136 type drones known as Geran-2, authorities found 55 parts made in the U.S., 15 from China, 13 from Switzerland, and six from Japan, among others. At least 130 U.S.-made parts, as well as eight from China and 13 more from Switzerland, France, Taiwan, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands were used in the Ka-52 attack helicopters. As many Western companies stopped supplying their products to Russia and Belarus in accordance with the sanctions, direct sales of dual-use goods from countries like the U.S., the U.K., and the EU have indeed dropped by 96%, research by the Bank of Finland shows. In turn, re-exports of sensitive goods to Russia by countries like China, Turkey, and states from Central Asia and the Caucasus spiked amid the full-scale invasion. The EU's latest sanctions package seeks to address this issue. One of the new measures imposed by the bloc mandates European exporters to contractually ban re-export to Russia of dual-use goods or materials found on the battlefield in Ukraine. Read also: Kyivs frustration boils as flow of Western chips for Russian missiles continues uninterrupted Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. East China's Anhui hosts forum to boost development, protection of ancient Hui architecture Xinhua) 10:27, December 19, 2023 Ancient streets and houses are seen from above in Xidi Village, Yixian County of Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province, July 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Han Xu) HEFEI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A conference aimed at promoting the protection and industrial development of ancient architecture kicked off Monday in Huangshan City in east China's Anhui Province, which is famous for its Hui-style buildings. Around 380 representatives, including scholars and business people from relevant industries, attended the opening ceremony of the conference. It features a keynote conference, three subforums and exhibitions of traditional Hui-style carvings. On Monday, a signing ceremony was held for 16 projects, with a total value of 2.84 billion yuan (about 398.4 million U.S. dollars). An online platform for the Hui-style building industry was also officially launched to boost the development of the whole industrial chain. Huangshan is home to many well-preserved Hui-style buildings dating back to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties that feature black roof tiles and white walls with exquisite wood, stone and brick carvings. Photo taken on Oct. 23, 2020 shows a morning view of Hongcun Village in Yixian County of east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) The Hui-style architecture industry has gained significant momentum in recent years, thanks to China's efforts for the preservation and development of traditional culture. According to official data, 254 companies in Huangshan City are involved in the ancient architecture industry, with the number of craftsmen in the city exceeding 14,000. From January to November this year, the output value of the Hui-style architecture industry in the city hit 2.6 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 57.9 percent. "The Hui-style buildings are an iconic element of Huangshan. They serve as a carrier of traditional culture and a window for the world to learn about China," said Ling Yun, Party chief of Huangshan, adding that the Hui-style architecture industry is currently thriving, with numerous enterprises expanding the industry beyond the local region to other parts of the country and even globally. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) DAMASCUS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Tuesday condemned the intensifying Israeli military operation in Gaza, the state news agency SANA reported. In a phone conversation, both ministers expressed grave concern about the escalating situation in Palestine, particularly the Gaza Strip, and condemned "the continuous Israeli and Western aggression against the Palestinian people," the report said. They also regretted the loss of nearly 20,000 lives in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the Israeli military operation and deliver essential humanitarian aid to the enclave, according to the report. On the bilateral relations, the two top diplomats highlighted the importance of implementing various agreements reached by the two sides, noting that tangible decisions will bring positive outcomes for the people of both Syria and Iran. Bishop Robin Dease braced for chaos when she started her new role within the United Methodist Church this year overseeing the North Georgia Conference. Just days before her first day in January, Deases predecessor, Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, and other conference leadership decided to block churches in the conference from leaving the UMC as part of a splintering throughout the largely Nashville-based denomination. The decision incited legal battles that would consume Deases first few months in office. It was a learning curve, Dease said in an interview. It was drinking from a fire hose. Following a judges ruling against the North Georgia Conference, Dease and her team pivoted to to accommodate churches trying to leave the UMC through a process known as disaffiliation. Through it all, Dease found it especially painstaking that many of these churches who left didnt get to know who I am, and I didnt get to know them. For Dease, whose election to bishop in September 2022 was unusual and her appointment historic shes the first Black bishop to lead the North Georgia Conference change has been the only constant. The same is true for the entire UMC, the nations largest mainline Protestant denomination as it deals with fallout of disputes over church policy and theology, including dealing with LGBTQ rights. Many churches are leaving to join a more conservative, breakaway denomination called the Global Methodist Church. This year alone, 5,505 churches disaffiliated from the UMC, a 174% increase to total disaffiliations in the previous four years combined. Regional conferences fought at least 17 legal battles this year, often to settle procedural disputes but which amplified animosity between UMC leaders and dissenting churches. It was the most intense year so far in the UMCs ongoing divorce. The sheer scale of disaffiliations in 2023 shifted earlier plans aimed at resolving the crisis at the UMC General Conference, or the denominations international legislative body that meets every four years, which is set for April 2024. As a result, both the UMC and those who left the denomination can start to look toward new horizons. The UMC General Conference last met in 2019 for a special session, when the international legislative body deliberated policies that affected the denomination's splintering in subsequent years. The UMC General Conference is set to meet again in April 2024. We can move on, the Rev. Carolyn Moore, whose Georgia congregation was among 263 churches in Deases conference that disaffiliated this year, said in an interview. The big questions are answered, and we can dream again. Moore and Dease are on different sides of the debate, but both expressed a similar sense of relief. I dont think Christians are primarily built for contention, Moore said. I hope that everybody, whatever side theyre on, is experiencing relief that this part is over and we can all get back to ministry. Inside the UMC, trying to get out The court battles Deases conference fought this year emerged out of congregations sense of urgency to leave the UMC by the end of 2023. Its something I wasnt prepared for, nor did I really know how to navigate, Dease said about the court cases. The policy allowing churches to disaffiliate, outlined by UMC Book of Discipline paragraph 2553, will expire after Dec. 31. A 2019 special session of the UMC General Conference approved Paragraph 2553 as a temporary fix in advance of a more permanent solution, a proposal for the regular UMC General Conference in 2020 called the Protocol of Reconciliation through Grace and Separation (AKA the Protocol). But support for the Protocol waned amid repeated delays to the UMC General Conference. In turn, disaffiliation became the primary means through which a church leaves the denomination. Its likely the Protocol will still come up at the UMC General Conference in April, but its chance of success is slim. Meanwhile, at least seven regional conferences decided to use different polices than Paragraph 2553 to allow churches to leave. Some of those conferences have already enacted those polices allowing 113 churches in South Carolina and 24 churches in West Virginia to exit the UMC this year or will do so after Paragraph 2553 expires. For the conferences that used Paragraph 2553, some removed barriers to make it easier for churches to disaffiliate, whereas others required additional financial and procedural prerequisites. The North Georgia Conferences pause on disaffiliations was arguably the most drastic measure, evidenced by the fact it didnt hold up in court. When a judge ordered the North Georgia Conference to lift its pause, Dease decided not to appeal the ruling. Im not a fighter in that way, Dease said. Im more of a person who will collaborate and bring people together. Analyzing a UMC disaffiliation trend: Why the debate on whether to leave can be more intense among suburban UMC churches Outside the UMC Though her church was among the group which grappled with the North Georgia Conference, Moore is thinking excitedly about the future instead of harboring resentment about the past. Moore, also a prominent figure in the larger movement for a more conservative Methodist alternative, and her congregation will be fully affiliated with the Global Methodist Church on Jan. 1. The (Global Methodist) movement is about so much more than being a landing place for people who were disaffiliating from the UMC, Moore said. The movement really is about a revitalization of historic Methodism. Since its May 2022 launch, the Global Methodist Church will have admitted by the new year 4,605 total churches, established 23 regional conferences, and formally partnered with eight theological schools to train its future clergy, according to Global Methodist Church chief executive Rev. Keith Boyette. One major setback for the new denomination has been UMC policy restrictions for churches outside the U.S. The upcoming UMC General Conference is expected to feature deliberations on proposals that will determine the degree to which the UMC splinters overseas. There are also churches that disaffiliated from the UMC that dont intend to join the Global Methodist Church. Some will remain independent, though others might be drawn to new alternatives, such as the Methodist Collegiate Church. Started by Whites Chapel, a large congregation outside Dallas, Methodist Collegiate Church is an association of churches in voluntary cooperation over shared center-right views and that are committed to Wesleyan values. explained Methodist Collegiate Church leaders Revs. John McKellar and Larry Duggins. Compared to the UMC and Global Methodist Church, the model is a is a theological balance and a structural anomaly. We want this to be a people who want to be here, and we really dont want to get into the political wrangling and fighting thats happened, McKellar said in an interview. Methodist Collegiate Church officially started its work in July after Whites Chapel disaffiliated from the UMC. Likewise, churches in Texas and Oklahoma that left the UMC have established or pitched other alternative Methodist groups. Methodist Collegiate Church and other third way groups will have broader appeal as the dust of disaffiliation settles. Congregations that exited the UMC but didnt join the Global Methodist Church might realize upon further reflection the need to still partner with other churches to provide connection and accountability, Duggins said. There are a number of congregations who go through the trauma of disaffiliation and then say, I dont want to do anything for a year or two to allow us to make a deeply informed and prayer-surrounded choice about whether we belong to another denomination, Duggins said. More on status of churches outside U.S.: Splinter explainer: Will UMC churches outside the U.S. stay or go from the denomination? Still in the UMC or out, thinking out of the box Diverging from a more rigid hierarchy in the UMC and other Methodist groups, the Methodist Collegiate is entering uncharted waters. To think out of the box is a little unsettling, McKellar said. Thats why I think it's for the people who are willing to try something new and work the bugs out. But therein is also a selling point to churches that have felt concerned about UMC bureaucracy and bishops authority. Though churches stated reason for seeking disaffiliation had to be about their position human sexuality, disagreements over church authority fueled many churches eagerness to leave. Dease, a more progressive voice within the UMC, acknowledges some of those concerns and anticipates the North Georgia Conference operating in a more decentralized way going forward. Dease plans to be an itinerant bishop who frequently travels throughout her conferences seven districts, working to empower more lay leaders to take initiative at the local level. Partly financially-driven revenue shortfalls in the UMC are forcing regional conferences to downsize staff Dease also sees reorganization as opportunistic. Its a good time to make drastic change, fail fast, pivot and start again, the bishop said. For the North Georgia Conference, that change includes greater investment in church growth in marginalized areas and communities of color. The strategy might see a lower return on investment initially, but Dease said its necessary for other reasons. Thats going to be our focus: how do we start bringing people together when society keeps dividing us, Dease said. Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean. Reach him at ladams@tennessean.com or on social media @liamsadams. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Most consequential year in UMC's splintering leaves uncertainty, hope Google Trends published a map of the most searched cookies by state in 2023. Christmas is one week away and families across the country are baking sweet treats in preparation for ol' St. Nick. According to Google Trends, the state you live in may impact which holiday-themed cookies you and your loved ones create this year. Google Trends shared a map with USA TODAY of the most uniquely searched Christmas cookies by state in 2023. What is the most popular Christmas cookie in Ohio? For the second year in a row, peanut butter blossoms a peanut butter cookie with chocolate, typically a Hershey's Kiss, in the center took the No. 1 spot in Ohio. The cookie was also a favorite in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Peanut butter blossom cookies were the most searched cookies in Ohio this year. Peanut butter blossom cookie recipe Want to make your own peanut butter blossoms? Check out this recipe for 36 cookies courtesy of USA TODAY: Ingredients: cup butter, softened cup sugar cup firmly packed light brown sugar cup peanut butter 1 egg, blended 1- tablespoons warm water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1- cups all-purpose white flour teaspoon baking soda teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoons salt 36 Hershey Kisses (unwrapped) Instructions: Heat oven to 375F. Place butter in large mixing bowl. Using mixer, beat butter on medium speed until creamy. Add sugars and continue to beat until thoroughly combined. Add peanut butter and beaten egg, water and vanilla extract. Continue to mix well. In another large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Pour flour mixture into sugar mixture. Continue to mix well. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each in additional granulated sugar. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place cookies on baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are light golden brown. Remove from oven. Immediately press 1 milk chocolate Kiss into center of each cookie. Allow cookies to cool on sheets for 5 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheets. Transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling. Most popular Christmas cookies by state Italian Christmas cookies were the No. 1 most searched cookie in 2023 nationally, with 15 states looking up the cultural dessert. Here are the most uniquely searched Christmas cookies by state, according to Google Trends: Alabama: Fruit cake cookies. Alaska: Christmas sugar cookies. Arizona: Cake mix Christmas cookies. Arkansas: Kitchen sink Christmas cookies. California: Italian Christmas cookies. Colorado: Mexican Christmas cookies. Connecticut: Italian Christmas cookies. Delaware: Italian Christmas cookies. Florida: Italian Christmas cookies. Georgia: Italian Christmas cookies. Hawaii: Pinwheel Christmas cookies. Idaho: Candy cane cookies. Illinois: Red velvet cookies. Indiana: Peppermint cookies. Iowa: Peppermint Christmas cookies. Kansas: Red velvet cookies. Kentucky: Red velvet cookies. Louisiana: Pinwheel Christmas cookies. Maine: Gingerbread cookies. Maryland: Italian wedding cookies and Vanillekipferl. Massachusetts: Chocolate peppermint cookies. Michigan: Christmas sugar cookies. Minnesota: Peanut butter blossoms. Mississippi: Haystack Christmas cookies. Missouri: Grinch Christmas cookies. Montana: Chocolate crinkle cookies. Nebraska: Crinkle cookies. Nevada: Chewy gingerbread cookies. New Hampshire: Peppermint cookies. New Jersey: Italian Christmas cookies. New Mexico: Mexican Christmas cookies. New York: Ricotta cookies. North Carolina: Raspberry thumbprints. North Dakota: Peanut butter blossoms. Ohio: Peanut butter blossoms. Oklahoma: Ricotta Christmas cookies. Oregon: Christmas sugar cookies. Pennsylvania: Italian Christmas cookies. Rhode Island: Italian Christmas cookies. South Carolina: Italian ricotta Christmas cookies. South Dakota: Spritz cookies. Tennessee: Italian Christmas cookies. Texas: Italian Christmas cookies. Utah: Soft gingerbread cookies. Vermont: Italian Christmas cookies. Virginia: Italian Christmas cookies. Washington: Russian tea cakes. West Virginia: Thumbprint cookies. Wisconsin: Peanut butter blossoms. Wyoming: Italian Christmas cookies. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio's most popular Christmas cookie is worth a kiss this Christmas A woman and her five-year-old daughter were pistol-whipped by a gang of robbers who broke into their home in New York (Crime Stoppers) A woman and her five-year-old daughter were pistol-whipped by a gang of armed robbers who broke into their home in New York. Police say that four suspects, three of whom were armed with guns, kicked in the front door of the home on Staten Island in the early hours of Monday. The NYPD says that the 33-year-old woman, a five-year-old girl, a four-year-old boy and a 54-year-old nanny were in the home at the time. Officials released video of the masked suspects brandishing guns as they searched through the kitchen and several rooms of the home. They demanded money and jewellery before beating the woman and the girl. Both victims suffered facial cuts and bleeding. They were taken to hospital for treatment. The gang stole a phone before fleeing the one, said police. The woman told WABC-TV that she only woke up when the gang turned on the light in her bedroom and put a gun to her head. No arrests have been made in the case. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), by visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). RAMONA, Calif. A motorcyclist was killed over the weekend in a crash in Ramona, authorities said. The collision occurred Saturday around 11:35 a.m. on Highland Valley Rd., located east of Bandy Canyon Rd., Officer Jared Grieshaber with California Highway Patrol said in a news release Monday. A 62-year-old man riding a 2017 Yamaha FZ09 motorcycle was traveling on Highland Valley Road when a 2019 Toyota Camry, driven by a 20-year-old man, was exiting the driveway in front of the motorcyclist, according to authorities. As the motorcyclist tried to avoid crashing into the vehicle, he collided into the right front bumper of the Toyota, causing the motorcyclist to be ejected. Bodycam video shows police shooting in 4S Ranch The rider, of La Mesa, was taken to the hospital where he died due to his injuries. The driver of the Toyota, from San Marcos, was not injured. CHP has not identified either individual at this time. Authorities do not believe driving under the influence was a factor in the crash. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. JERUSALEM, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israeli President Issac Herzog said on Tuesday that his country is ready for another humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages. "I can reiterate the fact that Israel is ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid in order to enable the release of hostages," Herzog told a group of foreign ambassadors during a briefing on the current situation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, adding the responsibility "lies fully with" Hamas. Chief of Israel's Mossad spy agency David Barnea held a meeting in Poland on Monday with the Director of U.S. Central Intelligence Agency William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss a potential new hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, Israeli media reported. From Nov. 24 to Nov. 30, Israel and Hamas observed a seven-day cease-fire after the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. During the ceasefire, several batches of Israeli hostages in Gaza were released in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel and Hamas resumed military operations immediately after the ceasefire collapsed on Dec. 1. MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says avian flu has been found in a commercial poultry facility in Muskegon County. Testing done at Michigan State Universitys Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The deadly virus was first found in Michigan last year. According to MDARD, this is the second detection of HPAI at the facility. Agency experts say it is important for every bird owner to take steps to protect their flock and avoid spreading HPAI. While this latest detection is unfortunate, it is not unexpected as wild birds are still present on the landscape with the mild winter temperatures. Direct or indirect contact with infected wild birds have been the point of infection for many of the HPAI-positive flocks in Michigan, State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said in a statement. The best strategy any bird owner has against this disease is prevention. It is essential to continue taking preventative measures to protect flocks from wild birds and the germs they could be carrying. Sign up for breaking news alert emails As its name suggests, HPAI is highly contagious and can quickly spread through flocks through contact with infected birds or indirect contact with equipment and the clothing of caretakers who have interacted with infected birds. Michigans poultry farmers provide the best care for their animals by maintaining among the highest levels of biosecurity in the industry. However, HPAI can be extremely contagious and despite their best efforts, the virus finds its way to the birds. Events like this are every poultry farmers worst fear, Dr. Nancy Barr, Executive Director of Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, stated. The unnamed Muskegon County facility is currently under quarantine. While the public health risk of avian flu is extremely low, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is important that no products from HPAI-positive birds enter the commercial food chain and that all poultry and eggs should be handled and prepared properly. MDARD encourages Michigans poultry farmers and people with domesticated birds to take several steps to avoid an outbreak. Farmers should ensure any outdoor areas are fully enclosed to prevent contact between wild birds, and boots and gear should be disinfected when moving between coops. MDARD: Bird flu found in Cass County flock Some of the symptoms caused by HPAI include lack of energy, appetite and lagging coordination. The birds may also show signs of swelling, coughing and reduced egg production. Both domestic bird owners or anyone who notices a rash of unexplained deaths among wild birds should report the incident. Domestic bird owners can reach out to MDARD. People can file reports on wild birds to the Department of Natural Resources through agencys Eyes in the Field app. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Respiratory illness cases often spike in the fall and winter months. This season, dogs are the ones especially affected. Experts are still investigating an outbreak that's affecting canines across the country. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association explained the disease falls under the category of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), which includes canine parainfluenza and influenza viruses, canine respiratory coronavirus and canine distemper virus, among other viruses. CIRDC is often referred to as kennel cough. In a guide AVMA published Dec. 6, the organization said the pathogens responsible for the current outbreak are still being identified. Mysterious respiratory illness is spreading amongst dogs What are the symptoms of 'kennel cough' outbreak? According to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, symptoms can include: Trouble breathing Wheezing Coughing and/or sneezing Fever Discharge from eyes and/or nose Lethargy Dehydration Loss of appetite Dog owners are encouraged to reach out to their primary veterinarian if their dog begins showing any of these symptoms. Particularly if their pets present with: Lingering cough Weakness Worsening of illness Severe cough that hinders breathing or causes vomiting AVMA noted several factors may increase a dogs risk of becoming ill, including: Short-nose breed, such as French Bulldogs Very young or old age Compromised immune system Pre-existing respiratory disease or heart disease How do I protect my dog from a respiratory illness? The AMVA said outbreaks of CIRDC are not necessarily cause for alarm as they occur regularly. Most dogs will only experience mild symptoms and recover in seven to 10 days. To protect pets against illness, owners should ensure their dogs are up to date on their vaccines. This reduces the chance your dog will become ill and, if they do contract a virus, vaccines will make it less likely they develop severe symptoms. Suggested vaccines include canine influenza, Bordetella and canine parainfluenza. Experts also suggest keeping dogs away from communal spaces such as dog parks, boarding facilities and groomers. The guidance notes that dogs may be contagious and not display any symptoms. Owners should limit their dogs interaction with unfamiliar dogs, particularly because of unknown health and vaccine status. People should also wash their hands after handling dogs to reduce possible spread to other dogs. And while AVMA experts said humans are not at significant risk of contracting a virus from a dog with CIRDC, it is still possible. Sick dogs should be kept away from other dogs. Is mysterious dog illness in New Mexico? The state Department of Agriculture said on Dec. 1 the state has had reported cases of dogs with symptoms of the illness. The department said veterinarians are working with the AVMA and other reporting states on identifying the virus. State samples from dogs that are suspected of being infected are being sent to the University of New Hampshire, the lead investigating organization. According to a map created by DogFlu.com, most states across the country have reported cases this season. However, the cases include all viruses that fall under CIRDC, not just the cases of the suspected mysterious illness. Dog owners are encouraged not to panic if their pet is coughing. Veterinarians advise pet owners to contact their pet's primary vet if symptoms increase or continue and to stay up to date on overall animal wellness. Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on X, formerly Twitter. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Dog illness cases found in New Mexico: Symptoms, how to protect pets NEW YORK -- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed historic racial justice legislation on Tuesday, creating a committee to consider reparations for slavery. The new law authorizes the creation of a community commission that will study the history of slavery in New York state and what reparations could look like. "You can see the unreckoned-with impacts of slavery in things such as Black poverty, Black maternal mortality," said Nicole Carty, executive director of the group Get Free. Activists like Carty said the new law was a long time coming. She helped advocate for the bill, which was sponsored by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, after the racially motivated Buffalo mass shooting. "We saw that monster come into the community and kill 12 Black New Yorkers," Solages said. READ MORE: New York lawmakers OK bill to consider reparations for slavery: "Historic" The signing took place at the New York Historical Society on the Upper West Side, just down the hall from the Frederick Douglass exhibit. Slavery was abolished in New York in 1827 and officially across the us in 1863, but it was followed by racial segregation practices like Jim Crow and redlining -- denying loans to people based on race and neighborhoods, impacting generations. "I'm from Long Island. There is the first suburb of Levittown, one of the greatest housing programs that we could have in this country and Black New Yorkers were excluded from that," Solages said. "Look at today, where we still see Blacks making 70 cents to every dollar whites make," the Rev. Al Sharpton said. Leaders like Sharpton say the commission comes at a challenging time in America. A 2021 Pew Research survey showed 77% of Black Americans support reparations, compared with only 18% of white Americans. Advocates say prior to the Revolutionary War there were more enslaved Africans in New York City than in other city, except for Charleston, South Carolina. The population of enslaved Africans accounted for 20% of New York's population. "Let's be clear about what reparations means. It doesn't mean fixing the past, undoing what happened. We can't do that. No one can. But it does mean more than giving people a simple apology 150 years later. This bill makes it possible to have a conversation, a reasoned debate about what we want the future to look like. And I can think of nothing more democratic than that," Hochul said. "We do have a governor who is honest enough to say out loud that this is hard, honest enough to say she knows there will be pushback," state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. The committee will be made up of nine members who will be appointed over the next six months. They'll have a year to draft the report before presenting it to the public. "Our generation desires leaders who are willing to confront our true history," student advocate J.J. Brisco said. The next generation is hopeful this groundbreaking moment will shed some light on a dark past. New York is the second state in the country to study reparations after California. Trump denies reading "Mein Kampf" in first rally after Colorado ballot ruling Ukraine aid delayed in Congress until 2024 Sneak peek: What Ever Happened to Mary Day? NEW YORK The looming New York congressional redistricting effort could shift the odds of Rep. Jamaal Bowman fending off a Democratic primary challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer as Democrats seek to flip several Republican-held seats in 2024. Bowmans NY-16 district is sure to remain deep blue after the states 26 congressional districts are rejiggered before the 2024 elections as the states highest court recently ordered. But the outspoken progressives district, which is now almost entirely comprised of southern Westchester County, could be reshaped, creating ripples that either help or dramatically hurt the two-term lawmaker. Thats because Democratic strategists hope to use the redistricting effort to help flip two nearby Republican-held swing districts and to bolster one Democratic-held one. One way might be to stretch NY-16 far up into suburban northern Westchester, Putnam and even Dutchess counties. Such a new district could include some Republican areas that would make the neighboring NY-17 district, now held by Rep. Mike Lawler, much more Democratic. It could also boost incumbent Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan and potentially even hurt Republican Rep. Marc Moliaro, whose Catskills district is a perennial swing seat. If you can take a plus 30 Democratic district and keep it solidly Democratic while reelecting one Democrat and making it nearly impossible for Lawler, why wouldnt you do that? asked one Democratic insider, who asked to remain anonymous to discusss the strategy. But stretching NY-16 north would also make it dramatically less politically hospitable for Bowman, a former Bronx middle school principal who originally won the seat when it included a big chunk of the Bronx. It now includes lower Westchester cities of Mt. Vernon, New Rochelle and his home town of Yonkers. Bowman, who is Black, defeated longtime predecessor Eliot Engel for the seat. If Democrats want to win back the House we should be putting more of our resources into defeating Republicans, not taking on fellow Democrats like [what] George Latimer is doing, said Bill Neidhardt, a spokesman for Bowman. If map-makers do add far northern suburbs in the district, it would include far fewer people of color than the current district, which was drawn by a special master after conservative justices rejected a Democratic-drawn state map as an unconstitutional gerrymander. A reshaped district might also be more receptive to Latimers attacks on Bowman over the incumbent congressmans harsh criticism of Israel. Bowman is demanding that Israel end the fighting and launch negotiations with the Palestinians for a two-state solution. Latimer launched his primary challenge by framing himself as a strong supporter of Israels war in Gaza and journeyed to the Jewish state on a solidarity trip after Thanksgiving. He has longtime strong support in Westchesters large Jewish community and has raked in support from pro-Israel groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and Democratic Majority for Israel. Bowman would likely prefer to keep his district more or less the same. He and his progressive allies, including the powerful left-leaning Working Families Party, even want it to include a bigger slice of the Bronx, like it did before 2022. Jasmine Gripper, co-director of the New York Working Families Party, called that strategy the best way to give a stronger voice to Black voters in the Bronx and Westchester. She pleaded for unity as the best way for Democrats to flip at least five GOP seats in New York, including those held by Lawler and Molinaro. We can draw fair maps that will help Democrats win back these seats and move forward with democracy at the same time, Gripper said. Basil Smikle, a Democratic strategist and Hunter College professor, said there might be a conflict between two worthy goals for Democrats: maintaining a person of color as the representative of the district and retaking the House. The voters in those communities may be asked to make a sacrifice for the greater good, Smikle said. The New York State Court of Appeals set off the wave of the redistricting political parlor games when it ruled that the state must redraw its congressional districts before the primary and general elections next year. The bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission will seek to come up with a map that both parties can accept. One of the three Democratic members of the commission, Kenneth Jenkins, is an appointee of Latimer, prompting some calls for him to step aside. If the commission cannot agree, the Democratic-dominated state legislature will draw the map. Republicans would probably challenge any aggressive map drawn by the Democratic legislature in court, especially since the New York seats could wind up determining control of the entire House of Representatives. But the states top court now tilts towards liberal justices who might back Democrats this time. A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday alleges that Republicans who control the North Carolina legislature drew discriminatory maps for congressional and state legislative districts by diluting the power of the states Black voters. The lawsuit from the NAACPs state chapter, Common Cause and several individual Black voters is the latest to challenge new districts enacted in late October that cement Republican power in the swing state. But the outcome of this litigation will not affect the partisan balance in the US House of Representatives after next years congressional contests because the lawsuit is not challenging the district lines that will be used in 2024. The candidate filing deadline for next years elections expired December 15. Instead, the plaintiffs say they are hoping for new maps ahead of the 2026 election. The complaint alleges that Republican lawmakers, who hold a supermajority in the North Carolina General Assembly, targeted Black voting precincts with surgical precision throughout the state to achieve preferred district lines that diminish Black voters ability to elect candidates of their choice at all levels of government. In a statement, Deborah Maxwell, president of the NAACPs North Carolina State Conference, said lawmakers knowingly sought to erode the power of Black voters, power that was fought for over decades of violent discrimination and suffering. North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger, the legislatures top two Republicans, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. During the recently concluded redistricting process, Republicans who oversaw the map drawing insisted that they never consulted data about race in configuring the new districts. The congressional map could help Republicans pick up at least three US House seats after next years elections. The GOP currently holds a razor-thin majority in the chamber, and redistricting skirmishes around the country could shape which party gains the upper hand next year. Three House Democrats from North Carolina, whose districts were significantly reshaped by the state legislature, have already announced that they will not seek reelection next year. Moore is running for Congress from one of those newly redrawn districts. Currently, North Carolinas congressional delegation is split 7-7 between the political parties under temporary lines imposed by a court that applied only to the 2022 election. A separate lawsuit filed earlier this month asks a federal court to grant an injunction and block the use of the new congressional map for next years elections on grounds that it intentionally discriminates against minority voters in violation of the US Constitution. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com After hours of emotional debate, the Nampa School District Board of Trustees voted Monday night to close four schools because of dropping enrollment and financial concerns over failing facilities. The vote passed 3-2. The closures will affect Snake River Elementary, Centennial Elementary, Greenhurst Elementary and West Middle School. This is a hard decision, said Brook Taylor, chair of the Nampa school board. I was raised in (Nampa) schools. This is a very personal decision for us. According to the Nampa School Districts Fall 2023 State of the Schools report, the executive team will provide demographic guidelines to redraw school boundaries. Plans call for students to finish the school year at their current schools and have the new boundaries in place for next fall. Superintendent Gregg Russell said he understood the concerns that families and students had built ties to the schools that will be closed, but said he was confident that the schools receiving students would be able to keep those connections strong. The last thing we want is for any kid or any family to be left on their own and to lose resources, Russell said during the meeting. The changes call for the Snake River Elementary School building to be repurposed for the Gateways Program, which serves students who have struggled in the traditional education program, Russell said. The Gateways Program offers more support and structure to the learning environment. The Gateways program is housed in a building that was constructed in 1952, and some of the flooring has collapsed in parts of the building. That building is expected to be decommissioned. Its hard for us to be able to service the students in the size of classrooms they have, the condition of the building, the gym space that they have, the cafeteria space, Russell said. They need more space. Plans call for Centennial Elementary School to be decommissioned and possibly razed. Greenhurst Elementary School would be used for the districts preschool and online school offerings while West Middle School would be converted for use by Union High School and Nampa Academy. Union High School, Russell said, is an alternative school that specializes in college and career readiness. Its building also is expected to be decommissioned. Financial pains, changing demographics Without the closures, Russell said, the district would have to make cuts to services. The budget has to be balanced, Russell said. If Nampa didnt close the schools, Russell said, it would need to dip into savings more and would need to cut teachers, administrators, counselors and support services. Nampas $210 million school bond was turned down in March, with just 40% of voters in favor. (Theres) about $12 million a year of deferred maintenance every year, Russell said. In four years the district will have $149 million in deferred maintenance, and thats a huge, huge number. By closing the schools, the school district will be able to lower the amount of deferred maintenance, Russell said. Part of the reasoning behind the closures comes from a change in demographics. Weve seen a drastic drop in student enrollment the last 10 years, Russell said in an informational video posted before the meeting. Despite increasing population in Nampa, the school district has lost about 1,900 students since the 2013-2014 school year, according to the districts 2023 State of the Schools report. Continued enrollment declines are expected in the future. SAN DIEGO (KSWB) NASA has made history once again as they successfully streamed a video from 19 million miles away. The ultra-high definition streaming video experiment was conducted on Dec. 11 by NASAs Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) team, NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in southern California reported Monday. JPL says the technology is the first step to improving communications for future human missions beyond Earths orbit. DSOCs experiment on the recently launched Psyche spacecraft NASAs first mission to the metal-rich asteroid Psyche sent the 15-second video back to Earth, which features Taters the cat chasing a red laser. The video featuring Taters, a JPL employees cat, was uploaded before Psyches launch and sent back from 19 million miles away. Taters heart rate, color and breed were also on display in the video. NASA scientists find evidence of key ingredient for life on one of Saturns moons This accomplishment underscores our commitment to advancing optical communications as a key element to meeting our future data transmission needs, said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. Increasing our bandwidth is essential to achieving our future exploration and science goals, and we look forward to the continued advancement of this technology and the transformation of how we communicate during future interplanetary missions. The video lasted all of 15 seconds, using a cutting-edge instrument called a flight laser transceiver. The video signal took 101 seconds to reach Earth, JPL reports. The instrument beamed an encoded near-infrared laser to the Hale Telescope at Caltechs Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, where it was downloaded. Then, each frame was sent to NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, where the video was played in real time. NASAs first moon crew in 50 years includes 1 woman, 3 men According to NASA, the experiment will help improve communications through distances in space and will help with their mission to send humans to Mars. One of the goals is to demonstrate the ability to transmit broadband video across millions of miles. Nothing on Psyche generates video data, so we usually send packets of randomly generated test data, said Bill Klipstein, the tech demos project manager at JPL. But to make this significant event more memorable, we decided to work with designers at JPL to create a fun video, which captures the essence of the demo as part of the Psyche mission. WATCH: NASA launch sets sights on metal-rich asteroid, possible core of small planet The Psyche mission is led by Arizona State University. JPL is responsible for mission management, system engineering, integration and test and mission operations. Despite transmitting from millions of miles away, it was able to send the video faster than most broadband internet connections, said Ryan Rogalin, the projects receiver electronics lead at JPL. In fact, after receiving the video at Palomar, it was sent to JPL over the internet, and that connection was slower than the signal coming from deep space. JPLs DesignLab did an amazing job helping us showcase this technology everyone loves Taters. NASA shows off samples from near-Earth asteroid delivered by spacecraft and theres more to come Visit jpl.nasa.gov/missions/deep-space-optical-communications-dsoc for more information about the laser demo. Just last week, NASA announced scientists discovered evidence of a key ingredient for life on one of Saturns moons, marking another historic breakthrough in our journey of exploration through space. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. ISLAMABAD, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan recorded its 1st death from the monkeypox (mpox) disease after a 40-year-old man died during treatment in the capital Islamabad, an official said on Tuesday. Head of infectious diseases at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad, Nasim Akhtar, said in a statement that the person, who was also infected by HIV, died on Sunday morning due to complications of mpox. The official said seven people have so far tested positive for mpox in Pakistan and six out of them have recovered from the disease and another has died. The doctor added that all of the infected people came from abroad and that no case of local transmission of the disease has been detected in the South Asian country so far. The World Health Organization (WHO) provided an experimental antiviral for the treatment of mpox to Pakistan but it "faced extreme difficulties in treating the patient because of the lack of antiviral medicines for the treatment of mpox." Pakistan reported its 1st mpox cases in April this year when two persons tested positive for the infectious disease after they returned from Saudi Arabia. The disease causes high fever, headache and rashes, with serious symptoms lasting for about two to four weeks. Earlier this year, the WHO declared that mpox no longer represents a global health emergency due to a decline in new infection cases. Dmytro Tyshlek, the deputy chief of the National Police, whom journalists found to have alleged connections with Russia, wrote a letter of resignation. Source: Ukraines National Police in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda Details: Tyshlek submitted his letter of resignation "upon his own request". The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed to Ukrainska Pravda that Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has signed an order to dismiss Tyshlek from the position of deputy chief of the National Police. Previously: On 15 December, it was reported that Dmytro Tyshlek was allowed to go back to work after an internal audit, conducted when journalists discovered possible links between him and Russia, found no reason to dismiss him. Background: Bihus.Info, a Ukrainian investigative reporting outlet, discovered that as of this summer, the wife of Dmytro Tyshlek, Deputy Chief of Ukraines National Police, had still not got rid of her Russian passport, and Tyshlek himself had been spotted driving cars and staying in properties owned by a Russian criminal gang leader. After the investigation was made public, Tyshlek publicly appealed to the State Bureau of Investigation to verify the information published. Support UP or become our patron! Join us for an exclusive Native Bidaske as host Levi Rickert delves into a captivating interview with Magan Kateri Basque, a Mikmaq woman from the Eskasoni First Nation in Nova Scotia. Witness her remarkable journey to etching her name in history as the first Indigenous woman crowned winner of the 2023 Miss Canada United World Pageant. Basque's commitment to Indigenous women was exemplified through her symbolic choice of wearing a red sequin dress at the pageant to represent Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Raised in a single-mother household, Basque draws inspiration from her son Deluca and embarked on her pageantry journey in 2015 under the mentorship of Ashley Callingbull, the first Canadian Indigenous Mrs. Universe. Beyond her title, Basque is an entrepreneur managing a dispensary and pursuing studies in makeup artistry. Her focus remains on supporting Indigenous women in poverty through initiatives like "Culture for a Cause," where she crafts traditional beaded earrings to benefit the Native Womens Association of Canada. Despite her numerous accomplishments, Basque confronts the harsh reality of racism on social media. This February, she is poised to achieve another milestone by gracing the runway at New York Fashion Week, a dream made possible with the support of a fellow Miss United winner. Discover more about her inspiring story and her transformative journey to becoming Miss Canada United World on Friday, December 22, at 12 p.m. EST. Tune in to Native News Online's Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube channel. 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 Natural vs. artificial: Which Christmas tree option is better for the climate? Its that time of the year when people venture out in search for the best holiday sales and wrap presents. But whats the best kind of tree to put them under? While some revel in the scent of a real tree and the joy of picking one out at a local farm, others prefer the simplicity of artificial trees they can reuse for Christmases to come. But consumers are becoming more climate-conscious, and considering which tree has the lowest impact on our rapidly warming planet has become a vital part of the holiday decision. Plus, choosing a planet-friendly tree will likely get you on Santas good list. So, which kind of tree has the lowest carbon footprint a natural tree or a store-bought plastic tree? Its complicated, experts say. Its definitely a lot more nuanced and complex than you think, Andy Finton, the landscape conservation director and forest ecologist for the Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts, told CNN. Weve made a list and checked it twice of the things to know before you choose between real and artificial. The case for artificial trees Christmas trees for sale at a store in Chicago, Illinois, in November 2020. - Christopher Dilts/Bloomber/Getty Images Its easy to imagine that reusing an artificial tree year after year is the more sustainable option. But Finton says that if an artificial tree is used for six years the average amount of time people tend to keep them the carbon cost is definitely greater than for a natural tree. If the artificial trees are used for a longer lifespan, that balance changes, Finton told CNN. And Ive read that it would take 20 years for the carbon balance to be about equivalent. Thats because artificial trees are typically made of polyvinyl chloride plastic, or PVC. Plastic is petroleum-based and created at pollution-belching petrochemical facilities. Studies have also linked PVC plastic to cancer and other public health and environmental risks. Then theres the transportation aspect. According to the US Department of Commerce, most artificial Christmas trees are imported into the US from China, meaning the products are carried by fossil fuel-powered ships across the Pacific Ocean, then moved by heavy freight trucks before it ultimately lands on the distributors shelves or the consumers doorstep. The American Christmas Tree Association, a nonprofit that represents artificial tree manufacturers, commissioned WAP Sustainability Consulting for a study in 2018 that found the environmental impact of an artificial tree is better than a real tree if you use the fake tree for at least five years. Artificial trees were looked at [in the study] for factors such as manufacturing and overseas transportation, Jami Warner, executive director of ACTA, told CNN. Planting, fertilizing and watering were taken into account for real trees, which have an approximate field cultivation period of seven to eight years. What are the benefits of real trees? Grounds crew load cut and packaged Christmas trees onto trucks at Noble Mountain Tree Farm in Salem, Oregon, in 2020. Noble Mountain is one of the largest Christmas tree farms in the world, harvesting about 500,000 trees per season. - Nathan Howard/Getty Images On average, it takes seven years to fully grow a Christmas tree, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. And as it grows, it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. Protecting forests and planting trees can help stave off the worst impacts of the climate crisis by removing the planet-warming gas from the atmosphere. If trees are cut down or burned, they can release the carbon theyve been storing back into the atmosphere. But Doug Hundley, spokesperson for the National Christmas Tree Association, which advocates for real trees, says the act of cutting down Christmas trees from a farm is balanced out when farmers immediately plant more seedlings to replace them. When we harvest the trees or cut them, we plant back very quickly, Hundley said. If the idea of trekking through a forest to find the perfect tree is intriguing, you can buy a permit from the US Forest Service, which encourages people to cut their own tree rather than buy an artificial one. According to Recreation.gov, cutting down thin trees in dense areas can improve forest health. But Finton doesnt recommend pulling a Clark Griswold and chopping down a massive tree to haul home especially if its in an area youre not permitted for. He recommends getting a tree from a local farm, instead. To me, the benefit of going to a Christmas tree farm, which is different than cutting a tree in the forest, is that it concentrates the impact of removing trees into one location, he said. And it puts the responsibility on the farmers to regenerate those trees. Theres also an economic benefit to going natural, since most of the trees people end up getting are grown at nearby farms. About 15,000 farms grow Christmas trees in the US alone, employing over 100,000 people either full or part-time in the industry, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. What were doing by purchasing a natural Christmas tree is supporting local economies, local communities, local farmers and to me, thats a key part of the conservation equation, Finton said. When a tree grower can reap economic benefits from their land, theyre less likely to sell it for development and less likely to convert it to other uses. Disposal matters Municipal workers grind Christmas trees from the past holiday season in a wood-chipper at a community park in Warminster, PA, in February 2019. - Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto/Getty Images Trees pile up on the curbs after the holidays are over, and the final destination in many locations is landfills, where they contribute to emissions of methane a powerful greenhouse gas roughly 80 times more potent that carbon dioxide. Real Christmas trees ending up in landfills is very much discouraged, Hundley said, adding that there needs to be separate areas for yard waste where Christmas trees can go. But some towns and cities repurpose the trees to benefit the climate and the environment. In New York City, trees left on curbs during a certain timeframe are picked up to be recycled or composted. The city sanitation department also hosts an initiative called MulchFest, where residents can bring their trees to be chipped for mulch and used to nourish other trees throughout the city. When the tree is finished being used by the homeowner, its very easy and and common in America to have the tree chipped up into mulch and thats stored carbon is put back in the ground, Hundley added. Finton also says former Christmas trees can be reused for habitat restoration; they can help control erosion if placed along stream and river banks, and can even help underwater habitats thrive if they are placed in rivers and lakes. The end of life for an artificial tree is much different. They end up in landfills where they could take hundreds of years to decompose or incinerators, where they release hazardous chemicals. The bottom line Adobe Stock Weighing the complicated climate pros and cons, real Christmas trees have the edge. But if you choose to deck your halls artificially, get a tree youre going to love and reuse for many years. Either way, Finton said, people should feel good about their decision and find other ways to tackle the climate crisis. Its a debate, but once youve made a decision, you should feel good about your decision, because theres so many other things we can do in our lives that have an even greater climate impact such as driving less or advocating for policies that expand renewable energy, Finton said. Enjoy the holidays and focus on other aspects of your life to reduce the impacts of climate change. A version of this story was originally published in November 2021. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com An American flag flies above Wolfspeed prior to a visit by President Joe Biden on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Durham, N.C. The North Carolina Department of Labor has fined the Raleigh-based Southern Industrial Constructors Inc. $20,825 for violating a pair of workplace safety rules in connection to the July 17 accident that killed an iron welder at the Durham headquarters of the semiconductor manufacturer Wolfspeed. The victim, 51-year-old Ricardo Aguilar Aleman, was working at the site as a contract worker when he fell from the second story of a building on Wolfspeeds campus near Research Triangle Park. According to his death certificate, Aguilar Aleman suffered multiple blunt force injuries of head and spine, and died shortly after noon the next day at Duke University Hospital. NCDOL investigators visited the headquarters the day after the fall. The departments nearly five-month investigation found Southern Industrial had used plywood to cover a roughly 4-by-4-foot hole that was 14 feet above a concrete floor. This cover was not secure, investigators found, and Aguilar Aleman fell through. For failing to secure the elevated hole, the state fined Southern Industrial $15,625, the maximum amount by law for a serious violation. NCDOL also levied a $5,200 fine because it found Southern Industrial failed to provide employees with a stairway or ladder that covered the entire distance from the ground to the second-floor area. The penalties are in no way designed to make up for the loss of life, NCDOL spokesperson Erin Wilson said in a statement Tuesday. In North Carolina, employers have up to 15 business day to either formally appeal their citations, request informal conferences with the state, or pay the penalties. The state may then change its citation ruling or reach a settlement agreement with the company. The News & Observer reached out to Southern Industrial for comment on the states findings. We have no comment at this time, a company spokesperson said. Aguilar Alemans death was the second fatal incident at the Wolfspeed headquarters in the past 16 months. In October 2022, a Wolfspeed electrician named Vincent Farrell died after contacting a live wire. The state department of labor cited Wolfspeed for two safety violations in relation to the death, and Wolfspeed informed NCDOL it has since adjusted its safety protocols. Open Source Do you enjoy Triangle tech news? Subscribe to Open Source, The News & Observer's weekly technology newsletter and look for it in your inbox every Friday morning. Sign up here. Editors note: The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer recently published Hopes Foreclosed, a series of articles on HOA issues in North Carolina. Mr. Bumble got it right in Oliver Twist,: The law is an ass an idiot. In North Carolina that sums up the legal protections of homeowners against homeowners associations. The law says lots of pretty things about how homeowners associations, commonly known as HOAs, must operate but provides no real enforcement mechanism or relief for homeowners harmed by their HOAs. Timothy Hinds HOAs have legal authority to take as much money from owners as they deem necessary and to place liens on, and even foreclose on, owners homes. Thats scary authority, easily abused. Whats needed is transparency and accountability, but they are sadly lacking in N.C. law. By law, HOAs are required to make their records available to homeowners. Many dont. They are required to publish minutes of meetings to show what they are doing. Many dont. They are required to give notice of meetings and allow owners to speak at them regularly. Many dont. They are required to give all owners the list of owners addresses so they can communicate about association business. Many dont. You get the idea. Many association boards flout the law with impunity because there are no enforcement mechanisms in the law. North Carolina law tells homeowners to file suit in court if their HOA is misbehaving, but thats a $10,000 to $100,000 proposition that almost no homeowner wants to undertake. HOA boards know that, so they routinely ignore the things the law says. If a homeowner sues, the board can use all owners money HOA money from all homeowners to pay lawyers to drag things out in court until the injured homeowner runs out of money. Instead of this, the law should support homeowners visibility into what boards are doing and establish remedies if they are doing harm. But current laws benefit the developers, property managers and lawyers who make money by building, running and defending HOAs. Then, they spend money on politicians who routinely squelch homeowner efforts to reform laws so that homeowners get a fair shake. They also prey on towns and counties eager to increase their tax base without providing full municipal services. Municipalities yield governmental authority to HOAs as private corporations and quasi-governments. That shields the arrangements from state scrutiny since the Contract Clause (in Article I, Section 10) of the U.S. Constitution says no state shall make any law impairing the Obligation of Contracts. All levels of government get to wash their hands of homeowner protections. You signed up for this, Bub! they say. Well, HOA members didnt sign up for their boards to violate the law. Homeowners need accessible remedies when associations violate the law. Homeowners shouldnt have to shell out for lawyers to hold boards accountable. The law should mandate electronic record keeping by HOAs, open to owners. It should provide for executive and judicial remedies to overcome willful nondisclosure and other misconduct by boards. It should clarify that the Contract Clause doesnt negate owners civil rights, including redress of grievances. It should either empower and fund the Department of Justice to police HOA misconduct or let homeowners seek relief in Small Claims Court rather than having to spend thousands on lawyers. How can this be done? Homeowners must take political action to force the N.C. General Assembly to enact meaningful and accessible enforcement measures and relief for homeowners. Politics is an expensive contact sport. Homeowners have been complaining for years about how HOAs misbehave. But they havent made the contributions of time and money to unseat politicians in the pocket of the real estate industry and elect pro-homeowner legislators. If that doesnt change, none of this will. The NC HOA Law Reform Coalition, which I chair, is bringing people together to change N.C. law to protect homeowners with more than pretty words. Were proposing legislation now to clarify what records HOAs must give to owners, to establish that withholding records does financial damage to owners, and to let owners seek relief in small claims court. Much more is needed, but lets start there, together. Timothy Hinds lives in Raleigh. North Carolina has been one of the fastest-growing states in enrollment for private schools and charter schools since the COVID-19 pandemic. The state had the nations fifth-highest growth in private school enrollment since the 2019-20 school year, according to data released Tuesday by the Associated Press. During that same time period, North Carolina had the third-highest growth rate in the nation in charter school enrollment, a report released last week. The growth in charter schools and private schools coincides with continuing declines in enrollment in traditional public schools. Its a trend that could accelerate with state lawmakers approving universal private school vouchers and making it easier for charter schools to get approved and to add more students. North Carolina has shifted culturally and ideologically to where more people across the state say families should be empowered with school choice, Brian Jodice, vice president of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, said in an interview. Parents should be able to choose where they want to go regardless of their ZIP code or their income. But supporters of traditional public schools say the growth in private school and charter school enrollment is a threat to the system that still educates the majority of the states children. Theyre questioning decisions by state lawmakers to give more money to charter schools and private schools while not complying with a court order to increase public school funding in the Leandro case. Its a huge concern and represents an existential threat to what traditional public schools do best, which is serve all students regardless of their ZIP code, Todd Warren, state campaign strategist for Down Home North Carolina, said in an interview. Down Home North Carolina is a statewide progressive rural organizing group. Students walk past a sign that says Welcome Back to School during the first day of school at Lake Norman Charter Middle School in Huntersville, N.C., on Thursday, August 10, 2023. Enrollment rises in private schools and charters The Associated Press has been tracking the number of missing students whove disappeared from the nations public school attendance rolls during the pandemic. AP estimated 50,000 students were missing nationally from any kind of school as of fall 2022. Thats down from APs previous estimate of 230,000 students who were missing in fall 2021. As part of the analysis, AP found that private school enrollment nationally has grown 7.8%, adding 268,000 more students since the 2019-20 school year. Of the 34 states that have K-12 private school data available, AP says North Carolinas 22% growth rate is behind only Tennessee, Rhode Island, Washington and Florida. North Carolinas private schools added 22,809 students between the 2019-20 and 2022-23 school years. During that same time period, the number of students receiving Opportunity Scholarships more than doubled. Also during that time period, North Carolinas charter schools added 22,308 students. North Carolinas 19% growth rate since the start of the pandemic was behind only Texas and Florida, according to a new study by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Charter schools are considered to be public schools but are exempt from some of the rules that traditional public schools must follow. Homeschooling has also increased in North Carolina since the pandemic. But the extent of the growth is unclear due to how the state has been removing thousands of families who had never submitted paperwork saying they were no longer homeschooling. Families changed school options during pandemic The growth rates for charter schools and private schools soared during the 2020-21 school year, when traditional public schools were largely in remote learning due to COVID-19. Many private schools and charter schools were quicker at reopening for in-person classes than traditional public schools. A lot of families who were not happy with a virtual-only option started to look at private school options, Stephanie Keaney, executive director of the North Carolina Association of Independent Private Schools, said in an interview. There was a large influx of families who had never looked at private schools who realized the benefits of being in-person outweighed the financial costs. Sen. Amy Galey, an Alamance County Republican, said the growth in enrollment in private schools and charter schools is not surprising considering what took place between 2020-22. When the governor shut down our schools and mandated online learning, students suffered from severe learning loss and parents saw their children were being indoctrinated with values contrary to theirs, Galey said in a statement. Families rightfully began looking for alternatives, and because of Republican leadership over the past decade, North Carolinas robust system of school choice was prepared to absorb children damaged by the inflexible and autocratic approach taken by much of traditional K-12 during the COVID years. But Warren of Down Home North Carolina said its wrong to say that it was a mistake for traditional public schools to stay with remote instruction for so long. Our public schools are hubs for the community that go well beyond academics, said Warren, a former Guilford County schoolteacher. We did the absolute best we can absent a robust national response to a pandemic and came through. Yes, numbers have continued to decline for enrollment, but the resources for privatization for private schools and for for-profit charter schools have continued to escalate. Universal private school vouchers coming in 2024 Even after traditional public schools returned to in-person learning, private schools and charter schools have retained their additional students. Theres no indication that the trend away from traditional public schools will slow down. Initial enrollment figures from this school year show that traditional public schools dropped 0.4% and remain 50,000 students below pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, enrollment in charter schools grew by 4.9% this school year. This photo shows two students who were able to attend a Charlotte charter school with help from North Carolinas Opportunity Scholarship voucher program. Republican lawmakers are working to expand voucher eligibility to families all of incomes and to sharply boosts funding for the program. Private school enrollment for this school year wont be officially released until next summer. But there was a 26% increase in the number of Opportunity Scholarship recipients this year compared to last school year. There are 32,170 students receiving taxpayer funded private school vouchers this school year. Jodice predicts 15,000 to 20,000 more students will get an Opportunity Scholarship next school year. The 2024-25 school year coincides with new rules that eliminate family income limits for the Opportunity Scholarship program. There will also no longer be a requirement that voucher recipients had to have previously attended a public school. Jodice of Parents for Educational Freedom said the number of recipients will skyrocket in the 2025-26 school year when the state provides $415 million for the voucher program more than double what is currently funded. The bell cannot be unrung, Jodice said. Warren and other supporters of traditional public schools are hoping through the ballot box to reverse the expansion of the Opportunity Scholarship and charter school programs. Theres no doubt that some parents are frustrated with public schools and are seeking other options, Warren said. I would say that charter schools and private schools misrepresent what they can do and are not able to deliver. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Faison Fire Department photo FAISON, N.C. (WNCN) One fire department was busy Sunday night into Monday with water rescues from four flooded vehicles. In Duplin County, the Faison Fire Department was sent to four water rescues amid heavy flooding with up to 8 inches of rain in some parts of the county, according to the National Weather Service. Two water rescues took place along U.S. 117 between Warsaw and Magnolia, law enforcement said. Faison is partially in Sampson County, just off I-40 about 12 miles south of Goldsboro. Faison Fire Department photo Crews walked over a mile in waist-deep water to the patient, Faison Fire Department officials said about a driver who was rescued. There was also at least one water rescue on N.C. 50. A driver was also stranded in the water on Sam Miller Road, where a water rescue took place. Faison Fire Department photo Monday morning, fire officials reported Friendship Church Road at Bear Swamp was covered with water and the swamp is rising. The water rescues happened over a 16-hour period, fire officials said. Friendship Church Road at Bear Swamp still flooding Monday. Faison Fire Department photo Water was also across Robert Hargrove Road at Albritton Road, making them impassable. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. CHICAGO - A teen was fatally shot on Chicago's Near West Side and police are still looking for the suspect involved. The shooting happened at 5:15 p.m. Monday in the 1200 block of S. Ashland. A 17-year-old boy was in a parking lot when he was shot multiple times, according to police. Further details on what happened are limited. The teen took himself to Stroger Hospital, but police say he died from his injuries. No arrests have been made and the investigation continues. [Source] A group of animal welfare volunteers from Hangzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang province managed to save about 1,000 cats from what could have been a deadly fate. What happened: The Hangzhou Animal Protection Volunteers Team announced the successful rescue on their WeChat account on Monday. According to the post, their team and local authorities intercepted a wagon that contained around 950 cats at the Renhe community in Yuhang district. The volunteers on Saturday transported the felines to a local pet hospital, where they received treatment. Chinese media reported that while most of the cats were in good overall condition, some suffered from external injuries and respiratory infections. Trending on NextShark: Filipino American nurse wins $41 million retaliation lawsuit against Kaiser Reunited: The cats appear to have been stolen. One owner, identified only as Yang, reunited with her 2-year-old ragdoll cat on Sunday afternoon. The cat went missing in Hangzhou on Friday and was found to be among the rescued felines inside the wagon. "I am very grateful to the volunteers for helping save the cats, and I hope that those who stole them will be punished accordingly," Yang told reporters. Investigation ongoing: The motive behind the questionable transport remains unknown. Authorities have detained the driver of the wagon but have yet to release a statement regarding the investigation. Trending on NextShark: Manila crowned world's top city destination for 2023 Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! COLOMBO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka introduced a new disaster early warning system on Tuesday, marking a collaborative effort involving the Disaster Management Center (DMC), Sri Lanka Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and major telephone service providers, the President's Media Division (PMD) said. The PMD said in a press release that the primary objective of this disaster early warning system is to fortify the existing mechanism, ensuring the safety and well-being of Sri Lankan citizens amidst various disasters, including those caused by weather and climate change. Specifically focusing on tsunami disasters, the system targets nearly 60,000 mobile and landline numbers in 14 districts identified as high-risk areas, said the PMD. The PMD said it will establish a more robust early warning mechanism for the public, utilizing phone notifications featuring a siren sound, particularly effective during night-time hours. Scheduled for a public rollout on Dec. 26, the system's scope is anticipated to expand in the future, evolving into a comprehensive multi-disaster early warning mechanism, according to the PMD. This article was originally published in Nebraska Examiner. OMAHA Nebraskas brain drain of people with a bachelors degree or higher leaving the state is persistent and worsening, according to newly released U.S. Census data. But the same survey also raises an alarm about who else is fleeing. Notably, the data reveals that individuals 25 years and older with other (lesser) levels of educational attainment also are leaving the state, says Josie Schafer of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her office, which consults with state policymakers and legislators about workforce and economic development patterns, analyzed migration-related findings from the American Community Surveys five-year estimates through 2022, which were released this month. In 2022, the state lost an estimated 1,089 adults aged 25 and older with an education of high school diploma or less. While a relatively small slice, Schafer said that the drop marks a shift from several previous years when Nebraska was attracting individuals in that education group. In the category of individuals with some college or an associate degree, Nebraska saw a net gain in 2022, though small: 35. For perspective, the state in 2019 had a net increase in that population of more than 2,000. Schafer said the data did not allow her to drill into specific reasons why the people with less education than a bachelors or professional degree might not be finding Nebraska as alluring as in the past. She believes patterns could be driven by job availability, better wages and job benefits offered elsewhere, or perhaps quality of life factors such as housing and child care. The idea of Nebraska being a low cost-of-living-state they might not be feeling it, said Schafer. Erin Porterfield, executive director of nonprofit Heartland Workforce Solutions, which serves Douglas, Sarpy and Washington Counties, checked with network partners to better understand why their clients might be eyeing the exit door. Among reasons cited are that negative experiences with racism contribute to feeling unsafe and to reduced employment and social opportunities. Feeling like Nebraska isnt for everyone, was another refrain, along with increased limits on rights for people of diverse identities, including transgender care. Porterfield also said Nebraska is relatively early in establishing a solid employment pipeline, which leaves some young adults unclear about their employment and career opportunities. While employers generally are trying now, more than ever to connect with young people to show what a career pathway could look like, she said, such linkages have a ways to go. Especially for Nebraskans who need to support themselves financially after high school, Porterfield said, they often feel lost. Meanwhile, said Schafer, the exodus of people with a bachelors degree or more remains a critical issue for Nebraska. Her analysis of the newly released survey data showed a sustained trend, with the state losing a net 4,610 people with that higher education level in 2022, compared to the previous years 4,415. To be sure, there are still more than 400,000 individuals with a bachelors degree or higher living in Nebraska. Lots of people stay in Nebraska, Schafer said, But the fact the trend is continuing to be negative is certainly something that should give us pause. Overall, while an estimated 31,600 people 25 and older left Nebraska in 2022, about 26,000 people moved into the state. Schafer has said consistently that job opportunities, more so than taxes, tend to be top of mind when people choose to leave or come to Nebraska. But earlier this year her office released an analysis, based on a separate federal survey, that revealed housing the challenge of finding it as a top influencer of overall and more recent outmigration from Nebraska. Yet another study this year by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said that immigrants and refugees historically have been a larger component of Nebraska population growth than incoming migration from other states. From the 1990s through 2015, immigration to Nebraska increased annually by about 5%. But starting in 2017, immigration to the Husker state, as well as the nation, fell steadily. Had Nebraska continued to add residents from abroad at the same rate prior to 2016, the Federal Reserve economists said, the states population by last year might have increased by an additional 19,000 individuals. Lina Traslavina Stover, executive director of the immigrant-focused and statewide Heartland Workers Center, suspects that innovative recruitment and retention strategies from competing states may be luring foreign-born workers that otherwise might be in Nebraska. Anecdotally, she said, a construction business in Nebraska offers different types of work during cold months to keep its labor force on the payroll. Perhaps we dont have enough of those, she said. Traslavina Stover said that in reality, she still sees foreign-born workers moving to Nebraska, including from states such as Florida. Those same people are willing to uproot if better opportunity beckons, she said. They already did the move once, said Traslavina Stover. Why not twice or three times for what they consider to be better conditions. When it comes to brain drain, Nebraska is joined by bordering states of Iowa, Missouri and Wyoming, which also experienced a net loss of their more educated population. Colorado, Kansas and South Dakota all saw brain gain, though the gains for Kansas and South Dakota were relatively small. Nationally, big gainers of the more formally educated population were Florida, Texas and Arizona. Schafer said those three states, along with Georgia and Tennessee, also were among the top states for 2022 gains in adults with education attainment of high school or less. Nebraska Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Cate Folsom for questions: info@nebraskaexaminer.com. Follow Nebraska Examiner on Facebook and Twitter. In 1913, two Chelsea homeowners battled it out all the way up to the House of Lords now known as the Supreme Court over a large Virginia creeper which had grown up the party wall the wall thats shared between two properties from one house and allegedly spread damp into the neighbours servant hall. Eliza Theodora Minturn, the owner of No 14 Chelsea Embankment, ended up paying No 15s legal fees and footing the bill for two layers of asphalt three-quarters of an inch thick to damp-proof the party wall. Hundreds of guineas were spent in the name of work that cost just shillings. Some 110 years later, and this is still the only party wall dispute case to have reached the Supreme Court. These days, surveyors say cases typically only reach the Court of Appeal every few years. Geoffrey Adams, senior director at surveying firm Anstey Horne, said one of the biggest bills for damages he has ever seen was for 20,000. In this case, a builder had drilled straight through a wall in Fulham not once, but at every tread of a three-storey staircase he was replacing. This created an ascending trail of boltholes in the neighbours wall, perforating reams of wallpaper which to the homeowners anger had been discontinued and so could not be replaced. This was easily avoidable, Mr Adams said. Drill depth stops, which often come with drills when you buy them, are meant to prevent this very incident. So, if theres one piece of advice Mr Adams can give homeowners with lofty renovation dreams, its to make sure their builders and architects are competent and to be sure theyve read up on The Party Wall etc Act 1996. What is the Party Wall Act? The concept of a party wall evolved after the Great Fire of London in 1666. It left courts with piles of disputes over burnt buildings and paved the way for new regulation on how party walls should be built preferably with stone, not flammable wood. Since then, iterations of the law have evolved into what is now known as the Party Wall etc Act 1996. The law is used to protect homeowners from works in their vicinity which might damage their property. If a building owner wants to extend their loft, for example, they may need to install scaffolding on their neighbours lawn. This could turf up terrain and leave gaping holes in the ground. The act gives neighbours a way to seek recourse if damage is caused during any works. It covers a broad scope, from those affected by 36-month projects to build inner-Londons multi-million iceberg houses, to those whose planter walls have been damaged after a boundary fence was replaced by a brick wall. Gary Rycroft, a senior partner at Joseph A Jones & Co Solicitors, said despite being called the Party Wall Act more often than not disputes are about the foundations and not walls. The classic example is an extension in a row of terrace houses where youre digging down into the foundations. Tampering with the foundations can be really destructive, he said. Before 1996, neighbours had to prove the damage themselves. It was sometimes really hard to prove your neighbour had a duty to you, Mr Rycroft explained. Now, this act is designed to head off litigation and get parties together at an early date. It puts an onus on the person carrying out the work to agree on a plan of work, timeframes and notify their neighbours. The best way to serve notice If youre a homeowner keen to make some major improvements to your property, its your job to let your neighbour know your intentions, and what steps youll be taking to avoid damaging their property. Most party wall disputes begin with serving notice. As the one doing the work, you need to serve notice at least two months before you get started. Mr Adams said: Oftentimes, the first a neighbour hears about a development is from a notice from a surveyor. Its a real shock. Id advise talking to your neighbours beforehand. If you want an easy process, engage your neighbours in advance. In the notice, youre meant to include a plan of what you intend to do. The neighbour then has 14 days to reply. A common misconception is that a surveyor needs to be involved at this stage. They can be, but they arent needed by law at this point. It is only if your neighbour dissents in response to the notice you serve them that youd need to get one involved. Recommended How to choose a surveyor and avoid a property buying horror story Read more Your rights as a neighbour once notice is served If you are the one who has been served notice, you effectively have three options: You can consent: If you think its unlikely the work will cause any damage to your property and you have a good relationship with your neighbour, then you can consent to the works on the condition that the building owner carrying out the work takes dated pictures of the party wall before they begin. This gives you assurance that if anything did go wrong, you can prove it was as a result of the work, and not already broken or damaged. It also saves you from spending money on a surveyor. You can dissent: To dissent, youll need to appoint at least one surveyor. You and your neighbour can either appoint a surveyor each meaning double the fees or appoint a mutual surveyor who can act on both of your behalfs. A mutual surveyor cant be one that either of you have used before. You can ignore it: However, this will be treated as dissent. You will be written to again for a surveyor to be appointed. If you dont reply after a further 10 days, the building owner can appoint a surveyor. They will then need permission to access your property. If you decline, the law states that a police officer can force entry for the surveyor to complete their report. Andrew Thompson, a fellow on the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors boundary and party wall practice panel, said neighbours assent in most cases. He said: While disputes can happen in party wall matters, they are the exception not the norm. If the risk of damage is minimal, then the two owners can sensibly consent. I manage a 240,000-property portfolio and regularly give consent. Just because you have the right to object, it doesnt mean you have to. The important thing to remember is that when notice is served, this triggers the legislation and both parties rights are protected. People wrongly think they can serve notice after theyve done the work. The last party wall dispute to reach the Court of Appeal was the Shah v Power-Kyson case where the judge used the phrase: No Notice, no Act. What happens if an issue occurs? This is all down to the surveyor, who will inspect the property at the end of the work to identify any potential damage. Anyone can assign a value to any damage caused, but if this amount is disputed by either party, the surveyor gets the final say. An award document is then issued by a surveyor. Both owners have 14 days to challenge this, and if either party thinks the surveyor got it wrong then they can go to county court. If you both accept the decision, then the award has to be paid. Importance of a schedule of condition A schedule of condition document needs to be recorded by a surveyor before any work takes place if the neighbour has objected to them. David Toogood, of Harding Chartered Surveyors, said: This is absolutely essential and has to be agreed by the surveyor. He added: If that isnt there, solicitors will worry there is a dispute and this can delay a future sale of the house. Ive seen this before. What happens if the neighbours dont pay for the damage? If the building owner who did the work refuses to pay for the damage, a judge can issue an injunction. But, to get a county court judge involved typically requires a fee of around 5,000 for a file to be opened. Mr Toogood said: Despite great intentions, there are no teeth in the act. This is where it falls over. Where it is only mild building works with fairly small contract sums, 5,000 is a far way out from the 1,000 ballpark of damages being disputed. And its not guaranteed that youll get this hefty legal fee back. Many people give up at this stage. What if your neighbour doesnt serve notice? Some building owners will carry out work without serving a party wall notice. But fear not, the act will still protect you as the neighbour. Mr Rycroft said: Youre in a very strong position to go to town on your neighbour if you havent been served notice. The first step is to take legal advice from a solicitor. Because its an open and shut case, youre guaranteed to win all your money back including any legal fees, which will be paid by the building owner. Often you run the risk of losing with enforcement action, but that isnt the case here. Plus, you know the building owner has assets to pay you, because they can afford to renovate their house! Recommended 15 things I wish Id known before I renovated my house Read more Beware unscrupulous surveyors and builders Party wall disputes are a niche area of the law. With this can come unscrupulous characters, according to Mr Toogood. He said: Surveyors will weigh in with a metre when there is no dispute. They should only get involved if the building owner cant agree with their neighbour. The Party Wall Act is thin, and some surveyors do just get involved to make money. Homeowners should also be wary of the builders they employ, as often the cost of their mistakes will fall on their pocket. Mr Toogood recalls the story of two detached properties which sat side by side on a suburban street in Surrey. One of the homeowners decided he wanted to do a loft conversion. He got on well with his neighbour, watering his plants when he was on holiday. What could possibly go wrong? One day, Mr Toogood got a call from the neighbour. He said the builder was behaving badly and making a big mess. When the surveyor arrived, he discovered that the loft conversion, which had been built, was not the one the owner had been granted planning permission to build. After calling the local planners, the owner was served with a demolition notice. The builder, having been paid handsomely, ran off. Meanwhile, the owner was left with a massive hole in his roof, and a very angry neighbour. One morning on the way to work, his anger boiled over into a punch-up between the two men on their front lawns. Not long after this, both sold up and moved away. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A nightclub has been fined after one of its bartenders mistakenly gave customers caustic soda instead of salt with their tequila shots. Four women were taken to hospital after ingesting the cleaning chemical at the Tiger Tiger nightclub on Haymarket, central London, Westminster City Council said. The venue was fined 120,000 after admitting four charges under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act at Westminster Magistrates Court last week. An investigation by the councils health and safety team found the incident happened when a group of three women and a man visited the venue and ordered four tequila shots, often served with salt and lime, on Dec 7, 2021. Realised there was no salt As the bartender prepared the drinks he realised there was no salt so he went to an unlit area behind the bar. He used a disposable plastic cup to scoop what he believed was salt from a large white container on a shelf, the council said. The customers then poured the white substance onto the back of their hands, licked it and drank the shot. They immediately became unwell and the emergency services were called. When he realised something was wrong, the bartender tasted the substance himself, which burnt his mouth and tongue. A witness told The Sun shortly after the incident that the group had begun to retch. There was panic. People thought it was some kind of terrorist incident, they said. Police officers who attended the scene found a white container with a caustic soda label on it, the council said. Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, is used as a drain cleaner but has also been used to dissolve roadkill because of its corrosive properties. Chemical burns on skin It can cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with skin, and potentially blindness if it gets into eyes. The substance given to the women at Tiger Tiger was found to have a PH level of 13, making it a strong alkaline. Councillor Aicha Less said: The shocking details of this case show a lack of attention and proper process for handling toxic cleaning chemicals. This incident shows that overlooking basic safety measures can have the most serious consequences. We hope the significant fine acts to all businesses as a warning, preventing this from ever happening again. Westminster City Councils Health and Safety Team will continue to work with all businesses in the city to make sure the highest levels of health and safety are consistently maintained, and staff are educated in safe practice. Tiger Tiger, which advertises itself as a staple of Londons nightlife, has been on Londons Haymarket since 1998. It is one of 41 venues owned by A3D2, also known as Novus Leisure, including several other branches of Tiger Tiger. In 2007 it was the target of an unsuccessful car bomb linked to the Glasgow airport attack, which was thwarted after door staff noticed a suspicious vehicle. 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. COLOMBO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government will reduce the price of electricity during the next tariff revision in January 2024, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera told journalists on Tuesday. Addressing a press briefing at the Presidential Media Center, Wijesekera said the state-owned electricity producer, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), is producing electricity mostly using hydropower. He said there was a tariff hike in October because they were generating electricity using thermal power at that point, and thermal power was very expensive. The weather was dry then, but in the past few months, Sri Lanka has received a lot of rain, he said. Rainfall is expected to continue for two more weeks, and they will decide on the tariff reduction based on the CEB balance sheet in December, said the minister. Sri Lanka is now producing over 60 percent of its electricity through hydropower, according to the CEB data. (Bloomberg) -- Tyler Raygor, campaign flyers in hand, went door to door through tidy Urbandale, Iowa, the other day with a hard-sell pitch: Vote for Nikki Haley. Most Read from Bloomberg Door to door, the response was usually the same: no. Even the Koch political machine one of the most powerful networks in US conservative politics and the money behind Raygors message is struggling to change a few minds in Iowa. Four weeks before the first-in-the-nation caucuses, former President Donald Trump holds a commanding lead in this state over Republican rivals Haley and Ron DeSantis. So commanding, in fact, that the Haley campaign and Americans for Prosperity Action, the advocacy group founded by billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch, arent trying to win over Trump supporters. The Koch group reported in July it amassed more than $70 million roughly the same amount President Joe Bidens campaign raised last quarter. That money will be spent to ensure Haley, the Koch networks preferred candidate and a favorite of the Wall Street donor class, makes a strong showing on Jan. 15. She has said shes aiming to finish second, ahead of DeSantis. Americans for Prosperity Action is also planning to boost candidates in other state and local races. Raygor is a happy foot soldier in this big-money battle to deny Trump the 2024 Republican nomination. Americans for Prosperity, a grassroots behemoth, insists it can defy the polls and secure the nomination for Haley. But a view from Urbandales front porches points to one of the bracing realities in American politics: In the time of Trump, the mighty network backed by Charles Koch doesnt have the sway over the Republican base it used to have. (David Koch died of cancer in 2019.) Diving into presidential primary politics for the first time, Americans for Prosperity has thrown its weight behind Haley, the former governor of South Carolina. Yet, judging by recent polls, its an uphill fight, not only in Iowa but across the nation. A Des Moines Register poll published Dec. 11 found that 51% of likely Republican caucusgoers would select Trump as their first choice, which is up by 8 percentage points since its October poll. Meanwhile, DeSantis had the support of 19% of likely caucusgoers and Haley 16%, with a margin of error of roughly 4.4%. Door Knocking Last Thursday, Raygor, 31, spent about an hour knocking on doors in Urbandale, a Des Moines suburb. Several people who answered promptly slammed the door. Others told him they were leaning toward DeSantis, the governor of Florida. Only one of the 15 who answered was willing to entertain Haley. Raygor, a senior adviser for Americans for Prosperity, approached a brick house festooned with holiday garlands. He rang the bell and took a studied step back. Kelli Schoney answered. A 41-year-old stay-at-home mom, she is one of several thousand Iowans AFP has identified a new or persuadable Iowa caucus-goer. Raygor smiled and began his pitch. Haley, he said, has the best chance of beating Biden next November. Republicans need to move on from Trump, he said. Schoney was leaning toward DeSantis, who has been marginally ahead of Haley in recent polls in Iowa. The Florida governors team, which blew into Iowa early with a big on-the-ground operation, had beaten Raygor to Schoneys door. In recent months, the DeSantis team has been wracked with tumult, most recently mass turnover among the upper rungs of his allied super political action committee, which could endanger his ground operation. Trumps inevitability has hardened as DeSantis has struggled in the polls. We cannot have four more years of Trumps divisiveness, Schoney said. On that point, Raygor agreed. He pressed his pitch for Haley, who served as UN ambassador during the Trump administration. So, were kind of on the same page there as far as we think of Trump, said Raygor, who voted for Trump himself in the past. Not only might Trump lose to Biden again, Raygor warned, he also might hurt Republicans running for Congress. Haley is Republicans best bet, he said. Schoney said shed think about it. Since January, Americans for Prosperity has spent nearly $23 million urging voters to move on from Trump and Biden, according to Bill Riggs, a spokesman for the group. Since AFP publicly endorsed Haley on November 28, its spent $4 million helping her campaign. Those figures suggest just how much the Koch network, which didnt back Trump in 2016 or 2020, might be willing to spend keep the former president out of the White House. Haley campaign officials say Koch-aligned resources have breathed new life into their lean operation. The goal is to win enough votes here and in other early-primary states so that even if Trump is the clear winner, Haley nonetheless can present herself as a viable alternative. Drew Klein, a regional vice president for Americans for Prosperity, said the advocacy group has about 150 volunteers in Iowa going door-to-door on any given day. Its also building out digital and mail advertisements. Since endorsing Haley, AFP has reached more than 300,000 voters in Iowa on her behalf, according to Riggs, the AFP spokesman. Trump Factor Back in Urbandale, Raygor kept knocking on doors. If no one answered, he left flyers proclaiming BIDEN FAILED and NIKKI HALEY WILL LEAD AMERICA OUT OF THESE DARK DAYS. Diane Johansen was someone who answered the door. A 64-year-old life insurance consultant, Johansen told Raygor that people canvassing for DeSantis had come knocking in previous weeks. She said she and her husband probably would plug their noses and back Trump. Nick Ryan, a longtime Republican strategist in Iowa, said hes noticed more Iowans talking up Donald Trump lately. Youre not running in a cycle where everyone is a brand-new candidate, said Ryan, who has worked on campaigns here for 16 years. Youre running against a guy that was president. Still, Tim Hagle, a political science professor at the University of Iowa, said Iowans views about candidates tend to solidify about two weeks before caucuses. That means Haley and the Koch network still have time to get their message out. Shes in contention still here in Iowa, Hagle said of Haley. (Adds groups support of other races in sixth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Nikki Haley is seeing clear signs of momentum as the most competitive alternative to former President Trump in the early voting state of New Hampshire. A recent poll from CBS News/YouGov shows Haley narrowing the gap against Trump in the Granite State, with the former president at 44 percent and Haley at 29 percent. The numbers are the latest indication that Haley is gaining momentum in the race for the GOP nomination. Still, Republicans acknowledge she faces an uphill climb to consolidate support, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie still in the race for the nomination. Best Holiday Deals BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Ill be the first one to say Donald Trump remains the odds-on favorite to be the nominee, Republican strategist Jim Merrill said. Theres no question about it. But there are a lot of variables that need to be played out yet, both on the ground in the early states and then with external events that nobody can control. I think to this point, Nikki Haley has achieved goal No. 1, which is to be viable down the stretch, and she did that by outlasting [Sen.] Tim Scott, outlasting [former Vice President] Mike Pence and other credible candidates where now shes got a shot, Merrill added. Haley has seen a steady rise in New Hampshire polls over the last few months. As recently as Sept. 16, a polling average of New Hampshire surveys compiled by DecisionDesk HQ and The Hill found Trump leading the field with close to 44 percent, followed by biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Christie and DeSantis, with each around 9 percent. Fast forward to Dec. 16, and the DecisionDesk HQ/The Hill polling average of the state shows Haley in clear second place behind the former president. Trump comes in at 45 percent, Haley around 23 percent, Christie at 12 percent and DeSantis at 10 percent. Republican strategist Dave Carney cautioned that the CBS News/YouGov poll was only one data point, saying more polling needed to be done to see if it was a trend. But he acknowledged the strength of Haleys campaign. Trumps running a real campaign, but shes the only other one running a serious campaign thats not totally, 100 percent candidate-centric, he said. Haley also got a jolt of momentum in the Granite State with last weeks endorsement from popular four-term Gov. Chris Sununu (R). She has also clinched several other prominent endorsements around the country, including from the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity. On Monday, her campaign rolled out a slate of new endorsements from 50 current and former lawmakers, businessmen and other community officials in New Hampshire. Granite Staters are ready for a new generation of conservative leadership. As Nikki continues to surge, its clear this is a two-person race between Nikki and Donald Trump and we look forward to debating him one-to-one, Haley campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas told The Hill in a statement. DeSantis and Christie, meanwhile, are signaling that they have no plans to go anywhere for the time being. What happens in New Hampshire will be significantly impacted by the outcome in Iowa, where the true Trump alternative will emerge, DeSantis communications director Andrew Romeo said in a statement. And when Ron DeSantis comes out in that position, he will be joined by over 60 New Hampshire state legislators who stand ready to take the fight to the establishment and their candidates of yesteryear to return power to grassroots conservatives, he added. DeSantis has received 100 endorsements from state and local leaders in the state, including 18 last month. Those who have endorsed the Florida governor in the Granite State include House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R). Hes also received the endorsements of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) and top Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats. Christie, meanwhile, who has focused much of his campaigns energy on New Hampshire, has polled at roughly third place in the Granite State and has enjoyed support from some leaders, including former Rep. Charlie Bass (R-N.H.). Calls have grown in recent weeks from some Republicans for Christie to drop out of the race. Im behind Nikki Haley, Sununu told Fox News last week when asked if the former New Jersey governor should drop out. I think they should all get out frankly, including former President Trump. I think everyone should kind of clear the way. But Christie has so far resisted those calls. In comments made to The Hill a week before Sununus endorsement of Haley, the Christie campaign brushed off Republican appeals for him to exit the race. First of all, Id say, Like who? because apparently people talk to reporters, but not to us, Christie campaign adviser Mike DuHaime said. So you know, theres been very little of that to us. I think the Haley camp is trying to manufacture this through some donors and through the press, and they do not have the courage to directly come to us and say that. They havent. After Sununus endorsement, Christie told told Fox News Digital, Im not going anywhere, so lets be really clear about that. He added that it wasnt Sununus job to tell anybody when to get out. Christie also defended himself after a recent editorial in the conservative publication National Review calling for him to drop out, insisting during an appearance on CBSs Face the Nation Sunday that he still has a path forward. Meanwhile, Trump still holds a sizable lead over Haley, DeSantis and Christie in both early state and national polling despite facing four separate indictments and facing scrutiny for some of his more recent remarks, including vowing last month to root out the Communists, Marxists, Fascists, and Radical Left Thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our Country. Tom Rath, a former New Hampshire attorney general, argued that the Haley campaign needed to articulate what comes next after the Granite State, expressing uncertainty about how well she will perform in her home state of South Carolina. I think at some point they need to show either through data or, you know, conversations with folks like you, Heres where were going next and heres how were going to do it, Rath said. Haleys campaign sees the next phase of the race as a probable two-person match-up in South Carolina between her and Trump. The other question, Carney notes, is about the donors particularly how long theyll be able to stay in and support her beyond the early caucuses and primaries. When you get to the large states the Super Tuesday states the question is, do her donors have enough patience to stick with her? And do they raise enough money? Cause these become media states, Carney said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. GOP presidential candidate and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley let loose on her opponent, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, this week for hitting the campaign trail in Iowa with a member of Congress who she called the "most anti-Israel Republican there is." DeSantis was joined at a Johnston, Iowa, town hall on Saturday by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who made headlines for a string of recent votes in the House of Representatives that saw him side with a number of Democrats, including the far-left "Squad," against bills in support of Israel. "Ron DeSantis - who says Ukraine's a territorial dispute, and that this is Israel's war, not America's war - turns around and brings in a Republican into Iowa that is the most anti-Israel Republican there is," Haley told a crowd of supporters at a campaign event near Des Moines, Iowa, on Sunday. ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS SHOW UP TO DEM CONGRESSMAN'S HOME IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT, BLARING CAR HORNS AND SCREAMING From left to right, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Republican Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. "[Massie] voted with the Squad against calling out antisemitism on college campuses, voted with the Squad against hitting the presidents that were allowing it to happen, and voted with the Squad, the only Republican, to turn around and ban the fact that we shouldn't give $6 billion to Iran for five hostages. That's who he brought to Iowa. So let him answer for that," she said. Massie, a self-described Libertarian, has opposed much of the legislation in support of Israel introduced following the horrific Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas terrorists that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people, including babies. However, he has maintained that he is a supporter of Israel. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Last month, he voted against a resolution reaffirming the nation of Israel's right to exist, joining Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., two members of the "Squad," in opposing the legislation. In a post on X following the vote, he cited the language within the resolution for his decision. NEW POLL REVEALS AMERICA'S LEAST FAVORITE LEADER IN CONGRESS WITH SHOCKING SINGLE-DIGIT APPROVAL "I agree with the title Reaffirming the State of Israels Right to Exist and much of the language, but Im voting No on the resolution because it equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism. Antisemitism is deplorable, but expanding it to include criticism of Israel is not helpful," he wrote. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), center, arrives for the weekly House Republican conference meeting in the basement of the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 7, 2023 in Washington, D.C. Massie also voted alongside 22 Democrats last month against a resolution condemning antisemitism on college campuses. He cited concerns over free speech as the reason for his vote. "Free speech means protecting speech you dont like, not just speech you do like. Also, who defines antisemitism?" he wrote in a post on X . FORMER TRUMP ADVISER KELLYANNE CONWAY LEADS CHARGE TO OVERHAUL GOP ABORTION STRATEGY, END DEMS' 2024 ADVANTAGE Additionally, Massie voted against the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, a bill to freeze funds associated with the Iran hostage deal and impose maximum sanctions on the nation. "Im voting against HR 5961 because theres no legal or moral authority for us to freeze or steal assets of other countries we are not at war with. Its also shortsighted for us to use our super-power status to force foreign banks to freeze assets of sovereign countries," he wrote on X about his vote. From left to right, Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Cori Bush, D-Mo., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn. DeSantis responded to criticism of his appearance with Massie during a Monday campaign event by stating that he did not see eye-to-eye with the congressman on foreign relations issues and referred to him as "basically an isolationist." "He votes against anything having to do with foreign relations. I disagree with that," DeSantis said. "But you know, my 80% friend is not my 20% enemy, and we've got to stop thinking that way, as Republicans." When reached for comment, DeSantis campaign press secretary Bryan Griffin told Fox News Digital, "Nikki Haley is just trying to distract from her record of inviting Gaza refugees to the U.S. and supporting U.S. tax dollars going to the Gaza Strip." "Ron DeSantis has been the clearest, most consistent pro-Israel candidate in this race. He has unequivocally supported Israel in exterminating Hamas, passed the strongest anti-Iran legislation of any state in a special session in November, and jumped into action to bring Americans home from Israel who were stranded by Joe Biden," he added. In contrast to the DeSantis campaign's debunked claim about Gaza refugees, Haley has said surrounding countries sympathetic to Hamas should be the ones to accept refugees from Gaza, not the U.S. Fox News Digital has reached out to Massie's office for comment. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: Nikki Haley takes aim at GOP rival for campaigning with 'anti-Israel' member of Congress The leader of the Granite City steelworkers union was disappointed Monday to hear that U.S. Steel could be taken over by Nippon Steel of Japan for $14.9 billion instead of another American company, but he also had a glimmer of optimism. Im disappointed that it isnt one of the other steel companies that we were pushing for, said Dan Simmons, president of United Steelworkers Local 1899, which represents employees at U.S. Steels plant in Granite City. Simmons said other possible companies, which included Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio, have had positive relationships with union workers. However, Simmons said Nippon had a good relationship with the former National Steel Corp. in the United States over two decades ago so he hopes this could be replicated with the U.S. Steel plants. Simmons said in a news conference at the union hall that he hasnt heard any details yet from Nippon for the firms plans for the Granite City plant, and he looks forward to hearing the companys plans. The proposed sale between U.S. Steel and Nippon is not expected to close until the second or third quarter of 2024, according to a U.S. Steel statement. Simmons said he is concerned that U.S. Steel officials would still be running the company in the United States for Nippon and that U.S. Steel officials have idled the blast furnace in Granite City. He believes the blast furnace should be restarted because the price of steel is doing well. We make grades of steel that nobody else in this country can make, Simmons said. U.S. Steel didnt take advantage of that. He said U.S. Steel has a narrow vision for the products that could be produced in Granite City if the blast furnace is operating. Granite City mayor reacts to sale plan Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson said its early in the process of the proposed sale, and he doesnt know what Nippon plans for Granite City. Clearly were hopeful they will fire this thing back up and start producing steel as we always have, Parkinson said. He was referring to the blast furnace that was idled by U.S. Steel. Granite City Works has continued to perform finishing operations for U.S. Steel. Parkinson said the fear is that Nippon would let U.S. Steel officials continue the current decision to keep the Granite City blast furnace idle. The mayor also raised concerns about whether Nippon would honor the union agreements made between the steelworkers and U.S. Steel. Clearly theres some issues of national interest here that I think the government really needs to take a close look at as well to make sure that this is in the best interests of the United States. Parkinsons comments about national security were similar to remarks by David McCall, international president of the United Steelworkers union. McCall urged government regulators to carefully scrutinize this acquisition and determine if the proposed transaction serves the national security interests of the United States and benefits workers. Parkinson said that if there is a new owner at the Granite City plant, he will hold them accountable for cleaning anything they idle and shut down. Anything thats idled here, I will expect it to be cleaned up and returned to brownfields. Im not going to allow this city to become a Rust Belt like weve seen in other plant shutdowns throughout the Pittsburgh region and other areas of the United States. A strike by public sector workers planned for early next year will be "the biggest ever seen" in Northern Ireland, a trade union has said. Thousands of Nipsa members, including civil servants, health and education workers, will strike on 18 January. It coincides with industrial action already planned for the same day. Nipsa said the action, being coordinated with other unions, was "an unprecedented escalation" in a long-running pay and conditions dispute. "It has all the characteristics of a general strike," Nipsa's general secretary Carmel Gates told BBC News NI. "It will be the biggest strike action Northern Ireland has ever seen." Some 584m to address public sector pay issues has been offered by the UK government as part of a financial package of more than 3.3bn for the return of a Northern Ireland Executive. But on Monday, a pre-Christmas deal to restore Stormont was ruled out. Chris Heaton-Harris 'must act now' on public sector pay, Nipsa says "It is unacceptable to say that only if the executive returns will public sector workers get a pay rise," Ms Gates said. "Given that the Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has admitted our services are underfunded, given he has accepted public sector workers need a pay rise, he must make that money available now. "It needs to happen now". Ms Gates said civil servants doing the same jobs in the other UK regions can earn between 3,000 and 10,0000 more than Northern Ireland staff. "It is time to end the pay border down the Irish sea," she said. Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy said unions had no option but to "intensify" their industrial action. He said January 18 would be a "generalised day of action" that would affect "every part of public services" in Northern Ireland. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) announced a half-day strike from 08:00 GMT until 12:00 on 18 January Earlier on Tuesday, The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) announced midwives and maternity support workers are to take part in the 18 January strike action. The RCM announced a half-day strike from 08:00 GMT until 12:00 but said care would still be provided to those who need it. The industrial action is due to take place across all five of Northern Ireland's health trusts. RCM's Director for Northern Ireland Karen Murray said the patience of midwives had run out. "Our members have been more than patient, seeing their counterparts in Scotland, Wales and England getting pay uplifts while their own stands still", she said. Northern Ireland health and social care staff remain the lowest paid in the UK. The RCM has sought to reassure patients that the strike with not impact the delivery of safe services. Midwives and maternity support workers last took to picket lines in Northern Ireland in September when they joined a wider strike action by health and social care staff. Ms Murray said that the RCM had been "hopeful" that the Executive at Stormont would be reinstated by now, "and that we could have worked towards a resolution on pay before Christmas". 'Overstretched' "Our members are overstretched and under enormous pressure to deliver safe care," Ms Murray said. "Day in, day out midwives work flat out to help deliver safe and high-quality care for women, babies, and their families," she added. "Maternity services in Northern Ireland cannot continue to run on the goodwill of our hardworking members," she said. All five of Northern Ireland's main teaching unions, including headteachers, have also said their members would walk out on strike on 18 January. OLATHE, Kan. The Johnson County prosecutor will not file charges against two law enforcement officers who shot a suspect accused of killing a Fairway officer. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper shot and killed Shannon Marshall in August after a stolen vehicle report led to a deadly police shooting. 24-year-old Independence woman hit by car, killed on I-70 in Blue Springs Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe said Marshall fired a shot that later killed Fairway Officer Jonah Oswald. In response, a Kansas trooper and a Mission officer returned fire. It started on Aug. 6, when Lenexa police responded to a report of a stolen car near Interstate 35 and 95th Street. Police chased the suspects north on I-35 until two suspects crashed the car and ran into a QuikTrip at I-35 and Lamar Avenue. According to a report from Howes office, officers entered the QuikTrip where they arrested a female suspect, Andrea Cothran, accused of stealing the vehicle and driving during the chase. Howe said body cameras show Marshall refused to exit the gas station bathroom and surrender. As officers attempted to take him into custody, Marshall put his hand through a stall door, now holding a gun, and allegedly shot Oswald. Police close investigation into teen found in dead in Gladstone pond The Johnson County prosecutor said a Mission officer briefly exchanged gunfire with Marshall, and the Kansas trooper ultimately shot and killed Marshall. An autopsy determined Marshall was shot six times, and a toxicology report was positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and norfentanyl. Howe announced Monday that neither the trooper or Mission officer would be charged in the shooting, and the use of force was justified, he said. The facts of this tense, rapidly changing deadly situation support the conclusion that these officers reached, Howe wrote in his report. In other words, their subjective belief that this was a deadly force situation was supported by objective facts known to them at the time of their decision. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Cothran remains in custody at the Johnson County jail on a $1 million bond. She has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and felony theft. Her next court hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2024. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. NICOSIA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The humanitarian corridor from Cyprus to Gaza was inaugurated with the sailing of a ship loaded with 80 tons of aid for the conflict-beleaguered Gaza residents, state broadcaster CyBC reported on Monday. According to the CyBC report, the ship, a British shallow draft vessel, departed from the southeastern port of Larnaca on Saturday. It added that the ship was escorted by British navy warships and was headed for an Israeli port. CyBC reported that Israel gave its approval for the dispatch of the aid cargo after the arrival of a second team of Israeli technocrats who follow the procedures of scrutinizing and loading the aid. Israel has said that it has opened a second aid corridor in the northern part of Gaza. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday that official announcements on the inauguration of the aid corridor could be made soon. He also said that he was undertaking another initiative for the cooperation of countries in the region for Gaza. The CyBC report said the aid sent to Gaza is comprised mostly of tents donated by Britain, to which several tons of aid offered by Cyprus were added. Brice Rhodes was found guilty on all counts Monday night in the murder of three people - including two teenage brothers who were brutally beaten and stabbed to death. The Jefferson Circuit Court jury got the case about 5:30 p.m. following closing arguments and startling testimony in which Rhodes' alleged accomplices said he called for a vote on whether Larry Ordway, 14, and Maurice Gordon, 16, should live or die. In their closing arguments, prosecutors asserted that Rhodes orchestrated the murders of the brothers in May 2016 because he feared they would "snitch" on him for the murder of Christopher Jones, 40, a few weeks earlier. Jones, prosecutors said, was killed by mistake because Rhodes thought he was another man with a bounty on his head. But Rhodes defense told the jurors not to believe the prosecutions key witnesses, Anjuan Carter and Jacorey "Corey Taylor - cousins who both pleaded guilty to lesser charges related to the case. The defense earlier said they got sweetheart deals for implicating Rhodes and that Carter was the likely killer. Prosecutor Elizabeth Jones Brown said Rhodes preyed on a group of children (the brothers, Carter and Taylor were between the ages of 14 and 17) whose admiration of Rhodes, an obscure local rapper, soon turned to fear.She said Ordway and Gordon were killed because Rhodes believed they would rat him out in Jones' murder.The prosecution said Carter's and Taylors recollections were corroborated by evidence, such as Gordons blood found on a discarded blanket.But in closing arguments defense attorney Tom Griffiths said, Lets talk about credibility for a second. According to Griffiths, Carter and Taylors testimony had stark differences, such as how the 9 mm handgun that was allegedly used to kill Jones was purchased and how each of them voted when Rhodes asked whether Ordway and Gordon should be killed.Jones Brown argued the inconsistencies raised by the defense were inconsequential details difficult to recall seven years after the murders. When each took the stand, Carter's and Taylors testimonies were identical in the important details, Jones Brown said, in that they each said Rhodes was the driving force behind each murder and forced them to participate in the beatings and fatal stabbings of Ordway and Gordon. Background: Brice Rhodes set to go on trial in notorious Louisville triple-murder case Carter told the jury last week that he cast the lone vote for sparing the boys' lives. Taylor confirmed in testimony the next day that Rhodes put the teens' fates up for a vote but said none was taken and that he did not vote at all. He said that he helped stab and beat Gordon to death at Rhodes' command, while Ordway listened to his half brother beg for his life. Taylor said Rhodes told him earlier, Weve got to kill them, after he heard they had told others that Rhodes fatally shot Jones. The teens' bodies were found at an abandoned home 10 miles from the home they shared with their mother. Evidence suggested their killers attempted to burn their bodies, police said. Besides the three murder charges, Rhodes was found guilty of tampering with evidence and abuse of Gordon's and Ordway's corpses. Rhodes faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Brice Rhodes verdict: Killer found guilty in 3 murders Oshada Jayasundera was on an MSc project management course at Nottingham Trent University The family of a student fatally struck by a car during a police chase say they "hope for justice to prevail". Oshada Jayasundera, 31, a mature student at Nottingham Trent University, was pronounced dead at the scene in Nottingham on Wednesday. His family, who live in Sri Lanka, said their hearts were "heavy with grief". Joshua Gregory, 27, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving whilst uninsured. Mr Jayasundera, who was on an MSc project management course, was described as an "engaged and committed" student by the university. 'Unfortunate tragedy' His family, who were calling for justice in a statement, said: "It is with profound sorrow that we share the devastating news of the tragic passing of our beloved family member, Oshada Jayasundera, in a fatal accident. Our hearts are heavy with grief as we come to terms with this unfortunate incident. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Nottinghamshire Police staff, Nottingham Trent University staff members, Coroner's Office, The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the UK, the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry, Nottingham Shanthi Vihara and Meditation Centre as well as friends and colleagues. Their unwavering support and guidance has been a source of strength during these challenging times. "We hope that no-one will have to endure such an unfortunate tragedy in the future. As we grieve deeply, we earnestly hope for justice to prevail in this matter in honour of Oshada's memory." The mature student was pronounced dead at the scene Mr Gregory, of Westfield Road in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, has been charged with four offences. These include causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving whilst uninsured, failure to stop after a road accident, and failure to provide a specimen for analysis. He has been remanded into custody and will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 12 January. An IOPC spokesperson previously said it had started an investigation into the pursuit after being notified by the force. "We sent our investigators to the police post-incident process and scene to begin gathering information, including initial accounts from the officers involved and other police witnesses," they said. "We are also gathering police dashcam and body-worn video footage. "We understand that the Focus initially came to the attention of police at about 03:10 GMT but officers lost sight of it. "A pursuit began when officers in another vehicle spotted the Focus, which subsequently collided with a male pedestrian shortly after 03:20. "Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident." Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. The Historical Society of the Nyacks opened its exhibit "Four Black Churches" on Sept. 30, highlighting just a few of many predominantly Black churches established as far back as the 1800s and the impact their presence has had on the village and its people. But not many residents know just how far back this community's presence goes. The churches featured are St. Philips A.M.E. Zion Church on 14 North Mill Street, Pilgrim Baptist Church on 80 North Franklin Street, Berea Seventh-Day Adventist Church on 67 South Broadway and First Church, formerly known as Hollingsworth Memorial Church on 187 Main Street. Brenda Ross and Louise Parker, two active community members and Nyack Historical Society volunteers, said they got the idea to make an exhibit about the Black churches in Nyack simply because no one had ever done it before. "For a lot of people, they see the Black church as a monolith, and it's not," Ross said. "We chose these four that have been steeped in Nyack for quite a while, and oh my goodness, the history was very enlightening." Ross has lived in on and off in Nyack since her family moved to the town from New York City in the 1950s. Ross said that when she came back to the village she grew up in, she got involved -- and obsessed -- with research on Rockland's historical past. Brenda Ross talks about the exhibit "Four Black Churches" at the Historical Society of the Nyacks on Wednesday, November 2023. Through the society, she met Louise Parker, the former deputy mayor of the village and a member of one of the oldest Nyack families. Parker said both her maternal and paternal grandparents lived in Nyack, and she estimates her family has lived in the town for over 100 years. The Black church is the centerpiece of community for many Black communities. It remains a powerful tool for community among Black populations in predominantly white towns. "For many of us, the Black church has been the glue that helps us sustain, create community, not just spiritually but also communally," Ross said. "With all the hurdles and the barriers we've had to surpass in life generally, the church has been a life saver in many ways." Saint Philips AME Zion Church is part of the Historical Society of the Nyacks exhibit "Four Black Churches." Wednesday, November 2023. For the Black community in Nyack, the church has been especially vital for the preservation of culture in the community. But Ross says to understand the importance of the church, people need to go back to the founding of the county. "I would like to highlight the Tappan Patent, because a lot of visitors don't realize that Rockland County was founded by 16 men from the Bowery that came here. Three of them were freed slaves that bought this land, 5,000 acres, and they divided it up," Ross said. "Nobody knows that any people of color were part of that land deal." The Tappan Patent is the only land grant that "included Blacks and whites on an equal basis," according to the Nyack Historical Society. "Even though it has nothing to do with church, people need to be grounded in that," Ross said. "This is where we started." Berea Seventh-Day Adventists Church is part of the Historical Society of the Nyacks exhibit "Four Black Churches." Wednesday, November 2023. Nyack was a unique Hudson River town because of its predominantly Black community. It is well known an important New York hub for the Underground Railroad. Some of Nyack's Black families are well known names in the community, like the Parkers and the Easters, but Parker said that their history would have been lost if not for the institution of the Black church to cultivate culture and pass down legacies. "The churches are important first because Nyack used to be a predominantly Black community. So that's how everyone fellowshipped and got together with everyone over the years," Parker said. "The church was always just a fixture." Parker is also a lifelong member of St. Philips A.M.E. Zion church, one of the four churches featured in the exhibit and one of the oldest existing Black churches in Nyack. First Church is part of the Historical Society of the Nyacks exhibit "Four Black Churches." Wednesday, November 2023. "St. Philips [my paternal grandmother's] church, so that's how we got engrained into going to St. Philips over the years," Parker said. "My maternal grandmother, she was a Baptist, so she was part of one of the Baptist churches in Piermont. But the church is the church for all intents and purposes. So we had a rich history, just going to church and being in a godly household." Ross and Parker said that St. Philips A.M.E Zion church began with the help of a white Methodist abolitionist named John W. Towt. In 1859, he helped the Black community in Nyack develop a Sunday School. As membership grew, he helped the congregation buy their first church building on property he owned on Burd Street. The Historical Society says the A.M.E. Zion church has often been called the "freedom church" because of its associations with abolition and civil rights. The Historical Society said that iconic leaders like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth were members of the church. Grace Baptist Church is part of the Historical Society of the Nyacks exhibit "Four Black Churches." Wednesday, November 2023. "[The church] was such a vital importance establishing that sense of values in your life," Parker said. "As children, you don't understand it but as you grow, you understand it from a different perspective. It has that sense of value that gets instilled in you so that you can continue the legacy and carry on the way things should be. We have to make sure that we maintain that standard and that value for the Black community." Other churches like Pilgrim Baptist had more humble beginnings. According to the historical society, the church began on top of a carriage house on Burd Street in 1875. The church has seen many buildings over the years, from the carriage house to a room above a dry-goods store to a building next to the Black YMCA on Main Street in 1903. A common trend in the history of Nyack's Black churches is their growth and expansion from small community gatherings to monumental spaces in different areas of the village. First Church, formerly known as Hollingsworth Memorial Church, has been moved at least three times from building to building from their first gatherings in the 1930s to their current home established in 1995. But the New York State Housing Authority's Urban Renewal project in the early 1960s was the force behind the moves, kicking Black families and churches out of their homes and forcing them to find other unoccupied buildings. "When it first started, I was just a baby," Parker said. "But over the years, as you've seen things, [the Housing Authority] felt the need to, I guess "beautify" the village. They felt that the homes weren't kept up." Now, the impacts of the Urban Renewal project have revealed a deep cut in the cultural preservation of Nyack's Black community. "Just to put it bluntly, Nyack has become unaffordable for a lot of people.," Ross said. "Downtown Nyack was all Black when I grew up here. Before the Housing Authority took over, Black people owned homes. We moved three times in Nyack, and each time we rented from a Black homeowner." Ross said Charlotte Eubanks, one of Nyack's most respected matriarchs, told her just a few years before she passed that the coveted Downtown waterfront was mostly Black and was referred to as "The Bottom." Parker said even the municipal parking lot between Main Street and Artopee Way used to be filled with Black-owned homes. "They would come in and claim these homes as eminent domain even though people were still living there," Parker said. "I know a lot of Black families lived on Catherine Street. Then there was Burd Street that went all the way down to Broadway. Those were Black owned homes. Jackson Avenue, Black owned homes. All the way down to Broadway." Ross said the cost of living in Nyack has risen so much that people who used to live in Nyack for decades are moving out to other places like Spring Valley, and taking the town's rich history with them. "I'm in Nanuet and I'm fine with that," she said. "I just think these stories need to be told. I do worry that as time goes on, there won't be people here to tell them." Parker said that while she was on the Village Board and acting as Deputy Mayor, she tried to advocate for her community and spoke up about the changes she was observing. "This is something I always said to my fellow colleagues on the Village Board. We have to just remember the Black community," she said. "When we do our planning, right down to our budgeting and different things like that, we cannot forget that that's an entity within the community, within the village, that we still have to serve." The demographics of the town may have changed, but the churches remain. "I think the biggest part for me, and what I tried to instill within my son when he was younger, is that you're part of a bigger family," Parker said. "It's like you grow up within the church and everyone knows everyone so you become part of that bigger family of God." The Black churches in Nyack continue to face struggles head-on right next to their community, but they stay standing as a fixture of a culture in danger. When First Church dedicated its' current building in 1995, local artist Bill Batson wrote that the architecture reflected the journey of the church. "Howard Owens' design for this building makes it seem like it's clinging to the curve of the hill, refusing to surrender its hard-won foothold," Batson wrote. "Four Black Churches" runs through January 2024. The Historical Society of the Nyacks is open on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. 50 Piermont Ave, Nyack. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Four Black Churches highlights Nyack NY history dating back to 1800s The owner of a Lexington drug-testing laboratory has been sentenced to three years and 10 months for health fraud and for evading $3.5 million in federal taxes as he pursued what a prosecutor called an obscenely lavish lifestyle. Under the sentence, Ronald Coburn is liable for paying a total of $1.8 million in restitution to Medicaid and Medicare and $3.5 million to the Internal Revenue Service. Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves sentenced Coburn, 76, in federal court in Lexington on Monday, directing him to report to prison in February. Reeves also sentenced Erica Baker, an employee at Coburns now-defunct lab, to 12 months and one day in prison followed by one year on home detention. Baker is liable for restitution of $1.5 million to the Kentucky Medicaid program and $105,605 to Medicare. Coburn owned LabTox LLC in Lexington. The services included analyzing urine samples for drugs. Courts and substance-abuse recovery programs use the tests to check whether people are using drugs in violation of program rules. Baker pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit health fraud. She got non-medical recovery programs typically faith-based programs or homeless shelters to send drug samples to LabTox to be tested, and the company billed Medicaid and Medicare for the work. That was fraudulent because the tests were not medically necessary. In court Monday, Bakers attorney, Kent Wicker, sought a sentence for Baker that did not include any time behind bars, saying she is a genuinely good person whom friends describe as hard-working, kind and loving. Baker has a 2-year-old son, so being locked up will be particularly hard for her, Wicker said. Wicker also argued that Coburn is the one who set policy for LabTox and directed the illegal acts, and that Baker only carried out the scheme she was taught to pursue. Coburn also sexually harassed and assaulted Baker and controlled her, Wicker said. She was the classic abuse victim, Wicker said. The prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCaffrey, agreed that Baker was naive when she first started working at LabTox, and that Coburn set her on a bad path. But by 2019, during the period covered in the charges, Baker was fully aware that her actions were wrong and kept taking part in extensive fraud anyway because she wanted to be rich, McCaffrey said. She made a deliberate choice to engage in criminal conduct, McCaffrey told Reeves. Reeves said that a sentence of probation for Baker would unduly diminish the seriousness of the offense. However, the judge sentenced her to less time than outlined under advisory guidelines, partly in recognition of her effort to provide information to prosecutors. Coburn pleaded guilty to one charge of health care fraud and one charge of tax evasion. His attorney, Daniel Fetterman, asked Reeves to place Coburn on probation, citing his age, health problems that include a heart condition, and his 17 years of military service. But prosecutors argued Coburn should receive a substantial sentence. He profited greatly from the illegal billing, failed to pay taxes on the income he earned, and used those profits to fund his outrageously luxurious lifestyle expensive cars, a personal plane, yachts, jewelry, and more, possible only because of his health care fraud and tax evasion, McCaffrey and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Mattingly Williams said in a sentencing memorandum. Coburn put his assets in the name of another person and didnt pay personal income taxes for 20 years, the memo said. His payment to the IRS as a result of the criminal case covers only five years. In addition to his fraudulent conduct, Coburn also was a bully at work, running LabTox through fear and intimidation and sexually harassing Baker, the prosecutors said. Coburn apologized in court and and noted his Air Force service, but said yes when Reeves asked whether his crimes dishonored his military service. Reeves imposed the maximum prison time on Coburn outlined in the advisory sentencing guidelines. HODGEN, Okla. (KFOR) Employees from Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center delivered joy to kids in southeast Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, staff members have been collecting donations and buying Christmas presents for students this year. Man holding bicycle. ODOC staff delivers gifts. Image courtesy Oklahoma Dept. of Corrections. We had a little girl last year who cried, Warden Randy Harding said. You mean I get to keep this? This year, the staff hand-delivered the gifts, including bicycles and Samsung tablets, to students in the Hodgen, Heavener, Wister and Howe school districts. The students from each school were chosen by their teachers for their wonderful behavior. ODOC staff delivers gifts. Image courtesy Oklahoma Dept. of Corrections. ODOC staff delivers gifts. Image courtesy Oklahoma Dept. of Corrections. Anyone thats involved with our kids to make sure they have the best education possible, not only through bookwork but making sure their Christmas is great, thats a great partnership to have in my mind, Hodgen School Superintendent Dennis Shoup said. The employees at Jim E. Hamilton are also holding a coat drive for children in southeast Oklahoma. In 2022, they gathered and donated more than 100 coats to children in need. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Religious freedom activists have urged members of the U.S. Congress to encourage the Biden administration to designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" after it removed the designation in the last two years.Last Tuesday, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., an outspoken advocate of international religious freedom, read aloud a letter from more than two dozen religious freedom advocates and entered it into the congressional record. Smith said the letter submitted to over two dozen members of Congress elaborated on "the dire state of religious freedom in Nigeria" and called for "that country to be designated a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998." The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, created and mandated by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, has repeatedly urged the State Department to include Nigeria on the CPC list that it crafts on an annual basis. CPC designations are reserved for countries that have "'engaged in our tolerated' severe religious freedom violations." The designation carries the possibility of sanctions or other consequential actions. Nigeria was placed on the list in 2020 during the final year of the Trump administration, amid outcry from Christian rights activists regarding the violence impacting Christian farming communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt as well as the presence of Islamic terror groups in the country's northeast. Since taking office in 2021, the Biden administration has come under heavy criticism from religious freedom advocacy organizations for removing Nigeria from its CPC list for two yearsin a row. Notable signatories include Southern Baptist Convention Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission President Brent Leatherwood, former Congressman Frank Wolf, International Christian Concern President Jeff King, Faith and Freedom Coalition Executive Director Timothy Head, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, former U.S. Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, Global Christian Relief President and CEO David Curry and Save the Persecuted Christians Executive Director Dede Laugesen. The letter cited data from the religious freedom advocacy organization Open Doors, finding that "90 percent of all the Christians killed for their faith worldwide last year were killed in Nigeria." According to Aid to the Church in Need, 100 Catholic priests have been kidnapped since the beginning of 2022, and 20 of them were murdered. The letter also stated that more than 17,000 Christian churches had been burned since 2009, with several of them set ablaze with congregants inside. The letter highlighted how USCIRF determined that the Nigerian government has "routinely failed to investigate these attacks and prosecute those responsible, demonstrating a problematic level of apathy on the part of state officials." The signatories also detailed how "authorities also engage directly in religious persecution" by enforcing Islamic blasphemy laws against Christians. "These laws have been accompanied by a routine grant of impunity for extrajudicial attacks against their perceived violators," the letter reads. "Last year, there was the unprosecuted mob killing of student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu after she was accused of blasphemy and the unprosecuted serious death threats against the Sultan of Sokoto, Sokoto's Catholic bishop, and Rhoda Jatau, a Christian woman, all three of whom were targeted for expressing disapproval of Yakubu's murder." "As Africa's most populous country and its largest economy, Nigeria wields significant influence in Sub-Saharan Africa," the letter concluded. "By allowing religious persecution to proliferate within its borders, Nigeria is compounding already heightened regional insecurity. Both American interests and the International Religious Freedom Act require a response." The advocates also called on the lawmakers to back House Resolution 82, introduced by Smith and Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, calling on the State Department to list Nigeria as a CPC and appoint a special envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region. Seventeen other lawmakers have signed on as cosponsors to the legislation in addition to Smith, Cuellar and Aumua Amata Coleman, a non-voting delegate from American Samoa. The legislation was introduced on Jan. 31 and referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which has not voted on it yet. In its most recent annual report released in May, USCIRF again recommended placing Nigeria on the CPC list. The U.S. State Department has yet to release a list of CPCs for 2023. Originally published by the Christian Post The Liut (Fury) National Police Brigade of the Ukrainian Offensive Guard has released footage of an assault operation on Russian trenches and an occupier being captured by the defenders in Donetsk Oblast. Source: Liut Brigade on Facebook Quote: "Severe cold, the remains of the occupiers' bodies all around and constant shell explosions overhead. This is the daily routine of the fighters of the Tsunami Assault Regiment of the Liut (Fury) National Police Brigade... The enemy throws its cannon fodder at our soldiers in the hope it would stop the offensive, but only gets mountains of corpses of its soldiers. The most intelligent of the Russians surrender, not wanting to rot in our land! Despite everything, our fighters continue to advance." Details: The video shows a fight with the Russians, the mopping-up of Russian trenches and the capture of an occupier. Ukrainska Pravdas sources said that it had taken place in Donetsk Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! The Kansas Department of Corrections is searching for an inmate who escaped Monday afternoon from a Johnson County facility. Clifford Leon Evans, 52, walked away from the Johnson County Work Release Center around 2:45 p.m. and hasnt returned. Evans is serving a sentence for violating his parole. He was convicted for possession of opiates in Johnson County and serving his sentence at the Johnson County Department of Corrections Adult Residential Center. Evans is 5 feet and 10 inches tall and weighs around 131 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone who sees him or has information on his whereabouts should call the enforcement, apprehensions and investigations division at 816-266-2102, the Johnson County Department of Corrections at 913-715-6539 or their local law enforcement agency. Kansans can also contact enforcement, apprehensions and investigations by email at KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov. Prosecutors claimed Fourniret could not have killed so easily without Olivier - MIGUEL MEDINA A French court sentenced the ex-wife of serial killer Michel Fourniret to life in prison for her role in three murders by her former husband. After 10 hours of deliberations, Monique Olivier was convicted of complicity in the murders by Fourniret of three young women dating back decades, including 20-year-old British student Joanna Parrish. Joanna Parrish was beaten, drugged and raped before being murdered - Roger Parrish Olivier, 75, should serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars, the court ruled on Tuesday. She was convicted of playing a role in the abduction, sequestration and murder of Parrish in 1990 and 18-year-old Marie-Angele Domece in 1988, aggravated by her role in the attempted rape of Domece and the rape of Parrish by Fourniret, known as the Ogre of Ardennes. She was also convicted of playing a role in the 2003 abduction, sequestration and murder of nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin, whose body has never been found despite intensive searches. Olivier was also convicted of playing a role in the 2003 abduction, sequestration and murder of nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin, whose body has never been found - HANDOUT/POLICE JUDICIAIRE/AFP via Getty Images Fourniret died in 2021 aged 79 before he could be brought to trial for the three killings, meaning the trial of Olivier is the last chance for the victims families to find justice. Her former husband was jailed for life in May 2008 for the murder of seven girls and young women between 1987 and 2003. He confessed to 11 murders before he died, but reports have suggested there could have been up to two dozen more. Olivier is already serving a life sentence issued in 2008 for complicity in four kidnappings and murders committed by Fourniret. A decade later she was sentenced to a further 20 years for complicity in another murder. Olivier's trial is the last chance for the victims' families, such as Joanna Parrish's parents Roger Parrish and Pauline Murrell, to find justice - Christopher Jones Domeces remains have also never been found, while Parrishs naked body was recovered from the Yonne river in the French region of the same name. She had been beaten, drugged and raped. He used me, Olivier said about her husband on the trials opening day. The couple divorced in 2010. Prosecutors argued that Fourniret could not have killed his victims so easily without her. Olivier and Fourniret together had one son, Selim Olivier, who gave evidence at the trial last week, urging his mother to tell the court everything she knew. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) An Ohio man has been arrested as the result of an investigation into drug trafficking across state lines, the Office of U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced. Justin Whitfield, 24, has been accused of narcotics conspiracy in connection with alleged drug trafficking activities in Western New York. Since April 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration has been investigating alleged drug trafficking involving Rocco Beardsley in the Jamestown area. Beardsley was said to have dealt with meth, as well as heroin/fentanyl, according to prosecutors. Whitfield, a Cincinnati resident, was identified as one of Beardsleys co-conspirators, according to officials. The [criminal] complaint states that Beardsley was utilizing a source of supply for methamphetamine in the Cincinnati area, and Whitfield was responsible for introducing Beardsley to the source, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Whitfield was accused of using social media to conduct drug-related conversations. After making an initial appearance in court, Whitfield was detained. Beardsley is scheduled for trial this coming March. If Whitfield is convicted, the minimum penalty is 10 years in prison, and he could face a maximum of life in prison. Latest Local News Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Olathe Democrats chose a campaign consultant and public school advocate to fill a newly opened seat in the Kansas Legislature. Nikki McDonald, who has managed state legislative and school board campaigns in Olathe, will go to Topeka next month replacing Olathe Democratic Rep. Brad Boyd who resigned after less than a year in office. A committee of Democratic precint people in Boyds house district voted Monday to appoint McDonald to finish his term. McDonald, a former teacher who describes herself as a community organizer, said she will be especially focused on education issues when she takes office. McDonald founded the Olathe Public Education Network which advocates against extremism in public schools. The Olathe Democrat has two children in the Olathe School District, including one with special needs. Earlier in her career, she taught in the school district. When youve sat on both sides of the table with a special ed meeting, you know, its humbling, McDonald said. I do feel like I owe it to teachers who are educating my kids to speak up. She is filling a newly drawn seat made up of areas that, until Boyd won in 2022, had been held by Republican lawmakers. McDonald managed Boyds campaign last year. With the seat up for election again in 2024, McDonald said she intends to run for a full term. Were at a moment, we really have to retain this seat because breaking the Republican supermajority is assignment number one, McDonald said. I just couldnt leave it to chance because I actually know what we need to do to win. House Minority Leader Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, called McDonald a ball of energy. He said he expects her reelection to be a tough race. Boyd won by fewer than 200 votes last year and was already a member of the local school board. We expect that to be a competitive seat and if Nikki decides to seek reelection to the post I think shell be a very good choice, Miller said. One in 10 migrants crossing the Belarus-Poland border in need of life-saving treatment, NGO says Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, hundreds of people have crossed the border between Belarus and Poland trying to reach safety in the European Union. Many have done so on foot - despite the difficulties presented by the journey. Under a 2021 law that amended Polands domestic legislation, those who cross the border from Belarus illegally can be pushed back, a practice thats contrary to EU and international law. This in turn has forced refugees attempting the journey to hide from border guards and military and often put themselves in risky situations by spending long periods of time in forests like Biaowieza and swamps. According to Medecins Sans Frontieres, Doctors without Borders or MSF, many of those who crossed the border on foot arrived in dire conditions on EU soil. Trapped in no man's land The NGO has been providing medical assistance to refugees arriving into Polands Podlasie region since November 2022, and since then has helped 220 people. One in 10 of these refugees crossing into Poland from Belarus needed life-saving referral by ambulance, according to the NGO. Hypothermia and trench foot - damage to the feet caused by keeping them damp for long periods of time - are also common conditions among refugees braving the difficult trip which MSF has trained local civil society groups to recognise and treat. Many of the patients have injuries caused by a long, 5-5m-high razor wire-lined border wall, said Andreas Spaett, MSF Head of Mission in Poland. These people have experienced violence during their journey, and when they reach the border, they are faced with a heavily militarised environment, he added. They cannot go back, and they risk being trapped in no-mans land between the Polish wall and the Belarusian fence, and so they try and go forward. Polish border guard stands next to the border wall in Nomiki, Poland, on Nov, 2022. - AP Photo/Maciek Luczniewski According to Spaett, MSF has treated people with sprains, fractures, and dog bites, as well as men, women and children who are exhausted and dehydrated or have serious physical injuries. Some refugees, according to MSF, have drunk swamp water and become violently ill. Earlier in the year, the NGO met a young man who had spent more than a week in the forest without food or water, who was in such pain that he was unable to get off the ground. The man refused to go to the hospital because he was afraid he would be sent back to Belarus. Winter is an even tougher time for refugees. Spaett said he expects cases of frostbite and hypothermia to rise in the coming weeks, as more refugees are expected to cross the border in the coming weeks. A cross-border problem Poland and neighbouring Lithuania are grappling with a migrant crisis which they believe is closely linked to the Belarusian government of Aljaksandr Lukasenka. For years, Belarus neighbours have accused Minsk of weaponising migrants in retaliation against sanctions imposed by the bloc in 2020, pushing people at the border to create chaos within the European Union. Thousands of migrants have tried to cross the border with Poland and Lithuania since 2021, with many being injured or killed during the perilous journey. In December last year, Euronews reported that at least three migrants had their legs amputated in previous months trying to cross the border between Lithuania and Belarus. In November, a Syrian asylum seeker was shot near the border between Belarus and Poland after a Polish soldier allegedly tripped. The man was taken to the hospital and was in stable condition, though at risk of paralysis. Both Poland and Lithuania have justified migrant pushbacks - which are illegal under EU law - as a legitimate and necessary response to the ongoing emergency, blaming Belarus for forcing migrants to face such risks. NV summarizes the year for Ukraine at war and examines defense operations, offensives, arms supplies, and other milestones that have shaped the battlefield in 2023. When historians describe the second year of Russias invasion of Ukraine, they will likely speak of 2023 beginning with great expectations of Kyivs hyped counteroffensive and ending with the AFU transitioning to strategic defense. With the help of military commentators and analysts Viktor Kevlyuk, Yuriy Karin, and Oleksandr Kovalenko, NV has summed up this year in terms of Ukraines resistance to the Russian aggression. The fight for Soledar The end of the summer of 2022 can be considered the start of the fight for Soledar, Donetsk Oblast. On Aug. 3, Russian troops began shelling the city north of Bakhmut, as well as Bakhmut itself. Read also: Artemsil salt from legendary Soledar on sale to mark 1st anniversary of full-scale invasion Combat action continued throughout August, after which the General Staff of the Armed Forces reported that the Ukrainians repelled Russian assaults near Soledar. Over the course of the next six months, the enemy could not capture the 12.31 km city. The effective and persistent defense by Ukrainian forces, in combination with counterattacks and an eventual retreat to nearby heights put the Russians in a losing position from a tactical point of view and stopped their advance in this direction. It was there that Moscow began using convicts to fuel human wave assaults by Wagner Group PMC. Only Jan. 12 the AFU leave most of Soledar. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded 46th and 77th Separate Air Mobile Brigades for their contribution to defending Soledar. Enemy losses in this area exceeded 12,500 troops, which matches the total of Russian soldiers killed in the two Chechen wars. Winter energy terror Russia then resorted to massive missile attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities in winter. The Russians struck the first blow in this campaign in mid-autumn 2022, launching 12 Kalibr and Kh-101 cruise missiles on Sept. 11. Air defense managed to destroy 9 of the 12 missiles, but the enemy hit the Zmiivska Power Plant in Kharkiv Oblast and three high-voltage substations. As a result, two 750 kV overhead lines and five 330 kV overhead lines were disconnected. On Oct. 10, 2022, the occupiers hit various power generation and distribution facilities with 84 air-, sea-, and land-based cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, anti-aircraft guided missiles, and Shahed-136 kamikaze UAVs. Nov. 15, 2022, set a record with Russian forces firing a salvo of about 100 missiles to carry out the fourth attack on Ukraines energy facilities. The bombing continued until the spring of 2023, when on March 9, the Russian military launched 81 missiles of various types. As a result of that strike, the Zaporizhzhya NPP lost external power for the sixth time and went into an emergency mode with power coming from diesel generators. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, in almost half a year of bombing, the Russians landed 255 missiles and drones on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Of these, 214 were sites within Ukrenergos (power grid operator) high-voltage network. But Ukraine held, on the brink of a total blackout, and then restored its energy supply. Battles for Bakhmut According to experts, the battle for the once 70,000-strong city of Bakhmut in northern Donetsk Oblast was one of the bloodiest since the beginning of the war and the bloodiest infantry battle since WWII. Read also: Ukrainian soldiers showcase the "country's main Christmas tree" near Bakhmut photos The shelling of the city began in the spring of 2022. On May 19, the Russian invaders carried out an airstrike on Bakhmut. The bombardment continued until July, and in August, the fight for the city itself began, which would last until summer 2023. Experts say that the 41.6 sq. km city was hardly a fortress. During a year of fighting, the enemy was able to capture Bakhmut, demonstrating at the same time their tactical ineptitude, as well as the complete inability of junior officers and non-commissioned officers to manage their troops. The Russians managed to achieve their goal solely thanks to the large-scale use of Wagner mercenaries and penal battalions in "human wave assaults." Bakhmut cost Moscow up to 80,000 troops. "The AFU conducted a complex defense operation which was not worth conducting, but political reasons prevailed over military expediency. At the end of the operation, it turned out that the Armed Forces did not have a previously prepared defensive position west of Bakhmut," military expert Viktor Kevlyuk explained. Storm Shadow missile strikes In May 2023, the Ukrainian military used UK-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles with a range of 560 km for the first time during an attack on enemy logistics facilities in occupied Luhansk. Their most spectacular use came on Sept. 22, when the missiles hit the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea. The Storm Shadows were adapted for use with Ukraines Soviet-era Su-24M aircraft. On June 2, cruise missiles hit enemy infrastructure facilities in Berdyansk, while they struck an important enemy headquarters in Henichesk on June 9, and the road bridge at Chonhar connecting mainland Ukraine with Crimea on June 22. As then-Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov reported in the summer, 100% of the missiles hit their intended targets. Thanks to these missiles, the Defense Forces were able to strike at the full depth of the enemys operational infrastructure. Patriot air defense systems On April 19, 2023, Reznikov announced that the first U.S.-made Patriot air defense system has arrived in Ukraine. Several more Patriots were later delivered. All of them played an important role in defending Kyiv and other regions, even shooting down Russias hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, which were previously thought of being almost impossible to intercept. For example, on Dec. 11, eight ballistic missiles were shot down near the Ukrainian capital a feat beyond the capability of old Soviet air defense systems. At the same time, the strengthening of air defense by Western anti-aircraft missile systems had a military effect. This was demonstrated on May 13, when a Su-34 fighter, a Su-35 bomber, and three enemy helicopters were shot down in the airspace of Russias Bryansk Oblast in a span of five minutes. "Already at this stage, we are recording a significant decrease in the effectiveness of the occupiers air strikes and the emergence of significant problems for the enemy's aviation in the border regions," explains military expert Yuriy Karin, editor-in-chief of the online outlet Information Resistance. Retreat of the Russian Navy from western Black Sea Ukraine responded asymmetrically to the enemy's attempts at military dominance in the Black Sea region, endangering its maritime communications in areas it considered safe. Naval drones used by the HUR (Defense Intelligence) and SBU (security service) played an important role in this endeavor. For example, on Nov. 10, these drones sank two Russian amphibious landing ships. Missile strikes on Russian facilities in Crimea and the liberation of Snake Island and drilling platforms in the western part of the Black Sea also played a big role. Read also: Russian fleet reduces activity, may wait for subzero temperatures, missile threat remains Ukrainian forces carried out a set of raids to destroy the enemys maritime surveillance system in the northwestern part of the Black Sea, breached Russian anti-aircraft defenses in the area, and proceeded to eliminate targets in the enemy's rear, destroying air defenses and infrastructure of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The liberation of the western part of the Black Sea from enemy warships allowed Ukraine to independently launch its own "grain corridor," which Russia had previously withdrawn from (and is now trying to destroy Ukraine's port infrastructure). Offensive operation in Zaporizhzhya Oblast The long-awaited counteroffensive began late, launching this summer after the arrival of Western tanks and IFVs and the preparation of several new assault brigades. However, according to experts, the widely announced operation to drive south from Zaporizhzhya ended up as a failure. After all, the pressure from the allies and political expediency forced the military command to launch an assault on the Russians' well-prepared, densely mined, highly-fortified defenses without air superiority, fire superiority, and with an insufficient number of forces and equipment both for the offensive overall and in the areas selected for breakthroughs. "The consequence has been the loss of the strategic initiative, the reduction of Ukrainian forces combat capability, the ineffective use of already limited resources, and the introduction into operation of at least two reserve corps, which could be more effective in other directions. The direction of the main blow was chosen incorrectly," Viktor Kevlyuk believes. The counteroffensive, which did not achieve its goals, had a great impact on the relations between Kyiv and its Western partners, and led to the emergence of a certain "tension" between the country's military and political leadership. Creation of a bridgehead on the left bank of Kherson Oblast Ukraine made its first attempts to seize a bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnipro River near Kherson in the spring of this year. Later, at the beginning of August, HUR units, described in NVs reporting titled Budanovs secret forces: Shamanbat, carried out several raids on the left bank of the Dnipro in the coastal zone near the village of Kozachi Laheri. Gradually, the bridgehead expanded near the village of Krynky and in other places. Read also: Images capture Russians fortifying positions in seized Mariupol The Russians are now expending considerable efforts to drive Ukrainian units from their positions on the bridgehead. As the UK Defense Intelligence reported on Dec. 14, at the beginning of December 2023, the newly formed 104th Guards Airborne Division of the Russian Federation "with a high probability suffered extremely high losses and did not fulfill its tasks during its combat debut in Kherson OblastThe operation took place after the division joined the Dnipro Group of Russian troops and attempted to knock out the Ukrainian bridgehead near the village of Krynki on the eastern bank of the Dnipro." Ukrainian Marines demonstrated their ability to ford wide water obstacles, as well as to create and maintain bridgeheads, which put the command of the enemys Dnipro group in a difficult operational position. Defensive operation near Avdiivka The area of Avdiivka, a northern suburb of Donetsk, has been a painful thorn for Russian forces since 2014. It was only at the end of 2023 when the occupiers managed to organize more or less effective assault actions near the town. But their "progress" has been measured in tens or hundreds of meters. Ukrainian forces have demonstrated readiness to effectively respond to sudden attacks by large enemy formations and the ability to immediately proceed to conduct a defensive operation. At the beginning of November, UK intelligence estimated Russian losses near Avdiivka to have numbered several thousand soldiers and 200 armored vehicles. Read also: Russian destruction renders Avdiivka Coke Plant irreparable, says Metinvest CEO Overall, from October to the first days of December, according to recent statements by U.S. National Security Council Spokeswoman Adrienne Watson, 13,000 Russian soldiers have been killed and more than 220 enemy combat vehicles have been destroyed on the Avdiivka-Novosvitlivka axis. The defense of Avdiivka continues, and this city has become one of the hotspots on the Ukrainian battlefield. 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 Detainees have complained of inhumane conditions at the Adelanto detention center since it opened in 2011. Employees at the facility are voicing concerns about a possible closure. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Workers at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, one of California's largest immigrant detention facilities, are urging the federal government not to shut it down next year following discussions over its potential closure, according to the union that represents many of them. Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, said a contract extension by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement gives the agency until mid-February to decide the facility's future. "This is a major employer in that area," Erwin said. "If you close a facility like that, it would be absolutely devastating to the local economy and devastating to these workers." A former state prison that began operating as an ICE detention center in 2011, Adelanto holds few detainees, though it has a capacity of 1,940. Its population dropped dramatically in 2020 after an outbreak of COVID-19 tore through the facility, prompting a federal judge to order the release of detainees and to prohibit new intakes and transfers. Adelanto has also faced scrutiny from federal and state watchdogs over health and safety violations. In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a warning to the GEO Group, the Florida-based private prison corporation that operates the facility, after finding that misuse of a chemical disinfectant spray caused detainees nosebleeds and nausea. A few years earlier, federal inspectors found nooses in cells and overuse of disciplinary segregation. Detainees reported waiting months to see a doctor. The Biden administration has ended contracts at a handful of facilities across the country, including the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia, where dozens of detained women said they suffered medical abuse. ICE spokeswoman Jenny Burke confirmed the 60-day contract extension, saying the extra time allows the agency and GEO to "evaluate all factors to ensure that appropriate accommodations can be made for both personnel, operations and individuals in custody." "While no final decision has been made regarding the disposition of the facility, ICE must consider the effect of ongoing litigation that prevents full use of the facility, likelihood of relief from that litigation, the cost associated with maintaining the facility and the operational requirements for effective national detention operations," she wrote in a statement. Burke said ICE assesses a variety of factors when contemplating changes to the detention system, adding that the agency "continues to provide detention capacity in the area of operations at the adjacent Desert View Annex. A GEO Group spokesman declined to comment. On Dec. 20, 2019, days before California enacted a law that would ban private prisons, ICE signed new contracts for Adelanto and six other facilities in the state that could last up to 15 years. The private prison ban was later overturned by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. If Adelanto closes, the nearby Desert View Annex, which can hold up to 700 detainees and is also operated by GEO, would remain open. Advocates said closing the facility in San Bernardino County would be a victory for immigrants and the local community. A coalition of groups called Shut Down Adelanto, which has urged the closure for years, held a news conference Tuesday outside the facility. This is an opportunity for Adelanto to really focus on bringing good resources to this city, bringing good jobs to this city, turning the page on incarceration and really building a future that is inclusive of everyone in this community, said Javier Hernandez, executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. Erwin voiced his concerns about a possible closure in a Nov. 29 letter to President Biden, noting that he had learned that the "dramatic underutilization" of the facility could prompt its closure Dec. 19, when the facility contract was up, which would lead to the termination of 350 union members just days before Christmas. "This Administration considering the closure of the Adelanto ICE Processing Center at a time when capacity is so desperately needed in this area is genuinely perplexing and seemingly counter-intuitive," he wrote, pointing to the Biden administration's supplemental budget request in October to fund 12,500 more ICE beds. Erwin argued that the request was inconsistent with a closure of the Adelanto facility, which is paid for under existing appropriations. Workers were happy to learn that they would not immediately lose their jobs, Erwin said Tuesday, but they worry about what will happen in the long term. A GEO Group economic impact analysis, which Erwin provided to The Times, shows that the company spent more than $46 million in the city of Adelanto this year, including nearly $40 million in wages. Daniel Penafiel, a GEO Group sergeant, said he has been with the company for nearly eight years and has lived in Adelanto for more than a decade. The 38-year-old father of two said he and his colleagues are on edge about the potential closure of the facility, which requires up to 500 workers at full capacity. They assumed the COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted once Biden lifted the national health emergency. Nearly 100 people were laid off in February, he said. "Adelanto is our home, and I'm the sole provider for the family," he said. "We all have families and bills, so the uncertainty of where we go to next or how we recover from this loss is what has a lot of us worried." Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Big Bear Lake) wrote to ICE leadership on Oct. 3 urging them to seek relief from the 2020 court order so that intakes could resume. Though the population of detainees at Adelanto has dwindled, the facility has remained fully staffed and operational, he said. ICE guarantees it will pay contractors for a minimum number of beds, regardless of whether they are filled. "This striking example of exorbitant government waste and resource mismanagement is completely unacceptable," he wrote, noting that Adelanto is the only detention facility in the country with an absolute intake prohibition related to COVID-19. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) said she has called for Adelanto's closure for nearly a decade. She urged the federal government to act immediately to shut it down. It is long overdue for the Adelanto ICE Processing Centers extensive and deadly track record to come to an end," she wrote in a statement. Carlos Castillo Mejia, 52, of El Salvador is one of the six people who remain detained at the Adelanto facility. Castillo Mejia, who has been there for nearly five years and is appealing his deportation at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, said Friday that the facility was operating as usual, with no indication from staff that it could close. "I can't understand how the government has thought to keep this facility open with such a minimal number of people, paying millions and millions," Castillo Mejia said. Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. One Community Health, originally founded in 1989 to serve people with HIV/AIDS, will be expanding its Sacramento-area facilities over the next two to three years to meet growing demand from a diverse population of patients. The clinic expanded its primary care services in 2015, when it became a federally qualified health center, said Michelle Monroe, the organizations chief executive officer. Since then, theyve increased the overall patient population by 230%. To help meet Sacramentos growing demand for health care services, Monroe said, One Community Health has acquired two buildings one in downtown Sacramento and the other in the Arden-Arcade area. When construction is completed, One Community Health will have three times the 59,000 square feet it now occupies. Sacramento has an astonishing need for health care services that is not currently being met, Monroe explained. And demand will continue to grow. Increased federal subsidies have allowed Californians to buy health insurance policies through Covered California for as little as $10 a month. Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislators also have expanded Medi-Cal coverage to young adults under 26 and undocumented residents ages 50 and older who meet eligibility requirements. And in 2024, Medi-Cal will open up to state residents between 26 and 49 who do not have satisfactory immigration status. Longtime capital residents may still think of this health care organization as CARES, which stood for the Center for AIDS Research, Education & Services. The organization changed to Cares Community Health in 2015 and then One Community Health in 2017. The clinic serves roughly 3,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, including 4,000 children, said Monroe. About 9,500 of its 18,000-plus patients identify as heterosexual. From the earliest days of the organization, medical, administrative and support staff have reached out to people outside the clinic doors to let them know they would not face stigma or marginalization at the CARES clinic, Monroe said. That work has continued as the name changed and the clinic moved into offering primary care. The Arden area clinic, for instance, serves many refugees from war-torn areas of the world, Monroe said. One Community Health has been investing some of its operating income over the years, and it is using a portion of those funds to buy and renovate its new buildings and add equipment. In addition to reimbursements for medical and dental care it provides, One Community Health contracts with UC Davis Health to offer pharmacy services at its midtown campus, 1500 21st St. The clinic has bought a building at 1507 21s St., that will allow it to expand behavioral health services; dental care; primary care, including a walk-in clinic; and a prenatal health education program. Their Arden-Arcade campus, at 1442 Ethan Way, will eventually move into a building at 3540 Kings Way, Monroe said, and it will add services now offered in midtown such as HIV treatment and walk-in pharmacy. The new building also will have more room for dental and primary care patients. TOBYHANNA, MONORE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) One man is in custody after allegedly stabbing another man four times during a fight. According to the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department on December 17, at 7:47 a.m. officers responded to a reported stabbing at a home in Tobyhanna. Police say upon entering the home they saw bloody footprints, blood stains on the carpet, and a white blanket covered in blood. As stated in the criminal complaint the owner of the home invited 36-year-old Henry Hernandez-Negron, his girlfriend, and the victim over for drinks. Four accused of stealing $3,000 worth of items from Wegmans The fight started when Hernandez-Negron and his partner were having an altercation before the victim stepped in, as mentioned in the criminal complaint. Police stated while speaking to the victim, he told Hernandez-Negron to take it outside and when he went to put his shoes on he was struck by Hernandez-Negron on his left side. Officers said when they asked Hernandez-Negron about the weapon, he claimed to have never seen it, and when asked how the victim suffered four stab wounds, he had no explanation. Police have charged Hernandez-Negron with a criminal attempt of homicide, aggravated assault, reckless endangering of another person, and several other related charges. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Authorities in Mauritania have arrested 15 Christian leaders since late November following calls for punishment by Muslims outraged over a video showing a baptism ceremony, sources said. The families of 14 of the Christian leaders were also arrested, according to aid and advocacy group International Christian Concern (ICC). The charges against the Christians were unclear; there is no law against evangelism in Mauritania, but officials nevertheless forbid non-Muslims from proselytizing and ban any public expression of faith except Islam, according to the U.S. State Departments most recent (2022) International Religious Freedom Report. Apostasy, or leaving Islam, is punishable by death in the northwest African country, where the population is 98 percent Sunni Muslim, 1 percent Shia Muslim and the constitution designates Islam as the sole religion of the citizenry and state. At least three of the Christians were initially arrested on or shortly before Nov. 30 in Selibaby, more than 600 kilometers (373 miles) south of the capital city of Nouakchott, according to Spanish news service EFE. The arrests stemmed from protests calling for Christians to be killed after a video of a baptism ceremony appeared in social media, according to ICC and Christian leaders in the region. Tragically, this hostility has extended beyond the arrested individuals, affecting their families who are now facing harassment from their neighbors, ICC reported on Wednesday (Dec. 13). The Mauritanian government finds itself in a delicate position, torn between its commitments to human rights reforms and greater religious freedom, asserting that the arrests were made to protect citizens and other radical Islamist elements. Mauritanian officials believe the arrests were necessary to address the Christian problem in the country, as the video raised awareness of the presence of Christianity in the area, according to ICC. A Christian leader in Mauritania told CDI that area protesting Muslims on Dec. 2 called for the homes of Christians to be burned. According to the Muslims, half of the population in the village has become believers, he said. They want to stop the progression of the gospel in this closed land. The police arrested six leaders at the beginning, but after checking the phone of one leader, the police found names. They are after any name they found in that phone. Mauritanias 2018 Amendment to Penal Code Article 306 states that any Muslim who explicitly apostatizes from Islam, or who says or does something that would require or include that, or who renounces what he knows to be required by the religion, shall be imprisoned for three days, during which time he will be asked to repent. If he does not repent, he will be sentenced to death for blasphemy, and his property will be transferred to the treasury of the Muslims. Mauritanias laws and legal procedures derive from a mix of French civil law and sharia (Islamic law), but there were calls from the public for increased application of the countrys sharia-based criminal code, according to the State Departments 2022 religious freedom report. The law prohibits apostasy and blasphemy, the report states. The criminal code mandates a death sentence for any Muslim convicted of apostasy or blasphemy, but the government has never applied capital punishment for apostasy or blasphemy. Faith-based Non-Governmental Organizations must refrain from proselytizing or otherwise promoting any religion other than Islam, and the government must pre-approve all group meetings, including non-Islamic religious gatherings and those held in private homes, according to the report. At the same time, non-Muslim religious leaders stated the government typically does not prevent such groups from holding religious gatherings in private spaces, the report notes. Possession of non-Islamic religious materials remained legal, although the government continued to prohibit their printing and distribution, it adds. Although Mauritania is a party to theInternational Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which provides everyone the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of their choice, the government continued to ban any public expression of religion except that of Islam, according to the religious freedom report. Authorized churches were able to conduct services within their premises but could not proselytize, the report states. An unofficial government requirement restricted non-Islamic worship to the few recognized Christian churches. Mauritania ranked 20th on Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. UPDATE: The victim in this crash has been identified as 33-year-old Cyerra Lowery. - KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City police are investigating a deadly crash that happened near Brush Creek on Monday night. Police said a car was speeding in the southbound lanes of Cleaver around 8:45 Monday night when it went off the road through the grassy median and hit a tree. KC-area USPS employees under investigation after Amazon packages missing The driver died at the scene. Police say the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. The victim was the only person in the car, and their name has not been released. This is the 100th crash-related death this year. Kansas City had 84 this time last year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A teenage boy is seriously injured after a shooting in Parkway Village Monday evening. Police say officers responded to the shooting in the 4800 block of Bridgedale after 6:30 p.m. Photo by Claudia Taylor, WREG The teen was taken to Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital in critical condition. Police say a male was detained but have not said if that person has been charged. Shooting on Lamar leaves teen injured The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. One with life-threatening injuries from north Charlotte auto shop fire CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) One person has life-threatening injuries related to a fire that engulfed a north Charlotte business Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities. The two-alarm fire occurred at an auto repair shop in the 2000 block of North Tryon Street, adjacent to the Amtrak Station, according to the Charlotte Fire Department. (Charlotte Fire Dept.) Medic reported one with life-threatening injuries, who was transported to Atrium Health CMC. Officials say the fire was accidentally sparked while work was being done on a vehicle. It is estimated that the fire caused $100,000 in damage. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Traffic lights pointing both north and south on 4th Street at the corner of 4th and Capitol Ave, Tuesday Dec. 12, 2023, one contradicted by a one way sign, are early signals that 4th Street will soon no longer be a one way and have traffic going in both directions. A delay in the arrival of construction materials will mean the city won't convert a stretch of Fourth Street to two-way traffic until the spring. The delay also holds up the conversion of Adams Street where Springfield drivers will experience a first between Sixth and Ninth streets: back-in-only parking on the south side of the street. The traffic engineering department will need to put down permanent markings on both streets and as delays persisted with signs and other materials, the city decided to push back the entire project, said T.J. Heavisides, the city's chief traffic engineer. More: 'A very sad community': Three members of same family killed in Cass County The city had hoped to finish the project by June minus any supply chain demands. The downtown area also is getting a new centralized traffic management system that will keep signals better coordinated, Heavisides said. The cost of the project is $4.6 million and is being coordinated by Egizii Electric. The funding comes from Rebuild Illinois through the increase of the state motor fuel tax. Fourth Street will become two-way from South Grand Avenue to Dodge Street, about a 1.6-mile stretch. Issues with some subcontractors on orders for signs pushed back the project further than anticipated, Heavisides said. "One way" and "do not enter" signs would need to come down and signage on southbound approaches to one-way streets, like Monroe, Washington, Jefferson, and Madison streets would need to go up, he said. Traffic signals facing southbound on Fourth Street have already been installed, Heavisides said. As it got later into the year, the city ran into temperature restrictions for permanent marking of the streets, replacing white lines with solid yellow lines, Heavisides said. The idea of doing temporary striping was considered, but the department didn't want to do anything that could fade throughout the winter or lead to any confusion for motorists, he added. Workers, Heavisides said, generally have to wait until the temperature gets above 50 degrees and the weather is dry for the pavement markings to take effect. Heavisides said in other areas of the country where there were conversions to two-way streets there was a slowdown of traffic, and it had a positive impact on foot traffic, "so there was a positive economic impact." Downtown Springfield, Inc. and the city's Office of Planning and Economic Development were involved in the plan reaching out to downtown businesses. For the most part, parking on both sides of Fourth Street will remain the same, though restrictions from Carpenter to Dodge streets have been in place for over a year. "There may be a few limited spaces that get removed, spaces that may have been too close to the intersection before, to begin with," Heavisides said. "There is code for how far you have to be from the intersections, so there may be an odd space or two that gets removed." The back-in parking on Adams is mostly for safety reasons, Heavisides acknowledged. "We don't have any in town like that, but we have heard there is some safety improvement you get from that," he said. "It's much easier to see pulling out than it is backing out of it. During a public meeting, it was interesting that people were really hesitant about having to back into a parking space until I explained to them that in downtown, we have parallel parking everywhere and you back into a parallel spot." Peoria had back-in-only parking on Fulton Street near City Hall for years before lifting it this spring because of its unpopularity. Parallel parking on the north side of Adams will remain in place. P.J. Staab said he favored the Fourth Street project, especially if it helped downtown merchants. But Staab, the president of Staab Funeral Homes, was more wary about continued street parking. Traffic from the funeral home's parking lot empties onto Fourth Street from the west. "I just think there needs to be extreme caution in some areas," he said. "Safety is important. Signage, too." More: One way or another: Major changes could be coming to Fourth, Adams streets Keith Loukinen, one of the owners of Loukinens' on 4th and a chef at the restaurant, said he was also supportive of the two-way street. The restaurant has a parking lot for patrons, who also use street parking. "There are numerous times where we have multiple streets or roads closed for events and it makes it hard for people in and out of local businesses, so I think it will help out everybody," Loukinen said. Steven Zimmerman, the shop manager at A-1 Corporate Hardware at Fourth and Washington streets, said some of its customers have asked about the changes. "When we tell them they're converting this to a two-way (street), it's always the same (reply): 'Why in the heck would they do that?'" Zimmerman said. "I guess I don't see where it makes traffic any better or timelines any better. The number of accidents we see on Fourth and Washington alone, going to two-way is going to be just as bad. "There are probably some benefits to it that I'm not seeing." The technology upgrade to Fourth Street preceded Mayor Misty Buscher's administration, but the Springfield mayor said recently that the city needs to remain flexible on the usage of streets, especially with growth or changes in neighborhoods. "There are always going to be changes and we have to embrace those changes," Buscher said. "We have to make sure our community is safe (and) our visitors are safe, but changes are good." Work, Heavisides said, continues on the traffic cabinets downtown. The old traffic management system was on a server that is no longer functional, he added, so a lot of the signals were losing their timing. That's why drivers going through the downtown area on one-way streets sometimes hit successive red lights instead of them being coordinated better, he said. "On a grid like this, you're never going to get all of the streets coordinated perfectly, but the major streets, we've got them lined out to be pretty well coordinated," Heavisides said. As for traffic pattern changes on both Fourth and Adams streets when they do take effect, vigilance will be a key for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. "It will take some getting used to," Heavisides said, "in the weeks and months ahead." Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Two-way conversions of Fourth and Adams streets in Springfield delayed The killing of an elderly woman and her daughter in Gaza Citys Holy Family Church on Saturday (Dec. 16) was the sixth attack by Israeli Defense Forces on the compound since war in Gaza broke out, a relative told The Washington Post. Following the IDF sniper fire that Catholic church sources say killed Nahida Khalil Anton and her daughter Samar Kamal Anton, the latters brother told The Washington Post that he and others present in the church building went out and saw his mother and sister lying face down. When we saw Samar, we all rushed to save her, and snipers opened fire on us, wounding my two children, Issa Antoun told The Post by phone, according to a Dec. 18 article, adding that when the continued shooting of the IDF later slowed, they recovered the bodies and buried them in a church cemetery. This is not the first time that the church has been targeted since the beginning of the war, but rather the sixth time. The patriarchate has asked for international protection for us, but as I speak to you, bulldozers are closing the church door, blocking it with a pile of cars that were on the street. British Member of Parliament Layla Moran, who has relatives in the last Catholic church building in Gaza where Christians have taken refuge from bombings, said today (Dec. 19) in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that IDF forces were still present at the compound. She quoted the daughter of one of her cousins inside the church building as saying, Tanks still outside. Down to almost no provisions. Ive been told food and water was delivered by the IDF but no sign of it yet. When will this nightmare end? Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa on Saturday night (Dec. 16) issued a statement on the patriarchs website disclosing that an IDF sniper killed the two Christian women on the church premises in the Shejayia area of Gaza City as they were walking to the Sisters Convent building in the compound. Seven more people were shot and wounded as they tried to protect others inside the church compound, Pizzaballa stated. No warning was given, no notification was provided. They were shot in cold blood inside the premises of the Parish, where there were no belligerents. The BBC quoted a relative of a woman trapped inside the church building as saying her family had spent a couple of hours hiding on the ground of the compound because they believed Israeli forces were shooting anything that moves. They were terrified to go to the bathroom, because the women were shot trying to get to the toilet, Fifi Saba told the BBC. Moran told CNN that Hamas has never been present at the church compound. The assertion that Hamas is operating from that church is baseless, she told CNN. There are children there. The women who are killed, if anyone dares to look at the pictures, could not look less like Hamas fighters. The IDF on Sunday (Dec. 17) issued a statement to Fox News Digital acknowledging that an incident took place at the church compound. When reviewing incidents that may have taken place in the vicinity of churches in Gaza, it was found that an incident took place during yesterday afternoon (Saturday) in another area in Gaza, near the Latin Church in the Shejayia area, the IDF spokesperson said in the statement. An initial review suggests that IDF troops, who were operating against Hamas terrorists in the area, operated against a threat that they identified in the area of the church. The IDF is conducting a thorough review of the incident. Before the patriarchate had learned of the killings in the compound, church representatives had contacted the IDF regarding explosions heard near the parish, prompting the IDF to issue a prior statement reading, No reports of a hit on the church, nor civilians being injured or killed, were raised. A review of the IDFs operational findings support this. In the statement about the killings later on Saturday (Dec. 16), the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem also disclosed that a rocket from an IDF tank hit the Convent of the Sisters of Mother Teresa in the compound, where more than 54 people with disabilities reside. The buildings generator (the only source of electricity) and the fuel resources were destroyed. The house was damaged by the resulting explosion and massive fire, Pizzaballa said in the statement. Two more rockets, fired by an IDF tank, targeted the same Convent and rendered the home uninhabitable. The 54 disabled persons are currently without access to the respirators that some of them need to survive. Three people in the church compound were wounded the previous night due to heavy bombing in the area, he said, and solar panels and water tanks were destroyed. We cannot but express that we are at a loss to comprehend how such an attack could be carried out, even more so as the whole Church prepares for Christmas, Pizzaballa stated. A Palestinian with relatives in the Holy Family Church, Hammam Farah, said in a post on X that about 530 Christians have taken refuge in the compound, 60 percent of them women and children. Christians are said to have inhabited Gaza since the first century. Today there are fewer than 1,000 Christians estimated to remain in the strip, down from 3,000 when Hamas assumed complete control in 2007; the resulting Israeli blockade of Gaza led many Christians to flee the worsening poverty. China's economy shows significant signs of recovery: Spanish experts Xinhua) 10:31, December 19, 2023 BARCELONA, Spain, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's economy is displaying positive signs of recovery following the challenges posed by the pandemic, as highlighted by experts in Spain from academic, business, and institutional domains with engagements in China. "The indicators show that there will be a recovery" although challenges still remain, Just Castillo, professor of East Asian Studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, told Xinhua in an interview on Monday. "China is now looking for ways to reincentivize the economic links it has with different regions around the world, including Europe, with such interesting measures as removing the need for visas to visit China," added Castillo. Sedal Group, a prominent Spanish company specializing in components for the faucet and sanitary industry, stands as an exemplary European firm with significant investments in China, manifested through production centers in the southern Guangdong Province. "We have to expand in China. We've already grown, and in the past nine years we've doubled the size of the company, and now we're preparing for the next stage of growth," Ramon Guixa, general manager of Sedal Group, told Xinhua. "The Chinese government has always given us support. We are a hi-tech company in China and the government supports companies that are thriving and growing," added the firm's general manager, who stressed the importance of institutional help for foreign businesses. Marta Ortiz, a representative of Air China's sales department in Spain, expressed optimism about China's efforts to strengthen and consolidate economic ties with Europe, specifically in the aviation sector. "Since March we've noticed a big change with the opening up of China. It began slowly but now it's picking up and the prospects for the next few months are good, and no doubt there will be an increase in economic, cultural and social exchanges," she told Xinhua. The European Union and China stand as each other's principal trading partners. China surpassed the United States to become the EU's largest trade partner in goods in 2020, with 2023 statistics revealing that China accounted for 9 percent of EU goods exports and 20 percent of EU goods imports, as per data from the European Commission. "China and Europe are partners, and we're trying to be good partners instead of rivals. We believe that the Chinese economy and the European economy are complementary to each other," Hu Aimin, China's acting consul general in Barcelona, told Xinhua at a recent press event to explain China's trade relationship with Europe and Spain. "We are taking measures to attract foreign investment. For example, we are giving foreign companies in China national enterprise treatment, so that they will be treated equally with Chinese companies," added the acting consul general as an example of the efforts. China and Europe recently reaffirmed their commitment to their trade relationship at the first in-person China-EU summit since 2019 that took place on Dec. 7 in Beijing. During this summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang held talks with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Focus on the Familys pro-life TV commercial Its a Baby won the National Religious Broadcasters 2024 Award for Television Messaging Campaign of the Year. The 60-second clip, which was launched on the one-year anniversary of the US Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization on June 14, shows typical celebratory moments during pregnancy caricaturing todays common pro-abortion language that a baby during pregnancy is just a fetus. The ad starts off with a woman holding a pregnancy test sharing the good news with her husband saying, Its positive, were having a fetus! On another occasion, two men are jogging together with one man asking the other whether they already had some names in mind for their fetus. Finally, a little girl states the obvious when her parents ask her to feel the fetus in moms belly, saying, Uhm, its a baby. On its ad campaign website, Focus on the Family comments, Fetusthats such a scientific word. Its distant. It feels a million feet away from us, and that is the point. There are people trying to diminish the value of life by changing how we talk about it. At Focus on the Family, we love the word babybecause baby, its personal. It points to the joy of life ahead and all the things that make babies human. And it happens from conception. According to the NRB, the recipient of its Television Messaging Campaign of the Year Award will demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation, and excellence in production quality as it stands for free speech and/or against the threats to free speech or religion. The messaging campaign must demonstrate creativity in its presentation of the issue and engage the viewer to action. The awards will be presented during the 2024 NRB International Christian Media Convention, which will take place February 20-23, 2024, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) This year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show the Pennsylvania Dairymens Association is offering an array of activities, featuring cows, interactive educational activities and free milkshake opportunities. The Calving Corner, a visitor favorite, is back this year with family-friendly learning activities. The corner features live births, calves and cows, dairy farm families and more. The association is also hosting Moo-U, at the Northeast Exhibit Hall, where kids of all ages will be able to participate in hands-on STEM learning activities. There, veterinarians Dr. Jody Kull, Dr. Adrian Barragan, and other educators from the Dairy Excellence Foundation, Whitaker Center for the Arts and Sciences, PA Beef Council and REACH Cyber Academy are leading activities all week long. 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show: Times for each day The Northeast Hall is also home to the Destination Dairy Educational Learning Space, where visitors have the chance to meet Dairy Princesses from across the state and learn more about Pennsylvanias dairy industry. At Destination Dairy and The Calving Corner, our dairy farmers really love welcoming children, families and individuals of all ages to experience an up-close look at farm life and help answer questions about our animals, farming, where milk comes from and about our world-class dairy industry. We are grateful to our farmers and to all who support us and our philanthropic projects, PA Dairymens Association Executive Director Dave Smith said about the events. Photo Courtesy Pennsylvania Dairymens Association More, on each day of the Farm Show, excluding military day, the association is partnering with The GIANT Company to give out free milkshake coupons to 100 fans. This year the associations new salted caramel milkshake honors The GIANT Companys 100th anniversary. Its thrilling to team up with GIANT to celebrate their 100th anniversary with our new delicious signature Salted Caramel flavor. We appreciate their extraordinary support of our Agriculture industry and of our dairy farmers, and for offering 100 fans FREE milkshakes daily throughout Farm Show, Smith said. New milkshake flavor announced for 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show On January 11, active military members and veterans will have a chance to claim free milkshake for PA Dairymens Military Day, sponsored by Renewal by Andersen. Photo Courtesy Pennsylvania Dairymens Association We are also proud to again team up with our friends at Renewal by Andersen of Central PA. This year, we will join forces on Military Day to honor our courageous veterans and active military with a free milkshake as a small token of our appreciation. We are blessed to have generous support to help spread additional joy to attendees, thanks to wonderful businesses, like GIANT and Renewal. We are excited to see our military friends, veterans and all of our devoted milkshake and Farm Show fans, Smith said. In addition to milkshakes, the Pennsylvania Dairymens Association is also selling mozzarella cheese cubes, grilled cheese and ice cream at the Farm Show. All proceeds will go to the Associations philanthropic work. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Its a Fast and Flurryous announcement sure to ward off those winter blues. ... Catch My Drift? On Monday, the city of South Lake Tahoe announced the winning names of its inaugural snowplow contest. According to officials in the Northern California city, residents cast 1,194 votes within three weeks to choose between 36 snowplow names. The top vote-getter, with 42.5% of all votes was The Big LePlowski, a nod to a 1998 cult cinema classic. But, not to be lost to pop culture, Plowy McPlowface was the second-best with more than 40% of the vote a name no doubt inspired by the viral campaign waged in 2016 to name a fleet of autonomous British submersibles (also, the newsrooms prediction for the winner). Other names that topped the list: Call-outs to Star Wars including Snowbi Wan Kenobi, Darth Blader and Snowbacca (sorry, Hans Sno-low) and music icons like Fleetwood Mac and Snoop Dogg. Surprisingly, according to the citys full tally, Taylor Drift received no votes. But residents warmed up to Sled Zeppelin. Slay. The Name a Snowplow Contest has been a great way to kick off our winter snow removal operations and to engage our residents in a fun activity, said Anush Nejad, the citys director of public works. We look forward to seeing the winning names on the citys snowplows during this winter season. These are the ten names, in order, that will be affixed to the citys fleet of specialized winter vehicles. The Big LePlowski Plowy McPlowface Scoop Dog Snowbi Wan Kenobi Darth Blader Sled Zeppelin Clearopathra Sleetwood Mac Austin Plowers Snowbacca The full vote tally, as well as the full list of 36 names submitted, is available on the citys website. These names will be placed on the citys powder-clearing Frost Responders over the next few weeks, city officials said. The Bees Daniel Hunt contributed to these jokes. PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) The Pflugerville Independent School District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. to discuss its search for a new superintendent, according to the boards agenda. The board accepted Dec. 14 the resignation of Douglas Killian, who served PfISD for nearly seven years. His last day with PfISD is Dec. 31, according to the district. Board members will meet Tuesday evening with search consultants, according to the agenda, and talk about the search, timeline, and community input. Board members will also discuss potential superintendent candidates and get legal advice about the search, the agenda said. The meeting will occur before the regular board meeting at 7 p.m. in the PISD Administration Building on 1401 West Pecan. Both meetings will be live streamed here. The board named Steve Flores as interim superintendent on Dec. 14. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Philadelphia cyclist linked to knife attacks on popular park trail, police say A man was arrested Sunday after investigators linked him to a series of knife attacks by a cyclist on a popular Philadelphia trail. Elias Diaz, 46, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and related offenses, the Philadelphia Police Department told Fox News Digital. The attacks occurred at the Pennypack Park Trail, police said. FATHER AND SON FARMERS CHARGED WITH KILLING ARMED TRESPASSER Elias Diaz, 46, has been charged in connection with knife attacks against victims at a popular Philadelphia trail. The first incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. on Nov. 22 when a jogger was attacked by a man on a bicycle. The suspect, later identified as Diaz, brandished a machete and slashed the jogger multiple times in the hands and arms, police said. The victim was treated at a local hospital. Two days later, another person was attacked while walking on the trail. That victim was assaulted and left with lacerations to the right arm and hands by someone on a bicycle, authorities said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP A view of a trail in Pennypack Park. On Dec. 6, a man riding a BMX-style bicycle became verbally aggressive with someone on the trail. The person left the area unharmed. Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attacks. Original article source: Philadelphia cyclist linked to knife attacks on popular park trail, police say The COVID-19 pandemic inspired many Black Americans to go into business for themselves. For Robyn Baxter, it pushed her to launch a Black women-owned charcuterie business after attending Diner en Blanc in Philadelphia. Francois Pasquier and several friends started Le Diner en Blanc in Paris in 1988. Since then, the annual event has become a trend worldwide as thousands look forward to dressing in all white and dining with one another at a secret location dropped at the last minute, according to the website. Baxter told CBS Philadelphia that she had attended Diner en Blanc for several years, but the event after the pandemic inspired her to become a business owner. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jlux_charcuterie, L.L.C (@jlux_charcuterie) It all started right after the pandemic with Diner En Blanc, Baxter said. I had been attending for six years, and every year I showed up with a board. And every year, someone stopped at my table and asked Where did you get this board from?' With that spark of creativity, she started her artisan business, Jlux Charcuterie. On Friday, she appeared on Shop Black Business Friday, a weekly segment highlighting different Black-owned companies every week in December. The City Council passed a resolution earlier this month and declared Shop Black Business Friday, an initiative to support diversity in citywide businesses. While Baxter has only been in business for three years, she insists other Black-owned businesses helped Jlux Charcuterie succeed. Weve had the opportunity to network with several other Black-owned businesses who have been tremendous in us helping to get our foot out there, Baxter said, according to CBS. During the segment, she displayed the board The gang is all here, which has become an instant favorite among customers. It contains three premium meats and a variety of artisan cheeses paired with fruits and nuts. Baxter has been booked with orders this holiday season, with the custom-made grazing tables ranging from $800 to $1,200. She also offers beginner classes for those interested in doing charcuterie boards at home. Our beginning classes introduce you to what charcuterie is, Baxter said. PHILADELPHIA - An LGBTQ+ activist in the Philadelphia community has been charged with raping two minors after previously being the victim of a violent assault in 2020, sources tell FOX 29. Philadelphia police say Kendall Stephens, 37, was arrested Monday after an investigation into sexual assaults from September 2023. She has been charged with two counts of Rape, Indecent Assault, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Corruption of Minors and related charges. Stephens is the same woman who survived a brutal hate-crime in her Point Breeze home on August 24, 2020 in which the attacker, Tymesha Wearing pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and conspiracy. According to the DA, Wearing was sentenced to 11.5 to 23 months of house arrest with electronic monitoring, with no parole eligibility until 18 months of home confinement, as well as 120 hours of community service, a letter of apology to Stephens, and completion of a court-monitored anger management program. The details in the allegations against Stephens are developing as the investigation of the case is ongoing. Bail for Stephens has been set at $500,000. (Bloomberg) -- The Philippines should revamp its approach in dealing with Beijings aggression in the South China Sea as traditional methods of diplomacy are being disregarded and current efforts are heading in a poor direction, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Most Read from Bloomberg We have to come up with a new concept, a new principle, a new idea so that we move, as I say, we move the needle the other way, Marcos said in a statement on Tuesday. Weve gone down the wrong road, he said, as he rallied allies to come out with a joint position, in remarks first made before the Japanese media on Saturday. China and the Philippines have been locked in an escalating territorial spat in the South China Sea, a key trade corridor with huge energy potential that both sides want to take advantage of. The Philippines has been filing diplomatic protests, summoning Chinas envoy after increasingly tense encounters in contested waters and also calling out Chinas coast guard. The Southeast Asian nation has also floated the idea of filing another case against Beijing, and holding separate talks with neighbors for a sea code. China has maintained its maritime actions are lawful. Marcos, who discarded his predecessors non-confrontational approach in the South China Sea when he took office last year, suggested increased involvement among other stakeholders that will promote peace and also resolve the issue sooner rather than later. The Philippine leader said the situation in the disputed sea will not improve if his nation continues to deal with China in the same way. The nation must also move quickly in resolving the issue as its already affecting the livelihood of its fishermen. Marcos, on weekend, also said energy exploration in the West Philippine Sea the portion of the South China Sea that the nation claims must start before the countrys Malampaya gas field is commercially depleted in the coming years. China for its part said it will conduct sea trials for deepwater drilling vessel, according to a Reuters report. Its time that the countries that feel that they have an involvement in this situation, we have to come up with a paradigm shift, Marcos said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Pope Francis officially made it possible to bless same-sex couples and 'irregular' unions, as long as they do not send mixed messages about the church's teaching on marriage and do not occur within a liturgical celebration. On Monday, the Vatican's doctrine office released a declaration explaining a change in the church's understanding of blessings. This shift comes in response to a letter sent by Francis to two conservative cardinals, less than three months ago, suggesting that blessings for same-sex couples could be considered under specific conditions. These conditions include ensuring that the blessings are spontaneous or personal and not part of liturgical ceremonies. According to the office, the declaration was meant to serve as a tribute to faithful believers, including gay couples, who "worship the Lord with so many gestures of deep trust in his mercy and who, with this confidence, constantly come to seek a blessing from Mother Church," the declaration read. The declaration clarifies that the letter from Francis offered an 'innovative contribution' that expanded the traditional understanding of blessing within the Church's doctrine. "It is precisely in this context that one can understand the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Churchs perennial teaching on marriage," the declaration states. In a statement to The Arizona Republic on Tuesday, Bishop John Dolan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix reiterated that the church's teaching on marriage remains unchanged. However, he noted that ministers have the option to bestow the blessings outlined in the document as a means of providing spiritual support to couples, irrespective of their sexual orientation. "Ordained ministers can make an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs Gods healing love and mercy in our lives," the diocese's communication office said in the statement. While the document reaffirms the church's enduring teaching on marriage as a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman, it emphasizes that blessings for gay and remarried couples should not be refused. It suggests that those seeking the blessing should acknowledge themselves as 'destitute and in need of help' without seeking validation of their status. Instead, they are encouraged to 'beg that all that is true, good, and humanly valid in their lives and their relationships be enriched, healed, and elevated by the presence of the Holy Spirit,' according to the document. The doctrine office also stated couples do not need to undergo an extensive examination of prior moral perfection as a condition to receive the blessing. The document says blessings in this form serve as a prayer to seek God's help and offer believers a means to increase their trust in God. The request for a blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy, and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live, the declaration reads. The document represents Pope Francis' latest expression of welcome toward the LGBTQ community, an intent in which he has distinguished himself from his predecessors in the eyes of Catholic followers. The document stressed that although same-sex couples and irregular unions are living in a state of sin according to the church's doctrine, it states that subjecting the pastoral gesture to moral prerequisites "could overshadow the unconditional power of Gods love that forms the basis for the gesture of blessing." This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vatican OKs blessings for same-sex couples; Phoenix diocese weighs in FILE - Texas Rangers starting pitcher Martin Perez works against a San Diego Padres batter during the fifth inning of a baseball game July 29, 2023, in San Diego. Perez agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File) PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Pirates added another veteran left-hander to fill out their starting rotation, agreeing Monday with Martin Perez on an $8 million, one-year deal. The agreement with the 32-year-old, who won a World Series with Texas in November, is pending a physical, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal wasn't final. Perez becomes the second left-handed starter to join Pittsburgh in recent weeks. The Pirates acquired Marco Gonzales from Atlanta for $100,000 on Dec. 5, a trade in which the Braves are sending Pittsburgh $9.25 million to cover most of the $12 million salary Gonzales is owed next season. There is plenty of room in the rotation for the Pirates to add, with Mitch Keller the only surefire holdover from last year's group after Johan Oviedo underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last month. Pittsburgh is eyeing another step forward in 2024 after going 76-86 this season, a 15-win improvement over 2022 and the franchise's best mark since 2018. Perez went 10-4 for the Rangers last season, going 10-4 with a 4.45 ERA in 35 games, 20 of them starts. He moved from the rotation to the bullpen in August and made three relief appearances in the playoffs all in mop-up duty as Texas won its first World Series title. His salary is less than half the $19.65 million he earned this year after accepting the Rangers' qualifying offer. The Pirates are trying to build rotational depth in the minors but it remains a work in progress, one of the reasons they have looked outside the organization for help at the big league level. Perez is 85-81 with a 4.44 ERA in his 12-season big league career for Texas (2012-18, '22-23), Minnesota (2019) and Boston (2020-21). He was an All-Star in 2022, when he finished 12-8 with a career-best 2.89 ERA. The arrival of Perez and Gonzales give the Pirates a couple of experienced arms to pair with Keller, an All-Star for the first time in 2023. Other possible players that could fit into the rotation in 2024 are Quinn Priester, Roansy Contreras, Bailey Falter, Andre Jackson and Luis Ortiz, with 2023 top overall pick Paul Skenes likely getting a chance to see how ready he is during spring training. JT Brubaker, Pittsburgh's opening day starter in 2022, could also be back after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Gonzales was traded to Atlanta by Seattle on Dec. 3, and the Mariners agreed to send the Braves $4.5 million next Aug. 1. That means Gonzales will in effect cost the Braves $4.75 million, the Mariners $4.5 million and the Pirates $2.75 million. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb (CNN) A New York jury on Monday found actor Jonathan Majors guilty of assault and harassment of his former girlfriend during a domestic dispute. Majors, a rising star who has appeared in Disneys Marvel franchise and Creed III, was convicted on Monday of one count of reckless assault in the 3rd degree and a non-criminal charge of harassment as a violation. He was acquitted on another assault charge and one count of aggravated harassment. Majors, who was present in court on Monday, held a straight a face while the verdict was being read. He left the courthouse without commenting to members of the media. In a statement to CNN on Monday afternoon, Priya Chaudhry, an attorney for Majors, said he still has faith in the process and looks forward to fully clearing his name. Shortly after news of the verdict, a source with knowledge of the matter told CNN that Marvel Studios would not be moving forward on any future projects with Majors, who was set to star as the villainous Kang in the upcoming Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. A representative for Marvel declined to comment when reached by CNN. The jury in the case deliberated for about four and a half hours total before reaching a verdict. The trial, which began on December 4, stems from a March domestic dispute involving Majors and his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Majors had pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of assault and aggravated harassment. During closing arguments last week, prosecutors alleged Majors didnt hesitate to use physical violence against Jabbari when he grabbed Jabbaris right hand, twisted her arm behind her back and then struck a blow to her head. Majors attorney reiterated his innocence during her closing argument, calling the accusations against him fake and alleging that Jabbari was the aggressor in their argument. Majors did not testify during the trial, but he was present in the New York City courtroom for the duration of the proceedings. According to the New York Times, Jabbari testified on December 5 that Majors assaulted her in the backseat of a car during the March dispute, which prosecutors said happened after Jabbari saw a romantic text message on his phone from someone else. We are gratified to see justice served by todays guilty verdict. Ms. Jabbari testified publicly and truthfully, even though reliving these traumatic events on the witness stand was obviously painful, Jabbaris attorneys said in a statement to CNN on Monday. We are grateful to the jurors and the Judge for their attention and patience, and to the Manhattan District Attorneys Office for their hard work and support. Until his legal troubles, Majors had starred in a number of high-profile film roles with more slated for production. He appeared as Kang in the Marvel film, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which released back in February. He also appeared in the Disney+ series Loki, which aired its second season in October. Avengers: The Kang Dynasty was to release in 2026 and would have served as a starring vehicle for Majors. He was also set to star in another film centered around his Marvel character, Avengers: Secret Wars, slated for a 2027 debut. With Majors career trajectory already paused due to the trial, his professional future is now in question. The actor could face up to a year in prison for the assault conviction. He also faces a maximum of 15 days in jail and a $250 fine for the harassment violation. His sentencing is scheduled for February 6 next year. CNNs Elizabeth Wagmeister contributed to this story. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Jury finds Jonathan Majors guilty of assault and harassment" While the Prime Minister has refused publicly to narrow down his options for the date of the next general election beyond next year, Sadiq Khan might be regretting his own inability to postpone his own date with destiny. In just six months time the voters of London will give their verdict on the mayors eight-year tenure, and if events in the last few days are anything to go by, hell have harder time of it than he might have expected. Two outrageous revelations have put him on the back foot and given an unexpected boost to his rivals for the throne of City Hall. The first was the revelation at the weekend that cash-strapped Ukraine, desperately in need of all the help it can get from its western allies in its fight for survival against Putins Russia, was denied a fleet of older vehicles that had been surrendered by Londoners hoping to escape the mayors punitive daily charge on those who cant afford newer cars. If London doesnt want them, we could make good use of them, said Ukraine. And so it could, if only Khan had been willing to release them. But his commitment to his beloved Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (Ulez) trumped his claimed support for the besieged eastern European country, and so the vehicles will be destroyed instead of aiding the fight against Russian expansionism. You would think that that in any sane world, that act itself would have diminished Khans chances of re-election. But now we discover that while he was pontificating about the virtue of Ulez and dismissing poorer Londoners worries about having to pay up to 250 a month for the privilege of driving their cars, he was happy to promote an industry that is blamed for more carbon emissions than any other in exchange for free business class transatlantic flights. We dont want more flights, said the mayor in June as part of his Greta Thunberg tribute act with which were all now familiar. But a year earlier, as he prepared to take his seat in the posher seats for his flight to New York, he tweeted that United Airlines are now flying 22 times a day from Heathrow to the US. How enlightening. His voters wont know what to make of this apparent double standard. Or, if Khan is particularly unlucky, they will know exactly what to make of it. The one-time Jeremy Corbyn supporter Khan nominated him for the leadership, helping the Islington MP reach the number of MPs nominations needed to get on to the ballot paper in 2015 stands accused of blatant double standards. If the purity of the air Londoners breathe is so important that he will make life even more expensive for drivers, why is it acceptable to offer his personal endorsement to an airline company that operates out of Heathrow and which, therefore, contributes to the pollution of air around London? The contrasting images are shocking: a privileged senior politician tells his own voters how to behave and threatens them with unaffordable costs if they dont obey him, while at the same time promoting an airline in exchange for being able to swan across the Atlantic in luxury. If this had been the action of a Conservative minister, he or she would by now be facing demands for their resignation and an inquiry by parliamentary ethics watchdogs. Meanwhile, the Ukrainians prepare to enter the third year of their war of attrition against an aggressive and much larger neighbour, having been reminded that at least some of their allies can be classed under the heading of fair weather. Maybe President Zelensky should have offered the mayor an upgrade on Ukrainian International Airlines for his next visit to Kyiv. 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. FILE PHOTO: Swearing in of the new Polish cabinet, in Warsaw WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's new government has dismissed the country's representative to the World Bank, the prime minister said on Tuesday, drawing a rebuke from the central bank that had appointed him to the role. Closely linked to the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, Jacek Kurski was picked by the National Bank of Poland (NBP) as a representative on the board of executive directors of the World Bank in 2022. He took on the role after leaving his post as head of state broadcaster TVP, where he implemented changes in its coverage that critics say turned it into a propaganda vehicle for the nationalist PiS government that left office this month. "The government has adopted a resolution under which the finance minister will be Poland's representative in international financial institutions, including the World Bank, which means dismissing Jacek Kurski and recalling him from Washington back to the country," Donald Tusk told a news conference. However, the central bank said in a statement that by law it was the responsibility of its Governor Adam Glapinski to appoint Poland's representatives to international banking institutions. Glapinski, whose links to PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski go back decades, faces accusations that he undermined the independence of the central bank. Tusk's Civic Coalition (KO) grouping vowed to put Glapinski before a State Tribunal before the election but has yet to make a final decision on doing so. A government source told Reuters that the law which gave the central bank the right to appoint representatives to institutions like the World Bank was a legacy from the communist era and that changes to it had been under consideration for a long time. The source said that the government had decided to act now as in its view Kurski was not qualified for the role he had been put into. At the time of Kurski's appointment, the central bank said he was an economist and graduate in international trade, with wide-ranging experience in the public sector. (Reporting by Alan Charlish; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) Actress Kim Chiu admitted that her love life is currently "hanging" amid rumors that she and actor Xian Lim broke up. Veteran actress Maricel Soriano asked Chiu about her love life as the Diamond Star followed the younger celebrity as a "nanny for a day" for her YouTube vlog posted over the weekend. "Ang dami-dami nagbubulungan, kumusta daw ang love life mo? Tinatanong nila (fans) ang love life mo, eh. Di naman ako makasagot, 'day, kasi di naman ako ikaw," Soriano said. [Translation: They are talking about it, how is your love life? Your fans are asking about your love life. I can't answer them because I'm not you.] Chiu laughed. "Ang love life ko naka-hang ngayon (My love life is currently hanging), the younger star said. "Parang telepono (Like a telephone)?" asked Soriano, Chiu's co-star in "Linlang." "Oo...kumain tayo, yaya (Yes...let's eat, yaya)," the younger actress said. "Daanin natin sa pagkain 'to, kaya mo 'to, 'day (Let's just eat. You can handle this), Soriano said. When Chiu was asked about the status of her relationship with Lim last Nov. 24, the 33-year-old actress told ABS-CBN News that they would just keep it to themselves. But fans noticed on Dec. 12 that Lim deleted most of his videos, including vlogs with Chiu, on his YouTube channel. Chiu and Lim started dating in 2012. They made their relationship public in 2018. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) Senator Francis Tolentino on Tuesday announced that he will resign as chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, the panel tasked to investigate alleged wrongdoings of public officials. Tolentino said he is just fulfilling an earlier agreement with the Senate leadership that he would only serve as the panel's chair until the end of this year. "It is my intention to honor an agreementin fulfillment of a sacred commitment to serve as Blue Ribbon Committee chairman and member of the Commission of Appointments for a concise term of one and a half years," he said in a press briefing. "I find it both a duty and an honor to uphold the essence of a prior agreement," he added. Tolentino said that he will make a formal motion to resign when the session resumes in January and wait for his replacement. News about the senator's resignation from committee chairmanship has been around since last week. Tolentino said he would like to focus now on the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones. "Kung mauunawaan niyo, in the present context, binigay pa sa akin yung chairmanship ng Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, na sa palagay ko ay kailangan kong tutukan at bigyan ng buong puso at panahon," he said. "Dahil sa palagay ko po yung usapin ng maritime zones ay napakalawak." [Translation: Just so you understand, I was also given the chairmanship of the Specialty Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, and which I think I should be focusing on. Because the issue of maritime zones is very vast.] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines needs a "paradigm shift" in how it deals with China's aggressions in the West Philippine Sea as current diplomatic efforts with Beijing are going "in a poor direction." According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos told Japanese media over the weekend that China's continued disregard of the Philippines' "traditional" diplomatic methods calls for a new approach. "Well, to this point, we have resorted to the traditional methods of diplomacy where, should there be an incident, we send note verbal. Our embassy will send a demarche to the Foreign Affairs (Ministry) office in Beijing, but we have been doing this for many years now, with very little progress," Marcos said. "We have to do something [that] we have not done before. We have to come up with a new concept, a new principle, a new idea," he stressed. "Paradigm shift is something that we have to formulate." On Dec. 10, a commissioned Philippine vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal sustained "serious engine damage" after the China Coast Guard (CCG) blasted it with a water cannon. It was the latest in a string of tensions between Manila and Beijing, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines deemed "short of armed attacks." The incident led to the Philippines summoning Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and filing yet another diplomatic protest. At least three instances of the CCG's water cannon blasting against Filipino boats were logged in August and November. In February, a Chinese military-grade laser was pointed at a Philippine ship. All incidents prompted Manila to lodge diplomatic protests against Beijing. The national government has vowed to continue exploring "all forms of diplomatic actions available" to protect and uphold the country's legal maritime rights. In 2016, an arbitral tribunal constituted under the United Nations' Convention of the Law of the Sea nullified Beijing's sweeping claims over the South China Sea, which overlapped with the West Philippine Sea. The president reiterated he hopes to avoid situations that could lead to "an actual violent conflict" as a result of a mistake or misunderstanding. He also sought the help of the international community in developing a new approach to the WPS issue. "In my review, it's time that the countries that feel that they have an involvement in this situation, we have to come up with a paradigm shift," said Marcos, who earlier noted that the "more assertive" China is posing a "real challenge" to Asian neighbors. The president has just returned from Tokyo after attending the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. Aside from the Philippines, ASEAN members Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei have overlapping claims with China in parts of the South China Sea. The Chinese Embassy in Manila has yet to issue a statement on the matter. By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia would be prepared to talk to Ukraine, the United States and Europe about the future of Ukraine if they wanted to, but that Moscow would defend its national interests. Putin, who sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, has repeatedly said he would be prepared to talk about peace, though Western officials say he is waiting for the U.S. presidential election in November before making a genuine effort. "In Ukraine, those who are aggressive towards Russia, and in Europe and in the United States - do they want to negotiate? Let them. But we will do it based on our national interests," Putin told a meeting of the defence leadership in Moscow. "We will not give up what is ours," Putin said, adding that Russia did not intend to fight with Europe. Russia controls about 17.5% of the territory that was internationally recognised as part of Ukraine when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, and last year said the four additional regions of Ukraine that its troops partially control are part of Russia. Kyiv says it will not rest until every last Russian soldier is ejected from Ukraine. RUSSIA AT WAR Putin spoke at a meeting of the defence ministry which was attended by the military top brass, including Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff, as well as Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov. Russian troops, Putin said, now had the initiative on the battlefield. "We are not going to abandon the goals of the special military operation," Putin said, though he added that Russia needed better military communication, reconnaissance, targeting and satellite capability. He said Russia's defence industry was responding faster than that of the West and said Russia would continue to upgrade its nuclear forces and keep its combat readiness at a high level. Russia's production of tanks has increased since February 2022 by 5.6 times, unmanned aerial vehicles by 16.8 times and artillery shells by 17.5 times, Shoigu said. He said Russia had taken on 490,000 contract and voluntary soldiers in 2023. Next year, Russia will try to boost that contracted force to 745,000 men. Russian forces have laid 7,000 km of minefields in Ukraine - some up to 600 metres wide, along with 1.5 million anti-tank barriers and 2,000 km of anti-tank ditches, Shoigu said. Putin said Ukrainian membership of NATO "is not acceptable for Russia in 10 years, and not in 20". (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Hugh Lawson) Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the war in Ukraine revealed "problems" and outlined plans for further arming and modernising the invading army while at a board meeting of the Russian Defence Ministry with the participation of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday, 19 December. Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS Quote from Putin: "The conduction of the special military operation (the war in Ukraine ed.) also revealed problems. So, we need to seriously rebuild the communication system, use modern means of reconnaissance, targeting and counter-battery warfare much more effectively, and increase the capabilities of our satellite group, not only in the area of special operation but also at the global level." Details: According to Putin, the Russians need to seriously increase the production and supply of high-precision projectiles and drones of various types. "I know that changes are happening, they are happening quite quickly, I will tell you more about it. But we still need to work on it, we need to consolidate this trend. The work of air defene also needs to be improved," Putin said. Putin also said that the Russian army should be equipped, in particular, with equipment based on artificial intelligence and new physical principles. At the same time, the Russian President pointed out the role of the nuclear triad of the Russian Federation. He threatened that by the end of the year, the Russians would supply 15 Yars and Avangard launchers. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- The impasse over aid from the US and Europe has Ukraines allies contemplating something theyve refused to imagine since the earliest days of Russias invasion: that Vladimir Putin may win. Most Read from Bloomberg With more than $110 billion in assistance mired in political disputes in Washington and Brussels, how long Kyiv will be able to hold back Russian forces and defend Ukraines cities, power plants and ports against missile attacks is increasingly in question. Beyond the potentially catastrophic consequences for Ukraine, some European allies have begun to quietly consider the impact of a failure for North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. Theyre reassessing the risks an emboldened Russia would pose to alliance members in the east, according to people familiar with the internal conversations who asked for anonymity to discuss matters that arent public. The ripple effects would be felt around the world, the people said, as US partners and allies questioned just how reliable Washingtons promises of defense would be. The impact of such a strategic setback would be far deeper than that caused by the spectacle of the botched US pullout from Afghanistan in 2021, they said. And thats leaving aside the prospect that Donald Trump might win next years presidential election and realize his public pledges to pull back from major alliances, including NATO, and make a deal with Putin over Ukraine. The growing sense of alarm has slipped into leaders public statements. Theyve taken on an increasingly shrill tone as backers of the aid exhort their opponents not to hold the vital assistance hostage to domestic political priorities, something which rarely happened in previous debates. If Ukraine doesn't have support from the EU and the US, then Putin will win, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said last week at the European Union summit, where leaders failed to overcome growing opposition to next years 50 billion ($55 billion) aid package and only barely managed to approve the largely symbolic gesture of opening the way to membership for Ukraine sometime in the future. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday, Zelenskiy denied that Ukraine is starting to lose the war, pointing to the advances his forces have made since the early days of the invasion and the support he has received from Ukraines allies. We have challenges, he said, mentioning the delays with foreign aid and shortages of artillery shells. All the same, US President Joe Biden last week pledged to back Ukraine for as long as we can, a rhetorical shift from previous vows to do so for as long as it takes. Hardline Republicans in Congress have refused to approve $61 billion of support for next year until Biden gives in to their demands for tougher policies on the US southern border. So far, efforts to reach a deal have failed. Monday, the Pentagon warned that the money for new weapons for Ukraine will run out Dec. 30 if legislators dont act. Read More: Zelenskiy Feels the Chill From Ukraines Allies in a Tough Week In addition to growing public skepticism about the cost of support for Ukraine, the disappointing results of Kyivs counteroffensive this summer its troops made only modest gains against Russias heavily entrenched forces have fueled questions about whether Ukraines publicly declared goal of retaking all the territory occupied by Putin is realistic. Lately, allied officials have sought to highlight Kyivs more recent military successes, including its successful strikes on the Russian navy in the Black Sea, rather than the sweeping advances on the ground seen in the first year of war. There is increasing concern about lack of movement on aid for Ukraine on both sides of the Atlantic and frustration that there is this stagnation with dire battlefield consequences, said Kristine Berzina, managing director at the German Marshall Fund in Washington. The possibility of Ukraine losing additional territory and even its sovereignty that is still on the table. Russia is likely to push to take more territory and destroy more infrastructure if Ukraine doesnt get the weapons it needs to defend itself, according to European officials. Unable to defend itself, Ukraine might be forced to accept a cease-fire deal on Russias terms, they said. Ukraines backers in both the EU and US contend aid is likely to be approved in some form early next year. But thats unlikely to yield a major breakthrough on the battlefield, officials said. Beyond that, the outlook is increasingly murky, even as the stalemate on the ground makes it increasingly clear that the fight could go on for years to come. In the Baltic states, officials are already telling the public to be ready for the next war because Putins forces arent going to be destroyed in Ukraine. The discussion has moved from if Russia might attack to a focus on concrete preparations for that once-unthinkable prospect. Despite Bidens public assurances, questions about whether the US and other allies would actually put their troops at risk to defend tiny countries that were once part of the Soviet Union are growing. Russia is not scared of NATO, Estonias military chief Martin Herem said in an interview with a local TV station last week, estimating that the Russian military could be ready to attack NATO within a year once the conflict in Ukraine not a member of the alliance was over. Other western officials said it would likely take Putin at least several years to make up for the tremendous losses his military has taken in Ukraine, let alone threaten NATOs much more capable forces. But the earlier confidence that the invasion would be a strategic defeat for the Russian leader has faded, replaced in some quarters by a growing sense that Putins bet that he can outlast the US and its allies may prove right. Read More: What Ukraines EU Candidacy Means, and Whats Ahead: QuickTake Finland, which joined NATO this year amid the growing threat from Russia, has stepped up its own defense buildup and is seeking to lock in security ties with the US. Putin Sunday warned that Russia plans to deploy more troops along its border, the longest between Russia and a NATO member. There were no problems, he said. Now there will be. One western official described how a Russian victory would trigger an outpouring of refugees heading for the EU, piling pressure on services in those countries and exacerbating tensions between members. At the same time, the official said, the Ukrainian resistance would switch to guerrilla tactics meaning that the fighting would continue at a lower lever, perpetuating the instability on the EUs eastern border. Some European countries might seek to strengthen their ties with Moscow or Beijing to avoid having to rely too much on an unreliable US, other officials said. With Russian forces potentially much closer to the borders of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, and Crimea giving the Kremlin a dominant position in the Black Sea, the US would need to make a significant investment in its European forces to pose a credible deterrent, the Institute for the Study of War said in a report released last week. The US would have to deploy a sizable portion of its ground forces as well as a large number of stealth aircraft. Given the limitations of US manufacturing, that could force the White House to choose between keeping sufficient forces in Asia to defend Taiwan against a potential strike by China or deterring a Russian attack on NATO. The entire undertaking will cost a fortune, analysts led by Frederick W. Kagan said in the report. The cost will last as long as the Russian threat continues potentially indefinitely. --With assistance from Alberto Nardelli, Ott Tammik, Natalia Ojewska, Demetrios Pogkas and Aliaksandr Kudrytski. (Updates with comment from Zelenskiy in seventh paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Major flooding in northern Australia has begun to ease but many towns remain isolated in crocodile-infested waters as supplies dwindle. Extreme weather driven by ex-tropical cyclone Jasper has dumped a year's worth of rain on parts of Queensland. Some rivers have swollen to record levels, flooding homes, severing roads and power, and forcing people to flee houses in boats. One man is missing. One badly-hit town is now being evacuated after a failed first effort. ABC reported that about 20 people had been airlifted from Wujal Wujal by military helicopter. Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott told the broadcaster they looked "pretty happy" after landing in nearby Cooktown. Wujal Wujal has a population of around 300, and is just one of a number of cut-off settlements suffering a shortage of food and water stocks. Its former mayor Desmond Tayley earlier told ABC he had "grave concerns" for the community's elderly and vulnerable people, after Monday's evacuation attempt was thwarted by bad weather. "Desperate" locals had started to "risk their lives" by traversing dangerous floodwaters in which six-metre crocodiles had been spotted, he said. "Being attacked by one of those, you never see someone again." A search continues for a missing man, 85, who was last seen in nearby Degarra late on Sunday. Rescue and relief efforts in the region have also been hampered by the closure of Cairns Airport - where planes were pictured submerged on Sunday - though the facility is now expected to reopen. Queensland authorities say the rain is now less intense, and river levels have begun to fall. Areas around Cairns have received more than 2m (7ft) of rainfall since Thursday State officials have promised essential supplies including medicine are being urgently flown to towns across the region. As some areas begin cleaning up, locals have been warned of risks including disease from contaminated water and displaced wild animals. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who will visit the flood zones later this week, also announced emergency payments for those affected, and ongoing allowances for eligible people who have lost work as a result of the disaster. "[There] will be some difficult days and weeks ahead. One of the things that I find though is that the worst of times brings out the best of the Australian character," he said. Many locals were taken by surprise at the extent of the downpour, with some saying they were not properly warned. But Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the Bureau of Meteorology's weather tracking systems could not have predicted the scale of the disaster, saying it was a "highly unpredictable weather system". The weather bureau had done its "absolute best" and given important advice to emergency crews, he added. "It is pretty remarkable that, in an event of this scale, that we have not yet lost a life or a serious injury." In recent years, Australia has been plagued by disasters including severe droughts and bushfires, successive years of record floods, and six mass bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef - increasing concerns about the impacts of climate change. State authorities estimate the cost of this latest disaster will top A$1bn (529m; $670m). Getting bitten by a vampire bat certainly sounds like something to avoid in the first place, but a new report says vampire bats and the rabies they can carry are an increasing threat in the U.S. due to changing weather patterns caused by pollution. What is happening? According to a new study published in Ecography titled Climate change linked to vampire bat expansion and rabies virus spillover, the habitats of these bats that live in tropical ecosystems are expanding due to rising temperatures. Our retrospective analysis revealed a positive relationship between changes in climate and the northern expansion of the distribution of [vampire bats] in North America, the studys abstract says. Why is this concerning? Though rare in the United States, rabies is an extremely serious disease. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal, the World Health Organization writes. The disease is more prevalent in tropical climates and is categorized by the WHO as one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) that predominantly affects already marginalized, poor and vulnerable populations. However, as global temperatures rise, the study shows that vampire bat populations are moving north from Latin America toward the United States. And while it is bad news for humans, rabies is even more of an immediate threat to livestock populations. According to a 2020 United States Department of Agriculture report, rabies costs the Mexican livestock industry more than $46 million per year. What is being done about it? The USDA is taking steps to mitigate rabies outbreaks in livestock populations, having implemented a program that monitors cattle populations for the disease and a campaign to educate farmers on the signs of vampire bat bites. This bat species causes a lot of concern in agriculture due to its ability to transmit diseases, injure livestock, and cause infections. Rabies is the most obvious issue because of livestock welfare and potential to infect humans, Gary Joiner, a spokesperson for the Texas Farm Bureau, told Wired. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. MSNBCs Rachel Maddow said former President Donald Trump is continuing to repeat fascistic rhetoric because those things work for him. On Monday, Maddow noted the well-worn authoritarian strategy of turning people against each other so voters end up feeling that only a strongman can fix the country. This weekend, Trump told a New Hampshire rally that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country. His remarks have been condemned: A spokesperson for President Joe Bidens reelection campaign said Trump parroted Hitler. Theres a reason [Adolf] Hitler and [Benito] Mussolini said this stuff, too. It worked then, it works now, Maddow said. It has worked abroad all over the world and yes, it has worked here, too. More than we like to remember. This stuff is tactically efficient and has a terrible history of working really well, she warned. Watch the video here: In a separate segment, Maddows MSNBC colleague, Jen Psaki, noted how Trump is clearly slipping in this vile, violent language more and more. A dictatorial speech there, an authoritarian Truth Social post here. Hes kind of trying to normalize his extreme, fascist rhetoric to condition his supporters to be OK with it, lamented the former Biden White House press secretary. It seems to be working, Psaki added. There is a market for the tyranny hes selling. Watch the video here: Related... (Bloomberg) -- Indias parliament has temporarily suspended a record 141 members from both its chambers in the past week, with the countrys opposition decrying the move as a fresh blow to democratic norms. Most Read from Bloomberg The Indian National Congress, the largest opposition party, says its members were suspended for pressing Prime Minister Narendra Modis government for a statement on the recent security breach in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament. While the government has refused to engage in a debate over the security lapse, Home Minister Amit Shah, at an event outside the parliament last week, gave assurances of strengthened security and said an investigative report will be ready within three weeks. READ: Indias New Parliament Breached on Anniversary of Deadly Attack An additional 49 opposition lawmakers were suspended Tuesday also for demanding an explanation from the government regarding last weeks security breach. Pralhad Joshi, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, said Monday the bulk of the opposition members were suspended for the remainder of the winter session of the parliament ending on Friday for misconduct, which included defying the speakers and abusing rules of the house. The Congress Party described the suspensions as yet another autocratic move by the government. In an opposition-less Parliament, the Modi government can now get important pending laws passed by the muscle of majority without any discussion, debate or disagreement, said Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of Congress party, in a post on X. The INDIA bloc of the opposition parties is meeting in New Delhi Tuesday to discuss their strategy to take on Modis Bharatiya Janata Party in next years national elections. The suspension of parliament members is the largest in the countrys history. In 1989, 63 lawmakers of the Lok Sabha were suspended during a debate of a report on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhis assassination, according to a report in the Hindustan Times newspaper. (Updates with meeting of the opposition parties in seventh paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. An oil and chemicals tanker was hit in the Red Sea as the US, Britain and allies deployed a task force to defend vessels. US Central Command said that on Monday morning, local time, there were two Houthi militant attacks against commercial shipping in the Southern Red Sea. The American military chiefs tweeted: "The chemical/oil tanker motor vessel SWAN ATLANTIC was attacked by a one-way attack drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from a Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. "The Cayman Islands flagged SWAN ATLANTIC reported impact on the vessel and requested assistance, the USS CARNEY, the closest US warship, responded to assess damage." The briefing continued: "At approximately the same time, the bulk cargo ship M/V CLARA reported an explosion in the water near their location. This attack is separate from the attack on the M/V SWAN ATLANTIC. There was no request for support or report of damage. "There were no injuries reported during either incident." Several countries have agreed to jointly carry out patrols in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden under Operation Prosperity Guardian to try to safeguard commercial shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The UK Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond is pictured here sailing with the HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group, in the North Sea in September 2023 (Crown copyright / UK Ministry of Defence 2023) US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, on a visit to Bahrain, identified several countries taking part in an international force. It was unclear whether all those countries are willing to do what US warships have done in recent days - shoot down Houthi missiles and drones and rush to the aid of commercial ships under attack. "This is an international challenge that demands collective action. Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative," Mr Austin said in a statement on Tuesday. Participating nations led by the United States were named as including among others Bahrain, Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain. The UK has deployed destroyer HMS Diamond to the region and it will take part in the maritime task force. Illegal attacks on shipping by the Iranian backed Houthis are causing the situation in the Red Sea to rapidly deteriorate. Thats why HMS Diamond will join a new international task force to protect critical global shipping against those hostile actors who threaten British trade. pic.twitter.com/BG8LCpvnbs Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) December 19, 2023 Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Illegal attacks on shipping by the Iranian backed Houthis are causing the situation in the Red Sea to rapidly deteriorate."Thats why HMS Diamond will join a new international task force to protect critical global shipping against those hostile actors who threaten British trade." Commander Pete Evans, HMS Diamonds Commanding Officer said: The Royal Navy has always been committed to the protection of maritime trade and ensuring that both people and shipping remain safe in international waters. HMS Diamond and her Ships Company stand ready to work alongside our allies to protect peace and security. The task force currently also includes three US destroyers, and a French warship is also in the region. A European diplomat whose country will take part in the task force said the idea of the operation was for participating nations' ships to shoot down missiles and drones and accompany vessels through the Red Sea. An American military official played down the idea that naval ships would escort commercial vessels, given that hundreds normally travel the route daily, but said the US operation would position ships in areas where they could have the greatest security benefit. The Iran-backed Houthis have waded into the Israel-Hamas conflict by attacking vessels in vital shipping lanes and even firing drones and missiles at Israel, more than 1,000 miles from their seat of power in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. France will take measures along with the country's partners to put an end to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, said French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna as she met her British counterpart Lord David Cameron in Paris. "The Houthis, we know they are often supported by Iran," said Ms Colonna. "Measures will taken in co-ordination with our allies...we need to strengthen our operational capacity in this area to put an end to these attacks." Meanwhile, BP paused all its tanker journeys due to attacks from militants in Yemen. The oil giant's decision to "temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea", amid a surge in attacks by Iran-backed Houthis, has prompted fears of petrol price hikes and shipping delays. It came after a number of shipping firms including Maersk had already paused container shipments through the area due to the surge in attacks. Shipping experts say there is every potential the situation will be disruptive to global supply chains, and will result in "longer transit times" as ships take lengthy detours. Downing Street said on Monday it was talking to the shipping industry about the threat to vessels and providing security advice. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Obviously we are speaking to the sector. Were speaking to our partners, both internationally and in the region about how we can further strengthen maritime security, particularly in the context of the recent attacks. We are providing security advice to the shipping sector as necessary. But it remains for individual operators to decide on whether to continue their activity in light of the advice we provide. BP's decision to pause Red Sea shipments has already been blamed for a rise in global oil and gas prices. The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil was up by three per cent to 78.88 US dollars (62.33) as markets were closing in London on Monday. Iranian-backed Houthi militants have stepped up attacks on vessels in the Red Sea in recent days. This photo released shows a Houthi forces helicopter approaching the cargo ship Galaxy Leader last month (AP) The rebels are understood to be targeting ships using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with the pro-Hamas group seeking to disrupt ships set for Israel. The shipping route is a key area for global trade, particularly for the transport of oil, grain and consumer goods from east Asia. In an announcement on Monday, BP said: In our trading and shipping business, as in all BP businesses, the safety and security of our people and those working on our behalf is BPs priority. In light of the deteriorating security situation for shipping in the Red Sea, BP has decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea. We will keep this precautionary pause under ongoing review, subject to circumstances as they evolve in the region. HMS Diamond has shot down a suspected attack drone targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea - destroying the target with a Sea Viper missile. pic.twitter.com/x68zX4WtWi Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) December 16, 2023 The UK has already bolstered its naval presence in the region with the deployment of HMS Diamond. On Saturday it was revealed the British warship - a Type 45 destroyer - shot down a suspected attack drone which was targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea. Danish firm Maersk said it would suspend its activity in the region following a near miss involving its Maersk Gibraltar ship on Thursday. Guy Platten, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping, said a large number of companies are now actively considering rerouting after the flagrant breach of international law in the Red Sea. He said shipping lines having to take longer journeys around the Cape of Good Hope, at the tip of south-west Africa, had every potential to be disruptive for global supply chains, in an echo of the delays experienced when the Suez Canal was blocked in 2021. In March 2021, the Panama-flagged Ever Given, a colossal container ship, crashed into a bank on a single-lane stretch of the canal, blocking the waterway for six days and disrupting global trade. A Yemeni coastguard member loyal to the internationally-recognised government (AFP via Getty Images) Mr Platten, asked about how much additional time having to avoid the Red Sea could add on to Asia to Europe journeys by sea, told BBC Radio 4s PM programme: It depends on the type of ship and the trade but typically, it adds between six and 14 days to a voyage, about 9,000 kilometres. So it does add delay to the supply chain as well. You will see some implications of that as the weeks go on, as we did when the Ever Given ran aground in the Suez Canal. He added: I think there is every potential for it to be disruptive. This (situation) is due to security implications by the Houthis in the Red Sea but it has the same effect in that ships are going to have to divert elsewhere, so you will see this disruption." Meanwhile Simon Heaney, senior manager of container research for the consultancy Drewry, told Sky News the disruption could lead to delays in shipments. "The impact will be longer transit times, more fuel spent, more ships required, potential disruption and delays - at least in the first arrivals in Europe," he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has suspended the airing of two SMNI programs one hosted by former President Rodrigo Duterte and the other led by Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz for two weeks. In a statement on Tuesday, the MTRCB said it received several complaints on the alleged violations of the shows "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa" and "Laban Kasama ang Bayan" airing on the broadcast network currently under legislative scrutiny. The MTRCB said complaints were filed against the "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa" October 10 episode where Duterte aired a death threat against ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro. RELATED: Ex-pres. Duterte denies threatening Rep. Castro's life The board said it also received another complaint about an alleged death threat and profane language by a guest on the same show on Nov. 15. The MTRCB said it issued a warning to SMNI that similar incidents will be dealt with more sternly. The TV network committed to pre-record and review episodes before airing. The program "Laban Kasama ang Bayan" was also brought to the attention of the MTRCB after Celiz claimed on-air that House Speaker Martin Romualdez spent 1.8 billion for travels this year. The host admitted in a House hearing that the information from his Senate source was unverified. RELATED: Lawmakers cite SMNI hosts Celiz, Badoy in contempt The MTRCB said it was a unanimous decision to suspend "Laban Kasama ang Bayan," while majority of the board members voted to halt the airing of Duterte's weekly show. "To prevent the possible repetition of these alleged infractions which may pose a negative impact on public welfare, ethical considerations, and the overall reputation of the broadcasting industry, the Board determined the need to preventively suspend the subject program/s," it explained. It added SMNI is expected to rectify the issues during the suspension period. Castro welcomed the suspension order and hoped this would mark the start that the hosts are made accountable for their consistent red tagging. Earlier this month, the House of Representatives has adopted a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission to suspend SMNIs operations. Another lawmaker also filed a bill seeking the revocation of SMNI's franchise over alleged violations and fake news peddling. A new U.S.-led maritime coalition focused on protecting commercial shipping in and around the Red Sea from Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen has now been formally announced. As expected, the U.S. military has kicked off a new multi-national maritime coalition to respond to escalating missile and drone attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. The Houthis' actions, including new attacks just today, have seriously disrupted commercial shipping in and around the Red Sea. The War Zone was the first to report over the weekend that the announcement of this initiative, dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian, was imminent. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, who is on a tour of multiple countries in the Middle East, including Israel , made a formal statement about the launching of Operation Prosperity Guardian this evening. Just this past weekend, The War Zone highlighted the potential value of a multinational coalition in responding to the Houthi's actions, and geopolitical complications in the region that could limit options for more direct retaliation. The Prosperity Guardian coalition currently includes the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain. What assets the U.S. military and the rest of these countries are contributing to this mission is unclear. Multiple U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke class destroyers have already been responding to Houthi attacks for weeks now. The USS Carney (DDG 64) alone has shot down dozens of Houthi drones and missiles since October . The Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Carney fires a surface-to-air missile during at a Houthi missile or drone while sailing in the Red Sea on October 19, 2023. USN Warships from some of the other countries that are now part of the Prosperity Guardian coalition have engaged Houthi threats in the region already, too. The Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond shot down a Houthi drone just over the weekend. France's Aquitaine-class frigate Languedoc also shot down a drone launched by the Yemeni militant group earlier this month. https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1736027564588572902 When it comes to the U.S. military, on top of the Arleigh Burkes, there has been a surge of other warships, including two whole carrier strike groups and an expeditionary strike group , into the region in the wake of Hamas' brazen terrorist attacks on southern Israel that could contribute to this new operation. In addition to French and British warships, a host of other foreign naval forces are already in the region, too. https://twitter.com/Schizointel/status/1736834953067762066 Land-based aircraft, such as U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and MQ-9 Reaper drones, could also support Operation Prosperity Guardian from various bases in the region. The Houthis notably shot down a U.S. MQ-9 operating over the Red Sea back in November. The Pentagon has said that these forces will be operating under the leadership of the existing U.S.-led Combined Task Force 153 (CTF 153). Established in April 2022, CTF 153's main mission is to help bolster international maritime security efforts in and around the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the highly strategic Bab al-Mandab (also written Bab el-Mandeb) Strait that links them together. "The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and violates international law," Austin said in his statement. "The Red Sea is a critical waterway that has been essential to freedom of navigation and a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade." "Countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor launching ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) at merchant vessels from many nations lawfully transiting international waters," Austin continued. "This is an international challenge that demands collective action." https://twitter.com/detresfa_/status/1735979072126423252 When asked, the Pentagon said it had no information to provide The War Zone whether or not Operation Prosperity Guardian would or could include a kinetic response of any kind directly against the Houthis. Separately, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the top U.S. military command in the Middle East, says that there were at least two Houthi attacks on commercial ships just today. "On December 18, at approximately 9:00 (Sanaa time), there were two Houthi militant attacks against commercial shipping in the Southern Red Sea. The chemical/oil tanker motor vessel Swan Atlantic was attacked by a one-way attack drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from a Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen," according to a statement from CENTCOM. "At approximately the same time, the bulk cargo ship M/V Clara reported an explosion in the water near their location." "The Cayman Islands flagged Swan Atlantic reported impact on the vessel and requested assistance, the USS Carney ... the closest U.S. warship, responded to assess damage," CENTCOM added. "There was no request for support or report of damage [from M/V Clara]. There were no injuries reported during either incident. https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1736899643324383531 The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office, which is managed by the Royal Navy, also issued notices about two separate reported attempted attacks on commercial ships by personnel in small boats in the region today. Whether these were Houthi-linked incidents or not is unclear. One of these incidents occurred in or near the Bab al-Mandab on the Gulf of Aden side, and was said to have "likely [been] deterred by nearby coalition forces." https://twitter.com/UK_MTO/status/1736778598936096832 The other reported incident occurred further to the north in or near the Bab al-Mandab on the Red Sea side. Armed security personnel on the ship involved in that altercation fired warning shots after which the small craft carrying armed individuals departed the area. Observers have separately noted what appears to be an uptick in commercial ships in the region announcing the presence of armed security teams onboard via their transponders. https://twitter.com/UK_MTO/status/1736744655746683255 https://twitter.com/bradyafr/status/1736792187487268908?s=20 UKMTO also reported a sighting of a pair of drones orbiting on the Gulf of Aden side of the Bab al-Mandab today, though who was operating them is unknown. https://twitter.com/UK_MTO/status/1736833171080065499 All of this speaks to the dangers commercial shipping currently faces while passing through the region, which has already been highly disruptive to international trade. In addition to an extensive arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles and kamikaze drones , the Houthis have explosive-filled drone boats and naval mines that they could employ. The Houthis also used a Mi-8/Mi-17 Hip-series helicopter, along with small boats, to seize the Bahamian-flagged vehicle carrier ship Galaxy Leader in November. https://twitter.com/TreyYingst/status/1726643349418057846 Even before the Yemeni militants launched their latest campaign, which is in retaliation for ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza , they had shown their willingness and capacity to attack foreign commercial vessels and warships . The Bab al-Mandab is a crucial trade conduit , particularly for the shipment of oil and natural gas via sea. "Total oil shipments" via Bab al-Mandab, as well as the Suez Canal at the northern end of the Red Sea and the SUMED pipeline (which runs overland through Egypt from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean) "accounted for about 12% of total seaborne-traded oil in the first half of 2023, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments accounted for about 8% of worldwide LNG trade," according U.S. government statistics released earlier this month . A map showing potential chokepoints around the Arabian Peninsula, including the Bab al-Mandab. U.S. Energy Information Administration A 2018 explainer from the commercial shipping news-focused outlet gCaptain helps put the situation further into context: "Ships carrying oil from the Persian Gulf to Europe and North America can avoid the Bab el-Mandeb by traveling around the southern tip of Africa. The voyage from Fujairah, at the exit from the Persian Gulf, to Houston would increase by 2,660 nautical miles, or 28 percent. The distance to Rotterdam would rise by 4,800 nautical miles, or 78 percent, while a journey to Augusta in Italy would be nearly three times as long, at 10,860 nautical miles. The increased distances would add to shipping and fuel costs, and also disrupt supplies. A voyage from Saudi Arabia to Rotterdam takes about 22 days via the Bab el-Mandeb and Suez Canal, compared with 39 days around Africa, according to data compiled from Bloomberg tanker tracking." BP, a multinational oil and gas company headquartered in the United Kingdom, announced today that it would halt all oil shipments through the Red Sea in light of the current situation. Danish conglomerate Maersk, which includes the Maersk Line container shipping company, called for "political action" to resolve the situation swiftly in a statement to The War Zone after the Houthis fired a missile at the container ship Maersk Gibraltar (which thankfully missed) last week. A number of other companies reportedly have or are considering curtailing their operation in the region in light of Houthi threats. https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1736812942698389528 Exactly how the new U.S.-led maritime coalition may now affect the situation remains to be seen. Significant questions remain about its mandate and authorities, as well as whether its membership, which notably only includes one country (Bahrain) in the Middle East at present, may expand further in the coming weeks or months. The absence of Egypt, which has at least been part of CTF 153 in the past and stands to potentially lose billions of dollars in revenue if traffic through the Suez Canal plummets, is particularly pronounced. What is clear, as now underlined by Operation Prosperity Guardian, is that the Houthis pose real threats to international shipping in and around the Red Sea and that the situation is becoming increasingly untenable. Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com U.S. House Rep. Eric Burlison introduced legislation allowing workers in right-to-work states, who opt out of union representation, to represent their own interests before employers. Workers in right-to-work states are not truly allowed to negotiate their own working conditions when they are still forced to accept union-negotiated terms, Burlison said in a release. By freeing workers from union contracts, we are allowing American workers to have control over their own destiny. Rep. Eric Burlison speaks to employees of Emery Sapp & Sons at their Springfield office on Oct. 6, 2023. Right-to-work legislation gives employees the right to choose whether or not they want to join a union in their workplace. It also makes paying union dues optional, whether or not a worker is part of the union. Burlison argues that his legislation allows workers in states with right-to-work laws to negotiate directly with employers about their working conditions. He says this bill does not impose new restrictions on employers, workers, or unions and does not make any changes to collective bargaining. It would have no effect in states without right-to-work legislation. It would also have no effect on railroad and airline employees, as federal law requires them to pay union fees, or government employees, who would require changes similar to Burlisons workers choice legislation to be added to state law. Union advocates, however, say that right to work laws make it harder for workers to unionize and result in lower pay and poor working conditions, when enacted. AFL-CIO says that workers' pay drops 3.1% on average when such legislation is put in place in a state. Also, labor advocates feels that non-unionized workers have less negotiating power when directly dealing with employers than if they use the collective bargaining power provided by union membership. In Missouri, a right-to-work bill was passed by the state legislature and signed into law by former Gov. Eric Greitens in 2017. However, unions quickly filed a referendum to overturn the measure. It overwhelmingly passed in 2018, with 67.5% of voters signaling their desire to overturn the legislation. The message sent by every single person who worked to defeat Prop. A is clear: When we see an opportunity to use our political voice to give workers a more level playing field, we will seize it with overwhelming passion and determination, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said in a release following the 2018 victory. Tonight is the latest act of working people changing a rigged system that for decades has been favoring corporations, the mega-wealthy and the privileged few, Trumka said in the 2018 release. More: Four Missouri gubernatorial candidates vie for GOP nomination. Here are their goals However, Burlison feels that the reversals of right-to-work legislation in Missouri and other states such as Michigan were spearheaded by labor unions that failed to recognize workers who feel trapped by their union contracts. Labor unions pushed for these reversals, arguing that right-to-work laws let private-sector employees free-ride off union contracts without paying fees, Burlison said in an op-ed to the Wall Street Journal. In reality, workers are forced riders, required to accept unwanted union representation and contracts that may not reflect their individual needs. Also, he feels that his legislation would actually benefit labor unions, in the sense that they no longer have to expend resources on nonmembers. Those in their ranks would benefit because union leaders would have more incentive to provide better representation lest workers leave to negotiate their own contracts, Burlison said in his op-ed. Union membership is on the rise in Missouri, following a long slump in interested parties seeking to form unions. In 2022, 9.6% of employed Missourians belonged to a union, up from 9% in 2021, and 10.6% of Missouri workers were being represented by unions, up from 10.2% in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Laborers working in trades such as bricklaying, carpentry or other such professions were traditionally pegged as union workers, but new industries have organized in recent years. For example, baristas at Starbucks locations across the country, including 11 in Missouri, have unionized for better pay and working conditions. Additionally, some Missouri budtenders working at cannabis dispensaries have also unionized. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Rep. Burlison proposes worker's choice bill for right-to-work states Let them spend all the money they want. We got the people, we love the people, we work with the people. Organized people beat organized money every time, said Bowman. U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York told theGrio, Im not concerned after the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) announced it would invest millions of dollars to unseat him and other congressional Democrats known as the Squad. Im still going to continue to speak truth to power and continue to focus on doing the work for the people of my district, said Bowman. Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York is one of several Democrats that AIPAC wants to remove from Congress because of their views on the Israel-Hamas war. (Photo by John Minchillo/AP, File) Last month, AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying group, launched a $100 million initiative to have Bowman and fellow Squad members Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., Summer Lee, D-Pa., Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. removed from office due to their views on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since the Middle Eastern conflict began, those members have continuously called for a cease-fire in the region and for Palestinians to receive humanitarian aid. They have also called on the Biden-Harris administration to reprimand Israel for war crimes that have resulted in the deaths of thousands of women and children in the Gaza Strip. Historically throughout our history in this country and globally, whenever people of color, Black men, Black women speak up and push back against the system thats unjust, the system is going to push back, Bowman said. This is AIPAC pushing back and as an actor mostly for a foreign country trying to control our democracy, which is unbelievable, he added. The entire country should be pushing back on that. In a previous interview, a spokesperson for Pressley told theGrio, AIPAC has become a right-wing group that spends millions in Republican donor money to silence anyone who advocates forPalestinians, Israelis, and all people. Its unsurprising they would target progressive women of colorwhose advocacy for a cease-fire is overwhelmingly supported by the American public, the spokesperson continued. Bowman told theGrio that in the meantime, Were going to continue to focus on fully funding public schools, dealing with the issue of economic inequality, uplifting the issue of reparations and fighting for universal health care. Fighting for green, clean, renewable energy in our spaces, pushing back against the criminal justice system that targets Black and brown people, are also priorities, he continued. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., is among Democrats that AIPAC is targeting for removal from Congress. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Bowman told theGrio, that nothing AIPAC is going to do is going to stop any of that work from being done. So let them spend all the money they want. We got the people, we love the people, we work with the people, he added. Organized people beat organized money every time. 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Jamaal Bowman and former Congressman George Santos, theGrio.com Politics Bowman says if Santos were a Black man, it would be a wrap for him Ashlee Banks Politics AIPAC seeks to unseat Congressional Black Caucus members over Israel Ashlee Banks AOC The Squad Featured Watch: Pro-Israel lobby organization targets CBC members of the Squad TheGrio Staff Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Rep. Jamaal Bowman is not concerned with AIPACs campaign to unseat him and Squad members appeared first on TheGrio. Washington (CNN) A UN Security Council vote on a resolution meant to spur more humanitarian aid into Gaza has been delayed again and is now expected Wednesday, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Intense negotiations were underway at the United Nations ahead of an expected vote Tuesday on a resolution calling for a halt in hostilities to allow much needed aid to enter Gaza, according to diplomats. Diplomats had been working behind closed doors to finalize a resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates. The vote was originally scheduled for Monday, but was delayed a day to allow more time for negotiations. The delay into Wednesday suggests agreement hasnt yet been reached on language that could gain a yes vote from the United States, or at least an abstention, which would allow the measure to pass. Were still working through the modalities of the resolution, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told CNN during a Tuesday afternoon briefing at the White House. Its important for us that the rest of the world understand whats at stake here and what Hamas did on the 7th of October and how Israel has a right to defend itself against those threats. The draft resolution is said to have originally included a call for a cessation of hostilities to allow much-needed aid to enter Gaza. Diplomats were hopeful that changing the language to suspension of hostilities could gain American support. The US has vetoed previous measures at the UN Security Council and voted against a call for a ceasefire in the larger UN General Assembly. If the US eventually allows the resolution to pass, it would amount to an important signal to Israel including from its top ally of the growing international outcry over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. During the Security Council meeting, a senior US diplomat said that while the attacks by Hamas on October 7 were atrocities that must be condemned, civilians and journalists must still be protected and vital humanitarian aid needs to reach civilians. Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood did not imply how the United States will vote on the upcoming resolution calling for a suspension of hostilities in Gaza to allow for the delivery of critically needed humanitarian aid. Wood also expressed concern about the alarming increase in Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, saying the United States condemns the violence by settlers and urges the Israeli government to investigate the violence and hold the settlers accountable. Earlier this month, the United States vetoed a resolution in the 15-member UNSC that included the word ceasefire in the text. Wood told the Security Council at the time it was because there was no mention of the October 7 Hamas attacks in the draft. As one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, a US veto means the resolution will not pass. According to Nusseibeh, who was involved in drafting the text and leads the 22-member Arab group as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, intensive efforts to pass the latest resolution come amid a critical need to stop hostilities and allow in aid as the humanitarian crisis in the enclave reaches catastrophic levels. Every single day, innocent people in Gaza are struggling desperately for want of food, water, medicine and fuel. Members of the UN Security Council have seen the consequences of this humanitarian catastrophe firsthand, and the need for more aid could not be clearer, Nusseibeh said. This Council resolution responds to that need by opening border crossings, the transport of aid by land, sea, and air, and a UN-led mechanism that would streamline inspection, monitoring, and approvals. It underlines the critical importance of stopping hostilities to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and we will continue to aggressively pursue that goal. Nusseibeh also said, These deliverables are important to save lives, and our approach from the start has been focused on ensuring adoption. That has been the basis of our engagement with Council Members, including the US, in the negotiations with whom we have been discussing this text closely and in good faith alongside the concerned Arab countries. Last week, the wider United Nations General Assembly voted to demand an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, in a rebuke to the United States, which has repeatedly blocked ceasefire calls in the Security Council. While the General Assembly vote is politically significant and seen as wielding moral weight, it is nonbinding, unlike a Security Council resolution. CNNs Michael Williams contributed to this report. (CNN) With five words, uttered right at the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis changed the Catholic conversation about LGBTQ+ people. In 2013, when asked by a journalist about gay priests, the pope famously replied: Who am I to judge? Over the last decade the pope has shifted the churchs tone and approach to gay people, refusing to take a judgmental stance, something that church institutions and leaders had often been accused of doing in the past. His decision to authorize the blessings of same-sex couples is the most significant development to take place in his pontificate in terms of his outreach to gay Catholics, and follows earlier, more gradual developments. Francis latest move will be welcomed by many who have long called for reform in this area, but it is also likely to face significant pushback from parts of the church deeply opposed to his vision. According to the Catholic Church, sex is only permitted between a man and woman who are married. The churchs official teaching describes homosexuality as intrinsically disordered a wording that some reform-minded Catholics want to see altered but also that gay people must be treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity and all unjust discrimination be avoided. Francis, while not formally changing doctrine, has repeatedly sought to place the emphasis on the latter. He has told a gay clerical sexual abuse survivor that God made you like this. God loves you like this, said that LGBTQ+ people are children of God, and recently invited a group of transgender women for lunch in the Vatican. He has also praised those ministering to gay Catholics, who have often faced opposition from inside the church. But the popes approach goes beyond words and gestures and includes more substantial shifts to the churchs positions. The 87-year-old pontiff has given his support to the legal recognition of same-sex couples, something the Vatican has opposed in the past, and has spoken out against the criminalization of homosexuality before and after a trip to Africa. His latest decision on blessings does not change Catholic opposition to same-sex marriage, yet it marks a new moment in the churchs outreach to gay people. For Francis, it is a question of balancing long-held doctrine but translating that teaching to the everyday realities of peoples lives. Developments of the doctrine are also possible, and the pope insists the church must not become rigid or judgmental but welcome everyone. One should not prevent or prohibit the churchs closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek Gods help through a simple blessing, the latest ruling reads. The grace of God works in the lives of those who do not claim to be righteous but who acknowledge themselves humbly as sinners, like everyone else. Almost every Christian denomination has experienced deep disagreement over blessings and marriages of same-sex couples. The Vatican declaration came a day after the Church of England, after years of debate, began to offer blessings of same-sex couples in churches, although it will not bless gay marriages. The Catholic Church has been seen as the least likely denomination to shift its position and its ruling on blessings states these should be done informally and not within church services. Nevertheless, pressure has been building for the Catholic Church to consider the blessings of same-sex unions and in Germany several priests have already begun holding ceremonies blessing gay couples. Bishop Georg Batzing, the leader of the German bishops conference, welcomed the latest ruling. It is good that this treasure for the diversity of lifestyles is now being unearthed, he said. The practice of the Church recognises a variety of forms of blessing. Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago and a Francis ally in the US church, described the move as a step forward. But there is also likely to be some significant pushback. Bishop Joseph Strickland, who was recently removed by Francis from the leadership of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, has already urged bishops to say no to the pope. The ruling does not order clergy to offer blessings, and its possible some will refuse requests. On the other hand, the pope is unlikely to be perturbed by opposition and will not shy away from the hot-button topics. A recent church gathering in the Vatican a synod shied away from using the term LGBTQ Catholics after heated internal debate about the topic. Yet it also made the significant admission that the churchs teaching on sexuality and identity had not adequately taken into account human experience and the sciences, saying that greater precision and further study was required. The implication is that if this happens, it could lead to a re-configuring of Catholic sexual teaching, including homosexuality. Francis has not gone down that route, but the pastoral openness hes modelled to gay people lays the foundation stones for even more significant reforms in the future. Russian propagandists have begun lying about Ukraines purported mass conscription of women, Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation reported on Dec. 18. According to the Center, these false claims suggest that Ukraine is about to launch a wide-ranging conscription campaign targeting female citizens. However, Ukrainian conscription policy on women specifically states that only female citizens with a medical education are subject to mandatory military registration, the Center explained, noting that registration does not equate to a mandatory call to service. Womens military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine remains voluntary. Read also: Disinformation campaign plans to target Ukraines top leadership in foreign media, HUR says The statement from the Disinformation Resistance Center highlighted ongoing discussions in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament, regarding potential changes to legislation concerning conscription for military service. It stressed that such discussions, where individual MPs express their visions and proposals, are typical for a democratic country, and not necessarily a strict statement of policy. Earlier, MP Mariana Bezuhla proposed changes to legislation on female conscription and military registration, suggesting to significantly expand the categories of women who would be required to register for military service and be subject to conscription during wartime. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ukraine has convicted a participant in the 2 May 2014 anti-Maidan riots in Odesa whom later the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) recruited under the alias Skif and who attempted to involve a Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) officer in a chain of informants in Odesa Oblast [Anti-Maidan was a number of pro-Russian demonstrations in Ukraine in 2013 and 2014 that were directed against the 2014 Revolution of Dignity and later the new Ukrainian government ed.]. Source: SSU; Odesa Oblast Prosecutor's Office; sources of Ukrainska Pravda Details: The SSU reported in October that Skif had been exposed. Based on the SSU's evidence base, he has now been given a real prison sentence. The court sentenced him to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. RUSSIAS FSB PROXY SKIF PHOTO: UKRAINSKA PRAVDAS SOURCES The convict is a Ukrainian citizen who moved to Moldova in the early 1990s, where he took part in hostilities on the side of the so-called "TMR" (Russian-backed breakaway "Transnistrian Moldovan Republic"). Later, this man fought in Dagestan and Chechnya as part of the Russian special forces unit Edelweiss. The traitor arrived in Odesa in 2014 to stage mass riots in favour of Russia, which led to him being put on the wanted list by Ukrainian law enforcement. He fled to unrecognised Transnistria to avoid justice, where two representatives of the local FSB branch recruited him in 2019 to carry out the tasks set by the Russian secret service. The man attempted to recruit local representatives of law enforcement agencies to join the Russian group in Ukraine. As planned by the Russian FSB, they were supposed to pass intelligence on the deployment and movement of the Ukrainian Defence Forces in the south of Ukraine to the Russian secret service. The prosecutor's office believes Russia's "zone of special attention" included information on individuals involved in the SSU and Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, including those operating in the so-called "TMR". The proxy passed the intelligence to his handler, a major of the sham "Ministry of State Security of the TMR", who acted in the interests of the Russian Federation. The SSU counterintelligence developed an operational scheme in early October 2023 and managed to get Skif out of the territory of unrecognised Transnistria. Following the scenario of the Ukrainian special service, a Russian asset arrived in Odesa Oblast to personally recruit an SSU officer. SSU counterintelligence officers recorded every episode of the offender's criminal activity and detained him in the oblast. The Russian proxy was detained after receiving fake information from the supposedly recruited SSU officer. RUSSIAS FSB PROXY SKIF Photo: Odesa Oblast Prosecutor's Office Based on the evidence collected, the court found Russian proxy Skif guilty under Article 111.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law). Support UP or become our patron! The Russian fancied himself a "hero," but his fellow citizens showed him his place A one-armed, unrecognized hero of the Russian aggression against Ukraine was beaten up in St. Petersburg after trying to reprimand the owner of a Lexus for parking on the sidewalk. Upon returning home, many of these war veterans, who are now one of the main pillars of the Kremlin regime, naively believe that the Russian public will show respect to them. Their fellow citizens, for some reason, do not listen to the morals of these murderers and marauders. The incident was caught on video, showing the so-called "hero" crawling on all fours down the street, trying to protect himself from the blows of the driver and his friend. The unexpectedly harsh rebuff did not seem to have any effect on the beaten invader, as he continued to jump around for some time, angrily waving the remains of his limb. Russian propagandists claim that the Lexus driver and his friend have been arrested. Read also: Russian school honors official with special "hero's desk" for joining ruling party Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A resident of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, found himself in a peculiar position, having to publicly apologize for the brutal beating of a giant letter Z near the buildings belonging to the Russian Interior Ministry and the Federal Security Service (FSB) on Dec. 18. Details of this unusual incident were shared by the Astra Telegram channel, which posted a video of what it dubbed a bloody clash near the buildings on Dzerzhinsky Street, along with the aftermath. In one video clip, an unidentified man dramatically throws himself at the colossal Latin letter, proceeding to unleash a flurry of strikes with his hands and feet until the letter is entirely dislodged. Read also: Russia trying to discredit Ukraine with staged videos with Russian prisoners Ukraine army commander Despite the mans inability to topple the letter, the footage suggests he achieved a rather comical victory, managing to evade any retaliatory blows from the inanimate object. However, authorities took a less humorous view of the situation, promptly arresting the assailant and compelling him to issue an apology for his actions on camera. Read also: HUR predicts uptick in Russian disinfo operations against Ukraine by years end Commenting on the released footage, it was dryly noted that he was issued an administrative protocol for discrediting the Russian army. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Such desks in Russia usually glorify war criminals eliminated by Ukrainian Armed Forces Russian officials have taken their groveling to a new level by dedicating a so-called "hero's desk" to a still living school head in Tver Oblast, local social media reported, along with photos of the ceremonial event. Usually, such desks are used to glorify Russian war criminals who were eliminated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In this case, however, school officials in the village of Stan decided to flatter their former headmistress, Natalia Vinogradova, who joined the ruling United Russia party and was promoted. Read also: They justified their decision by claiming that Vinogradova had made an enormous contribution to the development of the school. This is the first time that a Russian "hero" has been honored for simply moving from one warm and cozy office to another. t.me/astrapress t.me/astrapress t.me/astrapress Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Russians continued to attack on the Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Marinka and Zaporizhzhia fronts on 18 December, with over 100 combat engagements taking place on the contact line over the past day alone. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 19 December Quote from the General Staff: "A total of 105 combat engagements took place over the past 24 hours. The enemy launched a missile strike and six airstrikes and bombarded the positions of our forces and populated areas 62 times using multiple-launch rocket systems." Details: In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group on the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled five Russian attacks near the settlement of Synkivka and east of the village of Petropavlivka (Kharkiv Oblast). On the Lyman front, Ukrainian troops repelled 10 Russian attacks near the settlement of Makiivka (Luhansk Oblast) and east of Terny and Spirne (Donetsk Oblast). On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled 21 Russian attacks near the settlements of Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk Oblast). The Ukrainian Defence Forces are continuing to inflict losses in military personnel and equipment on the Russians and are consolidating their positions. In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group on the Avdiivka front, the Ukrainian Defence Forces persisted in holding back the Russians, as they have never ceased their attempts to encircle the town of Avdiivka. Ukrainian soldiers are steadfastly holding the line, inflicting significant losses on the Russians. The Ukrainian army repelled 11 Russian attacks near Avdiivka and 13 more south of Tonenke, Pervomaiske and Nevelske (Donetsk Oblast). On the Marinka front, Ukrainian defenders are holding back the Russians near Novomykhailivka (Donetsk Oblast), repelling 13 attacks in the area. On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russians attempted no offensive (assault) actions. On the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukrainian troops repelled 17 Russian attacks west of the villages of Novopokrovka and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia Oblast). Meanwhile, on the Melitopol front, Ukrainian defenders are taking active steps to inflict losses in military personnel and equipment on the Russians, exhausting them along the entire line of contact. In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group on the Kherson front, Ukrainian troops are continuing to hold their positions on the Dnipro Rivers left bank, conducting counter-battery operations and striking the Russian rear. In the area of responsibility of the Pivnich (North) Operational Strategic Group on the Volyn and Polissia fronts, the operational situation remains unchanged. On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, Russian forces are maintaining their military presence in the border areas, undertaking sabotage activities to prevent Ukrainian troops from being deployed to vulnerable areas. Ukrainian air defence assets and personnel downed one Kh-59 air-launched guided missile over the past 24 hours. Units from Ukraines Rocket Forces and Artillery struck two remote mining equipment pieces and an artillery system belonging to the Russians. Support UP or become our patron! photo: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine The Russian invaders tried to drive the Defence Forces units from the left bank of the Dnipro River, making eight attempts to assault their positions. However, the Russians were forced to retreat with losses. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 19 December Quote: "Our units steadfastly hold the line, continuing to hold their positions and inflicting fire on the enemy. We continue to take measures to expand the bridgehead." "Over the last day, the aviation of the Defence Forces struck six concentration areas of enemy personnel, weapons and military equipment. Missile troops hit two concentration areas of personnel, weapons and military equipment, a command post, three artillery units and four ammunition storage points belonging to the enemy." Details: Within the last day, 69 combat engagements took place. The Russians launched one missile strike, 10 airstrikes and fired from multiple rocket launchers 40 times. On the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled all occupants' attacks in the vicinity of Synkivka, Kharkiv Oblast, where the Russians, with the support of aviation, failed to break through the defences of Ukrainian troops. On the Lyman front, the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled four Russian attacks near Serebrianske forestry in Luhansk Oblast and east of Terny in Donetsk Oblast. On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian defence forces repelled 10 enemy attacks near Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka and Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast. On the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian defenders repelled 22 Russian attacks east of Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka and another seven attacks in the areas of Pervomaiske and Nevelske in Donetsk Oblast. On the Marinka front, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to hold back the Russians near Krasnohorivka and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast, where the invaders made 11 unsuccessful attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders. On the Zaporizhzhia front, the Ukrainian Defence Forces repelled nine attacks by the invaders west of Novopokrovka and Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where the Russians, with the support of aviation, tried to force Ukrainian units out of their positions. On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russians did not conduct any offensive actions. Support UP or become our patron! Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported the deployment of air defence in the Odintsovo city district of the Russian capital, allegedly due to a drone attack. The Russians also closed two airports for arrivals and departures. Source: Sobyanin on Telegram; Kremlin-aligned media outlets RIA Novosti and TASS Details: According to Sobyanin, early reports indicate that there was no damage and no casualties after the falling of the wreckage. Reportedly, the Russians have closed Moscows Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports for arrivals and departures. In particular, six aircraft have been diverted to backup airfields at Domodedovo. The airport management claims that during such restrictions, planes may be diverted to alternate airfields or continue the flight in the waiting area and land after the restrictions are lifted at the destination airport. Support UP or become our patron! The Russian occupiers continued their attempts to advance along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line on 18 December, but failed. They presumably succeeded near Klishchiivka and Andriivka, though. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Quote: "Russian forces continued attacking along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line on 18 December and likely did not advance. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces repelled Russian assaults northeast and east of Kupiansk near Synkivka (9 km northeast of Kupiansk) and east of Petropavlivka (7 km east of Kupiansk), northwest of Kreminna near Makiivka (23 km northwest of Kreminna), west of Kreminna in the area east of Terny (17 km east of Kreminna), and south of Kreminna near Spirne (30 km south of Kreminna)." Details: Artem Lysohor, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, said that Russian troops had concentrated most of their attacks on Makiivka, with heavy fighting taking place near Terny. Russian propagandists claimed that Russian troops were trying to break through Ukrainian defences in the area of Synkivka and Serebrianka Forest south of Kreminna, but Ukrainian troops were counterattacking in these areas. The propagandists also claimed that fighting was taking place near Ivanivka (20 km southeast of Kupiansk). The report says that the Russians successfully attacked near Klishchiivka and Andriivka. Russian troops also continued ground attacks in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast on 18 December, but did not make any confirmed advances. At the same time, Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces conducted unsuccessful ground attacks in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast on 18 December. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 18 December: A combination of artillery ammunition shortages and delays in the provision of Western security assistance is likely causing Ukrainian forces to husband materiel and may delay future Ukrainian counteroffensive operations. General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief, declined to comment on recent Western reporting about Ukrainian counteroffensive and Russian offensive plans for 2024. Colonel Yurii Ihnat, Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson, stated on 18 December that Russian forces have enough drones to launch daily strikes against Ukraine from different directions. The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is reportedly forming four new military transport aviation regiments, although these efforts are likely aimed at reorganising existing military transport aviation units in support of Russias force posturing rather than adding new capability in the short term. The Russian Government Commission on Legislative Activity supported a bill that would criminalise "Russophobia" abroad, likely as part of ongoing efforts to maintain and increase Russian influence in post-Soviet countries. Russian officials simplified requirements to obtain Russian citizenship for Belarusian, Kazakh, and Moldovan citizens amid continued hostility towards migrants in Russian society. The European Union (EU) adopted its 12th sanctions package in connection with Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces continued offensive operations along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, near Avdiivka, west and southwest of Donetsk City, and in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast and made a confirmed advance southwest of Donetsk City. Eduard Basurin, Former Donetsk Peoples Republic (DNR) Peoples Militia Spokesperson, claimed that more than 25,000 Russian personnel are serving with Cossack volunteer formations in Ukraine as of 18 December. Kremlin-appointed Childrens Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova continues to deny Russian and Belarusian involvement in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied areas. Support UP or become our patron! Russia has launched another group of Shahed kamikaze drones in Ukraine; an air-raid warning has been issued in Odesa Oblast. Source: Ukraine's Air Force and Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: At 18.56, the Air Force reported that there was a threat of a Shahed attack for Odesa Oblast. At 18.57, there was a report that Shahed UAVs were flying from the Black Sea towards Chornomorsk and Odesa. Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa Oblast Military Administration, asked residents of Odesa district to stay in shelters until the all-clear was given. At 19:56, Ukraines Air Force noted that there was a threat of assault drones attacking the south of Odesa Oblast. At 20:48, the military warned that there is a danger of assault UAVs coming from the Black Sea towards the settlement of Zatoka, Odesa Oblast. At 21:30, the threat of the Russian forces using assault UAVs was reported in Kherson, Mykolaiv and Kirovohrad oblasts. At 21:54 an air-raid warning was issued in Cherkasy Oblast. At 22:06 the threat of Russians using assault UAVs was reported in Vinnytsia Oblast. At 22:30 an air-raid warning was issued in Kyiv Oblast. At 22:57 an air-raid warning was also issued in the capital of Ukraine. At 23:37, the Air Force reported the movement of assault UAVs in the direction of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Threat of further attacks remains in the north: Zhytomyr, Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts. At 00:12 it was also revealed that the Russian UAVs in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast were moving in the direction of Kirovohrad Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! Russians continue to search for Ukrainian loyalists in the occupied territories of Ukraine Russians continue to search for Ukrainian loyalists in the occupied territories of Ukraine, the National Resistance Center reported on Dec. 18. They are particularly looking for those who leave pro-Ukrainian slogans on walls and distribute Ukrainian symbol. Russians conducted searches in Luhansk and Donetsk and are checking those who buy paint spray cans, the NRC stated. Earlier, the NRC reported that the Russian authorities are increasing the number of special forces and military personnel to hunt down pro-Ukrainian partisans in the occupied territories of Kherson Oblast. Partisans in the occupied Mariupol detonated a vehicle of a Russian military officer, on Dec. 16. In Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the partisan movement blew up a train that was transporting ammunition and fuel from Crimea to Melitopol and Dniprorudne on Dec.5. 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 Cold wave to linger for days across country 11:00, December 19, 2023 By Li Hongyang ( China Daily People admire rime formed on trees during a cold snap in Baoji, Shaanxi Province, on Thursday. YUAN JINGZHI/FOR CHINA DAILY Below-average temperatures will continue across the country this week due to the lingering effects of a cold wave that will affect the country's transportation system, heating supplies and agriculture. The China Meteorological Administration again issued a yellow cold wave warning on Monday, the second highest of the three-tier system, as temperatures across the nation remained well below average for this time of year. The first such warning this winter was issued on Saturday. Low temperatures are expected in various regions over the next three days, and also over the next 10 days in some areas, the National Meteorological Center said. From Monday through Thursday, most northern regions are expected to experience daily minimum temperatures that are 5 C, or more, below historical averages, the center said. A new wave of cold air is forecast to move from the north to the south, affecting the central and eastern parts of the country. Temperatures are expected to drop by 4 to 8 C in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and the central and western parts of Northwest China. On Monday and Tuesday, most of the country's southern regions are forecast to experience rain or snow. Freezing rain is expected in some high-altitude areas in Guizhou and Hunan provinces. The National Meteorological Center said that the prolonged cold spell is expected to have far-reaching impacts. Heating demand will remain high, leading to a substantial increase in the consumption of coal, natural gas and electricity. The continued low temperatures pose risks to agriculture and livestock in northern regions, as well as in densely populated areas along the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers. As China remains in the grip of winter, authorities are mobilizing resources and implementing measures to address the challenges posed by the prolonged cold weather. The National Commission for Disaster Reduction issued a notice to local branches and relevant departments on Sunday. The directive called for issuing warnings for snowfall, cold waves and icy road conditions through multiple channels. Authorities have been instructed to implement various measures to ensure smooth traffic flow, have snow removal and ice-melting equipment ready, and intensify patrols on critical road sections to prevent accidents. The directive said that market regulation efforts are to be intensified to curb illegal activities such as price manipulation and hoarding. In response to the situation in Shanxi Province, the Ministry of Emergency Management and the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration dispatched 10,000 cotton jackets, 10,000 quilts and 5,000 units of emergency lighting equipment. The relief supplies have reached affected areas, including Yuanqu county, Wenxi county and Changzhi city. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) From the depths of antiquity: A skeptic looks at the historic roots of the Festival of Hanukkah By Charlotte B. Cerminaro web posted December 18, 2023 At this time of year we don't need to search far and wide to find people of different backgrounds celebrating a vast array of holiday traditions. Many such traditions have persevered through countless generations and are considered to be of historical and religious significance, even if their history isn't emphasized. Details of numerous events in antiquity that gave rise to nascent traditions, did not disappear in the mists of the past. Usually set in a time of great struggle, these were marked by an extraordinary occurrenceand were merely documented, without explanation, by pragmatic historians such as Josephus and Tacitus. The Festival of Hanukkah, also called "The Dedication", was established by one such extraordinary event and its traditions are still observed today. In the year 164 BCE, Israel was still part of the Seleucid Empire. Antiochus IV Epiphanies was the appointed monarch; his violent and tyrannical reign, however, would soon come to an abrupt end. After building an altar to Zeus inside the second temple in Jerusalem, he further desecrated it by slaughtering pigs in the most holy place. Israel's growing unrest and resistance turned into outright revolt. Their army was greatly outnumbered by the Seleucid forces, but under the leadership of (Gen) Judah Maccabee they prevailed in what is now known as the "Maccabean Revolt". Jerusalem and its temple were recaptured and once again in Israeli hands. Levitical priests had a task of enormous proportionsthe temple was thoroughly desecrated and quite probably, filthy beyond any vivid imagination. After the temple was cleansed and suitable for ritual use, the Levites prepared to relight the eight large lamps of the temple's menorah, which had been dark for years. These lanterns stayed perpetually lit using olive oil sealed in jars specifically for this purpose. However, the priests discovered that most of the oil was plundered, their jars broken or taken. Only one sealed jar remained, enough to keep the lamps lit for a single night. Without these lights the temple could not be re-dedicated and was of no practical use. Shortly before nightfall the priests lit the lamps anyway. They were only mildly surprised that the menorah was still fully lit the next morning. Blackout was clearly imminent; each of them observed the empty oil reservoir. Every hour that passed increased the improbability of the lamps still burning. With no way to rationalize what they were witnessing, the priests kept watch in shifts and hoped their merchants found oil. For 8 days and nights the lamps burned, and on the evening of the eighth day a large supply of oil was finally procured. It was the 25th day in the month of Kislev that the temple menorah was lit by Levitical priests, nearly 22 centuries ago. Roughly corresponding to the month of December in our Gregorian calendar, the eight day festival is traditionally observed by lighting the candles of a menorah at sundown, every night for 8 nights. Traditional Hebrew prayers are recited but Hanukkah is not considered one of the "major" festivals. Full narratives were recorded in the books of first and second Maccabees, two documents that are not part of the canonized Masoretic texts. They are included in the Septuagint, the earliest extant Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. A very concise narrative also appears in the work of Flavius Josephus, a first-century historian. None of the aforementioned documents offer explanations, nor do they pose any hypotheses as to the extraordinary events that punctuate our past. Once we attempt to rationalize or explain, we leave our realm of expertise and this is the place where I step off, at the intersection of skepticism and speculation. To search out the roots of a tradition or belief is more than a function of curiosity. History was recorded for future generations and as such, it is for us. Those who wrote it down and sent it into the future, left an enduring gift for the benefit and enrichment of all humankind. Charlotte B. Cerminaro is a Juilliard-trained classical musician and recording artist. In her free time she enjoys writing and regularly contributes to Enter Stage Right and she attained a Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology. Home Israel's existential war against moral incertitude: A historical perspective By Joel Fishman web posted December 18, 2023 One of the current issues in America's relations with Israel is a difference of opinion between the Biden administration and the government of Israel over the conduct of the war in Gaza. At present, American policymakers are pressing Israel to reduce the scope and intensity of its defensive war against Hamas. For their part, Israeli leaders fear that doing so will prevent a decisive outcome. Experienced observers have identified a general American desire to "protect Israel from itself" and retain control of the relationship. Despite occasional ups and downs, America and Israel remain steady allies. Satellite photograph of the scorched earth of Israeli communities bordering Gaza on October 7, 2023. (Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data [2023], processed by Pierre Markuse) In light of this difference of opinion, which has been reported in the media, Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg of the America First Policy Institute gave his assessment in an interview on December 7, 2023, with Fox's Varney and Co. His message was clear: "We need to let Israel 'finish the job.'" He described the current war with Hamas as a "fight to extinction" and stated that on October 7, 2023, Hamas crossed a "moral certitude line." This term has a precise meaning. The dictionary says that moral certitude may be defined as "a concept of intuitive probability so great as to allow no reasonable doubt." Crossing the moral certitude line includes the massacre of innocent civilians, rape, hostage-taking, murder and mutilation of captives, wonton destruction of property, and arson. General Kellogg suggested that the Israeli hostages may no longer be alive and that Hamas terrorists may have abused the kidnapped women. The big questions are how Israel, the aggrieved party, should respond to an attack of barbaric cruelty, and whether others should tell Israel how it must act. On the one hand, Israel makes great efforts to respect the laws of war and limit civilian casualties in Gaza. On the other hand, Hamas targets Israeli civilians and uses its own civilians as human shields. Claiming to be the innocent victim, Hamas, the real aggressor, cynically places its forces and civilians in hospitals, schools, public spaces, and homes and carefully manipulates the press. An Imperial Precedence It is not the purpose of this article to recommend a specific policy choice but rather to present a relevant precedent. There is a significant difference in scale, but during the summer of 1945, President Harry Truman faced a similar challenge dealing with Imperial Japan, an enemy that had crossed the moral certitude line. Truman responded to Samuel McCrea Cavert, General Secretary of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, New York City, who, on August 9, 1945, had dispatched a telegram to the President protesting the use of atomic bombs on Japan: Many Christians [are] deeply disturbed over use of atomic bombs against Japanese cities because of their necessarily indiscriminate destructive efforts and because their use sets [an] extremely dangerous precedent for future of mankind Respectfully urge that ample opportunity be given Japan to reconsider ultimatum before any further devastation by atomic bomb is visited upon her people. On August 11, 1945, the President answered Cavert's telegram. Living up to his reputation for plain talk, Harry gave him hell: Nobody is more disturbed over the use of Atomic [sic] bombs than I, but I was greatly disturbed by the unwarranted attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor and their murder of our prisoners of war. The only language they seem to understand is the one we have been using to bombard them. When you have to deal with a beast, you have to treat him as a beast. It is most regrettable but nevertheless true. It seems that the fitting response to atrocities, which cross the line of moral certitude, belongs in uncharted territory. Beyond President Truman's personal statement, we have solid information about the process by which he decided to use nuclear weapons. Bruce Lee documented this decision-making process in his book, Marching Orders: The Untold Story of World War II, and a report in the Wall Street Journal. Lee explained what the American administration knew at the time and the questions Truman asked. He published a facsimile of the May 14, 1945 memorandum to the Joint Chiefs of Staff for "immediate action." Truman wanted information on "the number of men of the Army and ships of the Navy that will be necessary to defeat Japan. He wanted an estimate of the time required and an estimate of the losses in killed and wounded that will result from an invasion of Japan proper." According to the findings of American strategists, "to effectively invade and occupy Japan, two invasions would be necessary: one scheduled for November 1945 and the other for March 1946. The first invasion on the island of Kyushu would employ some 770,000 American troops. The follow-up invasion on the plains of Tokyo, leading to the forced occupation of Japan, called for two million American troops." Bruce Lee drew up the balance as follows: The evidence is crystal clear. The use of nuclear weapons to end World War II quickly and decisively averted the death or maiming of hundreds of thousands of American soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. It also saved the lives of some 400,000 Allied prisoners of war and civilian detainees in Japanese hands, all of whom were to be executed in the event of an American invasion of Japan. Above all, it saved untold hundreds of thousands more Japaneseperhaps millionsfrom becoming casualties of pre-invasion bombing and shelling, followed by two invasions and forcible occupation. Harry Truman fought in World War I, a "war of position," and knew the meaning of massive losses. Within the context of twentieth-century history, The Great War resulted in the loss of a generation for several countries. The type of peace that followed resulted in significant human suffering, social dislocation, and the rise of totalitarianism. Generations later, we live with the costly consequences of this failure of political leadership. It is not the purpose of this paper to recommend a specific solution. Nevertheless, Israel's friends have a genuine interest in permitting the country to get the job done as quickly as possible and achieve a decisive victory a solution that may save lives on both sides and contribute to the longer-term stability of the region. Dr. Joel Fishman, a fellow of the Jerusalem Center, is a historian and former editor of the Jewish Political Studies Review. He served as the assistant editor of volumes X (July 1920-December 1921) and XI (January 1922-July 1923) of The Letters and Papers of Chaim Weizmann (Jerusalem: Israel Universities Press, 1977). Home Asked about its $244 million BLM donation, Microsoft told its investors to pound sand By Stefan Padfield web posted December 18, 2023 I attended Microsoft's annual meeting on Dec. 7, 2023, as a representative of the National Center for Public Policy Research, which owns shares in Microsoft. At the meeting, I submitted a question. "According to the Claremont Institute's Black Lives Matter (BLM) Funding Database," I began, "Microsoft has contributed almost a quarter of a billion dollars to the BLM movement and related causes since 2020. This was done despite warnings at the time that BLM has neo-Marxist roots, pushes Anti-American values and promotes policies like defunding the police that harm the very communities it claims to help. Since that time, reports of mismanagement and self-dealing have raised serious questions about BLM's use of donated funds. Most recently, BLM aligned itself with antisemitism by promoting pro-Hamas imagery in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks on Israel. In light of all this, is Microsoft now prepared to admit its support of BLM was a mistake and renounce that support?" Microsoft never answered the question. It's unclear why, but Microsoft does provide a list of reasons it claims grant it the right to tell shareholders who own the company to go pound sand including, among other things, if it deems a submitted question to be "in bad taste." Perhaps relatedly, Microsoft did answer a general question regarding how it keeps "political ideology out of business decisions." Unfortunately, the multi-paragraph answer provided absolutely no principle that shareholders could rely on to keep the political and ideological biases of relevant corporate decision-makers out of Microsoft's decisionmaking. Rather, according to Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, anything that has an impact on customers, on the protection of employees or on business interests could justify Microsoft speaking or acting out "in the company's name." I submit that it would be impossible to come up with any divisive issue of our day that would be off-limits under these vague guidelines. Indeed, this is particularly evident in light of the current trend of labeling as a "safety" issue anything that offends even a single employee. Of the three, "business interests" is the only justification offered that has any legitimacy. On that score, here are two phrases that were shockingly absent from these assurances: "expected value" and "shareholder value." Accordingly, here's what I submit should be every corporation's policy when it comes to engaging in politically divisive issues: "We engage in politically divisive issues when we have concluded that the engagement creates positive expected value for our shareholders, accounting for all reasonably foreseeable costs including opportunity costs." This policy would ensure that corporate decisionmakers are in fact acting in compliance with their fiduciary duties of care, loyalty and good faith. And it requires the corporation to be able to produce documentation of timely expected value calculations to justify such ideological involvement. Contrast this with the proclamations of CEOs posing as philosopher kings, as when Apple CEO Tim Cook told shareholders, "When we work on making our devices accessible by the blind, I don't consider the bloody" return on investment. Or consider when Ed Stack, the chairman and chief executive of Dick's Sporting Goods, decided that Dick's should "take a stand" on gun violence by foregoing the sale of assault-style weapons, and said in connection therewith, "I don't really care what the financial implication is." Certainly, corporations are free to engage in fully-informed, tax-deductible charitable ventures for moral reasons and the accompanying good will. But to ignore the bottom line is a per se violation of a CEO's fiduciary duties. It is fair to assert that brands like Bud Light, Disney and Target have seen their share prices decimated recently because they seemingly allowed the political and ideological biases of their decisionmakers to infect their corporate cultures. They often include the creation of left-wing echo chambers that masquerade as sources of constructive feedback, but then they can't imagine anyone objecting to the corporation marching in lock-step with the leftist activism that elevates being on "the right side of history" (as defined by leftists) above competing fiduciary duties. Shareholders and consumers are sick of politicized corporations sacrificing the creation of value-generating goods and services at the altar of "stakeholder capitalism," "ESG," "DEI" or any of the other left-wing Trojan horses that have been infiltrating and corrupting American corporations. Getting back to neutral by recentering the corporate North Star on the creation of positive expected value for shareholders is thus critical. History shows that doing so will actually end up creating the most value for society as well. It's called capitalism, the thing that has brought our nation and our world to the cusp of eradicating poverty and stands the best chance of solving our other most pressing problems. It bears repeating that "stakeholder capitalism" is no more capitalism than a "hot dog" is a dog. Stefan Padfield is deputy director of the National Center's Free Enterprise Project. This was initially published bg The Hill. Your slice of the headlines in Ukraine. Daily. Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Russian occupier seeks asylum in Netherlands, offers testimony on Putin's allies to ICC A high-ranking Russian occupier has fled to the Netherlands and is ready to testify about Russian war crimes in Ukraine at the International Criminal Court, the Russian human rights project Gulagu.net reported on Dec.18. U.S. Congress unlikely to reach agreement on border and aid to Ukraine this year Politico The U.S. Senate and Congress are unlikely to pass new border security restrictions, crucial for allocating aid to Ukraine, by the end of the year, Politico reported on Dec. 18. Kyivstar provides updates on service restoration efforts Ukrainian mobile operator Kyivstar has reinstated access to SMS services, including international roaming, as of 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 18, 2023, according to the company. Telecom, mobile data, and Home Internet services for its customers have all been restored. Ukrainian troops face artillery shortages, scale back some operations Tarnavskyi Frontline Ukrainian troops face shortages of artillery shells and have scaled back some military operations, Tavria operational group commander, Brig. Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, said in an interview with Reuters on Dec. 18. Survey reveals Ukrainians trust in military, but trust in Zelenskyy is dropping The Armed Forces of Ukraine retain the highest trust among Ukrainians 96%, while Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi is trusted more than President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), published on Dec. 18. Ukraines national bank initiates process to join Euro SEPA payment system in 2024 Ukraines National Bank (NBU) plans to kickstart Ukraines accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) in 2024, chairman Andriy Pyshnyi wrote on Facebook. Zelenskyys office announces shift to 'Plan B' if Western aid is not allocated by year's end The Ukrainian government will implement 'Plan B' if international partners do not allocate new financial assistance by the end of the year, Oleh Ustenko, an advisor to the President of Ukraine, stated on national TV on Dec. 17. How EU leaders countered Orban's opposition to Ukraine NV reporters witnessed the swift transformation of Ukraine's European future in Brussels, shifting from a gloomy morning outlook to a to an optimistic evening within a matter of hours on Dec. 14. EU weighs suspending Hungarys voting rights for blocking EUR 50 billion aid to Ukraine FT EU officials are considering suspending Hungary's voting rights after it blocked EUR 50 billion ($54.7 billion) in aid to Ukraine, Financial Times reported, citing unnamed European officials on Dec. 18. Russian destruction renders Avdiivka Coke Plant irreparable, says Metinvest CEO Russian shelling has inflicted such extensive damage on the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant that its restoration after the war seems impossible, Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of Metinvest (a group of steel and mining enterprises), said in an interview with Forbes on Dec. 18. 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 Sgt Crews was sentenced to a years military detention and dismissed from the Army - SOLENT NEWS & PICTURE AGENCY An army sergeant held an eight-inch jungle knife to the neck of a lower-ranked colleague who called him a mong, a military court has heard. Sgt Matthew Crews was heavily intoxicated when he chased and threatened Gunner Oliver Palmer with the weapon while on a foreign posting. The 36-year-old, a multi-launch rocket system (MLRS) specialist, had the altercation with Gnr Palmer after returning from a social event. A court martial heard Sgt Crews, of 26 Royal Artillery Regiment, threatened him with the knife as he felt that he had to show him who was top dog. Sgt Crews was sentenced to a years military detention and dismissed from the Army. Prosecuting, Captain Hugh-Guy Lorriman told Bulford Military Court, Wilts, that the incident took place on July 28, 2022, during operation Iron Surge in Estonia. Sgt Crews had gone into Tapa town centre before returning to army accommodation. Cpt Lorriman told the court he and Gunner Palmer who has since left the Army were both in the corridor of the accommodation when the exchange occurred. He said: [There was an] exchange between the two men in which Gunner Palmer called Sergeant Crews a mong. He told the complainant not to call him a mong. The defendant then went into his room and re-emerged with a long black knife. The defendant burst out [of] his room with the knife and when [Gunner Palmer] took a few steps back he started chasing him. Cpt Lorriman added: It was at that moment where the defendant took the knife out, unsheathed it and held it to the throat of the complainant. Gunner Palmer said that the knife was pressed up against his neck so that if it had moved, it would have cut him. Sentencing, Judge Advocate General Alan Large the highest ranking military judge in the UK said: We have no doubt that when you are on the field you are a good soldier but that night, you werent. [The offence] was committed in an operational environment. Gunner Palmer was a subordinate, junior in rank. Sergeants cannot go around threatening their subordinates with knives. Judge Large said Sgt Crews should have tried to de-escalate the stupid altercation. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A serial killer's ex wife has been sentenced to life in prison for her complicity in two murders and a kidnap. Monique Olivier, 75, was on trial in France for her part in the rape and murder of 20-year-old Joanna Parrish, from Gloucestershire, in 1990 and 18-year-old Marie-Angele Domece in 1988. She was also accused of helping kidnap nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin, whose body has never been found, in 2003. Michel Fourniret died before he could be brought to trial for the killings. Olivier is already serving life in prison for her part in the past crimes of her former husband, who died in 2021. She has now been handed a second life sentence, with a minimum of 20 years. Ms Parrish's father Roger Parrish held a moment of silence for all of Fourniret's victims. "We've waited a long time," he said. On Olivier's role in the crimes, he added: "Her presence alone would've gained the confidence of all the victims, who would never have believed a woman could've been such a part of such an appalling and depraved act." The Parrish family lawyer, Didier Seban, said: "This is first of all a victory, a victory for the families." Monique Olivier was sentenced after a three-week trial in Paris The three-week trial concerned Olivier's part in the abduction, rape and murders of Miss Parrish and Miss Domece, and the kidnap of Miss Mouzin. The court was told how Olivier's role in the murders was to reassure the victims so they would enter Fourniret's van. Olivier admitted her presence in Auxerre when Miss Parrish was kidnapped, imprisoned, raped and murdered. She said the rape and murder could have been at the house in St Cyr les Colons, and not in the van. Dubbed the "Ogre of the Ardennes", Fourniret was jailed for life in 2008 after being convicted of the murders of seven girls and young women. Fourniret, pictured here in 2004, died in jail two years ago In 2018 he was given a second life sentence for an eighth murder. In total, he confessed to 11 murders before he died - including that of Miss Parrish. Fourniret's victims - most of whom were raped - were aged between nine and 30. They were shot, strangled or stabbed to death. Shortly before the jury in Paris retired to consider her role in the crimes, Olivier expressed regret and asked for forgiveness from her victims' families. She told the court: "I regret everything I did and I ask for forgiveness from the families of the victims, while knowing that it is unforgivable." Joanna's body was found in a river on 17 May 1990 During sentencing on Tuesday, the court was told Estelle Mouzin was coming home from school at 6pm, but that she never made it. Her body has never been found. Olivier was questioned for hundreds of hours in 2019, and accepted Fourniret had left for France, looking for a young girl to rape. The court heard she knew he had "gone hunting". 'Dehumanised' During sentencing, President of the court Didier Safar said: "This is about the extreme gravity of the facts that contributed to the death of two young women, and a nine-year-old girl, in inhumane circumstances. "Monique Olivier had no empathy for her victims, who she dehumanised." Most of Fourniret's victims were killed in the Ardennes region of northern France and in Belgium. Languages student Miss Parrish had moved from Newnham-on-Severn in Gloucestershire, to Auxerre in France in 1990 for part of her university course. But after posting an advert offering English lessons, she was murdered by Fourniret. Her body was found in the Yonne River on 17 May. She had been raped, beaten and strangled. Joanna Parrish's parents, Roger Parrish and Pauline Murrell Mr Seban said he hoped this trial would start a new chapter in French justice, adding: "For the Parrish family, it has been hard. "They've waited more than 30 years for this trial. They led the charge, coming every year to Auxerre to show their drive to get this done. "Their dignity throughout there hasn't been an angry word, a cry or a desire of vengeance. It's been a desire for justice." Mr Parrish said: "After this last obstacle in our struggle to gain an element of justice for Joanna, we can remember our daughter and sister with a smile on our faces." Estelle's father Eric Mouzin said: "The suffering of all the victims must have a purpose against the evil we've seen." Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen expressed condolences to China on Tuesday and offered her government's help after an earthquake killed more than 100 people on the northern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Tensions between Taipei and Beijing, which views the democratically governed island as its own territory, have soared in the past four years, as China seeks to assert its sovereignty claims with political and military pressure. But setting that aside, Tsai offered via a statement on the X social media platform her "sincere condolences" to all those who had lost loved ones. "We pray that all those affected receive the aid they need, and we hope for a swift recovery. Taiwan stands ready to offer assistance in the disaster response effort," she added, writing in English and simplified Chinese characters, which are used in China but not Taiwan. Taiwan's fire department said it had assembled a search and rescue team of 160 people, four dogs and 13 tonnes of supplies ready to go to China if requested. China has not said whether it will allow in any overseas rescue teams. Tsai has offered condolences to China before for disasters, including last year after an earthquake in Sichuan province. Taiwan, which frequently suffers its own earthquakes, sent a rescue team to China in 2008 after a massive temblor struck the same province of Sichuan, killing almost 70,000 people and causing extensive damage. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Gerry Doyle) A New Zealand woman is recovering after she was bitten by a shark in shallow waters, officials said Monday. The woman, 21, was bitten at about 2 a.m. local time on Monday, the Southern District Police said in a statement on social media. She was in "walking in knee-deep water" in an estuary in Riverton, New Zealand when the shark bit her. Police said the "time of day is a possible factor" in the incident. The woman, who has not been identified, suffered a "significant laceration to her leg" and received treatment from emergency responders, police said. Local publication RNZ reported that the woman was transported to Southland Hospital in serious condition. Police said it's possible that the woman was attacked by a sevengill shark. These types of sharks are "present in the estuary," the department said, and is one of New Zealand's more common inshore sharks, according to the country's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. The shark has serrated teeth and "is a bit of a biter, and may be aggressive when provoked," according to NIWA. It can survive in just a meter of water. A sevengill shark. / Credit: YIMING CHEN / Getty Images Riverton Coastguard president Ross McKenzie told RNZ that he was surprised to hear of the incident, saying that it was the "first shark attack of that kind in the estuary" that he was aware of. However, he noted that local fishermen saw and caught sharks often while fishing off the area's wharfs. He said that the sharks are more likely to be seen at night. "You would reasonably assume you'd be safe wading around in knee-deep water, but you just don't know what's out there and it is their environment, not ours," McKenzie said. McKenzie and the police department warned visitors to the area, which is a popular holiday destination, to be cautious in the water. People should avoid late-night swims and pay attention to their environment. In general, shark attacks are rare, and unprovoked shark attacks have declined over the past decade, CBS News previously reported. In 2022, Australia recorded just nine unprovoked shark bites and zero unprovoked fatal attacks, according to the the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File. The file defines unprovoked bites as incidents when a human is in a shark's natural habitat and does not provoke the shark. Israeli hostage Yarden Roman-Gat shares details of her captivity in Gaza | 60 Minutes Gnawa music, legacy of enslaved Black Africans, surges in popularity | 60 Minutes Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals Ten months ago, a transition and succession plan unveiled by Dallas-based Lincoln Property Co. signaled the end in name at least of prominent Charlotte commercial real estate firm Lincoln Harris. It also signaled a shift for local real estate executive Johnny Harris, who presided over the creation of Lincoln Harris in 1999 in collaboration with Lincoln Property President Bill Duvall. Harris described the pairing as the brainchild of former Bank of America Corp. CEO Hugh McColl Jr. Lincoln Harris became the Carolinas arm of Lincoln Property but Harris, now 76, and his familys long history of development in Charlotte and throughout the region largely overshadowed Lincoln Propertys role. ALSO READ: Action 9 investigation sparks new NC real estate law Now, Lincoln Property and the erstwhile Lincoln Harris are going out of their way to emphasize an ambitious series of changes aimed at streamlining the companys interests in the U.S. and Europe while recapitalizing the firm for renewed and larger forays into multifamily development, mergers and acquisitions, among other initiatives. Read more here. VIDEO: Action 9 investigation sparks new NC real estate law Bullhead City, Arizona, was struck with shock and grief over the weekend as a house fire on Saturday evening claimed the lives of five children. On the night of the fire, there was a boat parade in the city for the holiday season, as mentioned by Grace Hecht, a City Council member who operates the local nonprofit Make Bullhead Better. She initially learned of the heartbreaking news through an alert from the city manager. Many of our community members were down enjoying Christmas, which is what everybodys supposed to be doing during this time, Hecht said. Live feed from Tuesday's Bullhead City Council meeting The tragedy sent shockwaves through the city, situated at the intersection of Arizona, Nevada, and California. It's a growing yet close-knit community, according to Hecht, where running into someone you know at Walmart is common, and many residents have personal connections to the affected family. Notably, a grandfather of the victims works for the local Fire Department, which responded to the blaze. Hecht heard that the victims family had attended the towns recent Trunk-or-Treat Halloween celebration. That was just a couple months ago, she said. Authorities were withholding the names of the victims until they were officially identified by the Medical Examiners Office. Lance Ross, the public information officer for the Bullhead City School District, mentioned that one of the children attended kindergarten at the nearby Desert Valley School. Mike Conner, the president and CEO of the community assistance nonprofit River Fund, has been assisting in connecting the parents of the victims with resources as they navigate through the process of coping with their loss. Right now, its just getting over the shock of what happened. Nobody can let go of that yet. So all were trying to do is sustain light for these people right now, he said. River Fund has received over $6,000 in donations for the survivors, assisting them in replacing the food, clothing, and shelter lost over the weekend, according to Conner. Another online fundraiser, organized by a friend of one of the victims' parents, has garnered over $13,000. Additionally, a local realtor has stepped up to aid in finding replacement housing, Conner noted. Hechts nonprofit is planning a vigil in memory of the victims for Wednesday evening. Theres no words. There's no amount of candles, no amount of flowers, no amount of Im sorry's ever bringing them back she said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Bullhead City devastated after 5 children killed in house fire Sir Tim Brighouse, the educationalist, who has died aged 83, believed in using the carrot rather than the stick; he enjoyed success raising standards in schools as the charismatic director of Birminghams Education Service during the 1990s and as Schools Commissioner for London from 2002 to 2007, when he led the London Challenge. The core of his approach was encouraging and motivating teachers to have confidence in themselves and to be ready to share insights they had gained from experience in the classroom with others. Brighouse became renowned for such kindnesses as sending handwritten letters to welcome teachers joining schools in his area or to congratulate teachers when he encountered an interesting lesson on a visit or heard of good practice. On one occasion he even turned up with champagne to a school after a tough Ofsted inspection. It isnt that I wont confront difficult situations where people have made a balls-up of something, because I have, and I do, and I would, he explained. But I do think they deserve dignity. And if somebody has not made a success of a particular school, they may have made a success of it earlier on they may have been a very good head in another place or they may have been a fantastic deputy or they may be fantastic with difficult kids. Writing in 1994, the Telegraphs Ben Fenton described Brighouse as a radical who had won praise from teachers, parents and politicians of all hues throughout his career in education. Yet in the 1990s he was seen as a sort of bogeyman by some Tory ministers and was, famously, the bete noire of the then chief inspector of schools, Chris Woodhead. Brighouse attends the first meeting of the School Standards Task Force, with Estelle Morris, Alun Evans and the Education Secretary David Blunkett - PA/Alamy In 1994 the embattled education secretary John Patten had to pay substantial undisclosed damages for defamation and issue a full apology following a 1993 Conservative Party Conference fringe meeting at which he had described Brighouse as a nutter, adding: I fear for Birmingham with this madman let loose, wandering around the streets, frightening the children. The jibe, which Patten acknowledged had been entirely untrue and without any justification, was thought to have been a key factor in his removal from office by John Major. Brighouse said that he would donate the damages, as well as 27,000 raised by supporters from around the world, to education projects in inner-city areas. The feud with Chris Woodhead was not so easily resolved. It began as a clash of ideologies, with Woodhead portraying Brighouse as the personification of a progressive education establishment that had undermined academic rigour and tolerated, if not encouraged, failure, and Brighouse accusing Woodhead and his Ofsted inspectors of conducting a reign of terror. Certainly Brighouse was guilty, on occasion, of spouting the sort of educational jargon guaranteed to raise Conservative hackles: the way forward, he once claimed, was to encourage teachers to exploit the alter ego dimension of teaching to create an alternative persona to unlock the mind and open the shut chambers of the heart. Nor, presumably, did it help that he sometimes looked so dishevelled that his arrival at a school sometimes led caretakers to report a dodgy character on the premises. The Telegraph described Brighouse as a radical who had won praise from teachers, parents and politicians of all hues throughout his career in education - Brian Harris/Alamy Yet when Ofsted inspectors descended on Birmingham, where Brighouse had presided over a marked improvement in exam results, their report, published in 1998, brimmed with praise for his inspired work in the city. The local education authority would not have made anywhere near as much progress without his leadership, the inspectors declared, and they paid tribute to his enormous personal impact in raising educational standards and improving teacher morale. To those who follow the ideological battles in the educational world, Woodhead backing Brighouse is like Disraeli making peace with Gladstone, as The Daily Telegraph noted. Yet Woodheads hand was discernible in its criticism of Birminghams policy of praising teachers at every possible opportunity. The celebration of success ... may turn all too easily into a refusal to acknowledge and confront failure, it read. It was also reported that Woodhead had been persuaded to remove the suggestion that the best Birmingham schools knew when it was best not to listen to Brighouses march music. There was surprise in 1997 when Labours incoming education secretary, David Blunkett, appointed the two men joint vice-chairmen of a new education standards task force. The move was interpreted as an attempt to harness their opposing philosophies in a concerted campaign to improve standards in schools. But the honeymoon, if there was one, did not last, and Brighouse stepped down after a little under two years. Mr Woodhead and I have disagreed about almost everything, but doubtless the disagreement has often proved creative, Brighouse said, unconvincingly. In a 2001 article in the Telegraph, Woodhead wrote that roping us together was a cynical exercise in the big-tent, keep-everyone-on-side, be-all-things-to-all-people, New-Labour way of doing things. Brighouse: on one occasion he turned up with champagne to school after a tough Ofsted inspection - David Sandison/Independent/Alamy That their disagreement was as much personal as political became apparent when Woodhead published his memoir, Class War, in 2002. Brighouse, Woodhead wrote, was guilty of appalling condescension for suggesting that his inspection regime was bullying and destructive. Brighouse, for his part, dismissed his old adversary as sad and angry a Victor Meldrew of education, without the humour. Woodhead had retired as chief inspector in 2000, and two years later Ofsted returned to Birmingham to deliver a report that was almost lyrical in its enthusiasm for Brighouses leadership. The city, Ofsted declared, was an example to all others of what can be done, even in the most demanding urban environment, and its success was attributable above all to the energising and inspirational example set by the chief education officer. Not long afterwards Brighouse was appointed London schools commissioner and head of London Challenge, a five-year programme launched by Tony Blair in May 2003 aiming to improve the performance of every teacher and secondary school student in London. As leader of the challenge for its first four years, Brighouse oversaw a wide-ranging programme which included offering support to low-attaining secondaries, including pupil mentoring, extra teacher training, with leaders of successful schools on hand to work with those in weaker ones. When it began, London schools had the lowest proportion of pupils achieving the Governments benchmark of five A*-C GCSEs out of Englands nine regions. His leadership in Birmingham, Ofsted declared, was an example to all others of what can be done, even in the most demanding urban environment - David Sandison/Independent/Alamy By 2010 it was topping the table, becoming the only capital city in the developed world where state schools had higher standards than those in the rest of the country higher, for example, than in leafy Oxfordshire, East Sussex or Wiltshire. Timothy Robert Peter Brighouse was born in Leicestershire on January 15 1940 and was educated at Loughborough Grammar School and Lowestoft County Grammar School. After reading history at St Catherines College, Oxford, he remained at Oxford to take a PGCE. Then, after a few years teaching, when he became deputy head and warden of Chepstow Community College, he decided to go into educational administration in Monmouthshire, and then Buckinghamshire, where he played a major role in designing the school system for Milton Keynes. Brighouses critics liked to point to the two years he spent in the 1970s as deputy director of the Inner London Education Authority, whose Left-wing politics led Margaret Thatcher to abolish it. But he never demanded its return, seeing advantages in the intimate size and local contact which schools could enjoy under borough control. In 1978 he was appointed chief education officer for Oxfordshire, where he was recognised as a radical who favoured self-evaluation for schools (a process by which staff members reflect on their practice and identify areas for improvement) over outside scrutiny, winning the respect of colleagues and teachers. Following the introduction of the 1988 Education Reform Act, Brighouse emerged as a leading critic of the new National Curriculum, which he described as Stalinist. Yet while clearly on the Left of the political spectrum, he was no ideologue, and expressed disappointment when local union officials blocked proposals to allow private sponsors to support the education of musically gifted and mentally and physically disabled children. When he left in 1989 to become professor of education at Keele, tributes came from all quarters, including Douglas Hurd and Tony Baldry, both Conservative Oxfordshire MPs. Brighouses approach in Birmingham was based on the idea of schools improving by competing against their own previous best and with an emphasis on basic numeracy and literacy. His policies included baseline assessments for five-year-olds entering primary school, summer schools, and rigorous targets set by the schools themselves for improvements against their previous best achievement scores. But what made him popular with teachers was the fact that he spent more time in schools than in City Hall, talking to teachers, asking questions even reading children stories. Before Brighouse took the job, the citys schools were in a state of simmering rebellion; 23 schools had opted out of council control and more were threatening to do so. By the end of his tenure, the atmosphere had been completely transformed: the 1998 Ofsted report observed that Birmingham teachers no longer displayed the cynicism and disaffection so often apparent five years ago. Brighouse was knighted in 2009. In 1962 he married Mary Demers. The marriage was dissolved, and in 1989 he married, secondly, Elizabeth, formerly Kearney. She survives him with a son and a daughter from his first marriage. Sir Tim Brighouse, born January 15 1940, died December 15 2023 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Happy Monday, Utah! Most of the fog from this morning has mixed away, but were still left with our inversion haze along the Wasatch Front. Its going to be another day with poor air quality with the worst likely being found in Salt Lake and Davis Counties. In these spots, the air quality is projected to dip to unhealthy for sensitive groups. For Cache Valley, the rest of the Wasatch Front, and the Uinta Basin, moderate air quality is expected. Outside of any haze, well see partly to mostly cloudy skies across the state as the high pressure thats been keeping us quiet begins to move away. Daytime highs will run above average for most, not in our valleys, with 30s and 40s up north while southern Utah will see a mix of 40s and 50s. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Daily News Southwest flow will increase on Tuesday and should aid in increasing moisture into the state, along with warmer temperatures. The increase in moisture is expected to be fairly limited and will likely generate a chance of a few mountain snow showers. The valleys could see a few showers as well, although any measurable amounts are expected to be light. The best chance of moisture arrives on Wednesday as more moisture and energy filter in from the southwest. The best chance of wet weather will be in the southern half of the state while northern Utah could see a few sprinkles. While the system coming in on Wednesday likely wont be strong enough to clear our inversions in northern Utah, it could at least help clear out some of the bad air. By Thursday and Friday, were back to mostly dry conditions up north while southern Utah will hold onto a slight chance of wet weather. With slightly weaker inversions, temperatures for just about everyone will run above seasonal norms. As we move into the Christmas weekend we could be in store for some big changes. As a storm system is expected to pass to our south on Friday, another storm coming in from the northwest could drop into our neighborhood Saturday into Sunday. If this storm does make it to us, then wed see a good chance of wet weather statewide, a drop in temperatures to near or below seasonal norms, and the clearing of inversions. Hazy skies continue Monday with increasing moisture midweek Theres even a chance we could see valley rain become snow by Christmas Eve. Its important to keep in mind that this is more than a few days away, so nothing is set in stone. Well continue to fine-tune the forecast and keep you posted on any changes! With Utahs 4Warn Forecast, both on-air and online, you can stay on top of all the weather changes the Beehive State has to offer. We are Good4Utah! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Looking at the structural problems of Canadian conservatism at the end of 2023 (Part Three) By Mark Wegierski web posted December 18, 2023 The impact of the so-called right-wing blogosphere is certainly far less in Canada than in the United States. The impact of various personal blogs (such as those of Kate McMillan, the late Kathy Shaidle, or Richard Klagsbrun) is difficult to accurately gauge. There are as well the party-based Blogging Tories. The website conservativeforum.org is only an archive site. Free Dominion could be called a "self-posting forum" where commentary is not formally structured. Unfortunately, Free Dominion has been recently subjected to vicious "lawfare" and its situation is highly tenuous. Enter Stage Right is an independent, formally structured, consistently edited, frequently updated, conservative Canadian e-zine. There is also Judi McLeod's Canada Free Press. In the wake of the failure of the Sun News Network, Ezra Levant has launched a major website, called The Rebel (or The Rebel Media) with dozens of bloggers regularly contributing to it. Another substantial media initiative is Candice Malcolm's True North Canada, as well as The Post-Millennial website. Another substantial website is The Hub ( thehub.ca ). Three websites of the "culturalist opposition" are actforcanada.ca, capforcanada.com and eurocanadian.ca. Representing Western Canada, there is the new Western Standard website. In July 2013, there arose with great fanfare, the daily webzine, Freedom Press Canada Journal, but it was forced to greatly reduce the frequency of its postings as of November 30, 2013, and, in subsequent months, appears to have been completely removed from the Internet. Since mid-2014, short article postings began to very sporadically appear on the website but, as of this writing, the website is no longer extant. Freedom Press Canada has also published, over the last several years, a number of hard-hitting conservative books, but its publishing endeavours appear to have ended by now. It is also commonly considered that mass-circulation newspapers like The National Post, Calgary Herald, Ottawa Citizen, and The Toronto Sun are heavily right-wing. However, that is not really the case. There are also a considerable number of blogs of varying political complexion now associated with major newspapers and magazines, such as that, for example, of Colby Cosh who had previously had a long-running personal blog. There had also arisen, in April 2011, a right-leaning cable-based news station Sun News Network. However, it completely shut down on February 13, 2015. A boutique cable service called The News Forum has arisen around October 2020. Their tagline is "where all voices matter". In the U.S., there are hundreds of private, frequently religiously affiliated colleges, which may constitute the basis for a network of conservative dissent. There is clearly some conservative presence in much of the U.S. academy. In Canada, conservative professors are few and far between; perhaps the University of Calgary is the only public university with a significant conservative presence (in its department of political science). And, there are only a few private colleges, notably, Trinity Western University in British Columbia, and Redeemer University College in Ontario. Trinity Western University has recently faced strong opposition when it endeavoured to launch a law school. The pretext was the university's strict Christian-based code of conduct, which (among a broad variety of other rules) limited sexual activity for students as well as faculty to the intimacy of heterosexual marriage. The law school was rejected as legitimate by the Ontario and Nova Scotia bar associations, meaning that its graduates would be unable to practice law in those provinces. There was also agitation continuing against its earlier recognition by the British Columbia bar association. On October 30, 2014, the result of a binding referendum of the B.C. bar association members was to instruct the bar association's benchers to withdraw the recognition of Trinity Western's law school. There was indeed a highly orchestrated campaign against the recognition of the law school. This culminated in the 2018 decision of the Supreme Court of Canada that the provincial bar associations were justified in forbidding Trinity Western University law school graduates from practicing law in their provinces. Given these developments, Trinity Western University cancelled its plans to establish a law school. Taking into account the disparity in resources as between "small-c conservatives" and left-liberals in Canada which is clearly astronomical the situation of conservatism in Canada may indeed be seen as rather difficult. One supposes that one of the few possible reassurances for so-called "small-c conservatives" is that they, after all, have human nature and commonsense on their side. However, what traditionalists call "human nature" is considered merely a fiction by most left-liberals who believe that human beings are almost entirely determined by their immediate environment, and can indeed be shaped in any direction left-liberalism chooses. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home A door fell off a small plane flying into San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport on Wednesday, dropping debris on a neighborhood near Bishop Peak. During a flight Wednesday, a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter plane experienced a loss of debris, Airport Deputy Director of Planning and Outreach Courtney Pene told The Tribune on Monday. Pene said the debris was identified as a door from the private aircraft. Its believed this happened in the area of Bishop Peak as the aircraft was on its way to the airport, Pene said. A Twin Otter is a short take-off and landing (STOL) commuter plane that is popularly used for skydiving operations. After the door fell off, the plane then landed safely with no further reported damage to the aircraft and no reported injuries. According to an incident report on Aviation Safety Network, users reported that while it was approaching the airport runway, the door detached and hit the tail of the plane. Nextdoor users who witnessed the incident said mostly aluminum frames and plastic debris fell in the area of Highland Drive, hitting nearby homes and the road. San Luis Obispo Police Department public affairs manager Christine Wallace said the department did receive a report on Wednesday regarding falling debris, but the response was handled by the airport. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Volunteers are taking to the streets of downtown Portland Wednesday to clean litter as part of SOLVEs last Business District Cleanup event of the year. Around 100 volunteers will be gathering at the Benson Hotel Wednesday morning where crews will spread out and pick up litter in the surrounding area. The goal, SOLVE says, is to create opportunities for individuals and businesses to give back to their communities and play a critical role in maintaining the beauty and integrity of our city from the harmful effects of trash. Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs set for a summer 2024 grand opening The clean-up will run for two hours from 9 to 11 a.m. and is expected to spread throughout the southwest downtown area, SOLVE says. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. (Bloomberg) -- Somalias Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Haruse resigned Monday, paving the way for his participation in the upcoming Puntland presidential election. Most Read from Bloomberg Puntland, a semi-autonomous region located in eastern Somalia, will hold its elections Jan. 8. I will join the list of candidates who are vying for the presidency of Puntland in the hope that I might be able to shape its leadership, Haruse said. Haruse, a Puntland native, will face a dozen other candidates in the election. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Tacos arabes at chef Jesse Kuykendall's Milpa tell the story of pork cooked and spiced like shawarma by Middle Eastern immigrants to the Mexican state of Puebla. Mike Sutter/Staff file photo Get in line, y'all. Milpa and its celebrated tacos arabes are back. Chef and owner Jesse Kuykendall better known as Chef Kirk brought their brand back online Friday following a months-long move from the restaurant's former home in a boxcar at The Yard near Olmos Park. Kirk's new digs share a lot with the popular The Dakota East Side House near the Alamodome. While the historic building at 419 S. Hackberry St. is relatively small, it gives Milpa ample room to spread its culinary wings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kuykendall and their business partners chefs Anthony Hernandez and Miguel Rodriguez are launching the new Milpa in phases. A bar menu consisting of Milpa's well-established tacos, empanadas and pozole is now available for takeout, outdoor seating or inside The Dakota. A coursed-out fine-dining menu served inside Milpa is still a few weeks off. "We realized we really invested ourselves in this project, so lets take our time opening that up," Kuykendall said. "It made sense to open in sections instead of opening it all at once. Its an all-concrete building, so bolting stuff down inside was a little harder than expected. It's a historic building and we're trying to respect that." Milpa's new brick-and-mortar restaurant at 419 S. Hackberry St. is now open in a limited capacity. Abigail Im/Staff file photo Milpa's current offerings include tacos arabes, a style of taco that tells the story of Lebanese immigration to Mexico. The potato-stuffed Taquitos de Papa, quesadilla filled with Oaxaca cheese and rotating daily pozole have all made the move from The Yard. A smoked version of Milpa's noted mollejas (sweetbread) tacos will soon make an appearance. Rib-eye served with vegetables, mole chichilo and chile guero escabeche will be one course offered on Milpa's dine-in menu. Abigail Im/Staff file photo Chef Jesse Kuykendall talks about their culinary journey on Sept. 19 at Milpa. Abigail Im/Staff file photo MEET CHEF KIRK: Chef Jesse Kuykendall cooks first meal in Milpa's new East Side location Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the coming days, Milpa's menu should become available through food delivery services. Kuykendall said plans for a lunch service are also in the works. Once Milpa is operating at full speed, the restaurant will offer a six-, nine- and 12-course fine-dining experience priced at $95 to $135 inside the renovated building. Kuykendall began testing recipes in September and plans to offer less-common dishes such as mole chichilo from Oaxaca. Kuykendall said they have a salsa that's been fermenting for a year and a half that will add a funky fire to some of the dishes. "We're really trying to focus on food thats been overlooked in Mexico and present it in a nice, higher level," Kuykendall said. "Our reservation system is going live in the next couple weeks." Buel DeWayne Smiley pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and was sentenced to five years in federal prison. Smiley made threatening posts on social media and posted pictures of his firearms, including this one, according to federal prosecutors. The image was included in an affidavit filed by an FBI agent in March. Court documents A Castroville man who expressed anti-government and pro-white sentiment on social media was sentenced to five years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. Buel DeWayne Smiley, 63, encouraged others to blow up infrastructure and showed books on making weapons, along with information about chemicals that could be used to make explosives, in his posts, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas. Smiley, who had a previous felony conviction, was arrested in March after the FBI determined he was depicted brandishing firearms in his social media posts and agents observed him on his property with a gun. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Agents searching his residence found loaded guns, boxes of ammunition, books and instruction manuals about making improvised explosives, lab equipment and chemical precursors for explosives, the U.S. attorneys office said. They also found handwritten notes that appeared to discuss experiments with homemade explosives. Buel DeWayne Smiley, of Castroville, posted pictures of his weapons, including this one, on a Facebook page under the name Willy Peter, according to an affidavit from an FBI agent. Smiley, a convicted felon, was arrested and charged with illegal possession of a firearm, and pleaded guilty in federal court. The photo was included in the affidavit. Court document Smiley pleaded guilty on Aug. 15 to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, according to a release from the U.S. attorneys office. Federal court records show he has filed to appeal the sentencing. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza called the case a great example of If you see something, say something. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thanks to a concerned member of the community who was alarmed by the defendants social media broadcasts calling for political violence, the FBI was able to investigate and arrest the defendant for illegally possessing firearms before he could do further harm to the community, Esparza said in a a written statement. According to an affidavit filed by an FBI special agent in March, Smiley was convicted in 2011 for aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute marijuana. He was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison and was not allowed to possess firearms as a result of that conviction. An anonymous tip alerted officials to threatening posts on a Facebook account with the username Willy Peter last December, the affidavit said. The FBI determined those posts were made by Smiley. In January, they viewed a public post on Smileys page, showing him holding a tactical shotgun, with a laser aiming device affixed to the handguard and a black pistol in a holster on his belt. Another photo on his page appeared to show the same weapons on a Confederate flag, the affidavit said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During surveillance at Smileys home, he was seen carrying the shotgun on multiple occasions, the agent wrote. Kerrville police charged a woman with murder on Dec. 16 after she called to report a suicide, only to drop the charge and release her a day later, citing new information. mbbirdy/Getty Images Kerrville police arrested a woman on a murder charge over the weekend only to drop the charges a day later in an abrupt about-face that police said was spurred by new information that emerged in the case. Kerrville police officials say a woman called 911 just before 5 a.m. Saturday morning and reported that a man had shot himself at an apartment on Singing Wind Drive. When officers arrived, they found a 22-year-old man inside the apartment with a gunshot wound to the head. The man was taken to Peterson Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead, Kerrville police said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Officers arrested the 26-year-old woman who made the 911 call, with police officials saying that evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that the gunshot wound was not self-inflicted. The mans body was taken to the Travis County Medical Examiner for an autopsy, and Sunday afternoon Kerrville police announced that the murder charge against the woman had been dismissed and she had been released from police custody. The Express-News is not publishing the womans name because she is no longer charged with a crime. Police officials said the charge was dropped due to new information obtained during the ongoing investigation, but they did not provide details on what that new information might be. Kerrville police said detectives are continuing to work to determine the exact circumstances of this shooting death. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Terry Turner was convicted of manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting of Adil Dghoughi, a motorist who pulled into Turners driveway in Martindale. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News LOCKHART A Martindale man will spend six months in jail for killing an unarmed motorist in 2021, a judge decided Monday and the terms of the sentence include annual reminders of the man who was killed in the shooting. State District Judge Chris Schneider ordered Terry Turner to spend 180 days in the Caldwell County Jail, serve 10 years of probation and pay a $10,000 fine for fatally shooting Adil Dghoughi, 31, after Dghoughi pulled into Turners driveway in Martindale, a Caldwell County town of about 1,200 people just east of San Marcos. Family members have said Dghoughi was lost. Turner, 67, initially had faced a first-degree murder charge, but a Caldwell County jury Nov. 3 convicted him on the lesser charge of manslaughter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The jurors handed Turner a 10-year suspended sentence, leaving it up to Schneider whether all 10 years would be served as probation or some of it would be spent behind bars. State sentencing guidelines typically call for between two years and 20 years in prison for a manslaughter conviction. Schneider on Monday ordered Turner to spend 180 days in the Caldwell County Jail. Turner will serve 140 days of that initially, then serve the additional 40 days in four-day increments each year of the 10-year sentence. Adil Dghoughi, 31, was shot and killed on Oct. 11, 2021, in the driveway of Terry Turners home in Martindale. Courtesy of Adil Dghoughi's family Fatiha Haouass, mother of Adil Dghoughi, and her son Othmane Dghoughi speak to reporters outside the Caldwell County Justice Center in Lockhart on Nov. 2. Martindale resident Terry Turner, who shot and killed Adil Dghoughi in 2021, will spend six months in jail, a judge ruled Monday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Schneider didnt admonish Turner during the hearing but he did structure the sentence to include two annual reminders of the consequences of his actions. Turners sentencing order requires that the four days Turner spends in jail each year will be served Oct. 11-12, which includes the date of the fatal shooting, and Dec. 27-28, which includes Dghoughis birthday. In addition to the 10 years of probation and the $10,000 fine, Turner must complete 400 hours of community service, take part in a therapy program and cant travel outside of Caldwell County or adjacent counties until the terms of his sentence are met. He will be monitored by a GPS device for one year, Schneider ordered. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dghoughis younger brother Othmane Dghoughi spoke during Mondays hearing and ripped into both Turner and Caldwell County law enforcement officials. Addressing Turner, he said: You thought you were a man because you had a gun. A man is not the one who has a gun; a man is the one who helps his family. Youre going to hell anyway, he told Turner. Othmane Dghoughi also alleged that Caldwell County officials and the court system didnt serve justice on Turner. You got a lot of help from this county. You got away with this murder, he said. Shame on this county. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Turner and his defense team said little during Mondays hearing, speaking only to respond to Schneiders questions and to acknowledge the terms of the sentence. Case stirred anger The shooting death of Adil Dghoughi, a Moroccan immigrant who was living in the Austin area, made international headlines and drew an outcry from advocacy groups. Turner fatally shot Dghoughi in the early morning hours of Oct. 11, 2021, after Dghoughi pulled into Turners driveway. Turner testified during the trial that he had awakened to use the bathroom when he saw an unfamiliar car pull into the driveway. He testified that he picked up a pistol and ran outside. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dghoughi put the car in reverse and began backing up when Turner confronted him, according to witness testimony. Turner testified that he struck the drivers side window twice with the handgun, then fired through the window, striking Dghoughi in the face before he could drive away. Prosecutors said Turners actions were not reasonable, as Dghoughi was in a car with rolled-up, dark-tinted windows meaning Turner couldnt see who was in the car and Dghoughi was trying to leave when Turner shot him. No gun or other weapon was found in the car with Dghoughi, law enforcement officials have testified. Video taken from the body camera of a Caldwell County sheriffs deputy showed Turner at the scene asking whether Dghoughi was male or female, which prosecutors said proved he was unable to see into the car when he fired his gun. Turners defense team argued that Turner was trying to protect his home and property and that in the darkened driveway he thought Dghoughi was pointing a weapon at him. Defense attorney E.G. Morris said Turner feared for his life when came out of his house and confronted Dghoughi in his vehicle. What happened that night Advertisement Article continues below this ad Testifying during the trial, Turner said he wasnt planning to use his gun the night of the shooting, saying he was carrying it to protect his girlfriend and his property when he saw a car pull into his driveway about 3:30 a.m. What comes to my mind instantly is bad people doing bad things. My mind starts racing. Somebodys trying to steal my catalytic converter, someones going to break into my camper, Turner said. Turner testified that he ran out to the car and yelled at Dghoughi to stop. Turner said the car didnt move initially, then abruptly turned while reversing. I see shadows, he testified. Theyre just sitting there. Im thinking theyre trying to confront me. Im thinking Go. Leave. But they just sit there. Im thinking the cars going to gun forward and Im in the way. All I can see is all this movement. I cant make anything out. Turner said he attempted to break the cars window with his gun and that he thought he saw the barrel of a gun pointed at him from through the window. He said thats when he fired. During the trial, Caldwell County District Attorney Fred Weber pressed Turner about his actions the night of the shooting. Turner said his mindset was that he didnt want criminals to get away. What had he done? Weber asked. Turner admitted that hed never had his car broken into and described his neighborhood as quiet. Do you think there should be any consequences for you killing (Dghoughi)? Weber asked. Turner initially didnt answer the question directly, saying he took appropriate actions. Weber pressed him repeatedly for a yes or no answer, and Turner said: No, there should be no more consequences. Fatiha Haouass, Dghoughis mother, traveled from Rabat, Morocco, to attend Turners trial. She gave a victims impact statement and said she doesnt expect to ever fully recover from the loss of her son. The life of every member of the family has collapsed, Haouass said. Since that day, we couldnt live a normal life. I cant sleep. I take sleeping pills. Haouass said her son had become a U.S. citizen and was extremely proud of it. FILE PHOTO: The San Antonio police bomb squad is conducting training in South San Antonio on Tuesday and Wednesday. Josie Norris / San Antonio Express-News Folks in South San Antonio may hear the sounds of bombs exploding this week, but police said not to worry. The bomb squad may be a bit noisy as it undergoes exercises at the San Antonio Police Department Training Academy, off Southeast Loop 410 near U.S. 281. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sylvia and Karl Pickrell help customers together at their familys business, Ruben's Homemade Tamales on Friday. The 72-year-old San Antonio institution has been making handmade tamales that sparked a Christmas tradition of waiting in lines stretching around the block. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Signs adorn the front counter at Ruben's Homemade Tamales. The 72-year-old San Antonio institution has been making handmade tamales that sparked a Christmas tradition of waiting in lines stretching around the block. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Raul Hernandez, of Austin, smiles as he carries twenty dozen tamales to his car on Friday at Ruben's Homemade Tamales in San Antonio. For the past 10 years, Hernandez has made the trip to San Antonio to purchase tamales. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News From left: Gabriella Medina, Josepha Patlan and Maria Parra make tamales together in the kitchen of Ruben's Homemade Tamales on Friday. The 72-year-old San Antonio institution has been making handmade tamales that sparked a Christmas tradition of waiting in lines stretching around the block. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Rosalinda Perez, operational manager for Rubens Homemade Tamales, left, smiles as she talks about how valued Marvin Lee, a longtime employee at the store, is to the family. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Before getting on a flight to Washington to see her daughter and grandchildren, Teresa Clay-Cattiewhite picks up six-and-a-half dozen tamales on Friday at Ruben's Homemade Tamales. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A pot of tamales ready to be steamed is carried to the stove in the kitchen of Ruben's Homemade Tamales. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Customers wait in line to order pork tamales on Friday at Ruben's Homemade Tamales. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Pork tamales in hand, a customer walks out the door of Ruben's Homemade Tamales on Friday. The 72-year-old San Antonio institution has been making handmade tamales that sparked a Christmas tradition of waiting in lines stretching around the block. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A San Antonio tradition began 65 years ago when a hungry man stepped into an East Side drug store, opened in 1952, curious about the savory aroma that drifted from a back kitchen. Whats that I smell? he asked Helen Perez. Im cooking dinner for my family, she said. Its tamales. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What are those? the Anglo man asked. She gave him a tamal on a plate. He was hooked. He came back the following week. If you make any more of those, Ill buy some, he said. The mans craving for the Mexican dish offered Ruben and Helen Perez a new business plan selling tamales. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Business had been bleak since a new Handy-Andy opened nearby, but the familys fortunes changed for the better when they reopened as Rubens Homemade Tamales. For many San Antonio residents, lining up for tamales at the family-owned store is an honored Christmas ritual. This is the Perez familys 72nd anniversary serving people from all walks of life in and beyond San Antonio. About the author A 22-year veteran of the Air Force, Vincent T. Davis embarked on a second career as a journalist and found his calling. Observing and listening across San Antonio, he finds intriguing tales to tell about everyday people. He shares his stories with Express-News subscribers every Monday morning. Two living children of five, along with nieces, nephews and relatives, keep the operation going. Rosa Linda Perez manages the store; her sister Sylvia Pickrell and her husband, Karl, handle the financial accounts. Were the only ones left, Pickrell said. We ended up saying, Lets run the store together, so thats what we did. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rosa Linda Perez said their family includes all 25 employees, especially the women who work hard and make tamales the old fashioned way. The whole family worked in the kitchen, where they returned after going to school, getting degrees and working. These are our machines here our hands, said Rosa Linda Perez, who started in the kitchen when she was 6. Were traditional. The only filling sold in December is regular pork for $13.50 plus tax. Throughout the year, they offer flavors: bean, chicken and jalapeno pork. Without a measuring cup or spoon, the ladies spread chili powder, salt and lard into the dough. They thrust their hands into the mixture, churning and turning it until they achieve a peanut butter consistency. They spread the masa through stacks of corn husks next to red plastic vats topped with pork. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pickrell said they cook 3,000 pounds of lean meat each night. The wrapped tamales go in water-filled steel pots that steam on the stove in the next room. Isabel Chavez, a 41-year employee, completed each step with ease. She said December is a special time when they see people with happy faces in the store. We have the same recipe, workers and same hands, Chavez said. Thats why the flavor is the same as it was 50 years ago. Friday was the last day of one-hour waits for the sought-after tamales. From now until Christmas, wait times will run up to four hours. In the past, customers have arrived as early as 3 a.m. for a place in line at the store located at 1807 Rigsby Ave. As they edge their way to the door, they scroll through texts, chat on cellphones and make small talk amongst themselves. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The wait inside starts between a beverage-filled freezer case and a wire rack stuffed with chicharrones, chips and Cheetos. People inch forward beneath papier-mache pinatas and fiesta banners dangling from white ceiling tiles. Shelves stocked with cans of Wolf chili are the halfway point. When customers reach the counter, 35-year employee Marvin Lee often rings up the sales. He bids each client goodbye with a receipt and parting message of God bless you, and Merry Christmas. The sisters brother, Francisco Frankie Perez, brought Lee, his best friend, into the fold. Lee, a Navy veteran, said the parents looked out for him. He recalled how Helen Perez said as long as they owned the business, he had a place of employment. Im not at work, Lee said. This is my home. Im bound by honor to look out for them. ALSO READ: South Side dancer has shared her passion with youths for 45 years Rubens has been Raul Hernandezs go-to spot for the past 10 years. Friday morning, he bought 20 dozen tamales for a Christmas party at his home he lives in Austin. He said the 90-minute drive, overnight stay and early morning visit are all worth it. I feel like they taste the most homemade, Hernandez, 37, said. You just know its going to be a perfect tamale. Pickrell said customers also drive from places like Houston, Dallas and Floresville. They stop by as early as mid-September to stock up on the dish that draws families together on Christmas. Some patrons ship bags across the country and overseas. Pickrell said shed heard someone mailed homemade tamales to the Vatican. Teresa Clay-Sattiewhite, 56, bought 6 1/2 dozen tamales for her daughter Jasmine Tumblin in Bremerton, Wash. The wrapped masa, warm in aluminum foil, wouldnt be in San Antonio for long. Three hours later, it was in her carry-on luggage on a flight to the Great Northwest. Im willing to share with my neighbors in the row, she said. Around noon, Luis Rodriguez, 29, from Alamo Molino, delivered the second load of masa that day. He said he drops up to 1,000 pounds of masa at the store each day. They sell a lot, Rodriguez said. They dont play around! Xinjiang achieves leapfrog development in opening-up 11:03, December 19, 2023 By Sheng Yulei ( People's Daily At the Meilin Global Products, a bonded shopping center in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, a wide range of premium products from all over the world just dazzled shoppers. Zadul Turson, the operator of the bonded shopping center, just returned from a business trip to Hong Kong. The long journey didn't consume too much of his energy. He told People's Daily, "We need to seize the opportunity. I plan to open some 30 duty-free shops next year, so as to bring more duty-free products to communities." Wind turbine blades are manufactured in a workshop of a new material company in Changji Hui autonomous prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (People's Daily Online/He Long) The "opportunity" he said was the recent establishment of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone. Whether a policy is favorable is evidenced by the market. In an international trade center of the Xinjiang Xiyu Light Industry Base, over 500 parking spaces were already occupied. An executive of the Xiyu Light Industry Base noted that the second phase of its cloud-based warehouse has been built this year, and over 300 merchants will settle in. It marked the third upgrade of the Xiyu Light Industry Base. A Kazakh truck driver who has been transporting goods across the China-Kazakhstan border for seven years told People's Daily that more and more of his friends have come to China for trucking because they want to "prosper together." Projects have yielded fruitful results and logistics channels have become more efficient. What is this promising land relying on to create a new chapter in investment and business development? A worker moves cargos in a warehouse of an international logistics park in Changji Hui autonomous prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (People's Daily Online/He Long) The prosperity of Xinjiang, an important trading hub, in the old days, is displayed in a cultural exhibition hall of the Bakti port in Tacheng. Historically, Xinjiang has long been a key hub for trade and logistics between Asia and Europe. Geographically, it is adjacent to eight countries and is located in the heart of the Eurasian continent. In advancing high-level opening up, Xinjiang has unique geographical advantages. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has provided an excellent opportunity for Xinjiang to turn from a borderland in northwest China to a "thriving regional center." Economically disadvantaged regions must capitalize on historic opportunities and dedicated effort to spur transformational development. In recent times, Xinjiang has embodied a spirit of industriousness and bold experimentation. By spearheading construction of a central hub of the BRI, the autonomous region has secured substantial gains. Since the launch of the China-Europe freight train service, Xinjiang's Alashankou port has witnessed the passage of over 30,000 trains, with the efficient operation of a "24/7" appointment-based customs clearance mechanism. The Horgos highway port has implemented a 24/7-passage-for-traded-goods trial, where vehicles only need to place an electronic card on a reader after declaring, and the clearance process can be completed in just 20 to 30 seconds. From 2013 to 2022, Xinjiang's total import and export value increased from 170.81 billion yuan ($23.96 billion) to 246.36 billion yuan. A fully loaded freight train departs from Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, for Central Asian countries, April 2, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Cai Zengle) The train whistles and the rolling wheels of trucks exactly mirror the surging vitality injected into Xinjiang's economic development through deepening reform and opening up. Pursuing transformation and upgrading, Xinjiang is seeking momentum from innovation. In a workshop of the Xinjiang Branch of Chinese automaker GAC Motor, vehicles are rolling off the production line. At the gate of Sany Tacheng Wind Power Equipment Co., trucks loaded with wind turbine blades are ready to depart. In the first three quarters of this year, Xinjiang's total foreign trade volume increased by 47.3 percent year-on-year. Among them, the exports of electric passenger vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar batteries surged by 61.5 percent from a year ago. These three items have replaced mechanical and electrical products, clothing, and footwear and headwear as the new hits of Xinjiang's foreign trade, which reflects the high-quality development of the autonomous region. This also suggests that in order to give play to the late starters advantages, it is necessary to adapt to the trend of high-end, intelligent, and green development, seize the enormous opportunities brought by the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, and strive to shape new advantages on the new track. At the sixth China International Import Expo, a Xinjiang-themed promotion event attracted wide attention, which told the world that Xinjiang is no longer a remote corner but a core area and a hub. As long as Xinjiang leverages its unique geographical advantages, and harnesses the strength of openness and collaboration, it will definitely achieve even greater development. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Melissa Perez, right, with daughter Alexis Tovar in an undated family photo. The 46-year-old mother of four suffered from schizophrenia and was in a mental health crisis when police officers confronted her at her apartment on June 23. Courtesy If the case against two San Antonio police officers charged with murder in the shooting death of Melissa Perez goes to trial, jurors will have a wealth of options to consider and a thicket of legalese to untangle. A Bexar County grand jury last week issued a five-count indictment charging fired SAPD Sgt. Alfred Flores and officer Eleazar Alejandro with murder and four lesser offenses: aggravated assault by a public servant, aggravated assault by a public servant with a deadly weapon, manslaughter and deadly conduct. Nothing is simple about this case. The murder count, for instance, says Flores and Alejandro committed the crime in either of two ways: by intentionally or knowingly causing Perezs death or by committing an act clearly dangerous to human life that led to her death. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What does that mean? Heres an explanation of each count, why prosecutors chose this strategy and what we can expect at trial. From left, SAPD Sgt. Alfred Flores and Officers Eleazar Alejandro and Nathaniel Villalobos were arrested in the shooting death of Melissa Perez on June 23. Flores and Alejandro are charged with murder and related offenses. Villalobos is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct. San Antonio Police Department First, a quick recap of the incident Flores, Alejandro and a third officer, Nathaniel Villalobos, fired into Perezs Southwest Side apartment on June 23, killing her, after she allegedly threw a glass candlestick at an officer, and later in the evening, rushed toward police with a hammer. Police had been dispatched to the scene after Perez was seen cutting the wires to the apartment complexs fire alarm system. The 46-year-old mother of four had schizophrenia and was in a mental health crisis, according to her relatives and SAPD officials. A police investigation determined that she did not pose a threat to the officers because they were on the other side of a locked glass door. Flores, Alejandro and Villalobos were arrested, fired and then indicted. They are free on bond while awaiting trial. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The indictment does not charge Villalobos with murder. It does charge him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct. Why does the murder count against Flores and Alejandro offer two scenarios? The short answer: Its the law. Under the Texas penal code, you can commit murder two different ways, said Alexandra Klein, an assistant law professor at St. Marys University. The first is intentionally and knowingly. To prove that, prosecutors would have to prove that the defendants acted with the purpose of causing Ms. Perezs death. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The alternative you have is committing an act clearly dangerous to human life that caused the death, Klein continued. The jury might find that the officers intended to cause serious bodily injury, and it resulted in death. What are the other counts? After Count I (murder), Counts II and III against Flores and Alejandro accuse them of aggravated assault by a public servant. Again, there are multiple scenarios. Count II alleges that the officers intentionally, knowingly or recklessly used and exhibited a deadly weapon, causing bodily injury. Alternatively, it says they intentionally, knowingly or recklessly shot a projectile not a deadly weapon at Perez, causing serious bodily injury. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Count III says the officers intentionally or knowingly threatened imminent bodily injury by shooting at Perez with a deadly weapon. Yes, this is a crime: In Texas, you dont have to actually hit a person to commit assault; simply threatening imminent bodily injury can be sufficient. Count IV is manslaughter. It alleges that the officers did recklessly cause the death of Perez by shooting a deadly weapon in her direction. Count V says the officers knowingly discharged a weapon in Perezs direction. Thats deadly conduct. Why so many counts? They offer a trial jury alternative explanations for what happened and a flexible framework for applying the law to the facts, said David Gonzales, an adjunct law professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In other words: If the evidence doesnt show that Flores and Alejandro committed murder, the jury could still convict them of aggravated assault, manslaughter or deadly conduct. All are first-, second- or third-degree felonies. LEARN MORE: Read the indictment It really just gives the jury a full buffet of choices and options based upon what the evidence is at trial, rather than having to make a choice of one count, Gonzales said. There is no dispute as to what happened. The question is why. Melissa Perezs daughter, Alexis Tovar, center, and Tovars aunt, Daisy Nieto, and her husband, Adrian Tovar. William Luther, Staff / Staff Why wasnt Villalobos indicted for murder? The indictment doesnt say. But Klein said the most likely explanation is that the evidence showed bullets fired from his gun did not hit Perez. Why all the references to deadly weapon? Is that important? Very important. Using a deadly weapon in the course of a crime such as aggravated assault can be an enhancement when it comes to sentencing, Gonzales said. It allows the judge to make punishment more severe, such as by requiring the defendant to serve at least 50% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Most of the counts in the indictment also say the defendants were acting in their capacity as public servants. That's signicant, too, because it makes the crimes more severe. Aggravated assault is a second-degree felony unless it was committed by a public servant, in which case its a first-degree felony. That can translate to a longer sentence. Is it common to include so many different charges? Its been done in some high-profile cases, such as the prosecution of Mark Howerton for the killing of Trinity University student Cayley Mandadi. Howerton was charged with murder, but the judge allowed jurors to consider two lesser charges: criminally negligent homicide and aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. In June, a jury found Howerton guilty of aggravated assault but not of murder. More typically, prosecutors will pursue a single count of the highest charge. Why are prosecutors taking the kitchen-sink approach in the Perez case? Prosecuting police officers for on-duty conduct is very difficult, because the law gives officers wide latitude in using force. Police officers rarely face criminal charges for using force against civilians. In most cases locally and nationally prosecutors and juries determine that officers actions were justified. Including lesser offenses offers more flexibility for a jury and for prosecutors, said Klein. OK, you didnt choose the most severe form, but you can include another form of liability. Are there risks in writing an indictment this way? Theres the risk of confusing the jury, especially with hard-to-understand legalese. However, a judge will issue detailed instructions to the jury to explain the different charges and the required elements of proof. Klein said its up to prosecutors and defense attorneys to explain the indictment to the jury in easy-to-understand terms. What does reckless mean? What about intentional? Some legal experts say prosecutors should keep it simple and stick to one theory of the crime. Moreover, sometimes family members of the victim dont like it when the jury can consider lesser charges with lighter penalties. Sometimes, relatives attach importance to proving in court what the defendants mind set was intentional versus merely reckless, for instance. Some critics will say that it shows you have no confidence in your case. If youre saying Count I is intentional in killing someone, how can you say in Count IV it was reckless? said Gonzales. My response to that is officer-involved shooting cases are different, and ultimately youre asking for a public choice. Its not a strategy. Youre not trying to win. I see it as a very transparent way of letting the public make a decision with all available options, not hamstringing the public. Police Chief William McManus said the fatal shooting of Melissa Perez stemmed from "a failure of officers on the scene to follow routine training and protocol and practices." He said officers should have backed off from their confrontation with Perez and summoned the department's mental health unit. Kaylee Greenlee Beal Does a jury have to decide each and every count? No. If a jury finds Flores and Alejandro guilty of murder, it does not have to reach a verdict on the other charges, Gonzales said. But if the jury doesnt convict on murder, it can consider the next count, and keep going until it reaches a guilty verdict. For example, if the jury finds the defendants not guilty of Counts I and II but guilty of Count III, their work is done. They dont have to reach a verdict on Counts IV and V. Of course, the jury might acquit the defendants on all counts. Could there be a plea bargain? Its always a possibility. But the former officers would be wary of any settlement that involved pleading guilty to a felony or a Class A misdemeanor, since that would disqualify them from holding a peace officer license in Texas. What type of punishment could a judge or jury hand down? A first-degree felony, such as murder or aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, is punishable by five to 99 years in prison upon conviction. Probation is also an option for all first-degree felonies, except murder. Manslaughter is a second-degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison. Deadly conduct is a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison. "No one is above the law," Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said in announcing criminal indictments against three police officers in the fatal shooting of Melissa Perez. "Ninety-nine percent of SAPD do an outstanding job. When 1% fails to work within the law, they must be held accountable." Kaylee Greenlee Beal What can we expect during a trial? Klein said prosecutors will have to prove all elements of the offense, including what the officers' intentions were, that they were acting in their capacity as peace officers and that their actions resulted in Perezs death. San Antonio Police are searching for a man who made a terroristic threat toward St. Matthew Catholic Church on Friday. San Antonio Crimestoppers Police are searching for a man who allegedly threatened people with a bomb at the St. Matthew Catholic Church on Friday. The unknown man walked into the church at 10703 Wurzbach Road and requested to speak with a priest, according to a police report. After being told there was no priest available by someone inside the church, he pulled out a tube-like item with metal on either side and said, Youre telling me that even though I have a car full of explosives, states the report. He then put the tube back in his pocket and left the location. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Mass was being held for a funeral at the time of the incident, according to the report. The church staff provided police with video footage in an attempt to identify the man. A witness told an officer they believed he was crazy because he was talking about the government being after him, and the pope knew about it, according to the report. If found, he will be charged with making a terroristic threat causing public fear. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for a tip that leads to his arrest. St. Matthews Catholic Church Pastor Eric J. Ritter released a statement on Facebook about the alleged threat. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A 15-year-old teen was robbed and shot during an early morning meet-up in a Denny's parking lot on West Side. Ken Branca A teen was robbed and shot during a meetup early Tuesday in a restaurant parking lot on the West Side. Police responded to a shooting shortly before 3:30 a.m. in the 7100 block of Northwest Loop 410 at a Dennys Restaurant. A 15-year-old had been shot in her lower extremity. According to the preliminary report, two teens agreed to meet in the Dennys parking lot to fight. Once at the location, one of the teens pulled out a gun and demanded the others property. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ALSO READ: Two accused of stealing hundreds of pieces of mail from San Antonio residents During the exchange, the unidentified teen fired several shots at the 15-year-old, striking her in the backside, the report states. The shooter fled the location in a white sedan, and officers were unable to locate her. The wounded teen was transported to a local hospital by EMS with injuries that were not life-threatening. The 42-year-old walkway between the Alamo and River Walk will undergo renovation next year, including repairs, beautification and addition of an elevator to improve accessibility. The Lower Paseo project, part of a $550 million makeover of the Alamo, is targeted for completion in 2025. Courtesy / Alamo Trust Its been 42 years since a pedestrian connection between San Antonios two biggest attractions the Alamo and the River Walk opened to the public. A dedication of the new Paseo del Alamo coincided with the opening of the 16-story Hyatt Regency Hotel, which connected the block-long route to the river through its luxuriant atrium lobby and glass elevators. Rock star and Texas history collector Phil Collins often has stayed in one of the suites atop the hotel, taking in views of the Alamo from his window. But the gentle cascading waterfalls and fountains of the paseo are in need of a face-lift, repairs and better accessibility, which will be covered by the $550 million redevelopment of the Alamo. The river link, now known as the Lower Paseo, will include an outdoor elevator, new landscaping, interpretive features and a rainwater collection and filtering system. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This rendering of the 42-year-old walkway between the Alamo and River Walk shows an elevator to the left, looking east from Losoya Street, that will improve accessibility. The Lower Paseo will undergo renovation next year, including repairs and beautification. The project is targeted for completion in 2025. Courtesy / Alamo Trust This 1981 file photo was taken during construction of the Paseo del Alamo, a pedestrian water garden that connects the Alamo with the River Walk. At the top of the walkway, next the Alamo Street, is a plaque and glass-encased exhibit marking the southwest corner of the Alamo compound, which originally was a Spanish mission. STEVE KRAUSS/FILE That was a very important project in the early 1980s that helped to bridge the River Walk to the Alamo, said Jonathan Huhn, Alamo Trust spokesman. We know how important that connection is, and we want to ensure its future because theres a lot of history connected with that location. While the Alamo has about 1.6 million visitors annually, based on actual counts, the San Antonio River Authority and Visit San Antonio have estimated some 11.5 million to 13 million people make their way each year to the sidewalks, restaurants, hotels and shops along the River Walk, which is anchored by the Convention Center and the Shops at Rivercenter mall. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Downtown looks quite different than it did during the siege and battle of the Alamo in 1836. Renderings of old San Antonio by historical researchers such as George Nelson and Richard Curilla show a dirt road just south of the Alamos main gate about where Crockett Street is today, as the primary connector between the mission-fort and the U-shaped bend of the river that flowed through the village. The closest bridge over the river was farther south, on the tree-line dirt road known as the Alameda, where Commerce Street now runs. Over time, as San Antonio grew, paved streets, alleys and buildings cut off the Alamo from the river. City and business leaders saw a need after HemisFair 68, the worlds fair, to create a direct Alamo-to-River Walk connection. The city applied for federal funds in 1977 and secured a $6.5 million grant for construction of the paseo almost directly across from the Alamos iconic mission church. About 500 people attended a dedication on a cold morning Dec. 18, 1981, for the opening of the link and the new $38 million hotel. Also unveiled that day was a mosaic mural of San Fernando Cathedral and other local historic structures at the hotel entrance by the paseo. The mural, designed by artist Tom Stell and completed by Charles Francis Winans after Stells death, was barely completed in time for the dedication as a crew worked all night in freezing temperatures to finish it, using hair dryers to treat pigments on the mosaic tiles, the San Antonio Express-News reported. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mayor Henry Cisneros thanked rancher-businessman B.K. Johnson and his family at the dedication for their 60% investment in the hotel and thoughtful planning as part of the public-private undertaking. Thats the way they do business carefully, with a sense of distinction, knowing what is right to do and doing it well, Cisneros said, according to the San Antonio Light. But in recent decades, some of the water features have developed leaks. The Alamo has been working with design and planning firms OJB and Gensler on plans to keep the history and character of the paseo intact while providing a grand sense of arrival at the Alamo for people walking up from the river. Boone Powell, who led a team from Ford, Powell and Carson on the paseos 1980s design, has been included in some of the discussions. Huhn said the paseo is a vital corridor where a huge portion of our visitors come from. Its right next to the 1882 Crockett Building, which will serve as part of a new Alamo Visitor Center and Museum set to open in 2027. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As people come up from the river to a site like the Alamo, we dont want them to just stumble upon it, Huhn said. We want them to understand theyre coming to a place of reverence where something very specific, especially for our state and nation, took place. The city's Historic and Design Review Commission approved conceptual plans for improvements to the paseo Nov. 1. The Paseo del Alamo, dedicated in 1981, linked San Antonios two most visited tourist attractions the Alamo and the River Walk. A federal grant cleared the site for construction of a water garden, a variety of fountains alongside and over walkways. It will get a major facelift next year. sb/Courtesy Ford, Powell & Carson New site elements will include a grand staircase, upper and lower terraces and terrace seating, native vegetation, an elevator tower with concrete cladding and a linear Alamo Fountain that uses rainwater captured from Alamo Plaza and adjacent structures. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Because the paseo is in the area of the historic Acequia del Alamo, a mission-era feature and civil engineering landmark, as well as previously unearthed wall footings of the Alamos southwest corner, some archaeological work will be required. The paseo will celebrate the role of water at the mission and for the city, with interpretation and programming that broadens the storytelling of the site and highlights themes related to natural resource conservation and cultural inclusion, according to a project description. Some paseo walls will be modified and reclad, while others near adobe walls and other historic elements will be preserved. Pump rooms and a filter treatment cistern will be built, and shade trees, ornamental plantings, interpretive displays and limestone boulders will be added. Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McGraw, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush and Gov. Greg Abbott, participate in a press conference to inaugurate the construction of a state-funded border wall in Rio Grande City on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Jason Garza/The Texas Tribune WASHINGTON State officials could soon begin removing people they suspect of being in the country illegally under a sweeping border security bill Gov. Greg Abbott signed Monday. The legislation would allow any law enforcement officer in Texas to arrest migrants accused of unlawfully entering the state from Mexico, and empower judges to order their removal effectively putting deportation powers long held solely by the federal government in the state's hands. The new law is all but certain to wind up in the courts. The American Civil Liberties Union said Monday it would sue and Democrats in Congress are urging the Department of Justice to step in to prevent it from taking effect in March. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbott touted the measure as a step to "stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas" during a ceremony in front of a section of state-built border wall in Brownsville, adding that the state "has constitutional authority to do this." The Republican governor accused President Joe Biden, a Democrat, of failing to secure the border and said Texas was stepping up to do on its own. "Bidens deliberate inaction has left Texas to fend for itself," Abbott said as he was flanked by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd, Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, the bill's authors and sponsors, and others. "Texas is doing its part to step up and trying to secure a border made wide open by Joe Biden." The governor also signed legislation authorizing another $1.5 billion in border wall construction, and a bill setting stiffer penalties for those accused of smuggling migrants or operating stash houses in Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The removal bill would empower police across the state to arrest people they suspect of unlawfully entering Texas from Mexico under a new class of illegal entry state crimes. Judges would decide whether to issue an order to return to Mexico in lieu of prosecution, with consent from migrants. But judges also would be required to issue return orders for anyone convicted of illegal entry. People would face stiff penalties for refusing the orders, effectively leaving them to choose between state-ordered deportation to Mexico or up to 20 years in prison. Democrats have said the bill will lead to racial profiling and put even U.S. citizens or those with authorization to live and work in the U.S. at risk of deportation. Twenty one Democrats in Congress wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland Monday calling the legislation "an unlawful attempt to engage in federal immigration enforcement" and urging the Justice Department to intervene. "This bill is set to be the most extreme anti-immigrant state bill in the United States; it is clearly preempted by federal law and when it goes into effect will likely result in racial profiling, significant due process violations, and unlawful arrests of citizens, lawful permanent residents, and others," the Democrats, led by U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio, wrote. "In practice, this would place people with authorization to be in the United States, even United States citizens, at risk of being forced to leave Texas." THE DETAILS: What to know about the Texas border wall and whos building it Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Mexican government has also said it "rejects" legislation empowering state and local officials to "detain and return nationals or foreigners to Mexican territory. Abbott dismissed the criticism and said Mexico was not doing enough to stop crossings into the U.S. He predicted the new law would lead to a 50- to 75-percent decline in illegal crossings into Texas and said that a recent increase in migrant crossings in Arizona is evidence that his ongoing border security initiative is working. "Actions and deterrents work in causing the migrants to go elsewhere," Abbott said. "The consequences of it are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas, the cartels will not want to be coming into the state of Texas." At the bill signing, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the new law will change longstanding precedent leaving immigration enforcement in federal hands. "That will be the bill that will change the dynamics of states being able to stop the invasion for ourselves," said Patrick, a third-term Republican. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A White House spokesperson called the deportation measure "an extreme law that will make communities in Texas less safe." "Generally speaking, the federal government not individual states is charged with determining how and when to remove noncitizens for violating immigration laws," the White House said. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said the new policy would undermine trust in law enforcement. "Now that local police officers in Texas will be in charge of detaining immigrants for deportation, the trust between communities and local law enforcement will further break down and threaten public safety," Hidalgo, a Democrat, said in a statement on social media. The bill signing comes amid another surge in border crossings that prompted federal officials to close two rail lines between Mexico and Texas, and as a group of U.S. senators negotiate a possible agreement to enact new border policies, including potential restrictions on asylum, in exchange for military aid for Ukraine. Advertisement Article continues below this ad U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it was suspending rail traffic on the two bridges to redirect personnel to assist Border Patrol with taking migrants into custody. The federal agency said the move came after a recent resurgence of smuggling organizations moving migrants through Mexico via freight trains. U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales said Border Patrol arrested and processed 2,583 migrants in Eagle Pass alone on Sunday. "Trade is slowly coming to a standstill & our law enforcement officers are exhausted ahead of a demoralizing holiday season that will keep them working overtime," the San Antonio Republican wrote in a social media post. "If there was ever a time to sound the alarm, this would be it." Iran warned the U.S. Red Sea task force plan, saying there would be serious consequences if this naval task force was established and launched in the region. Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani shared his comments regarding the U.S. plan to establish a new naval task force in the Red Sea. His statements also came after the United States confirmed its USS Mason Navy destroyer successfully shot down a Houthi drone coming out of Yemen on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Iran Warns US Red Sea Security Task Force Based on Ashtiani's statements, he is threatening the U.S. regarding its ongoing and future activities in the Red Sea. On Thursday, Dec. 14, the Iranian defense minister said that outsiders have no room in the region. "They (Americans) would definitely not attempt such a thing. If they make such a foolish move, they will face tremendous problems," said the Iranian official via Anadolu Agency, a state-run news agency in Turkey. He added that if the U.S. makes such an irrational move, there will definitely be extraordinary problems. "Nobody can make a move in a region where we have predominance," the official further stated. According to Fox News' latest report, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed that they are still consulting other international partners and allies regarding the planned naval task force in the Red Sea. Ryder shared this statement after the missile attack of Houthi forces on a Norwegian commercial tanker sailing in the region on Monday, Dec. 11. He said what the Houthi forces are doing is dangerous and a clear flagrant violation of international law. Ryder argued that since they are causing international issues in the Red Sea, an international resolution is required. Read Also: Iran Starts Trial of Swedish EU Employee Accused of 'Spying for Israel' About US Red Sea Naval Task Force (Photo : Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Previously, the U.S. government said they planned to set up a naval task force in the Red Sea. Together with its ally nations, they plan to establish a ship guard task force to protect commercial vessels passing through the region. National Security Adviser to the U.S. President, Jake Sullivan, argued that such escorts or patrols are the proper response to the attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea. He said that the planned U.S.-based Red Sea task force would be similar to the naval task forces in the Gulf region, where Iranian naval forces showed aggression against other vessels. "We are in talks with other countries about a maritime task force of sorts involving the ships from partner nations alongside the United States in ensuring safe passage of ships in the Red Sea," said Sullivan. Related Article: US Warns 'Appropriate Responses' If Iran-Backed Militants Continue Assaults on Commercial Ships @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NATO's recent addition, Finland, is poised to finalize a bilateral defense collaboration pact with the United States, enabling the deployment of troops and storage of military assets within the Nordic nation. The Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is scheduled to be signed on Monday, December 18, in Washington, according to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. Finland Boosts NATO Ties with Defense Pact Finland has taken a strategic step by entering into an agreement that aligns itself with NATO. The DCA, or Defense Cooperation Agreement, has set its sights on enhancing military access and aid, with the primary goal of delivering prompt assistance to Finland during times of conflict. In his statement, Valtonen reiterated the importance of avoiding the necessity to negotiate each aspect individually, which would ultimately improve the efficiency of operations during peace and become crucial during times of crisis. The Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) has revealed a comprehensive list of 15 facilities and areas in Finland that will grant the US military unrestricted access. These locations encompass a range of strategic assets, including air bases, a military port, and railway access to the northern region of Finland. The US military has announced plans to establish a storage area adjacent to a railway that stretches towards the Russian border. In Finland, ongoing railway infrastructure improvements along its Swedish border are enhancing the efficiency of reinforcements and equipment transfer. This move follows Sweden, another NATO-aspiring nation, signing a similar agreement with the US last week, granting access to 17 areas, including air bases, a harbor, and military camps. Finland has made it clear that the agreement in question strictly prohibits the storage or transportation of nuclear and biological weapons, as well as anti-personnel mines, within its territory. This stance is in accordance with various international non-proliferation treaties that Finland is committed to upholding. Based on indications, the US military has the ability to carry out routine exercises in Finland; however, there are currently no indications of any intentions to establish permanent bases in the country, according to Reuters. Read Also: Japan, Italy, and UK Agree To Establish Joint Body To Build Next-Generation Fighter Jets Finland Shuts Eastern Border Due to Illegal Migration Surge Finland has made the decision to close its eastern border with Russia. The reason behind this move is the resurgence of illegal migration, which has prompted Finnish authorities to take action. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen has stated that due to a sudden increase in illegal entries, the decision has been made to close the borders temporarily. This closure will be in effect starting from Friday evening and will continue until January 14. The Finnish-Russian border has become a focal point of tension, as Finland has accused Russia of allegedly providing assistance to asylum seekers in an attempt to destabilize the country. The closure decision, supported by public opinion, aims to alleviate stress on reception facilities, prevent polarization in society, and mitigate potential security risks associated with an influx of refugees. However, Russian authorities dismiss these allegations as unsubstantiated. This latest border closure echoes similar concerns raised by Poland and Baltic countries regarding Belarus's alleged involvement in facilitating migrant entries. Frontex, the EU's border agency, has deployed staff to support security at Finland's border, emphasizing the matter as a collective European concern. As Finland strengthens its defense ties with the US and addresses migration challenges, the geopolitical landscape in the Nordic region continues to evolve, reflecting the complex relationships between these neighboring nations, The New York Times reported. Related Article: UN Says Afghans Face Harsh Winter, at Risk of Death Amid Lack of Proper Shelter After Leaving Pakistan @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Serbians intensified their protests following the country's weekend snap elections where Aleksandr Vucic won the presidency, claiming election fraud. The situation comes as there were multiple reports of irregularities amid the election, said international observers on Monday. Vucic's opponents took to the streets to protest his victory, claiming that the vote was rigged. Serbians Protest Over Supposed Election Fraud Political tension across the Balkan country spiked over Sunday's parliamentary and local elections. In Belgrade, the capital, several thousand people gathered in the streets in front of the state election commission headquarters. There, they chanted "thieves," as opposition leaders moved to lodge formal complaints against the vote, claiming fraud in the city election. In a statement, opposition politician Marinika Tepic said they have hundreds of complaints. She and many other opposition lawmakers plan to camp inside the building that is the seat of the state election commission. One point was when protesters broke through a fence surrounding the building and one young woman even tried to storm the entrance. As per the Associated Press, protesters also threw eggs, tomatoes, and toilet paper rolls at the building. Vucic's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won the parliamentary vote as confirmed by an early official count. However, in the capital's local election, an opposition group said that it was robbed and that they would not recognize the results. They plan to demand a rerun of the ballot in the city. Vucic appeared on state RTS television on Monday evening, where he said that the "election was fair" and that he wanted to "tell the people not to worry." He added that peace, law, and order will prevail in the country. A mission made up of representatives of international rights watchdogs said in a preliminary statement that the Serbian vote was "marred by harsh rhetoric, bias in the media, pressure on public sector employees, and misuse of public resources." Read Also: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Wins Egypt's Presidential Election, Secures Third Term Aleksandr Vucic's Party Victory It added that the SNS party gained an unfair advantage through these efforts, which led to it winning 46.72% of the votes in the Sunday snap elections. The center-left opposition alliance Serbia Against Violence came second with 23.56% of the votes and in third was the Socialist Party of Serbia with 6.56% of the votes, according to Reuters. The leader of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) observer mission, Reinhold Lopatka said that the parliamentary elections, while they were technically well-administered and offered voters a choice of political alternatives, were dominated by the decisive involvement of the president. Vucic actively campaigned for his SNS party although he was not on the list of candidates named after him. Observers also argued that there was a lack of separation between official functions and campaign activities. A total of 18 parties and alliances competed for the support of the 6.5 million-strong electorate for 25- seats in parliament. The preliminary vote count suggests that Vucic's SNS party would win a slim majority of at least 127 deputies. This is enough to rule by itself, but it is expected to seek coalition partners to cement its dominance of parliament, said CNN. Related Article: Israel-Hamas War Still Joe Biden's Top Priority, Says US Defense Secretary; 'Support for Israel Security is Unshakable' @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a stunning display of natural power, a volcano located in southwestern Iceland, precisely in the country's most densely populated region, has erupted on Monday. Lava fountains have soared to impressive heights, casting a radiant glow that illuminates the sky for miles around, including the heart of the capital city, Reykjavik. Iceland Volcano Erupts A fissure measuring approximately 2.5 miles in length and exhibiting rapid growth has been detected. This significant geological feature is situated in close proximity to the Svartsengi Power Plant and the town of Grindavik. Per NY Times, the town had been evacuated just last month due to heightened seismic activity, raising concerns about the imminent possibility of an eruption. According to the initial assessment on Monday night, volcanologists have stated that the eruption took place in a highly unfavorable location, presenting a significant and urgent danger to both the evacuated town and the geothermal power plant. In the livestreamed footage, viewers were captivated by the sight of glowing orange lava ascending into the darkened sky, enveloped by swirling red smoke. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), a Coast Guard helicopter is set to take off in a short while to verify the precise location and magnitude of the eruption. Iceland is currently on high alert as it faces the possibility of an eruption. This comes after a series of thousands of small earthquakes shook the region, specifically about 40km (25 miles) south of the capital city, Reykjavik. As a precautionary measure, the fishing town of Grindavik has been evacuated, and the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa has been temporarily closed. A crack in the earth's surface measuring approximately 3.5km (2.1 miles) in length has been observed. The crack's growth has been reported to be rapid. According to Icelandic seismologist Kristin Jonsdottir, the recent eruption in the area has seen a significant increase in the amount of lava being emitted. Jonsdottir informed the public broadcaster RUV that approximately 100 to 200 cubic metres (3,530 to 7,060 cubic feet) of lava are emerging per second. This rate is several times higher than what has been observed in previous eruptions in the same region. Read Also: Tunisia: 3 Dead after Part of Kairouan's Old City Walls Collapsed Iceland's Active Volcanoes The local police have increased their alert level in response to the outbreak. Additionally, the country's civil defense has issued a warning to the public, advising them to avoid the area until emergency personnel have evaluated the situation. Located southwest of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, is the volcanic and seismic hotspot known as Reykjanes. In a dramatic display of natural forces, lava fountains burst forth from a fissure spanning a distance of 500 to 750 meters (1,640 to 2,460 feet) in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system. This remarkable event took place in March 2021, captivating observers with its awe-inspiring spectacle. Following Monday's eruption, the Keflavik International Airport managed to stay operational, despite experiencing a significant number of delays for both incoming and outgoing flights. In Europe, Iceland boasts the highest number of active volcano systems, with a total of 33. Located on the ocean floor, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge serves as a dividing line between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, as per Aljazeera. Related Article: Over 60 People Feared Dead in Tragic Migrant Boat Incident off Libya's Coast @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a report released on Monday, it was revealed that the Chinese government has escalated its endeavors to exert influence on American politics during the 2022 election. Intelligence officials are now diligently investigating whether Beijing is planning to amplify these activities in the upcoming presidential election of next year. China Tried to Influence 2022 US Midterm Elections In 2022, American intelligence agencies reportedly did not witness any foreign leader actively orchestrating an interference campaign against the United States, unlike the situation in 2016 when Russia was accused of such actions. According to the report, the US government has discovered that several countries are involved in various forms of influence operations. In a joint analytic assessment by intelligence agencies, it has been reported that Chinese authorities have tacitly approved operations aimed at influencing a few political races in the United States in 2022. According to a declassified intelligence community report on foreign threats to the 2022 midterm elections, a recent intelligence assessment has revealed that China has allegedly given tacit approval to attempts aimed at influencing a select few midterm races involving members from both US political parties. The report suggests that China's motive behind these efforts is to counter candidates perceived as "anti-China" while supporting those considered to be "pro-China." According to the report, Beijing perceives its information operations in the US as a reaction to what they perceive as an increased effort by the US to advance democracy, which they believe comes at the expense of China. According to a report released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Chinese senior leaders have been issuing orders since 2020 to ramp up efforts in influencing US policy and public opinion in favor of China. The directives provided greater freedom for influence actors from the People's Republic of China (PRC) to operate before the midterms compared to the presidential election in 2020. This is likely because PRC officials believed that Beijing would face less scrutiny during the midterms and anticipated less severe retaliation from the current Administration than they feared in 2020. The Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC has yet to provide a response to a request for comment made on Monday night. Several governments, including China, Russia, and Iran, made efforts to influence the 2022 midterm elections. However, there is no indication that these foreign adversaries engaged in cyberattacks with the intention of accessing or tampering with the United States' election infrastructure or ballot counting. There is currently no evidence of a coordinated attempt to breach US election networks since the year 2016. During that time, it is believed that Russia conducted surveillance on election networks across all states in the US and gained access to election-related infrastructure in at least two states, as per NBC News. Read Also: Biden Might Revive Trump's Immigration Policy; Here's Why! Foreign Influences to US Elections The approach mentioned offers deniability, allowing foreign actors to disseminate US content in an attempt to exploit pre-existing divisions. Russia made attempts to influence the election in a different manner compared to China. Their objective was to undermine the Democratic Party and weaken political backing for Ukraine. The Russian Government and its proxies aimed to discredit the Democratic Party and erode trust in the election process prior to the midterm elections. The primary objective behind these actions was likely to weaken US support for Ukraine. The report further states that the intelligence community holds a high level of confidence in this assessment. Extensive research and analysis of US audiences were conducted by elements of the Kremlin and its intelligence services. The purpose of this research was to inform their election-related efforts, which involved identifying target demographics and determining the narratives and platforms that they believed would resonate with these audiences. Meanwhile, Iran's influence activities during this election cycle were primarily aimed at exploiting perceived social divisions and eroding confidence in US democratic institutions. The intelligence community has expressed a moderate level of confidence in this assessment. Tehran's actions during the midterms were likely influenced by resource limitations due to various priorities and the necessity to handle internal unrest. The level of foreign activity surpassed that of the 2018 midterm elections, although it did not reach the typical level observed during a presidential election year. Per NY Times, the influence operations consisted of utilizing social media accounts and proxy websites in a covert manner. Additionally, payments were made to influencers and public relations firms were employed in the process. Related Article: Earthquake in China Kills Over 100; President Xi Jinping Calls for Heightened Search and Rescue Efforts @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Indian Parliament suspends 78 more opposition lawmakers Xinhua) 11:07, December 19, 2023 NEW DELHI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- As many as 78 federal lawmakers from different opposition political parties were suspended on Monday for the remaining part of the ongoing winter session for "repeatedly disrupting parliamentary proceedings." The suspension, which involved 33 lawmakers from the Indian Parliament's lower house Lok Sabha and 45 from upper House Rajya Sabha, is described as the biggest suspension of lawmakers in India's parliamentary history. Last week, 14 lawmakers, including 13 from the Lok Sabha and one from the Rajya Sabha, were suspended over their "unruly conduct" during the House proceedings. Last week the lawmakers were suspended after they repeatedly forced adjournments while raising the issue of a security breach inside the parliament on Dec. 13 when two youths had jumped into the Lok Sabha from the Visitors' Gallery and set off smoke canisters while raising slogans against the federal government. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that the security breach incident was "very serious." The opposition lawmakers suspended on Monday were demanding the revocation of the suspension of lawmakers and a statement from federal Home (Internal Security) Minister Amit Shah over last week's parliament security breach incident. Following the suspension, Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Officials of the Eurovision music festival confirmed that Israel would compete in next year's installment in Malmo, Sweden despite calls for them to be banned for its war against Hamas. Artists from Iceland have called for the boycott of the competition unless Israel is prevented from taking part due to its invasion of Gaza. The Irish public broadcaster RTE also drafted a petition with similar demands, which was signed by over 500 people as of writing. However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) told Sky News that Israel would participate in Eurovision 2024. "The Eurovision Song Contest is a competition for public service broadcasters from across Europe and the Middle East," EBU said in a statement. "It is a competition for broadcasters - not governments - and the Israeli public broadcaster has participated in the contest for 50 years." The EBU added that its organization is a member-led one, and stressed that its executive board agreed that Israeli broadcaster KAN met "all the competition rules and can participate in the contest next year." Read Also: US Defense Chief Visits Israel to Assess Israel's Endgame on Its War vs. Hamas EBU: Eurovision is 'Non-Political' In addition, the EBU said it was aligned with sporting unions and federations, which have taken a similar stance towards Israel, saying it was not up to the organization to make comparisons between war and conflict, which was affected by Russia's exclusion from the contest in 2022. "The Eurovision Song Contest remains a non-political event that unites audiences worldwide through music," it added. Israel, represented by former Israel Defense Forces soldier Noa Kirel, placed fourth in the 2023 competition in Liverpool. Both Iceland and Israel have confirmed their participation for next year's contest, but have not selected entries. Related Article: Russia Launches Missiles Toward Eurovision Candidates' Hometown in Ukraine @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The feared Russia-NATO war could happen, as claimed by the Institute for the Study of War; an American think tank that studies and analyzes defense and foreign affairs issues. If this happens, the new war would further cause more global problems, especially since the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars are still happening. The question is, why did ISW experts believe that a war between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could happen? Here's what the American think tank revealed. Will a Russia-NATO war happen? According to the Independent UK's latest report, ISW researchers said that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be preparing for a possible "large-scale conventional war" against NATO. The American think tank released this statement after seeing that Russian troops are being moved towards Russia's northwestern border. Experts claim that this military movement is a threat to the alliance's new member, Finland. The Russian government also confirmed that it is enhancing its military units in the northwest since this area has borders that are shared with Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. Aside from this, the Leningrad Military District (LMD)-a new military zone-was established after Finland decided to join the intergovernmental military alliance in April. The Institute for the Study of War shared its prediction after Putin warned Finland that its decision to join NATO would lead to serious problems. The Russian ruler also accused the alliance of dragging Finland. But, based on the recent statements of Finland, it joined the international military organization on free will; saying that it had to break its decades of neutrality as Russia continues its invasion in Ukraine. Read Also: China Aimed To Influence US Federal Elections in 2022, Intelligence Agencies Claim Germany Prepares for Possible Russian Attack on NATO Germany is one of the countries concerned about Russia's possible attacks against NATO countries. Because of this, POLITICO reported that Germany is already preparing in case the Kremlin decides to launch attacks on the territories of NATO. The German government is making efforts to permanently base thousands of troops only around 100 kilometers from the border with Russia. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also announced an effort with Lithuania. Pistorius said that he was in Vilnius on Monday, Dec. 18, to sign a deal with Arvydas Anusauskas, his Lithuanian counterpart. This deal will specifically ensure that 4,800 troops, as well as 200 civilians, are based in the Baltic country. "With this war-ready brigade, we are assuming a leadership responsibility here in the alliance and on NATO's eastern flank," explained Boris. "The speed of the project clearly shows that Germany understood the new security reality," he added. Related Article: Estonia Shares How Ukraine Can Defeat Russia in 2025Can Ukrainians Really Kill 100,000 Russian Soldiers in 2024? @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The U.S. terrorist watchlist for travelers needs to have more transparency, as urged by the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in its latest report. HSGAC, which is the primary oversight committee of the Senate, explained that the watchlists for tracking and identifying travelers with possible connections to terrorists have serious problems. If you are an American who loves to travel from one place to another, here's what the terrorist watchlist for travelers needs to be more transparent. US Terrorist Watchlist for Travelers Need More Transparency According to NBC News, HSGAC's latest report states that the U.S. terrorist watchlist for travelers could spread national security resources, as well as lead to unwarranted screening at a wider scale. The primary Senate oversight committee claimed U.S. travelers entering and leaving the United States could be screened for at least 22 different reasons. HSGAC officials said that too many screenings could violate civil liberties. "While protecting Americans from the threat of terrorist attacks is paramount, potential abuse and/or lack of meaningful redress for wrongful screenings by our government risks eroding Americans' civil rights and civil liberties," explained the committee. Because of this, the Democratic majority of HSGAC is urging relevant government organizations, especially the Department of Homeland Security, to do the following: Fully review records of U.S. terrorist watchlists. Offer more transparency as to how Americans can end up on these watchlists. Provide a path to travelers that can allow them to redress if ever they are unfairly put on the terrorist watchlist. HSGAC's latest U.S. terrorist watchlist report comes as the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board makes efforts to review standards to add and remove names from the said watchlists. Read Also: US Expands Sanctions To Target Hamas Funders, Terror Trainers US Terrorist Watchlist Nearly Doubles CBS News reported that in just six years, the U.S. terrorist watchlist nearly doubled in size. Based on an extensive review, terrorist watchlists not only expanded the number of names but also who they target. This was revealed after investigating government and court documents and interviews. Over a dozen former and current intelligence community leaders also agreed with this finding. On December 1, 2003, the U.S. government launched the Terrorist Screening Dataset. During that period, it only included around 120,000 individuals. In 2017, this number reached over 1.1 million individuals. Now, experts say that the consolidated terrorist watchlist contains names of more than 2 million people this 2023. Related Article: Indiana: ISIS Supporters Sent to Prison Over Ghost Gun Operation-Here's What Prosecutors Said @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. False bomb threats have been sent by email to over 400 Jewish organizations in the United States since Saturday, December 16, said the international Jewish non-governmental group Anti-Defamation League (ADL). False Bomb Threats The Anti-Defamation League's Vice President of the Center on Extremism, Oren Segal, told CNN that they suspect a single or small group of people were responsible for the spate of threats. He had seen the emails and said there were a number of resemblances, such as the kind of threats made and the variations in the name of the entity claiming responsibility. "The Jewish community doesn't take any threat lightly," Segal said, despite the fact that all of the threats turned out to be hoaxes. "We don't have the luxury to ignore them." Before this, the Secure Community Network--a nonprofit that monitors threats to Jewish communities--had documented over 200 instances of swatting calls and bomb threats directed at such institutions. The network said that institutions in several states, including California, Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado, and Washington, were the targets of fake threats and swatting instances, which include hoax calls to police to bring them to a site under the erroneous impression that a crime has been committed or is underway. In a statement sent to CNN, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) acknowledged the hoaxes and is providing assistance to local law enforcement in their investigations. The agency also noted that there is no evidence to indicate a present, genuine threat. "The FBI takes hoax threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention," the agency stated. This comes only days after Hanukkah came to a close, and sadly, this becomes part of a disturbing trend. Threats against the Jewish community have been on the rise since the conflict in Gaza broke out in October. The Secure Community Network reports that there was a 541% rise in bomb threats and swatting events against Jewish organizations this year compared to 2022. Also Read: Florida Lawmakers Pass New Bills To Secure Jewish Institutions, Fight Antisemitism Threats From Various States The Secure Community Network reports that police agencies in many states have received reports of threats and swatting occurrences in their towns. David Procopio, director of communications for the Massachusetts state police, said that roughly 30 Jewish cultural organizations and temples got some kind of threat communication over the weekend. According to a Facebook post by the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office in Alabama, they responded to a bomb threat at the Congregation Mayim Chayim. The agency said the threat proved unfounded, and the region is now considered safe. Additionally, two nearby synagogues in Georgia were threatened, as per the Roswell Police Department's Facebook post. Yet, nothing out of the ordinary was discovered. Also Read: London Jewish Community to Push Through With Public Celebration of Hanukkah @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. American sponsors will be able to nominate individuals to be resettled in the United States under a new refugee program that the Biden administration is launching. This initiative aims to facilitate family reunions and increase engagement from regular Americans in resettlement efforts. In a program run by the Welcome Corps, officials informed Reuters that groups of five or more permanent residents or US citizens may nominate an individual or family to sponsor, provided that they fulfill certain requirements and pass background checks. Those who are anticipated to take part include members of religious groups, the LGBT community, veterans, and relatives of refugees. United Nations and the US State Department officials used to choose most refugees arriving in the US. Expanding Programs for Refugees US President Joe Biden has initiated several initiatives to facilitate the legitimate entry of migrants and those escaping their home nations. In fiscal year 2024, the administration plans to accept 125,000 refugees, with 10,000 of them coming in via sponsorships. Migrants already present in the US are eligible for a different kind of protection known as asylum, while those applying from outside the country are granted refugee status. Some Republicans have demanded more restrictions on refugees despite the fact that they are legitimately admitted after undergoing screening. In his time as president, Donald Trump drastically reduced the number of refugees allowed in. In an interview, Sarah Cross, a deputy assistant secretary for the State Department, said that Americans are eager to help refugees and that sponsorships facilitate this effort. "This program taps into the tremendous capacity and willingness of our communities to help people arrive in safe, orderly, and legal ways with the support that they need, which should appeal to any administration." In January 2023, the Biden government started private sponsorships. The first refugees, who were given to sponsors instead of being selected, came in June. So far, the sponsorship scheme has allowed 85 refugees to enter the country, but officials from the State Department have said that the numbers have been steadily rising. See Also: Biden Might Revive Trump's Immigration Policy; Here's Why! Biden Admin's New Scheme In order to be eligible for the new program, those seeking asylum must have registered with the UN by September 30, 2023. This deadline is intended to deter individuals from leaving their home countries just for the purpose of participating. Refugees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who have pending sponsorship applications under a different Biden "parole" scheme are eligible to apply. A 30-year-old woman named Luwam Abraham migrated to the US from Eritrea when she was a child. She presently has six relatives living in refugee camps in Ethiopia and plans to use the new program to bring them over. A director at a Grand Rapids long-term care facility in Michigan named Abraham said that she and her colleagues had collected enough to meet the minimum need for sponsorship of $2,425 per person. According to Abraham, new immigrants may find entry-level positions in Grand Rapids, but they would benefit from having personal contact to assist them with language and cultural barriers. See Also: Biden Administration Reaches Settlement With Migrant Families Separated at Border, Allows Them To Apply for Asylum @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. If youve been hurt in a vehicle accident, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to turn. Heres why your first call should be to Big Auto Accident Attorneys for a free case evaluation. Their national team of top-tier lawyers specializes in vehicle accident personal injury cases and can represent you wherever you live. Theyll take the guesswork out of determining what your case is worth. 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Appomattox County Sheriffs Maj. Robert N. Robby Richardson was sworn into office Dec. 15 as the countys next sheriff on his 40th birthday. Richardson, elected into the countys top law enforcement position Nov. 7, called it a good birthday present." Serving the county he has called home his entire life is a gift for the 17-year veteran of the Appomattox County Sheriffs Office. I love this community, Richardson said of why he became an officer. I always wanted to have a way I could give back and this is the way I could. A 2002 graduate of Appomattox County High School, he is proud to be following in the footsteps of his late father, James Eugene Gene Richardson, a Pamplin native who served as the countys sheriff from 1971 to his retirement in 1995. James Richardson, who died in November 2016 at age 76, was Virginias sixth longest-serving sheriff, at the time of his retirement, according to his obituary. His influence played a major role in his son joining the sheriffs office in the summer of 2006 and rising through the departments ranks as a patrol deputy, a drug task force officer, an investigator and a chief deputy. Its been a part of my life my entire life, Richardson said of growing up in the law enforcement community. Its something in the back of my mind I wanted to do. Richardson said his father is his main inspiration in his journey to the countys top law enforcement position that he won last month with 98% of the vote in an unopposed race. I would say he was a fair and honest person, Richardson said. He always did what was best for the citizens of Appomattox County. The department has more than 20 full-time officers and about 10 part-time workers, Richardson said. He said a major goal is to get the community, including the elderly, more engaged with the sheriffs office, explaining that interaction was greatly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another priority is combating meth and fentanyl, two types of illegal narcotics that he said are having a huge effect on the county, ripping families apart and contributing to mental health-related issues. Another goal is to keep each of the countys four schools equipped with a school resource officer, a safety measure accomplished during the administration of current Sheriff Donald Simpson, according to Richardson. The sheriff-elect said he will lobby to make sure funding for the four SRO roles remain. It gives a sense of protection for the parents when they drop their kids off, Richardson said. Its tough to get them in the schools but it gives parents overall satisfaction. Another priority is making sure the sheriffs office stays proactive with county residents and the business community, Richardson said. He also will work tirelessly with the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors to make the county more competitive with surrounding localities in paying deputies what they deserve, he said. Weve got to do better with recruitment, Richardson said. He also is planning a citizen policy academy, which he said will give residents a feel for what the department does. He hopes to implement it in mid-2024. Richardson has worked for three sheriffs Simpson, Barry Letterman and Wilson Staples and he said when he becomes sheriff Jan. 1 all three of his predecessors will be part of the department in a part-time capacity and he credited each for their examples in leadership and commitment to the serving the public. Richardson, a graduate of Radford University, said Appomattox is a tight-knit community and its sheriffs office has built a foundation as a great place to work although the pay is not as much as other nearby localities. Appomattox County Commonwealths Attorney Les Fleet in a Jan. 18 endorsement letter backing Richardsons candidacy said the two have worked side-by-side in criminal cases and the officers character is impeccable. I am quite familiar with his doggedness as a law enforcement officer to see that fairness, integrity and justice are the end result, Fleet wrote. He is extremely pleasant, articulate, insightful, intelligent, and clearly has shown a temperament associated with leading other deputies and has earned their respect. Fleet also complimented Richardsons law enforcement background and experience in the letter. He has investigated some of the vilest and heinous felonies that the Sheriffs Office deals with and has the confidence needed to step into the top law enforcement job in Appomattox and make the difficult decisions incumbent upon that position, Fleet wrote. Richardson said he works for every citizen of the county and his door is always open if they have concerns or want to offer any input. He said the position is one he can envision himself doing for years. I plan on being here as long as the citizens want me here, Richardson said. I hope to be here for a while. A Lynchburg man will be on probation for 25 years for his involvement in an April stabbing on Floyd Street, a Lynchburg judge ruled Monday. Spencer David Amos, 29, pleaded guilty in Lynchburg Circuit Court to one count of unlawful wounding, amended from a previous malicious wounding charge. On April 14, officers responded to the 900 block of Floyd Street for a report of a disturbance, Lynchburg Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Nathan Freier said. At the scene officers found a male victim with stab wounds to the thigh and abdomen, Freier told the court. According to LPD, the man was taken to Centra's Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. LPD said a physical altercation had occurred between Amos and the victim, which led to the stabbing. In court Monday, Freier said Amos admitted to authorities he had stabbed the victim, but told them he had been acting in self-defense. Finding Amos guilty on the charge, Circuit Court Judge F. Patrick Yeatts sentenced him to five years in prison with all but his time served suspended; and to 25 years on probation. Amos was also ordered to be on good behavior for five years. KYOTO, Dec 20 ( News On Japan ) - A doctor has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for the assisted suicide of a patient suffering from the incurable disease ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). At the moment the verdict was announced, the accused listened without changing his expression, facing straight ahead. The 46-year-old doctor was charged with conspiring with another doctor to administer drugs to kill a 51-year-old patient in her Kyoto apartment four years ago, following her request. Throughout the trial, the accused denied the prosecution's charges, claiming that the other doctor acted alone. On Tuesday, the Kyoto District Court handed down the sentence, stating it was "unlikely that he was unaware that it was a crime." Are you not a robot? Click on the button to continue: I am not a bot. Continue... An Omaha man suspected in a fatal shooting in Council Bluffs on Sunday night was arrested Monday evening on unrelated charges. The Council Bluffs Police Department said that Mensah Olloway, 29, was arrested and booked into the Pottawattamie County Jail on suspicion of serious assault, aggravated assault and felon in possession of a firearm, according to a news release. The charges are "unrelated to the homicide" on Sunday, police said, and described that case as being "actively investigated." "Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and gather evidence," police said in the news release. "Further updates will be provided as they become available." Officers responded to a residence near Harrison Street and Kanesville Boulevard at 6:38 p.m. Sunday for a report of a possible shooting. Police found Gary Fredrick, 62, laying on the floor with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wound, according to an earlier news release. Fredrick was transported to the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where he died a short time after his arrival. Witnesses reported seeing Frederick arrive at the Council Bluffs residence shortly before the disturbance broke out. Police say they were told witnesses saw Olloway produce a hand gun and fire several rounds at Fredrick before running from the scene Anyone with information on the shooting should contact the police at 712-328-4765 or Crime Stoppers at 712-328-7867. Nearly 150 United Methodist Church congregations in Iowa, including one in Council Bluffs, have voted to disaffiliate themselves over changes to the churchs guiding text. Congregants of the Fifth Avenue Community Church, formerly known as the Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, declined to specify which specific changes they objected to. However, for years the church has confronted debates about its theology, same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ clergy in the church, culminating in 2022 when the United Methodist Church directed churches and pastors to follow their conscience as it pertains to the Book of Discipline, which outlines beliefs, standards and canon laws for the faith. Rule changes now allow gay clergy to serve and permit ministers to have same-sex marriages, which has led to more than 5,600 Methodist churches to disaffiliate in 2023. Fifth Avenue member Bob Fienhold said that churches are disaffiliating because United Methodist Church leadership is being swayed by outside forces. The split now is because the Methodist church is being influenced by special interest groups, by international groups, Fienhold told the Nonpareil. The international Methodist church is influencing the decisions on the federal level and they're making changes to the traditional Methodist beliefs, and we dont agree with the changes that they wanted to make. Members of Fifth Avenue have had many disagreements with the church over the years about some of the guidance they receive from the Bible or the Book of Discipline. We believe that the Bible is the word of God and it should be followed, said congregant Bill Newman. I mean, not to the point that you ignore, OK, this scripture was written because of what was going on at that time and that has nothing to do with today. I mean, I don't get that crazy." "There are churches that believe that, like, wearing jewelry or how you braid your hair or anything like that, well, that had to do with, you know, back in ancient times and what was going on," Newman continued. "It has nothing to do with today, but some churches still have a feeling about that. One scripture that I always think about is, Women be silent in the church. Well, if women were silent in the church and weren't involved in doing things in the church, not too many churches would survive. Fienhold pointed to the Book of Disciplines guidance on giving communion as an example of micromanaging that he didnt agree with. The sacraments have to be blessed by an elder in the church if you don't have your own pastor, Fienhold said. We had a situation a few years back where we didn't have a pastor right at that time. We had guest speakers coming in and guest pastors and retired pastors. They can't bless the sacraments, sacraments have to have to be blessed by a current elder in the church. Well, there was only one elder in Council Bluffs, and he didn't agree with that philosophy, so he wouldn't do it even though its in the Book of Discipline. With no one able to bless the sacrament, congregants could still offer it, but werent allowed to call it communion. And it has to be specifically different than their communion service, and that's in the Book of Discipline, too, you can't do this, you can't do that, Fienhold said. The Book of Discipline also has rules about taking communion to those who are physically unable to attend a service. Taking communion to a shut-in has to be done the same day, and only one of the elders in the church or one of the pastors is the only one that can actually do it unless an elder approves, Newman said. It gets so involved. Fienhold explained that, after disaffiliating from United Methodist, the Fifth Avenue congregation has been able to come up with its own rules on things like communion and other parts of their services. We believe that communion, the sacraments, can be blessed by whoever's leading the service, Fienhold said. And, if we have a person, a board member, we have a board member that visits the shut-ins and everything, there's no reason she can't take communion to the shut-ins. This is crazy. I mean this, it just doesn't make any sense. Fifth Avenue could have left United Methodist at any time, but it wasnt until 2019 and the addition of Paragraph 2553 to the Book of Discipline that the church would allow a congregation to disaffiliate and still retain its property and financial assets. That's the key right there, because we could have gotten out it anytime in the past, but we would have given up all of our assets, Debbie Wymore said. Our buildings, our finances, the moneys that we had the bank that had been donated to us, we would have given all of that to the conference, and when this came up and it said that we could keep everything, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. While only one of the five Methodist churches in Council Bluffs disaffiliated from United Methodist, more than 7,500 have done so nationwide since 2019, and Fienhold thinks it would have been more if not for the financial component. There have been a number of churches that had disaffiliated, but there's a number of churches that couldn't afford to disaffiliate, because they didn't make it cheap, he said. Disaffiliation is not without its financial obligations. Paragraph 2553 states that in order to break away from the church, congregations are required to pay any unpaid apportionments for the 12 months prior to disaffiliation as well as an additional 12 months worth. The church is also required to pay into the conferences unfunded pension plan. The Fifth Avenue Community Church requested that their financial obligation not be published. To give some context, though, the Sioux City Journal provided the numbers in July for what was Wesley United Methodist Church when that congregation voted to disaffiliate. The apportionment amount for Wesley for the prior year as calculated by the conference totaled $43,648, while its share of the unfunded pension fund totaled $71,485. Any unpaid loans and all costs associated with the transfer of any asset, such as legal fees, must also be paid by the church. Another stipulation for disaffiliation is that congregations cannot use United Methodist or the churchs insignia and other intellectual property. At Fifth Avenue, that meant a July Facebook post stating that the pages name would be changing from Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church to Fifth Avenue Community Church, and a number of signs and images had to be taken down. This is not the first instance of internal disagreement at Fifth Avenue. Newman recalled that in the 1970s, an associate pastor and a group of parishioners decided that they didnt want to pay apportionments to the state Conference, and they broke away from Fifth Avenue to start their own independent church. It was in the late 70s and it was probably half of the congregation that went, don't you think? Fienhold asked. And they started a new church, and that church is no longer around. Prior to half the congregants leaving to form a new church, Fifth Avenue had an average weekly attendance of more than 200, Newman said. We had over a hundred in Sunday school classes" with a few adult Sunday school classes, he said. We were involved in most anything that happened in the community, Council Bluffs or Omaha, as far as in the Christian community. When it came time for the Fifth Avenue congregation to hold a vote on whether to disaffiliate from United Methodist, the result wasnt close. The resolution vote was, like, 25 to 1, Newman said. After the vote was held, Wymore sent letters to everyone on the churchs membership list just under 100 people to ask whether they wanted to stay with Fifth Avenue now that it was breaking away from United Methodist. I want to say three people decided they wanted to stay with (United) Methodist, Wymore said. None of those three have attended this church in years." About 10 told the church to remove them from their list. "Those are all people that had not stepped foot in this church in years," Wymore said. "So, we went from having about 100 people on the membership list down to 50. Fienhold said that some of the older members of Fifth Avenue who have been Methodists for their entire lives have had a more difficult time coming to terms that they are no longer members of a Methodist church. I said, Well, have you changed your beliefs about anything? I haven't changed my beliefs. My beliefs are the same. There's just, I can't say that we're Methodist, Fienhold said. For Wymore, it boils down to what she believes, not necessarily the building she worships in. I think it goes down to the fact that I went to Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, but my belief of, my commitment is to God, she said. I just happened to worship in this building. Fienhold said that they have no intention of bad mouthing the United Methodist Church. He said they are just making changes the last few years that are just more than what we can deal with. He likened it to joining a fraternal organization and immediately trying to change how it operates. I joined the group. I try to become part of the group and if they're doing something that I don't agree with then I have to leave, Fienhold said. Well, that's where I feel we were at with this. We were part of the Methodist church. We all went through the rules to become members of the United Methodist Church, but the changes have gotten to the point where we just can't be a part of it now. Disaffiliating churches Disaffiliating churches in the Aldersgate District, which spans southwest and south-central Iowa, include the following: Blanchard Braddyville Carbon Clarinda, First Clearfield Council Bluffs, 5th Avenue Elliot Harlan, First Hillsdale Lacelle Lenox Macedonia Maple Grove Monroe Chapel Napier Silver City Stratton Remaining in the United Methodist Church are the Broadway, Epworth, Hazel Dell and Salem congregations in Council Bluffs, as well as Carter Lake and Mt. Hope in McClelland. Find a map of remaining churches at iaumc.org/churchlocatormap. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley warned those in attendance at a town hall in Treynor that a vote for Joe Biden is a vote for Kamala Harris, insinuating that Biden wouldn't be unable to complete another four year term. We all know Joe Biden is not going to make it, Haley said. Presenting herself as a generational leader who can move the country forward, leaving the negativity and baggage behind, Haley touted an Wall Street Journal poll earlier this month that showed her beating Biden head-to-head by 17 points. That's not even just about the presidency, Haley said. That's about governorships, that's about the House, that's about the Senate, that's about all the way to the school board. That's a mandate." "That's a mandate to say we're going to get our economy back and we're going to pay down our debt," Haley continued. "That's a mandate to say, yes, our kids are going to start reading again. That's a mandate to say we're going to secure our border, no excuses. That's a mandate to say we're going to have law and order again in this country. And thats a mandate that we will once again be strong and proud. Nationalism was a big component of Haleys speech Monday night at the Treynor Community Center, calling for an end to this national self-loathing that has taken over our country. Haley struck back at the idea that they say Americas bad or rotten or racist, pointing to her own election as governor of South Carolina. I was elected the first female minority governor in history, she said. America's not racist. Were blessed. Our kids need to know to love America. They need to be saying the Pledge of Allegiance when they start school every day. National security Haley invoked the memory of 9/11 as an example of why America needs to close its borders to immigration. Americas acting like its September 10th, she said. We better remember what September 12th felt like, because it only takes one person. The foreign hijackers who perpetuated the 9/11 attacks all entered the U.S. legally. Haley would put 25,000 U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents along the southern border and let them do their job. She would order the deportation of every migrant caught attempting to enter the country without permission. Instead of catch and release, were going to go to catch and deport, Haley said. Thats the way well stop the bleeding thats happening at the border. Foreign policy With the world literally on fire, Haley emphasized her two year tenure as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations as necessary experience in dealing with foreign policy. Russia, China and their junior partner Iran are in an unholy alliance, and they are bound together by their hatred for freedom, the West and of all things America, Haley said, referencing Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine, the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Chinas saber-rattling over Taiwan. We have to wake up to what's happening, Haley said. We can take it on, we can deal with it, but you don't deal with it by putting your head in the sand. Haley wholeheartedly supports sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine and Israel, saying that its a national security issue. Every day at the United Nations, thugs, terrorists and dictators always tell you what they're going to do. They're actually incredibly transparent, Haley said. Hamas said they were going to go into Israel, and they did. China said they were going to take Hong Kong; we watched it. Russia said they were going to invade Ukraine; it happened. China says Taiwan is next; we better believe them. Russia said once they take Ukraine, listen carefully, Poland and the Baltics are next. If that happens, America's at war, because those are NATO countries. This is about preventing war. Education Haley supports school voucher programs, like the one recently implemented in Iowa, allowing parents to send their children to whatever school they want. As a parent, we have one job, Haley said. One job, and that's to make sure that we do the best for our kids. That's why we need to let parents decide what method of education their child should get. Every child deserves a good education regardless of where they're born and raised. No child should be mandated based on a ZIP code. Haley would also like to see more vocational training in high schools, such as the Ignite Pathways career and technical education school that opened in Woodbine this summer. In South Carolina, we had apprenticeships, she said. We taught our kids how to build the things we were making. That way, you get them invested in our economy before they even finish. Haley would also put a stop to biological boys playing in girls sports, because we have to raise strong girls." She said, "strong girls become strong women, strong women become strong leaders, and none of that happens if trans boys play on girls teams. 'Whatever it takes, do that' Haley closed out the event urging voters to spread the word about her campaign and participate in the Republican caucuses on Jan. 15. We have an opportunity to do something great together, she said. We can do this, but it requires rallying. And our numbers are going up, and you could make them go up even further, so if you like what I have to say, go tell 10 people. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell them to go to NikkiHaley.com, tell them to come to one of our town halls, tell them more about what we have. Take a yard sign. Whatever it takes, do that. Editor's note: This story is part of 'ESA at 50,' a series that examines the past, present and future of the Endangered Species Act. Often called the "pit bull of environmental laws," the ESA has provided federal protection to nearly 2,000 animals and plants. On its 50th anniversary, it grapples with political uncertainty and unforeseen ecological challenges. The crux comes down to flow. And thats a conundrum bristling with more needle-sharp barbs than a prickle of porcupines. Seven hundred and twenty-five Arctic grayling traveled roughly 175 miles in early October from Big Timber to their new home in French Creek in a fancy steel tank in the bed of a state-owned pickup. Supplemental oxygen kept them perky. The fish were beneficiaries that day of sanctioned bucket biology. On Oct. 2, Jim Olsen, a fisheries biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and colleagues toted 5-gallon buckets filled with grayling netted from the holding tank to numerous spots along French Creek in the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area south of Anaconda. Freed in the narrow, willow-sheltered, cold and meandering creek, the fish shot like arrows toward pools of deep water. Concerns about the viability of a small population of river-dwelling Arctic grayling in the nearby Big Hole River the last such population in the Lower 48 states has long stirred efforts to grant federal protections for the fish through the Endangered Species Act. Arctic grayling belong to the same family as salmon, trout and whitefish. Adults typically average between 10 inches to 13 inches in length. The male fishs sail-like dorsal fin stands out. It is large and vividly colored, with rows of orange to bright green spots and often boasts an orange border. Grayling are native to Arctic Ocean drainages and scientists believe Pleistocene glaciations isolated the North American populations. Arctic grayling once occupied streams and rivers in northern Michigan, but those fish disappeared in the 1930s. The fluvial form of Arctic grayling is believed extirpated from about 95 percent of its historic range in the upper Missouri River basin, with the remaining fluvial population found in the Big Hole River, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Arctic grayling typically require clear, cold water. The optimal temperature ranges between 45 and 63 degrees F. Yet Olsen said he has seen grayling move into warmer water, apparently when in the midst of a growth streak. The fish generally spawn from late April to mid-May. Females deposit adhesive eggs over gravel without excavating a redd, or nest. The grayling in the Big Hole often migrate more than 50 miles between spawning, feeding and wintering areas. When flows are low, migration can be interrupted by predators such as osprey. They also tend to be an easy catch for anglers. Water quality testing by the Big Hole River Foundation has found evidence in the upper Big Hole River of higher levels of nutrients, accompanied by algal growth and low levels of dissolved oxygen. The nutrients are likely tied to cow manure. Nearly everyone agrees that low flows in the river and related increases in water temperature are threats to the fluvial Arctic grayling and other coldwater fish species during the irrigation season realities compounded by drought and climate change. Ranchers in the Big Hole Valley withdraw water in summer to grow the hay their livestock need during the high-elevation valleys long, harsh winters. I dont think its any secret that the flow question is the big one that folks I talk to are most interested in, said Brian Wheeler, executive director of the Big Hole River Foundation, a board member for the Big Hole Watershed Committee and a fishing guide. Especially since its often cited by the fisheries biologists as the primary carrying capacity driver. Litigation as bludgeon' French Creek flows into Deep Creek, itself a tributary to the Big Hole River. A fish barrier installed in recent years is designed to block non-native fish from swimming up French Creek. But introduced Arctic grayling with genetic ties to the Big Hole population can wash downstream into the river during high water, effectively supplementing the river population. Extensive and widespread reintroduction in Arctic grayling historical range could play a role in efforts to save the species, said Perry Wheeler of Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law organization based in San Francisco. But any such efforts, including stocking, would be undermined if chronic dewatering is not addressed and remedied. One key question: Would the river-dwelling population of Arctic grayling in the Big Hole River truly benefit from federal protections afforded by being listed as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act? Pedro Marques, executive director of the Big Hole Watershed Committee, thinks not. Litigation is just a bludgeon of a tool tossed in from afar from a privileged class that doesnt need to live the real trade-offs involved in land and resource management, Marques said. Litigants have been invited to the table for years but they dont care to participate. Litigation does nothing but divide people and, if successful, will quickly erode local cooperation by imposing a big government response. Were the government and were here to help does not resonate in rural Montana. Legal quests for listing began more than 30 years ago. They have proceeded in fits and starts, like a grayling struggling to migrate upstream when the Big Holes flow drops toward a trickle. The Fish and Wildlife Service considered the Arctic grayling as a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act as early as 1982. On Oct. 9, 1991, the agency received a petition from the Biodiversity Legal Foundation and George Wuerthner requesting that the fluvial Arctic grayling be listed as an endangered species throughout its historic range in the Lower 48. In 1994, the Fish and Wildlife Service determined that listing the fluvial Arctic grayling was warranted but precluded by other higher-priority listings. Many in the ranching community in the Big Hole Valley feared a listing could result in FWS bird-dogging their irrigation and livestock practices. That trepidation became a catalyst to form the Big Hole Watershed Committee in 1995. That coalition of state, local and nonprofit stakeholders has tackled a host of projects, ranging from riparian zone protection to tributary and wetlands restoration and more, with the goal of keeping a federal listing at bay by improving habitat. They have included habitat improvements on California, Oregon, Moose and French creeks. In 2006, a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances, approved by the Fish and Wildlife Service, came into play for the fluvial Arctic grayling in the upper Big Hole River. Among other things, the CCAA protects landowners who agree to voluntarily work toward improving grayling habitat from additional regulatory requirements if the fish is ultimately listed. One component is agreeing to adjust water use when low-flow triggers are reached. At last count, more than 30 landowners in the Big Hole Valley were participants in the CCAA. CCAA's grew out of the spotted owl controversy in the 1990s, when Pacific Northwest loggers objected to ESA rules protecting the owl's forest habitat. They offer a way where a species that might qualify for ESA threatened or endangered status may instead be managed under a voluntary agreement among state and local stakeholders. FWS has precluded other species from listing due to CCAAs. Among them have been the Columbia spotted frog, the Relict leopard frog, Cook's petrel and others. Brian Wheeler described the Big Hole committees work as a model for collaborative conservation. The CCAA program work between all the agencies and landowners has definitely successfully worked towards restoring the upper river, tributary habitat and native fish, and I hope that work can expand its enrollment, he said. To list or not to list Montana grayling remained a high priority for federal listing until 2014, when FWS found that the CCAA landowner agreements were working to ensure the species survival. Environmental groups appealed that decision and won, leading to another Fish and Wildlife Service ruling in 2020 finding the Arctic grayling unwarranted. Yet Pat Munday believes the Arctic grayling population in the Big Hole River needs the protections and assets that a listing under the Endangered Species Act could yield. Munday is a Butte resident, professor at Montana Technological University and author of Montanas Last Best River: The Big Hole and its People. ESA listing brings federal resources to the table and the law has been tremendously successful in recovering nearly-extinct species once seen as a nuisance or even evil," Munday said. "It protected and recovered bald eagles, gray wolves and alligators." What we do know with fluvial Arctic grayling is that not listing (the Big Hole population) has not worked, he said. There is no good evidence that there are more fish now than there were 10 or 20 years ago, and in fact there are some indications that the fish has continued to decline. In January, he and co-plaintiffs Center for Biological Diversity and Western Watersheds Project sued U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and FWS, asking the court to vacate a 2020 finding that the fluvial Arctic grayling did not require Endangered Species Act protections. See which species are endangered in the U.S. Explore which species in your state have made the endangered species list. Munday said endangered or threatened species get more funding, more personnel and more attention. ESA listing brings both an urgency and more money, he said. Marques disagreed. There is no windfall of federal dollars when a species gets listed, he said. Marques acknowledged there are challenges beyond the scope of the conservation agreements in the Big Hole Valley. One of the biggest is the change in annual rainfall. The new normal of precipitation patterns is beyond what voluntary conservation can address, he said. Marques said water-storage projects, wetlands construction and even cloud seeding could help. The trouble I keep running into is that all water-storing technologies only go as far as the next non-cooperating irrigator, he said. Targeting irrigation The lawsuit filed in January by Munday and others alleged that dewatering from irrigated agriculture and ranching is the most likely cause of an approximately 50% reduction in the Big Hole (grayling) population from the early 1990s to the early 2000s. Montanas FWP does not attempt to obtain a typical population estimate of adult fluvial Arctic grayling in the Big Hole because the fish are widely dispersed in the upper river. Instead, the agency samples grayling in a handful of tributaries and side channels of the Big Hole where the fish are known to spawn. From that, FWPs analysis calculates the number of effective breeders, or successfully spawning adults. That's how many mature grayling are contributing to that years cohort of fish. Listen: Endangered Species Act turns 50 and Montana has been the battleground Montana Untamed: Often called the pit-bull of environmental statutes, the ESA has given federal protection to nearly 2,000 animals and plants. In recent years, that number has declined. In 2019, the estimate for the total number of spawning adults in the Big Hole population was between 1,019 and 2,550. For 2022, that number was between 496 and 671, according to FWP. One funding source for Big Hole Watershed Committees projects has been the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It joined several other contributors to support a wetlands restoration project this summer on a ranch west of Wisdom. The restored wetlands could add a measure of cold water to the North Fork of the Big Hole River. Ben LaPorte, programs manager for the Big Hole Watershed Committee, said the projects potential to benefit grayling was first recognized by Jim Magee, an FWS biologist. Magee has long worked with landowners in the Big Hole Valley to improve conditions for grayling, stressing the importance of keeping intact ranches on the landscape. That benefits numerous species of wildlife and helps inhibit developments habitat fragmentation. Ranchers participating in the Big Hole CCAA program have received help with protecting riparian areas from cattle, locating off-stream water tanks for livestock, reducing fish entrainment in irrigation ditches and more. Montana water law also allows for the acquisition or leasing of water rights to allow for boosts in instream flow by retaining water that might otherwise have been diverted. Munday and other grayling advocates want more attention put there. Munday weighed in. The most productive use of Fish and Wildlife Service funding for grayling would be to pay for instream flows along with stream restoration, Munday said. Other fish, other problems Tensions between ranchers and fishing outfitters have long simmered. They intensified in the summer of 2023 after FWP surveys found dramatic declines of populations in the Big Hole and other regional rivers of brown and rainbow trout the non-native fish species that put paying anglers in rafts and drift boats. Other kinds of Arctic grayling face other threats. Montanas adfluvial grayling typically live in lakes, such as Mussigbrod Lake above the Big Hole Valley. They dont adjust well to river currents. Separate litigation in 2023 blocked a FWS plan to boost the population of adfluvial grayling in a wilderness area in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge east of Lima. Meanwhile, the Western Rivers Conservancy, in separate announcements in September, said the nonprofit had transferred ownership to the Forest Service of two properties the organization said will ultimately help augment flows in the Big Hole River. One was the 200-acre Eagle Rock Ranch on the Wise River. The other was the 317-acre Clemow Cow Camp east of Jackson. Western Rivers Conservancy emphasized that each acquisition and transfer would help sustain flows in the Big Hole River. A few more cubic feet per second of cold water here, a few more over there. What about conservation agreements or re-populating grayling in tributaries? Wont it eventually add up? Munday said the fluvial Arctic grayling needs help now. Weve waited and waited, he said. We cant rely on the CCAA to save grayling in a warming world. Now is the time to act. In turn, Marques said the threat of listing in the 1990s played an important role in the collaborative conservation successes weve been trying to have in the Big Hole. After over 30 years we have a model for conservation that is working, he said. Listing of the grayling will raise the temperature of this already difficult situation, with no measurable benefit to the resource or the fish in question. And that could be. Yet research suggests the number of spawning adults in the Arctic grayling population in the Big Hole River continues to decline. The Big Hole Watershed Committee has shepherded projects likely benefitting the fish. But the fluvial Arctic grayling faces the ominous prospect of the ongoing threat of climate change. "Some biologists estimate that 35% of animals and plants could become extinct in the wild by 2050 due to global climate change," according to the National Park Service. 50 years of the ESA: Explore this series, in photos U.S. President Joe Biden's way of handling the Israel-Hamas war disgusts many young American voters, as claimed by a new poll conducted by the New York Times/Siena College. The survey's results, which were released on Tuesday, Dec. 19, showed that young Americans disapproved of how the American leader handles the ongoing war in the Middle East. This is a major concern since younger U.S. voters were considered a key coalition that helped Joe Biden win the 2020 Presidential Election. Here are other things that the new voting poll revealed. Joe Biden's Israel-Hamas War Handling Disapproved by Young American Voters Based on the results of the New York Times/Siena College's poll, around 72% of young American voters said that they disapprove of how Joe Biden handles the Israel-Hamas war. Young registered voters who participated in the survey were 18 to 29 years old. Most of them even said that they were prepared to vote for Donald Trump because they were disgusted by Biden's Israel-Hamas war approach. What's worse about the poll's results is that Donald Trump would have a 6-point lead over Joe Biden among registered voters in the mentioned demographic if the presidential election was held this December. This result is quite far from a similar poll in July, which found that Biden would have a 10-point lead against Trump among 18-19-year-old American voters. In the 2020 exit poll, Joe Biden also won the group by 21 percentage points. Experts clarified that exit polls are still imperfect, as reported by Business Insider. But they warned that the fact that U.S. President Joe Biden is losing major support among younger American voters could definitely have a serious impact on his re-election bid in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. Read Also: Joe Biden's Russia Attack on NATO Claim Criticized by Vladimir Putin-Calling It 'Complete Nonsense' Israel Also Losing Global Support According to BBC News, Israel is losing its global support over indiscriminate bombing in the Gaza Strip. Since Biden still sides with the Israeli government, he will likely lose support among Americans and other people across the globe. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, POTUS warned Israel's leaders that they could lose global support if they can't ensure the safety of civilians in Gaza. "Israel's security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world," explained the American leader. "But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," he added. Related Article: Israel-Hamas War Still Joe Biden's Top Priority, Says US Defense Secretary; 'Support for Israel Security is Unshakable' @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 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. 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The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && Chad holds divisive post-coup vote on new constitution in step towards civilian rule Chadian citizens have cast their vote in a contentious constitutional referendum that marks a long-awaited return to civilian rule since the April 2021 military takeover, though it is widely seen as a move to consolidate power by transitional leader Mahamat Deby. The polls for a referendum on a new constitution is a key step towards elections and the return of civilian rule promised, but postponed, by the ruling military junta. The referendum on the new constitution, which was held on Sunday (17 December), has been hailed by some as a stepping stone to the general election scheduled for next year. The proposed constitution is meant to usher in a new era of accountability, mainly by establishing autonomous communities with local assemblies and councils of traditional chiefdoms among other changes. Next years general election then aims to mend political and community division in the oil-producing, yet impoverished and fragmented country. The Malian army had suspended the constitution after the death of President Idriss Deby, who was killed by rebels, and dissolved the parliament. Debys son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was then installed by the military as interim president at the helm of a Transitional Military Council (TMC). But a large section of the opposition and civil society in the central African country have been calling for a boycott of the plebiscite because they see it merely as a way for Mahamat Deby to continue the dynasty begun by his late father 33 years ago following a coup. The opposition, which advocates federalism, backs the no vote, denounces the yes camps campaign well-financed by the ruling junta against a divided opposition, which has faced arrest, intimidation, and threats for more than a year. Provisional results are expected in late December. The Moroccan city of Marrakesh, which hosted the 2023 WB-IMF Annual Meetings, CAF Awards 2023 and the latest Arab police conference, will host another major event, the Arab-Russian Forum, this December 19-20. The Forum is held under the theme of the challenge of strengthening Russias place in the Arab region and in Africa. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to attend the forum that has been postponed several times. Senior government officials from the Arab world and Russia will meet in Marrakesh to discuss ways of strengthening Arab-Russian cooperation amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, affecting global economy. These high-profile events organized in Morocco contribute to the Nations branding as they show the trust the country enjoys on the international scene. They represent also an international recognition of the key role the North African Kingdom plays for global peace, stability, and development. The Arab-Russia Forum is an opportunity for Rabat and Moscow to look into cooperation ties in various sectors including trade, agriculture, fisheries, and peaceful use of nuclear technology. The event comes as Morocco continues to gain a growing international support for its sovereignty over its Sahara, while Russia is fostering its relations with African countries, China, and India after its geopolitical showdown with Washington following the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, Moscow maintains currently a neutral stand regarding the Sahara issue. It sees Morocco as a reliable country and an emerging regional power in Africa wherein Russia wants to expand its influence. The Moroccan-Russian relations have gained momentum following the visit paid by King Mohammed VI to Moscow in 2016 and his meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The royal visit was crowned with the signing of several bilateral agreements. It was followed by successive visits by Russian officials to Morocco, led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the visit of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to Moscow to participate in Russia-African Summit held last July in St. Petersburg. Moroccan foreign policy is based on pragmatism, diversification of partners, and balanced relations with West and East. This strategy has earned the country credibility, respect, and trust around the world. The Saudi Fund for Development, SFD, provided Monday December 18 Mauritania with a soft credit line of $40 million earmarked for the construction and equipment of two educational institutes that are specialized in key sectors of the economy. The deal was signed by SFD CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and Mauritanias Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Abdessalam Ould Mohamed Saleh. One of the institutes will teach Business administration, and will be located in the city of Kiffa while the second will host educational Sciences, and will be built in the city of Tidjikja. Both Institutes, SFD argues, will contribute to help Mauritania achieve its developmental goals by increasing the capacity for higher education across the country. The signing took place following the inauguration on Sunday December 17 of a SFD-funded Medical center in the city of Atar. The Atar Medical Center is a 150-bed facility. It aims at significantly improving basic healthcare services for the people. The Center, spanning over 9,000 square meters, will host renovated buildings and departments, and will come equipped with the latest medical technology and equipment, providing the population with enhanced access to quality healthcare. SFD has supported 53 projects in Mauritania, through soft development loans and grants totaling more than $800 million. Google is set to pay $700 million and has agreed to open up its Play app market to greater competition. This is in accordance with the provisions of the federal court filing on Monday, December 18, involving an antitrust settlement with the United States and its consumers. App Store Issues The settlement ends long-running claims that Google damaged competition via its app store rules and fees. According to CNN, it will compensate about 102 million US users in the amount of $630 million. Dozens of states that took part in the lawsuit will get the remaining $70 million. Approximately 71.4 million customers will be eligible to profit from the deal without having to register a claim, as per the provisions of the settlement. A payout of $2 or more will be sent to each qualifying consumer whose Google Play Store purchases fall within the period from August 16, 2016, to September 30, 2023. In the midst of widespread criticism of Google's handling of Android app distribution and its ties to third-party developers, this deal has the potential to significantly alter the company's app store operations. Last week, a federal jury found that Google Play constituted a monopoly in violation of antitrust laws. Epic Games, creators of the popular video game Fortnite, and the plaintiffs engaged in a protracted legal dispute that culminated in that decision. However, Google has filed an appeal against the ruling. See Also: Google Loses Antitrust Lawsuit Against Fortnite Maker Epic Games Settlement Terms The settlement mandates a number of changes to Google's app store policies for a certain duration, in addition to payments to states and customers. For instance, Google has committed to expanding a pilot program that gives customers the option to pay for in-app purchases using either its own billing system or a third-party payment channel for a period of five years. Google has been testing the concept, which they term "user choice billing," all around the globe for over a year now. Google offers a small discount to developers who accept money using an external billing system. The settlement also provides app developers with a multi-year commitment to inform customers about promotions, other charging systems, Google's commissions, and methods to circumvent the tech giant's costs. Additionally, Google needs to make it easier for people to install programs from third-party websites and unofficial app stores. One way they may do this is by modifying the warning messages that users see when they try to do so. In an effort to foster an open Android environment, Google has stated its support for this practice known as sideloading. However, the tech giant has cautioned that this may pose security or privacy issues as it does not evaluate software that is not part of its app store. See Also: Invisible to Cops? Google Gives Users More Privacy After Overhauling Maps Services @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. At least 14 people have lost their lives in the explosion of a fuel depot in capital Conakry in the early hours of Monday December 18, the Government of the West African country announced in a statement later in the day. The largest warehouse for storing fuel, located in the capital and belonging to State-run Societe Guineenne de Petrole, exploded early Monday. The incident, the Health ministry said in a first death report, left 13 people dead. But the government later in the day upped the death toll to 14. The government also indicated that 190 people were injured in the blast. 113 however returned to their homes while remaining people remained in hospitals for treatment. The incident will affect fuel distribution across the country and will cause load shedding. The Mamadi Doumbouya administration also announced the launch of a probe into the incident to establish what caused the tragedy, the statement added. Russias humanitarian agency Rossotrudnichestvo, also known as Russian House, is planning to open offices in Burkina Faso and Guinea Equatorial amid growing presence of Moscow in the African continent. Pavel Shevtsov, the deputy head of the agency told State-run news agency Sputnik about plans to set up non-State Russian Houses in the two southern African countries. We are most interested in being present in African countries: both in Burkina Faso and in Equatorial Guinea. We understand that our centers cannot appear there quickly, so now we and these countries will move towards opening non-state Russian Houses, Shevtsov said. The announcement came few days after the Russian Foreign ministry indicated that it will, before end of the year, open an Embassy in Burkina Faso. Other missions will be open next year in several other African nations including Guinea Equatorial. Rossotrudnichestvo, currently present in 80 countries, is at the forefront of Russias humanitarian and cultural influence in the world. The agency recently opened a Russian language and culture center in Mali. The center will promote language and cultural education and encourage the development of novel concepts, talents, and collaborative projects. It also held in November a two-day Forum of Alumni of Soviet and Russian Universities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, which brought together over 150 participants, mostly from African countries, to discuss the development of relations between Russian and foreign educational organizations, Sputnik reports. In December 2022, Egypt hosted a similar event that brought together over 150 alumni from 15 countries in the region. Moroccos Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), a branch of the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) arrested on Tuesday, as part of a joint security operation with the Spanish police intelligence General Commissariat, an extremist active in Farkhana, in Nador region in Northeastern Morocco, similarly with the arrest by the Spanish authorities of other elements in the city of Melilla, including a former detainee in terrorism cases in Spain, who joined terrorist organizations in the Sahel region. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the people arrested in this joint operation are imbued with extremist ideology, and are involved in the recruitment and enlistment of other elements, says the DGST in a press release. The individual arrested in Morocco will be placed in police custody under the supervision of the public prosecutors office in charge of terrorism and extremism cases, to discover his possible links and terrorist plans. This joint security operation is part of the ongoing and distinguished security coordination between the Moroccan and Spanish security services and confirms once again the importance of the security partnership between the two countries to counter terrorist threats and strengthen bilateral cooperation, with a view to dissolving existing links between terrorist cells operating in Morocco and Spain. Morocco and the Netherlands signed an extradition agreement, during a meeting in Rabat between Justice Minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi, and Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Dilan Zegerius. Part of the implementation of the legal and judicial cooperation program between the two countries, this agreement allows the transfer of a person suspected or convicted of committing a crime from one jurisdiction to another, the Justice Ministry said in a press release. This is an effective mechanism in the fight against cross-border crime, which reduces the risks of impunity and constitutes a key pillar to strengthen the Kingdoms position in the fight against transcontinental crime. This agreement is part of the judicial cooperation protocol between the two countries and reflects the strong historical partnership between the Kingdoms of Morocco and Netherlands, Ouahbi said. Through this agreement, the judicial process will be strengthened by mechanisms aimed at fighting cross-border impunity, he added. For her part, the Dutch minister underlined that the organized crime knows no borders and international criminal networks continually work to strengthen their illegal practices in arms, drug, and human trafficking. They are constantly changing their smuggling methods to transfer illegally acquired money abroad for laundering. This also applies to our investigation services, which are increasingly working closely with other countries to prevent criminals from seeking refuge outside their borders, Zegerius added. Through this document, we are further promoting our strong relations with Morocco, and we are stepping up the joint fight against organized cross-border crime, she said. King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on his re-election as President of Egypt for a third term wherein he hailed the distinguished ties of brotherhood and friendship binding the two countries. The Sovereign reaffirmed in his message determination to continue working together with the Egyptian President to strengthen and promote bilateral cooperation in various fields for the supreme interests of both brotherly peoples. He also expressed to el-Sisi his warm congratulations for the renewed trust placed in him by the Egyptian people, and wished him full success in his efforts to lead the country towards further progress and prosperity. Photo: Mati Milstein/NurPhoto via Getty Images The Red Sea is one of the most economically crucial bodies of water on the planet. Not only does the route connect western consumers with goods and oil produced in Asia and the Middle East, but its been notoriously volatile in modern times since 1956, when Egyptian president Abdel Nasser seized the Suez Canal and crippled the British economy, an episode that became a signal event in the anti-colonialist movement. (You might have seen this dramatized on The Crown, if you werent already familiar.) On its western shore is Egypt and a handful of other North African countries, including Sudan and Somalia. Saudi Arabia and Yemen are to the east. At its northernmost point is the Suez, the 672-foot-wide trade route where a very big boat, the Ever Given, got stuck for about a week back in 2021. Right now, a global shipping crisis is unfolding at the seas southern strait, the Bab-el-Mandeb, which translates to the Gate of Tears. Houthis in Yemen have been using drones and missiles to attack container ships as they pass through the strait, which has caused nearly a dozen of the largest shipping and energy companies including BP, Maersk, and MSC to reroute around Africa. The U.S. Navy, along with other countries, has since sent more ships to protect the vessels, but not enough to escort every one through the precarious strait. This boondoggle has already led to a spike in oil and gas prices, and has scrambled the intricately balanced web of global trade. The attacks were triggered by the Israel-Palestine war The Houthis in Yemen is a military organization backed by the Iranian government that has been at war with the Saudi-backed government for control over the country since a 2011 uprising. This war has been one of the biggest global humanitarian crises of this century, according to the United Nations, with nearly 22 million people in need of aid. In 2021, Donald Trump designated it a terrorist organization, but Joe Biden reversed that decision soon after he became president. It controls much of the western part of the country, which borders the Red Sea. The Houthis started attacking container ships that passed through the Bab-el-Mandeb, as part of a regionwide escalation of Israels war on Palestine. In November, they seized the Galaxy Leader in a brazen helicopter attack that they apparently documented in body-cam footage. The ship was linked with Israeli billionaire Rami Ungar, and soon the Houthis were attacking other ships linked to Israel. They also vowed to attack any ship headed to Israel, regardless of nationality. If Gaza does not receive the food and medicine it needs, all ships in the Red Sea bound for Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality, will become a target for our armed forces, a spokesman for the Houthis said in a statement, according to Reuters. But figuring out where ships are going, or who owns them, isnt always the easiest thing. Often, container ships fly so-called flags of convenience in order to avoid having to pay taxes or higher wages to their crew, and also disguise the true country of origin for the vessel. Perhaps because of that, the Houthis have been attacking more and more ships, including one Norwegian ship on Monday. The Houthis are attacking literally any ship, said Sal Mercogliano, a maritime history professor at Campbell University. The global supply chain is already getting scrambled On Monday, oil and gas giant BP announced that it would no longer send its ships through the Red Sea. This followed similar announcements from Maersk and MSC, two of the largest shipping companies in the world. Instead, these companies will take the long way to Europe and North America by going around the entire continent of Africa. This could mean that shipping could get delayed for 20 days or longer, depending on the destination, said Ben Nolan, an analyst at investment bank Stifel. A one-way voyage is somewhere between 10 to 20 extra days, he said. For ships that have to return to their ports of origin, though, it can be double the amount of time. The longer delays will probably be for ships that are destined for Mediterranean ports, Mercogliano said, while ships bound for the U.S. could see delays only as long as three or four days. Still, the supply-chain problems are likely to compound from there. Once ships arrive at their ports, there is likely to be a traffic jam. You cant just divert shipping containers, Mercogliano said. Since large ships carry as many as 15,000 containers, which have to be unloaded in an intricate order, clearing each ship can take time. Its a big Jenga problem, he said. The U.S. is intervening, and commercial giants want even more protection The Houthi attacks are successful in part because of how technically sophisticated they are were talking drone attacks and missiles. While the crew of the Galaxy Leader is still seized, no crew members are known to be killed or injured so far. (At least one other ship has recently been seized in Somali territory, but its not clear who is responsible.) So far, the U.S. Navy has responded by shooting down Houthi drones, but the attacks have continued. Part of the problem goes back to those flags of convenience. Mercogliano likened the situation to the so-called Tanker Wars in the 1980s, when Iran and Iraq attacked more than 400 oil vessels in the region. Still, the U.S. didnt intervene militarily until Kuwaiti ships flew the U.S. flag which meant paying U.S. taxes. Now, Mercogliano said, the shipping companies want to get U.S. Navy protection while still being allowed to fly another countrys flag. In a way, the shipping companies are driving foreign policy, he said. While the U.S. has directed the destroyer USS Lebanon into the Red Sea, its still not providing that level of protection. There are few good alternate routes Despite the vastness of the worlds oceans, it is not so easy to just chart a new route to whatever your destination may be. The problems with Bab-el-Mandeb come at a time when there are already issues with another notorious choke point in global trade: the Panama Canal. That trade route has been backed up because of low rainfall in the region, which means that larger ships cant go through. This means that one of the biggest losers in this crisis isnt going to be the U.S. or European countries, but Asia. Since the U.S. is a net producer of energy, that means that oil and natural gas produced here are exported to countries like China and South Korea. In normal times, those ships would pass through the Panama Canal, Nolan said. The backup plan would be to send them through the Red Sea. Since both of those routes are now cut off, that means these container ships will have to go one of the longest routes in order to deliver petroleum, crude oil, or natural gas. Some of those cargos had already been going the long way around, and now they have to go the extra-long way around, Nolan said. If it goes on for a while, the crisis could push prices up Since BP announced that it was diverting its trade routes, oil and gas prices have risen about 2.8 percent. At this point, its not clear whether this will be a long-term problem or merely a blip from a jittery oil market already on edge from a Middle Eastern war. But this probably wont be the only reason that prices on shelves increase. Shipping companies have already started to demand more money in the form of war-risk insurance, said Mercogliano. Normally, these costs amount to 0.02 percent of the value of a vessel. Thats risen tenfold, he said. Should this become a protracted conflict, that could rise to as high as 5 percent, the same level as during the 1980s Tanker Wars, which would mean millions of dollars in extra premiums. (Mercogliano thought that sounded alarmist.) But is this going to cause a late spike in prices for last-minute holiday shopping or traveling? Probably not. Unless this is really protracted, this is probably not anything the consumer would really notice, Nolan said. Its a few extra pennies in gasoline prices, maybe there are some goods that are not on the shelf for a week. But not anything life-changing. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Senator John Fetterman once told Pennsylvania voters that hed be a different kind of Democrat. Progressive, casually dressed, and plainspoken, Fettermans persona cut a refreshing contrast not just to other primary candidates but also to his eventual Republican opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz. After he was elected last year, Fetterman initially seemed like a consistent figure. He maintained his support for the legalization of marijuana. He told the public about his hospitalization for depression, linking his plainspokenness to a rare kind of honesty. When federal prosecutors announced corruption charges against Senator Robert Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, Fetterman swiftly and repeatedly condemned him. Lately, though, his persona has worn thin. His stances on Israel and immigration reform are alienating the progressive base he once cultivated and now hes trying to rewrite history. Im not a progressive, he told NBC News in a new interview. 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 chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, said the Democratic senator is simply being consistent. He spent the entire campaign telling people he wasnt a down-the-line lefty, Jentleson added. True, Fetterman was never a leftys dream. Hes a gun owner who once pulled a shotgun on a Black jogger. But no matter what he or his staff say now, he is undeniably running away from a label he once embraced. On social media, he often referred to himself as a progressive, as X users pointed out. Ready to keep fighting for a stronger Pennsylvania? Chip in whatever you can to help us take this progressive momentum all the way to the ballot box on May 15th, he posted in 2018, during his successful run for lieutenant governor. The same year, he appeared with famed Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders at a campaign event. Progressive values have been the heart of my campaign. Whatever happens on May 15, Im proud to be here tonight with @BernieSanders. #BernieForFetterman, he posted. In 2020, he published an X post that read in part, Progressive. Simple. Sacred. The union way of life. Fettermans new statements show a maverick side, NBC News suggested in its interview with the senator. Some political journalists may hope so. The media is always hungry for a maverick, someone whose depths can help them push articles and sell books. John McCain wore that title for years. But there are few true enigmas in American politics. Under scrutiny, McCain looked like a typical Republican. Fetterman, similarly, is a typical Democrat. Theres no political courage here, just the status quo in gym shorts. His position on Israel is proof. Liberal except for Palestine is not a new concept, and he is hardly the only Democrat on Capitol Hill to ignore the toll of Israels war in Gaza. He may, however, be the only one whos paraded around in an Israeli flag during a March for Israel rally in Washington while the forces of that country wipe out entire Palestinian families. His pugilism can be attractive when applied to a crook like Menendez. Applied to Israel, the result is ghoulish. His stance also surprised some former campaign staffers, who understood him to be a different sort of politician. In an open letter, 16 of them accused him of a gutting betrayal, citing his overarching promise to forgotten communities. Fetterman was unmoved. On immigration, too, Fetterman has disappointed some followers. I hope Democrats can understand that it isnt xenophobic to be concerned about the border, he told Politico earlier this month. Hes concerned, he said, by the nearly 270,000 border apprehensions reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in September. Honestly, its astonishing. And this isnt a Fox News kind of statistic. This is the governments, he said. You essentially have Pittsburgh showing up there at the border. Fettermans wife, Gisele, was once an undocumented immigrant; she became a citizen in 2009. As Politico notes, Fetterman highlighted her story during his campaign for Senate. Supporters could have reasonably interpreted that as a pledge of compassion, a sensibility that isnt in evidence now. As Fetterman puts distance between himself and the rhetoric that helped make him a senator, its clear that he isnt a maverick, but a cynic. The problem may lie partly with the progressive label itself, which is understood quite differently by the Democratic Partys activist base and by the men and women they put into office. Any politician can call themselves a progressive, and indeed many do, but the label is so vague that it often becomes a branding exercise. That certainly seems to be the case for Fetterman. He abandoned the label just as activists began pressuring him on tough subjects like Israels war in Gaza. This is stubbornness, perhaps, but its become something else, too. A genuine ideological core is taking shape. Fetterman has disappointed activists for the first time, but not the last. Instead, take him at his word: Hes no progressive. The casual clothes and plainspoken demeanor are window dressing. Underneath it all, hes as untrustworthy as the average politician. Maybe he bets that Pennsylvania voters wont care. Reelection is years away, and his state is not known for its far-left politics. Even so, that bet is riskier than he seems to believe. He is good at getting attention, which can help or harm. He cant escape the fact that he ran on progressive politics and then dropped the label quite publicly when it became inconvenient. Voters who thought they were getting something new with Fetterman have found out they are getting more of the same. Nobody likes to be made a fool. Pope Francis moving carefully. Photo: Andrew Medichini/AP In a move that will be exaggerated in its significance by both his traditionalist enemies and optimistic progressives within and beyond the Catholic Church, the Vatican has okayed the blessing of same-sex couples by priests. Its getting far less attention, but the new position also green-lights the blessing of divorced and remarried couples. As the National Catholic Reporter explained, this step was taken by a Vatican agency under very clear guidance from Pope Francis: While extremely narrow in scope, the Dec. 18 declaration from the powerful Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith may serve as the most concrete pastoral shift on the churchs stance toward gay couples in the churchs centuries long history. The publication of the eight-page document, Fiducia supplicans: on the pastoral meaning of blessings, comes less than three months after Pope Francis had personally opened the door to such a possibility in response to five retired conservative Catholic cardinals who had written to the pontiff about whether such blessings might be possible. That open door is indeed very narrow. The newly authorized blessings cannot be part of a formal Catholic liturgy; cannot be described as any sort of approved civil unions; and cannot resemble a marriage ceremony. I stress the limitations because there will be a natural tendency to conflate the new Vatican position with the beginning of a very rapid evolution toward marriage equality that has been evident in secular law and politics in the 21st century. Lest we forget, President Barack Obama, among many other U.S. liberals, was in the Dont call it marriage camp on same-sex unions until May 2012. But while public opinion and increasingly outdated cultural norms were the primary obstacle to the acceptance of marriage equality in the United States, there are vast institutional barriers to the Vatican going there. Most obviously, the many centuries of Catholic doctrine relating to marriage as a sacramental union of previously unwedded (other than widowed) men and women cannot be whittled away without an abrupt break that would roil an already divided and struggling global church. It would be at least as momentous a shift as the ordination of women or lifting the celibacy requirement for priests, and neither of those reforms is in sight. Even if it were just a matter of adapting Catholic doctrine to changing times and cultural trends, Catholic lay opinion on same-sex marriage varies enormously by geography, as a 2020 Pew study found: In the United States, about six-in-ten Catholics (61%) said in a 2019 survey that they favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry. Same-sex marriage became legal across the U.S. following a Supreme Court ruling in 2015 In Western Europe, large majorities of Catholics said in 2017 that they support legal same-sex marriage On the other hand, in almost all of the Central and Eastern European countries surveyed by the Center in 2015 and 2016, most Catholics oppose same-sex marriage. Nine-in-ten Catholics in Ukraine said same-sex marriage should be illegal, as did 66% of Catholics in Hungary and 62% of Catholics in Poland. Most nations in Central and Eastern Europe do not allow legal same-sex unions of any kind. And in large swaths of the global South, simply being gay is culturally and even legally disfavored, adding to the divisive effect of any rapid movement by the Church on same-sex marriage in any particular direction. The new guidance from the Vatican appears designed to accommodate priests who wish to extend informal blessings instead of ignoring or explicitly condemning irregular unions, as the New York Times explains: This new declaration opens the door to nonliturgical blessings for same-sex couples, something that had been previously off-limits for bishops, priests and deacons, said the Rev. James Martin, a prominent advocate for L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics, who has met frequently with Francis, a fellow Jesuit, and talked to him about the churchs need to better recognize L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics. Along with many priests, I will now be delighted to bless my friends in same-sex unions. But again, this crack in the door will take a lot of force to widen, as the reaction of the conservative-leaning U.S. Conference of Bishops shows (per the Times): The churchs teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings, said Chieko Noguchi, the conferences spokesperson. Perhaps the best way to understand the new permission slip for blessings but not rituals is that it reflects the 87-year-old Franciss sense of urgency to get past doctrinal disputes centered on sexuality in order to focus the Church on issues like economic inequality and global climate change. If hes hoping for a truce in the culture wars, though, hell be as disappointed as his biggest fans and critics will likely be at his position on same-sex unions. Nikki and Tim: Could they be friends again? Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images One of the consolations of being a failed presidential candidate is that if you show some significant voter support, your endorsement of a surviving candidate will probably be solicited and may pay later dividends. In 2020, the joint endorsements of Joe Biden by defeated centrist rivals Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, and Beto ORourke was thought to have given the future president an important preSuper Tuesday boost. And a defeated Biden challenger who came aboard a bit later, Kamala Harris, wound up as his running mate. Among the growing group of 2024 Republican dropouts, only two have endorsed other candidates (Will Hurd is backing Nikki Haley and Larry Elder has endorsed Donald Trump), though neither nod moved any needles. Perhaps a couple of calls have been placed to Mike Pence requesting his support, though hes too unpopular to help much and he doesnt have a thriving political future. At some point before North Dakotas March 4 caucuses, Doug Burgum might be able to make a North Dakotasize stir if the race is still competitive. But at the moment, the clunker candidate who is actually getting attention as a potential kingmaker (or at least king-crown polisher) is Tim Scott, who packed it in before his support dried up entirely and without too much damage to his political aura, which was pretty bright not that long ago. As Yahoo News reports, the four remaining viable candidates (sorry, Vivek, your failed mini-me imitation of Trump killed your limited viability) have been in touch with the junior senator from South Carolina: Nikki Haley called Sen. Tim Scott on Friday seeking his endorsement, according to a source familiar with the situation and shes not the only candidate courting him Donald Trump has also privately pushed Scott for his endorsement, the source told Semafor. The two have kept in touch since the senator ended his campaign Scott was one of the only opponents who seemed able to remain on Trumps good side as he ran against him for office. Chris Christie previously reached out about an endorsement, as well. Ron DeSantis, meanwhile, has been in touch with Scott, too, though the exact nature of their conversation remains unclear. Perhaps the most relevant question is what support from Scott might bring to the table for these worthies. Hes a generally likable politician (a quality that enabled him to say nasty things about Joe Biden and the radical left and unions on the campaign trail while still invariably being called sunny by the pundits) and is squarely in the right-wing ideological center of his party. But the best answer to Scotts value is pretty simple: a significant bloc of voters in South Carolina, a primary on February 24 that could be decisive in 2024. In the last public poll of his home state before he dropped out (mostly because he had gained no traction in Iowa), from Winthrop University, Scott had 10 percent of the vote. Lets just say for the sake of argument Scott was able to deliver these voters to an endorsee: It might be enough to (a) clinch the Palmetto State for former Governor Nikki Haley; (b) clinch the state (and perhaps the nomination) for Donald Trump; or (c) keep Ron DeSantis alive long enough to get to campaign in his home state of Florida in March. Thats a potential prize thats worth a number of phone calls and maybe a promise or two. But the other question is what Scott would get from committing himself to a candidate. You could argue that by endorsing Haley he could renew an old alliance (she appointed him to his Senate seat, after all) that was disrupted when both of them ran for president. They did not say anything unforgivable to or about each other as rivals. But Trump is a better bet, and no one would accuse Scott of treason to his state by backing the candidate already endorsed by his senior Senate colleague Lindsey Graham and his current governor, Henry McMaster. Its also worth noting that Scott is the only 2024 Trump rival who isnt totally out of the question as a running mate for the 45th president; Trump hasnt even given him a derisive nickname. Im sure there is some reason Scott could decide to embrace DeSantis, other than the fact that the Floridian would probably promise Scott the sun, the moon, and the stars for a boost if he survives New Hampshire. But no other reason occurs to me. Scott could always keep his powder dry and his options open; he could enjoy Senate service (his party has a good shot of regaining a majority next year) and his recently revealed relationship with a girlfriend. Hes said his current Senate term is his last. Hes 58 years old, so another presidential run in 2028 is hardly out of the question. It would probably be wise for him to make no enemies by withholding or extending an endorsement. But his phone could light up soon. Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images When Donald Trump first made a remark about immigrants poisoning the blood of America in a September interview, this Nazi-adjacent term drew a sharp rebuke from the Anti-Defamation League, which had no trouble recognizing the biological racism it implied. 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, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said. It drew less attention that Trumps campaign didnt ignore this criticism or shrug off his evil rhetoric as a onetime improvisation, but defended it. Thats a normal phrase that is used in everyday life in books, television, movies, and in news articles. For anyone to think that is racist or xenophobic is living in an alternate reality consumed with nonsensical outrage, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. We should have realized this signaled Trumps intention to keep using inflammatory language from the storehouse of blood-and-soil fascism. On Saturday, he deployed the same term during a campaign rally in Durham, New Hampshire. They let I think the real number is 15, 16 million people into our country. When they do that, we got a lot of work to do. Theyre poisoning the blood of our country, Trump said, per NBC News. Thats what theyve done. They poison mental institutions and prisons all over the world, not just in South America, not just to three or four countries that we think about, but all over the world. Theyre coming into our country from Africa, from Asia, all over the world. Experts noted this rhetoric is straight out of Mein Kampf, per Reuters: Jason Stanley, a Yale professor and author of a book on fascism, said Trumps repeated use of that language was dangerous. He said Trumps 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. The phrase reportedly was not in Trumps prepared remarks for the Durham rally, but it already seems to be part of his campaign message. Trump actually doubled down hours after the rally, posting this message on Truth Social: ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS POISONING THE BLOOD OF OUR NATION. THEYRE COMING FROM PRISONS, FROM MENTAL INSTITUTIONS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. WITHOUT BORDERS & FAIR ELECTIONS, YOU DONT HAVE A COUNTRY. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Some may assume this is an example of Trump trying to hype up his core MAGA base. But polling suggests theres something deeper and more alarming going on in the GOP. A new poll of New Hampshire from CBS News showed Trump more in peril in an early primary state than at any point since midsummer: Nikki Haley now trails Trump by just 15 points (44 percent to 29 percent) in the Granite State. Ron DeSantis is continuing to fade at 11 percent, and Chris Christie whose support seems destined to bleed over into Haleys column is at 10 percent. As CBS makes clear, the relative moderation of New Hampshires GOP primary electorate plays a big role in Haleys strength there. A majority of likely primary voters want to keep abortion legal in all or most cases, and a relatively high percentage of them are college-educated and are not conservative Evangelical Christians. That, and New Hampshires rules allowing independents to vote in either partys primary, are precisely why Haley and Christie have focused their campaigns on this state, and Haleys recent boom there was supercharged by the endorsement she received from the openly anti-Trump governor, Chris Sununu. Yet theres one topic on which New Hampshires likely Republican primary voters arent moderate at all. CBS provocatively asked them if they want [a] GOP nominee whod deport millions of undocumented immigrants; 80 percent said yes. Lets think about that for a minute. In the George W. Bush era, Republicans were the party of comprehensive immigration reform, which invariably meant a path to citizenship for most undocumented Americans. In 2012, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney was viewed as a quasi-nativist radical for his position that the U.S. government should encourage the undocumented to self-deport. And even during the Trump administration, MAGA Republicans remained interested in accepting a path to citizenship for at least some undocumented immigrants in exchange for the legendary border wall. There wasnt much open talk about mass government-enforced deportations. Now it appears mass government-enforced deportations are an overwhelmingly supported position of mainstream Republicans in one of the least Trumpy states. And its not just Trump driving the deportation train. Ron DeSantis made mass detention and deportation of undocumented people part of his very first policy proposal as a presidential candidate. The alleged moderate Nikki Haley has promised to deport every immigrant entering the country without documentation during the Biden administration. So in escalating his rhetoric to describe immigrants as a threat to the pure blood of this bastion of white Christendom, Trump isnt just appealing to the wildest of his wild supporters or the unapologetic white supremacists who promote him on social media. This is a message aimed at persuadable Republican voters in his most vulnerable state. Just imagine what Trump will be saying if he winds up in a competitive primary in a far less moderate state. Zimbabwe's wildlife officials and conservation organizations are pointing to the recent deaths of at least 100 elephants in the country's biggest national park as a depressing indicator of the effects of climate change and the El Nino phenomena. Hwange National Park and other areas of the southern African country are bracing for increased temperatures and less rainfall, prompting authorities to issue a death threat warning for more elephants. According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), this situation is a catastrophe for animals. Nearly 45,000 elephants and over a hundred other kinds of mammals and birds call Hwange their home. Impact of El Nino Tinashe Farawo, a spokeswoman for the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, said: "El Nino is making an already dire situation worse," as reported by NBC News. Parts of the Pacific become warmer during El Nino, a naturally occurring and recurrent weather phenomenon that influences global weather patterns. Recently, El Nino caused devastating floods in East Africa, but Southern Africa should anticipate below-average rainfall as a result of this weather pattern. Zimbabwe is already seeing the effects of this since the rainy season started weeks later than normal. Although there has been very little rain recently, most predictions indicate that the summer will be dry and scorching. Researchers are looking into the possibility that El Nino is becoming stronger due to climate change, which might have far-reaching repercussions. The 2019 drought that killed over 200 elephants in Hwange National Park is something that officials are worried may happen again. IFAW's Phillip Kuvawoga, who is in charge of landscape programs, expressed concern about the Hwange elephants in a recent investigation, saying that this situation is recurring. See Also: 2023 Predicted to Be Hottest in 125,000 Years: EU Experts Demand for Water A video depicting a young elephant fighting for its life after being caught in a muck in a water hole that had partially dried up in Hwange was released on the social networking site X (previously Twitter) by Farawo. "The most affected elephants are the young, elderly, and sick that can't travel long distances to find water," he said. An elephant of typical size requires about 200 liters (52 gallons) of water every day, according to him. To ensure the safety of the elephant corpses and to deter poachers, park guards remove the tusks from deceased animals. In the past, October was the beginning of Zimbabwe's rainy season, which would continue consistently until March the following year. In recent years, it has become more unpredictable, and environmentalists have noted longer and more intense dry periods. Trevor Lane, director of the conservation organization The Bhejane Trust and who works with Zimbabwe's parks ministry, warned that the area might see another recurrence of the dry period due to El Nino. He said that, in collaboration with the parks department, his group has been managing fifty boreholes and pouring 1.5 million liters of water into Hwange's waterholes every day. Even though there is no big river cutting through the park's 14,500 square kilometers (5,600 square miles), the animals nevertheless get water from a little over a hundred solar-powered boreholes. See Also: Over 50% of Peru's Glacier Surface Lost Due to Climate Change @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Supporters of assisted dying held a protest in 2015 after MPs voted against a bill to legalise it (Rob Stothard / Getty Images) Dame Esther Rantzen has said she is considering the option of assisted dying if her lung cancer treatment does not improve her condition. She has also joined assistant dying clinic Dignitas. The 83-year-old Childline founder and broadcaster revealed in May that her cancer had progressed to stage four. aaIn an interview with BBCs The Today Podcast, she called for a free vote on assisted dying as she feels it is important that the law catches up with what the country wants. She added that her next scan in a few weeks time will tell her whether the miracle drug is performing its miracle or whether its given up. I have joined Dignitas. I have in my brain thought, well, if the next scan says nothings working I might buzz off to Zurich but it puts my family and friends in a difficult position because they would want to go with me," she said. And that means that the police might prosecute them. So weve got to do something. At the moment, its not really working, is it? The Health and Social Care Committee will publish a report into assisted dying and assisted suicide in England and Wales, having launched an inquiry in December 2022 to examine different perspectives in the debate. Under the Suicide Act 1961, assisting someone to take their own life is an offence punishable with up to 14 years in prison in the UK. However, some form of assisted dying or assisted suicide is legal in at least 27 jurisdictions worldwide. It became legal in Canada in 2015, in the Netherlands in 2001, and in the US state of Oregon in 1994. A cross-party group of MPs is set to hold an inquiry into the law on assisted dying this year. The issue arouses strong feelings on both sides, with supporters of legalisation arguing people should be able to help terminally ill loved ones who are experiencing great suffering to end their lives. Opponents say it could be abused, with relatives pulling the plug on those unable to give their consent for financial gain, or hospitals using it to free up hospital beds. Story continues What is Dignitas? Dignitas is a Swiss organisation that provides physician-assisted suicide to members with terminal illnesses or severe physical or mental illnesses. They provide advisory work on palliative care, health care advance directives, and suicide attempt prevention, and legislation for right-to-die laws around the world. The organisation was founded in 1998 by Swiss lawyer Ludwig Minelli, who specialises in human rights law. What is assisted dying? The NHS defines assisted dying as the act of deliberately assisting another person to kill themselves. If a relative of a person with a terminal illness obtained strong sedatives, knowing the person intended to use them to kill themselves, the relative may be considered to be assisting suicide. What are the UK laws on assisted dying? Euthanasia and assisted suicide are both illegal. Assisted suicide is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, while the maximum penalty for euthanasia is life imprisonment. In 2019, a terminally ill man lost his High Court challenge against the blanket ban on assisted dying. Phil Newbys bid to bring legal action against the Government over the law that makes it a criminal offence for anyone to help another person end their life was rejected. Where is assisted dying legal? Assisted dying is legal (in certain circumstances) in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, Colombia, and New Zealand. It is also allowed in Victoria, Australia, and some US states. Some of the specific circumstances under which it is permitted include if someone is experiencing unbearable suffering, with no hope of getting better. The laws and specific circumstances vary from country to country. What is the Governments position on assisted dying? In September 2015, the House of Commons rejected the Assisted Dying (No2) Bill. But Baroness Meachers Assisted Dying Bill passed the Lords Second Reading without a vote, and is waiting for the Committee stage to be scheduled. In response to the petition, the Government said: If the will of Parliament is that the law on assisting suicide should change, the Government would not stand in the way of such change, but would seek to ensure that the law could be enforced in the way that Parliament intended. When Parliament debates petitions, MPs from all parties will discuss the issues raised in the debate and share their concerns with Government ministers. What have supporters of assisted dying said? Labour MP Rachel Hopkins said on Twitter: Those with terminal illness should be allowed dignity in death which is why Ill be speaking in support of assisted dying for terminally ill people. Conservative MP Lucy Allan said: Its not for Parliament to decide how the terminally ill manage their own death. Someone at the end of life has the right to decide, with their clinicians, what is best for them. Parliament is not about removing rights. Glad to be debating this on Monday. The charity Humanists said: Weve expressed hope that this debate will bring to light the huge public support assisted dying has, and that more MPs begin working towards a humane law. What have opponents of assisted dying said? In October 2021, 1,689 current and retired doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical students signed an open letter opposing plans for a new law on assisted dying. The letter said: The shift from preserving life to taking life is enormous and should not be minimised. The letter also said: The prohibition of killing is the safeguard. The current law is the protection for the vulnerable. Any change would threaten societys ability to safeguard vulnerable patients from abuse, it would undermine the trust the public places in physicians, and it would send a clear message to our frail, elderly, and disabled patients about the value that society places on them as people. Del Taco, a fast-food chain founded in California, will continue expanding in East Alabama by opening a new restaurant in Opelika on Jan. 31. The new location at 3200 Pepperell Parkway will feature all of the iconic menu items, including tacos, burritos nachos and burgers. You can find it at front of the new apartment development, The Austin. We had one in the Phenix City area that was located right near the skate center. And as a kid, wed go skating and that was our hangout food place of choice, franchise owner Clay Gullatt said. This was just another brand I knew as a child, that I remembered enjoying and wanted to know why we didnt have it any longer. This will be the third restaurant Gullatt, who has also opened locations in Columbus, Georgia, and Phenix City. Ill be open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. In 2014, Gullatt opened his first Del Taco in Columbus, which he deems a huge success. He went on to open the Phenix City restaurant in 2019. He told the Opelika-Auburn News that traditional franchise owners have to sign territory agreements with the company that includes opening a number of restaurants in a certain timeframe. However, he said that his Del Taco contract is different as he bought the territories of Lee, Russell and Muskogee counties and will grow it at his own methodical pace. For the Opelika restaurant, the process was a bit more methodical than intended. Gullatt said the developers behind The Ballfields, which will include The Austin and possibly other restaurants, reached out in 2019 about bringing a Del Taco to the development. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Gullatt said the project went on the backburner for about two years due to the impact the pandemic had on so many industries, particular the restaurant business. Now with under two months to go, Gullatt is looking forward to the doors finally opening. A feeling of relief, Gullatt said. Were finally seeing a turnaround and were getting part of the workforce back and hopefully, well find a good crew in Opelika that we can open with. Gullatt is very involved with the day-to-day operations, particular with personnel issues and daily visits to the store, and he said sometimes hell step into the kitchen if it is short-staffed. From Phenix City originally, he now lives at Lake Harding, where he owns and operates The Backwaters, a marina restaurant. He got his start in the food business working for his dad Mike at Mike and Eds Barbecue, which eventually expanded to include a location in Auburn. Gullatt said after some time helping that business expand, he sold his portion of Mike and Eds to refocus on a brand that he remembered from his childhood, Little Caesars Pizza. Gullatt said that he brought that brand back to the Phenix City, Columbus, and Valley, Ala. areas before he chose to sell those and go after another brand from his childhood, Del Taco. With the restaurant seeing a bit of resurgence in the area, he highlighted something that he thinks helps Del Taco stand out when compared to Taco Bell. We cook all of our meats in the store. We make our own pico de gallo. We make our own guacamole. We cook our beans from scratch for three and a half hours, Gullatt said. So everything we do is fresh. And I think that would be the distinct difference between the two brands Gullatt also shared the story behind Del Taco and its connection to Taco Bell. According to Gullatt, Del Taco founder Ed Hackbarth got a job working as manager at one Taco Bell founder Glen Bells first stores. Gullatt said they became good friends and agreed to never speak ill toward one another. When asked about his personal favorites on the Del Taco menu, Gullatt said his go-to is the classic Del Taco and the spicy chicken burrito. Chelsea Philbrick, an account executive with Allison, responded to an O-A News email confirming that the location will open in January and that the new location will feature the bold color palettes and modern design of the Fresh Flex layout, including a dual drive-thru. An 83-year-old Auburn woman could be forced to sell family land and leave her home of over 60 years. Corine Woodson could lose her home if the appeal she is in the process of filing to the Alabama Supreme Court fails. In the appeal, she'll ask for a chance to buy the land outright among other things after Lee County District Judge Russell K. Bush ruled that she could not. The chance to appeal was in doubt for some time as Corine was forced to pay a $3.97 million bond to stay the sale of the property during the appeal. The bond was paid on Nov. 28, meaning the appeal process could truly begin. For most of the 60 years at the property, she shared the 2625 Hamilton Road address with her late husband Willie Woodson, who died on June, 28 2022. Shortly after his death, Corine was thrust into a court case that has been going on for 17 years. In many ways, it stretches far beyond that. This case has been in the making for decades In 2006, Cleveland Brothers Inc. filed a lawsuit to quiet title, meaning determining who owns the land, and to have a sale of division of the 40.7 acre plot of land that is heirs' property. According to the court's final judgement of the case, issued on August 15, 2023, the property was purchased by Ben W. Woodson in 1911. After he died, the property was passed down to heirs and their children for generations, dividing the 40 acres into various percentages. Corine Woodson, for example, owns 10.69% according to the final judgement documents. The Cleveland Bros. now own 49.16667% of the land and are looking to buy the rest. The land is valued at $3.97 million according to a court-ordered appraisal. If the land was sold now at that price, Corine would be set to receive just under $366,000 dollars. "I don't know if you know about the housing market and what things are priced at here, but that is not a lot of money to be able to start all over again knowing that you've been in a place over 60 years," said Melissa Woodson, Corine Woodson's daughter and a realtor with Exp Realty. The people that own shares are referred to as tenants in common, and they all own a percentage of the land, but not a specific physical piece. For example, Corine Woodson may live in the house, but she is not the only owner of the physical land at 2625 Hamilton Road. There are 23 total "interested parties," including Woodson, and all own a percentage of the land. According to Billy Cleveland, many of those interested parties are still waiting for the checks they would receive if the sale goes through. Cleveland said that much of the 17-year case has been about heir disputes, primarily due to issues related to Doctor Sylvester Woodson. According to the court's records, Doctor Woodson had 10 family members sign over their interests in the land to him on a deed in 1962. Woodson officially recorded that deed with the Office of the Judge of Probate in Lee County in 1992 and it also had acknowledgements of other heirs but no recorded signatures for them. Cleveland said that after they filed their 2006 lawsuit, several heirs came forward claiming that their ancestors had been defrauded out of their interests by Doctor Woodson. In 2007 the court ruled that the deed was valid, including those who did not have signatures but were acknowledged, and that ruling was reaffirmed in 2018. Corine's husband Willie had the just-under 11% interest when a 2019 trial for the sale for division began. According to Cleveland, the 2019 trial was continually delayed due to issues with multiple judges. Cleveland said Judge John Denson was handling the case when he retired, then Judge Jacob Walker took over, but he was sued by a Woodson heir before retiring, and it was passed to Judge Jeff Tickal. Cleveland said that Tickal recused himself after a Woodson family member accused Tickal of colluding with the Cleveland Brothers Inc. and the case moved again to Lee County District Judge Russell K. Bush. As the case faced continued delays, Willie Woodson died in 2022, meaning his role in the case was vacant, until Corine stepped into her late husband's role. Corine joins the case Melissa Woodson told the O-A News that she disappointed in the work of her father Willie Woodson's attorney during the case, particularly as Willie's health began to decline and Melissa started to take on a larger role. Once Willie died, Melissa said she worked to find someone else to take the case and potentially represent her mother. They landed on Jacy Fisher, an attorney at Gregory Varner and Associates. Fisher said Corine officially became a party in the case on February 15, 2023, after the Cleveland Bros. made a motion to have her substitute for Willie. During the time that Willie was party in the case, Fisher said that Willie never filed a notice of intent to purchase the property, but the Cleveland Bros. did. When Fisher was brought on in January, knowing the Corine was about to become a party in the case, she filed a notice of intent to purchase on behalf of Corine. "It makes a big difference," Melissa Woodson said. "We were very pleased not just my mom and me but the other family members that were in the courtroom. Several of them came to us and said they really liked the way she was handling this." Fisher stressed that this case is unusual because Alabama law on heirs' property changed in 2014 with the adopting of the Alabama Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act. Fisher said that new legislation will provide protections and support for heirs of property, like the Woodson's situation. However, since this case started in 2006, it is being tried under the old statute. On Aug. 15 2023, Judge Russell K. Bush issued a ruling in favor of the Cleveland Bros. The ruling from Bush found that the land could not be equitably partitioned or divided among the tenants in common without a sale and that Cleveland Brothers Inc. was the only party to file a notice of intent to purchase the interests of the other tenants in common in a timely manner. While Corine did file a motion for intent to purchase, Bush ruled that her motion was not timely. The law states that the notice of intent to purchase must be filed must be filed 10 days before a trial begins, in this case the 2019 trial. However, Fisher disagrees with that ruling. "Basic understanding of the law will tell you that if you were not a party to the case, you have no right to file a notice of intent under the 35-6-100 statute," Fisher said. "I argued that Corine, as a new owner and heir to this property, should have equal rights to bid and purchase this property, all the same as the Cleveland Brothers." In essence, Fisher said that, before recusing himself, Judge Tickal alluded to the idea that whatever Willie did, Corine inherited as the substituted party for her late husband. "She was not officially a party to the case until after the probating of the will went through the process and knowing that that is the next of kin that were going to be receiving my dad's portion of the land," Melissa Woodson said. "They were basically shooting that down because they were saying that she just took his place and that she was not a new person. " Fisher said they filed a motion to alter, amend or vacate with trial court shortly after the ruling, but it was denied. They then appealed it to the Alabama Supreme Court, looking for Corine to earn a chance to purchase the property herself. However, Fisher said they are not just appealing the ruling from Bush, but also some additional issues related to the case. One of those being the attorney's fees that the Cleveland Brothers' attorneys are set to receive from the sale. According to the final judgement, the Cleveland Bros. attorneys will be awarded 10% of final sale in attorney's fees. Fisher said it is "Alabama custom" for attorneys to receive 10%, which will be just under $400,000, not including any additional fees that they are set to receive when the case is concluded. Fisher said that they are appealing to make the attorneys show what fees they have incurred in this case, believing there is a case law that says they should have to show what their fees have been during this case. A $3.97 million bond "When you appeal a circuit court ruling, in order to stop the sale for example, you have to request a stay of the sale. Well, the rules of appellate procedure require that the person appealing pay what's called a supersedeas bond," Fisher said. On Nov. 7, 2023, Woodson was given a notice of 21 days to pay the bond. Fisher said that the $3.97 million was standard under Alabama law, as the bonds are normally a percentage of the total price, sometimes over 100%. "As you can imagine, it's not an easy feat for a person, an elderly person who was just trying to keep her house, to pay a $3.97 million bond into the court," Fisher said. Woodson was able to pay the bond at the deadline on Nov. 28, with the support of a financial backer. That backer has wished to remain anonymous at this time. "The Lord has blessed us with some help and there are angels out there that have been willing to help," Melissa Woodson said. "That was a great feeling. It was just God-sent. It was just a blessing." Fisher said that now the sale will be delayed and she will work to file the appellate brief to the Alabama Supreme Court which will kickstart the appeal process. As it stands, if the appeal fails and the sale goes throw, Woodson will be forced to leave her home. At this time, there has been no agreement between Corine Woodson and the Cleveland Bros. to allow her to stay on the land after the sale, leaving her immediate future in jeopardy. Fisher said that, when they filed their motion to alter, mend or vacate in September, they also made a motion to have Corine be able to stay in the home for 12 months after the sale at no cost to her, but Fisher said the court denied the motion. "We didn't want my mom to feel rushed or the family to feel rushed," Melissa Woodson said. "Because she'd have a lot of memories there and a lot of stuff that you know she might want to keep and treasure and so we want that time to gradually find her a place that she was going to be pleased with." Fisher said there is no timetable for when the case will be heard by the Alabama Supreme Court. Once the record on appeal is produced, they will have 28 days to file their appellate brief. In 2022, counts of individuals (over 421,300 people) and chronically homeless individuals (nearly 127,770) reached record highs in the history of data collection, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. With temperatures dropping, experiencing homelessness this time of the year can more difficult now than it is during the warmer months. Local organizations and shelters that support the homeless community need volunteers and generous donations to provide comfort, care and items. Here are three local organizations you can support in the fight against homelessness: United Way of Lee County According to the United Way of Lee County, the organization has some initiatives to assist the homeless population, but they are limited due to funding and organizational capacity. Therefore, they typically coordinate referral services and collaborate with other organizations to help those experiencing homelessness. Recently, the United Way completed its first annual coat drive and distribution partnership with the Lee County Sheriffs Office and the Helping Families Initiative and gave out 646 coats to the community for free. We were able to coordinate with the Opelika Police Department, Auburn Police Department, and several other organizations to ensure that these coats were able to reach very low-income families and the homeless population, Community Initiatives Specialist Gabby Thabes said. We plan to continue this event in the fall of next year and are especially hoping to collect more childrens coats and utilize more volunteers and community partners. UWLC has a 211 resource hotline that works diligently to connect anyone in need of assistance to appropriate and accessible resources. They answer a high volume of calls to both their office number and the 211 that relate to homelessness, near-homelessness and housing. Many of those cases are offered to One Voice Shelter, His Place and Hosanna Home as well as Valley Rescue Mission in Columbus, Georgia. Each of those organizations works more closely with the homeless population and is more equipped to deal with the complexities of the issue. Our staff is committed to furthering our education on the issues of homelessness in Lee County and regularly attends One Voice Shelter Coalition combatting homelessness, Thabes said. We support other organizations that work directly with the issue to the best of our ability and try to stay up to date on the latest initiatives in Opelika and Auburn and the ways that we can be involved with them. To donate, please visit unty.com/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1">unitedwayofleecounty.com for more information. Harvest Evangelism Harvest Evangelism in Opelika has worked with United Way as well in the successful coat drive, and it has ministries such as His Place and Hosanna Home. His Place is a shelter for men 19 years and older who are suffering from life-controlling issues such as addiction to drugs and alcohol. Hosanna Home is a shelter for women 19 years and older struggling with the same life-controlling issues. Currently, there are 50 men in His Place and only 30 beds. There is a tremendous need, Founder Rick Hagens said. We dont see people on the street corner necessarily, but when people are sleeping on the bridges, we go get them and feed them all the timeand we sure would appreciate help. Everything from just general operating costs. This time of the year, some homeless people may come in and leave overnight and always want to ensure they have a coat and a sleeping bag. Homelessness isnt just the typical living outside in tents, there are other ways individuals and families can be homeless without realization. Theres more than people think, Hagans said. Ive been a part of the homeless camp I did every spring, and its hard to keep count here in Lee County. You got 20 people living in a bedroom two-bedroom trailer, and guess what? 18 of those people are legally homeless by government definition. When you have a teenage kid thats going from couch to friends couch to friends couch; They call it couch surfing, the government calls it homelessness. On college campuses, some students may sleep in their cars if they have campus housing to reside in, and that counts as being homeless as well. This year for Christmas, our big push in our newsletter is trying to get bed linens, Hagan said. Weve got probably 60 beds between the men and the women. Theyre all twin-sized beds, and bed linen, blankets and quilts are a big deal. Harvest Evangelism gets their men and women food from the food bank, and some people may even drop off some extra cake or pie and the residents highly appreciate it. The community doesnt realize that they could just come out and cook a meal or come out and babysit the babies at the Hosanna Home, Hagan said. Even to come out and fix a broken window or a door here is the greatest gift of all. The community can physically donate by dropping off items at the Harvest Thrift Store in Auburn. To make monetary donations or volunteer, please visit harvestevangelism.org for more information. Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). HFHI has over 2,100 active affiliates in the U.S. and in more than 100 countries. It seeks to eliminate poverty housing and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. When it comes to homelessness, what AOHFH can do for the community is limited, but they do put in effort to help. When someones in a homeless situation, they arent really ready to become a homeowner, Executive Director Mark Grantham said. Were sort of a long-term solution. Its about a two-year process to apply, but we partner with others in our community like the One Voice Shelter... Theyre awesome. The One Voice Shelter Coalition is a safe temporary/transitional home for nine months to a year. According to their website, it was organized after many requests from individuals needing shelter. For more information, please visit onevoiceshelter.org. Habitat homes are sold at no profit to partner families, with no interest, 25-year mortgages. Monthly mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance, average about $450 to $500. Mortgage payments are recycled to support the construction of more homes. For more information on AOHFH, please visit auburnopelikahabitat.org. Didion Milling Inc. to Pay $1.8 Million in OSHA Settlement Following Fatal Explosion The Cambria, Wisconsin incident occurred in May 2017 and claimed the lives of five workers. Didion Milling Inc.a corn milling company based in Cambria, Wisconsinhas agreed to pay over $1.8 million in penalties and implement safety improvements at its facility. According to a release dated Dec. 14, Didion Milling reached a settlement with OSHA tied to an explosion on May 31, 2017, resulting in the deaths of five workers and injuries to more than a dozen. Didion Millings agreement to make extensive safety improvements and work with OSHA and industry experts to protect the mills workers will protect the safety and lives of their current and future employees, OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan in Chicago said in a statement. OSHA will hold Didion leadership accountable for changing the corporate culture to focus on safety and health by working with experts, and with management and workers. As part of the agreement, Didion Milling must develop a corporate-wide safety and health management system, create a safety committee, work with third-party experts for equipment integrity, conduct hazard analyses, provide necessary training and resources for combustible dust housekeeping, develop a management of change program, review equipment changes for safety, create an incident-reporting system and conduct emergency planning response training. In a related legal development, company Vice President of Operations Derrick Clark and former Food Safety Superintendent Shawn Mesner were convicted on Oct. 13, 2023, for falsifying documents and obstructing an OSHA investigation. Additionally, Didion Milling Inc. pleaded guilty to charges related to falsifying logs and agreed to pay restitution of over $10 million to the victims of the 2017 explosion, along with a $1 million criminal fine. Other company officials, including shift superintendents and the former environmental manager, have pleaded guilty to various charges related to the incident and await sentencing. Didion Milling Inc., operating since 1972, also runs production facilities in Markesan and Johnson Creek. Washington L&I Establishes Permanent Wildfire Smoke Rules to Protect Outdoor Workers Washington is now one of only three U.S. states to create year-round protection from wildfire smoke. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has taken action against the increasing threat of wildfires with new permanent rules to protect workers from wildfire smoke. In a recent announcement, L&I announced the change, which will go into effect on Jan. 15, 2024. The new rules require employers to craft a response plan, train employees on smoke dangers, monitor particulate matter levels, establish a two-way communication system and ensure access to medical care once the particulate matter (PM2.5) reaches specific thresholds. With our changing climate, we know the threat of wildfire smoke isnt a short-term problem, Craig Blackwood, L&Is assistant director for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, said in a statement. By developing year-round, permanent rules that clearly spell out the requirements employers must follow, we can help them protect workers from the hazards of wildfire smoke. Employers can track air quality using the NowCast Air Quality Index (AQI) and must respond by providing more robust protections, including respiratory equipment, as conditions deteriorate. Under these rules, employers must evaluate the need for medical potential if workers exhibit symptoms from smoke exposure and cannot prevent them from seeking medical advice. L&Is regulations now position Washington alongside Oregon and California as the only states with year-round measures aimed at limiting workers' exposure to particulate matter from wildfires. Wildfire smoke is reportedly one of the fastest-growing pollutants, one to which exposed outdoor workers in fields like construction and agriculture are at serious health risk. L&I provides extensive free resources on their Wildfire Smoke web page, including additional guidance on how employers can take steps to protect the health and safety of outdoor workers. Recommends private sector management of nuclear waste and potential insurance coverage options for nuclear reactor accidents outside the federal Price-Anderson program. Calls for the Department of Energy to exit the commercialization of nuclear technology and for states to play a larger role in nuclear regulation. Authored by Jack Spencer via RealClear Politics, The silver lining of this months United Nations COP28 global warming conference is the growing consensus that nuclear energy is critical to meeting national carbon dioxide reduction goals. Denying the world access to clean, affordable fuels like gas, oil, and coal is a real problem. But recognizing that nuclear energy must play a pivotal role in our energy future is a major step forwardone that should enjoy widespread support, regardless of ones views on CO2 reductions. But to go big on nuclear requires thinking big on nuclear energy policy, and that means questioning the subsidize-first mentality that has defined U.S. energy policy for decades. The goal should not be to build a few nuclear power plants. Rather, we should strive to create an economically sustainable, competitive, innovative and uniquely American nuclear industry. This will require a realignment of responsibility. The governments role should be to protect public health and safety. The private sectors role should be to operate a competitive commercial nuclear sector. That means getting rid of the subsidies, rethinking regulation and getting Washington out of nuclear waste management. Washington should have a regulatory role, but not its current role as Nuclear CEO. The reason is simple: Governments are not good at business, because they make decisions based on politics rather than on good economic sense. This never yields a successful industry. Some argue that nuclear energy requires more governmental control, suggesting that nuclear presents more financial, technical, and political risks than other industries. But all big projects have financial risk. Private oil refineries can cost billions of dollars, and projects like skyscrapers, liquid natural gas export terminals and other large industrial projects all require massive capital outlays. Companies and individuals regularly take big financial risks. Then there is technological risk. But nuclear is not really that different from other industries. With 440 nuclear reactors operating globally, technical risk for existing technology is relatively low. Industry knows how to build and operate nuclear plants. Possible technological risks with new designs are not beyond the realm of those posed by innovation in other cutting-edge businesses, such as fracking or offshore energy exploration. e. Beyond that, as it pertains to nuclear energy, there is a vast federal research infrastructure in place that the private sector can access to help mitigate that risk. Political risk, however, is real and uniquely high when it comes to nuclear energy, and it exacerbates financial and technical risk calculations. Any justification for government intervention is based on mitigating government-imposed risk. But here is the problem. When government intervenes to mitigate a risk that it has created, it adds another layer of political risk. Worse, it creates dependence, distorts capital flows, incentivizes rent-seeking and lobbying, and forces firms to allocate resources to satisfy politicians and bureaucrats rather than improve its business. This creates misalignments between responsibility and authorities and undermines economic efficiency. Even worse, politics often changes, making it difficult to build a sustainable business model around political preferences. At best, this approach could yield a couple of reactors or keep some firms above water, but it wont produce a robust, competitive, innovative nuclear industry. Failure is likely. The major question is: How does America minimize political risk and allow the private sector to manage other risks, so that a robust industry can emerge? It will require changing the Department of Energys role, bold regulatory reforms, and solving the problem of nuclear waste management. We need to get the Energy Department totally out of the nuclear commercialization business. The problem is not that people are not doing their jobs, the problem is the nature of government. The Department should not be funding grants, loans, or demonstration projects. Nor should it be attempting to improve operations or economics of existing plants or new technologies. The private sector can do these better than government. The Energy Department has an important role to play in nuclear research and scientific discovery, but it needs to get as far from any commercialization or commercial operations as possible. What about regulation? Worthwhile attempts are being made to improve the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. An efficient, predictable, and affordable regulatory process for new reactor technologies is essential. But America needs to think bigger. For example, states could be authorized to take a larger role in nuclear power plant regulation. The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 already allows states to regulate some nuclear materials. That should be expanded. States could regulate existing reactor technology, and the NRC could focus on new technologies. Not all states will use this opportunity, but some will. This is a reasonable proposition because U.S. utilities have been safely operating large light water reactors for over 50 years. America should not be regulating large light water reactors as new, scary technology, because it is neither new nor scary. The regulatory burden should be significantly lifted on those reactors. ADVERTISEMENT NRC personnel should not be the only ones who can review permit applications and other regulatory review work. Private firms should be able to compete for this business. They would lighten the NRCs load and likely do a quicker job at lower cost. Lastly, companies should be allowed to build reactors outside the existing NRC regulatory regime if they obtain their own liability insurance against accidents. In exchange they would forgo participation in the federal Price-Anderson program that currently provides liability coverage. Some might question whether private insurers would cover a nuclear reactor absent a government backstop. But given outstanding safety records of existing reactors and promises that new technologies are safer, this should be an option. Insurance comes in many forms, and no one can predict what could ultimately emerge. Either way, the insurance industry is extraordinarily sophisticated and does a tremendous job at pricing risk. It will be effective at ensuring that only the safest nuclear plants are built. Finally, there is the question of what to do with nuclear wasteor, more accurately, spent nuclear fuel. The federal government took responsibility for managing the nations spent nuclear fuel in 1982. By removing responsibility from the spent fuel producers, the 1982 Nuclear Waste Policy Act removed any incentive for the nuclear industry to integrate spent fuel management into its long-term business planning and left it instead to Washington bureaucrats. It should surprise no one that the plan has failed. Reforms are needed to reconnect the nuclear industry to waste management. Reforms would allow for a private spent fuel industry to emerge that would drive innovation in reactor technologies and spent fuel processing. They would allow the nuclear industry and communities to engage in real negotiations, bound by legal contracts, to build and operate spent fuel management facilities. There is no question that these proposed reforms are a major departure from the status quo, but they are reasonable, not radical. They would foster good governance and economic progress in the industry. As COP28 representatives discuss how to reduce carbon while raising global living standards, nuclear energy should be on the front burner. By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Norwegian energy giant Equinor (former Statoil) has signed a 10-year supply agreement with German state-owned energy company SEFE (Securing Energy for Europe). The deal entails the delivery of 111 TWhours (10 billion cubic meters - bcm) of natural gas per year from 1 January 2024 until 2034, including the option of extension of another 5 years, at terms reflecting market prices. As stated by Equinor, the deal is around 33% of total German industrial demand at present. The Norwegians also reported that the additional 5-year period is for a total of 319 TWh (around 29 bcm) over the period. Analysts already have put the total value of the deal at around 50 billion euros ($55 billion). At the same time, Equinor reiterated that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent (LoI) with the intention that SEFE will become a long-term off-taker of giga-scale, low-carbon hydrogen supplies from Equinor starting in 2029 and continuing towards 2060. According to Anders Opedal, Equinors CEO, the deal is a response to Europes need for long-term, reliable supply of energy and a viable route to decarbonization at scale. Germany has been since the start of Norways gas exports in 1977 a major market. Opedal stated also that the LOI is meant to explore opportunities to supply SEFE with low-carbon hydrogen at industrial scale for decades to come, enabling European industries and flexible gas power plants to accelerate decarbonization. Egbert Laege, SEFEs CEO, stated that the procurement of natural gas from the Norwegian continental shelf ensures the sustainable and future-proof supply for European and, in particular, German customers in the household and industrial sectors. As is known, Germanys current energy supply situation is rather dire, due to the loss of Russian natural gas supplies and higher energy prices overall. Reports are showing that Germanys industrial and manufacturing base, the main cornerstone of the countrys economy, is confronted by severe threats. Some reports already have indicated that Europes main economic power could be facing a deindustrialization situation in the coming years, as lots of industrial giants and producers are even looking to leave Germany to set up shop elsewhere. In the statement made by Equinor and SEFE, Laege also indicated that both companies share the ambition to accelerate the hydrogen economy. He indicated that SEFE Groups storage company Astora could be a key building block in this. How far all of this is going to materialize even in the coming decades is still unclear, especially when looking at the lack of demand for green hydrogen or ammonia, while at the same time, the new commodities do not even have a price-point set. Customers or clients are interested, but without a real price indicator, no real volumes will be traded for sure. It is also very interesting to see what the role of this deal will be in light of ongoing discussions or potential hydrogen deals between the Norwegians and other main players, such as Dutch Gasunie. The German pull could be constraining others, leading to potentially major supply problems or cancellation/delays of investments. SEFE is expected to become a long-term off-taker of low-carbon hydrogen from Equinor in the future. Equinor targets to supply low-carbon hydrogen to SEFE at industrial scale, 5TWh per year by 2029, ramping it up to 50TWh per year by 2050. SEFE was set up by the German government in 2022 after Berlin nationalized Gazprom Germania GmbH. The Equinor-SEFE deal comes at the right time, looking at the increased volatility in European gas markets due to the Ukraine war and the current Red Sea Houthi maritime crisis. Increased fear in the market about possible supply constraints, as major shipping lines have stopped their Red Sea passage after attacks by Yemen Houthis on perceived Israeli vessels, has already pushed up European front-month deliveries up by more than 11%. The market reaction is clearly linked to statements by British oil and gas major BP and others that oil deliveries through the Red Sea have been suspended. Looking at the Red Sea's role in European LNG deliveries, the impact should not be extremely harsh, as only 5% of European LNG imports at present are from Qatar. European gas storages are also still very well stocked, with most analysts expecting that the current winter draws will not even hit 50% of total storage. By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil markets are finally focusing on geopolitical risk, with disruptions in the Red Sea pushing Brent up toward $79 and WTI above $73. - Shipping stocks have been on the rise since the Houthi threat in the Red Sea began to escalate, with the likes of Moller-Maersk, ZIM and Hapag-Lloyd adding some 15-20% over the past three trading sessions. - Whilst the Suez Canal accounts for only 14% of global maritime crude and products transit, and even that mostly on the products side, shippers banning the Red Sea route will have a much more tangible impact on container shipping. - Approximately 30% of global container trade passes through the Suez Canal and given that most container shipping deals are negotiated between December and March, container shippers might be looking forward to a much more upbeat 2024 than was initially expected. - Asia-bound US LNG cargoes that were already diverted from the Panama Canal are now compelled to take the longer route across the Cape of Good Hope, which might provide some upside to falling JKM prices (currently at $12.4 per mmBtu). Market Movers - UK-based energy major Shell (LON:SHEL) relinquished four of its exploration blocks in the Perdido basin offshore Mexico, failing to find any commercial hydrocarbons and focusing on its US assets instead. - Japans Tokyo Gas (TYO:9531) has agreed to buy Texas-based natural gas producer Rockcliff Energy from PE firm Quantum Energy Partners for $2.7 billion, quadrupling its US shale gas output to 1.3 BCf/d. - US shale explorer Callon Petroleum (NYSE:CPE) is reportedly considering strategic options including the sale of the company, with the $2.3 billion market cap producer seeking to join the list of recent M&As. Tuesday, December 19, 2023 The continuous barrage of attacks on ships passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait has lifted oil prices, with Brent futures jumping back to $78 per barrel. Tankers transiting the Red Sea make up for some 12% of global shipping traffic, therefore a $2 per barrel increase might not fully reflect the ongoing supply disruption with market participants expecting it to wind down quickly. Should the mayhem continue, the upside will get even stronger. Red Sea Attacks Disrupt Suez Canal Flows. The worlds largest shipping companies MSC, CMA CGM, and Moller-Maersk (CPH:MAERSK-B) have stated they would avoid the Suez Canal as several container ships have been attacked by Houthi militants from Yemen, citing concern for safety. EU Finally Adopts 12th Package of Russia Sanctions. The European Union formally adopted the 12th package of sanctions against Russia, banning the imports of non-industrial diamonds as well as LPG (albeit with a one-year transition period), however watering down the ban on tanker sales to Russia-linked firms. CFTC to Probe Trading Manipulation. The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has asked for even more data from market participants on executed swap deals, seeking to monitor more closely the potential manipulation of benchmarks, a year after Glencores $1 billion fine. Brazil Ramps Up Taxes on Oil Producers. Brazils Congress approved a bill sponsored by President Lula da Silva to slap a 1% selective tax on oil and natural gas production, aiming to simplify a convoluted system of taxation, although upstream firms have criticized the increasing tax take. Spanish Major Revives Venezuela Project. Venezuelas state oil firm PDVSA and Spanish oil major Repsol (BME:REP) signed a deal to revive production at their Petroquiriquire joint venture, encompassing three oil fields that currently produce only 20,000 b/d of oil and 40 MCf/day of gas. Warren Buffett Approves of Oxys CrownRock Purchase. Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK) bought some $590 million of Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY) stock this past week, right after the US shale producer agreed to buy private Permian Basin-focused oil firm CrownRock for $10.8 billion. Panama Canal Gets Some Rain Relief. The authorities of the Panama Canal will raise the number of daily transits from 22 to 24 starting mid-January, thanks to healthy precipitation across the past weeks lifting water levels along the canals many lakes, potentially lowering sky-high freight rates. ADVERTISEMENT Chevron Speaks Out Against California Margin Cap. US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) stated that Californias refinery margin cap not only jeopardizes downstream investments into the state due to an adversarial business climate but also negatively impacts renewable investments by oil firms. UAEs Oil Champion Moves into Fertilizers. ADNOC, the national oil company of the United Arab Emirates, agreed to buy a 50% stake in the fertilizer unit of European chemical firm OCI (AMS:OCI) for $3.6 billion, taking its total shareholding in Fertiglobe to 86.2% once the transaction is closed. Chiles Lithium Scene Eyes Normalization. Chiles leading lithium producer SQM (NYSE:SQM) and state-controlled copper company CODELCO have launched a roundtable format with indigenous companies, strengthening rumors that the two firms would start a public-private partnership. UK Sanctions Spark Confusion at the LME. Just as the UK government banned British individuals and entities from trading physical Russian metals, including aluminum, copper, and nickel, confusion took over at the London Metals Exchange where 80% of aluminum stocks are of Russian origin. Oil Majors Invest in Nigeria. Following Shells pledge to invest in Nigerias upstream, Frances energy major TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) committed to investing $6 billion over the coming years, ramping up output at offshore fields as well as improving methane detection and capture. Salvador Wants to Join the Club of Oil Producers. The Central American country of El Salvador is set to amend its regulatory framework on oil and gas exploration, currently producing no hydrocarbons at all, to allow data and surveying companies to map prospective areas before oil majors step in. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Heres for an orderly transition The COP 28 climate summit recently adjourned called for transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science. A sentence clearly written by lawyers and politicians with a touching belief that soothing words substitute for reality. We would argue, first, that natures reaction to excessive fossil fuel emissions (severe drought, storms, ice melt, forest fires, rising water level) has not been just, orderly or equitable so why ignore reality? Second, that implementation of new technologies will not move at an orderly pace, but will be determined by cost of production and customer preference. (You might recall Eastman Kodaks attempt to phase in digital photography while retaining the cash flow from its legacy film photography business. Eastman Kodak quickly went bankrupt.) Third, given the slow decarbonization progress to date, it might be prudent to move the 2050 goal to something closer. (A tourist noting a relaxed attitude to the timing of a major anniversary celebration 17 years late asked an Irish bard if there was a Gaelic equivalent to manana to which he replied, No, we dont have a word with that sense of urgency.) Related: U.S. Drillers Cut Drilling Activity Amid Stabilizing Oil Prices As investors, we worry that COP 28s slow walk to decarbonization as well as the hope that a second Trump administration would further delay action, will foster complacency in the fossil fuel industry. We also worry that oil executives might believe their own propaganda, which is another matter. But we are also concerned by the notion, recently repeated in an NPR report, that oil companies do not invest in renewables because renewables offer lower returns than oil. No doubt they do, on paper, but in actuality, over the past decade renewable investments have made bigger profits for shareholders than oil investments. High returns on paper dont mean much if they cant be translated into shareholder value. So heres an update of numbers that show the total return earned (common stock dividends plus capital appreciation, or interest plus capital appreciation) for the past 10 years (through Dec. 15, 2023), in nominal and real terms, in % per year: INDEX Nominal (%) Real (%) S&P 500 12.4 9.6 S&P Clean Energy 6.3 3.5 S&P Global Oil 2.2 -1.6 S&P Corporate Bond 1.7 -1.1 Based on historic precedent, the average stock should outperform bonds by 2.5 to 4 percentage points. The S&P 500 did way better than that, the clean energy stocks outperformed slightly and the oil stocks did woefully badly. Oil companies earned less than half their cost of shareholder capital, we estimate. No doubt they had higher hurdle rates for investment, but whatever they invested effectively lost money for shareholders. Incidentally, historically, US companies have produced lower total return for shareholders than would have been expected from reinvestment of funds. Why? One influential study suggested that the corporations frittered away funds on bad investments, paid too much when making acquisitions and handed out too many dilutive stock options to senior employees. So, to the extent that oil companies might be guilty of those deficiencies, no big deal, its just they might have been guiltier than most, based on the results So back to investment strategy. Oil companies have three choices: (1) maintain the status quo (on the belief that COP 28 is just a toothless PR exercise so ignore it), (2) take their cash out of the oil business slowly on the belief they have time for a leisurely exit (COP 28s multi-decadal time frame is realistic), (3) or exit the oil business more rapidly now at high prices (there is no way that the COP 28 conferees can control the timing of events and it will take only one giant climate disaster or technological breakthrough to send the market spinning). Those are the real investment issues, not whether another merger or two will add to economies of scale, or whether the next administration will offer better tax advantages for drilling policy. Every investment announcement fits into one of those three categories and tells us more about the companys overall direction than about the deal itself. It might even be helpful if the managements told us how they thought that the investment fit into one of those three buckets. That certainly would help to clear the air. By Leonard Hyman and William Tilles for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Embattled actor Alec Baldwin was berated by pro-Palestinian protesters on Monday night (December 18) after hundreds of agitators occupied Penn Station and Grand Central Station where they told Israel to "go to hell" in a demonstration in New York City. Baldwin - who was still reeling from the charges put up against him for the "Rust" shooting incident - was berated by protesters who told him he had "no f***ing shame" and belittled his "tanking" acting career while he was walking by the demonstration near West 29th Street. As he was being surrounded by protesters, NYPD officers were forced to escort Baldwin to prevent any further escalation of tensions, the New York Post reported. "I support peace for Gaza," Baldwin responded when asked if he condemned Israel. The confrontation ended when the actor managed to get through the door he was waiting in front of. "Your career's tanking, by the way," a protester yelled as the door shut. Source: Baldwin Harassed While En Route to Acting Class Meanwhile, a source close to Baldwin told The Messenger that the Emmy-winning actor was "aggressively" approached while on his way to volunteer to teach an acting class in the Big Apple. "He had no intention of going to the protest and was not involved in any way," the source added. "He was approached aggressively and repeatedly. The police stepped in to avoid further confrontation so he could make his way to the class safely." Read Also: Eurovision: Israel to Compete in 2024 Amid Boycotts How the Protest Came About While in a heated confrontation with Baldwin, some of the protesters found their way into Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, where they continued their demonstration at the expense of commuters who had no interest in the protest. The group then went back to the streets, where a man was arrested on the corner of West 29th Street and 7th Avenue. It was not immediately clear what led to the arrest. Earlier that day, the protesters occupied Grand Central Station to voice their support for the Palestinian people. Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road warned of "possible access restrictions" in and out of Grand Central because of demonstrations. The city's emergency notification system also advised people to expect traffic delays near Grand Central and to use alternative routes Related Article: Alec Baldwin Could Face New Charges in the 'Rust' Shooting Incident as the Case Heads Back To a Grand Jury @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Azerbaijan is on target to double its gas exports to Europe by 2027, according to President Ilham Aliyev. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for the Bulgaria-Serbia interconnector gas pipeline in Nis, Serbia, on December 10, Aliyev confirmed that Baku will meet its promise to Brussels to double its gas exports to Europe to 20 billion cubic meters a year by 2027. "The numbers already show that we are confidently moving towards this goal," Aliyev said, explaining that Azerbaijan exported just over 8 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe in 2021 which will rise to "about 12 billion cubic meters" for this year. "This will account for 50 percent of Azerbaijan's total gas exports," he said. To double gas exports to Europe, Baku has to both increase gas production and increase the capacity of the three transit pipelines that make up the Southern Gas Corridor, which carries Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian Sea to European markets. Image The Southern Gas Corridor (Wikimedia Commons) Azerbaijan's gas production and exports are both rising. Data released on December 13 shows production for January-November reaching 44 billion cubic meters, up 3.5 percent on the same period in 2022, with exports over the same period totaling 22 billion cubic meters, up 9.5 percent. Some projects aimed at further boosting production are underway. TotalEnergies, which began producing gas from Azerbaijan's Absheron gas field in July, confirmed in September that it will lift production from 1.5 billion cubic meters a year to around 5.5 billion cubic meters a year. Meanwhile, BP, which operates Azerbaijan's main Shah Deniz gas field and ACG oil field has begun drilling deep wells into what it hopes are major reserves beneath both existing fields and Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR has hopes of boosting production from its Umid gas field. But the huge investment needed to bring new gas production online and to expand the pipelines has to be balanced by agreements with gas buyers in Europe, confirming that they will buy the gas when it is available. To date that hasn't happened, with Azerbaijani officials complaining that European buyers have been slow to commit to purchasing the extra gas that Azerbaijan has promised Brussels it will supply by 2027. Some export agreements have been signed. Next year will see Bulgaria import 1 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas, double the 500 million cubic meters supplied this year while a new agreement with Belgrade will see SOCAR export 400 million cubic meters of gas to Serbia next year, via the new Bulgaria-Serbia interconnector. However, the major European gas buyers further west have yet to commit. It's not clear why. Azerbaijan's September military offensive to seize Nagorno-Karabakh, which resulted in the emptying of the region's Armenian population, was not received well by the EU, in particular by some member states like France. There's been no indication that this has had an impact on European interest in buying Azerbaijani gas, however. (TotalEnergies, France's biggest energy company, continues to operate its Absheron field.) In January this year the operator of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) which carries Azerbaijani gas from the Turkey-Greece border, through Albania and on to Italy, held an open tender for buyers to book extra pipeline capacity for gas they planned to import TAP confirmed it had received commitments for only an extra 1.2 billion cubic meters a year, considerably less than the 10 billion cubic meters needed to double Azerbaijan's exports to Europe to 20 billion cu m/yr. A second tender planned for later in 2023 has not materialized. At the same time, there has been no confirmation of any work to expand either the South Caucasus gas Pipeline (SCP) which carries Azerbaijani gas from Azerbaijan to Turkey or the TANAP pipeline which carries the gas across Turkey to Greece. The combined capacity of both will have to be expanded by at least 10 billion cubic meters a year if Baku's promise to double exports to Europe to 20 billion cubic meters a year by 2027 is to be met. That promise, made in July last year in a landmark agreement with the European Union, came in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine which has seen Russian gas exports to Europe fall to zero and saw European gas prices surge to unprecedented levels. (The political aim of reducing EU dependence on Russian gas was arguably undermined a few months later, when Azerbaijan began purchasing Russian gas to meet its own needs.) Subsequently, however, Europe's gas situation has eased with new liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals being commissioned across the continent and major LNG exporters such as the U.S. and Qatar working to increase exports. Increasingly Azerbaijan's gas exports, which can only be made via the Southern Gas Corridor pipelines, are having to compete with more flexible LNG exports, delivered by sea to floating terminals which can easily be moved to different locations according to demand. And with efforts to boost Azerbaijani production to the required levels still in the early stages, Baku is unable to confirm exactly how much more gas will be available and when. Other possibilities Baku does have some other options which could boost the volume of gas available for export. Baku has ambitious plans for renewable power generation, which, if realized, will greatly reduce domestic gas consumption. ADVERTISEMENT Speaking in Nis, Aliyev confirmed that his government has signed agreements for the development of 10 gigawatts of renewable power-generating capacity. How much of that will actually be developed, and when, remains to be confirmed. Azerbaijan's latest power generation data, released on December 15, shows that 93 percent of the republic's power is still generated by thermal power plants - mostly burning gas, with just 7 percent coming from renewables. Another option open is for Baku to import more gas to meet domestic needs, allowing it to increase exports, or to transit gas from other countries directly. Recently revived interest in the development of a pipeline across the Caspian to carry gas from Turkmenistan to Europe, already appears to have cooled. However, Azerbaijan's existing deal under which it imports gas from Turkmenistan via Iran could be further expanded with Tehran signalling earlier this year that it was expanding its pipeline capacity in readiness for further transit. That extra pipeline capacity could also be used to supply Turkey. A recent meeting between Turkish and Turkmen officials resulted in an agreement for the two sides to explore the possibility of Turkey also importing Turkmen gas via Iran. If realized, that could reduce Ankara's dependence on Azerbaijan, which last year supplied Turkey with 8.7 billion cubic meters of gas, 16 percent of Turkey's imports, again freeing up more Azerbaijani gas for export to Europe. However, such a move would also require a new agreement between Ankara and Tehran over Turkey's existing deal to import 9.6 billion cubic meters a year of Iranian gas which expires in July 2026. By David OByrne via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Futures and options market winter premiums have diminished, contributing to a drop in Europes natural gas prices and bearish trends in the U.S. and Asian markets. Natural gas demand decreased due to warmer weather, an industrial slowdown in Europe, and record U.S. production and LNG exports. The warmest autumn in the northern hemisphere in nearly a century and a half has pushed natural gas prices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia lower at the start of the winter. Prices are also weighed down by record-high U.S. production, record-high inventories, and weak industrial demand in Europe, as well as tepid consumption and fuller storage sites in Asia. Temperatures in Europe and North America were near-record levels in October, and the warmer-than-usual weather continued in North America in November, according to weather data compiled by Reuters market analyst John Kemp. The record temperature anomalies in those months extended the refill season for gas storage. This allowed Europe and the United States to enter the winter heating season with above-averageand, in Europes case, record-fullinventories. Weaker natural gas demand due to the above-normal temperatures, an industrial slowdown in Europe, and record-high U.S. production and LNG exports are weighing on natural gas prices worldwide. After the record price swings and volatility last year, traders have now turned bearish on natural gas in the U.S. and Europe alike. Ample inventories and muted demand so far this winter heating season have turned portfolio managers bearish on European natural gas for the first time since September, and benchmark prices are now down to a four-month low. High inventories, eased fears of supply shortages, weak demand, and increased confidence that Europe could go through the winter without major supply disruptions have all led to a drop in Europes natural gas prices in the past few weeks. The winter premiums in the futures and options market have all but vanished. The front-month Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures Dutch, the benchmark for Europes gas trading, settled at $36.22 (33.19 euros) per megawatt-hour (MWh) on Friday, as prices fell for another week amid forecasts of warmer weather this week, stable supply of pipeline gas from Norway and LNG imports, and higher wind power generation. In the United States, the benchmark U.S. natural gas prices slumped by 10% early last week amid high inventories and forecasts of warmer-than-usual weather, suggesting very light demand for space heating. Adding to the bearish factors are the higher-than-average inventories at the start of the winter heating season. The United States entered the heating season with the highest natural gas in storage since 2020, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said earlier this month. Moreover, U.S. dry natural gas production in the Lower 48 states reached a record monthly high of 104.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in November 2023, per data from S&P Global Commodity Insights, cited by the EIA. U.S. output was up by 3.3%, or 3.3 Bcf/d, between January and November 2023, compared to the 2022 annual average. In its December 2023 Short-Term Energy Outlook, the EIA expects that total U.S. natural gas production will continue to increase in 2024 and rise by 1.2% compared with 2023. The EIA lowered its forecast for natural gas prices this winter by more than 60 cents, to $2.80 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), compared with the November STEO forecast, due to recent increases in production and high natural gas storage inventory levels. U.S. natural gas prices fell for a sixth consecutive week in the week to December 15. Short positions in natural gas futures jumped in the week to December 12, and the net short positions in the commodities complex were led by natural gas, Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, said on Friday. Prices in Asia were also on a downward trend last week despite a cold snap in China. ADVERTISEMENT The average LNG price for January delivery into Northeast Asia crumbled by 18% to $12.70 per MMBtu to a four-month low last week, down from $15.50 in the previous week, industry sources told Reuters. Barring any unplanned outages for LNG or pipelines, the combination of high storage levels and increased wind power generation in Europe will exert downward pressure on (Dutch gas hub) TTF prices, Northwest Europe LNG, and consequently JKM, Siamak Adibi, principal consultant at consultancy FGE, told Reuters. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Australian oil and gas industry needs to start paying more attention to reducing methane emissions, the countrys Climate Change Authority has said in two reports, as cited by Bloomberg. The advisory body to the Australian government said Over the past five years, developments in satellite technologies and inverse modeling techniques have resulted in a new source of data to estimate fugitive methane emissions from individual facilities. It went on to add that this improved technology has called into question the accuracy of previous data-collection methods used by coal miners and oil and gas producers, suggesting they need an update. If the Australian government heeds the advice of the Climate Change Authority, the country will probably follow the example of Canada, which recently announced aggressive methane emission reduction targets for its oil and gas industry. "Canada has committed to reduce by 2030 methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by at least 75 per cent below 2012 levels," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the UN in September. The U.S. federal government is also zeroing in on methane emissions with new rules that have sparked worry the smaller oil and gas players in the country would be forced to go out of business because of exorbitant additional expenses they would need to make to comply with the law. Methane has been attracting growing attention from transition activists and governments in the past few years. It has become a natural target alongside CO2 because of its potent greenhouse effect. Yet investment in methane emissions reduction is minuscule compared to the billions being poured into CO2 emission cuts, a report from environmentalist group Clean Air Task Force released earlier this year said. ADVERTISEMENT The report estimated that the world needs to spend $119 billion annually in the energy, agriculture, and waste industries to reduce methane emissions meaningfully and in line with Paris Agreement stipulations. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chinas state oil and chemicals giant Sinochem has bought a rare cargo of Venezuelan crude, trade sources told Reuters on Tuesday, as Chinese state-owned firms look to acquire cheaper crudes without fear of secondary sanctions now that the U.S. has eased the restrictions on Venezuela. The temporary U.S. sanctions relief from October 2023 to April 2024 now allows the production, lifting, sale, and exportation of oil or gas from Venezuela, and the provision of related goods and services, as well as payment of invoices for goods or services related to oil or gas sector operations in Venezuela. As a result, the top international oil trading houses are back in the business of trading with oil from Venezuela. Refiners willing to take advantage of the eased sanctions have arranged spot purchases of Venezuelan heavy crude, which is cheaper than international benchmarks, although the discount is not as wide as it was a few months ago when the South American country was still under sanctions. In China, the independent refiners were the biggest customers of Venezuelas crude before the U.S. sanctions relief. But now those refiners, the so-called teapots, are reportedly holding back fresh purchases of oil from Venezuela due to unpredictable discounts on cargoes after international majors returned to Venezuelan trades. While independent refiners consider the implications of the sanctions relief and the narrowing discounts on their refining margins, state firms in China have started to consider buying Venezuelan crude oil now that the concern about secondary sanctions has vanished. Sinochem has agreed to buy a cargo of 1 million barrels of Venezuelas Merey crude for arrival this month, at a discount of $11 per barrel to dated Brent crude on a delivered ex-ship (DES) basis, according to Reuters trading sources with knowledge of the purchase. Before the sanctions relief, this discount on Merey was estimated at around $20 per barrel. ADVERTISEMENT Since the U.S. eased the sanctions, demand for Venezuelan crude outside China has increased. India, for example, said last week it would buy oil from Venezuela for the first such purchase since 2020. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Germanys state-controlled firm Securing Energy for Europe (Sefe) and Equinor signed on Tuesday one of the biggest-ever natural supply deals for Norways energy giant worth an estimated $55 billion (50 billion euros). Equinor will supply Germanys Sefe with around 10 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas per year from January 1, 2024 until 2034, plus an option for another 5 years, at terms reflecting market prices, the Norwegian major said. The annual volumes are equivalent to one third of German industrial demand, Equinor noted, adding that After the Troll gas sales agreement in 1986, this is one of the largest gas sales agreements Equinor has entered into as a company. According to Reuters estimates, the deal would be worth $55 billion (50 billion euros) in total. Sefe, wholly owned by the German government, was created last year after Germany saved a former Gazprom unit it had expropriated in April with a multi-billion-euro loan. Gazprom Germania was renamed Securing Energy for Europe GmbH (Sefe), to secure energy supply to Germany and Europe, the government said last summer. The total volumes we have agreed make this one of the largest agreements we have made as a company, and the supplies will contribute to energy security for Germany and Europe, Equinors chief executive Anders Opedal said in a statement. Egbert Laege, CEO of Sefe, said The procurement of natural gas from the Norwegian continental shelf ensures the sustainable and future-proof supply for European and, in particular, German customers in the household and industrial sectors. The natural gas will be delivered to Trading Hub Europe (THE) in Germany, Title Transfer Facility (TTF) in the Netherlands, and at the National Balancing Point (NBP) in the UK. ADVERTISEMENT The deal signed today also includes a non-binding letter of intent for Sefe to become a long term off-taker of giga-scale, low-carbon hydrogen supplies from Equinor starting in 2029 and continuing towards 2060. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Middle Eastern crude benchmarks Dubai and Oman deepened discounts to Dubai swaps this week to levels last seen in 2020 amid thin trade and liquidity and weak demand from north Asia, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing traders and data. A drop in the benchmarks, of which some 18 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude from the Middle East and Russia to Asia are priced, could trigger a second consecutive drop in Saudi crude prices for Asia, when Aramco announces in early January its official selling prices (OSPs) for Asia for February loadings. At Mondays close, the cash Dubai and DME Oman futures were trading at discounts of $0.46 and $0.65 per barrel, respectively, to Dubai swapsthe deepest discounts since 2020, according to Reuters data. Demand from China and Japan is soft and some traders have brought forward spot buys ahead of the year-end holidays. Refineries in some parts of Asia are also planning maintenance next March so demand for supply loading for Asia in January and February is low. Last week, the Middle Eastern benchmarks Oman, Dubai, and Murban flipped to discounts against Dubai quotes for the first time since October 2020, as trade is thin and demand is soft. This month demand is super slow, a trader based in Singapore told Reuters. Demand for Saudi crude at Chinese refiners is at its lowest since August after the worlds top crude exporter set the price of its oil for January at levels higher than the market was expecting, trading sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters last week. Earlier last month, Saudi Arabia cut the price of its flagship crude, Arab Light, loading in January for Asia by $0.50 per barrel over the Oman/Dubai average. While the cut was widely expected by the market and was the first reduction in the official selling price (OSP) of Arab Light for Asia in seven months, it was half of what market participants were anticipating. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Crude oil prices hit the highest in two weeks following BPs announcement it will temporarily reroute its tankers away from the Red Sea amid intensifying attacks by the Yemeni Houthis on vessels in the area. Brent crude gained 1.8% on Monday and earlier today topped $78 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate topped $72 per barrel. Despite price stabilization today, the potential risks caused by supply disruptions and the Middle East unrest could bring significant volatility to oil markets," CMC Markets analyst Tina Teng told Reuters. BP announced it would halt shipments of oil and gas via the Red Sea on Monday, saying In light of the deteriorating security situation for shipping in the Red Sea, BP has decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea, and adding that We will keep this precautionary pause under ongoing review, subject to circumstances as they evolve in the region. The move prompted an immediate response from the United States, which announced it was forming a coalition to step up patrols in the area, engaging the support of half a dozen NATO members including the UK and France, and Gulf ally Bahrain. The Red Sea is a key route in global oil shipments leading to the Suez Canal that handles some 8% of global oil trade, Bloomberg noted in a report. It is the shortest trade route between Asia and Europe. The report cited an energy analyst as saying the main thing to watch for now was whether the attacks would escalate further. The broader concerns are if Houthi bombings and the blockade will escalate tensions in the Mideast and whether Iran jumps into the fray, John Driscoll, JTD Energy Services founder and director, said. Iran has warned an increased presence of Western Navies in the region would be a mistake, per a Reuters report from earlier today. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The United States is leading a coalition of half a dozen countries to step up the protection of shipping routes in the Red Sea amid attacks from the Yemeni Houthis on vessels in the area. The announcement, made by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, came just hours after BP said it would bypass the Red Sea with its tankers, which immediately pushed oil prices higher. Per a Financial Times report, the coalition will involve several NATO countries, including the UK and France, as well as allies from the Gulf such as Bahrain. These will provide more ships to patrol the waters in what Austin called Operation Prosperity Guardian. In light of the deteriorating security situation for shipping in the Red Sea, BP has decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea, BP said on Monday in a statement carried by the BBC. We will keep this precautionary pause under ongoing review, subject to circumstances as they evolve in the region, the company noted. BP thus becomes the latest major firm to have decided to temporarily halt shipments in the area that has become a prime target of attacks on vessels by the Iran-aligned Houthis who control most of Yemen. The worlds largest shipping lines have also announced the suspension of travel through the Red Sea amid the string of attacks by Yemen's Houthis and, most recently, Somali pirates. Maersk Tankers, Moller-Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC all said their vessels would be avoiding the Suez Canal until the security situation improves. The most recent addition to this group was French CMA CGM. The Houthis declared their missile and drone attacks on vessels passing through the Red Sea as a response to Israels blanket bombing of Gaza. Since November, there have been eleven attacks, the FT said in its report. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia is a major supplier of enriched uranium to the U.S., accounting for nearly a quarter of America's supply last year. A U.S. bill to ban Russian uranium imports by 2028 is being debated, which could lead to a significant increase in uranium prices. Tenex's U.S. branch informed companies like Constellation Energy and Duke Energy about the possible ban, although Russia hasn't made a final decision yet. Oil isn't the only commodity at the center of tensions between the U.S. and Russia... Now Russian state-owned uranium company Tenex is telling American customers that "the Kremlin may preemptively bar exports" to the U.S. if Washington passes certain legislation that would prohibit imports beginning in 2028, Bloomberg reported on Friday. Tenex's US branch has already alerted firms like Constellation Energy, Duke Energy, and Dominion Energy about a potential scenario, the report says, though Russia hasn't finalized a decision. The individual companies didn't respond to comments from Bloomberg, while Rosatom, Tenex's parent company, refuted claims of any warnings issued to US clients. Rosatom commented: Tenex completely refutes as inaccurate the information regarding the alleged warnings of a potential pre-emptive ban on enriched uranium supplies to the United States. Neither Tenex itself nor any of its subsidiaries have issued any such notifications to their foreign customers, they added. Banning Russian uranium exports could disrupt markets and increase fuel prices, affecting smaller utilities, the report says. As a reminder, the US Senate halted a fast-track approval of a House bill banning Russian uranium imports, though it remains popular and might resurface If the bill passes it would permit imports until 2028 via waivers, giving utilities time to find other sources. Russia, supplying nearly a quarter of America's enriched uranium last year, is a key provider. Jonathan Hinze of UxC LLC told Bloomberg that without these waivers, prices could jump from $152 to a record $180 per separative work unit. SWUs measure uranium's volume and enrichment.' He added: But if there is an immediate ban it could be even more extreme. There are very limited supplies available. Recall we noted at the end of October that hedge funds were loading up on uranium stocks, many of which have had returns double digit percentages higher than the S&P for 2023, after uranium lagged in previous years. ADVERTISEMENT Were most focused on uranium miners in public markets, Arthur Hyde, a portfolio manager at Segra Capital, told Bloomberg two months ago. For the supply and demand of this market to balance, we need new assets to come online...If youre going to insulate the US, Europe and Canada from the global fuel cycle, which is heavily dependent on Russia and China, the best way to do that is to build new mines, new conversion capacity, new enrichment capacity. By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Nebraskas population growth rebounded to healthy levels in the past year after two years of anemic growth brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Census Bureau on Tuesday estimated that Nebraskas population reached 1,978,379 as of July 1 this year, up 10,319 people from the estimate for 2022. In sheer numbers, that increase was more than double the combined growth in 2021 and 2022, when the state was estimated to have added just 980 and 3,807 people, respectively. Those numbers were held down by increased deaths during the pandemic as well as lower immigration. Its kind of a return to more normal growth, said David Drozd, a demographer with Community Health Development Partners of Omaha. To be back above the 10,000-per-year level indicates we are coming out of the more COVID-related impacts to more typical growth years. Nebraskas growth of 0.5% in the past year also slightly exceeded the U.S. growth rate, representing relatively strong growth for the state. Since the 2020 Census, Nebraska has grown by 0.8%, ranking 24th among the states. While its still early in the decade, Nebraskas growth compared to the nations also bodes well for it keeping all three of its congressional seats during the next reapportionment after the 2030 Census, Drozd said. It would take some major shift or change again for us to be in danger of losing a congressional seat, he said. With the new estimates, Nebraska now also resumes its slow march toward a total population of 2 million. At its current growth rate, it could hit that mark by 2025. The 2023 number resumes what has recently been a period of historically high growth in Nebraska. Nebraskas growth has now exceeded the U.S. rate for eight of the past 15 years. Before that, it had been nearly a half-century since Nebraskas population increase had topped the national growth rate. While Nebraska tends to lose more people than it gains through domestic migration among the states, its population is buttressed by the fact that its a top 10 state in terms of births exceeding deaths, Drozd said. Both Nebraska and the nation in 2023 posted their largest population gains since 2018. Since 2020, Nebraskas .8% growth exceeds Iowa (.5%) and Kansas (.1%) and Missouri (.7%) but trails neighbors South Dakota (3.7%), Colorado (1.8%) and Wyoming (1.2%). In the past year, Iowa added an estimated 7,311 people, about 3,000 fewer than Nebraska but well above the 1,749 Iowa added in 2022. Its total population is just over 3.2 million. Many states saw higher growth in 2023, due to a combination of fewer deaths from the pandemic and an increase in immigration to more normal levels. Total deaths nationally were down 9% over the previous year. Ultimately, fewer deaths paired with rebounding immigration resulted in the nation experiencing its largest population gain since 2018, said Kristie Wilder, a demographer in the Population Division at the Census Bureau. Texas experienced the largest numeric change in the nation, adding 473,453 people, followed by Florida, which added 365,205 residents. South Carolina and Florida were the two fastest-growing states in 2023, growing by 1.7% and 1.6%, respectively. Eight states saw their population fall in 2023: California (-75,423), Hawaii (-4,261), Illinois (-32,826), Louisiana (-14,274), New York (-101,984), Oregon (-6,021), Pennsylvania (-10,408), and West Virginia (-3,964). Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023 Hackers breached the security of over 35 million Xfinity users' accounts by taking advantage of a critical-rated vulnerability, according to Comcast. In late August, hackers began exploiting a vulnerability called "CitrixBleed" in Citrix networking equipment, which is often employed by large organizations. Many firms failed to apply the updates in time despite Citrix making them accessible in early October. In a report by TechCrunch, notable victims that have fallen prey to hackers using the CitrixBleed vulnerability include the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, global law firm Allen & Overy, and aerospace giant Boeing. Xfinity Hit by 'Citrixbleed' Security Flaw Xfinity, the cable television and internet division of Comcast, was the most recent target of CitrixBleed, according to the company's notice to customers on Monday, December 18. The American telecom behemoth revealed that no malicious activity was detected until October 25. Reportedly, the hackers already gained access to its internal systems from October 16 to 19 via the CitrixBleed vulnerability. Xfinity discovered on November 16 that the hackers had likely obtained some information. This month, the business came to the conclusion that this contained client data, such as passwords and usernames, which are kept in a manner that renders them unintelligible to humans. The business has announced that hackers may have gained access to sensitive information for an undetermined number of clients, including names, contact details, dates of birth, Social Security numbers (down to the last four digits), and security questions and answers. According to Comcast, "Our data analysis is continuing, and we will provide additional notices as appropriate," which might mean that other kinds of data were also accessed. See Also: British Library Hit by Data Breach, Potentially Causing Months of Disruption Instructions for Millions Affected by Breach The notification does not specify the number. Nevertheless, Comcast verified in a document sent to the attorney general of Maine that the breach impacted about 35.8 million subscribers. The fact that more than 32 million broadband subscribers are included in Comcast's most recent financial report implies that this breach has affected the majority, if not all, of Xfinity customers. The fate of Xfinity, the effects on the company's operators, and whether or not the event has been reported to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in accordance with the regulator's new data breach reporting regulations are yet unknown. But Comcast spokesperson Joel Shadle told TechCrunch, "We are not aware of any customer data being leaked anywhere, nor of any attacks on our customers." Xfinity has announced that it would be mandating password resets and strongly suggests that all user accounts utilize two-factor or multi-factor authentication, even though the firm does not mandate it by default. See Also: Israel-Linked Hackers Allegedly Breach Majority of Iran's Gas Stations in Cyberattack @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Rev. Stephen Gutgsell was fascinated by people. Particularly, the deep-thinking priest enjoyed what made each person unique. Those remembrances about the slain Fort Calhoun priest came from Grand Island Bishop Joe Hanefeldt, who spoke during the homily of Gutgsells funeral Mass held at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha on Monday. In front of a crowd of more than 800 people, Hanefeldt, a seminary classmate of Gutgsells, remembered the 65-year-old priest as a tireless servant for bringing Gods message and sacraments to people. Hanefeldt said Gutgsell was particularly concerned about peoples readiness to meet God upon their deaths. As the bishop noted, Gutgsell invited people to pray with him for those who faced unexpected, violent or unprepared deaths. How noteworthy that he would die unexpectedly and violently, Hanefeldt said. We trust, however, that he was not unprepared. Gutgsells funeral Mass came eight days after he was stabbed to death inside the St. John the Baptist Church rectory in Fort Calhoun. Kierre Williams of Sioux City, Iowa, has been charged with first-degree murder and other offenses in connection with Gutgsells killing. On Monday, mourners watched as Knights of Columbus members began the funeral procession inside the cathedral. As the organ music played and the choir sang, the members stood along the sides of the center aisle as Archbishop George Lucas, bishops, servants and priests from across the Archdiocese of Omahas ecclesiastical territory of 23 counties proceeded to the altar and front pews of the cathedral. As they made their way, Gutgsells closed metal casket was carried by more than a dozen pallbearers into the cathedral, including by former St. Cecilia priest and archdiocese chancellor Rev. Michael Gutgsell, his brother. Halfway to the altar, Gutgsells family placed a shroud over his casket under the overhanging wreath in the center of the cathedral. Although Gutgsells life came to a tragic end, Hanefeldt expressed confidence that he is now at peace. I am confident that when anguish, distress, persecution and peril in the sword came upon him in the early hours of the morning on December 10, he had the chance to affirm his love for Christ and call upon his mercy, the bishop said. Nothing was able to separate him from the love of God. Gutgsells death has severely emotionally impacted the archdiocese. Theres been a wound in our presbyterate. I feel it in my bones, Lucas said, his voice notably breaking. At this time, its just good for us to not take anything for granted. Lucas promised the church will support people affected by Gutgsells death. In remarks with The World-Herald, Lucas said multiple priests will officiate Sunday Mass in Fort Calhoun for the foreseeable future. Lucas added he plans to celebrate Mass on Christmas Eve in Fort Calhoun. Photos: Funeral of Rev. Stephen Gutgsell LONDON Comedian Russell Brand has been questioned for a second time by police investigating sexual offense allegations, British media reported Monday. Brand, 48, was interviewed under caution last week over six non-recent allegations, the Press Association news agency reported. Brand was questioned by police in November over three other claims. London's Metropolitan Police did not identify Brand but said in a statement that a man in his 40s attended a police station in south London for a second time on Dec. 14. He was interviewed under caution by detectives in relation to a further six, non-recent, sexual offenses," police said. British police do not name suspects who have not been arrested and charged. In September, British media outlets published claims by four women of being sexually assaulted or raped by Brand between 2006 and 2013, at the height of his fame. The accusers have not been named. The comedian, author and Get Him To The Greek actor has denied the allegations, saying his relationships were always consensual. Two U.K. police forces, the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police, launched investigations against Brand after the claims were published. The BBC, where Brand worked on radio programs from 2006 to 2008, also launched a review into his behavior. Photos: Russell Brand through the years NEW YORK The scene: A crowded shopping center in the weeks before Christmas. Or a warehouse store. Or maybe a packed airport terminal or a commuter train station or another place where large groups gather. There are people lots of people. But look around, and it's clear one thing is largely absent these days: face masks. Yes, there's the odd one here and there, but nothing like it was three years ago at the dawn of the COVID pandemic's first winter holidays an American moment of contentiousness, accusation and scorn on both sides of the mask debate. As 2023 draws to an end, with promises of holiday parties and crowds and lots of inadvertent exchanges of shared air, mask-wearing is much more off than on around the country even as COVID's long tail lingers. The days of anything approaching a widespread mask mandate would be like the Ghost of Christmas Past, a glimpse into what was. Look at it a different way, though: These days, mask-wearing has become just another thing that simply happens in America. In a country where the mention of a mask prior to the pandemic usually meant Halloween or a costume party, it's a new way of being that hasn't gone away even if most people aren't doing it regularly. "That's an interesting part of the pandemic," says Brooke Tully, a strategist who works on how to change people's behaviors. "Home delivery of food and all of those kind of services, they existed before COVID and actually were gaining some momentum," she says. "But something like mask-wearing in the U.S. didn't really have an existing baseline. It was something entirely new in COVID. So it's one of those new introductions of behaviors and norms." It tends to be situational, like the recent decision from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospital system to reinstate a mask mandate at its facilities starting Dec. 20 because it's seeing an increase in respiratory viruses. And for people like Sally Kiser, 60, of Mooresville, North Carolina, who manages a home health care agency. "I always carry one with me," she says, "'cause I never know." She doesn't always wear it, depending on the environment she's in, but she will if she thinks it's prudent. "It's kind of like a new paradigm for the world we live in," she says. It wasn't that long ago that fear over catching COVID-19 sent demand for masks into overdrive, with terms like "N95" coming into our vocabularies alongside concepts like mask mandates and the subsequent, and vehement, backlash from those who felt it was government overreach. Once the mandates started dropping, the masks started coming off and the demand fell. It fell so much so that Project N95, a nonprofit launched during the pandemic to help people find quality masks, announced earlier this month that it would stop sales Monday because there wasn't enough interest. Anne Miller, the organization's executive director, acknowledges she thought widespread mask usage would become the rule, not the exception. "I thought the new normal would be like we see in other cultures and other parts of the world where people just wear a mask out of an abundance of caution for other people," she says. But that's not how norms work, public safety or otherwise, says Markus Kemmelmeier, a professor of sociology at the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2020, Kemmelmeier authored a study about mask-wearing around the country that showed mask usage and mandate resistance varied by region based on conditions including pre-existing cultural divisions and political orientation. He points to the outcry after the introduction of seatbelts and seatbelt laws more than four decades ago as an example of how practices, particularly those required in certain parts of society, do or don't take hold. "When they first were instituted with all the sense that they make and all the effectiveness, there was a lot of resistance," Kemmelmeier says. "The argument was basically lots of complaints about individual freedoms being curtailed and so forth, and you can't tell me what to do and so forth." In New York City's Brooklyn borough, members of the Park Slope Co-op recently decided there was a need at the longstanding, membership-required grocery. Last month, the co-op instituted mask-required Wednesdays and Thursdays; the other five days continue to have no requirement. The people who proposed it weren't focused on COVID rates. They were thinking about immune-compromised people, a population that has always existed but came to mainstream awareness during the pandemic, says co-op general manager Joe Holtz. Proponents of the mask push at the co-op emphasized that immunocompromised people are more at risk from other people's respiratory ailments like colds and flu. Implementing a window of required mask usage allows them to be more protected, Holtz says. It was up to the store's administrators to pick the days, and they went with two of the slowest instead of the busy weekend days on purpose, Holtz says, a nod to the reality that mask requirements get different responses from people. "From management's point of view," he says, "if we were going to try and if there's going to be a negative financial impact from this decision that was made, we want to minimize it." Those shopping there on a recent Thursday didn't seem fazed. Aron Halberstam, 77, says he doesn't usually mask much these days but wasn't put off by the requirement. He wears a mask on the days it's required, even if he doesn't otherwise a middle ground reflecting what is happening in so many parts of the country more than three years after the mask became a part of daily conversation and daily life. "Any place which asks you to do it, I just do it," Halberstam says. "I have no resistance to it." Whatever the level of resistance, says Kemmelmeier, the culture has shifted. People are still wearing masks in places like crowded stores or while traveling. They do so because they choose to for their own reasons and not because the government is requiring it. And new reasons can come up as well, like when wildfires over the summer made air quality poor and people used masks to deal with the haze and smoke. "It always will find a niche to fit in with," he says. "And as long as there are needs somewhere, it will survive." Health care inflation remains low as other services continue to spike Health care inflation remains low as other services continue to spike Inflation for services and what it means for health care LUKEVILLE, Ariz. Hundreds of dates are written on concrete-filled steel columns erected along the U.S. border with Mexico to memorialize when the Border Patrol has repaired illicit openings in the would-be barriers. Yet no sooner are fixes made than another column is sawed, torched and chiseled for large groups of migrants to enter, usually with no agents in sight. The breaches stretch about 30 miles on a washboard gravel road west of Lukeville, an Arizona desert town that consists of an official border crossing, restaurant and duty-free shop. The repair dates are mostly since spring, when the flat desert region dotted with saguaro cactus became the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. A Border Patrol tour in Arizona for news organizations showed improvements in custody conditions and processing times, but flows are overwhelming. The huge spike in migrants and resulting chaos at various border locations increased frustration with the Biden administration's immigration policies and put pressure on Congress to reach a deal on asylum. The numbers nudged the White House and some congressional Democrats to consider major limits to asylum as part of a deal for Ukraine aid. As Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas left closed-door talks with congressional leaders Friday, dozens of migrants from Senegal, Guinea and Mexico walked along the Arizona border wall built during Donald Trump's presidency, looking to surrender to agents. A Mexican woman walked briskly with her two daughters and five grandchildren, ages 2 to 7, after being dropped off by a bus in Mexico and instructed by guides. "They told us where to go; to go straight," said Alicia Santay of Guatemala, who waited in a Border Patrol tent in Lukeville for initial processing. Santay, 22, and her 16-year-old sister hoped to join their father in New York. The dates when wall breaches were fixed are often bunched together. One cluster showed five dates from April 12 to Oct. 3. On Friday, agents drove looking for openings and found one on a column that was repaired twice on Oct. 31 and again Dec. 5. Smuggling organizations remove a few inches from the bottom of 30-foot steel poles, which agents say can take as little as a half-hour. Columns sway back and forth, like a cantilever swing, creating space for large groups to walk through. Welders often attach metal bars horizontally across several columns to prevent swinging, but there are plenty of other places to saw. "Our officers and agents are responding to large groups of migrants, which means that some of our agents aren't on the line, not really monitoring for some of those cuts," said Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's acting commissioner. "If we don't have anybody to respond, then you're going to see what you're seeing." The number of daily arrivals is "unprecedented," Miller said, with illegal crossings topping 10,000 some days across the border in December. On Monday, CBP suspended cross-border rail traffic in the Texas cities of Eagle Pass and El Paso in response to migrants riding freight trains through Mexico, hopping off just before entering the U.S. The Lukeville border crossing is closed, as is a pedestrian entry in San Diego, so more officials can be assigned to the migrant influx. Arrests for illegal crossings topped 2 million for the first time each of the U.S. government's last two budget years, reflecting technological changes that increased global mobility and ills prompting people to leave their homes, including wealth inequality, natural disasters, political repression and organized crime. Miller said solutions go well beyond CBP, which includes the Border Patrol, to other agencies whose responsibilities include long-term detention and asylum screenings. On cuts in the wall, Miller said Mexican authorities "need to step up." Arrests in the Border Patrol's Tucson sector, which includes Lukeville, topped all nine sectors on the Mexican border from May to October, except June, according to the latest public figures. It is a throwback to the early 2000s before traffic shifted to Texas, but the demographics are much different. Arrests of people in families neared 72,000 in the Tucson sector from Oct. 1 through Dec. 9, more than nine times the same period last year. That's a big change from when almost all migrants were adult men. Arrests of non-Mexicans topped 75,000, nearly quadruple the number from a year ago and more than half of all sector arrests. Senegalese people accounted for more than 9,000 arrests in Tucson from Oct. 1 to Dec. 9, while arrests of people from Guinea and India each topped 4,000. Agents encountered migrants from about four dozen Eastern hemisphere countries. Agents who pick up migrants near the wall drive them to Lukeville to start their processing. They drive about 45 minutes to a station in Ajo that was built to detain 100 people but housed 325 on Friday. Some are bused to other Border Patrol sectors but most are sent to Tucson, about two hours away. At a sprawl of white tents near Tucson International Airport that was built for about 1,000 people, some migrants are flown to the Texas border for processing. Others are released within two days, as mandated by a court order in the Tucson sector. CBP policy limits detention to 72 hours. Most are released with notices to appear in immigration courts, which are backlogged with more than 3 million cases. Some are detained longer by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Discussions in Congress may produce the most significant immigration legislation since 1996. Potential changes include more mandatory detention and broader use of a rule to raise thresholds for initial asylum screenings. Americas reeling as flow of migrants reaches historic levels ROME Pope Francis formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced Monday, a radical shift in policy that aimed at making the church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage. While some heralded the Vatican statement as a step toward breaking down discrimination in the Catholic Church, some LGBTQ+ advocates warned it underscored the churchs idea that gay couples remain inferior to heterosexual partnerships. The document from the Vatican's doctrine office elaborates on a letter Francis sent to two conservative cardinals that was published in October. In that preliminary response, Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if the blessings weren't confused with the ritual of marriage. The new document repeats that condition and elaborates on it, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman. It stresses that blessings in question must not be tied to any specific Catholic celebration or religious service and should not be conferred at the same time as a civil union ceremony. Moreover, the blessings cannot use set rituals or even involve the clothing and gestures that belong in a wedding. It offers an extensive and broad definition of the term "blessing" in Scripture to insist that people seeking a transcendent relationship with God and looking for his love and mercy shouldn't be held up to an impossible moral standard to receive it. "For, those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection," it said. "There is no intention to legitimize anything, but rather to open one's life to God, to ask for his help to live better, and also to invoke the Holy Spirit so that the values of the Gospel may be lived with greater faithfulness," it added. The document marks the latest gesture of outreach from a pope who has made welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy. From his 2013 quip, "Who am I to judge?" about a purportedly gay priest, to his 2023 comment to The Associated Press that "Being homosexual is not a crime," Francis has distinguished himself from his predecessors with his message of welcome. "The significance of this news cannot be overstated," said Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, which supports LGBTQ+ Catholics. "It is one thing to formally approve same-gender blessings, which he had already pastorally permitted, but to say that people should not be subjected to 'an exhaustive moral analysis' to receive God's love and mercy is an even more significant step." The Vatican holds that marriage is an indissoluble union between man and woman. As a result, it has long opposed same-sex marriage and considers homosexual acts to be "intrinsically disordered." Nothing in the new document changes that teaching. In 2021, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said flat-out that the church couldn't bless the unions of two men or two women because "God cannot bless sin." That 2021 pronouncement created an outcry and appeared to have blindsided Francis, even though he technically approved its publication. Soon after it was published, he removed the official responsible for it and set about laying the groundwork for a reversal. In the new document, the Vatican said the church must avoid "doctrinal or disciplinary schemes especially when they lead to a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and classifies others." It stressed that people in "irregular" unions of extramarital sex gay or straight are in a state of sin. But it said that shouldn't deprive them of God's love or mercy. "Even when a person's relationship with God is clouded by sin, he can always ask for a blessing, stretching out his hand to God," the document said. "Thus, when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it," the document said. The Rev. James Martin, who advocates for a greater welcome for LGBTQ+ Catholics, praised the new document as a "huge step forward" and a "dramatic shift" from the Vatican's 2021 policy. "Along with many Catholic priests, I will now be delighted to bless my friends in same-sex marriages," he said in an email. Traditionalists, however, were outraged. The traditionalist blogger Luigi Casalini of Messa in Latino (Latin Mass) blog wrote that the document appeared to be a form of heresy. "The church is crumbling," he wrote. University of Notre Dame theologian Ulrich Lehner was also concerned, saying it would merely sow confusion and could lead to division in the church. "The Vatican's statement is, in my view, the most unfortunate public announcement in decades," he said in a statement. "Moreover, some bishops will use it as a pretext to do what the document explicitly forbids, especially since the Vatican has not stopped them before. It is and I hate to say it an invitation to schism." BROWNSVILLE, Texas Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday approved sweeping new powers that allow police to arrest migrants who illegally cross the U.S. border and give local judges authority to order them to leave the country, testing the limits of how far a state can go to enforce immigration laws. Opponents have called the measure the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law denounced by critics as the Show Me Your Papers bill that was largely struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and Texas law is also likely to face swift legal challenges. The law, which takes effect in March, allows any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest people who are suspected of entering the country illegally. Once in custody, they could either agree to a Texas judges order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Migrants who dont leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges. Abbott, who signed the law in front of a section of border fence in Brownsville, predicted the number of people crossing illegally into Texas would drop by well over 50%, maybe 75%." He did not offer evidence for that estimate. The consequences of it are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas," he said. The law adds another tension point over immigration amid a struggle between the White House and Senate negotiators to reach a deal on border security. Republicans in Congress are demanding changes to the immigration system in exchange for any help for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs. Texas Republicans have increasingly challenged the U.S. governments authority over immigration, saying President Joe Biden's administration isnt doing enough to control the 1,950-mile (3,149-kilometer) southern border. Texas has bused more than 65,000 migrants to cities across America since August 2022 and recently installed razor wire along the banks of the Rio Grande, which has snagged and injured some asylum-seekers. The U.S. government on Monday temporarily shut down two railroad border crossings in Texas, a move that rail operators said would hamper trade ahead of Christmas. Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protections acting commissioner, said the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso were a response to more migrants traveling on freight trains, particularly over the last week. Miller said authorities are seeing unprecedented arrivals at the border, topping 10,000 crossings on some days this month. Shortly after Abbott signed the new law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said it would challenge the measure in court. More than 20 congressional Democrats also signed a letter urging the U.S. Justice Department to sue to stop the law, known as Senate Bill 4. SB 4 is dangerous for the people of Texas and interferes with the federal governments exclusive authority over immigration and foreign affairs," the letter read. Mexicos government also has rebuked the measure. Under bilateral and international agreements, Mexico is required to accept deportations of its own citizens, but not those of other countries. Under the Texas law, migrants ordered to leave would be sent to ports of entry along the border with Mexico, even if they are not Mexican citizens. In September and October, Venezuelans were the largest nationality arrested for illegally crossing the U.S. border. During debate in the Texas House in November, GOP state Rep. David Spiller pushed back against concerns that the law would be used as a dragnet to arrest immigrants statewide. He said enforcement would mostly take place in border counties. But he also rebuffed several efforts by Democrats to narrow the law, including a proposed carve-out for police on college campuses. Because the illegal entry charge is a misdemeanor, which has a statue of limitation of two years, Spiller has said the law will not be used to target immigrants who have long been settled in the U.S. This is not, Round up everyone who is here illegally and ship them back to Mexico, he said during debate over the bill. Opponents have accused Texas Republicans of using the law as a vehicle to force the Supreme Courts new conservative majority to revisit its landmark 2012 Arizona decision. At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said Arizona may have understandable frustrations with immigrants who are in the country illegally but that it cant pursue policies that undermine federal law. ___ Weber contributed from Austin, Texas. Associated Press writers Mark Stevenson in Mexico City and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. ___ A man has been arrested after a fatal shooting Sunday night in Superior, the Nebraska State Patrol said in a press release Monday. Around 11:55 p.m., the Nuckolls County Sheriff's Office requested help from the State Patrol in regard to a shooting at a home in the 1200 block of Idaho Street, according to a State Patrol press release. Deputies and officers with the Superior Police Department arrived at the house and discovered Molly Gruber, 35, inside with a gunshot wound. Gruber was transported to Brodstone Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the press release said. Sebastian Dunbar, 30, was arrested at the home. Investigators determined that the shooting happened during a domestic dispute between Gruber and Dunbar. There was a child inside the house at the time of the incident. The child has been placed in protective custody, the press release said. Dunbar was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and domestic violence. He is being held at the Clay County Jail, the press release said. The investigation remains ongoing. NORTH PLATTE, Neb. The son in the father-son duo convicted of animal cruelty in Logan and Lincoln Counties was sentenced to probation Monday. Matthew J. Mikoloyck, 42, was sentenced to 36 months of probation in Lincoln County District Court. He also will have to pay a $10,000 fine. He pleaded guilty in October to two counts of felony abandonment or cruel neglect of livestock. As part of the plea deal, eight other counts of felony abandonment or cruel neglect of livestock were dropped. In another related case, 10 counts of intentional cruelty to an animal also were dropped. Mikoloyck opted to waive undergoing a pre-sentence investigation, something District Judge Michael Piccolo made note of, which factored in to his sentence. Part of his probation condition stipulates that he not have any non-domesticated animals for five years. He is allowed to keep dogs and cats, or animals of non-livestock nature. Mikoloycks attorney, Justin Cook, asked the court to consider the weather and tough conditions the defendant faced before sentencing. He cited the fact there was more than 22 inches of snow in January alone and a drought during 2022. That harsh weather impeded their ability to properly take care of their animals, he said. They did a really good job of getting them fed and trying to keep them fed given the circumstances. It takes very large equipment to move that kind of snow, he said. Cook declined to comment on the case or the outcome to the North Platte Telegraph. In February, Mikoloyck and his father were arrested after the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office found more than 150 head of cattle dead on their property in Logan County. They owned more than 1,000 cattle. Many were found in a malnourished state. The father, Larry Mikoloyck, 76, was sentenced in September to 18 months of probation. He is not allowed to have any non-domesticated animals in his custody during that time. Court records stated cattle were piled on top of one another in multiple layers in one part of the property. In addition, multiple residents told investigators cattle escaped on an almost daily basis from the ranch. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023 Authorities have released the name of a man killed after a series of explosions destroyed a home early Sunday in Hastings, Nebraska. Jeffrey Ponder, 52, died after the incident at 618 S. Boston Ave. in Hastings, authorities said in a press release. The explosions were "likely due to explosive/destructive devices." Ponder lived at the home. A preliminary investigation found that Ponder was illegally constructing and storing his own destructive devices at the property, the release said. There's no indication that Ponder intended to use the devices as weapons against people or property, and the explosion is believed to be accidental, the release said. Authorities were called to the home about 3:15 a.m. Sunday on the report of an explosion inside the residence. As first responders arrived on the scene, there were more explosions within the home, police said. City of Hastings Public Information Manager Tony Herrman said the timeline from the first explosion to the last was about 10 to 15 minutes. LINCOLN The Swift Beef Company has agreed to pay $275,000 in civil penalties for allegedly discharging pollutants into the water near its Grand Island, Nebraska, beef processing plant. Officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the settlement on Monday, which resolves the companys alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act. Swift is a subsidiary of JBS, one of the largest meat processors in the world. Unauthorized pollution discharges threaten the health of our nations waters and the public use and enjoyment of those waters, said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. This settlement demonstrates EPAs commitment to protecting watersheds, especially in areas overburdened by pollution, and creating a level playing field for businesses who are complying with the law. According to the settlement documents, the penalty concerns alleged violations of a permit issued under federal and Nebraska law that allows Swift to discharge a limited amount of pollutants into the Wood River and Grand Islands water treatment plant. EPA charged that Swift exceeded the permit limits for biochemical oxygen demand, chloride, ammonia, nitrogen and total suspended solids at least 50 times cumulatively between 2018 and 2023. Suspended solids are fine particles dispersed in water. In addition to paying the penalty, the company agreed to perform an analysis to determine the root causes of the facilitys Clean Water Act violations and to submit a compliance work plan to eliminate future violations. This is not the first time that EPA has fined Swift for violating the Clean Water Act. In 2011, the company paid a penalty of $1.2 million for violations similar to the ones in this current matter. The earlier complaint, in which Nebraska joined as a co-plaintiff, alleged that Swift violated its permit on numerous occasions between 2006 and 2011, including violations in 2008 that caused a fish kill along 16 miles of the Wood River and 7.5 miles of the Platte River. The EPA announcement said the community surrounding Swifts facility was a potentially sensitive location for proximity to hazardous wastes. EPA is trying to address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations. According to the settlement documents, Swift was processing about 4,500 cattle per day when EPA inspected the plant in April 2022. The plant can process up to 6,500 cattle per day, employs about 3,600 workers and is run 24 hours a day for 6 days per week. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Under the Clean Water Act, industrial facilities that discharge into protected water bodies are required to obtain permits and follow the requirements outlined in those permits to reduce pollution runoff. Failure to obtain a permit or follow the requirements of a permit may violate federal law. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023 Hong Kong: Climate change meeting held Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan and Director-General of Guangdong Department of Ecology & Environment Xu Xiaoxia today co-chaired the fifth meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection & Combating Climate Change online. The meeting reviewed the progress of collaboration in 2023, and agreed to a 2024 work plan. In the past year, Hong Kong and Guangdong implemented the Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Management Plan and monitored the progress and effectiveness of various improvement measures. In the coming years, they will work together on the regional ozone problem and seek to include routine monitoring of ambient volatile organic compounds in a regional air quality monitoring network. On marine environment management, the Notification & Alert System on Marine Refuse has been activated 47 times as of mid-November in response to heavy rainfall or other major marine environmental incidents. Such alerts enabled relevant government departments to take timely clean-up actions. The joint working group also endorsed a work plan for 2024, under which Hong Kong will conclude the three-year project on Characterisation of photochemical ozone formation, regional & super-regional transportation in the Greater Bay Area to identify the causes of ozone formation in the bay area and provide recommendations for the formulation of a regional ozone control policy. In addition, Hong Kong and Guangdong will explore technologies and measures to monitor marine refuse and tackle marine environmental incidents. As regards ecological conservation, the two parties will foster in-depth exchanges and enhance collaboration on forest and wetland reserve projects. They will also continue to promote the sustainable development of marine resources, conservation of ecosystems and construction of marine nature protection waters. This story has been published on: 2023-12-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. China's top legislature schedules session for late December Xinhua) 11:10, December 19, 2023 Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the 16th meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) will hold its seventh session in Beijing from Dec. 25 to 29. The decision, announced on Monday, was made during a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee, which was presided over by Zhao Leji, chairman of the standing committee. According to the proposed agenda, lawmakers will review draft revisions to the Organic Law of the State Council, the Company Law, and the Charity Law, a draft amendment to the Criminal Law, and draft laws on food security, emergency response and management, and rural economic collectives. They will review bills on draft revisions to the Law on Supervision by the Standing Committees of the People's Congresses at All Levels and the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law and on draft decisions on improving the system for recording and reviewing normative documents, as well as authorizing the Macao Special Administrative Region to administer land and waters to the southeast of Gongbei Port in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province. Bills on the draft decision concerning the second session of the 14th NPC, an extradition treaty between China and Botswana, and a treaty on judicial assistance in criminal affairs between China and Senegal will be on the table at the session. Several reports on China's 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, the execution of central government budgets, NPC deputy qualifications, personnel appointments and removals, and other issues will also be submitted at the session. Monday's meeting reviewed and passed in principle the highlights and agendas of work related to legislation and supervision for the NPC Standing Committee in 2024. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) My sister's husband died without a will. For whatever reason, when the two of them purchased their home well into their marriage, it was titled in his name alone, and my sister was not shown as an owner. Contributed Photo / ST Q: My sister's husband died without a will. For whatever reason, when the two of them purchased their home well into their marriage, it was titled in his name alone, and my sister was not shown as an owner. Probate has not happened. The two of them had a daughter together and he had another daughter from a prior marriage. Under Texas law, who will inherit the house? A: There is a presumption under Texas law that the house was owned by the two of them as community property even though it was titled in your brother-in-law's name alone. While there is a slight chance he owned the house as his separate property, that is usually not the case. For him to have owned the house as his separate property, he would have had to purchase it with money he was given or inherited while they were married, or money he had owned before they got married. (There are other ways to have separate property, but these are the most common.) Advertisement Article continues below this ad If the house was owned as community property, then your sister will already own half of it, and your brother-in-law's half would have passed in equal shares to his two daughters upon his death. Under Texas law, your sister would have the right to live in the house rent free for the remainder of her life. If the house was owned by your brother-in-law as his separate property, then the two daughters would inherit full ownership of the house, except that your sister would still have the right to live there rent free for the rest of her life. This answer assumes your sister and brother-in-law did not sign a marital agreement to the contrary. Most people who never get around to having a will prepared also usually do not pay an attorney to prepare a marital property agreement. Q: I want to prepare my own transfer on death deed, but I can't find a website where I can simply print out the form and complete it myself. Every site I find wants me to fill out the form online, and I don't want to do that. With so many scams around, I'm hesitant to fill out anything online or provide important information. Are blank forms available somewhere? A: You can print a blank form at this website: www.texaslawhelp.org. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Three researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been awarded a $428,000 grant to study how members of Congress make decisions on nuclear weapons policy. The grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York will allow UNL political scientists Ingrid Haas, Geoff Lorenz and Rupal Mehta to spend the next two years taking what the researchers say is the first close look at Congress decision-making on nuclear topics in 30 years. Lorenz specializes in the study of federal lawmaking. Mehtas expertise is in nuclear deterrence and nonproliferation, while Haas, a faculty member of UNLs Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, applies theory and methods from psychology and neuroscience to the understanding of American politics and international security. This (grant) ended up being right in the strike zone, the intersection of my interests and Rupals and Ingrids, Lorenz said. The researchers plan to: Build a database of members votes on nuclear issues going back 50 years, as well as speeches and entries in the Congressional Record to examine and measure shifts in partisanship. Complete a case study of how the 1994 Gingrich Revolution affected President Bill Clintons nuclear policy, especially with North Korea. Use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to examine the brains of adult volunteers who answer questions that simulate decision-making regarding nuclear policy. In their study proposal, the researchers called the study of Congress role an important, but missing, piece of the puzzle when it comes to better understanding global nuclear and international security. Lorenz said the executive branch generally, and the president in particular, has generally been seen to lead on nuclear policy. That tendency can be traced to the dawn of the nuclear age, when President Harry Truman consulted only his secretaries of state and war and some of his top military advisers before his decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan. Lorenz sees the 1994 election of a Republican majority in the House of Representatives which then elected Newt Gingrich, a brash and outspoken conservative as a turning point in relations between Congress and the president. The Republican win that year overturned a nearly unbroken 40-year stretch of Democratic control of both houses of Congress. Since then, control of the House and Senate have switched back and forth frequently. This period, he said, has been characterized by growing partisanship on a wide variety of issues. The study will look at whether that partisanship extends to nuclear policy, an area where the parties have at times succeeded in projecting consensus. Everything has gotten more partisan in the last few years, Lorenz said. If nuclear policy has remained (bipartisan), this committee is sort of the exception to the rule. He cited the examples of Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer and Rep. Don Bacon, who have both influenced defense and nuclear policy even when they have been serving in the minority party while looking after the interests of their home-state U.S. Strategic Command. The Carnegie Corporation was created more than 100 years ago as a foundation for the Scottish-born steel magnate Andrew Carnegie to direct his vast wealth (and, later, his estate) toward charitable causes. One of those causes is international peace and security. In their grant proposal, the researchers cited the proliferation of nuclear weapons in recent years as China and North Korea expand their arsenals and Russia retools its own. There may be no more important time for these insights than now, they said. 25 facts about nuclear weapons 25 facts about nuclear weapons Countries armed with nuclear weapons Trying to stop nuclear proliferation Refusing to agree to the accord Large arsenals of the late 1960s China's "modest" nuclear weapons stockpile Lost bombs and other missing nuclear devices To launch or not in 12 minutes Assassinating Iran's top nuclear scientists Blackout at Iran's nuclear fuel enrichment facility U.S., Iran negotiate nuclear deal Iran steps up uranium enrichment A weapon as large as a minivan Largest weapon in U.S. stockpile Billions for nuclear deterrent $600 billion to modernize nuclear arsenal U.N. tries to ban nuclear weapons Withdrawing forward-deployed weapons in the Pacific Estimates on North Korea's nuclear capabilities North Korea tests nuclear bombs Trump, Kim Jong-un meet in historic summit Second North Korea, U.S. summit held in Hanoi Trump crosses into DMZ separating two Koreas Russia-Ukraine War raises concerns about Russia's use of nuclear arsenal BLOOMINGTON Vietnamese sandwiches, poke bowls and boba are the specialties of a new Bloomington restaurant, Dang Boba, Poke & Banh Mi, 1240 E. Empire St. The restaurant, owned by Tan and Nhung Dang, opened on Oct. 23, and is this week's pick for Eats of the Week. The couple's first location opened in Peoria, 1215 W. Main St., on March 12, 2020. The Bloomington location was previously an Arby's for the last 40 years, but has since received a face-lift. Tan Dang said they're proud to showcase where they came from through their food, and noted they found inspiration for the poke bowls after trying them in Hawaii on their honeymoon. He said they wanted to add boba because it is a popular item worldwide that started in Taiwan in the 1980s. "If you go to bigger cities in Cali or New York, it's really, really popular. Except we're in the Midwest, in the middle of cornfields. We went to a lot of colleges that have similar Tai food for students, especially boba or snacks," he said. "We are from Peoria, nearby Bradley, and we just don't have anything from our hometown, so we said, 'let's do it.' So we just decided to do something and bring some diversity into our town." He said they wanted to open a Bloomington location because they already had a strong customer base from Bloomington traveling to the Peoria location. Popular menu items include the boba drinks for the younger crowd, teriyaki bowls and the banh mi sandwiches for men, and the signature poke bowls for women. Customers can create their own poke bowls, and they can also have a cooked or raw version, fitting any lifestyle. The restaurant plans to add specials in the future. "I love the drinks. I love the recipe we created and the products that we have. Like all our boba tea, (we) order under our own brand," Nhung Dang said. "So we're not buying these products from like boba suppliers or anything like that. We customize our products here. So I just find that it has a unique and high quality." She added that her favorite drink is the jasmine tea because of the aroma. Dang Boba also offers smoothies, coffee and various sides such as gyoza, or fried dumplings; miso soup; fried fish balls; rice; calamari salad; shumai, or steamed shrimp dumplings; seaweed salad; takoyaki, or octopus dumpling balls; chicken egg rolls; and more. "I think our products can speak for itself," Tan Dang said. "All we do from A to Z is the correct way, we don't shortcut for example, like a classic milk tea, we prove it with a tea leaf. We do it the right way because we want to be here for a long time." He said many restaurants use a powder form for their milk teas, and it's not as authentic. He added the restaurant aims to have a "good vibe" and clean environment. The restaurant also has a drive-thru in addition to indoor dining. "(We) try to be as fresh as we possibly can. And I think it is underrated food," Tan Dang said. "Right now we want to focus on people on the team. We want to have a standard of what we do, because obviously we put our name out there, we want to live up to that name. And we want to satisfy this shop first, correctly, before we move to the next step." Photos: Santa visits Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education SANTA SUPERINTENDENT 121723-blm-loc-Mouser2.JPG 121723-blm-loc-Mouser3.JPG 121723-blm-loc-Mouser4.JPG 121723-blm-loc-Mouser5.JPEG 121723-blm-loc-Mouser6.JPG BLOOMINGTON The Bloomington woman who is accused of stabbing a man on Friday was released from custody Monday and ordered to be supervised by court services. Aleshia M. McCloud, 35, is charged with aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery after police were called Friday afternoon to a residence on Erickson in Bloomington for a report that a man had been stabbed. He suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries with significant blood loss and underwent surgery Friday, authorities said. Judge Scott Kording ordered that she be released with the statutory conditions of pretrial release and four discretionary conditions: no contact with the man who was injured, no contact with his Bloomington residence, remain in Illinois while the case is pending, report to and comply with McLean County court supervision. The prosecution had filed a petition to deny pretrial release based on the dangerousness standard. Giving the probable cause statement, Assistant States Attorney David Fitt said the victim told police McCloud stabbed him in the left forearm with a steak knife because she couldnt find her phone and accused him of keeping it from her. Other witnesses said they were arguing for several minutes, during which they could hear McCloud yelling at the man to leave her home and to give her phone back. Fitt said McCloud told police the man entered her apartment without permission and took her phone so she couldnt call the police. Assistant Public Defender Joseph Moran noted large and small inconsistencies between the stories provided by the victim, defendant and other witnesses, and he said he believed there was a self-defense argument to be made in this case. Moran said the man committed multiple crimes by trespassing and stealing her phone. The attorney said when McCloud came back from the kitchen with a knife, the man told her You wont stab me, and stepped toward her. This was an intruder. There were children in the house. She couldnt leave. She did the best with the very limited resources she had and the inability to leave her children in that home, Moran said. In giving his ruling, Kording said the evidence showed McCloud had viciously stabbed him in the arm, but I dont see evidence where (he) attacked Ms. McCloud. He found there was sufficient evidence that McCloud posed a real and present threat to the man but the state had not proven there were no pretrial conditions that could mitigate that danger. Denying the states petition, the judge noted McCloud had never violated previous court orders or failed to appear for any court hearing, and she was unlikely to seek out the victim. She was ordered to be released and to abided by the mandatory and discretionary conditions. Kording told McCloud they were serious conditions that are not to be violated, indicating that if she violated them, her liberty could be at risk. An arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 5. PHOTOS: Illinois beats Colgate at home Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball APTOPIX Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball BLOOMINGTON A Decatur man is in McLean County custody on a stolen vehicle charge. Nicholas A. Alexander, 37, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and driving on a revoked license. Assistant States Attorney David Fitt said in a probable cause statement that Illinois State Police found Alexander unconscious in the drivers seat of a vehicle that had left the roadway and gone down the embankment along Interstate 55 near exit 160 at Market Street in Bloomington. The vehicle was owned by a Decatur resident who had left it at an auto body shop in Decatur. Fitt said the vehicle was full of belongings, leaving only the drivers seat open, so he was believed to be the only person who could have been in the car. State police observed Alexander texting an unknown person, asking that they contact police and say they were a person with the same first name as the vehicle owner. Assistant Public Defender Carol Shegog-Parker said Alexander had been a passenger in the vehicle when he and his friend ran out of gas. She left him in the car to go get gas for about two hours before police arrived. The defendant said he had moved over into the drivers seat while he waited, and the friend, who had the same first name as the vehicles owner, had told him she was planning to buy a car so he assumed she had purchased it, his attorney told the court. He was texting the friend so she would contact the police and explain the situation, Shegog-Parker said. Fitt petitioned for Alexander to be detained on the willful flight standard that includes the likelihood that a defendant would thwart prosecution. He argued Alexander was not willing to abide by court orders, having violated them in the past, and the defendant showed a very high risk of fleeing from the court and every incentive to do so, with several pending cases across multiple counties that could result in a significant prison sentence if he is convicted. Shegog-Parker said she did not believe Alexander was trying to thwart the court process and noted he was not driving when he was found. Judge Scott Kording said the defendants claim that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time doesnt quite align with the other evidence presented and it appears he lied to police. Kording said Alexander has a history of disobeying court orders, though he noted the defendant has shown responsibility in other areas of his life. The judge said he believed there was a high likelihood that Alexander would engage in conduct constituting willful flight and release conditions would not mitigate that risk. He ordered Alexander to be held in custody pending trial. An arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 5. PHOTOS: Illinois beats Colgate at home Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball APTOPIX Colgate Illinois Basketball Colgate Illinois Basketball A one-time flagbearer hopeful of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Arthur Kennedy, has explained that calls by persons from across several sectors of the country for the country to have a constitutional review is not what Ghana needs to solve its many problems. He explained that these calls are not necessarily what Ghana needs, and neither is it anything to do with ideas. Comparing the situation of Ghanas constitution with that of the United States of America, Dr. Kennedy said that if it had to do with size, then Ghana should have been in a better place because of the size of its document as against that of the latter. He stressed that in terms of ideas for development and growth of the country, it is evident that there have been a lot since the era of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Let me debunk a few myths before I go on to the main points I want to make, first, Ive heard a lot of Ghanaians, including some of your speakers talk about constitutional reforms. Unfortunately, our problem is not constitutional reforms or ideas. Indeed, when you talk about ideas from Nkrumahs 7-year development plan up to NADAAs Free SHS, weve had ideas. The problem is a situation, and to show that, I have here in my hand a copy of Ghanas 1992 constitution about 350 pages, thats in my left hand, and in my right hand, theres a copy of the US constitution, including the articles of consideration. And this is less than 100 pages. You can see them side by side: 250 years and counting and they have a constitution about a third the one that we have. Our problem, therefore, is not our constitution, he explained. Dr. Arthur Kennedy made these comments while speaking on JoyNews during its Joy Change Series, Diaspora Edition. Dr. Arthur Kennedy, a physician, author and activist, is currently based in the USA and was speaking on the topic, The Problem with Ghana. Source: ghanaweb.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 A huge explosion at the main oil terminal in Guinea's capital Conakry has killed at least eight people and wounded dozens, officials say. The explosion blew out the windows of nearby houses in downtown Conakry, and hundreds of residents fled the area, eyewitnesses said. The authorities have ordered schools in the city to close and urged workers to stay at home. The explosion was caused by a fire. It is unclear what started the blaze. "Eight charred bodies were brought to the morgue of the Ignace Deen hospital," a senior official at the facility told AFP news agency. Media reports of the number of people injured vary from 84 to 100. The fire broke out at around midnight local time, and was still raging hours later. The government has ordered the evacuation of residents in the area. The blaze and billowing black smoke could be seen miles away, Reuters news agency reports. Government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual Diallo told the BBC that he could not confirm casualty figures because "we still haven't finished counting the number of victims". A crisis unit has been set up under the prime minister to deal with the fire, and its aftermath, he said. The gutted oil depot was "strategically very important", as it supplied fuel to almost of the country, Mr Diallo added. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has won a third six-year term with 89.6% of the vote, the electoral commission has announced. The former army chief beat three low-profile candidates, with the runner-up securing only 4.5%. Leading opposition candidate Ahmed Tantawy had pulled out months before last week's poll, claiming intimidation and violence against his campaign camp. Egypt's faltering economy and the war in Gaza were key electoral issues. Mr Sisi, who is 69, first became president in 2014, a year after he had led the military's overthrow of his Islamist predecessor Mohammed Morsi. Mr Sisi won again in 2018. The victory in the latest election means he will be in power until 2030, when he is barred by the constitution from running again. Under his leadership, huge sums of money have been spent on big infrastructure projects. Roads have been expanded and flyovers built, and a new capital costing billions of dollars has been constructed near Cairo but is barely inhabited. Critics say this has drained much of the country's economic resources and created unprecedented levels of debt that have crippled the economy. In the past nine months, the Egyptian pound has lost more than 50% of its value against the US dollar. With the Egyptian economy heavily dependent on imports, the prices of basic commodities have skyrocketed beyond the reach of many households and a black market for foreign currency has flourished. Official figures show that nearly 30% of Egypt's 100 million population lives below the poverty line. Egyptian opposition groups complain they cannot operate effectively due to a constant crackdown on dissent. Human rights campaigners are also complaining about tight security restrictions. They say it is increasingly difficult to document alleged abuses. Egyptian authorities deny the allegations. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The 2023 edition of Ghanas Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) has commenced in Accra. The program, aimed at equipping journalists with essential skills and knowledge, was opened by the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, at a ceremony organised by the University of Media, Arts and Communications (UniMAC) on Monday, December 18, 2023. In his keynote address, Minister Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the pivotal role of the training initiative in shaping the future of the media industry and democracy in Ghana. He stated, "this training is not just a routine programme; it is one of the most vital investments in the future of our media industry and our democracy." The Minister highlighted the unparalleled influence of the media in shaping the national agenda and guiding public discourse on various subjects. He expressed concern about the lack of formal training among many journalists, noting that while articulate and well-intentioned, a majority have not undergone formal journalistic training. According to the Minister, this knowledge gap includes essential aspects such as ethics, responsibilities, contemporary practices, and nuances of the journalism profession. The opening ceremony saw the presence of notable figures, including Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, Chairman of the Working Committee and Vice Chancellor of UniMAC, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Andrew Edwin-Arthur, President of Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Cecil Sunkwa-Mills, President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and other dignitaries. Prof. Kwamena-Aidoo emphasized the significant opportunities the capacity enhancement program provides for journalists to enhance and improve their skill sets. He highlighted the importance of journalists continuously building their capacity to address and rectify issues in the profession. Mr. Dwumfour on his part commended the working committee for organizing the training program and expressed hope for increased journalist participation in future sessions. He urged journalists to avoid partisan stunts and adhere to the ethics of the profession. Mindful of the role of the media in our democratic dispensation, Mr. Edwin-Arthur advocating for increased attention and financial support from the government for the media. He said the media serves as an indispensable ally for democracy, playing a vital role in informing the public, facilitating discourse, and holding those in power accountable. This, he advocated for increased attention and financial support from the government for the media. Mr. Sunkwa-Mills urged journalists and media owners to prioritize the protection and preservation of the unity and stability of the country, especially as the nation approached an election year. He emphasized the responsibility of journalists to put the country first in their daily reportage. The second edition of the MCEP focuses on training 42 journalists selected from various media houses across the country. The program aims to have a broad and positive influence on the overall standards and practices of journalism in the country by drawing participants from diverse media organizations and training them on six different journalism modules in a four-day session. 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 President Nana Akufo-Addo has taken a swipe at the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, following his comments that he has become a lame duck president following the election of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate. Rejecting the tag, President Akufo-Addo said he was still president till 2025. Speaker Bagbin says I am a lame duck. Well, that is his language. I am still the President of the Republic and I will continue to do so until January 7, 2025, President Akufo-Addo said. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, had asserted that the President was losing loyalty from key personalities in the NPP, including MPs, after the Vice President became the flagbearer of the party. But speaking at a meeting with chiefs and residents of Nima in Accra, during the celebration to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Alhaji Farl becoming the Chief of Nima as Nii Futa, President Akufo-Addo said he is still in charge of the country until January 7, 2025. I have no doubt that the power to make decisions and to carry out policies is still firmly in my hands, and I am not going to let it go. So, I dont know what he is talking about when he says I am a lame duck president. I am not a lame duck president, he insisted. The Speaker, who was speaking on the floor of Parliament in November, urged the government to collaborate with the Minority to avoid potential stalemates. I expect the Majority who have a limping Majority Leader, limping because when you look at his back youre less than those in front of you. You have a lame duck president, a lame duck because you have elected a flagbearer and loyalty and commitment are shifting. So your president is now lame duck president. You need this side of the House to support you to finish your eight years. And so if you dont behave well we have a difficulty in proceeding as a nation, he said. However, President Akufo-Addo has affirmed that he remains in charge of the country until January 7, 2025, as prescribed by the constitution. Source: A Daily Guide Report 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 Some members and delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP ) in the Bekwai Constituency have been accused of endorsing some parliamentary aspirants in the upcoming primaries contrary to laid down rules. Some of the executives allegedly have brazenly posted flyers of some aspirants on their WhatsApp statuses even though the partys election guidelines from on such practices. Incumbent MP for Bekwai and the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joe Osei Owusu has also been accused of openly endorsing COP (Retired) Alex Mensah. Henry Opoku Ware (OWASS) is one of the parliamentary aspirants who allegedly backed the MP with huge resources in previous elections. According to sources, he assured OWASS that he was going to back him in subsequent parliamentary primary as a reciprocal gesture but has suddenly changed his mind. It is claimed that he stated that Henry Opoku Ware (Owass) hails from the Odagya side of Bekwai, which is predominantly rural. Therefore, if a genuine Bekwai resident desires to become a Member of Parliament for the area, that should be the case. However, that has changed. The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) will, on Wednesday, December 20, open nominations for individuals seeking to represent the party in constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament. The party has scheduled January 27, 2024, as the date for parliamentary primaries in constituencies with sitting MPs. Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, Prof. Haruna Mohammed, said all is set for the picking of forms on Wednesday. The party has taken the necessary steps to develop the timelines and also to come up with forms for filing, and forms are ready and will be dispatched to all the affected constituencies for sitting members of parliament on December 20 for prospective candidates to pick them. The vetting committees being put together will also be announced after the forms have been submitted on December 25. The instruction is that campaigns will start immediately after nominations are opened for people to pick nominations. Four persons are contesting the Bekwai parliamentary seat namely; Henry Opoku-Ware (OWASS), Ralph Poku Edusei, George Alex Mensah (COP rtd), and Kingsley Opoku Agyemang. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Best Stop opened its first Texas location in Katy in December. Courtesy of the Best Stop Houstonians don't have to travel through Louisiana anymore to get boudin from the Best Stop, a Cajun shop all too familiar to travelers on I-10. The Best Stop is now open in Katy, serving its popular boudin, cracklins and po boys from its original location in Scott, Louisiana. This is its fourth location but first outside of Louisiana. A grand opening is planned for the new year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Best Stop debuted in 1986 from Lawrence Menard and Robert Cormier, who created the recipes and Cajun seasonings of their meats with Jerry Prejean Hovatta, according to its website. Cormier's children have since taken the reigns of the business. Most recently, they have allowed for it to be franchised, which has led to the additional three locations. Childhood friends Robbie Abrusley and John Mendell first started having conversations about franchising the Best Stop last year. Louisiana natives, the two jumped on the opportunity to bring the Cajun flavors they love from the Best Stop to Texas. Cracklins are a best seller at the Best Stop, which just opened a location in Katy. Courtesy of the Best Stop A breakfast biscuit at the Best Stop, which just opened its first Texas location in Katy. Courtesy of the Best Shop The Cormiers have been in Katy the past two weeks training the new team, so the product is exactly the same as you would get at the original location. The shop takes pride in being a family-orientated business and serving authentic Cajun food. Since opening Dec. 11, the business has seen a warm welcome from the community, said director of marketing Alexa Bode. She said they have had record numbers with the pork cracklins and original boudin being top sellers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "We've had so many people tell us they come here and they say it feels like home, and that is the best praise we can receive, the highest compliment, and that just shows our true commitment to being as close to the original as we can," Bode said. Hooligans within the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) were involved in an act of vandalism, pulling down billboards featuring John Mahamas Dada Noaa campaign slogan in various parts of Accra. The billboards highlighted the failed promises of the former president Mahama and displayed quotes representing his perceived insensitive and inhumane remarks. Some of the messages included Stop the purposeless lamentation and self-pity, I am not a magician to put money into your pockets, No chalk in schools, and Ghanaians complain too much. The messages on these billboards evidently have infuriated some Mahama loyalists, prompting them to take matters into their own hands and remove the billboards. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing tension between the NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the 2024 elections approach. The NPP and its supporters appear determined to outshine the opposition party by focusing on sound policies and practical messages aimed at improving the countrys economy. To the NPP, elections are not about resorting to vile propaganda and spreading outright lies in order to secure victory. They emphasize the importance of delivering practical, implementable ideas to improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians. In light of these recent developments, it remains to be seen whether the NDCs billboards targeting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a prominent member of the NPP, will face a similar fate as those depicting John Mahama. This act of vandalism highlights the need for political parties and their supporters to engage in respectful discourse and peaceful competition, upholding the principles of democracy as Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Kwesi Pratt Jnr., Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, has ridiculed the Electoral Commission for postponing voting in some districts in the nation. The Electoral Commission (EC) rescheduled the district-level elections in some electoral areas in the Ashanti and Eastern Regions. This development is due to technical challenges involving the printing of ballots by the EC's contractors, the Commission's Director of Electoral Services, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe disclosed in an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show Tuesday morning. The affected districts, according to sources, include Bantama, South Sontreso, Atwima Nwabiagya, Atwima Mponua, Dadeso and Santasi. A statement signed by the Acting Head of Public Relations at the EC, Michael Boadu, said residents in the affected areas will rather vote on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Commenting on this latest development, Kwesi Pratt mocked the Electoral Commission for failing to hold the elections in all the districts today as planned and also found it disturbing for people to go and line up hoping to cast their votes, but only for them to be told to return another day. "Some competence level is very high...You've really done a good job. We need to reward these people (EC)...I can't believe it; it's impossible for me to understand this....In fact, we salute you, Electoral Commission", he sarcastically said on the "Kokrokoo" programme. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has cast his ballot in the ongoing district Assembly and Unit Committee elections. Dr. Bawumia voted at the Kperiga D/A Primary School polling station in his hometown, Walewale, in the North East Region. The Vice President arrived to cheers and proceeded to the verification desk where his name was checked and verified. From there, he was processed to vote in the main Assembly election before voting to select 5 Unit Committee members. Dr. Bawumia spoke briefly to the media after voting and expressed satisfaction at the orderly manner of the process. He commended the Electoral Commission and all stakeholders and urged those yet to cast their ballots to participate in this "important national exercise". Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Showcasing a multi-billion baht line up of luxury yachts, superyachts, private jets and more, the Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event is set to boost Phukets economy and high-end tourism with thousands of High Net Worth Individuals expected to attend the show and generate a minimum of 500 million baht for the Thai marine leisure and luxury lifestyle industries. With many boats and lifestyle brands exhibiting from around the world, organisers JAND Events aim to grow Phukets appeal as a destination for investment and business amongst the international community, while also working closely with the Thai government and industry stakeholders to drive yacht tourism and cement Thailands position as Southeast Asias leisure marine hub. The response to the 2024 Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event has been excellent. We have increased the in-water space to accommodate brokers and brands and will have a wide range of luxury boats of all sizes upto superyachts at the show. We have also seen considerable growth in the number of luxury brands and businesses exhibiting. The show has become a platform that will not only drive sales and business for the marine and luxury industries, but also attract international investors who are keen to do business and live in Phuket, commented David Hayes, CEO of organisers JAND Event. New innovations for the 2024 show include the inaugural Thailand Yachting Conference a B2B platform for ideas exchange amongst local and international business people and the Robb Report Thailand Best Of The Best Yachting Awards Gala a celebration of the best yachts and brands. Billed as the biggest boat show in Thailand, organisers are also leading the way in sustainable business practices. By reducing the shows environmental footprint and carbon offsetting, the Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event is the first show of its kind to be carbon neutral. In the water, Boat Lagoon Yachting will be displaying three Princess Yachts amongst a number of other brands at the show with the highlight being the Princess Y95 the largest boat showing for the first time in Thailand. Simpson Marine has the largest in-water line-up with six boats including a Sanlorenzo SX76, Lagoon 51 and Fairline Targa 45, amongst others while Derani Yachts will be displaying three boats from the popular Axopar brand as well as the striking Brabus Shadow 500 Cabin and a Greenline 40. Other boat brokers with boats in-the-water include Asia Marine, Asia Yacht Agency, Asia Yachting, Extreme Marine (Thailand), Go Boating, Lee Marine, Leopard Catamarans, Northrop & Johnson, The Yacht Sales Co and V Yachts Asia. Complementing the in-water display is a wide range of marine businesses and products, and services from the luxury lifestyle sector who will be exhibiting onshore. Exhibiting in the new purpose-built air-conditioned exhibition space are A. & Marine, Aqua Air Asia, ASA Group, Cholamark Boat, Flexiteek, FLS Yachts, Hull Co. Ltd, Marine Services Asia, Nava by Thaicom, Nespresso, Octopus Electrical Service, Royal Phuket Marina, SEA Yacht Sales, Siam Legal (Thailand) and Thailand Privilege. On the boardwalk at Royal Phuket Marina are AMI Marine International, Aoys Hoy Oyster Bar, Disabled Sailing Thailand, Entropy Solar, Hilda Loe Associates, SEABOB, Torqeedo Asia Pacific and UWC International School. The place to be and be seen in January each year, the Thailand International Boat Show is known for its social activities. From jazz on the boardwalk and live DJ performances, to alfresco dining, oysters, champagne and cigars, theres plenty to see and do, day and night. And on Childrens Day (13th January) therell be a range of activities for the youngest family members ensuring theres something for all at the 2024 Thailand International Boat Show. The Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event will be held 11-14 January, 2024 at Royal Phuket Marina and is open daily from 13:00 20:00 except on Sunday 14th January when the show closes at 19:00. For more information, visit www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com. A male fly trying to mate with a female corpse held in place by a dab of Vaseline. The fungus has grown out of the rear body segment and is visible as large white patches from which spores are ejected. Credit: Filippo Castelucci Entomophthora muscae is a widespread, pathogenic fungus that survives by infecting common houseflies with deadly spores. Now, research shows that the fungus has a unique tactic to ensure its survival. The fungus "bewitches" male houseflies and drives them to necrophilia with the fungal-infected corpses of dead females. After having infected a female fly with its spores, the fungus spreads until its host has slowly been consumed alive from within. After roughly six days, the fungus takes over the behavior of the female fly and forces it to the highest point, whether upon vegetation or a wall, where the fly then dies. When the fungus has killed the zombie female, it begins to release chemical signals known as sesquiterpenes. "The chemical signals act as pheromones that bewitch male flies and cause an incredible urge for them to mate with lifeless female carcasses," explains Henrik H. De Fine Licht, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Environment and Plant Sciences and one of the study's authors. As male flies copulate with dead females, the fungal spores are showered onto the males, who then suffer the same gruesome fate. In this way, Entomophthora muscae spreads its spores to new victims and ensures for its survival. This is the conclusion of a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Swedish University of Agriculture Sciences in Alnarp. "Our observations suggest that this is a very deliberate strategy for the fungus. It is a true master of manipulationand this is incredibly fascinating," says Henrik H. De Fine Licht. Fly corpses become more attractive as the hours pass Tracking fly behavior also let the researchers demonstrate that dead female flies become more attractive as time passes. Specifically, 73 percent of the male flies in the study mated with female fly carcasses that had died from the fungal infection between 2530 hours earlier. Only 15 percent of the males mated with female corpses that had been dead for 38 hours. "We see that the longer a female fly has been dead, the more alluring it becomes to males. This is because the number of fungal spores increases with time, which enhances the seductive fragrances," explains Henrik H. De Fine Licht. Besides the insight into nature's fascinating mechanisms, the study provides new knowledge that may lead to effective fly repellents in the future. Henrik H. De Fine Licht adds: "Flies are quite unhygienic and can sicken humans and animals by spreading coli bacteria and any diseases that they are carrying. So, there is an incentive to limit housefly populations, in areas where food is being produced for example. This is where the Entomophthora muscae fungus may prove useful. It might be possible for us to use these same fungal fragrances as a biological pest control that attracts healthy males to a fly trap instead of a corpse," he concludes. The research was published in The ISME Journal. The research explained The researchers used an array of methods. These included the chemical analysis of fragrances emitted by the fungus and amplified in dead female flies, as well as by studying the fungus' genetics via RNA sequencing. They also studied the sexual habits of male flies through behavioral experiments that exposed them to dead female flies which were at various stages of fungal infection, as well as females that had died from other causes. Here, researcher observations demonstrated that male flies preferred mating with fungus-infected females that had been dead for quite some time. More about the zombie fly fungus Entomophthora muscae is a fungus that survives by taking control of and infecting its host, namely flies. The fungus secretes special enzymes that break a fly's body down over the course of about seven days. The fungus can eject its infected spores at up to 10 meters a second, which is among the fastest of nature's movements. More information: Andreas Naundrup et al, Pathogenic fungus uses volatiles to entice male flies into fatal matings with infected female cadavers, The ISME Journal (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41396-022-01284-x Journal information: ISME Journal This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A team of astrophysicists led by Lauren Weiss, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Notre Dame, created the first-ever catalog of small, Earth-like planets with Jupiter-like siblings (planets that share the same star)a critical component in the search for life elsewhere in our universe. Forthcoming in The Astrophysical Journal, the Kepler Giant Planet Search took a decade to complete. "This catalog is the first of its kind and an unprecedented opportunity to explore the diversity of planetary systems that are out there with things that are like the solar system, but not exactly the solar system, and it gives us a chance to rewrite the story of how the planets form," Weiss said. "The science question that I've been trying to answer over the past decade is: Of the other small planets like Earth that are out there, which of them have Jupiter siblings? Because this might be an important characteristic to look for, if we want to figure out where to find life." Previous research over the past several years has singled out Jupiter as one of the reasons for life on Earth. During the formation of the solar system, Jupiter slingshotted rocky and icy debris and embryonic planets toward Earth's current location. Jupiter still hurls debris in Earth's direction today. The debris may have carried water to our planet intact, creating the oceans and later, fostering life. Based on data collected from the W. M. Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea in Waimea, Hawaii, Weiss and collaborators recorded almost 3,000 radial velocities of 63 stars like our sun that host 157 known, small planets. The 157 small planets range from the size of Mars to the size of Neptune, and some of them have rocky surfaces that might be suitable for life. During the study, the team discovered 13 Jupiter-like planets, eight planets closer to the size of Neptune, and three companion stars. Perhaps counterintuitively, large, gas-filled giant planets outside of our solar system are difficult to find because some common detection methods don't work. The Kepler space telescope, which retired after nine years in 2018 after it ran out of fuel, had been an excellent tool for scientists to find small exoplanets that orbited close to their stars. It used the transit method, which measures tiny dips in the brightness of the companion star to indicate the presence of a planet as it orbits its star. Gas giants, however, are usually much farther from their stars and don't cross in front of them with any practical regularity for astronomers. Jupiter, for instance, takes 12 years to orbit the sun. Also, unlike planets close to their stars, distant planets often have slightly tilted orbits as seen from Earth, making the dips in brightness less prominent. Weiss and collaborators used the radial velocity method, which uses Doppler spectroscopy. The team measured the "wobble" of a star as the waves appear to pull slightly closer and away from Earth based on the gravitational tug from a large, orbiting planet. "Jupiters are large and they pull a lot on the stars we can measure. We can find them if we take many, many measurements over time, which is exactly what I had to do," Weiss said. For every star in the sample, she and collaborators observed the Doppler shift of the star's light waves for a minimum of 10 nights and in some cases up to hundreds of nights. "It varies depending on the star," she said, adding that "observing" the stars wasn't done by directly looking through the telescope. Astronomers control the Keck telescope from remote observing stations worldwide, including at Notre Dame. Though Weiss was excited about the discovery of the Jupiter-like planets, the catalog of Earth-and-Jupiter-like planetary systems is the aspect that will help astronomers in years to come. This paper, for instance, is the primary paper in the Kepler Giant Planet Search for which future papers will be based. Some will describe architectural patterns observed in planetary systems, the efficiency of detection of planets, and the joint occurrence of giant and small transiting planets. "Probably the thing I'm most excited about is revisiting this story of how the Earth formed," Weiss said. "Now that we have more information about what other kinds of planetary systems are out there, we're looking for patterns, finding new discoveries, and these possibilities really excite me." More information: The Astrophysical Journal (2023) Journal information: Astrophysical Journal This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Jang Young-jin, CEO of pest control company Bugs Clean, demonstrates how to treat a mattress affected by bedbugs. When news broke about a bedbug outbreak in his native South Korea, 29-year-old blockchain engineer and self-professed insectophobe Kang Jae-gu got straight to workon the data. As authorities scrambled to install high-temperature steam heaters at the airport and approve industrial-strength insecticides for home use, Kang started mapping reported infestations. South Korea has been largely bedbug-free for years, but it has seen a surge in infestations as travel has rebounded after the pandemicwith more than 100 cases of the bloodsucking pests reported since late November, official statistics show. And while the public has bugged outand media coverage has spiraledthousands of people have turned to Kang's website, bedbugboard.com, for a sober data-driven look at the outbreak. "I am extremely sensitive to insects, so I sleep under a mosquito net throughout all four seasons," Kang told AFP. His fear of bedbugs drove him to create an interactive map that shows the approximate locations of reported infestations across the country, as well as real-time news stories on the issue. The site now receives as many as 50,000 visitors a day, up from around 40 when Kang launched it. He used a soothing olive-green color scheme to try and create "peace of mind" for readers, but he told AFP that having to look at photographs of the critters and their eggs to run the website still gives him "goosebumps". South Korea has seen a surge in bedbug infestations, with more than 100 cases reported since late November. From Paris? The bedbug invasion of Seoul comes on the heels of a similar outbreak in Paris, which is set to host the Olympic Games next year. A surge of reported sightings of the creatures sent a shudder through France during the summer and fallprompting several school closures nationwide. Public concern has also spread to Britain and Algeria. In South Korea, 44 percent of reported cases have been in so-called gosiwoncheap, tiny housing units typically measuring less than five square meters. Other affected locations include student dormitories, public bathhouses, and extremely small housing units known as jjokbang, which often lack basic amenities such as bathrooms or kitchens. Authorities have swung into gear, with Seoul city government allocating 700 million won ($500,000) to defend residents in vulnerable housing from the invading pests. Incheon International Airport, the main airport serving the capital, plans to install high-temperature steam heaters this month to prevent the entry of the bugs into the country. Seoul also recently approved Neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides used widely on farms, for home use against bedbugs. Bedbugs bite people to feed on their blood, creating wounds that can be itchy but do not usually cause other health problems. "The city of Seoul defines the inconvenience and concern of citizens caused by bedbugs as a significant public health issue," said Park Yu-mi, an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The city "seeks to take the lead in implementing countermeasures," she added. Hard to remove Bedbugs have appeared in greater numbers in recent decades, mostly due to high population densities, people taking more holidays and mass transit. In France, one in 10 households are believed to have had a bedbug problem over the past few years, usually requiring a pest control operation costing hundreds of euros that often needs to be repeated. The critters bite people to feed on their blood, creating wounds that can be itchy but do not usually cause other health problems. But exposure to bedbug droppings can trigger asthmatic attacks while bites can cause rashes or more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, and even depression. South Korean experts said the insects are particularly hard to eradicate. "Bedbugs can live for over 100 days even if they do not eat properly. They are thin and also hide well," Kim Ju-hyeon, a professor at Seoul National University's school of tropical medicine, said in a YouTube video. Kang plans to keep his website running until the South Korean outbreaks subside. He said he has never personally experienced an infestation, but "I can imagine how stressful it would be if that happened to me". 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University professor called "Dr. Christmas Tree" shows an example of a less-desirable tree due to fewer top branches, grown in a small plantation of Turkish fir trees to produce disease and insect-resistant Christmas trees at the school's Puyallup Research and Extension Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Puyallup, Wash. Chastagner has been working with breeders to see if species from other parts of the world for instance, Turkish fir are better adapted to conditions being wrought by climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Jason Redmond Christmas tree breeder Jim Rockis knows what it looks like when one dies long before it can reach a buyer. Rockis farms trees in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, where he and other producers often grow their iconic evergreens outside their preferred habitat higher in the mountains. But that can mean planting in soil that's warmer and wetterplaces where a nasty fungal disease called Phytophthora root rot can take hold, sucking moisture away from saplings and causing needles to crisp to burnt orange. "After a while, it just gets to the core of it," Rockis said. "They just wither away." Christmas tree growers and breeders have long prepared for a future of hotter weather that will change soil conditions, too. People buying trees may not have noticed a difference in availability this year and may not even in the next couple; the average Christmas tree takes eight to 10 years to reach marketable size. But that means the trees being grown right now are the beloved holiday traditions of tomorrow for millions of families. "You've got to start thinking about how you are going to adapt to this," Rockis said. That's why researchers like Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University professor called "Dr. Christmas Tree" for his decades of work on firs and other festive species, have been working with breeders like Rockis to see if species from other parts of the worldfor instance, Turkish firare better adapted to conditions being wrought by climate change. Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University professor called "Dr. Christmas Tree" shows a clipping of a Turkish fir tree being grown to help find ways to produce disease and insect-resistant Christmas trees at the school's Puyallup Research and Extension Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Puyallup, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Jason Redmond In the past two years, surprisingly high numbers of evergreens died of fungal disease outbreaks in Washington and Oregon. Chastagner has been concerned that changing soil temperature and moisture "may change the frequency at which we would see some Phytophthora that are more adapted to warmer soil conditions." Some may attack trees even more aggressively, he added. Chastagner and his team are doing more sampling work to understand the causes of these outbreaks and whether they represent a pattern that could extend into the future. But some scientists say there isn't enough research on warming soil temperatures that could affect Christmas trees and many other crops, especially trees. A European study this year in the journal Nature Climate Change found that soil heat extremes are increasing faster than air heat extremes, which can affect the health of grasslands, forests and some agricultural areas. Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University professor called "Dr. Christmas Tree" demonstrates a needle-loss test on a Turkish fir sample at the school's Puyallup Research and Extension Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Puyallup, Wash. Chastagner has been working with breeders to see if species from other parts of the world for instance, Turkish fir are better adapted to conditions being wrought by climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Jason Redmond The same weather conditions that can put trees under stress favor many pests and diseases that can attack them, such as insects and fungi. The changes in forests and farm fields might not happen overnight, said Bert Cregg, a professor of horticulture and forestry at Michigan State University. But over time with a warming climate, "some trees may become more difficult to grow," he said. Changes in soils also have implications for soil carbon storage, a climate change solution that the U.S. has already put a lot of money and effort into researching. Warmer soil temperatures reduce its long-term carbon storage ability, partly because microscopic life underground is affected, researchers say. "The activity of these microbes usually increases with temperature, so it's less stable to store carbon there," said Almudena Garcia-Garcia, one of the Nature Climate Change authors and a postdoctoral scientist at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental ResearchUFZ in Leipzig, Germany. Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University professor called "Dr. Christmas Tree" shows Trojan and other fir seedlings at the school's Puyallup Research and Extension Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Puyallup, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Jason Redmond Christmas tree vendor Daniel Hernandez trims a pine at the Jamaica market, in Mexico City, Dec. 14, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File A girl wearing a reindeer antler headband shops for a Christmas tree with her family at the Jamaica market, in Mexico City, Dec. 14, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University professor called "Dr. Christmas Tree" shows Turkish fir trees grown from seedlings to find ways to produce disease and insect-resistant Christmas trees at the school's Puyallup Research and Extension Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Puyallup, Wash. Chastagner has been working with breeders to see if species from other parts of the world for instance, Turkish fir are better adapted to conditions being wrought by climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Jason Redmond Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University professor called "Dr. Christmas Tree" points to a photo of a Turkish fir tree from a 2010 collection trip to identify trees which can help produce superior disease and insect-resistant Christmas trees at the school's Puyallup Research and Extension Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Puyallup, Wash. Chastagner has been working with breeders to see if species from other parts of the world for instance, Turkish fir are better adapted to conditions being wrought by climate change. Credit: AP Photo/Jason Redmond Plant Pathology Researcher Marianne Elliott talks about the effects of the fungus Armillaria and Phytophthora on tree stump samples taken from Christmas tree farms to determine possible climate-related mortality at the Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Puyallup, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Jason Redmond Lab Technician Taylor McNees removes DNA samples of landscape trees from a centrifuge to determine if the fungus that causes sooty bark disease is present at the Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Puyallup, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Jason Redmond Plant Pathology Researcher Marianne Elliott holds up a petri plate of the fungal disease Phytophthora growing from diseased roots as part of a Trojan fir greenhouse trial at the Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Puyallup, Wash. For decades, Christmas tree growers and breeders have been preparing for a future of hotter weather and warming soil. Credit: AP Photo/Jason Redmond An inflatable Santa Claus decorates a vendor's Christmas tree market on a field near Frankfurt, Germany, Dec. 6, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst, File Christmas tree farm owner Ralph Edwards sprays flocking on a tree to give it a snow-covered appearance in La Mirada, Calif., Dec. 4, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File Although getting more information on how changing soils will affect crops and carbon alike is vital, scientists sometimes struggle to get enough data, said Melissa Widhalm, associate director and regional climatologist at Purdue University's Midwestern Regional Climate Center. Since soil temperature is measured differently than air temperature, the records don't go back very far, making it difficult to understand long-term trends. Widhalm, who was not involved with the Nature Climate Change research, said she wished more studies like it existed in other places like North America, and that the results are compelling because they combined physical observations in the ground with satellite data and computer simulations. "This paper did a nice job quantifying soil temperature-moisture relationships that scientists know exist but are difficult to measure," she said. Garcia-Garcia said her team plans to study soil temperature changes more in the future, in more locations if they can. "All the sources of information indicate this is happening," she said. "We are always studying extreme events from measurements in the air. But what is happening below our feet?" 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain The relative underperformance of disadvantaged students at school has little do with them lacking the "character," attitude, or mindset of their wealthier peers, despite widespread claims to the contrary, new research indicates. The findings are published in Sociology of Education. The study, which analyzed data from more than 240,000 15-year-olds across 74 countries, challenges the view often invoked by politicians and educators that cultivating self-belief or "growth mindsets" can reduce class-based learning gaps. Researchers found that no more than 9% of the substantial achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students can be attributed to differences in these social and emotional characteristics. In almost every country in the world, wealth and socioeconomic status significantly predicts children's academic success. The new study, by academics from the Universities of Cambridge, Zurich and Tubingen, does not dispute that social and emotional learning positively shapes academic outcomes, but it does question whether it can substantially reduce the academic achievement gap between children from rich and poor families. This contradicts a widespread conviction among education policymakers. One influential policy paper in the US, for example, has identified "promoting social-emotional and character development" as a key strategy for narrowing the achievement gap. Similarly, a UK Cabinet Office survey in 2015 concluded that disadvantaged and vulnerable children would benefit most from social and emotional learning, and that neglecting this would "perpetuate the cycle of advantage or disadvantage across generations." In some countries, social and emotional learning is also big business. The industry was valued at $1.5 billion in the US in 2020, and projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2025. Many of these providers also suggest that their services can help to narrow the achievement gap. The lead author of the new study, Dr. Rob Gruijters, from the Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre at the University of Cambridge, said, "Educational inequality cannot be solved through social and emotional learning. The idea that children can overcome structural disadvantage by cultivating a growth mindset and a positive work ethic overlooks the real constraints many disadvantaged students face, and risks blaming them for their own misfortune." Nicolas Hubner, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Education at the University of Tubingen and a co-author, said, "Developing social and emotional skills is hugely valuable for children, but the evidence suggests it has little to do with why low income students are more likely to struggle academically. According to our results, it is not a magic bullet for tackling the socioeconomic achievement gap." The study used data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), covering 248,375 high school students in 74 countries. Researchers analyzed both the science test scores, and school-relevant socio-emotional skills, of the most and least advantaged quartile (25%) of students in each country. Across all 74 countries, the socioeconomic attainment gap was very large. The average difference in PISA science test results between the top and bottom 25% of students sorted by socioeconomic status was 70.5 points; equivalent to almost three years of schooling. The academic benefits that disadvantaged children derive from socio-emotional skills, however, were found to be relatively similar to those gained by advantaged children. This runs counter to the widely held assumption that focusing on these skills is particularly important and beneficial for children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, which underpins many social and emotional learning programs. While children from wealthier backgrounds were found to have somewhat higher levels of socio-emotional skills on average, the impact of these discrepancies on the overall achievement gap was modest. The researchers calculated that if, hypothetically, disadvantaged children had the same social and emotional skills as wealthier children and their academic effects were consistent, the learning gap between them would only reduce by no more than 9%. Strikingly, these findings proved fairly consistent across countries and for different academic subjects (reading, math and science). One of the reasons why socio-emotional skills are not a major driver of achievement inequality is that despite the differences between them, both advantaged and disadvantaged children were found to have reasonably high levels of these skills overall. For example, during the PISA psychometric assessment, 84% of disadvantaged children, and 90% from the advantaged quartile, agreed with the statement "I feel proud that I have accomplished things." The researchers add that the 9% of the achievement gap that can be attributed to the social and emotional skills measured by PISA is likely to be an overestimation, because of potential reverse causality in the relationship with academic achievement. Co-author Isabel Raabe, a researcher in the Department of Sociology, University of Zurich, said, "Students who lack the right mindset may perform less well at school, but that may be because their academic performance has eroded their self-belief; not the other way round." The authors argue that policies to reduce educational disadvantages should focus on the structural reasons that cause some students from lower socio-economic backgrounds to underperform. These include differences in the quality, resourcing and funding of the schools they attend; the absence in many countries of high-quality preschool options; and a lack of extracurricular resources and out-of-school opportunities compared with their wealthier peers. More information: Socio-Emotional Skills and the Socioeconomic Achievement Gap, Sociology of Education (2023). Journal information: Sociology of Education 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: Psalmopoeus satanas. Credit: Penaherrera-R. P, Leon-E. RJ In the depths of Ecuador's wilderness, scientists have unveiled the presence of two new tarantula species. Researchers of Universidad San Francisco de Quito found them on trees on the slopes of the Andes in the western part of the country. One of them was found in late February 2023, 1.5 m above the forest floor in the foothill evergreen forest of the Cordillera Occidental. Just discovered, it is already seriously threatened as people use its habitat for mining and agriculture. Its scientific name reflects this vulnerability: the tarantula is called Psalmopoeus chronoarachne, from the Greek words for "time" and "spider." "The compound word refers to the adage that these spiders could 'have their time counted' or reduced by impactful anthropogenic activities. The name addresses conservation concerns about the survival and prevalence of spider species in natural environments," they write in their paper, which was just published in the open-access journal ZooKeys. The other newly discovered tarantula has an even more curious name: Psalmopoeus satanas. "It is appropriately named because the initial individual that was collected had an attitude!" says researcher Roberto J. Leon-E, who first spotted it in a bamboo fence in San Jose de Alluriquin. The spider immediately exhibited defensive behavior; "this behavior then transformed into fleeing, where the spider made quick sporadic movements, nearly too fast to see." Psalmopoeus chronoarachne. Credit: Penaherrera-R. P, Leon-E. RJ It was the first tarantula he ever caught. "The members of the Mygalomorphae Research Group in the Laboratory of Terrestrial Zoology at Universidad San Francisco de Quito grew very fond of this individual during its care, in spite of the individual's bad temperament and sporadic attacks (reason for the nickname)," he writes in the paper. The species, which can be found in the north of the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes at about 900 m above sea level, is facing serious threats as its habitat is degraded, ever declining, and severely fragmented by cropland and mining concessions and expanding urban and agricultural territories. Critically endangered: Threats to tarantula survival "It is important to consider that the areas in which these arthropods live are not under legal protection. The implementation of protected areas in these localities is essential to maintain the remaining population of these endangered species and to encourage research on the remaining undescribed or unknown tarantula species in the area," says Pedro Penaherrera-R, who led the research on these animals. Overview of the ecosystem of both species. Credit: Naia Andrade Hoeneisen This makes the region highly vulnerable to both legal and illegal mining operations that extract metals such as copper, silver, and gold, introducing pollutants to its ecosystems. The implementation of stricter regulations and penalties for illegal mining or other extracting-related activities, including specimen smuggling, might help these species survive. Likewise, engaging and educating local communities about the importance of biodiversity conservation is essential to avoid further extinction. "We encourage future work by Ecuadorian and international researchers, organizations, and governments to effectively understand the reality about the threat of tarantula smuggling and the required conservation status of each species in the country." Says Roberto J. Leon-E. Based on initial conservation assessments, both tarantulas meet the criteria for being considered Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. "It is essential to consider the potential loss of both P. chronoarachne and P. satanas and the ecological consequences that would result from their extinctions. These species may serve essential roles in the stratified micro-ecosystems in their respective areas," the researchers write in their paper. Mining concessions in Ecuador. Credit: Jose Manuel Falcon-Reiban The dark side: Illegal trade in wild tarantulas Illegal trade in wild tarantulas as pets is also a latent threat, not only to these two species but to Ecuadorian tarantulas in general. Many tarantula species can be found for sale online on various websites and Facebook groups. "During the writing of this article and the publication of another article, we found that a species that we described (Neischnocolus cisnerosi) is currently in the illegal pet trade," says Pedro Penaherrera-R. After studying papers on wild-caught pet-trade specimens, the researchers conclude that the issue has been going on for more than 30 years in the country. "Although this series of publications encouraged research on Ecuadorian tarantulas previously ignored for centuries, they also functioned as catalysts within the exotic pet-trade hobby, aiding in obtaining these species and further encouraging people to collect undescribed species," says Pedro Penaherrera-R with concern. More information: Pedro Penaherrera-R. et al, On Psalmopoeus Pocock, 1895 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) species and tarantula conservation in Ecuador, ZooKeys (2023). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1186.108991 Journal information: ZooKeys The former Pasadena Chamber of Commerce finance director has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1.5 million from her employer and coworkers' retirement accounts to pay for extravagant purchases such as expensive massages, plastic surgery and trips to Budapest and Orlando. Google Maps A former finance director for the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for embezzling more than $1 million from the group over a five-year period. Jamie Huffar, 47, pleaded guilty Dec. 15 to two first-degree felonies theft and forgery for stealing from the chamber between November 2017 and November 2022. We promised our members and our community that we would seek prosecution and restitution of the funds that were stolen from the Pasadena chamber membership, President and CEO Cristina Womack said in an email on Tuesday, following the announcement by Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the DAs report, Huffar spent the money on a range of luxury purchases, including cosmetic procedures, clothing, iPhones, massages, trips to Budapest and Disney World, tickets to the 2022 World Series, and online purchases from Amazon and eBay. I think (the sentence) is appropriate, said Assistant District Attorney Michael Levine. Huffar stole money from the chamber in a variety of ways and used different mechanizations to get away with it, Levine said. What she (Huffar) did was take advantage of her access to multiple bank accounts to move money to cover her tracks, he said. Ms. Huffar was able to drain the bank accounts over years without them knowing. Huffars attorney could not immediately be reached for comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the DA, among other activities, Huffar created and submitted fake documents of balance statements to chamber officials, took out credit cards under other peoples identities, skimmed profits off fundraising projects and transferred money to her own PayPal account from the chambers account. She would also, Levine said, take money from dormant savings accounts and move them into operating accounts, fraudulently obtaining a $350,000 loan from the Small Business Administration and another $90,000 loan by forging the chamber presidents signature saying she had permission, and doctored bank statements. We found computers she worked on where you would see the original bank statement and youd see an edited pdf that removed her constant payments to a Capital One card she took out in the presidents name, Levine said. According to county investigators, during the pandemic Huffar delayed audits, checks and balances while she was embezzling thousands of dollars from the chamber. Huffar had no criminal record when she was hired by the chamber in June 2017 as a bookkeeper and eventually took on the role of finance director. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In November 2022, chamber officials contacted Pasadena police with suspicions prompted by Huffars refusal to hand over financial documents to the groups auditor, according to a probable cause affidavit. When chamber officials asked Huffar to submit financial records that month for audit, she admitted to opening a credit card under Womacks name. But it wasnt until a four-month investigation conducted by the DAs Office and Pasadena police was completed that the scope of Huffars activities became evident, with records showing more than $300,000 in unauthorized purchases, using another employees name without her knowledge, according to the affidavit. The investigation consisted of more than 30 grand jury subpoenas, forensic examinations of an iPhone, an iPad, a computer and the review of thousands of pages of financial information, the Chronicle previously reported. We wrote search warrants, forensically downloaded computers, and issued more than 30 subpoenas in this case, Levine said. Ultimately, we followed the evidence to fully investigate exactly what happened. Unfortunately, theres no restitution because she basically frittered the money away. Huffar was taken into custody Dec. 15 after pleading guilty to the first-degree felonies in exchange for the dismissal of three other pending charges, according to county officials, and cannot appeal the convictions or punishment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Levine said small businesses and nonprofits are vulnerable to embezzlement because employees are not insured or bonded as financial professionals. White collar crime can have a devastating impact on small to medium size businesses, and is especially common in the small businesses sector, Levine said. Big businesses are set up with more safeguards that (dont) always exist in nonprofits, and smaller businesses, Levine said. Levine advises these groups to conduct consistent audits and check accounts on a regular basis and not rely solely on paper documents, which can be altered. He recommended that employees take vacation time so that more than one individual is reviewing documents. I think its important to realize that this was someone the chamber had every reason to trust, Levine said. Shes from Pasadena, her mother had volunteered with the chamber. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to Womack, the chamber has recovered significant funds and continues to work through civil action to recover additional funds that were placed at risk due to these fraudulent actions. Womack and Levine credit Pasadena police for its diligence in the ongoing investigation. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The number of multi-day extreme heat events has been rising. U.S. Global Change Research Program. Credit: U.S. Global Change Research Program The year 2023 was marked by extraordinary heat, wildfires and weather disasters. In the U.S., an unprecedented heat wave gripped much of Texas and the Southwest with highs well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) for the entire month of July. Historic rainfall in April flooded Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with 25 inches of rain in 24 hours. A wave of severe storms in July sent water pouring into cities across Vermont and New York. Another powerful system in December swept up the Atlantic coast with hurricane-like storm surge and heavy rainfall. California faced flooding and mudslides from a series of atmospheric rivers early in the year then were hit in August by a tropical storman extremely rare event there. Wildfires ravaged Hawaii, Louisiana and several other states. And Canada's worst fire season on record sent thick smoke across large parts of North America. Globally, 2023 was the warmest year on record, and it wreaked havoc around the world. El Nino played a role, but global warming is at the root of the world's increasing extreme weather. So, how exactly is global warming linked to fires, storms and other disasters? I am an atmospheric scientist who studies the changing climate. Here's what you need to know. Dangerous heat waves and devastating wildfires When greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from vehicles and power plants, accumulate in the atmosphere, they act like a thermal blanket that warms the planet. How the greenhouse effect functions. These gases let in high-energy solar radiation while absorbing outgoing low-energy radiation in the form of heat from the Earth. The energy imbalance at the Earth's surface gradually increases the surface temperature of the land and oceans. The most direct consequence of this warming is more days with abnormally high temperatures, as many countries saw in 2023. Extreme heat waves hit large areas of North America, Europe and China, breaking many local high temperature records. Phoenix went 30 days with daily high temperatures at 110 F (43.3 C) or higher and recorded its highest minimum nighttime temperature, with temperatures on July 19 never falling below 97 F (36.1 C). Although heat waves result from weather fluctuations, global warming has raised the baseline, making heat waves more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting. That heat also fuels wildfires. Increased evaporation removes more moisture from the ground, drying out soil, grasses and other organic material, which creates favorable conditions for wildfires. All it takes is a lightning strike or spark from a power line to start a blaze. Canada lost much of its snow cover early in 2023, which allowed the ground to dry and vast fires to burn through the summer. The ground was also extremely dry in Maui in August when the city of Lahaina, Hawaii, caught fire during a windstorm and burned. The number of multi-day extreme heat events has been rising. U.S. Global Change Research Program. Credit: U.S. Global Change Research Program How global warming fuels extreme storms As more heat is stored as energy in the atmosphere and oceans, it doesn't just increase the temperatureit can also increase the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. When that water vapor condenses to liquid and falls as rain, it releases a large amount of energy. This is called latent heat, and it is the main fuel for all storm systems. When temperatures are higher and the atmosphere has more moisture, that additional energy can fuel stronger, longer-lasting storms. This is the main reason for 2023's record-breaking storms. Nineteen of the 25 weather and climate disasters that caused over US$1 billion in damage each through early December 2023 were severe storms, and two more were flooding that resulted from severe storms. Tropical storms are similarly fueled by latent heat coming from warm ocean water. That is why they only form when the sea surface temperature reaches a critical level of around 80 F (27 C). With 90% of the excess heat from global warming being absorbed by the ocean, there has been a significant increase in the global sea surface temperature, including record-breaking levels in 2023. Higher sea surface temperatures can lead to stronger hurricanes and longer hurricane seasons. They can also lead to the faster intensification of hurricanes. Hurricane Otis, which hit Acapulco, Mexico, in October 2023, was a devastating example. It exploded in strength, rapidly intensifying from a tropical storm to a destructive Category 5 hurricane in less than 24 hours. With little time to evacuate and buildings not designed to withstand a storm that powerful, more than 50 people died. The hurricane's intensification was the second-fastest ever recorded, exceeded only by Hurricane Patricia in 2015. A recent study found that North Atlantic tropical cyclones' maximum intensification rates increased 28.7% between the 1971-1990 average and the 2001-2020 average. The number of storms that spun up from a Category 1 storm or weaker to a major hurricane within 36 hours more than doubled. Data as of Dec. 8, 2023. Wildfires are generally grouped together as a single event Credit: Chart: The Conversation/CC-BY-ND, Source: NCEI/NOAA The Mediterranean also experienced a rare tropical-like cyclone in September 2023 that offers a warning of the magnitude of the risks aheadand a reminder that many communities are unprepared. Storm Daniel became one of the deadliest storms of its kind when it hit Libya. Its heavy rainfall overwhelmed two dams, causing them to collapse, killing thousands of people. The heat and increased moisture over the Mediterranean made the storm possible. Cold snaps have global warming connections, too It might seem counterintuitive, but global warming can also contribute to cold snaps in the U.S. That's because it alters the general circulation of Earth's atmosphere. The Earth's atmosphere is constantly moving in large-scale circulation patterns in the forms of near-surface wind belts, such as the trade winds, and upper-level jet streams. These patterns are caused by the temperature difference between the polar and equatorial regions. As the Earth warms, the polar regions are heating up more than twice as fast as the equator. This can shift weather patterns, leading to extreme events in unexpected places. Anyone who has experienced a "polar vortex event" knows how it feels when the jet stream dips southward, bringing frigid Arctic air and winter storms, despite the generally warmer winters. In sum, a warmer world is a more violent world, with the additional heat fueling increasingly more extreme weather events. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Microbial community present in the radial-flow biopurification prototype. Credit: Alberto Vergara-Fernandez Researchers in Chile have designed an indoor air purification prototype which uses microorganisms to capture and degrade pollutants, with efficiencies above 90%. In the study, published in the Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, the scientists demonstrated that the system could operate for eight months without any loss in efficiency. As the demand for better insulation and energy efficiency in buildings increases, a lack of airflow has resulted in worsening indoor air quality, posing a risk to human health and the environment. Biofiltration systems, which pass air through a thin film containing immobilized bacteria and fungi, offer a potentially low-cost and effective solution. Alberto Vergara-Fernandez, Founder of Green Technologies Research Group at Universidad de los Andes in Chile and corresponding author of the study, explained the rationale behind the research. "The first motivation was the search for a treatment system that was easy to install and did not depend on new pipes and installations for its use. In addition, it can be applied in different confined environments, from domestic to industrial, under the same principle." The study focused on removing two pollutants of particular concern in indoor spaces: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can originate from building materials and household products such as paint, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from wood burning. Scanning electron microphotography showing multiple microbial species in the biopurifier after 8 months of operation: Aspergillus niger. Credit: Alberto Vergara-Fernandez Current methods for the removal of these pollutants are largely limited to adsorption techniques, which use an activated carbon filter to capture the impurities. However, Vergara-Fernandez explains a key issue with these systemspollutants will accumulate on the activated carbon and form a new waste requiring disposal. Explaining the advantages of the new prototype system, he said, "The main difference is related to the destruction capacity of the contaminants rather than the transfer of them to another phase, from which they must also be eliminated. Given the degradation of the contaminants and not just adsorption, the lifetime of the support is much longer, maintaining its high removal efficiency." The researchers used the fungus Fusarium solani and the bacterium Rhodococcus erythropolis to grow an initial microbial population for the system. After eight months of continuous performance, further species were captured from the air, demonstrating the potential of the prototype for retaining airborne bacteria and fungi. Radial-flow biopurification device prototype. Credit: Alberto Vergara-Fernandez Vergara-Fernandez explained how the high specialization of the microbial flora developed in the bioreactor contributed to the efficiency of the purification system. "One of the main findings was the possibility of developing a highly specialized microbial consortium, which allows obtaining high elimination capacities in very short periods of operation time, maintaining good elimination capacities." While there have been a number of previous studies using biological methods for the treatment of indoor pollutants under laboratory conditions, no commercial systems have been deployed on a large scale, possibly influenced by the large sizes required to achieve an acceptable removal efficiency. Vergara-Fernandez and the team hope that they can continue to develop their research to address this problem. He explained, "The main challenges and limitations of the purification system, on which we are currently working, is the reduction in the dimensions of the equipment that makes up the system. We are developing a hybrid system that combines physical-chemical and biological technology, with the aim of reducing the inlet flows to the biological system." More information: Jessica San MartinDavison et al, A radialflow device for the biopurification of a model VOC and woodsmoke contaminated confined space, Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology (2023). DOI: 10.1002/jctb.7533 Journal information: Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology Provided by Society of Chemical Industry 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: Scientist of the University of Iceland take measurements and samples standing on the ridge in front of the active part of the eruptive fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco A volcano has erupted in southwestern Iceland, sending a flash of light into the evening sky and spewing semi-molten rock into the air in a spectacular show of the Earth's power in the land known for fire and ice. The eruption Monday night appears to have occurred about four kilometers (2 miles) from the town of Grindavik, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said. The town near Iceland's main airport was evacuated in November after strong seismic activity damaged homes and raised fears of an imminent eruption. Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, averages an eruption every four to five years. The most disruptive in recent times was the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which spewed huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere and led to widespread airspace closures over Europe. But the eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of the capital, Reykjavik, wasn't expected to release large amounts of ash into the air. Iceland's foreign minister, Bjarne Benediktsson, tweeted that there were no disruptions of flights to and from the country, and international flight corridors remained open. Icelandic broadcaster RUV showed a live feed of the eruption on its website. Christmas carols played in the background. A close up of the Southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco By early Tuesday afternoon, the Icelandic Meteorological Office reported that the size of the volcanic eruption at Sundhnuksgigar "continues to diminish.'' It said the lava flow was estimated to be a quarter of what it was at the time of the eruption. Lava "fountains,'' which reached as high as 30 meters (yards) have also been falling. Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir told RUV that for now, the lava was not endangering critical infrastructure near the volcano. Although the lava flow was moving in a promising direction, precautions were nevertheless being taken near the Svartsengi power plant. "We also know that the flow of lava can change the surrounding landscape, so this can change with short notice,'' Jakobsdottir said. The November evacuation of Grindavik meant few people were near the site of eruption when it occurred, and authorities have warned others to stay away. The nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spaone of Iceland's biggest tourist attractionsalso closed temporarily last month as a swarm of earthquakes put the island nation on alert for a possible volcanic eruption. Aerial view of the only two segments of the fissure still active of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco Nonetheless, the residents of the evacuated fishing community of 3,400 had mixed emotions as they watched orange flames touch the dark sky. One month after the evacuation, many are still living in temporary accommodations and don't expect to ever be able to return to live in their homes. "The town involved might end up under the lava," said Ael Kermarec, a French tour guide living in Iceland. "It's amazing to see but, there's kind of a bittersweet feeling at the moment." Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a scientist who flew over the site on Tuesday morning on a coast guard research flight, told RUV that he estimates twice as much lava had already spewed than did during the entire monthlong eruption on the peninsula over the summer. Gudmundsson said the eruption was expected to continue decreasing in intensity, but that scientists have no idea how long it could last. A close up of the Southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a color infrared close view of volcano and lava in Iceland on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2021. Credit: Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies via AP People watch as the night sky is illuminated caused by the eruption of a volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a color infrared overview of Grindavik and lava from a volcano in Iceland on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Credit: Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies via AP A close up of the Southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco This image made from video provided by the Icelandic Coast Guard shows magma flow on a hill near Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula sometime around late Monday, Dec. 18, or early Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. A volcanic eruption started Monday night on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, turning the sky orange and prompting the country's civil defense to be on high alert. Credit: Icelandic coast guard via AP The night sky is illuminated caused by the eruption of a volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco Aerial view of the Southern active segment of the fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco A volcanic eruption is seen, turning the sky orange, in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco The police vehicle is parked at the entrance of the road to Grindavik with the eruption in the background, near Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. A volcanic eruption started Monday night on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, turning the sky orange and prompting the country's civil defense to be on high alert. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco Lava fountains are seen as volcanic eruption started, turning the sky orange, in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Di Marco "It can be over in a week, or it could take quite a bit longer," he said. Matthew Watson, a professor of volcanoes and climate at the University of Bristol, said that tourists should strictly follow travel advice because hazards such as new eruptions can quickly put people in harm's way. "As is common with this eruptive style, it began with a sustained eruption of ballistics that, over time, has lengthened to form a fire curtaina long fissure out of which lava is being violently ejected," he said. "This style of eruption is amongst the most spectacular ever seen, and there will be a strong pull for tourists, even though the Blue Lagoon complex has again shut." The spectacular natural phenomenon is already proving hard for people to resist. "It's just something from a movie!" said Robert Donald Forrester III, a tourist from the United States. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies are widely known to have harmful impacts on mental health, but a new policy brief from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research has revealed large disparities in rates of serious psychological distress across immigrant subgroups in California. Serious psychological distress was defined as severe, diagnosable mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety that warrant mental health treatment within a population. It was based on the number and frequency of symptoms reported in the year prior to being surveyed. Recent immigrants were the most affected. For immigrants living in the United States fewer than five years, rates of serious psychological distress increased 140%, from 5% of those surveyed between 201517 to 12% for those surveyed between 201921. By comparison, adult immigrants overall saw a 50% increasefrom 6% to 9%according to the brief, which is based on 201521 data from the center's annual California Health Interview Survey, known as CHIS. The report noted that the increases in negative mental health outcomes occurred despite California being more welcoming of immigrants. According to a 2023 report from the California Public Policy Institute, nearly 80% of adults believe immigrants provide benefits to the state. In 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law making access to health care easier for immigrants, regardless of their citizenship status. "Even in the most culturally diverse state in the nation, immigrants are still experiencing serious psychological distress, especially immigrants who came to the United States more recently," said Sean Tan, senior public administration analyst at the center and one of the brief's authors. The authors' findings are the result of how CHIS by its construction generates disaggregated datadata sorted into more precise demographic groups. Responses gathered during 201517 served as the baseline, while 201921 provided a comparison period based on how anti-immigrant sentiment increased in the United States. Previous research has shown that stressful forms of discriminationsuch as anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies that restrict immigrants' participation in the workforce and educationcan exacerbate existing health disparities among marginalized populations. "Immigrant status is a known social driver of health, and the findings strongly suggest that the tone of the national discourse and adoption of anti-immigrant polices are connected to individuals' mental health," Tan said. Increases in reports of serious psychological distress were lower for adult immigrants more proficient in English and those who had permanent legal status, the researchers found. While immigrants who speak only English showed no increase in serious psychological distress, adults with limited to no English proficiency experienced a 33% increase, from 6% to 8%. Those proficient in English saw a 67% increase, from 6% to 10%. Naturalized citizens reported a 33% increase in serious psychological distress, while noncitizens with green cards showed an 83% increase and noncitizens without green cards showed a 71% increase. Compounding stress related to the increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies, 67% of all immigrants with serious psychological distress said they did not see a health care provider for their mental health care needs between 2019 and 2021. Familiarity with social systems in the United States influenced whether someone saw a mental health care provider. The report showed: Immigrants living in the United States for fewer than five years were more likely to report unmet needs77% versus 66% for those in the U.S. longer than five years. Noncitizen immigrants were more likely than naturalized citizens to have unmet needs, 73% vs. 60%. Non-English speakers were more likely than those who spoke only English to have unmet needs, 72% vs. 58%. To help overcome these barriers to care, the report's authors recommend increasing access to affordable, culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate mental health care for all Californians, regardless of citizenship. Some specific recommendations include: Adopting evidence-based practices, such as trauma systems therapy for refugees, that address the historical and current distress stemming from detention, deportation, family separation and other stressors related to immigration policies. Taking advantage of technological advances such as telehealth and expanding the mental health workforce with diverse lay providers. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Libya's various governments in the past decade have played a crucial role in the shaping the course of the conflict in the country, a new study shows. Contact with and support by other countries have affected the identity, resources, legitimacy and sovereignty held by political actors and those challenging them. Governments sometimes hesitate or refuse to recognize the governments of other countries in response to contentious domestic political processes such as coups d'etat, revolutions, and civil wars. This has included Libya, where there have been overlapping phases of revolution, international military intervention, and civil war since 2011, and two parallel governments since 2014. A new study argues that this international (non)-recognition of governments has its own power, as it can create change. It also argues it is geopolitically inevitable, as other countries cannot avoid engaging with those running other nations. Dr. Irene Fernandez-Molina, from the University of Exeter, interviewed diplomats, international officials, and other practitioners in Tunis and Brussels in early 2019. The study is published in the International Studies Review. Dr. Fernandez-Molina said, "I found that international recognition plays a crucial role in drawing and redrawing the sovereignty held by governing authorities in Libya and those challenging them. The non-recognition of the parallel governments of Tripoli in 2014 to 2015 and Bayda since late 2015 decisively contributed to shrinking their ability to act at all levels. "The international recognition of governments is geopolitically inevitable, as other nations cannot escape having to choose which political actors in another country to deal with at different points in time, and with which degree of closeness, directness, and formality. Only governments in exile are an exception to this rule." The study is further evidence of how the international community has had few ways to engage in Libya diplomatically or provide resources in the past decade, and how relationships have changed according to which administration has been in place. Dr. Fernandez-Molina said, "Red lines about relationships shifted, leading to changes in contact and recognition, although there were still plenty of nuances and inconsistencies. The boundaries between informal and formal engagement were often porous and the sovereignty line separating state and non-state actors was increasingly blurred. The overall lesson conveyed in my interviews was that a government's legitimacy cannot thrive by itself without effectiveness, and when in doubt, effectiveness ultimately trumps legitimacy." These different forms of contacts were the result of Western states wanting a "regular" Libyan partner to cooperate in tackling terrorism and controlling migration. After 2017, support was given to the Libyan state and other non-state organizations as part of a move towards a more decentralized, non-governmental and inclusive approach related to growing skepticism about the strength, centrality, capacity and durability of the Government of National Accord (GNA) as well as its problematic performance in migration cooperation. International support included humanitarian and development assistance; post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction; political transition, state-building, and democratic governance; and security support. Other nations also trained Libyan security forces. The successive internationally recognized governments in post-2011 Libya haven't gained sufficient domestic recognition. More information: Irene Fernandez-Molina, The International Recognition of Governments in Practice(s): Creatures, Mirages, and Dilemmas in Post-2011 Libya, International Studies Review (2023). DOI: 10.1093/isr/viad050 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain For years large fossil fuel producersincluding Australiahave expanded fossil fuel production while maintaining rhetorically that the world needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But global emissions are overwhelmingly caused by the extraction, transport and burning of fossil fuels. Unless fossil fuels are phased out, emissions will grow and the climate crisis will worsen. At COP28 climate negotiations in Dubai, which wrapped up last week, this fact finally became the center of attention. And fossil fuel producers were feeling the pressureforced to defend their expansion of fossil fuels or change their tune. Interestingly, Australia seems to be doing the latter, at least rhetorically. While successive governments have worked assiduously to keep fossil fuel production out of the spotlight at the UN talks, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said Australia supports the global phasing out of fossil fuels in energy systems by 2050. Clearly eager to avoid being seen as the villain at the talks, Bowen named Saudi Arabia as the main blocker to an agreement on phasing out fossil fuels. But the text of COP decisions matters much less than the actions states and companies take. Australiaone of the world's largest producers and exporters of fossil fuel-based carbon dioxideis fueling the problem, not solving it. Currently, Australian companies are moving to expand fossil fuel production: more than 100 major coal, oil and gas projects are in planning, at a cost of around A$200 billion. Some of these are "carbon bombs," likely to add huge quantities of emissions. Why Australia faces charges of hypocrisy The Albanese government has already approved a number of new fossil fuel projects, embracing the fossil fuel expansionism of its conservative predecessors. But now that Australia has declared support for a global phase-out of fossil fuels, it must curtail its own exports or face continued charges of hypocrisy. How could Australia do that while managing the fallout? Interestingly, Bowen's rhetoric at COP contained the seeds of an answer: a "phase out of fossil fuels is Australia's economic opportunity as [a] renewable energy superpower". In line with this sentiment, Australia should adopt the mission of leading the Asia-Pacific region to a prosperous future by simultaneously phasing out its fossil fuel exports while phasing up its clean energy exports; by becoming a clean energy superpower instead of a dirty energy one. Doing so would require a dramatic shift in Australia's international climate posture: from a defensive, parochial, technocratic stance aimed at protecting fossil fuel expansion to proactive, outward-looking and pragmatic leadership; from merely focusing on its own territorial emissions to using all powers at its disposal in its sphere of influence. First a new project ban, then a net zero plan Our coal and gas exports are entirely within our sovereign control and give us enormous leverage over our regional trading partners. No one is suggesting stopping fossil fuel exports overnight. But we could start by banning new projects, and then convening our regional partners to work out a plan to phase out existing production and consumption. Australian leadership would involve supporting our neighbors through investment, trade, and aid to ensure their populations can access energy from zero-carbon sources, just as we're aspiring to do at home. Phasing out fossil fuel exports is thus best conceptualized as part of a shift in our foreign and trade policy aimed at securing our and our region's prosperity against the existential threat of climate changeand amid a global pivot to clean energy. Call it "cooperative decarbonization". Viewed in this light, the typical objections to a fossil fuel phase-out in Australia look pathetic. The weak objections to a phase-out The first objection claims we are not responsible for the overseas emissions produced from burning our exported coal and gas. This falsely conflates Australia's national interest in reducing emissions globally with its international legal responsibility for reporting emissions locally. Nothing in the Paris Agreement prevents a country from taking actions that would reduce or avoid emissions in another country. It is reckless and self-defeating to concern ourselves only with emissions produced on our territory when our power to influence global emissions is so much greater. Let's hope that Bowen's rhetorical shift at COP28 signals acceptance of this fact. The second objection is that leaving our fossil fuels in the ground will not affect global emissions, because if we don't sell our coal and gas, someone else will. Aside from its immorality (the "drug dealer's defense"), the objection defies Economics 101: if you reduce supply of a product, its price goes up, causing demand to contract. Other countries might supply some of the shortfall, but Australia is such a big producer that it is implausible to think we could exit the coal and gas markets without dramatically reducing global emissions. Moreover, it's shortsighted to think of fossil fuel export policy in isolation from the wider foreign policy choices we face. Australia's current foreign policy is to promote our coal and gas exports: we literally pay public servants to help multinational companies sell more coal and gas. But if we gave our diplomats the nobler mission of leading our region's decarbonization, our leadership would help to make trade in fossil fuels redundant. The last oft-heard objection is that phasing out fossil fuel production would cost too much. The foreign-owned corporations that produce most of our coal and gas pay little tax and employ relatively few people, while capturing billions of dollars in state and federal government subsidies. Scaling up as a clean energy superpower could bring more economic growth, jobs and tax revenue than would be lost from fossil fuelsespecially if we taxed the fossil fuel industry properly on its way out. Phase-outs can be done: Lessons from overseas Denmark, France, Ireland, and Costa Rica are among a number of countries that have foregone new fossil fuel exploration and production opportunities; others are working to phase out existing operations. Doing so is undoubtedly challenging: firms, workers, and the communities in which fossil fuel operations are located understandably tend to resist policies that would close their industry. However, government support can smooth the transition. The Spanish government, for instance, negotiated a "just transition agreement" with unions and businesses to phase out coal mining, support affected workers, and invest in their communities. My co-authors and I found this strategy actually increased the government's vote share at a subsequent election in the coal regions. A phase-out of fossil fuel production is entirely feasible for a country with our resources, skills and diverse economy. The standard objections provide fossil fuel companies and the politicians they've captured with convenient excuses for cashing in while the planetand Australiaburns. It's time, instead, for bold actions that lead us and our region to a prosperous, fossil-free future. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dr. Sunshin Jung of the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute has developed a technology to effectively control soil pests through penetrative microwave heating. Credit: Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute A research team led by Dr. Sunshin Jung at the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) has developed a breakthrough technology that effectively eliminates pests without the use of pesticides and protects farms from soil diseases by using microwave heating, the core mechanism of microwave ovens. Soil diseases caused by monocultures are a major concern for farmers as they reduce crop yield and quality. Soil diseases can be caused by a number of factors, but the most common are pests such as soil-borne bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. Pesticides are commonly used to control pest infestation, but their use comes with its drawbacks, including the destruction of the agricultural ecosystem, pesticide resistance, and toxic residues. Leaving the land fallow for a long time to restore soil could be an option, but it is not affordable for most farmers as it affects their livelihoods. KERI has developed a technology that penetrates microwaves deep into the ground to heat soil moisture and eliminate pests vulnerable to heat. There has been research on microwave heating for soil remediation in Australia and elsewhere, but the penetration depth is at most 10 cm due to wave diffraction (as microwaves spread easily), and hence, microwaves are used only in a limited way, such as for weed control. After years of research on the properties of microwaves, Dr. Jung's team has reached the level of being able to adjust the spatial distribution of microwaves by increasing or decreasing the wavelength and phase as desired. As a result, they have successfully developed a proprietary antenna (radiator) that maximizes microwave penetration. Microwaves emitted from the antenna are induced to meet and overlap at a specific point underground. Coherently superimposed microwaves increase the amplitude and heat the soil down to 30 cm or more, the highest level of technology in the world. An antenna (radiatior) that heats the soil by penetrating microwaves to depths of 30 cm or more underground. Credit: Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute Traveling down into the ground, microwaves selectively heat the moisture to 60~100 C (heating temperature can be adjusted). Given that moisture makes up for 1030% of the soil and that most pests live near the roots of crops and are heat-vulnerable (60 C or more), KERI's technology is expected to be highly effective in sterilization. It will also have a long-lasting effect as the soil, once heated, does not cool easily but retains heat for a long time. The research team's achievement draws attention to its potential contributions to help farmers deal with soil diseases. This research started at the request of an employee of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, and the research outcome, the microwave technology, was transferred to Jooeun Care Farm Co., Ltd., a company specializing in pest control equipment. Jooeun Care Farm plans to manufacture equipment based on the transferred technology and lay the foundation for farmers across the country to rent it at affordable prices in partnership with local governments and public institutions. Dr. Sunshin Jung of KERI said, "We took advantage of the wave nature of microwaves, directing them to superimpose, not spread, and heat the soil underground," adding, "This technology helps to kill pests residing underground after harvest without the use of pesticides, their side effects and environmental pollution, and will contribute a lot to agricultural productivity and farmers' income." Experts believe that this microwave heating technology could also be used to eradicate the habitats of foreign pests (e.g., termites, red fire ants, and tropical fire ants) found in ports and airports without destroying floors (non-destructive methods). Other potential applications include microwave heating devices mounted on vehicles to remove black ice from roads in winter and cleaning of soil contaminated with oil. KERI's research team, which has applied for patents on this achievement, expects that this penetrative microwave heating technology will have potential applications in various fields and will promote its commercialization by identifying companies that have a need for this technology. 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: Glasses with nearly 100 year old mussels and sea snails. The samples contain information on how the chemistry of the ocean was before nuclear tests and CO2 from industrialization changed it. Credit: Christof Pearce In the early hours of 30 October 1961, a Russian bomber took off and flew north. The plane was headed for the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Russian part of the Arctic. When the pilot saw the islands far below, he released the cargoa bomb the size of a double-decker bus. While the pilot accelerated to get out of range, the bomb slowly descended to the ground under the canopy of a huge parachute. A minute passed, and then the sky was illuminated by the harshest light ever created by humans. The bomb, later named Tsar Bomba, is the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated. It was the culmination of the nuclear tests carried out by the USSR, the United States and a number of other countries in the years following World War 2. Two years later, in 1963, the nuclear powers agreed to cease atmospheric nuclear tests, and the tests were moved underground. However, after almost 20 years of detonationsfrom the first in 1945 until the treaty in 1963the chemistry of the oceans had changed; this is a change that will last for thousands of years. For example, American and French detonations in the Pacific Ocean killed thousands of fish and depleted biodiversity in the area. But the tests also had another consequence. They made it difficult to use carbon-14 dating. Researcher Christof Pearce of the Department of Geoscience, Arctic Research Centre and iClimate at Aarhus University and a number of his colleagues have attempted to find a method to get around these problems. Their work is published in Geochronology. "We can't calibrate the carbon-14 age of fossilized animals or plants found in ocean sediments. The nuclear tests created massive amounts of carbon-14 in the atmosphere, which were slowly absorbed into the ocean. Whereas the atmosphere quickly regained some sort of equilibrium, it will take hundreds, or even thousands of years before the ocean can do the same," says Pearce. "That's why we need material from before the nuclear testsand that's where the polar expeditions come in. We can use them to find out how much carbon-14 there was before the detonations and adjust the dating. Two students help Christof Pearce go through the archives of the Zoological Museum in Copenhagen in search for samples from old polar expeditions. Luckily, the archives hold almost everything that was collected on the expeditions. Credit: Christof Pearce What is carbon-14 dating? The Earth's atmosphere consists of a number of gases such as oxygen, CO 2 and nitrogen. When nitrogen atoms move into the upper layers of the atmosphere, they're hit by free neutrons released due to cosmic radiation. The nitrogen atoms absorb the neutrons and are converted to carbon-14 and emit a proton. The new carbon-14 atoms then bind with oxygen, creating CO 2 . Trees, shrubs and other plants absorb CO 2 from the air during photosynthesis, meaning they also absorb carbon-14. However, the vast majority of CO 2 in the atmosphere consists of carbon-12. Only a small proportion of CO 2 contains carbon-14, which is radioactive. Therefore, plants primarily absorb carbon-12. When a plant dies, it stops absorbing new carbon, but because carbon-14 is radioactive, it decays and disappears slowly. Carbon-12, on the other hand, does not. Researchers can calculate how old a plant residue is by measuring how much carbon-14 is left compared with carbon-12. We know the half-life of carbon-14 is 5,700 yearsand we know that the natural distribution between carbon-12 and carbon-14 is fairly stable. Plants are eaten by herbivores, who thereby absorb the carbon. The herbivores in turn are eaten by carnivores, which then also absorb it. This is why the method can also be used to carbon date animals and humans. The shelves in the museum archive are filled with samples from previous expeditions. Finding the right ones takes time. Credit: Christof Pearce Museums are a treasure trove The nuclear tests are not the only reason why the age of carbon-14 in the oceans has changed. Human emissions of CO 2 have also shifted the balancebut in the opposite direction. As the name suggests, fossil fuels consist of fossil plant material and they therefore have a high carbon-14 age. CO 2 emissions have therefore had the opposite effect to the atomic bombs that created new carbon-14. This is a well-known problem, especially for geologists, archaeologists and other researchers interested in what the ocean looked like in the past. For Pearce, one of the most important sources of knowledge about the climate and marine environment of the past is sediment samples. Just like researchers who drill ice cores out of the ice sheet to study the climate of the past, Pearce and his colleagues use cores from of the seabed. The different layers in the cores are full of microfossils and organic material that can reveal what the oceans were like in the past. But in order to use the knowledge stored in the cores pulled from the seabed, the researchers need to know when the layers were formed. And this is where carbon-14 enters the picture. "The problem is that we don't know the natural level of carbon-14 everywhere in the ocean. We don't have a zero point like we do in the atmosphere. When we try to date a layer of sediment, we're often off by several hundred years. We need material of a known age from the time before the major human disturbances. I've spent a long time thinking about how we could solve the carbon problem for the ocean in parts of the Arctic," says Pearce. "When I was working in Stockholm, I walked past some display cases that line the hallways of the university. They're all about the old polar expeditions. That's when it hit me, samples from before the nuclear tests might still exist that I could examine." Some of the samples used for recalibrating the carbon14-levels in the ocean near Greenland. Credit: Christof Pearce Samples from Danish and Swedish expeditions Pearce then set out to find out whether samples from the old expeditions had been preserved. If they were preserved, he looked into whether he could use them. He quickly discovered that both Denmark and Sweden had samples from their polar expeditions preserved in museum collections. One of the old expeditions he looked at set sail from Copenhagen almost 100 years ago. It was called the Godthaab expedition, and even though it is one of the lesser known expeditions, the researchers on it brought back plenty of valuable knowledge. This knowledge is now a goldmine for researchers like Pearce. "The expedition sailed between Greenland and Canada. It measured the salinity and temperature of the water, measured depth, took bottom samples and collected mussels. A huge endeavor. Fortunately, samples and records from that time are still in the storage rooms at the Zoological Museum in Copenhagen. And as luck would have it, we were allowed to take some of the samples back with us. This allowed us to test the carbon-14 levels in the ocean before the nuclear tests." The Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm also allowed the research team to take samples from old polar expeditions. Christof Pearce is removing old mussels from the sealed glasses. Even though the liquid in the glasses kills the bacteria, some of the soft tissue was in the snails and mussels was rotten. Opening the glasses was therefore a smelly procedure. Credit: Christof Pearce A foul-smelling job Pearce and his colleagues brought back almost 100 samples to their laboratory. However, only mussels and snails with soft tissue left in them could be used. And preparing them for analysis wasn't a job for people with a delicate sense of smell. "We fished half-rotten mussels and snails out of the old glass bottles. It smelled awful but we had to get them out and dry them before they could be used. Once the samples were ready they were carried to the Department of Physics and Astronomy, where the only laboratory in Denmark that can carry out carbon-14 dating is situated." Then the researchers waited in anticipation for the results, fingers crossed that the samples would be good enough. A more precise C14-dating Luckily, the samples were good, and once the results started ticking in, Pearce could see that they would have enough data to date more accurately material from around Greenland. "And not only that, we now know much more about local variations. The concentration of carbon-14 in the ocean is affected by ocean currents. The lowest values were found around Baffin Bay, between Canada and Greenland, where the influence of the Arctic Ocean is strongest. Low values were also found in areas with a lot of sea ice, which acts as a barrier between the atmosphere and ocean," says Pearce. He explains that the new calculations will make researching the ocean climate of the past more accurate. This knowledge is crucial if we are to predict how climate change will affect oceans in the future. "In order to calculate what will happen to Arctic waters in the future, we need to know how the ocean has evolved over the past several thousand years. And we now have a tool to help us to do this more accurately," he says. "Furthermore, I think we've shown how important it is to preserve the samples in old museum collections. They may not be of great value today, but you never know, they might be important in the future, just like the 100-year-old mollusks suddenly became important to us." More information: Christof Pearce et al, The marine reservoir age of Greenland coastal waters, Geochronology (2023). DOI: 10.5194/gchron-5-451-2023 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: NASA's Psyche mission will explore the unique metal-rich asteroid of the same name that could be the exposed metal core of an early planet. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU NASA's Psyche mission launched on 13 October 2023 on a journey to explore what could be the exposed metallic core of an ancient planet. Riding along on board the Psyche spacecraft is an additional technology demonstration. NASA's Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) demonstration will test the use of lasers to transmit and receive more data with distant spacecraft than is possible with the radio waves currently in use. Using a narrow laser beam to communicate with a spacecraft located 300 million km away presents a challenge on both interplanetary and quantum scales. However, if successful, the DSOC demonstration could unlock a world of new possibilities for future deep space missions. ESA will participate in the DSOC demonstration in 2025 and work has begun to develop the required cutting-edge laser technology and ground infrastructure in Europe. ESA joins deep space communication demonstration "Fiber optic technology on Earth has enabled incredible data transfer speeds for applications like the internet," says Clemens Heese, the Head of the Optical Technologies section at ESA's European Space Operations Center in Darmstadt, Germany. "However, data transfer with spacecraft at interplanetary distances is still limited to the use of radio waves." "We have already shown that optical communication can offer much higher data rates for Earth observation and telecommunications satellites in low-Earth orbits. But to use it at deep space distances, we need high-power, high-accuracy lasers and super-sensitive single-photon detectors that simply do not yet exist with the required performance." By using pulses of light with a higher frequency than radio waves, optical communication enables the transfer of more data in a given time period. This higher data rate could allow future deep space missions at certain distances from Earth to carry more sophisticated scientific instruments and return significantly more data than is currently possible. However, testing new technology on a deep space mission, where every kilogram of payload has to be very carefully selected, is a rare opportunity. NASA's DSOC is the first chance to build more trust in deep space optical communication and enhance its readiness for use in space flight. ESA is participating in the DSOC demonstration to enhance European expertise both within and outside of the Agency. This involvement will enable future European solar system missions to consider using deep space optical communication and will boost European industrial capacity in the vital future technology sector of single-photon quantum optical communication. Psyche: From Greek mythology to Greek mountain tops ESA and NASA have a long-standing partnership in deep space communication and interoperability. This collaboration allows ESA spacecraft to communicate with NASA ground stations and NASA missions to communicate with ESA's Estrack stations, much like how European mobile phones are compatible with cellular networks in the U.S., and vice versa. This cross-compatible system ensures seamless communication across vast interplanetary distances and symbolizes strong international cooperation in space exploration. By collaborating on the DSOC demonstration, the agencies are factoring this interoperability into the very early stages of the development of a new type of satellite communication. Both agencies are developing their own ground infrastructure to communicate with DSOC. This ground infrastructure must be built at high altitude, in order to avoid as much interference from Earth's atmosphere and cloud cover as possible. For instance, NASA's facility is situated in the mountainous regions of California, capitalizing on the clear atmospheric conditions there. To select a suitable site for ESA's ground infrastructure, the team began by looking at the most suitable optical telescopes in Europe that might be used to receive laser pulses from DSOC. The 2.3 m Aristarchos telescope, located at an altitude of 2,340 m at the Helmos Observatory in Greece, checked all the necessary boxes. However, the team still had to find a suitable location for the high-power laser transmitter that will be used to send signals to the spacecraft. The high-power transmitter has to be located nearby, so that signals can be sent to and received from DSOC during the same communication window. Fortunately, 37 km away from the Helmos observatory, across the valley and atop the next mountain peak, is the Kryoneri Observatory. Work is now underway to prepare a single-photon-sensitive detector/receiver at the Helmos observatory and a high-power laser transmitter at the Kryoneri observatory. ESA's deep space optical communication Ground Laser Receiver will take the form of a sophisticated receiver unit known as an "optical bench." This receiver unit will be securely mounted to the rear of the Aristarchos telescope. "The receiver's detector must be highly sensitive to detect individual quantum particles of lightphotonsfrom DSOC, sent across hundreds of millions of kilometers," says Sinda Mejri, the lead optical engineer of the ESA's Ground Laser Receiver system." "To detect the individual photons, the detector needs to be superconducting, meaning it can conduct electricity without any resistance. To achieve this, the receiver's detector will be cooled to -272.15C (1 Kelvin). Absorbing a photon disrupts the detector's superconducting state, creating a measurable electrical pulse." "While one pixel, only a few microns in size, can achieve this sensitivity, our new detector requires 36 such pixels to work in unison, posing substantial challenges related to quantum mechanics and the required complex electronic circuitry." NASA's Psyche mission launched in October 2023 on a mission to explore a unique, metal-rich asteroid of the same name. Credit: Maxar/ASU/P. Rubin/NASA/JPL-Caltech Additionally, the detector faces the unique challenge of being cryogenically cooled, while still being able to move as the telescope turns and follows the spacecraft across the sky. Cryogenic systems typically resist movement, and ensuring consistent cooling during motion is another considerable technological challenge. The Ground Laser Receiver also includes electronics to monitor the signal strength from DSOC. If the signal weakens, the system will automatically adjust the telescope's position to maintain signal strength and relay this information to the laser transmitter 37 km away, ensuring accurate alignment. This setup requires the development of specialized control software to coordinate these operations effectively. The development of ESA's ground receiver started earlier this year. Once complete, it will be sent to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California for compatibility testing with an engineering test model of the DSOC transmitter. A laser pushing the limits of modern fiber optics The development of the high-power laser transmitter at Kryoneri also poses a technological challenge. "The laser has to be so powerful that it would actually break down the protective coating of its own optical components and mirrors and melt conventional fiber optics if not designed with the necessary precautions," says ESA Ground Laser Transmitter optical lead engineer Andrea Di Mira. "And we are combining up to seven separate beams that have to work together seamlessly." With the seven beams combined, the ESA laser will be capable of transmitting photons encoded with information bright enough for DSOC to detect when it is roughly 1.52.5 astronomical units (220370 million km) from Earth. These distances would be typical of a future Mars mission, for example. NASA believes it may be able to push the technology to even further distances. In addition to the high brightness, the laser beam must be pointed precisely in the direction of the distant spacecraft. The required precision is like shining a laser pointer from Earth into a small crater on the moon. Work has begun to prepare the site for the transmitter at Kryoneri. Once complete, the system will be tested at reduced power using the optical communication terminal of Alphasat, a European technology demonstration satellite now in geostationary orbit. Europe up to the challenge ESA's participation in the DSOC demonstration is made possible by a consortium of European companies including qtlabs, Single Quantum, General Atomics Synopta, qssys, Safran Data Systems and NKT Photonics Ltd, and by the National Observatory of Athens, who is providing access to the Helmos and Kryoneri observatories. "We are really challenging European industry with this project," says Sinda Mejri. "But they have eagerly taken up the challenge. The work they carry out here could also give them an edge in the development of important technologies for applications such as Quantum key distribution, used for secure communications, and quantum imaging." Deep-space optical communication is considered the most challenging form of optical communication. Its technology innovations, especially related to quantum optical communication, will directly benefit ESA's missions in this field, such as SAGA, Eagle-1, OPS-SAT VOLT or QKDSAT. ESA's experiments with DSOC will take place in 2025, once the spacecraft is far enough from Earth to be representative of future deep space science and exploration missions. If successful, the demonstration could pave the way for a new generation of solar system exploration and the development of deep space optical communication stations on Earth. Journey to an ancient metal world DSOC is riding along with NASA's Psyche mission but will not transmit Psyche mission data. The Psyche mission's primary goal is the exploration of the mysterious metal-rich asteroid of the same name. Scientists believe that rocky, terrestrial planets such as Earth contain metallic cores, but their location so far beneath the surface makes them tough to study. The Psyche asteroid offers a rare chance to explore the history and formation of Earth-like planets. Psyche was first discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis in 1852, as the 16th ever discovered asteroid. Almost two centuries later, Italy is now home to ESA's Planetary Defense Office who are particularly excited to see the results of the Psyche mission. Humankind's understanding of asteroids is rapidly increasing: we are getting better at detecting small asteroids before impact with Earth, detecting ones that pass close by, getting up close to study them with spacecraft, and even returning asteroid samples to Earth. The Psyche mission, and the DSOC technology demonstration with it, will enable a greater understanding of the origins of our universe and enhance our ability to transmit large quantities of scientific data back to Earth. 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 living Mesechinus orientalis sp. nov. (XC 2205003) from Xuancheng, Anhui. Credit: ZooKeys (2023). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615 Researchers at Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China, have announced the discovery of a new species within the hedgehog genus Mesechinus. The eastern China hedgehog species was found to be distinct from other regional hedgehogs across morphological and phylogenetic characteristics. In their paper, "A new species of forest hedgehog (Mesechinus, Erinaceidae, Eulipotyphla, Mammalia) from eastern China," published in the open access journal ZooKeys, the research team details the analysis resulting in the decision to formally describe a new species of hedgehog, Mesechinus orientalis. Previously known Mesechinus species (M. dauuricus, M. hughi, M. miodon, and M. wangi) mainly inhabit northern China, Mongolia, Russia and southwestern China. This new species is exclusive to eastern China. Seven Mesechinus specimens were collected from eastern China between 2018 and 2023 to determine which species of hedgehog they were. The researchers utilized various methodologies, including morphological measurements, mitochondrial genome sequencing, assembly, annotation, and phylogenetic analysis using genetic data from several Mesechinus species and related hedgehog genera obtained from GenBank. Morphological, morphometric, and genetic evidence supported the recognition of Mesechinus orientalis as a new species, distinct from the previously recognized species within the genus Mesechinus. The new species shares morphological similarities with M. hughi but is distinguishable by its smaller size, shorter spines, and specific cranial characteristics. Divergence times were estimated from the most recent common ancestor. The genus Mesechinus began to appear in the early Pleistocene around 1.71 million years ago. M. orientalis was estimated to have diverged from M. hughi and M. wangi ancestor approximately 1.10 million years ago. In comparison, M. hughi and M. wangi diverged from each other about 0.74 million years ago. These long time frames since divergence indicate that the hedgehogs have been isolated from one another for a long time, likely due to climatic shifts during the Pleistocene that altered migration routes and led to prolonged geographic isolation. More information: Zifan Shi et al, A new species of forest hedgehog (Mesechinus, Erinaceidae, Eulipotyphla, Mammalia) from eastern China, ZooKeys (2023). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615 Journal information: ZooKeys 2023 Science X Network A light rain falls during the first of two demonstrations by some 50 parents and their kids in the parking lot of the Tomball ISD adminstration building Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 in Tomball, TX. The demonstartion coincided with an attendance strike by students at Creekside schools. Michael Wyke/Contributor Tomball ISD Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award by Texas A&MUniversity-Kingsville. Courtesy of Tomball ISD Tomball ISD holds town hall meeting at CreekSide Park Junior High School. Ralph Green Rick Raynor holds his son Tiago on his shoulders as he talks about the issues as he takes part in the first of two demonstrations by some 50 parents and their kids in the parking lot of the Tomball ISD adminstration building Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 in Tomball, TX. The demonstartion coincided with an attendance strike by students at Creekside schools. Michael Wyke/Contributor The Tomball ISD school board held a special meeting to discuss plans for a new school at the district's innovation center on May 2, 2023. Ralph Green/Staff photo Ann Snyder, chairman of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, leads a meeting of The Woodlands Township, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, in The Woodlands. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer The Woodlands Township Board of Directors meet, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, in The Woodlands. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Tomball ISD will expand Creekside Park Junior High to accommodate fifth-grade students and will drop plans to build a new standalone intermediate school at the Tomball Innovation Center in response to protests from Woodlands-area residents and elected officials. The district expects to complete the two-story campus addition for Creekside Park, which is located in The Woodlands, by the 2026-27 school year. Fifth- and sixth-graders will share the campus with seventh- and eighth-graders but will have "two distinct experiences," much like having a separate intermediate and junior high, the district said in a statement. The school district originally planned to build a new elementary school. In April, the district switched gears and announced an adapted plan to build a new intermediate school, sparking outrage from some parents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Several dozen parents cited long bus rides and waits to pick up students at the school, which would have been located 5 to 8 miles from Creekside Park elementary schools. Their frustration led The Woodlands Township's board of directors to get involved in efforts to help keep the school within the village. Hundreds of parents attended an April town hall and several school board and township meetings afterward to voice their concerns. On Nov. 13 and 14, parents David and Suzanne Swiderski hosted a protest and attendance strike to call attention to the amended plans. "Obviously, we created a lot of pushback around the proposed plans and the administration has done an amazing job of listening to concerns and feedback from parents and finding a solution that is not just beneficial for Creekside Park families, but all of Tomball ISD as well," David Swiderski said. Creekside resident Rebecca Masciola, who did not protest the former plan for an intermediate school, said she is satisfied with the outcome. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "This seems like a great (compromise) and shows the district's willingness to listen to parent concerns," Masciola said. "My focus is (on) the best outcome for all families and children in TISD, and I hope this solution will provide more money for solutions in other parts of the district." She said she and others in Creekside await more details on how issues like class size and traffic congestion will be addressed. Bond called for elementary school The district originally planned to build a new elementary school with funds from its $494.46 million 2021 bond. The bond was presented to voters in response to Tomball ISD's population growth to 18,640 by Sept 2020, a 32% increase from the 2015-2016 school year. In April, the district announced amended plans to build an intermediate instead of the elementary school at the Tomball Innovation Center. District officials said the change would provide longer-term and more evenly distributed enrollment capacity relief for schools, and delay the need for another bond until 2029. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Many Creekside students walk to school, and parents said the distance and lack of infrastructure would have caused significant increases in bus ride and car pickup times. "Our Creekside village residents have been rightfully concerned about the possibility of their children spending 8 to 10 hours a week on a bus in transit to Tomball ISD schools," township board member Brad Bailey told the Chronicle. Bailey said the board got involved to help "open conversations" about an alternate plan for Creekside Park, which is the sole Woodlands village zoned to Tomball ISD. Township board members attended school board meetings and met with Tomball ISD board members to help find a solution. Township board chairman Ann Snyder said in a statement that she is happy with the "innovative solution." The township is pleased to know that our residents will continue to be able to send their children to schools located in the community we love," she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alternatives brought up challenges Tomball ISD considered several options, including adding a new standalone campus to the 22-acre lot that hosts Creekside Park Junior High. After completing a feasibility study, however, the district found the plan would cost an additional $10 million to build, raise concerns with traffic congestion and drainage and eliminate a current practice field. Expanding the campus erases some concerns because it will be located on a site with stable soil composition and will allow the junior high to keep its practice field, district leaders said. Some original challenges, including traffic, drainage and detention infrastructure, and permitting and utility capacity issues will remain, but the expansion's smaller size should mitigate some of those impacts. ALSO SEE: Volunteers place hundreds of wreaths on veteran graves in Montgomery County District officials said the expanded campus will also potentially save up to $20 million, redirecting more funds to provide relief in other areas, such as renovating current campuses. Planning and construction can begin immediately. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Wild North American grapes are now less of a mystery after an international team of researchers led by the University of California, Davis, decoded and cataloged the genetic diversity of nine species of this valuable wine crop. The research, published in the journal Genome Biology, uncovers critical traits that could accelerate grape breeding efforts, particularly in tackling challenges like climate change, saline environments, and drought. "This research marks a significant step in understanding the genetics of grapevines," said Dario Cantu, the senior author on the journal article and a professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology. "It lays the groundwork for future advancements in grape breeding by identifying key genes responsible for important traits." The research team developed and used state-of-the-art technology to construct a comprehensive pangenome, which is a complete genetic blueprint of wild grape species. This so-called super-pangenome of nine species allowed the team to map genetic diversity, identify similarities or differences among them, and pinpoint specific traits that breeders may want to incorporate. First author Noe Cochetel, a postdoctoral researcher in Cantu's lab, did the analyses and played a pivotal role in the project. It is the first North American wild grape pangenome to be mapped and cataloged, Cantu said. "This offers tremendous potential for advancing sustainable grape cultivation, especially in regions facing water scarcity challenges," said Cantu, a plant biologist who also holds the Louis P. Martini Endowed chair. "This pangenome will enable further genetic exploration of other vital adaptive traits essential for industry resilience, like drought tolerance, heat resistance, and defense against Pierce's disease." Caused by a strain of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, Pierce's disease kills grapevines by clogging their water-conducting vessels. Wild grape pros and cons North American grapes are known for their resistance to disease and adaptability, but they are not favored for taste and wine quality. European grapevines like chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon are less resistant to diseases but are renowned for producing high-quality wines. North American species have a wide geographic range. As a consequence, they have evolved to withstand diverse climatic, soil and pathogen conditions, encompassing a broad spectrum of genetic diversity. That is why nearly all wine grapes produced worldwide are from European vines grafted onto North American rootstocks. Ability to select traits The detailed pangenome will empower breeders to selectively incorporate desired traits from wild grapes, such as salt tolerance while avoiding less desirable characteristics. "Salt tolerance is a crucial trait for rootstocks," Cantu noted. "Identifying these traits at a genetic level is a major advancement for grape breeding." More information: Noe Cochetel et al, A super-pangenome of the North American wild grape species, Genome Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03133-2 Journal information: Genome Biology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Public opinion polls are often considered "the will of the people" but a new study on the role of polls in South Korea shows that they may not always be that transparent. "Using polls to gauge what people think about politics is not as simple as it sounds, as there are multiple mediating factors between what people think and how their views may be represented in the media," says co-author Sunmin Kim, an assistant professor of sociology at Dartmouth. "Our research shows more broadly, how in a democracy, measuring what people think or want can be a highly haphazard and unpredictable process based on the ways public opinion poll data are collected and reported." The findings are published in Politics & Society To examine the relationship between public opinion and polling, the research team chose to focus on South Korea because in the span of one generation, the country transitioned between the 1950s to the late 1980s from an authoritarian regime to a democratic society where polling has become an integral part of the political fabric. In addition to forecasting elections, polls are sometimes used to select the candidates for national primary elections. For example, during the 2002 presidential campaign, following a televised debate between two opposition candidates, Roh Moo-hyun of the Millennium Democratic Party and Chung Mong-joon, who ran as an independent, formed a coalition, with Roh as the candidate on the basis of winning a poll. He wound up defeating another candidate and winning the presidency. In spring 2014, Kim and co-author Taeku Lee, the Bae Family Professor of Government at Harvard University, traveled twice to South Korea to interview 23 pollsters, journalists, academics, and campaign experts. They asked about the public perception of polls, the quality of the data, media coverage of poll results, and the relationship between polls and democracy in the country. "There's a contradiction between the ideal of polling and its practice," says Kim. "The reality is that there's all kinds of noise, including bad behavior, and opportunism that comes into play." Through this qualitative study in South Korea, the results demonstrate how the process of polling has its weaknesses, which pertain to technology, methodology, intentions, and reporting of data. First, technology may affect a polling sample. Although South Korea boasts a 95% to 98% cell phone coverage rate, the interviewees caution that conducting polls by cell phone may result in overrepresenting young people. Second, the way a poll is administered and whether it is automated or conducted in person can affect the response rate. Respondents may be more inclined to express their opinions depending on which poll method is used. In South Korea, some political candidates hire polling firms to conduct polls, but in reality, they are hired to help with campaign messaging through the poll questions, such as by asking negative questions about a rival. To obtain desirable data, pollsters may also distort the sample. If for example, a candidate is less popular among women, pollsters may systematically exclude women from the sample to get the numbers that they want. The researchers also call attention to the role of "hit and run" operations in local elections by pollsters. A polling firm will set up operations in a county and obtain the results that a politician wants, and once they get paid for the work, they disappear, so that there's no accountability. The pollsters may, however, show up in another county working under another guise. One of the other challenges with polls during an election season is the way that the results are reported by the media. According to the co-authors, the media often uses "horse-race polling" by focusing on who's the frontrunner versus the underdog, which may help the leading candidate gain further momentum. Consider a race that is especially close between two candidates: The stronger candidate is ahead by five percentage points and the margin of error is 4.5 points. The two candidates are effectively tied, statistically speaking, but the media will focus instead on who is ahead and exclude the context. "In the social sciences, public opinion polling has been widely accepted as a type of democratic process, but our study demonstrates how polls represent a social construction of public opinion, much of which is influenced by pollsters and their processes, and the media," says Kim. More information: Sunmin Kim et al, Making Opinions Public: Polling and Democratic Responsiveness in South Korea, Politics & Society (2023). DOI: 10.1177/00323292231181766 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 view of the IceCube Lab with a starry night sky showing the Milky Way and green auroras. Credit: Yuya Makino, IceCube/NSF The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, operated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-M), located at the AmundsenScott South Pole Station in Antarctica, is one of the most ambitious neutrino observatories in the world. Behind this observatory is the IceCube Collaboration, an international group of 300 physicists from 59 institutions in 14 countries. Relying on a cubic kilometer of ice to shield from external interference, this observatory is dedicated to the search for neutrinos. These nearly massless subatomic particles are among the most abundant in the universe and constantly pass through normal matter. By studying these particles, scientists hope to gain insight into some of the most violent astrophysical sourcessuch as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, merging black holes and neutron stars, etc. The group of scientists tasked with advising the U.S. government on particle physics research is known as the Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5). In a recent draft report, "Pathways to Innovation and Discovery in Particle Physics," the P5 team recommended a planned expansion of IceCube. This recommendation is one of several that define the future of astrophysics and particle physics research. The report also recommends support for a separate neutrino experiment based in Illinois called the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, along with multiple projects at CERN's Large Hadron Collider, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, the Cherenkov Telescope Array, and the development of next-generation ground-based telescopes to observe the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The P5 advisors include two UWMadison faculty members, Tulika Bose and Kyle Cranmer, and UWMadison physicists also hold leading roles in the projects listed above. Bose is an experimental particle physicist who works on the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment at the LHC. Her research is focused on the search for exotic particles, Dark Matter, and Standard Model measurements. Cranmer's research is similarly focused on the search for exotic particles and physics beyond the Standard Model, which included the ATLAS experiment at the LHC. Together with their P5 colleagues, the two spent much of the last year assessing the future of particle physics and recommending projects that would help advance the field. One of the chief concerns of the P5 panel is how the federal government could maximize the limited funding it allocates to particle physics research over the next decade. This is one of the main reasons for the recommended IceCube expansion, colloquially named ICECube-Gen2. As they indicate in their report, an upgrade to the current observatory would be a relatively cost-effective way to improve the scientific community's ability to detect and analyze neutrinos: "IceCube-Gen2 also has a strong science case in multi-messenger astrophysics together with gravitational wave observatories The South Pole, a unique site that enables the world-leading science of CMB-S4 and IceCube-Gen2, must be maintained as a premier site of science to allow continued US leadership in these areas." "Using new technology and taking advantage of the brilliant ice that we can model with ever higher precision, IceCube-Gen2 can expand the detection volume by a factor of eight for a cost comparable to IceCube," said Albrecht Karle, a UWMadison physics professor who is leading the IceCube upgrade in a UW-M press release. In addition to supporting an IceCube expansion and other major experiments, the panel recommended an improved funding balance between projects of all sizes, a more aggressive research and development program that could lead to a next-generation particle accelerator, and broadening the nation's advanced technology workforce. Bose indicated that she is particularly excited by the prospect of a new particle accelerator, which could potentially be located in the U.S. "I am excited by the bold long-term vision presented in the P5 report," she said. "Such a collider would be an unparalleled global facility that will provide new insights into the mysteries of our quantum universe." The P5 panel's recommendations are now being reviewed by the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel (HEPAP), part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), which is scheduled to meet on December 8th to discuss the recommendations. An online version of the P5 report can be found here on the DoE's website, and a 2-page summary can be found on the HEPAP site here. 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: Field site near Salt Lake City where researchers battled 900 inches of snow to collect their data. Credit: Singh et al. A winter wonderland calls to mind piles of fluffy, glistening snow. But to reach the ground, snowflakes are swept into the turbulent atmosphere, swirling through the air instead of plummeting directly to the ground. The path of precipitation is complex but important to more than just skiers assessing the potential powder on their alpine vacation or school children hoping for a snow day. Determining snowflake fall speed is crucial for predicting weather patterns and measuring climate change. In Physics of Fluids, researchers from the University of Utah report snowflake accelerations in atmospheric turbulence. They found that regardless of turbulence or snowflake type, acceleration follows a universal statistical pattern that can be described as an exponential distribution. The article, "A universal scaling law for Lagrangian snowflake accelerations in atmospheric turbulence," is authored by Dhiraj Kumar Singh, Eric R. Pardyjak, and Timothy Garrett. "Even in the tropics, precipitation often starts its lifetime as snow," said author Timothy Garrett. "How fast precipitation falls greatly affects storm lifetimes and trajectories and the extent of cloud cover that may amplify or diminish climate change. Just small tweaks in model representations of snowflake fall speed can have important impacts on both storm forecasting and how fast climate can be expected to warm for a given level of elevated greenhouse gas concentrations." Snowflakes swirling in turbulent air as they fall through a laser light sheet. Credit: Singh et al. Set up in a ski area near Salt Lake City, the team battled an unprecedented 900 inches of snow. They simultaneously filmed snowfall and measured atmospheric turbulence. Using a device they invented that employs a laser light sheet, they gathered information about snowflake mass, size, and density. "Generally, as expected, we find that low-density 'fluffy' snowflakes are most responsive to surrounding turbulent eddies," said Garrett. Despite the system's complexity, the team found that snowflake accelerations follow an exponential frequency distribution with an exponent of three halves. In analyzing their data, they also discovered that fluctuations in the terminal velocity frequency distribution followed the same pattern. "Snowflakes are complicated, and turbulence is irregular. The simplicity of the problem is actually quite mysterious, particularly given there is this correspondence between the variability of terminal velocitiessomething ostensibly independent of turbulenceand accelerations of the snowflakes as they are locally buffeted by turbulence," said Garrett. Because size determines terminal velocity, a possible explanation is that the turbulence in clouds that influences snowflake size is related to the turbulence measured at the ground. Yet the factor of three halves remains a mystery. The researchers will revisit their experiment this winter, using a mist of oil droplets to obtain a closer look at turbulence and its impact on snowflakes. More information: Dhiraj Kumar Singh et al, A universal scaling law for Lagrangian snowflake accelerations in atmospheric turbulence, Physics of Fluids (2023). DOI: 10.1063/5.0173359 Journal information: Physics of Fluids This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Two local nonprofit leaders are praising Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, and others in Congress for introducing a bipartisan bill that would authorize $60 million annually to protect coastal wetlands. The Resilient Coast and Estuaries Act would strengthen efforts to preserve natural habitats along the San Luis Rey River in Oceanside, the San Elijo Lagoon on the border of Encinitas and Solana Beach, and in coastal communities across the United States from the sea-level rise and intensifying storms that accompany climate change. "As climate change and development continue to degrade the functioning of these coastal treasures, it is even more imminent to engage in their protection and restoration," said Natalie Shapiro, executive director of the Buena Vista Audubon Society in Oceanside. "In addition, as a nonprofit actively restoring coastal wetlands in North County San Diego, we experience first-hand the need for funding this critical work and are thrilled that the act includes ... grants to nonprofit organizations," Shapiro said in a news release. "Local nonprofits play a crucial role in addressing environmental issues that affect their communities," said Doug Gibson, executive director and principal scientist at the Nature Collective, formerly the San Elijo Lagoon Foundation. "We are part of the local community and positioned to provide critical services and support at a grassroots level," Gibson said. "Let's all work collectively to set aside estuarine lands and waters so everyone can connect with, experience, and protect nature." The bill would prioritize projects in areas without adequate resources to adapt to climate change. "Our cherished lagoons and estuaries are vitally important to the stability of our environment and economy," Levin said. "It's crucial that we help our coastal communities preserve these natural resources and better prepare for the impacts of climate change." Levin introduced the bill along with Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Portland, Oregon, and Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, Va. The bill, if passed by Congress, directs the Secretary of Commerce to designate at least five new national estuarine research reserves, including the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. It is an extension of the Coastal Zone Management Act, which was passed in 1972 and expired in 2013. The reserves would specialize in research to support conservation and management efforts locally and across the country. 2023 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain New research from the University of Nottingham has found that national education policies can make special schools feel like a 'bookend." Dr. Lauran Doak, in the School of Education, spoke to headteachers across five schools specializing in the education of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Her research explored the dissatisfaction that these teachers felt in relation to national education policy in England and the effect this has on special schools nationwide. They expressed concern around the curriculum, financial administration and pandemic and post-pandemic guidance. Issues often stemmed from policy that centers the experiences of non-disabled learners in mainstream schoolsassuming, for example, that they can take part in online catch-up tutoring or are expected to enter traditional paid employment. Headteachers involved in the research also expressed concerns related to school funding and a lack of meaningful advice from central government. They also explained their anxieties about Ofsted inspections, and described a "roulette wheel" that may not allocate an inspector who understands the disconnect between national education policy and special school delivery. Dr. Doak, Assistant Professor in the School of Education, said of this research, "The UK government has repeatedly expressed support for the continued existence of special schools, so it is imperative that national educational policy is fit for purpose in these settings. "This research highlights how frequently special schools are forgotten when policy is written; in fact, two headteachers were moved to tears as they recounted the impossibility of implementing policy which was clearly not written for disabled learners. I hope that this report can start a conversation about how we move towards more inclusive educational policymaking." Headteachers indicated that they would prefer tighter scrutiny of the wording in national educational policy to reflect the educational needs of special schools, and better communication between policymakers and practitioners. More information: Lauran Doak, Understanding the challenges of enacting national education policy for special school Headteachers in England, University of Nottingham (2023). DOI: 10.17639/b6qs-1547 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Timur Weber from Pexels The ongoing conflict in Gaza between Hamas and Israel is playing out on screens like never before. Through social media, millions are witnessing the violence that has killed thousands since Oct. 7. People have turned to social media to learn about the history and politics of the region. And increasingly, many are using it to learn about Islam after witnessing the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, giving rise to a movement around exploration of the religion. In particular, TikTok has seen a spike in posts, livestreams and discussions about the Qur'an, with many citing the displays of Islamic faith they've seen in Gazans as their inspiration. TikTok analytics show the hashtag #Islam has rapidly gained popularity since early October. In that time, videos using the hashtag have garnered more than 35 billion views globally, one billion views in the United States and 360 million in Canada, with the majority of viewers aged 1824. TikTok challenging narratives In November, I spoke with six North American TikTokers who have taken part in the online movement by posting content about their faith journey. They shared insights about what they've learned, reactions from their audiences and their thoughts on the crisis in Gaza. "You see women running out of rubbled buildings holding their lifeless child, and the first thing they do is thank Allah (God)," said TikToker Hunter Graves (@graves.hunter) when I had a conversation with him. Graves is a 21-year-old college senior in Nashville. In the past two months, he has posted several videos discussing Islam. In some, he showcases books he's purchased; in others, he lightheartedly muses about the religion and that he is "lowkey thinking bout becoming a Muslim." One video expressing his excitement over terms like alhamdullilah (praise be to Allah) gained almost two million views. On Oct. 27, Graves posted a video taking his shahadathe formal declaration of faith whereby one becomes Muslimat a mosque and officially "reverting," the term used by some converts to Islam. "With faith, suffering has meaning," he told me. Muhammad Kolila, an imam at the Downtown Denver Islamic Center, told me people are using social media to spread knowledge, challenge biases and express solidarity. "You can do a lot with social media," he said, adding that some are linking the struggle of Palestinians to those of Indigenous people in North America and South African apartheid. Many TikTokers say the movement has deconstructed negative beliefs about Islam that they grew up with. What's happening online contrasts with the anti-Muslim sentiment that has been growing in the West since the early 21st century. The Canadian Senate Committee on Human Rights recently released a report outlining the frequency and harms of discrimination, violence and online hate against Canadian Muslims. Madison (@6toedcats), a 24-year-old from Tampa, Fla., posted a teary-eyed video in mid-October, seeking local Muslim women to support her journey to becoming a Muslim. She had previously researched Islam online but said that Palestine was the tipping factor. "It clicked in my headI am thinking of myself as Muslim, why am I not Muslim already?" she expressed to me in an interview. Charlie Bowling (@gingerbeard.prog), who considers himself agnostic, posts videos listening to and reading the Qur'an. "I see the Palestinian faith that has kept them so willing and strong," he told me, "when I started reading the Qur'an, I wanted to document my journey." History repeats itself Following the 9/11 attacks, a similar phenomenon of people exploring Islam occurred, particularly among women. Current interest mirrors that, but it is now happening through social media and before a much wider audience. Camela Widad (@camelawidad) began learning about Islam in the months prior to 9/11 and officially converted in 2003. "We started to see people go 'What? Is it really a religion that promotes terrorism?' And that's when I saw it gain momentum," she told me. In her eyes, access to social media today has humanized Muslims. Islam has kept individuals in Gaza steadfast in the face of adversity, appealing to audiences on social media. Religion comforts individuals by providing answers to existential questions about life, death and suffering. The Qur'an encourages connection between lessons from its stories and the present day, contributing to its value in times of hardship. The surge in online content is also inspiring some to re-explore their faith. Fatima Abdi (@bbyfatz), a fashion influencer with over 83,000 followers, became distanced from Islam as a teen, but has started to find her way back. Seeing others' videos inspired her to put more action into her beliefshe's started sharing parts of her faith and modest fashion journey with her audience. Cornell Jones (@consciouscorn) reverted to Islam three years ago. When I spoke to him in November, he said the current crisis in Gaza feels like a loss in humanity, but TikTok has allowed him to "make room for faith in Allah." Jones said he's received many messages asking about his reversion experience. The dangers of social media While social media can be great, Kolila warns against rushing into Islam or comparing one's journey to others online. "Walk to the faith, not the people," he said. Seeking reputable sources is key. "Just because we have a platform, it doesn't mean we have the authority," said Jones. Abdi and Graves added that being open about faith online can come with harsh scrutiny. Connection between Muslims and non-Muslims on TikTok has created a rare space for empathy to flourish. At its core, the movement has allowed people to come together, learn and unlearn. In a time of stark inhumanity and collective grief, doing this might just be what helps us cope. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The harbor porpoise pits model. We suggest the following model for the formation of the pits and pit-scours. Phase 1: Harbor porpoise acoustically search for buried fish (sand eel) using their sonar on a flat seafloor. Phase 2: Bottom grubbing similar to the one observed for dolphins and gray whales, resulting in decimeter to meter large pits with a distinct morphology. Phase 3: The pits act as nucleation points for bottom currents to initiate scouring and formation of pit-scours, erosion and sediment transport, which subsequently leads to the commingling of individual pit-scours, resulting in larger structures on the seafloor. Phase 4: Episodic but severe storms predominantly in winter completely level out the structures over time and eventually form a flat seafloor, setting the start point for phase 1, thus closing the evolution cycle. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-023-01102-y The world's oceans are a vast habitat for countless creatures that settle, spawn, dig or feed on the seafloor. They also influence the shape of the ocean floor. How exactly this takes place has scarcely been investigated. In an interdisciplinary study, geoscientists from Kiel University, together with colleagues from biology and oceanography, have examined crater-like depressions on the floor of the North Sea. They were able to show that these directly relate to the habitats of porpoises and sand eels, and for the first time provide a conclusive explanation for the importance of vertebrates in shaping the seafloor. The results were published today (December 19) in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. The North Sea seafloor is dotted with thousands of crater-like depressions in the sediment known as pockmarks. There are probably millions of them around the world ocean. They are formed by fluid discharge such as the greenhouse gas methane or groundwater, according to common scientific understanding. The majority of these pockmarks still puzzle researchers today, as many cannot be explained by fluid seepage. "Our results show for the first time that these depressions occur in direct connection with the habitat and behavior of porpoises and sand eels and are not formed by rising fluids," says Dr. Jens Schneider von Deimling, lead author of the current study and geoscientist at Kiel University. "Our high-resolution data provide a new interpretation for the formation of tens of thousands of pits on the North Sea seafloor, and we predict that the underlying mechanisms occur globally, but have been overseen until now." For the study, Schneider von Deimling and researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute, the Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo) as well as the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemunde (IOW) examined the seafloor in the North Sea off Heligoland down to centimeters. They also included the behavior of vertebrates such as porpoises in their analyses. Vertebrates leave pits in the seabed of the North Sea Most of the depressions in the seafloor in the German Bight, the team suspects, are created by porpoises and other animals in search of food, and then scoured out by bottom currents. The sand eel, a small eel-like fish that spends most of the year buried in shallow sediments, plays a key role in this process. Sand eels are not only popular with the fishing industry, but are also consumed in large quantities by porpoises. "From analyses of the stomach contents of stranded porpoises, we know that sand eels are an important food source for the North Sea population," says Dr. Anita Gilles of the TiHo-Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), who has long studied the biology of marine mammals. In their study, the researchers showed that the marine mammals leave pits in the seafloor when they hunt for buried sand eels. Although these pits resemble the familiar pockmarks, they are much shallower. Advanced multibeam echosounder technology provides information on pit condition The detection of the pits has only become possible in recent years with the help of modern multibeam echosounder technology, which is taught and practiced intensively at Kiel University. "The formation mechanism of these pits, as we call them, probably also explains the existence of numerous crater-like depressions on the seafloor worldwide, which have been misinterpreted as the result of methane gas leaks," says Schneider von Deimling. In the North Sea, the researchers identified 42,458 of these enigmatically shaped, shallow pits with an average depth of just 11 centimeters, which differ in their morphology from the more conical craters of the pockmarks. Schneider von Deimling works in the Kiel Marine Geophysics and Hydroacoustics working group at the Institute of Geosciences and the Kiel Marine Science (KMS) priority research area at Kiel University, and is vice chairman of the German Hydrographic Society (DHyG). As an expert in seafloor mapping, methane gas seepage and seafloor pockmarks, he never believed that the depressions in the German Bight were caused by rising fluids. "We had to come up with an alternative hypothesis for the formation. This allowed us to predict where potential porpoise feeding sites are, and that is exactly where we found the pitsalways close to sand eel habitats. Our extensive and multidisciplinary data analysis now provides a conclusive explanation for our harbor porpoise pits hypothesis." An interdisciplinary approach leads to the harbor porpoise pits hypothesis The key to the new findings was an interdisciplinary approach that brought together geological studies, geophysical sonar measurements, vertebrate behavior and feeding biology, satellite evaluation, and oceanographic analysis. By precisely analyzing millions of echosoundings collected by German research vessels, the researchers were able to locate the unusual pits. "Using special echosounding methods, we can now measure the seafloor with centimeter precision and thus find the shallow pits. We can also look into the seafloor and see, for example, whether there is free methane gas," explains AWI researcher Dr. Jasper Hoffmann. Analyzing the data, collected by research vessels over thousands of nautical miles, was a mammoth task. "With modern methods, such structures can be automatically detected and characterized in acoustic data sets and automatically analyzed in large data sets," says Dr. Jacob Geersen, co-author of the study. From the North Sea into the world: Results with far-reaching effects The research team currently believes that the initial feeding pits serve as a nucleus for scouring and eventually develop into larger pits. This finding also has global implications. The scouring of sediments by vertebrates in the ocean could modulate the seafloor on a global scale and influence benthic ecosystems. In the study area alone, pits cover 9% of the seafloor. Initial volume estimates indicate that 773,369 tons of sediment have been deposited over an area of 1581 km. This is roughly equivalent to the weight of half a million cars. "Our results have far-reaching implications from a geological and biological perspective. They can help to assess the ecological risks associated with the expansion of renewable energies in the offshore sector and thus improve marine environmental protection," concludes Schneider von Deimling. More information: Jens Schneider von Deimling et al, Millions of seafloor pits, not pockmarks, induced by vertebrates in the North Sea, Communications Earth & Environment (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-023-01102-y Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment 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: Three vervet monkeys with an adult grooming a juvenile. Credit: Charlotte Canteloup, CC BY-SA People living in different communities follow different social customs or norms. In some places, for instance, it might be standard practice to greet each person you see on the street, while in others that simply isn't done. In some cases, such differences may even vary from one neighborhood to the next. Now researchers reporting in the journal iScience on December 19 have found similarly varied social traditions and styles among neighboring groups of vervet monkeys. "We report the existence of behavioral traditions of social customs in vervet monkeys that are stable across nine years," says Elena Kerjean of the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse, France. The researchers found that such differences in social traditions set up differences in "social atmosphere" that could be passed on from one generation to the next through social learning. Intriguingly, they also found that dispersing males quickly adapted their social style to that of their new group, suggesting that they may experience a phenomenon akin to social conformity driven by peer pressure. Kerjean and colleagues including Erica van de Waal and Charlotte Canteloup knew that other animals, like people, follow traditions. But most studies had focused primarily on the presence or absence of traditions such as tool use. They hadn't explored more subtle, quantitative differences in social behavior that can lead to important differences in a group's social atmosphere. To explore further in the new study, the researchers analyzed more than 84,000 social interactions between almost 250 vervet monkey individuals collected over nine years in three neighboring groups. Their analyses revealed an unexpected difference: in one of the groups, dubbed Ankhase (AK), the monkeys were more likely than in the other two groups to trade off when grooming each other. "We found that individuals in one groupAKdisplay significantly more affiliative behaviors than in the two other groups, and this difference was stable over nine years of study," Kerjean says. The AK group was not only more social than the other two, but they also exchanged grooming more reciprocally. When a monkey groomed another monkey, that monkey would usually repay the favor. As a result, grooming was exchanged more fairly in AK compared to the other two groups. "You can think about it like massage exchanges between individuals," Kerjean explained. "If I give you a massage 100 times a year but you only did it two times, I may feel that our relation is quite unfair. That's the kind of differences we observed between our groups." The researchers also found that six males who moved from one group to another adapted their social interactions to better match their new groups. Those changes were also seen in both directions. Upon moving out of the AK group, males became less social and less likely to groom a partner fairly. Males leaving one of the less social groups for AK showed exactly the opposite trend. "Males adapted their sociality to the group they integrated with, which we believe is a good example of social conformity," Kerjean says. "This normative ruleact like othersprobably helps them to get better integrated in a new group. This conformity effect had been previously shown through a novel food experiment, but this is the first time that we observed that with social behavior." The findings show that groups not only have different social traditions but that those traditions also can be stable over time in ways that are likely mediated socially. The researchers suggest that these differences are passed on through social learning, although they can't rule out that there may be other differences in the environment at work, too. Now that they know about the existence of these social traditions, they say they'd like to learn more about how they are introduced and passed on. They note that they're especially curious to explore the role of key individuals or leaders in pressuring newcomers to follow along. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The fractures of the Cerberus Fossae landscape, located in the vast plain Elysium Planitia on Mars, cut through hills and craters, indicating their relative youth. A new study providing the most detailed three-dimensional map of volcanic features in this area paints a picture of Mars as planet with a much more tumultuous geologic past than previously thought. Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin A vast, flat, "featureless" plain on Mars surprised researchers by revealing a much more tumultuous geologic past than expected, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Arizona. Enormous amounts of lava have erupted from numerous fissures as recently as 1 million years ago, blanketing an area almost as large as Alaska and interacting with water in and under the surface, resulting in large flood events that carved out deep channels. Lacking plate tectonicsshifting chunks of crust that constantly reshape Earth's surfaceMars has long been thought to be a geologically "dead" planet where not much is happening. Recent discoveries have researchers questioning this notion, however. Just last year, a team of planetary scientists, also at UArizona, presented evidence for a giant mantle plume underneath the region Elysium Planitia, driving intense volcanic and seismic activity in a relatively recent past. In the most recent study, a team led by Joana Voigt and Christopher Hamilton at UArizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory combined spacecraft images and measurements from ground-penetrating radar to reconstruct in three-dimensional detail every individual lava flow in Elysium Planitia. The extensive survey revealed and documented more than 40 volcanic events, with one of the largest flows infilling a valley named Athabasca Valles with almost 1,000 cubic miles of basalt. "Elysium Planitia is the youngest volcanic terrain on the planet, and studying it helps us to better understand Mars' past as well as recent hydrological and volcanic history," the authors write in their paper. Although no volcanic activity has so far been observed on Mars, "Elysium Planitia was volcanically much more active than previously thought and might even still be volcanically alive today," said Voigt, the first author of the study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. A plethora of Mars quakes recorded by NASA's InSight lander between 2018 until 2022 has provided proof that beneath its surface, the red planet is anything but dead. "Our study provides the most comprehensive account of geologically recent volcanism on a planet other than Earth," said Hamilton, associate professor at LPL. "It is the best estimate of Mars' young volcanic activity for about the past 120 million years, which corresponds to when the dinosaurs roaming the Earth at their peak to present." The findings have implications for research surrounding whether Mars could have harbored life at some point in its history, according to the authors. Elysium Planitia experienced several large floods of water, and there is evidence that the outpouring lava interacted with water or ice, shaping the landscape in dramatic ways. Across Elysium Planitia, Voigt and her co-authors found ample evidence of steam explosions, interactions that are of great interest to astrobiologists because they may have created hydrothermal environments conducive to microbial life. The team used images from the Context camera onboard NASA's Reconnaissance Orbiter, or MRO, combined with even higher-resolution images from MRO's UArizona-led HiRISE camera in selected areas. To obtain topographical information, they took advantage of data records from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter on another NASA spacecraft, Mars Global Surveyor. These survey data were then combined with subsurface radar measurements taken with NASA's Shallow Radar, or SHARAD, probe. This image taken by the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter shows an oblique view focusing on one of the vast lava flows in Elysium Planitia. Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin "With SHARAD, we were able to look as deep as 140 meters (460 feet) below the surface," said Voigt, who completed the study as part of earning her doctoral degree at UArizona. She is now a postdoctoral researcher at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL, in Pasadena, California. "Combining the datasets allowed us to reconstruct a three-dimensional view of the study area, including what the topography was like before lava erupted from multiple cracks and filled basins and channels previously carved by running water," Voigt added. Mars' interior is thought to be very different from Earth's, and a detailed reconstruction of its geological features provides scientists with glimpses into the processes that shaped it in the past. The relationship between volcanoes and the structure of the Martian crust is key to understanding the planet's paleo-environmental conditions, Hamilton said. In addition to water contained within the magma being flung into the atmosphere and then freezing out on the surface, a volcanic eruption can allow for a catastrophic groundwater release onto the surface. "When there is a crack in the Martian crust, water can flow onto the surface," Hamilton said. "Because of the low atmospheric pressure, that water is likely to literally just boil away. But if there's enough water coming out during that period, you can get a huge flood that comes through, racing over the landscape and carving out these huge features that we see." Understanding how water has moved around on Mars in the past and where it is today is a "holy grail" question, the authors said. Because the equatorial regions, where Elysium Planitia is located, are much easier to land on than the planet's higher latitudes, the presence of water and understanding mechanisms of its release inform future human missions, which will critically depend on that resource. "Elysium Planitia is the perfect location to try to understand the link between what we see at the surface and the interior dynamics that manifested itself through volcanic eruptions," Voigt said. "I paid a lot of attention to the details on the lava surfaces to try and untangle the different eruption events and reconstruct the entire history of these geologic entities." The team plans to continue taking advantage of large, complex datasets obtained with different imaging methods to create highly detailed, three-dimensional insights of the Martian surface and what lies beneath, combined with a time sequence of events of other volcanically active regions. Voigt likened lava flow surfaces to "open books that provide a wealth of information about how they came to be if you know how to read them. "These areas that used to be considered featureless and boring, like Elysium Planitia, I think they contain a lot of secrets, and they want to be read," she said. More information: J. R. C. Voigt et al, Revealing Elysium Planitia's Young Geologic History: Constraints on Lava Emplacement, Areas, and Volumes, Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023JE007947 Journal information: Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets Weve crunched the numbers to find the school cafeterias with the most health code violations this year. Weve also included some low-lights from health inspectors' most recent visits below. Half of the top 10 school cafeterias with the most violations this year were at private schools. Four charter schools, including two KIPP Texas Public Schools campuses and one public school also made the top violators list this year. However, inspections got particularly colorful during the departments look into school ice machines. Inspectors noted colorful residues building up in cafeteria ice makers across Houston in a variety of hues, including orange, pink, red, black and brown. According to the Houston Chronicles analysis, the most common violations health inspectors cited at the school cafeterias were for dirty ceilings and walls. Other common violations included improperly stored dumpsters and poorly maintained equipment. Though nearly 90% of the violations found at schools this year were categorized as non-critical, inspectors also found over 120 critical violations for offenses like black residue building up on can openers and expired food in refrigerators. Inspectors also documented seven violations that were severe enough to shut the cafeterias down, including lack of hot water and cockroach infestations. Like other food serving establishments, Houstons school cafeterias are inspected by the department twice a year to check that the facilities meet standards for sanitation, food preparation and storage. For schools, the inspections are timed to occur once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester. However, cafeterias may be inspected more often if violations are found during routine inspections or if a complaint is filed. The Houston Chronicle analyzed over 1,200 violations that Houston Health Department inspectors found across 318 charter, private and public school campuses in Houston during inspections from January through October. During inspections at Houston area elementary, middle and high schools this year, health inspectors discovered a number of troubling violations at cafeterias, including residues in ice machines that spanned the colors of the rainbow. Top schools for violations #1 KIPP North Campus Schools: KIPP Generations Collegiate, KIPP 3D Academy, and KIPP Dream Prep Advertisement Article continues below this ad Address: 500 Tidwell Rd., Houston,TX 77022 KIPPs North campus encompasses three schools KIPP Generations Collegiate, KIPP 3D Academy, and KIPP Dream Prep, which all have their own cafeterias. All three cafeterias were inspected by Houston Health Department inspectors at each visit to the campus this year. At the most recent inspection of KIPP's north campus cafeterias on Sept. 8, health inspectors found 17 violations, none of which were categorized as critical. The September visit was a slight improvement over the department's previous visit to the campus in April this year, when inspectors noted 22 non-critical violations. KIPP Public Schools said they reset expectations with their team and food vendor when they learned about the health code violations found at the inspections. Lowlights from their Sept. 8, 2023 inspection: (17 violations, 0 critical) Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hot water not getting hot enough (hot water at hand washing sink not reaching 100F) Traps are being emptied every six months, no waiver obtained. Clean grease trap within five business days. Food handler working in food prep area with no hair restraint Observed two dumpsters stored on gravel/grass. Food service manager's certificate and most recent inspection reports not posted on walls #2 Al-Hadi School Address: 2313 South Voss, Houston, TX 77057 Though Al-Hadi School in West Houston came in second place behind Kipps North Campus for most violations overall this year, the school had seven critical violations the most of any school in Houston. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The schools inspections have worsened throughout its three inspections this year, with each new inspection tallying more violations than the one before it. At Al-Hadi's most recent inspection on Sept. 29, the school had its highest violation count this year when inspectors noted 12 total violations overall, a third of which were categorized as critical. Lowlights from their Sept. 29, 2023 inspection: (12 violations, 4 critical) Observed raw beef stored over cooked chicken, raw chicken stored over cut celery in walk-in cooler Hot water at hand washing sink not reaching 100F. Observed cooked lamb thawing on floor in prep area No city of Houston food service managers certification filed #3 Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School Address: 2405 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003 Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School was inspected twice this year. At the first inspection in April, the school had 10 non-critical violations, and the school showed little improvement during its July inspection when inspectors noted nine non-critical violations. Lowlights from their July 13, 2023 inspection: (9 violations, 0 critical) Grease interceptor was last evacuated more than 90 days prior to inspection Observed accumulated black debris on the table-mounted can opener. Did not observe a covered waste receptacle in employee toilet rooms throughout establishment Observed four dead cockroaches (adult American) on floors throughout the establishment. #4 KIPP (10711 Kipp Way Campus) Schools: KIPP Houston High School, KIPP Academy Middle, KIPP SHINE Prep Address: 10711 Kipp Way St., Houston, TX, 77099 The three schools at KIPPs Southwest Houston campus KIPP Houston High School, KIPP Academy Middle, KIPP SHINE Prep each have their own cafeteria which were all inspected under the same Houston Health Department account in 2023. As of the end of October, the campus had only been inspected once this year. During the inspection on May 22, the inspectors noted 17 violations across the campuses' three cafeterias, including four violations that were categorized as critical. KIPP Public Schools said they reset expectations with their team and food vendor when they learned about the health code violations found at the inspections. Lowlights from their May 22, 2023 inspection: (17 violations, 4 critical) Observed the internal temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food (apple sauce= 48F) not maintained at 41F or below while being stored on ice. Observed no hand soap at hand washing sink in the back of the food preparation area. Observed 3 food handling employees (employed over 60 days) on duty during the inspection without a food handler certification. No City of Houston food service manager on duty at the time of inspection Observed presence of live cockroaches behind COVID-19 posters on the wall and nymph German roach crawling on a milk case. #5 IDEA Lake Houston Address: 5627 S. Lake Houston PKWY, Houston, TX, 77049 IDEA Lake Austin was inspected three times this year, and has steadily made improvements at each consecutive inspection. At the first two inspections, the school received critical violations when inspectors found that the person in charge did not have a food service manager certificate. At the schools last inspection on Sept. 20, health inspectors only noted two violations and seemed to have corrected its issue with the food service manager certificates. IDEA Public Schools said they were aware of the recent health code violations found at the cafeteria, and that they are working to address the issues. Lowlights from their Sept. 20, 2023 inspection: (2 violations, 0 critical) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz has announced a proposal to conserve some 2,000 acres of state forest land. The proposal includes 69 acres within the Elwha River watershed that were part of a controversial timber sale, which is now canceled. "The community has raised significant concerns about the Elwha," Franz told The Seattle Times in an interview. "We have a salmon crisis. That is an area where we have seen unbelievable return of habitat. We've seen an unbelievable return of our salmon. ... So let's include it in this 2,000 acres, which was all about ensuring that we had highly ecologically valuable forests." The Elwha River has flown freely since 2014 in what was the largest dam removal project ever undertaken, after decades of advocacy on behalf of the salmon and river by tribal nations and conservationists. The announcement comes shortly after the final auction in the first year of the state's carbon-pricing market, which makes the state's largest polluting businesses or institutions pay for the greenhouse gases they release into the atmosphere. The program has raised nearly $2 billion so far. Lawmakers earmarked $83 million from the carbon-auction revenue for the state Department of Natural Resources to set aside up to 2,000 acres of Western Washington forests for conservationand purchase replacement lands that will be available for harvest. The agency worked with counties to identify lands that could best protect fish and wildlife habitat and natural and cultural values. The lands set aside in Clallam, Jefferson, King, Snohomish and Whatcom counties encompass popular hiking areas, salmon, owl and big cat habitats and will continue to serve as places carbon is absorbed from the air. These are all forests that were previously managed for harvesting timber, and will join the more than 900,000 acres of forests that the state already manages for conservation in Western Washington. Franz said the first 2,000 acres is just a "down payment." "We need more of these solutions and I'll be frank: We need to double down," Franz said. The agency plans to go back to the Legislature and request additional funding to conserve state lands. DNR will need agreement from county leadership before the lands can be transferred for conservation. If accepted, DNR will present its final list to the Board of Natural Resources. If the board accepts the list of properties to be conserved, land transfers will occur as replacement lands are acquired. Most of the replacement lands to be available for harvest are the 9,000-plus acres in Wahkiakum County that the agency agreed to purchase earlier this fall. DNR manages nearly 6 million acres of forest, range, agricultural, aquatic and commercial lands. Under law, DNR is only allowed to sell "valuable materials" from state-owned lands. In rural communities, the proceeds from timber sales often help fund things like schools, libraries, fire and emergency services. Treesespecially mature forestsare among the cheapest, fastest, most reliable forms of carbon storage. Trees suck in carbon dioxide, storing more as they grow. The amount of carbon sequestered each year increases with the size and health of the trees. A mature tree can absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, storing it in its fibers until the tree burns or decomposes. But some of that natural carbon sequestering power among the state's iconic evergreens has been lost to wildfire and development. Climate change is adding an additional layer of stress on the trees, which are becoming weaker and increasingly vulnerable to disease amid more frequent extreme heat and drought. "We are the Evergreen State for reason. We have some of the most beautiful forests, from our ponderosa pines in Central and Eastern Washington to our Douglas firs and hemlocks and red cedars in Western Washington," Franz said, standing before a sea of green salal, ferns, cedar and fir Monday near Tiger Mountain in King County. But for the first time ever, Washington was less than 50% forested, Franz said. Eight Western Washington counties were interested in conserving forests that exceeded the acreage provided for conservation in the budget, according to an analysis by nonprofit Center for Responsible Forestry. The largest tract, of about 950 acres, will be preserved in two sites in east Jefferson County, including near Dabob Bay Natural Area, Mount Walker and Notch Pass. "The over 650 acres of set asides for further conservation in Dabob Bay and the surrounding watershed in Jefferson County are a big win for current and future residents of, and visitors to, this part of our county," Jefferson County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour said in an emailed statement to the Times. DNR has also called for the protection of about 650 acres in Whatcom County, within the Lake Whatcom watershed and south of the Middle Fork Nooksack River. The proposal will set aside nearly 300 acres in Tiger Mountain State Forest abutting the West Tiger Mountain Natural Resources Conservation Area, to create contiguous habitat for cougar, bobcat, elk and pygmy owl. An additional 70 acres, spanning a sensitive wetland along Marsh Creek north of Sultan, will be preserved. And the nearly 70 acres of forest will be left standing near the Elwha River. Pierce, Thurston and Kitsap counties expressed interest in conserving forests, but did not make the cut. Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser said he's disappointed that DNR didn't find any of the state lands within the county to meet the definition of what's worth conserving. The problem Thurston County faces is that the Capitol State Forest is such a timber workhorse that it's all chopped up, he said in a phone interview. From DNR's perspective, that may mean it's not worth preserving, Menser said. But from the county's perspective, as mature forests become more scarce, it's all the more worth preserving. Meanwhile, the state continues to auction off timber across Western Washington. Recently, the state sold roughly 100 acres of timber about 15 miles west of Oakville to a logging company despite a request from the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation to halt the sale. "The combination of land use impacts, over-harvesting and climate change have already damaged the fish and wildlife populations in our watershed and has had direct damaging effects on the tribal community," Chehalis Chairman Dustin Klatush wrote. The Center for Responsible Forestry estimates that 70,000 acres of mature forests in Western Washington are on the chopping block. Brel Froebe, executive director of the Center for Responsible Forestry, said they hope this initial investment can guide the development of a broader policy to protect mature forests and make rural communities that depend on timber revenue whole. Former Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, who was raised on a family ranch in the Okanogan highlands, has been advocating for the state to use public lands for a higher purpose: combating the climate crisis. He and former lands Commissioner Jennifer Belcher (19932001) took a proposal to Franz to gradually stop all commercial harvest of state forests west of the Cascades. Now, he said, a 2022 state Supreme Court decision has opened the path for using forests for something other than just maximizing revenue. 2023 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Politico Staff Writer The trial of Dr. Samura Kamara, presidential candidate of the opposition APC has been postponed to the 27th of March 2023. The trial was due to resume on the 17th but judicial sources told Politico that the postponement has been caused by the fact that the US embassy needs time to process visas for lawyers on both sides and court officials to visit the Sierra Leone Chancery Building site in New York which is at the center of the case. On the 23rd February 2023, Justice Adrian Fisher dismissed No Case submissions in respect of the five accused persons standing trial in what is now known as the Chancery Building case. The judge announced that the court would move to New York to inspect the building in relation to the evidence before the court. The five accused persons are facing a 48 count indictments ranging from misappropriation of public funds, conspiracy to commit a corruption offence, abuse of office and other corruption related offences. Copyright 2023 Politico (09/03/23) The National Weather Service has removed the storm warnings and weather statements from its website for the greater Glens Falls area, after a day-long deluge closed roads and incited states of emergency. Some localities in Warren County saw well over 3 inches of rain in the storm that is causing flooding in the Hudson, Schroon, Mettawee, Sacandaga and other rivers in the region. This morning Warren County is reporting a major wash-out on East Schroon River Road near Warrensburg. Reportedly, a car was disabled by the flood, but no one was hurt. The details could not be confirmed before posting. Warrensburg hit about 3.25 inches by 10:30 Monday morning. Whitehall saw just over 3 inches by 11 a.m. Queensbury saw just under 2.5 inches and Granville just over at about 3:15 p.m. Corinth clocked in yesterday at about 5 p.m. with a reading of 1.75 inches. The flooding closed roads in the corridor from North Creek and Johnsburg to Warrensburg, along routes 8 and 28. Warren County issued a state of emergency effective 4 p.m. Monday Dec.18 and running until at least Jan. 17. The declaration gives the government entities the ability to set emergency rules, such as curfews or no-travel orders. It also allows for an accelerated process to bring contractors in to repair damage and makes municipalities eligible for any federal aid that may become available. A statement from the county included a list of county roads affected by the storm: Trout Lake Road (Warren County Route 48) in Bolton Call Street (Warren County Route 32) in Lake Luzerne Riverbank Road (Warren County Route 11) in Bolton Warrensburg Road (Warren County Route 3) in Thurman Harrisburg Road (Warren County Route 22) in Stony Creek (limited to one lane in places because of damage) In addition, Schroon River Road (Warren County Route 10) in Warrensburg has re-opened after a closure for several hours. Washington County issued a statement about road affected at 7p.m. Towpath Rd, Kingsbury - Closed McGowan Rd, Easton - Closed Baldwin Corners Rd, Hartford - Closed Cross Rd, Hebron - Closed Buskirk Covered Bridge, Eagle Bridge - Closed The National Weather Service is showing the Hudson River at Riverbank just north of Warrensburg as a minor flood early Tuesday Dec. 19, but they predict it will become a moderate flood later. In Hadley, the NWS believes that the flood level has crested at about 17 feet, or the lowest stage of moderate flood level on the Sacadaga as it exits the lake and heads toward the Hudson. Fort Edward is seeing moderate flooding as the river level has crested at about 27 feet, the NWS is reporting Tuesday morning. In Granville, the flooding has reached its peak 8.5 feet, moderate flooding and is coming back down. Town of Johnsburg issued a state of emergency at about 12:15 p.m. It directs all departments and agencies "to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure and provide such emergency service deemed necessary." Johnsburg schools let out at 12:30 because of flood and road conditions, their website says. Warrensburg closed at 12:30 too, according to their website. North Warren schools closed at 1 for the older kids and 12:30 for the elementary kids, their website says. Roads in and around Johnsburg such as Cleveland Road, Crane Mountain Road, Glen Creek Road and Goodman Road were all closed to due road wash outs and flooding. In northern Warren County Monday afternoon: Cleveland Road saw a washout with the bridge being overtaken by water. The bridge held. Neighboring houses saw water creeping up on their front yard. One woman at one house seemed unfazed as she swept some snow off her front porch as the water rushed down Cleveland Road overtaking trees and fields just yards from her home. Crane Mountain Road was washed out with cars unable to pass as a result of missing road. The rapids ripped down the river. Neighboring towns saw flooding of their own, Bowen Hill Road in Thurman was closed due to flooding as well as Dippikill Road in Thurman saw massive flooding, cutting off the bridge there. Editor's note: When first posted this story had a line that could have sounded like a bridge had been washed away by water. We have clarified the line. Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, president of Texas Southern University, speaks during the 2023 Black History Convocation held in the Granville Sawyer Auditorium on campus Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Texas Southern University is fighting a ruling to release text messages between its ex-president and a university police officer, both of whom are at the center of a federal lawsuit contending the former police chief was fired in retaliation for trying to stop an allegedly inappropriate relationship between them. The federal case is the fourth piece of litigation related to an increasingly complex dispute, where attorneys for former TSU Police Chief Mary Young hope the withheld records will shed light. What should have taken no more than 10 business days to produce public records has turned into nearly a year of costly litigation, Youngs attorney, Benjamin L. Hall III, said in a recent court filing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad University officials have stood behind their defense, which denies the relationship allegations and disputes claims that they didnt follow proper legal procedures in open records laws. Former President Lesia Crumpton-Young, who is named in the federal suit, could not be reached, and her attorney did not respond to requests for comment. Texas Southern University is cooperating with the attorney generals office on these matters, a university statement reads. We are confident in our legal position. We cannot comment further on these confidential personnel matters. Mary Young filed her first lawsuit against the HBCU last November in state district court, trying to prevent the school from terminating her once she learned she was being investigated over an anonymous complaint that she unlawfully raised several officers salaries. Young said that the complaint surfaced shortly after she admonished some of her officers to avoid appearing to be mere chauffeurs, errand-runners, and personal assistants for the president, the lawsuit reads. She had also claimed that the complaint was legally invalid because of its anonymous nature. Mary Young, chief of Texas Southern University Police Department Courtesy of Ryan Finnegan The new federal lawsuit in October expanded on those allegations and claimed the university and its former president who suddenly retired from TSU earlier this year crossed into sex discrimination, harassment, retaliation and a hostile work environment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mary Young said the anonymous complaint came only weeks after she attempted to intervene in what she viewed as an embarrassingly inappropriate personal relationship between the then-president and one of the male officers on her detail. Those behaviors included the officer going to the presidents house late at night, physically arranging the clothing she was wearing and traveling out of town incognito under the name of her husband, the lawsuit alleges. The president and officer also exchanged expensive personal gifts and overt, public statements of affection, Young said in the suit. The campus policeman personally bought and gifted a handgun to Crumpton-Young and paid another officer to "bling it out" with rhinestones for "his girl," according to another officer's written statement presented in court. Youngs attorney has meanwhile pressed state district Judge Cory Sepolio over the past year to make TSU produce records that might show the nature of the presidents relationship with the officer. The university has also sued the Texas Attorney Generals Office to challenge its ruling that the university turn over the documents. The allegations Mary Young had been police chief at TSU for three years when Crumpton-Young was hired in 2021, according to the lawsuit. The president soon after said she favored male officers over female officers, and then acted on that preference by seeking male officers advice over her own police chiefs, the federal lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Crumpton-Young had also formed a personal relationship with the officer on her detail, and the board of regents complained to the police chief to intervene, according to allegations in the lawsuit. Young made it known to the officer that she thought there was risk of abuse given a power imbalance between him and the president, and asked that he be removed from the detail or remain professional, she said. They didnt take the suggestion well, and within weeks, an unsigned complaint arose with a fabricated claim that Young fraudulently approved overtime pay for officers, her attorneys said in the federal suit. More by Samantha Ketterer: Stress to Success, an occasional series on college admissions Crumpton-Young kept the complaint secret for months but eventually told the chief that she was being considered for termination because of the allegations, the former chief said in the new lawsuit. She sued in state court to keep her job, arguing that she wasnt provided with the complaint, in violation of state law. A judge issued a restraining order for Young to remain employed, but the university appealed. Crumpton-Young then processed and approved the termination, according to the federal lawsuit. The Texas Attorney Generals Office, which is representing TSU and Crumpton-Young, denied the claims of sex discrimination and allegations of an inappropriate relationship. The attorneys added in court filings that Mary Youngs termination was not wrongful, because the university completed an audit investigation that uncovered an overtime and payroll abuse scheme that (cost) TSU and taxpayers thousands of dollars in officer hours not actually worked. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mary Young has argued in court documents that she knows that she doesnt have the authority to grant pay raises and believes the audit report misrepresented her pay procedures. Based on subsequent facts discovered by Plaintiff, it appears the subordinate officer with the probable knowledge and support of Crumpton-Young fabricated the complaint against Plaintiff as a pretext to get rid of Plaintiff, the federal lawsuit reads. Mary Youngs attorney filed under the Texas Public Information Act for seven types of records, including texts, emails and written communications between the president and a particular sergeant as well as receipts for gifts they allegedly purchased for each other. The attorney said that TSU had not produced the information or made a request to the Attorney Generals Office for an opinion on withholding the documents within a required 10-day period, although court documents later showed that TSU had argued against releasing the documents because of an exception for records tied up in litigation. The attorney general ruled in February for the university to release the information. TSU has sued the office to challenge the ruling. ATLANTIC CITY Police arrested six young city residents and charged them with carjacking and related offenses following two separate incidents. Officers responded to the beach block of South Raleigh Avenue for a carjacking at 8:56 p.m. Nov. 29. They found the victim, a 68-year-old city resident, suffering from injuries sustained during the incident. A group of boys assaulted the victim and stole their car, police said Monday in a news release. The victim was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus. Police said their injuries were not life threatening. Pleasantville police found the victims car a day later. During the investigation, two boys were reported as runaways by their family. Detectives determined the two were suspects in the carjacking. The two boys were both later located and arrested. As the investigation continued, three additional suspects were arrested. The five juveniles, ranging in age from 14 to 17, were each charged with carjacking, robbery, aggravated assault and theft. Two of the suspects in the Raleigh Avenue incident were then arrested following a carjacking at Ocean Casino Resort. Officers responded to the casinos parking garage after a 72-year-old Brick Township resident was pulled from their vehicle by three boys at 10:49 p.m. Saturday. The suspects stole the vehicle and fled the parking garage, police said. The victim was uninjured. Security personnel provided officers with surveillance footage of the suspects. Shortly after, officers found the vehicle. The driver fled, leading officers on a pursuit that left Atlantic City. The pursuit was called off after it became an increased risk to the public, police said. At 12:25 a.m., the stolen vehicle was found in the 700 block of Arctic Avenue. Officers Moustafa Maarouf and Jennifer Sanchez found three boys in the area. They were identified as the suspects and arrested. Two boys, who were also involved in the Raleigh Avenue incident, were charged with carjacking, robbery and eluding in the Ocean incident. An additional 16-year old was charged with carjacking, robbery and eluding in the Ocean incident. All of the suspects were transported to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center. ATLANTIC CITY A candidate challenging the results of the June Democratic primary in Ward 2 can amend her complaint to include voters who say their vote-by-mail ballots were tampered with, a judge decided Monday. That includes Yudi Florian, who said through an interpreter in an earlier court session she never filled out a vote-by-mail ballot for the primary election and never asked anyone else to do so for her. But one was received by the Atlantic County Board of Elections in her name. Superior Court Assignment Judge Michael Blee allowed her testimony last month but said he would decide whether it would stay part of the record. After his decision Monday, it will remain so. Democratic challenger Viana Bailey is suing to overturn the results of the election, which incumbent Councilwoman LaToya Dunston won by three votes. Dunstons lead increased to six votes after a recount requested by Bailey. Blee on Monday also set a date of Jan. 8 to continue taking testimony from subpoenaed voters but said that would be the final date for testimony, as a decision needs to happen quickly. It will not happen in time for Atlantic Citys Jan. 1 reorganization meeting, when Dunston will be seated as the reelected Ward 2 councilperson. Only 11 of 40 subpoenaed voters have showed up for two previous court hearings, said Baileys attorney, Richard Birch. He also asked the judge to sanction anyone who was subpoenaed and fails to show up Jan. 8. Baileys lawyers have said political organizer Craig Callaway has avoided being served with subpoenas in the case. Bailey alleges illegal votes were cast and improper assistance given to some voters by Callaway, who supported Dunston. Atlantic City election challenge trial hears from voter who admits living in Pleasantville A voter testified Tuesday that she continued to vote from her childhood home in Atlantic City's 2nd Ward, even though she has lived in Pleasantville since 2005. Birch said only voters whose disability certificates were signed by Callaway or left blank were subpoenaed. A phone number previously used to reach Callaway is no longer in service. In previous court sessions, several 2nd Ward voters testified they did not have disabilities but that disability certificates were filled out for them by Callaway or others stating they were disabled and needed voting booth assistance. Jesus Caraballo said he went to the polls to vote on primary day and was approached by a woman offering to help him. His disability certificate was signed by Callaway, said Dan Antonelli, Baileys attorney. A lady entered. She came in and pressed buttons. I dont know what she pressed, Caraballo testified through an interpreter. She was the one that selected the candidates. Caraballo said he accepted help because he does not speak or read English, but the assistor did not speak Spanish and could not communicate with him. Most voters, however, said they voted for the candidate they wanted. Craig Callaway avoids subpoenas in Bailey's Atlantic City election lawsuit Political organizer Craig Callaway was not present on the first day of a trial in a case seeking to overturn the election results in Atlantic Citys 2nd Ward because he has evaded being served a subpoena, attorneys for Viana Bailey said Tuesday. Bailey was backed by the Atlantic City Democratic Committee, while Dunston was not after having a falling out with the committee over her support of a Republican for county commissioner and other issues. Bailey also alleges 14 people who voted in the 2nd Ward primary do not actually live there. A former Democratic City Council president who spent time in prison for bribery, Callaway is known as an expert at get-out-the-vote efforts. Dunstons attorney has argued that elections dont have to be perfect to stand, and that voiding the result would disenfranchise voters. Birch has said 66 people voting in the 2nd Ward asked for help at the polling place, either during early voting or on primary day, and 41 of those were assisted by Callaway, according to documents. None of the 2nd ward poll workers who have testified have said they had ever heard Callaway or other assistors try to tell a voter how to vote. And no voters told them they didnt want the assistance of Callaway or others, they said. Fifth Ward Republican candidate Maria Lacca has also filed a lawsuit seeking a recount. Lacca is behind her opponent, incumbent Democratic Councilman Muhammad Zia, by 46 votes (462-508), according to the Atlantic County Clerks Office. No quorum to renew Atlantic City property insurance by deadline Friday Five Atlantic City Council members who are critics of Mayor Marty Small Sr.'s administration did not show up for a special meeting Wednesday night to renew the city's property insurance before the deadline of Dec. 15. The 2nd and 5th wards are important in determining who controls City Council. If Dunston and Lacca are successful, the majority will stay with critics of Mayor Marty Small Sr. But if only one or neither succeed, Small supporters will regain control after a year in which council thwarted or delayed Smalls agenda. Recently the five Small critics on council did not attend a special meeting called to renew property insurance for the city, forcing Small to ask the state to pass a resolution on behalf of the city under the 2016 state takeover of the resort so the insurance would not lapse. Roads, streams and creeks flooded while winds howled Sunday into Monday as another storm moved through New Jersey. Unlike the last Sunday-to-Monday storm, Dec. 10-11, which was a cold front, this storm began in the Gulf of Mexico. It was so strong that hurricane hunters went out to investigate the system. Rain began late Sunday morning. The heaviest rain was after midnight Monday, lasting through dawn. Winds howled as well. The combination of the two left 1,000 to 2,000 Atlantic City Electric customers without power at any given time Sunday night to Monday morning. Route 54 in Hammonton was closed about 5:15 a.m. due to the flooding. Freshwater flooding also gripped Ocean City, with a photo taken by Press Staff Writer Bill Barlow on 53rd Street showing water on the road. Frank Holt also reported road flooding in Egg Harbor Township. Union Creek in Egg Harbor City also overflowed near Havana Avenue, with water still rising. As much as 4.54 inches of rain fell at a CoCoRaHS volunteer weather station nearby. Current view of Union creek in Egg Harbor City along Havana avenue, water is still rising from runoff. Local report from @CoCoRaHS of 4.54 just 2 blocks away. A few trees down an some flooded basements in the area. @NWS_MountHolly @JoeMartWx #NJwx pic.twitter.com/XCH77E82vg Dan Forshaw (@Dan_4Shaw) December 18, 2023 The lowest rainfall totals were along the shore in Ocean County. Seaside Heights picked up 1.51 inches of rain, according to the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist. Meanwhile, those farther inland saw the highest totals for the second week in a row. Here were the six locations that reported wind gusts over 60 mph, and the six locations with rainfall totals over 4 inches. This is for Ocean, Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties. Is the Talibans Controversial Canal Leaking Water? The Qosh Tepa canal, currently being built in Afghanistan, is raising concerns in Central Asia since water from the canal will come from a river that Central Asians have had almost exclusive use of until now. Concern has also been expressed about the quality of the canals construction as the Taliban, having failed for find a foreign partner for the project, are building it on their own. The American-Canadian environmental organization Rivers Without Borders, dedicated to protecting transboundary watersheds, reported on December 12 that a section of the canal was leaking. The organization posted satellite images showing water running off from the canal and creating a large pool of water in the desert. Rivers Without Borders said that, within one month of the Taliban opening the first part of the canal in October, a huge volume of water, escaping from the canal, spread throughout the entire nearby territory. The organization said recent satellite images indicate the area of the spill is steadily increasing (possibly suggesting) the Taliban lack the ability or desire to rectify the situation. Uzbekistan, a country that stands to lose substantial amounts of water once the canal is finished, responded to the information from rivers.help. Uzbekistans space agency Uzbekkosmos said that the claims made by rivers.help are not true and that the leaked water is groundwater. Uzbekkosmos also said the area of the Qosh Tepa canal where the large pool formed is not yet receiving water from the Amu-Darya, so a leak in the canal could not be responsible for the pool. Afghan engineers have a slightly different version, saying the water in question was purposefully diverted to an open area to control the groundwater level. Why Its Important: Estimates vary as to how much water the Qosh Tepa canal will take from the Amu-Darya, the river that marks Afghanistans border with Uzbekistan and part of Turkmenistan. It appears that the amount of water flowing into downstream communities in those two Central Asian countries will fall by at least 15-20 percent once the canal opens. No one disputes Afghanistans right to some of the water from the Amu-Darya -- but no one wants to see this precious resource spilling out wastefully into the Afghan desert. Kyrgyz Kurultai Turns into Cult Fest for President Japarov Kyrgyzstans second Peoples Kurultai finished on December 16. The two-day event was notable for sycophantic praise for President Sadyr Japarov and security chief Kamchybek Tashiev. The kurultai is a convening of leaders and influential people that has been common for centuries among many peoples of Inner Asia. For example, the Mongol leader Temujin was named Genghis Khan at a kurultai in 1206. Right after the chairman of this latest kurultai, Myktybek Abdyldayev, gave his opening speech, a delegate asked if they could have their picture taken with the president. President Japarov was in attendance and according to media outlet 24.kg, The head of state did not refuse. One woman at the kurultai stood up and said, What would have happened to us if it werent for Sadyr Nurgozhoevich (Japarov)? and added, Thank God we have happiness. Kyrgyzstans Kaktus media noted most of the delegates began their speech by praising President Sadyr Japarov. A representative from Talas Province, Mirjamal Dadabaev, went further, reciting verses of praise he wrote about Japarov, the president who put Kyrgyzstan on the path of prosperity. According to Dadabaevs composition, anyone who did not see this prosperity not only does not have eyes, but a blind soul. As part of constitutional amendments Japarov helped push through in April 2021, the kurultai became part of the official government structure. The kurultai operates in parallel to Kyrgyzstans parliament. The body has the right to initiate legislation and make proposals to the president on dismissing members of the Cabinet of Ministers. The kurultais representatives are not elected and it meets only once year. Why Its Important: Anyone familiar with Central Asia has seen similar praise heaped on presidents of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstans first President Nursultan Nazarbaev, and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. All these leaders went on to establish authoritarian regimes where family members and close associates plundered the wealth of those countries. This fawning display of devotion for President Japarov at an official event seems to be laying the groundwork for a cult of personality in Kyrgyzstan like those seen in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Kyrgyzstan was once considered the most democratic country in Central Asia, but now it seems headed in same direction as its authoritarian neighbors. A fire on Sunday damaged a Davenport residence, leaving four people unable return home, at least for the time being. Firefighters responded at 8:30 p.m. to fight a fire in the 2700 block of Rockingham Road, according to the Davenport Fire Department. When they arrived, they saw heavy smoke coming from the second story. They put out the fire in a second-floor apartment within 15 minutes, the department said. When firefighters searched for people inside, they found no one home. There were no reports of injuries, but the residence had moderate heat and smoke damage from the fire, the department said. The fire department called the Red Cross to assist four people displaced by the fire. A total of six fire vehicles and 16 firefighters battled the fire, the department said. The investigation into the fire continued Monday, the department said. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds told a Bettendorf audience former president Donald Trump was "misleading Iowans" with his campaign's recent ads highlighting her past praise. Reynolds endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis this fall, appearing on the campaign trail with him, and has faced ire from Trump for her commitment. In response, earlier this month, Trump's campaign launched a six-figure ad buy in Iowa that touts Reynolds' past support for Trump. The TV spot features a montage of Reynolds applauding Trump and his administration's policies at previous rallies. Reynolds on Monday said Trump was "misleading Iowans," and that she has "absolutely endorsed Ron" and is proud of her endorsement. "He (Trump) thought he was entitled to my endorsement and nobody is entitled to anything," Reynolds said. "You have to step up. You have to earn it, you have to make your case." Reynolds said she supported Trump in 2016 and 2020, but said the country needed a leader "that's not distracted." Reynolds and Trump's relationship soured when she originally said she planned to stay neutral in the first-in-the-nation caucuses. When she endorsed DeSantis, breaking with tradition, Trump's attacks on her escalated. Trump said he thought Reynolds should have endorsed him after he said he aided her election wins in 2018 and 2022. "I supported President Trump in 2016. I voted for him. I supported him in 2020. I agreed with his policies," Reynolds said Monday. "But it's a different day, it's a different time. And we need a leader that doesn't have that's not distracted. We need somebody that's focused, somebody that's disciplined, somebody that has a record of getting things done. It is a different time. It is time for a new leader, it is time for a leader that can win. And most importantly, it's time for a leader that can serve eight years, not just four." She urged the people gathered there not to pay attention to polling, which show Trump with a double-digit lead over DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley among likely Republican caucusgoers. DeSantis, his wife Casey DeSantis, and Reynolds were there for an interview-style event with representatives from Scott County Republican Women moderating. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, introduced DeSantis, telling the audience that he endorsed DeSantis because he said DeSantis accomplishes what he sets out to do, and pointed to DeSantis' resistance to COVID-19 mandates and pressure from Disney. DeSantis and his supporters pitched a DeSantis candidacy as a winning coalition that would usher in more of Florida's policies on education, elections, and eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion policies from universities. They pointed to his experience as a governor and his ability to run for a second term if elected. DeSantis said the country needed term limits, a requirement in the Constitution that Congress must pass a balanced budget, and line item veto power for the president, and pledged to use the bully pulpit to encourage states to support those changes. He indicated his administration would not forgive student loan debt, and that universities should assume the risk of student loan default. Asked to address undecided voters, DeSantis said as a candidate: "You've got to be willing to stand in there and fight for the people that elected you. But while you're fighting, you got to fight and win. You can't just flail around. We can't just lose elections. We can't just lose on these big fights." Julie Thompson, 57, of Bettendorf, said she's trying to decide between DeSantis and Ohio entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Her son, who will be voting for the first time this year, is a staunch supporter of Ramaswamy. Her mother, on the other hand, supports a woman's right to choose an abortion. She asked DeSantis how he would win over suburban women who, according to political analysts she researches, don't want to vote to restrict abortion. DeSantis said he would run up larger margins in key states and, pivoting to election integrity, said with him as the nominee Republicans wouldn't be "fighting with one hand tied behind the back." "I'm not going to let the Democrats out-maneuver us in any of these states," DeSantis said. She said she thought DeSantis's answer was all right, but pointed to races like a recent Supreme Court seat election in Wisconsin where the issue came down to the candidates' positions on abortion, and the candidate that supported abortion access won by a significant margin. She said abortion is "about the 200th most important issue for me" but thought it would be significant for swing voters who would decide the election. She said her decision for who to caucus for Jan. 15 was likely going to come down to whether DeSantis or Ramaswamy was ahead in the polls and had the best chance of beating Trump for the nomination. Another undecided Republican, Mackenzie Kent, 19, of Bettendorf, said she was trying to decide between DeSantis and Trump. She leads the St. Ambrose College Republicans chapter, and is the state secretary for the Iowa College Republicans. She said she's looking for someone who "tries to support Americans and American values, upholds the constitution, and focusing on issues domestically rather than foreign affairs." She likes that Trump has already demonstrated that commitment in office, and has presidential experience. And she likes DeSantis' focus on domestic issues, such as immigration and uniting America. She thinks Trump, and other candidates, should move on from the 2020 election. Christmas is less than a week away but there is still plenty of time to catch up on classic movies. Below is a list of locations in the Quad-Ciities area showing holiday favorites to help get you in the holiday spirit. 1. Putnam Museum and Science Center, Davenport On top of the hill at 1717 W. 12th Street, the museum known for its science exhibits is also home to a giant screen theater. This week its adding four holiday favorites to its list of documentaries. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $10 for children. They can be purchased in-person or online. Below is a list of offerings: Die Hard: In this 1988 film, a New York City policeman played by Bruce Willis is visiting his estranged family on Christmas Eve. While at a holiday party in the headquarters of the business his wife works for, the group is held hostage by a group of terrorists. The only one who can save them is Willis. Well, the character he plays. When you can see it: Dec. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Disneys A Christmas Carol 3D: The classic story of the ghost of Christmas past was revamped in this 2009 film starring Jim Carrey. Miser Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve who take him on a journey to show what will become of him if he doesnt change his ways. When you can see it: Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.; Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. The Polar Express 3D: This animated film tells the story of a curious boy who is doubting the existence of Santa Claus. While in bed one night, he waits to hear the bells from the sleigh, but hears the sound of a train instead. The conductor invites him on board to take a journey to the North Pole. There, he receives a gift only those who still believe in Santa Claus can experience. When you can see it: Dec. 21 at 4 p.m.; Dec. 22 at 12 p.m.; Dec. 23 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 1 p.m.; Dec. 26 at 1 p.m. White Christmas: Dreaming may be the only way to have a White Christmas this year, but the movie will do for those who would rather be indoors. Throwing it back to 1954, this movie follows Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) as they team up to become a song-and-dance act after leaving the Army. Along the way, they meet a pair of sisters, who they follow to a lodge in Vermont to perform a Christmas show. When you can see it: Dec. 22, 5 p.m.; Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m. First opened in 1924 as the Geneseo Theater, this building has been a staple in downtown Geneseo for nearly a century. The theater has been operated by the Geneseo Park District since 1996, with a theater that seats 177 and digital cinema projection with 7.1 Dolby surround sound. Located at 111 N. State Street, ticket prices are $8 for adults, $7 for children 12 and younger and seniors 65 or older. The doors open at 12:30 p.m. for all matinees. The following movies are free thanks to the Geneseo Park District Foundation: The Star: This animated childrens film is about a small, but brave, donkey and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the first Christmas. When you can see it: Dec. 26, 1 p.m. The Polar Express: This animated film tells the story of a curious boy who is doubting the existence of Santa Claus. While in bed one night, he waits to hear the bells from the sleigh, but hears the sound of a train instead. The conductor invites him on board to take a journey to the North Pole. There, he receives a gift only those who still believe in Santa Claus can experience. When you can see it: Dec. 28, 1 p.m. The theater at 3601 E. 53rd Street in Davenport has hand-picked a few classics to show in the days leading up to Christmas. Ticket prices are $8.50 for adults and $7.75 for children and seniors. The following movies are playing for a limited time: Die Hard: This year marks the 35th anniversary of the 1988 film about a New York City policeman played by Bruce Willis is visiting his estranged family on Christmas Eve. While at a holiday party in the headquarters of the business his wife works for, the group is held hostage by a group of terrorists. The only one who can save them is Willis. Well, the character he plays. When you can see it: Dec. 19 and 20 at 8:30 p.m. both days Elf: Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as an infant. Unable to shake the feeling he doesnt fit in, he travels to New York to search for his real father. His father turns out to be cynical businessman Walter Hobbs (James Caan). Together, the pair try to establish a father-son relationship as chaos ensues. When you can see it: Dec. 19 and 20 at 11:15 a.m. both days. Its a Wonderful Life: First released in 1946, this Christmas classic tells the story of George Bailey, who is down on his luck. He comes across his guardian angel, Clarence, who then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadnt been for all his good deeds over the years. When you can see it: Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. 4. The Last Picture House, Davenport The newest venue on this list, the Last Picture House opened earlier this month at 325 E. 2nd Street in downtown Davenport. Complete with a full bar and concession stand, this theater is built for kids and adults. Tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for children, seniors and military members. This week they are offering: Dial Code Santa Claus: Released the year before Home Alone, this action thriller tells the tale of a very intelligent and resourceful child who is left alone with his beloved and fragile granddad on Christmas Eve. When a psychopath dressed as Santa Claus breaks into their mansion and starts chasing them, the boy will do whatever he can to save himself and his granddad, leaving much of his childhood innocence behind. When you can see it: Dec. 19 and 20 at 9:15 p.m. both days Home Alone: The Christmas classic that kicked off a line of sequels, Home Alone tells the story of eight-year-old Kevin McCallister making the most of the situation after his family accidentally leaves him behind when they go on Christmas vacation. A pair of bungling burglars set their sights on Kevins house, but the resourceful kid stands ready to defend his territory with a series of booby traps and overall mischief. When you can see it: Dec. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. both days The Santa Claus: Its Christmas Eve when divorced dad Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) and his son discover Santa Claus has fallen off their roof. When Scott takes the reins of the sleigh, he discovers he is now the new Santa and must convince a world of disbelievers, including himself. When you can see it: Dec. 23 at 11:30 a.m.; Dec. 24 at 11:45 a.m. PHOTOS: Geneseo Christmas Walk Parade A new ad from former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley puts the age of President Joe Biden and other national leaders front and center in her pitch to become the GOP nominee for president. Haley, 51, reaffirms in the ad her support for term limits in Congress and mental competency tests for politicians over the age of 75. "I'll just say it, Biden's too old," Haley says in the ad. "And Congress is the most exclusive nursing home in America." Haley has frequently criticized the 81-year-old Biden's age and his perceived mental competency, arguing for a younger cohort of conservative leaders to lead the country. Former President Donald Trump, who leads the race for the Republican presidential nomination, is 77. "Nikki Haley is the only candidate offering a new way and a break from the drama of the past," said Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas in a statement. "Thats why Nikki has been pushing for term limits, mental competency tests for politicians, and a new generation of conservative leadership. Haley super PAC targets DeSantis SFA Fund, Inc., the super PAC backing former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for president, released an ad this week attacking Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The ad, which will run in Iowa starting Monday, calls DeSantis' campaign "just another disaster" and points to a Wall Street Journal poll that shows a tie between himself and President Joe Biden in a potential matchup. That same poll showed Haley beating Biden 51-34. The ad also shows side-by-side clips of former President Donald Trump and DeSantis making hand gestures while speaking and says DeSantis is trying to "out-Trump Trump." Haley trailed DeSantis by 3 percentage points in the latest Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll. Haley received 16% of support while DeSantis received 19%. Trump, who has a commanding lead in polling, received 51%. Iowa mayor endorses Haley Brett Barker, mayor of Nevada, Iowa, and Story County Republican Party chairman, endorsed former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley for president, the Republican candidates campaign announced. I look around the country and I see leaders spinning us over a cliff. I see a world on fire and I see leadership in D.C. thats both incompetent and unserious. Meanwhile, many of our own Republican candidates are more worried about unserious online banter than actually talking about policies that will get our country back on track, Barker said, according to a news release from the Haley campaign. We watched her take on the establishment in South Carolina, despite risk to her own career. We watched her stare down tyrants at the United Nations. And more recently, we watched her debate important issues on the national stage with both poise and grace. Ryan Binkley ad calls out fellow candidates Texas pastor, CEO and long-shot GOP presidential candidate Ryan Binkley released a new ad targeting what he calls the "chaos" of the Republican presidential field. The ad begins with clips of candidates arguing from previous GOP presidential debates. "Is this chaos the best that we can do?" Binkley says in the ad. "If you want something different, you have to vote for someone different." The ad will run on TV in Iowa and on digital platforms nationally, the campaign said. Binkley, who is is running on a platform of a "spiritual, economic and cultural revival," has failed to receive major support, in his largely self-funded campaign. Binkley received 0% support in the last two Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Polls. 2023 in review: The most memorable photos of the year The South Dakota Attorney General's Office has announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information that helps solve the decade-long mystery disappearance of a Woonsocket woman. Rachel Cyriacks was last seen traveling to Huron from Woonsocket on Nov. 13, 2013 in her gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup. Cyriacks, who was 30 at the time she went missing, has never been seen or heard from again. Previous releases from the AG's office said Cyriacks was driving with her husband, Brad. Law enforcement stated they believed Brad was the last person to see Cyriacks. He has never been charged in relation to her disappearance. The pickup was found severely damaged in Huron in early 2014. There are people who know what happened to Rachel 10 years ago, said Attorney General Marty Jackley. It is time to bring Rachel home, and we are providing this reward as a further incentive to convince those who know to finally step forward. South Dakota's Division of Criminal Investigation recently announced they are conducting new searches and interviewing new witnesses in relation to Cyriacks' disappearance. Items recovered during a search near Huron are being analyzed, Jackley said during that announcement in early December. In the last month, DCI agents have conducted several interviews with potential witnesses, and searches have been conducted at locations throughout South Dakota, Jackley said. Those efforts will continue. Money for the reward is coming from the U.S. Department of Justices Equitable Sharing Program. The reward will be granted upon the successful arrest and conviction of those people involved in Cyriacks disappearance. People with information on her disappearance can contact the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation at 605-773-3331. Brian Cornejo views the eclipse during the Space Center Houston Annular Eclipse Celebration and viewing event at NASAs John Space Center Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Great American Eclipse, a website featuring maps and information on upcoming solar eclipses, is predicting millions of people could travel next April for the Total Solar Eclipse, including a potential million-plus to Texas. The prediction estimates between 931,000 and 3,725,000 people traveling inside the path for the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024. For Texas, the estimate ranges from 270,000 to 1,080,000 visitors. The path of totality crosses 15 states. It will be the last time a path of totality for a total solar eclipse crosses the continental United States until Aug. 23, 2044. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I think Texas will be the big state for the eclipse, just as Wyoming was a big state for the 2017 eclipse," said Michael Zeiler, the founder of the Great American Eclipse. "I think Texas will actually exceed my predictions. I tried to stay on the conservative side. Houston certainly will have many people travel to the path of totality. It's going to be a huge event." PLACE TO BE: National Geographic says Texas is a top 2024 destination for eclipse views About 12 million people live in the path of totality, including all of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Austin and San Antonio are located in the path, as well. Kerrville is expected to be one of the most visited areas in the country for the eclipse with the Great American Eclipse's prediction ranging between 122,000 and 488,000 people. The duration of totality will be four minutes and 23 seconds in Kerrville and Eagle Pass, which is among the longest durations for the entire eclipse. Zeiler said he is planning on spending that Monday close to Kerrville in Fredericksburg. What makes Texas a prime destination for the eclipse is not just the number of major cities located in the path and high totality duration but also the likelihood of good weather. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A 34-year-old Rapid City man was sentenced Monday afternoon to seven years in prison for aggravated assault after he pointed a gun at a man last summer and then fired it in the air four times. A Pennington County grand jury charged Blaze Galles on Jan. 11 with aggravated assault and four counts of discharge of a firearm from a motor vehicle. The incident occurred on Aug. 4, 2022. Deputy Pennington County State's Attorney Brandy Rhead called Galles' actions, "violent, reckless and incredibly dangerous." She said Galles painted himself as a vigilante, but the woman who he supposedly acted on behalf of told police he was out of control. Galles entered into a deal with the state and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on Oct. 16. In exchange, the state would dismiss the remaining counts and dismiss two petty theft cases he faced as long as he paid $449 to Fleet Farm and $500 to Boot Barn. About a month later, on Thanksgiving Day, he was arrested after police found him driving a stolen truck in Rapid City. He was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and first-degree petty theft by receiving stolen property. Circuit Court Judge Joshua Hendrickson told Galles he found it "frankly mind-blowing" he picked up an additional felony charge while out on bond for the aggravated assault case. The state noted the aggravated assault and stolen vehicle charge are Galles' fourth and fifth felonies. In August 2013, he was convicted of a felony DUI for a third DUI offense. In October 2015, he was convicted of a felony DUI for his fourth DUI offense. In the original plea agreement, the state had agreed to recommend a five-year sentence. However, Galles broke his side of the plea deal when he committed another crime. A modified plea deal contained the same terms regarding what Galles would plead to and which cases the state would dismiss, but the state increased its sentencing recommendation to seven years. Hendrickson said there are aggravating factors that would justify sentencing Galles to more than seven years, but he implemented the state's recommendation. Hendrickson also sentenced Galles to five years for the vehicle charge. That sentence will run concurrent to the aggravated assault case. Galles spoke on his own behalf at his sentencing and apologized for his crimes. "I do hold myself accountable for my actions," he said. He also told the court he recently found out he is expecting a child. He said it was something he had not yet told his parents, who sat in the back of the courtroom. "I just want to be there for my family," Galles said. Galles' defense attorney, Ellery Grey, said his client is "still relatively young." He also noted Galles is "smart enough" that he completed his undergraduate degree. Galles told the court he graduated with a bachelor's of science in electrical engineering. Grey asked the judge for a sentence less than what the state asked for or probation. "What you've done is an extremely violent act," Hendrickson said. A 26-year-old Pine Ridge man was sentenced on Dec. 14 to three consecutive life sentences for a 2022 triple murder where he shot and killed three people seemingly without reason. Chief Judge Roberto Lange sentenced Elijah West at the federal courthouse in Rapid City, the same location of Wests five-day jury trial in September. After two hours and 16 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned its verdict and found West shot and killed 38-year-old Jamie Graham, 38-year-old Alma Garneaux and 39-year-old Michael White Plume on Jan. 5, 2022 in a house near Wounded Knee. A clear motive for the shooting did not emerge during trial. "Why would he do these terrible things? Only one person knows," Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Collins told the jury during closing arguments. West murdered the victims at Grahams Wounded Knee residence. According to testimony at trial, throughout the evening several people were in and out of the trailer drinking and smoking. The remaining occupants were the three victims. West and a woman named Carmena Clifford returned around midnight. Clifford testified during the trial that West shared a cigarette with Graham before returning inside. The three victims were gathered around a kitchen table when West pulled a gun from his waistband, shot Graham, then Garneaux, then White Plume. Clifford testified West told her he was there to save her. He then told her to take any money or drugs off of the bodies, which she testified she pretended to do. Law enforcement found money left in the victims pockets. West demanded Clifford find them a ride. The two walked to a different home and got a ride to a house in Manderson where her mother and children were. After West left with another person, Cliffords mother called 911. West was arrested the next morning with the murder weapon in his possession. The gun had his DNA on it. He was subsequently charged with three counts of first-degree murder, each which carried a mandatory minimum of life in prison. This case stands out as a particularly heinous example of human depravity, said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell in a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Rapid City. The defendant committed unspeakable acts of violence for which no sentence would ever be sufficient, but we hope these three life sentences, which must be served consecutively, give the victims families some measure of closure as they grieve the senseless loss of their loved ones. We are grateful to our partners at the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribes Department of Public Safety for their relentless investigative efforts. West is held at the Pennington County Jail awaiting transportation to a federal prison. A man with a little white trailer is making a big impact on the homeless community in Rapid City a decade after he himself was homeless. Ted Hayward has dedicated his life to serving the Rapid City community. Now his brightest vision a mobile shower unit has come to life. With a solemn headshake, Hayward lamented the options for the homeless to bathe in the area: either an unsanitary and undignified dip in Rapid Creek, or an expensive truck stop or laundromat. "It's a human thing. I can't even describe it. It's so deep and so personal to me," Hayward said. "I have a shower every single day, and I can't imagine we have friends out there who wear the same underwear all week long and don't get the luxury of a shower. It's just...it's unreal to me." Hayward is originally from central Missouri, coming to Rapid City in 2009 after living in Sioux Falls and Kansas City. He characterized his life at the time as a "train wreck," saying he was spiraling out of control. "My girlfriend left me, and on the way out she said, 'You need to find God.' I said, 'Ah, whatever. Me and God, we've got it going on. I don't need that,'" Hayward recalled. "But I went to church the next weekend, and I realized that is what I needed." Explaining God "found a pinhole in his heart to shine light through," Hayward began attending church regularly, eventually feeling called to volunteer. "All those times I'd ride my motorcycle up and down I-90 at 130 miles-an-hour and I'd just be teasing and taunting Him and daring Him to take me," Hayward said. "He wouldn't do it. He just had better plans for me, I guess." In November 2014, Hayward began working with others to feed breakfast on Sunday mornings. That led to conversations with the homeless community about their needs socks and showers, he said. And so the idea of "Showered With Hope" was born. Showered With Hope The little white Forest River trailer was previously used by a trucking company in Pierre as a shower unit for their drivers. It has two self-contained shower units featuring a stand-up shower, toilet, sink and mirror. A tankless water heater, storage reservoir and waste unit fill the separate space between the showers, and it can even connect to a water line for continuous use. "We've had so much support over the years from the community as far as wanting to do something like this," Hayward said. "So we have literally tons of shampoos and conditioners in storage. We have hundreds of towels. It's ready to go." Guests get 15 minutes to shower, and volunteers spend five minutes cleaning in-between uses. Safety is their number-one priority, he explained, with plans for men-only and women-only days and corresponding volunteers plus a sobriety requirement. All they're waiting for now is insurance. This unit isn't Hayward's first attempt at bringing showers to the homeless community. Several years ago, he purchased a bumper-pull camper with plans to gut and rebuild the inside into a large, two-shower unit. At 26-feet-long, it was no small project. Groups from the School of Mines and local churches helped with demolition, but the pandemic put a damper on progress. So it sat unfinished while Hayward searched for other options. During a work break in Pierre this fall, Hayward began his usual scrolling of Facebook Marketplace, searching for Hot Wheels or Tonka toys or shower trailers with prices on the latter generally enough to keep him from clicking. That was until he came across this trailer. Calling back and forth sometimes no answer he was already in contact with his bank. The price was too good $25,000. Hayward recalled asking the person on the end of the line if the listing was even real. It was, and with all the small things falling into place perfectly, he called it a gift from God. "We went there Saturday and picked it up," Hayward said. "I took all my money out of savings and went and got it." But the blessings didn't stop, he said. The previous owners contacted a state organization, which will write a grant to reimburse the entire cost. Despite recent events, like the closure of the Hope Center on Dec. 8, Hayward believes the community is still overall compassionate for the homeless. There are so many people working behind the scenes, he said, with support for the regular feeds and even those individually providing assistance to strangers asking for help on Facebook. "They need to eat, they need to be clothed, they need to be bathed that's just what humans need," Hayward said. "So why not give it to them? Why? Why make them jump through all the hoops and everything else to be able to just feel human and be recognized as somebody that does matter?" The biggest misconception, he explained, is that the homeless are all "lawless and Godless people." He praised the continued faith of so many, calling their ability to recite the Bible "amazing," and added how similar their stories are to anyone else. It's a lifestyle some choose and choose to remain in, he said, until one day they decide to change just like he did. "We still have to love them," Hayward said. "You still have to treat them like humans, because they are." The future Showered With Hope will operate underneath the umbrella of the nonprofit Family Promise of the Black Hills, allowing donations to the project to be written off. The organization works with homeless families and those on the brink of homelessness by connecting them to resources and assistance. Family Promise also partners with groups like Volunteers of America, Common Ground CMA Church and the McKinney-Vento program at Rapid City Area Schools to reach the wider community. Hayward will debut the trailer during the South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium's annual point-in-time count on Tuesday, Jan. 23. The PIT count is a one-day census of the homeless community conducted in cities nationwide. The data collected helps policy makers and communities measure progress, identify strengths and weaknesses in services, and increase awareness around homelessness. Showered With Hope will be at the Mother Butler Center in Rapid City that day, aiming to provide 60 showers. From there, Hayward said volunteers will move the trailer to different locations in Rapid City with the goal of operating three to four times each week. It's just a start, Hayward said. The original trailer still needs a lot of work, with community groups remaining committed to its completion. Loyal Plumbing will handle all the plumbing work for the unit, which will be larger, ADA-compliant and allow entire families to access the trailer at the same time. Seeing the support from the community is amazing, he said, "my heart is just overflowing." "This is one of my proudest moments right here," Hayward added. "I never dreamed...I never thought of any of this stuff at all." Anyone wishing to get involved with Family Promise of the Black Hills or Showered With Hope can connect to the organizations online at familypromiseblackhills.org, or on Facebook @FamilyPromiseoftheBlackHills and @ShoweredWithHope. BROOKINGS The Board of Regents unanimously approved an expansion to its South Dakota Advantage program Thursday that will grant resident tuition rates to three other states. Incoming students from Minnesota, Kansas and Missouri will be able to attend South Dakota's six public universities at the same cost as South Dakota residents starting in the summer semester of 2024. "This continues to increase the momentum as it relates to our enrollment efforts regionally and trying to draw in people from all over our seven-, eight-, nine- or 10-state region," board Vice President Jeff Partridge said during the meeting at South Dakota State University. "I look forward to the continued efforts of momentum that we have in enrollment." Universities face enrollment cliff Since fewer children were born during the 2007-2009 recession, there will be fewer college-aged kids over the next several years. In order to mitigate enrollment declines, universities' outreach efforts will become more crucial than ever, said Tim Rave, Regents president. "It's becoming an increasingly competitive market and we're doing all we can to attract students to South Dakota," said Nathan Lukkes, executive director and CEO of SDBOR. "With the higher education landscape changing drastically and some of the demographic challenges coming up in the next decade, borders are becoming less and less important. And everybody's vying for the same students." The South Dakota Advantage program, which began in fall 2019, granted in-state tuition rates for Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado residents. Illinois and Wisconsin were added to the list in 2023. A previous reciprocity agreement with Minnesota allowed residents to pay the higher amount between their home-state tuition and the South Dakota campus they attend, according to the Board of Regents. Bringing Minnesota into the program will save incoming Minnesota residents attending a South Dakota public university upward of $600 per semester. Since the in-state rate is only available to incoming students, Minnesota students already enrolled at South Dakota universities will not see those savings. "We don't want to penalize those students that are in our system right now by taking them to the nonresident rate," Heather Forney, SDBORs system vice president of finance and administration. "What we would do is ... offer a rate for those existing Minnesota students at something similar to what they're currently paying through Minnesota reciprocity." Existing students from Kansas and Missouri will continue to pay the out-of-state tuition rate. Program has proven success Jim Rankin, president of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, told News Watch the South Dakota Advantage program is making his university more competitive in farther-away markets. "I think we've got over 350 Colorado students, probably about just under 15% of our students," he said. "We didn't have those kinds of numbers in the past." SDBOR enrollment data show out-of-state enrollment growth for first-time freshmen from each state in the initial South Dakota Advantage program. The exception is Iowa, which along with Nebraska were already granted in-state tuition. According to SDBOR, here are the enrollment changes of first-time freshmen from surrounding states between fall 2018 and fall 2023: Iowa: 483, 437 Nebraska: 266, 402 Colorado: 112, 149 North Dakota: 64, 96 Wyoming: 50, 82 Montana: 21, 33 The data also show total nonresident enrollment climbing in the SDBOR system from 12,700 in fall 2021 to 13,308 in fall 2023. Building the state's future Board secretary Douglas Morrison, who is originally from California, said that his choice to attend the University of South Dakota in Vermillion is the reason he ended up working in the Midwest. "It created a stickiness which allowed me to stay in this state," he said. "I had lots of choices. I was able to overcome that out-of-state tuition, but not every kid is. If we're going to expand the workforce in South Dakota, this is a great way to get to school here and create that stickiness so they stay and join our workforce." Lukkes told News Watch that 23% of nonresident graduates stayed in South Dakota after graduation in 2019. By 2022, it had risen to over 28%. "Last year we had 793 nonresident graduates that stayed and entered the workforce in South Dakota," he said. "The year before was 768, and the year before that 742. It's a critical piece of our workforce puzzle as we continue to struggle with shortages in education, health care and business." Shawn Hembolt, assistant vice president for enrollment management at South Dakota State University, agrees. "We know that if we can get them here, enrolled at our university, have them spend four quality years here in South Dakota, the chances of them staying in South Dakota and helping enhance our workforce and our state is even greater," he said. Scrapping the out-of-state tuition rate for nearby markets means the universities make less money off of each student. But Rankin said the program is a net gain overall. "You're charging a little less to those out-of-state students coming in. But at the same time, you're hoping to bring in more students that wouldn't have come here in the first place," he said. "What we really want to see is that increased enrollment, which will make up for that decrease in tuition." Forney told the board there are about 4,500 students in the system who are from the first eight states in the South Dakota Advantage program. Those students saved about $10.6 million, but generated about $57.8 million for the universities, she said. This is a good deal for us and gets those students in the doors and helps to fill up our residence halls with students that are participating in our meal plans and are a part of our campus life, Forney said. In-state tuition tips the scales RuthAnn Holmes, a Wyoming native, is a senior at SDSU majoring in agricultural communication. After graduating high school in 2020, it wasn't very clear where she'd end up. "I had three big options," Holmes said. "I had Colorado State, Texas A&M and SDSU. They all have really strong animal science and meat science degrees I was interested in." Holmes said being offered in-state tuition tipped the scales in favor of coming to South Dakota. "I feel it's very important because I, by myself, am the one paying for tuition and I don't have assistance from my parents in paying for that," she said. "Paying in-state tuition made (college) a lot more financially available for me." Holmes estimates SDSU's more affordable education saved her about $20,000 from her second-choice pick, Colorado State University. She said she's open to staying in South Dakota after graduating. Some distant states are closer than in-state points Brock Brown, who serves on the Regents as a student, said most of his classmates at the University of South Dakota School of Law are from out-of-state, which shows the benefit of the lower tuition rates. "Something they talk about constantly as the reason they chose to attend USD's law school is because of the cost compared to their own state," he said. Brown also pointed out the distance between SDSU in Brookings and Black Hills State University in Spearfish is greater than the distance from SDSU to the Wisconsin, Missouri and Kansas borders. "I think this (program) makes us competitive in states a little farther away and it gets some students that may not have looked at us to look at South Dakota a lot harder," Rankin said. More than a century of pollution linked to mining and smelting upstream hammered the upper Clark Fork River. Superfund-related remediation and restoration work, though imperfect, has demonstrated the potential for the rivers recovery. Whats been clear in the recent past is that the money driving that work is running out. On Tuesday, the upper Clark Fork River cleanup received a boost from the U.S. Department of Interior, which announced $594,306 for an Upper Clark Fork Basin Fish Passage Improvement Project. Trout Unlimited, in partnership with the Montana Natural Resource Damage Program and the Clark Fork Coalition, will design a suite of infrastructure improvements to provide fish and recreational boat passage, screen ditches and improve water delivery at 10 irrigation ditches within the upper Clark Fork River Basin, the announcement said. The project will focus also on irrigation diversion structures on Rock Creek, a much more pristine stream. Currently, irrigation diversion structures are fragmenting habitat, entraining fish and posing hazards to floaters and anglers on public waterways along the upper Clark Fork River, the news release reported. Casey Hackathorn of Trout Unlimited said he and Andy Fischer of the Clark Fork Coalition have worked a long time toward bringing the irrigation improvement projects to fruition. Hackathorn said irrigators for the targeted projects have already agreed to the work. A design phase will be followed by putting the projects out for bid, he said. He learned Tuesday about the grant award. This funding will support design and planning for improvement of 10 irrigation diversion dams that include five structures on the upper Clark Fork River in the Deer Lodge Valley and five on Rock Creek, Hackathorn said. We are excited to get to work with our partners, including the Clark Fork Coalition, the Natural Resource Damage Program and private water users to ensure a better future for both fish and agriculture in the upper Clark Fork. The upper Clark Fork Rivers once-prized brown trout fishery, which thrived even in the midst of floodplain tailings, has declined dramatically. Some believe one contributor has been the remediation work itself, which has removed riparian vegetation and undercut banks that provide cover for trout in pursuit of a thorough cleanup. There could be a host of other variables affecting the population, according to Caleb Uerling, a fisheries biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Now, both the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the states Natural Resource Damage Program have described a commitment to trying to retain and even enhance habitat wherever feasible during remediation and restoration. The funding for the upper Clark Fork came from the federal governments Investing in America program. Related allocations are funding 18 projects in eight states designed to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems. A news release about the financial award said the Investing in America program is designed to provide resources to enhance Western communities resilience to drought and climate change. Meanwhile, the DEQ has said it hopes to start remediation work on Phase 7 upstream of Deer Lodge in late summer. It has said it hopes to complete all remaining phases, ending in Garrison, by 2038. The Endangered Species Act turns 50 this December. Often called the pit bull of environmental statutes, the ESA has given federal protection to nearly 2,000 animals and plants. It has also drawn critics who claim it takes away property rights and hurts economic development. After half a century of recovery efforts, only a few hundred species have got delisted. On the other hand, the whole world faces a biodiversity crisis, with more than 44,000 species threatened with extinction. And the ESA has been the international model law for how to save what the world has left. Some of the ESAs biggest struggles have happened in Montana, including fights over gray wolves, grizzly bears, bull trout and sage grouse. As the law reaches its 50-year anniversary, a group of Lee Montana reporters scanned the state to see how its working and what its future holds. Explore the series: The Endangered Species Act turns 50: A look at the past, present and future of the law Since it was signed by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973, the ESA has protected more than 2,000 animals and plants, becoming one of Earths most far-reaching laws. About this story: The Endangered Species Act has become one of the Earths most far-reaching laws. It passed Congress with only 12 dissenting votes across both the House and Senate. Of the 1,663 animals and plants placed on its list since then, about 100 have gone extinct. Another 54 have been declared recovered and delisted. Critics of the ESA point to that delisted number and say recovering only 3% of the total in half a century is a failure. Proponents see that in reverse: Nearly all the species protected by the law have remained on the landscape. Where no fish has gone before: Can the ESA remake habitats for struggling species? A century ago, we stocked non-native trout throughout national parks. Now native species like cutthroat trout must be transplanted in experimental habitats if they're to survive through this decade. About this story: In a new tactic to help recover threatened and endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has authorized expanded use of experimental populations to recover animals protected under the Endangered Species Act. The rule, published in the Federal Register earlier this summer, allows at-risk animals to be transplanted in suitable habitats where they didnt exist before. Such a project is underway at Glacier National Park's Gunsight Lake, where biologists have started the long process of transforming the waterbody into a refuge for future cutthroat and bull trout. Avoiding the brink: State grouse plan shows how to prevent ESA listing The Endangered Species Act only protects that relatively small number of species that are right on the precipice of disappearing." About this story: A critical difference between federal species conservation and state-led efforts is that the ESA was designed to yank an imperiled species back from the brink before it disappears entirely from its historic range at least in all or part of the U.S. But state-led efforts like Montanas grouse reintroduction are meant to make sure a species gets what it needs while it's still around. If Montana has its way, sharp-tailed grouse will never approach that brink. Ancient methods may get grizzlies off ESA Guard dogs and range riders have protected people against bears for millennia. They may offer solutions for co-existing with grizzlies as the recovered trouble-maker of the West nears ESA delisting. About this story: Grizzly bears gained federal protection in 1975 shortly after the ESA was ratified in 1973. A half-century later, the bears are widely considered to be recovered in the Lower 48 states. But they remain listed under the ESA, while leaders in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming have demanded the bears be turned over to state management. Learning how to co-exist may be key, and some of the most efficient tools used today to keep predators away from livestock, grain and humans are the same ones that have been utilized for thousands of years dogs and shepherds. Fish vs. water: ESA status pits grayling against irrigators Would Arctic grayling in the Big Hole River benefit from federal protections afforded by being listed as an endangered or threatened species under the ESA? Some stakeholders don't think so. About this story: Legal quests for listing the Arctic grayling began more than 30 years ago. They have proceeded in fits and starts, like a grayling struggling to migrate upstream when flow in Montana's Big Hole River drops toward a trickle. The Fish and Wildlife Service has rejected several attempts to list the fish, only to be reversed in court. Stakeholders have long butted heads over whether the river-dwelling population of Arctic grayling in the Big Hole River would truly benefit from federal protections. Can bison be back, and endangered too? Getting Yellowstone National Park bison protected under the ESA might break "the stranglehold Montana has placed on recovering wild bison." But those aren't the only bison. About this story: The restoration of bison in North America is largely hailed as a conservation success story. Now, the Fish and Wildlife Services review of Yellowstone bison for possible listing under the ESA is being undertaken as Yellowstone National Park considers an overhaul of its bison management plan. The National Park Service has offered three alternatives, the most aggressive of which calls for keeping the population between 3,500 to 5,000 animals using hunting and culling as well as live bison transfers to cap the population. Listen: Endangered Species Act turns 50 and Montana has been the battleground Montana Untamed: Often called the pit-bull of environmental statutes, the ESA has given federal protection to nearly 2,000 animals and plants. Listen to our podcast: Montana Untamed is created in partnership across five Montana newsrooms the Billings Gazette, Helena Independent Record, Missoulian, Montana Standard and Ravalli Republic. On this episode, host Thom Bridge and project lead Rob Chaney unpack the Endangered Species Act and why reporters chose to pursue the series. What has the law accomplished over the past 50 years, how has it played out in Montana and what can the world expect in the decades to come? Close Rob Chaney reports and edits statewide projects for the Missoulian and Lee Montana newspapers. Hes been reporting on the Rocky Mountain West since 1987. His 2021 book The Grizzly in the Driveway won honors from the Society of Environmental Journalists, NPRs Best Books of the Year and High Plains Book Awards. Chaney served a fellowship at the Harvard University Nieman Foundation for Journalism in 2020 and has led statewide reporting projects with Solutions Journalism Network, Stanford University Big Local News, American Reporting Project, and MIT Tech Review. He prefers to sleep somewhere in Glacier National Park. Brett French has been covering natural resource issues in Montana for 30 years. A Bozeman native and graduate of the University of Montana, he worked his way around the Northwest before settling in Billings where hes been the outdoor editor for 10 years. His beat includes covering Yellowstone National Park and its grizzly bears and wolves, issues facing hunters and anglers and the state and federal land management agencies that oversee recreation. When not covering outdoor issues, Brett is rafting, backpacking, hunting and skiing in Montanas wild spaces with his family and friends. Duncan Adams moved to Anaconda in 1990 to be the Anaconda bureau reporter for The Montana Standard. He later served as managing editor for The Arctic Sounder, a weekly based in Utqiagvik, Alaska, and worked for about 15 years as a reporter for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia, his hometown, before returning to Montana, where he worked for The Daily Inter Lake and The Western News before returning like a bad penny to The Montana Standard. Joshua Murdock covers the outdoors and natural resources for the Missoulian. He previously served as editor-in-chief of The Boulder Monitor weekly newspaper in rural Montana. He also worked as a staff reporter and photographer for newspapers in an Idaho mountain town and a Utah oilfield town. Before and between journalism jobs, he worked as a bicycle mechanic and ski tech in Idaho and helped manage a bike shop in Colorado. In what feels like a past life, he raced pro cross-country mountain biking. Outside of work, hes usually riding his mountain bike or motorcycle, climbing rock or ice, backcountry skiing, hanging out with his dog Buddy, or wondering whats wrong with his Jeep this time. Thom Bridge produces all things multimedia for the Helena Independent Record and Montana State News Bureau. He also hosts the Montana Untamed podcast, which covers the state's rugged landscape from hook and bullet to policy and science. A graduate from the University of Montana School of Journalism with a degree in photojournalism, he has lived in Helena for the last ten years. When he's not on the clock, you won't be able to find him, but he will be sitting on knob glassing big game or chasing his pointer through tall grass. Meet the reporters behind ESA at 50 Rob Chaney reports and edits statewide projects for the Missoulian and Lee Montana newspapers. Hes been reporting on the Rocky Mountain West since 1987. His 2021 book The Grizzly in the Driveway won honors from the Society of Environmental Journalists, NPRs Best Books of the Year and High Plains Book Awards. Chaney served a fellowship at the Harvard University Nieman Foundation for Journalism in 2020 and has led statewide reporting projects with Solutions Journalism Network, Stanford University Big Local News, American Reporting Project, and MIT Tech Review. He prefers to sleep somewhere in Glacier National Park. Brett French has been covering natural resource issues in Montana for 30 years. A Bozeman native and graduate of the University of Montana, he worked his way around the Northwest before settling in Billings where hes been the outdoor editor for 10 years. His beat includes covering Yellowstone National Park and its grizzly bears and wolves, issues facing hunters and anglers and the state and federal land management agencies that oversee recreation. When not covering outdoor issues, Brett is rafting, backpacking, hunting and skiing in Montanas wild spaces with his family and friends. Duncan Adams moved to Anaconda in 1990 to be the Anaconda bureau reporter for The Montana Standard. He later served as managing editor for The Arctic Sounder, a weekly based in Utqiagvik, Alaska, and worked for about 15 years as a reporter for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia, his hometown, before returning to Montana, where he worked for The Daily Inter Lake and The Western News before returning like a bad penny to The Montana Standard. Joshua Murdock covers the outdoors and natural resources for the Missoulian. He previously served as editor-in-chief of The Boulder Monitor weekly newspaper in rural Montana. He also worked as a staff reporter and photographer for newspapers in an Idaho mountain town and a Utah oilfield town. Before and between journalism jobs, he worked as a bicycle mechanic and ski tech in Idaho and helped manage a bike shop in Colorado. In what feels like a past life, he raced pro cross-country mountain biking. Outside of work, hes usually riding his mountain bike or motorcycle, climbing rock or ice, backcountry skiing, hanging out with his dog Buddy, or wondering whats wrong with his Jeep this time. Thom Bridge produces all things multimedia for the Helena Independent Record and Montana State News Bureau. He also hosts the Montana Untamed podcast, which covers the state's rugged landscape from hook and bullet to policy and science. A graduate from the University of Montana School of Journalism with a degree in photojournalism, he has lived in Helena for the last ten years. When he's not on the clock, you won't be able to find him, but he will be sitting on knob glassing big game or chasing his pointer through tall grass. 50 years of the ESA: Explore this series, in photos Gov. Greg Gianforte has approved funding for a new initiative aimed at easing the backlog for admissions to the criminal unit at the state's psychiatric hospital. The $17.5 million approved Tuesday was forwarded to the governor in October by a newly formed commission appropriated with $300 million to overhaul the state's hobbled behavioral health system. The approval greenlights two "near-term initiatives" proposed by that commission the members of which include Gianforte's health and human services director to address a backlog for admission to the state hospital's criminal evaluation unit. According to the state hospital's administrator, wait times there can run six months for men and over a year for women. "After decades of applying Band-Aids to our broken systems and kicking the can down the road, were making a commitment and generational investment to get Montanans healthy," Gianforte said. "I thank the commission for advancing its recommendation and look forward to its impact on the delivery of behavioral health care in Montana." The first initiative will spend $7.5 million over the next two years on court-ordered fitness evaluations for criminal defendants to take place in community settings. Part of the backup issue at the Montana State Hospital is just one psychiatrist serving the 53-bed Galen facility there to evaluate and manage defendants' mental health needs. Once that persons' mental fitness is restored, their criminal case can proceed. Waiting times for such evaluations have driven judges to threaten contempt orders against the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. In October, a District Court judge in Helena dismissed a man's felony arson case instead of issuing that contempt order due to his delays in getting into Galen. Another District Court judge in Great Falls ordered DPHHS to submit a plan to his court and legislative officials on how the department planned to address the backlog. The Montana Supreme Court overturned that order earlier this month in a 5-0 decision, ruling the judge had no authority to force DPHHS, which wasn't a party to the case, to take corrective action. The other $10 million approved Tuesday sets up a one-time grant program for community-based behavioral health or developmental disability service providers to expand facilities and train or hire staff. Bed capacity with community providers has been a serious need across the state, once again leaving patients with the state hospital as a "safety net" for severe mental health needs. "We want Montanans to have access to the care they need in their communities," Gianforte said. "With this investment, well expand community-based behavioral health care and developmental disability services to better serve Montanans." The state hospital has suffered significant setbacks in recent years, spurring lawmakers to pass their own legislation to begin moving certain patients out of the facility. Lawmakers clashed with the Gianforte administration during the legislative session this year on how or whether to accomplish that transfer. Ultimately, a majority of lawmakers voted to override his veto of their proposal and established their own committee to identify community-based settings where patients with dementia, Alzheimer's and traumatic brain injuries can be relocated. That committee is scheduled to meet again Jan. 17. The two initiatives approved Tuesday are the first two to emerge from Gianforte's commission, co-chaired by Rep. Bob Keenan, a Bigfork Republican long involved in the state health care system. That body is scheduled to meet next on Jan. 11 and 12 in Billings. Editor's note: This story is part of 'ESA at 50,' a series that examines the past, present and future of the Endangered Species Act. Often called the "pit bull of environmental laws," the ESA has provided federal protection to nearly 2,000 animals and plants. On its 50th anniversary, it grapples with political uncertainty and unforeseen ecological challenges. Some of the most efficient tools used today to keep predators away from livestock, grain and humans are the same ones that have been utilized for thousands of years dogs and shepherds. Listen: Endangered Species Act turns 50 and Montana has been the battleground Montana Untamed: Often called the pit-bull of environmental statutes, the ESA has given federal protection to nearly 2,000 animals and plants. Its kind of ironic, you know? says Wesley Sarmento, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks prairie bear specialist. The recovery of these predators is requiring us to relearn ancient practices, we're having to re-learn how people lived with predators throughout all of human history. Grizzly bears got federal protection soon after the Endangered Species Act was ratified in 1973. Fifty years later, the big bears are widely considered to be recovered in the Lower 48 states. Grizzlies remain listed under the ESA, although state and congressional leaders in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming have all demanded the bears be turned over to state management. Learning ways of co-existence may be key. Over the last 30 to 40 years of having those protections, grizzly bear populations have really rebounded, and they're increasing in both the numbers and now the distribution as well, Sarmento said. So that recovery zone is essentially full of bears. And so bears are expanding out from that mountainous environment onto the prairies, east of the Rocky Mountains. Saddle up To Sigrid Olson, her job is simple. Shes the eyes and ears in the hills. Her job as a range rider is to observe and monitor cattle and the predators who share the same landscape outside Potomac, in the Blackfoot River valley. She is employed by the Blackfoot Challenge, whose mission is to coordinate efforts to conserve and enhance natural resources and the rural way of life in the Blackfoot watershed for present and future generations. Since 2008, the organization has worked with producers in the Blackfoot Valley to deploy range riders to monitor predators after the reintroduction of wolves. Range riding has become a powerful tool in preventing all predator conflicts. Olsons day starts with a drive south from Highway 200 down a bumpy road up the Ashby Creek drainage. In tow is a rumbling stock trailer with her horse Jake aboard. The road ends at a gate where tens of thousands of acres of state and Bureau of Land Management property feed various herds of cattle from producers in a local grazing association. With a can of bear spray around her left arm and small digital camera tied to her right, she mounts her horse and rides out. She isnt looking for grizzly bears. Shes looking for cattle, using all of her senses to find signs of how predator and prey interact. The idea is simple: Put a human between the livestock and predators. This human presence becomes a deterrent for the hungry carnivores. Its a practice used by humans for thousands of years. As she rides, Olson leans over in the saddle scouring the ground for tracks and scat. She loves recent rain that makes tracks easy to spot. She uses her ears for the sound of scavenging birds overhead and her nose for the smell of carcasses and wildlife. She also deploys a network of game cameras so she has eyes all over, 24 hours a day. Once Olson locates some cattle, she looks for injured or dead members of the herd. She also observes their behavior. Placid grazing, or agitated milling? The herd's anxiety level indicates the presence or absence of bovine threats. Anything she finds she jots down in a small notebook. When the sun sets and the days ride is over, Olson takes everything she jotted down that day and shares a report of her findings to the ranchers and other interested parties. They in turn know to remove a carcass or treat an injured animal, reducing the attractants to grizzlies and other predators. Conflict prevention is a shared value among all groups, said Gary Burnett, who helped develop the range-rider program as leader of the Blackfoot Challenge before he became executive director of the Heart of the Rockies Initiative. We all benefit from more conflict prevention programs. Its as much a social program as it is a biological program. Another benefit according to Burnett is the ability to monitor loss. If there is a compensation program, you have to confirm that loss. If you cant confirm, you cant claim that loss, Burnett said. The tools have proven so effective that in December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $23 million in new Regional Conservation Partnership Program funding for Montana and four other western states. About $16.5 million of that will flow through the Heart of the Rockies and Western Landowners Alliance. People working together and communicating helps me in the woods and it helps the producers feel good and then it helps the community as well. Olson said. "It's something that I enjoy doing, and that I love doing. And I'm helping people at the same time. Let the dogs out Early one morning last year, Jennie Becker sent her son Henry out to check on the flock of meat chickens on their ranch outside Conrad. The scene Henry met was one of carnage. A grizzly bear got into the chicken coop and wreaked havoc on the birds. Around 40 dead chickens lay on the lawn outside their house. That scared the daylights out of me, Becker said. That could have been his last day checking on the chickens." From that day on, Stickleg Ranch operators Jennie and her husband Seth Becker embarked on a mission to coexist with grizzly bears. So they reached out to Wesley Sarmento, the prairie bear specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. He told them to get a dog. But not just any dog. Specifically, Anatolian shepherd dogs. The 100-plus-pound dirty white dogs came from nomadic tribes in the Middle East where they were bred to protect flocks of sheep from the same bears and wolves humans live with today. Enter Zia and Astra, two young Anatolians bred for the job. We had reservations about it because we had a lot of misconceptions, said Seth Becker. "We thought maybe they would be territorial. We thought maybe they'd be too aggressive with livestock or children." But they discovered the dogs were quite the opposite. By day, the pair lay around from one shady spot to another on the ranch. But come night, they are on the prowl looking for hungry intruders in the coulees and grain fields nearby. From what we found they're great with children," Sarmento said. "They're great with people. They're great with other dogs. And so it's just been really awesome at keeping bears away from people." It literally changed our lives having these dogs, Seth Becker added. They no longer fear for the lives of their three children and countless livestock because there could be a bear napping in the brush or walking down the driveway at night. They've recorded a significant drop in bear visitation to homes with the guardian dogs versus homes without. For the Beckers, its their lives and livelihood on the line, but they wouldnt want it with the bears gone all together. See which species are endangered in the U.S. Explore which species in your state have made the endangered species list. I think they're cool as heck. But I don't want them in my yard. And I don't want my kids to be threatened, Seth Becker said. Can it be Montana without the grizzlies? Sarmento's position was created by the states wildlife agency in 2017 in response to the expanding grizzly bear population of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, after increasing number of grizzlies were reported making their way from the mountains to the prairie. In mid-2023, confirmed sightings placed the big bears as far east as the Upper Missouri River Breaks north of Lewistown. In addition to coordinating dogs and range riders, Sarmento's bear experts help prairie residents install electric fences to protect bee hives and calving and lambing yards. They invested in a commercial size vacuum that can clean grain spills before the bears get on it. The overall goal is to keep people safe, and minimize the problems that bears cause and the concerns that bears cause, Sarmento said. When you do that, you increase tolerance for the species and people will be more willing to have bears around. And that's better for the species itself. What about the ranchers? Denny Iverson has been raising cattle and working land shared by grizzlies since the 1970s when his father moved the family out to the Blackfoot Valley from Minnesota. At the time, perhaps 600 grizzly bears remained alive south of the Canadian border. After a half-century of recovery efforts, an estimated 1,000 grizzlies inhabit the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, covering a swath of the Rocky Mountains between the Canadian border and Iverson's property. The Endangered Species Act is credited with keeping almost 2,000 animals and plants from going extinct. But only about 3% of those have been taken off federal protection a statistic many critics of the law consider a failure. Grizzlies remain listed as a threatened species under the ESA, although state and congressional leaders in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming have all demanded the bears be turned over to state management. Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines recently warned U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams of the "weaponization of the ESA" by grizzly bear protection advocates who've sued to block wolf-trapping policies they say put grizzlies at risk. The litigation uses the Endangered Species Act and the current listed status of grizzly bears as a wedge to block the state from implementing science-based wolf trapping regulations," Daines wrote. "This ... alienates state and local partners who are best positioned to make positive gains for wildlife. FWS officials, in turn, have warned that the growing list of anti-predator laws and policies erode federal confidence that grizzly populations will be secure under state management. That could keep the bears under federal protection even longer as their numbers grow. Today, Iverson is in the process of transitioning the operations of the Iverson Family Ranch to the next generation and he sees coexistence with predators as the only way forward. When asked if he likes grizzly bears, Iverson quickly responds no with the caveat that having them out there is pretty cool as long as they are behaving themselves. Theres more people in this country that want grizzly bears on the landscape than dont, and we have to come to the realization we have invaded [grizzly bears] territory, Iverson said. So we've to work to live with them. We need to find the balance between using this land and having those same landscapes support grizzly bears. That balance is vital to the success of communities that rely on agriculture and public lands. Iverson acknowledges that agricultural operations are themselves attractions for predators but, on the same hand, says he has no plans of getting out of the business because of the predators. It's not just producer/predator coexistence it's community-wide survival, Iverson said. "There's areas in Montana where the whole community relies on the cattle producer having cattle on that public land. Without it, those cattle producers would be out of business. And then so would the town." 50 years of the ESA: Explore this series, in photos By Dhwani Pandya MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's Surat diamond bourse will create 150,000 new jobs and become a "one-stop shop" for artisans and businessmen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he inaugurated the new bourse in Gujarat. Surat, in Gujarat state, where Modi originally hails from, cuts and polishes 90% of world's rough diamonds and the bourse will support its ambition to become the world's diamond capital. Constructed over 6.6 million square feet, the bourse is touted as the world's largest office building, surpassing the Pentagon which has an area of 6.5 million square feet. Once it starts operating facilities such as international banking, safe vaults and a jewellery mall, further jobs would be created, Modi said during the inauguration event. The inauguration comes as Surat's diamond industry is battling a slowdown in global demand for polished diamonds. India's April-October polished diamond exports fell 29% to $10 billion. Modi said that while Surat's diamond's industry had a leading position in diamond jewellery exports, silver cut diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, India's share of global gems-jewellery exports was just 3.5%. Surat could help increase India's share of gems-jewellery exports to "double-digits", Modi said. He added that he would continue to support the sector with a range of incentives and by declaring it a focus area for export promotion. With input from a wide range of community stakeholders, Bon Secours launched a three-year initiative in January 2023 designed to positively impact health outcomes and improve the lives of residents in Richmonds historic East End community. Medical director for Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital and Community Health Access for Bon Secours Richmond market, Paula Young, M.D., looks back nearly a year later at the Community Today, Community Tomorrow: Pathway to Wellness in the East End plan. This initiative is an organized response to meet concerns expressed by the community and to transparently carry out a strategy that has long been in development by leaders at Richmond Community Hospital, said Dr. Young. The goals and deliverables of the Pathway to Wellness Plan were informed by conversations with East End physicians, business owners, nonprofit leaders and, most importantly, residents. Founded in the early 1900s by Sarah Garland Jones, M.D., the first Black woman to pass the Medical Examination Boards in Virginia led a group of Black physicians to establish Richmond Community Hospital. Since its founding, Richmond Community Hospital has long been a vital East End landmark. In 1980, a group of 21 Black physicians teamed up to offer personal financial investments to relocate the hospital to its current campus on Nine Mile Road. And in 1995, Bon Secours acquired the hospital folding it into its mission-driven health ministry. After years in the making, the Community Today, Community Tomorrow initiative launched in January 2023 to coincide with the opening of the new $16.5 million East End Medical Office Building. To identify and meet the needs of the community, Bon Secours gathered information through a clinical advisory group and a community advisory council, in addition to hosting open community forums. The results determined four key areas of focus: access to medical services (particularly outpatient specialty care); community partnerships with special emphasis on patient transportation by the Richmond Ambulance Authority; disease prevention and wellness; and education, recruitment and training to pave a pathway to employment opportunities for East End residents. The establishment of an enhanced multispecialty outpatient clinic, a walk-in wellness clinic and a hypertension intervention program are just a few of the milestones achieved through the initiative this year. In October, we partnered with the Office of Community Wealth Building to hold a two-day East End Health Care Career Fair, Dr. Young said. We introduced more than 35 residents to health care professionals and were able to extend offers of employment right there at the event. Looking ahead to the future, Dr. Young hopes to keep building on the initiatives progress and momentum to beget even more growth opportunities. We remain committed to meeting the timelines laid out in the plan, and will update each deliverable as its completed, she said. As we move further into the next two years, we will continue to increase access to medical services, expand green space, extend our commitment to working with minority-owned businesses and connect patients to resources in the community. For more information about the Community Today, Community Tomorrow initiative, and to read quarterly updates, visit bonsecours.com. In the Bankrate study, U.S. adults stated whether they would tip more, the same or less during the holidays. Catherine McQueen/Getty Images A Bankrate study found about 15 percent of U.S. adults may plan to increase their tips during the holidays. Throughout the nation, most employees depend on those tips, especially while working. In the study, Bankrate named other employers who get tips, except for the restaurants and/or bars, who also depend on the additional cash during the holidays. Tipping during the holidays, customers are a lot more generous, said Adonis Graham, owner of the Midtown bar FAO. I think (theres) also a credit to those that are having to spend time away from their families you know, the ride or dies within the industry. So, I think that a lot of consumers will take that into consideration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the Bankrate study, analysts found some people were unsure of how much they should tip. About 32 percent of Americans plan to seek advice, some by asking friends or family, searching the Internet or using social media. HOUSTON FOOD: Fanciest Asian restaurant coming to the Med Center Graham and other Houston workers have agreed that tipping 20 percent does help those who plan to work on Christmas and New Year's. When youre working in a dive bar, people also dont bat an eye at 20 percent. In fact, people at dive bars tend to tip even more than that, said Ryan Wells, bartender at Coastline Artisan Pizzeria. For bartenders in Houston, Wells explained that some can make about $2.15 an hour, which is why tipping is important no matter what day of the year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad People need to remember that for all the shopping theyre doing and all the work theyre doing to prepare for their families for Christmas, your bartenders are doing the same things. Theyre working at a much slower, lower rate, he said. So, theyre crossing their fingers and hoping theyre going to get bigger tips so they can treat the people they love at Christmas time. For Cantina Barba bartender Adriana Medina, holidays are usually hectic for workers. In her experience, customers seemed to be in better moods while spending time with friends and family at the establishments. A lot of the time (the customers) havent seen those people all year, Medina said. When they have people visiting them from out of town, the first thing people want to do is show them around to all the spots that they go to. Theres definitely an increase in business. Although the percentage of tipping increase is hopeful for some workers, the Bankrate study found that about 13 percent of U.S. adults will decrease how much they tip and 44 percent plan to tip the same amount. According to Graham, service plays a huge role in how much people will tip. Advertisement Article continues below this ad FOOD COLUMNIST: TikTok food critic Keith Lee is back to dropping Houston reviews after flopping in NYC We try and make sure that we offer (good service) throughout the year, its not something that we shy on because customer service is everything, he said. Unfortunately, I do feel like its kind of been of a lost art throughout the industry, just because theres just so many things going on, and the work ethic is a lot different these days. But I think across the board, generosity definitely goes up. The best way for people to tip in Houston: Pope Francis formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced Monday, a radical shift in policy that is aimed at making the church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage. The announcement from the Vatican is a positive step forward for the church. The pope has recognized that many Catholic same-sex couples want to have the presence of God in their relationship and union, said Narissa Rahaman, executive director of the group Equality Virginia. This new development is a welcome signal that Catholicism like the general population is moving in the right direction when it comes to the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, here in Virginia and around the world. The Catholic Diocese of Richmond, which has 138 churches, said Bishop Barry C. Knestout will be taking time to further review the information. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Virginia since October 2014. The document from the Vaticans doctrine office elaborates on a letter Francis sent to two conservative cardinals that was published in October. In that preliminary response, Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if the blessings were not confused with the ritual of marriage. The new document repeats that condition and elaborates on it, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman. And it stresses that blessings in question must not be tied to any specific Catholic celebration or religious service and should not be conferred at the same time as a civil union ceremony. Moreover, the blessings cannot use set rituals or even involve the clothing and gestures that belong in a wedding. But it says requests for such blessings for same-sex couples should not be denied. It offers an extensive and broad definition of the term blessing in Scripture to insist that people seeking a transcendent relationship with God and looking for his love and mercy should not be held up to an impossible moral standard to receive it. Those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection, it said. There is no intention to legitimize anything, but rather to open ones life to God, to ask for his help to live better, and also to invoke the Holy Spirit so that the values of the Gospel may be lived with greater faithfulness, it added. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in a statement said: The churchs teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs Gods healing love and mercy in our lives. Lynchburg Monsignor Michael McCarron, the pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, directed a reporters inquiry about the pontiffs announcement to a statement on his Facebook page about the declaration. In it, McCarron said Francis isnt really saying anything new. The pope, he said, is simply saying that a priest can bless anyone/everyone. If we can bless a NASCAR race, we can bless people in need or those seeking Gods love. Blessings do not impart approval. They impart grace to lead to approval, McCarron said. The significance of this news cannot be overstated The document marks the latest gesture of outreach from a pope who has made welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy. From his 2013 quip, Who am I to judge? about a purportedly gay priest, to his 2023 comment to the Associated Press that Being homosexual is not a crime, Francis has distinguished himself from all of his predecessors with his message of welcome. The significance of this news cannot be overstated, said Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, which supports LGBTQ+ Catholics. It is one thing to formally approve same-gender blessings, which he had already pastorally permitted, but to say that people should not be subjected to an exhaustive moral analysis to receive Gods love and mercy is an even more significant step. The Vatican holds that marriage is an indissoluble union between a man and a woman. As a result, it has long opposed same-sex marriage and considers homosexual acts to be intrinsically disordered. Nothing in the new document changes that teaching. And in 2021, the Vaticans Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said flat-out that the church could not bless the unions of two men or two women because God cannot bless sin. That 2021 pronouncement created an outcry and appeared to have blindsided Francis, even though he had technically approved its publication. Soon after it was published, he removed the official responsible for it and set about laying the groundwork for a reversal. In the new document, the Vatican said the church must avoid doctrinal or disciplinary schemes especially when they lead to a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and classifies others. It said that ultimately, a blessing is about helping people increase their trust in God. It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered, it said. It stressed that people in irregular unions of extramarital sex gay or straight are in a state of sin. But it said that should not deprive them of Gods love or mercy. Even when a persons relationship with God is clouded by sin, he can always ask for a blessing, stretching out his hand to God, the document said. Thus, when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it, the document said. The Rev. James Martin, who advocates for a greater welcome for LGBTQ+ Catholics, praised the new document as a huge step forward and a dramatic shift from the Vaticans 2021 policy. Along with many Catholic priests, I will now be delighted to bless my friends in same-sex marriages, he said in an email. Traditionalists, however, were outraged. The traditionalist blogger Luigi Casalini of Messa in Latino (Latin Mass) blog wrote that the document appeared to be a form of heresy. The church is crumbling, he wrote. University of Notre Dame theologian Ulrich Lehner was also concerned, saying it would merely sow confusion and could lead to division in the church. The Vaticans statement is, in my view, the most unfortunate public announcement in decades, he said in a statement. Moreover, some bishops will use it as a pretext to do what the document explicitly forbids, especially since the Vatican has not stopped them before. It is and I hate to say it an invitation to schism. Accept people as God made them Ramon Gomez, in charge of human rights for the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation group in Chile, said the statement was a step toward breaking down discrimination in the church and could help LGBTQ+ people in countries where even civil unions are not legal. But he said the document was belated and contradictory in specifying a non-ritualized blessing that cannot be confused with marriage. Such a mixed message, he said, thus once again gives the signal that same-sex couples are inferior to heterosexual couples. The Vatican admonition to refrain from codifying any blessing or prayer appeared to be a response to Flemish-speaking bishops in Belgium, who last year proposed the text for a prayer for same-sex couples that included prayers, scriptural readings and expressions of commitment. In Germany, individual priests have been blessing same-sex couples for years as part of a progressive trend in the German church. In September, several Catholic priests held a ceremony blessing same-sex couples outside Cologne Cathedral to protest the citys conservative archbishop, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki. The head of the German Bishops Conference welcomed the document. This means that a blessing can be given to couples who do not have the opportunity to marry in church, for example due to divorce, and to same-sex couples, Bishop Georg Baetzing said in a statement. The practice of the church knows a variety of forms of blessing. It is good that this treasure for the diversity of lifestyles is now being raised. In the U.S., the Rev. John Oesterle, a Catholic priest and hospital chaplain in Pittsburgh, said many priests would probably not be open to offering such a blessing, but he welcomed Francis action. I think the pope has learned to accept people as God made them, he said Monday. When I was growing up, the assumption was that God made everyone straight. What we have learned is that is not true. In accepting people as God made them, and if Jesus primary teaching is we should love and serve one another in the community, I think thats what gives Pope Francis the openness to Gods presence in those relationships. Emma Martin of The (Lynchburg) News & Advance and Em Holter and Sean Jones of the Richmond Times-Dispatch contributed to this report. When you think of December and dining out, pop-up bars and restaurants dipped in decor tend to get all the glory. But for many restaurant owners, this is a special time of year when they choose to add a few menu items that connect to their roots. These are specials you dont want to miss this holiday season. Ponche Mexicano at Lolitas Sisters and co-owners of Lolitas (2929 W. Cary St.), Karina and Rosario Garcia, are always adding menu items and cocktails that honor their Mexican-American heritage. The Ponche Mexicano cocktail, currently on the menu, is a traditional hot, fruity drink thats enjoyed in Mexico during the holiday season. At Lolitas, they cook apples, pears, strawberries, hibiscus and nance with pilconcillo Mexican brown sugar, red wine and holiday spices including cinnamon, cloves and star anise. The warm, comforting concoction is finished with brandy, garnished with fresh and fermented fruit and served in a cute clay mug for celebratory sipping. Nostalgic Christmas Menu at Lehja At Lehja (11800 W. Broad St.), co-owner and executive chef Sunny Baweja takes the busy holiday season as an opportunity to embrace dishes and flavors that are popular in India, but not always featured on American Indian restaurant menus. Its nostalgic, but also the things Im excited about, he said. Take the refined smoky, grilled tandoori-marinated quail thats served as appetizer with mango-chili sauce and a refreshing apple-cilantro-lime salad. I was telling my father-in-law that I was doing quail this year, and he started talking to me about his childhood catching quail in the fields and grilling them, he said. Pork belly vindaloo pays homage to Goa, the Indian state where the dish originated. The porks texture combines so well with the tangy sauce, Baweja said when tasting the dish he thinks back to winters in India when friends would cook big pots of pork curry for everyone to share. Desi-style barbecued short ribs are braised with Shenandoah apple cider, tamarind syrup, smoked paprika and served homemade hot sauce and potatoes is a modern spin on a classic dish. Theres more to Indian food than we can ever imagine, he said. Christmas Cookie Plate at Lost Letter When pastry chef Megan Fitzroy Phelan opened Lost Letter with her husband, Patrick, and chef Andrew Manning, she kept getting asked when shed serve Italian rainbow cookies. She didnt want to. Baking cookies is labor intensive and many of the favorites like rainbow cookies are Italian American, anyway, not traditional. After a brief cookie stint over the summer, she decided to do something special for Christmas. I have a bunch of favorite cookies from my childhood and from places Ive worked, she said. The holiday cookie plate at Lost Letter (2939 W. Clay St.) features cranberry-almond biscotti with orange and white chocolate; traditional pignoli; Linzer tarts with a hazelnut cookie base and raspberry jam filling described by Fitzroy Phelan as quintessentially holiday; chocolate salami cookies featuring chocolate ganache and amaretto studded with crunchy bits of crushed homemade waffle cones, hazelnuts and amaretti cookies; and cuccidati. Meaning little bracelet in Italian, cuccidati are Fitzroy Phelans favorite, featuring sugar cookie dough wrapped around a figgy, nutty, spicy filling and topped with sprinkles. Its what fruit cake should taste like, she said. Hallacas and Pan de Jamon at Con Salsa Specializing in traditional Venezuelan recipes that have been passed down through generations, the crew at Con Salsa (3016 Mountain Road) could not let the holiday go by without traditional Venezuelan Christmas dishes. Pan de Jamon is a traditional Christmas bread featuring a very thin dough thats filled with smoked ham, bacon, raisins, olives and two types of cheese. If youre a cheese lover, this is for you, general manager Antonio Fung said. When eating, Fung suggests you slice the bread and reheat it in the oven so each slice gets warm and crispy. Con Salsa will also be offering hallacas similar to tamales made with a corn base, which is popular across Venezuela, or a plantain base, which is popular in the Zulia region, and beef or pork filling, then wrapped and steamed in plantain leaves. It gives a really special flavor, Fung said. It also makes preparation labor intensive. Pan de Jamon and Hallacas are available to special order and eat on Christmas as they do in Venezuela. Call (804) 774-2424 and place your order by Dec. 22. Richmond's favorite holiday things to do in December Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights Tacky Lights Legendary Santa 'The Nutcracker' Holiday markets Holiday pop-up bars Ice skating at Stony Point Fashion Park Winterfest & Christmastown Illuminate Light Show The tree at the Jefferson Hotel Air travel with pets is always an adventure. Of course, even the best adventures come with some stresses and struggles. Choosing the right pet carrier can go a long way toward ensuring a comfortable, smooth trip for both you and your pet. A carrier is your pets home away from home and a haven from the travel unknowns, notes Michael Leung, co-founder and lead product designer of Sleepypod, a leading manufacturer of premium pet beds and pet accessories. Its important to choose products that streamline travel for you while making travel comfortable for your pet, and mitigate stress for you both. Determining the best pet carrier option for air travel can be a bit complex. Weve navigated the details and condensed the most important information for you to help make the best possible decision. Airline regulations for carriers While every airline has slightly different pet carrier regulations, there are some guidelines that are common to most airlines. To protect pet travelers and keep them safe, airline regulations for below-cabin pet carriers tend to be very stringent, so there is little wiggle-room in terms of choice. In general, carriers must be made from hard-sided plastic thats secured with metal bolts. They must be airline-approved, they must be front-loading with only one entry point, and they must feature a secure side lock. In-cabin carrier regulations offer more flexibility. They may be made of plastic or fabric, and they generally dont require locks or a specific number of entry points. Hard-sided, non-collapsible carriers have to be small enough to fit easily under the airplane seat. Soft-sided, collapsible carriers can be slightly larger, but not so large that they have to collapse excessively to fit beneath the seat. Carriers should have adequate ventilation and sufficient padding, and must be spacious enough to allow your pet to stand up, turn around,and lie down comfortably. Flight-specific carrier features to look for The sights, sounds, and novelty of a flight can be stressful for your pet. Look for a carrier thats comfortable, with features like soft padding and/or integrated bedding. An integrated privacy panel is a good option for nervous pet travelers, as it will minimize visual stimuli. Air travel with your pet isnt just about the flight. You also have to get him through the airport safely and securely. Consider choosing a carrier thats brightly colored, as this will make it easier for you to spot it in the crowds, and harder for other travelers to mistake it for their own luggage. You will be required to remove your pet at the TSA checkpoint. A carrier with an integrated tether, used in combination with a pet harness, will help prevent your pet from escaping. The harness will help you easily and safely attach a leash for potty breaks and short walks. In the hustle and bustle of travel, convenience is key. A carrier with easy-to-reach storage pockets for medications, treats, water, and cleaning supplies can be a lifesaver. In addition, look for a model that can be strapped across your chest, or one that has wheels and can easily be maneuvered with one hand, leaving the other hand free. Measuring your pet You can be turned away at check-in if your pet doesnt meet your airlines size requirements or your carrier isnt adequately sized for your pet. Before purchasing a carrier, its important to know your airlines specifications well and to measure your pet carefully, especially if hes on the borderline in terms of size. Measuring your pet is a fairly simple process. Using a soft tape measure, measure him from his collar area to the base of his tall for his length, adding a few inches for his head. For his height, measure him from the ground to the tips of his ears. His width should be measured from shoulder to shoulder. Choosing the right carrier Determining the specific air travel features you need/want your carrier to have is essential. But carriers vary widely in terms of safety, durability, and security, so its equally important to research a carriers brand, make, model, and type before purchasing. Ideally, you want a sturdy, water-resistant, scratch-resistant container that closes securely and is safety-tested. One carrier model that checks all of these boxes is the Sleepypod Air. Its sturdy, yet soft, it has a secure closure, and its crash-tested to child safety standards. It also offers a lot of flight-friendly features: it comes in a variety of different colors, it has comfortable, integrated bedding, and its even expandable for maximum comfort after takeoff and before landing. When your flights over, it can be used in the car as a pet car seat, and at the hotel as a pet bed. The takeaway While a carrier may seem like a minor detail, investing the time and effort in finding the best possible option can actually work wonders to alleviate stress and ensure that you and your pet have a safe and comfortable flight, no matter where your travels take you. ___ Pet policies on the largest airlines in the US Pet policies on the largest airlines in the US Alaska Airlines United Airlines Southwest Delta American Airlines A data breach occurred at the Richmond-based nonprofit that oversees organ transplantation in the U.S., exposing up to 1.2 million patient records. The United Network for Organ Sharing says it is investigating an error that caused Social Security numbers, dates of birth and medical procedure information to be released. The lapse comes two years after a government agency issued a report criticizing UNOS technological capabilities, calling them out of date. The breach did not affect the matching or allocation of organs to patients. UNOS oversees the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, a collection of 56 organ procurement organizations and 248 transplant hospitals that transplant kidneys, livers and other organs throughout the country. The exposed data was accessible only to users within the organ transplant community and not the general public, UNOS said in a statement. The data did not include names or addresses. A spokesperson for the organization declined to say how many peoples data were exposed and how many could have seen it. UNOS said it has no reason to believe any patient data was misused. The systems security was not hacked by an unauthorized third party. After UNOS discovered the error on Nov. 14, it took the information offline and contacted a security expert to help understand the scope of the incident. In order to determine whether there was an actual impact to any of these individuals, we must conduct additional analysis, UNOS said in a statement. We are working to complete the impact analysis as quickly as possible. The exposure was in two testing environments, UNOS said. A testing environment is a controlled space where a company can run software or a system and check for errors before releasing it to a wider group of users. In 2021, the White Houses United States Digital Services wrote a report calling out UNOS technological capabilities. The report said UNOS staffers have to enter too much information by hand and that, at the time, data was stored on servers on the premises, not in cloud computing. DonorNet, the software that links UNOS with hospitals and procurement organizations, is outdated and slow, Diane Brockmeier, then-CEO of a Midwestern organ procurement organization, told Congress last year. Brian Shepard, then-CEO of UNOS, disputed the U.S. Digital Services report, saying the computer systems function 99.9% of the time and are highly reliable. In recent years, UNOS has come under scrutiny for its performance. President Joe Biden signed a law this year to divvy up the federal contract for organ transplantation, which UNOS has held since 1986. UNOS received a transitional contract to continue operating the transplant network through March. The government agency that oversees UNOS, the Health Resources and Services Administration, said it would issue a request for proposals this month. Two U.S. senators, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., recently said the HRSA was not following the intent of the new law by allowing UNOS board members to remain in charge and by potentially issuing transitional contracts for up to five years. In 2022, Virginia Commonwealth University Health discovered a data breach that exposed the personal information of 4,500 organ donors and recipients over a 15-year period. Understaffed pharmacies in Virginia are burning out workers A CVS in Midlothian shut its drive through and stopped answer the phone, leading to a proposed fine. The state board has proposed rules to protect pharmacists, but workers worry drugstore chains will retaliate against them. Recognize this? 114 photos of Richmond's restaurant past Department spokesperson Bob Smet told The Times-Dispatch on Tuesday that charges are pending against Jason Walters after investigators determined the bucks shooting death violated state law. Wildlife Service Maj. Ryan Shuler said Walters was identified after he posted photos of himself with the dead buck on a Facebook page and said he killed the animal in Prince Edward County with a muzzleloader. Several people who saw the Dec. 14 post recognized the animal, a nontypical 29-point buck, as a frequent visitor of Hollywood Cemetery in the Oregon Hill neighborhood and reported the post to the DWR, Shuler said. Shuler said investigators interviewed Walters and determined that the buck had been killed illegally. Charges against Walters currently are pending, Shuler said. Walters could not immediately be reached for comment. Smet declined to comment on the nature of the charges, but said that DWS investigations often focus on whether hunters are operating in unauthorized areas, using prohibited weapons or hunting at improper times. This was definitely a world-class buck, Smet said. (It) had a huge rack, a nontypical rack, meaning the bucks antlers were not symmetrical, as is typically the case. He estimated the buck was somewhere between 8 and 9 years old. Shuler said the buck was a regular visitor at Hollywood Cemetery, and was recognizable due to his large, unusual antlers. The illegal killing of the Hollywood Cemetery buck is a serious violation of Virginias wildlife laws and will be a priority for the Conservation Police Officers assigned to the investigation until all leads have been exhausted, all evidence has been collected, and those involved have been charged, he said. From the Archives: Richmond Police Mounted Unit Richmond police and the FBI are investigating a bomb threat made against a Richmond synagogue on Monday afternoon. Richmond police spokesman James Mercante said police were made aware of a threat against Congregation Or Ami on Huguenot Road at around 12:45 p.m. Monday. It was not immediately clear who reported the threat. Richmond Jewish Food Festival postponed over security risks, organizers say Rabbi Dovid Asher cited a rise in antisemitic threats and the prohibitive costs of security as the war in Gaza enters its 42nd week. The department deployed its bomb team to check the building, Mercante said. The RPD Bomb Team responded, checked the structure for dangerous items, found none and cleared the structure for use, Mercante said. Mercante said Richmond police had turned over information on the bomb threat to the FBI, which is leading the probe. A spokesperson for the FBI declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. Representatives for Congregation Or Ami could not immediately be reached for comment. The incident comes amidst a rash of reported bomb threats against Jewish religious and cultural centers across the country. The Secure Community Network, a non-profit billed by its representatives as the official homeland security and safety initiative of the organized Jewish community in North America, in a Dec. 16 news release counted 199 swatting incidents and false bomb threats ... targeting Jewish facilities in the 24 hours between Dec. 16 and Dec. 17. Oren Segal, Vice President of the Center on Extremism at the Anti-Defamation League, on Monday told CNN that there had been over 400 such threats since Saturday. The SCN report also said swatting incidents and threats against Jewish institutions were up 541% compared to 2022, increasing from 83 incidents to 449. Correction: An earlier version of this story had the incorrect number of weeks since the war started. This version has been corrected. The annual Richmond Jewish Food Festival has been postponed indefinitely over what organizers call a volatile climate of antisemitism surrounding the war between Israel and Hamas. Rabbi Dovid Asher, director of Keneseth Beth Israel a center of traditional Torah Judaism in Richmond that puts on the yearly event cited a rise in antisemitic threats and the prohibitive costs of security as the war in Gaza is in its ninth week. The festival, last year held in January, is the biggest Jewish event in Richmond every year, Asher said, and has served as both a point of community connection and a successful fundraiser. But an increase in antisemitic threats forced organizers to rethink their plans, Asher said. Our security costs have risen tremendously, Asher told the Richmond Times-Dispatch, adding that Keneseth Ben Israel has spent $500 per sabbath to make sure we can practice our faith safely and securely. Asher also said the global and local Jewish communities were still reeling emotionally from the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7. We didnt feel like we had it in us to pull off a massive event, which requires hundreds of volunteers and many hours of work, Asher said. Instead, Asher said the congregation is focused on putting money into urgent needs, including financial support for the victims of the Oct. 7 attacks. Were trying to rally together as a global Jewish community, he said. PHOTOS: Tree lighting at the Jefferson Hotel through the years Asher said the event would be rescheduled, but was not certain when it would ultimately take place. Hopefully things calm down with antisemitism in the next few months, he said. All of Virginias 131 school divisions have now submitted their spending plans to the state for Gov. Glenn Youngkins ALL In VA plan to address learning loss through an intensive statewide tutoring initiative, literacy education and measures to promote school attendance. Youngkin had challenged school divisions to implement the tutoring programs by Oct. 16, but only 26 had submitted spending plans by the target date. The governors timeline provided about six weeks for school divisions to get the high-dosage tutoring programs up and running. Im pleased all of Virginias school divisions have heeded my call to urgently and aggressively take action to help our students recover from COVID pandemic learning loss, Youngkin said in a statement on Monday evening. Im pleased that today every school division has embraced that challenge and are committed to getting our students back on track academically. Youngkin aimed to create a sense of urgency for divisions to create and implement their plans given the significant learning loss that students experienced during pandemic-related school closures. The plan recommends school divisions allocate 70% of the funding for the high-dose tutoring initiative, 20% to expand the Virginia Literacy Act and 10% for addressing chronic absenteeism. The funding for the governors plan is from a one-time $418 million pot of discretionary money in the state budget designated to provide flexible funding for the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, learning loss recovery, and additional operating and infrastructure support. Our school divisions have been thoughtful in their planning and have really examined the unique challenges facing their students and their communities, said State Superintendent Lisa Coons in a statement. They have developed meaningful plans to help their students catch up and step ahead to prepare them with the solid academic foundation they need to recover and be successful. Coons, who was appointed by Youngkin in March, sent a message to school division superintendents on Sept. 22: To receive allocated funds, school divisions must complete the attached spending plan, certified by the superintendent, outlining the priority uses for ALL In VA ... Once approved by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, VDOE will begin disbursing the school divisions funding allocation. Several senior Democrats said the reporting requirements outlined in the budget do not give the VDOE approval authority. The VDOE has now shifted to saying reviewed instead of approved. 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Glenn Youngkins finance office has a new look but with familiar faces as the governor prepares to pitch a legacy two-year budget to legislators this week. Jason Powell, a former budget analyst with the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, has become deputy secretary of finance for Youngkin. Powell worked for Senate Finance for 15 years before joining the Youngkin administration early last year as a senior adviser to Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller. He replaces Charles Kennington, another former Senate Finance budget analyst, who stepped down as deputy finance secretary this month to join the Virginia Department of Taxation as chief economist and director of revenue forecasting. That crucial position had been vacant since the early departure of Steven Giachetti after less than a year in the job. Giachetti had been hired late last year to replace John Layman, who retired last year after 33 years in state government. The reset comes as Youngkin prepares to propose a two-year budget to the General Assembly money committees Senate Finance, House Appropriations and House Finance on Wednesday to consider in the 60-day legislative session that will begin on Jan. 10. It is considered a legacy budget because it is the only two-year spending plan over which a governor has control from introduction to adoption in a state that limits the chief executive to one four-year term. Otherwise, a Virginia governor inherits a budget proposed by the previous governor and leaves one for the next one. The Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committee separately predicted last month that revenues will be tight in the next budget, which will take effect on July 1, 2024, and extend through June 30, 2026. Both committees will have new leaders as Democrats regained majority control in both chambers after elections in November for all 140 assembly seats. Despite the political setback and uncertain economy, Youngkin has said publicly that he will continue to seek lower taxes, after a politically divided assembly approved $5 billion in one-time and ongoing tax cuts in the past two years, with state coffers flush from federal emergency aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor told Bloomberg TV in a recent appearance, There is a clear reality that there are states around the nation that are winning and there are states that are losing and the states that are winning have very clear similar policies of lower taxes and streamlined regulations for pro-business environments, right to work and a real recognition that we have to create opportunity. Those are the things that were going to progress, to continue to work to bring down the cost of living with I think some really innovative ways to bring taxes down. Youngkin press secretary Macaulay Porter confirmed the employee moves on Monday. Before joining the Youngkin administration last year, Powell had worked at the Senate Finance committee since 2007, including almost two years as co-director and finally as special projects deputy. Previously, he worked for more than eight years as principal legislative analyst at the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, the assemblys watchdog agency. Kennington is returning to the tax department, where he served as a senior economist for nearly three years before beginning work for the Senate Finance Committee in 2015. He also worked as an economist at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for almost four years. He will still report indirectly to Secretary of Finance Steve Cummings, whose secretariat includes the tax department. 5 things to know about what's in Virginia's state budget NATURAL RESOURCES PAY RAISES TAX RELIEF ALEXANDRIA A federal judge expressed strong misgivings Tuesday about extending a restraining order that is blocking Arlington National Cemetery from removing a century-old memorial there to Confederate soldiers. At a hearing in federal court in Alexandria, U.S. District Judge Rossie Alston said he issued the temporary injunction Monday after receiving an urgent phone call from the memorials supporters saying that gravesites adjacent to the memorial were being desecrated and disturbed as contractors began work to remove the memorial. He said he toured the site before Tuesdays hearing and saw the site being treated respectfully. I saw no desecration of any graves, Alston said. The grass wasnt even disturbed. While Alston gave strong indications he would lift the injunction, which expires Wednesday, he did not rule at the end of Tuesdays hearing but said he would issue a written ruling as soon as he could. Cemetery officials have said they are required by law to complete the removal by the end of the year and that the contractors doing the work have only limited availability over the next week or so. An independent commission recommended removal of the memorial last year in conjunction with a review of Army bases with Confederate names. The statue, designed to represent the American South and unveiled in 1914, features a bronze woman, crowned with olive leaves, standing on a 32-foot (9.8-meter) pedestal. The woman holds a laurel wreath, plow stock and pruning hook and a biblical inscription at her feet says: They have beat their swords into plough-shares and their spears into pruning hooks. Some of the figures also on the statue include a Black woman depicted as Mammy holding what is said to be the child of a white officer, and an enslaved man following his owner to war. Defend Arlington, in conjunction with a group called Save Southern Heritage Florida, has filed multiple lawsuits trying to keep the memorial in place. The group contends that the memorial was built to promote reconciliation between the North and South and that removing the memorial erodes that reconciliation. Tuesdays hearing focused largely on legal issues, but Alston questioned the heritage groups lawyers about the notion that the memorial promotes reconciliation. He noted that the statue depicts, among other things, a slave running after his massa as he walks down the road. What is reconciling about that? asked Alston, an African American who was appointed to the bench in 2019 by then-President Donald Trump. Alston also chided the heritage group for filing its lawsuit Sunday in Virginia while failing to note that it lost a very similar lawsuit over the statue just one week earlier in federal court in Washington. The heritage groups lawyers contended that the legal issues were sufficiently distinct that it wasnt absolutely necessary for Alston to know about their legal defeat in the District of Columbia. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who disagrees with the decision to remove the memorial, made arrangements for it to be moved to land owned by the Virginia Military Institute at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park in the Shenandoah Valley. PHOTOS: Hollywood Cemetery, from the RTD archives This map shows projected low temperatures for Tuesday in Southeast Texas, according to the National Blend of Models. Most areas near and north of Houston will wake up to temperatures in the lower 40s, with a few readings in the 30s possible north of Conroe. WeatherBELL If you enjoy chilly air, layering clothes and sipping piping-hot, peppermint-flavored coffee, Tuesday mornings weather will make your day. But Houston also will see a warming trend kick into high gear this week ahead of what could be a soggy Christmas. One last cold morning Many of us are waking up to temperatures in the lower 40s near and north of Houston. A few backyard thermometer readings may even briefly drop into the upper 30s, especially north of Conroe. This chill is all possible because of optimal radiational cooling, in which the days warmth is able to radiate back into outer space with the help of clear skies and a calm wind at night. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Temperatures on Tuesday night will be a good five to eight degrees warmer than what we woke up to in the morning thanks to a shift to southeast winds that will bring tropical air into the region again. On top of the shifting wind direction, well see the return of clouds, which in the overnight hours can act as a blanket, keeping temperatures milder. By Thursday morning, many of us will be getting the day started in the middle and upper 50s. We dont stop there! Lows near 60 degrees are expected through the upcoming holiday weekend. Near 70 by Wednesday Temperatures arent just warming at night. Well see that warming trend kick into high gear during the afternoon hours, especially after Tuesdays high in the lower 60s. Fast forward to Wednesday afternoon and most of Southeast Texas will see highs reaching into the upper 60s. As high atmospheric pressure shifts east of the Houston area, keeping southeasterly winds going, afternoon temperatures are likely to top out around 70 degrees Thursday into Friday. Projected high temperatures for Wednesday in Southeast Texas, according to the National Blend of Models. Most of the region will warm up to the upper 60s, with a few spots possibly even cracking the 70-degree mark. WeatherBELL The warming trend is expected to come with a bit more cloud cover. Well trade sunshine for partly cloudy skies Tuesday into Wednesday, with mostly cloudy skies expected Thursday into Friday. Despite increased cloud cover through Thursday, most areas will remain dry until Friday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HIGH PRESSURE WEATHER: This weeks weather pattern will be dominated by a large area of high pressure Rain chances arrive before Christmas Confidence is increasing that the last few days leading up to Christmas, which tend to be the worst travel days, are going to be pretty soggy as a series of upper-level disturbances pivot overhead. Will it rain 100% of the day Friday through Sunday? No. Can we determine with any sort of accuracy when rain chances will be highest through Christmas Eve? Also, no. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This map of Southeast Texas shows what weather radar could look like Friday afternoon, according to the European weather forecast model. Pockets of yellow and orange indicate heavier rainfall embedded in the green shades that represent rain. The exact timing of the rain will become clearer in the next few days. Pivotal Weather That being said, current model guidance does generally suggest Friday will be wet with perhaps a dry day for most on Saturday before rain returns on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is still very much a question mark, with the European forecast model suggesting that rain pushes east through Christmas morning, while the American model indicates that rain arrives Christmas night. The inconsistencies with rain timing will be sorted out in the coming days, but for now it would be a good idea to plan on a wet stretch of weather lasting through at least Christmas Day. Between the first drop of rain that arrives Friday to the last drop that falls likely on Monday, early forecasts estimate between an inch and 3 inches of cumulative rainfall. (Image: Malay Mail/Miera Zulyana) The Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) has said that the implementation of the 10% tax on imported low-value goods (LVG) sold online is well-received, and that it will help to level competition and boost local businesses. This comes following a recent announcement by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), which said that the LVG tax will be imposed starting from 1 January 2024. While local retailers have to pay tax at various points of the supply chain, including when bringing in components or raw materials as well as finished goods into Malaysia, we are being undercut by foreign sellers and local dropshippers who have largely escaped from paying tax to Malaysia on their products, said SAMENTAs president, Datuk William Ng, in a statement, adding that local sellers have been fighting an unfair competition against foreign sellers for many years. To explain, local manufacturers are presently already subjected to a 5% or 10% sales tax, while those who are selling imported LVG defined as goods with a total value of less than RM500 per consignment are exempted from sales tax when they bring in the goods using courier services through selected international airports. This ultimately puts local manufacturers at a disadvantage, as they have to contend with higher costs. This is set to change on 1 January, as all LVG whether brought into Malaysia by land, sea, or air will be charged a 10% tax (excluding selected items, such as cigarettes, tobacco products, liquors, electronic cigarettes, and preparation of a kind used for smoking). The tax also applies to local businesses selling LVG on online platforms or marketplaces with annual revenues exceeding RM500,000. Ng further urged online marketplaces to help facilitate the implementation of the tax for both local and foreign sellers who qualify. He also said that e-commerce platforms should find ways to prevent businesses from passing additional costs to local sellers he said. It is the social responsibility of these marketplaces to help support Malaysian sellers and made-in-Malaysia products, given the extensive regulatory facilitation, promotional support and financial aid given to them by various government agencies for many years, Ng commented. (Image: Asian Development Blog) Similarly, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) also came forward to explain that the LVG tax is aimed at levelling the playing field for local businesses. In a statement, the ministry acknowledged that sales tax and import duty are typically not imposed on imports below a de minimis value (minimal value), mainly to enable easier customs clearance for such postal and courier shipments. This value is set at RM500 for Malaysia. However, with the rise of online retail, this exemption turned into a tax loophole that created an unfair advantage for physical retail businesses in Malaysia, said MOF. As such, the LVG tax was introduced during the tabling of Budget 2022 to address the matter, although the actual implementation was delayed a number of times from its initial scheduled date of 1 January 2023. It was first postponed to 1 April 2023, and then postponed again indefinitely until this latest update. MOF also highlighted that Malaysia is not the only country to introduce the LVG tax. Singapore and Indonesia have both also implemented similar taxes on 1 January 2023 and 1 April 2023, respectively. (Source: Malay Mail [1, 2]) 0 0 votes Article Rating SHARE Cancun kidnappers each sentenced to 70 years Cancun, Q.R. Two men have each been sentenced to 70 years in prison for their role in an express kidnapping. On Monday, Israel N and Arley N were sentenced by a Cancun judge for the kidnapping of three people in 2018. The pair were sentenced for the June 2018 kidnapping of two adults and a minor from their vehicle in central Cancun. The three were forcefully removed from their vehicle on Avenue La Luna where they threatened the victims using firearms, authorities have reported. Subsequently, they went to the victims commercial establishment located in the Alamos II subdivision where they were robbed of money, personal belongings, documents and a vehicle, which they then used to escape. The investigations carried out by the Investigative Police led to the location and arrest of Israel N and Arley N in the state of Yucatan, for which they were transferred to Cancun and tried. On Monday, both were sentenced to 70 years in prison and fined 483,600 pesos. Three Mexicans extradited to Texas on varying U.S. charges Mexico City, Mexico Three Mexican nationals have been extradited to the U.S. to face charges in Texas. According to the State Attorney of the Republic (FGR), all three were wanted on separate incidences in the state. Benigno G was wanted by the District Court of Harris County, Texas, for sexual abuse, qualified sexual assault and of indecency. The charges against him were reportedly committed to the detriment of a minor whom he sexually abused on several occasions between 2004 and 2014. He was arrested in June of this year in the city of San Luis Potosi. Jose Luis R was handed over to U.S. federal agents Monday and returned to Texas. He was also wanted by the Harris County Court, Texas, but for homicide. In December 1995, he is alleged to have shot and killed a woman. He was arrested in August of 2024 in Alvarado, Veracruz. Francisco S was retured to the U.S. to complete a sentence handed down in a Federal Court for the Southern District of Texas. Francisco S was returned to finish the sentence imposed on him of 121 months in prison for the crimes of criminal association and narcotics. He was arrested in 2007 when he was transporting drugs to distribute in Houston. Subsequently, he was located and detained in the state of Coahuila in August 2021. A federal judge looked askance Monday at a request that he interfere with Virginias efforts to seize animals from a Rockbridge County zoo to protect them from abuse and neglect. The Natural Bridge Zoo, from which 95 exotic animals were taken by state authorities armed with search warrants on Dec. 6, is asking U.S. District Judge Norman Moon to delay a forfeiture hearing. Scheduled for Wednesday in the countys General District Court, the hearing would come too soon for the zoos owners to adequately prepare a defense, their attorney, Mario Williams of Georgia, argued at a virtual hearing in Lynchburgs federal court. But Moon seemed reluctant to grant a temporary restraining order that would put off the proceeding. Such a step would be taken while he considers arguments that the forfeiture process violates the due process rights of Deborah and Karl Mogenson, who vigorously deny any suggestion that animals are mistreated at their small zoo off U.S. 11. While he gave Williams time to file additional briefs by 10 p.m. Monday, Moon hinted at what his decision will be. I just want you to be aware that I come to this with the notion that what the plaintiff is asking for is not permitted by law, the judge said, citing a long-standing principle of the federal judiciary not intervening in pending state court matters. Things like this happen all the time, he said. People get arrested. They dont come in to federal court and ask the [judge] to give them a continuance in a state court. The unusual proceeding is the latest chapter of controversy for the Natural Bridge Zoo, which over the past decade has been temporarily closed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, fined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and now investigated by the state Office of the Attorney General. Law enforcement officers showed up at the zoo earlier this month after months of documented animal welfare problems, Assistant Attorney General Erin McNeill wrote in court documents. State law allows for the seizure of any animal held under conditions that would pose an immediate threat to their life, safety or health. Officials must then petition a General District court for a hearing, to be held within 10 days of the seizure, to determine if the creatures were mistreated. In asking for more time to answer allegations made in more than 2,000 pages of documents, Williams argued that the Mogensens livelihood was at stake not to mention the possibility of them facing criminal charges based on what comes out at the hearing. We just need more time for our clients to adequately prepare for something that will alter their lives, Williams said. Among the animals taken and now being held at humane shelters pending a final outcome in the case are giraffes, capuchins, lemurs, Amazon parrots, Burmese pythons, Macaws, llamas, a painted turtle and one miniature donkey. A white Bengal tiger was euthanized during the raids, according to the Attorney Generals Office, on the advice of a specialist veterinarian who said the large feline needed to be put out of its misery. In his request for injunctive relief, Williams accused authorities of torturing and killing a prized white tiger through complete incompetence. No other details were provided. Williams could not be reached for comment after the hearing; a spokeswoman for the Attorney Generals Office declined to comment on a pending investigation. Williams argued in court papers that Virginia is trying to shut down the zoo, and Defendants primary weapon to accomplish this task: violating Mr. and Mrs. Mogensens due process rights. The zoo has received a clean bill of health from federal investigators, the lawyer said. However, the Department of Agriculture fined the facility $41,500 in 2019 after an investigation by the Humane Society of the United States found widespread cases of abuse and neglect. Among the violations: Zoo staffers improperly euthanized guinea pigs by slamming them to the ground before they were fed to tigers, failed to provide proper veterinary care to a tiger cub and a mandrill that later died, and allowed visitors to ride an elephant without the pachyderms handler always nearby as required by federal regulations. The elephant, Asha, continues to be held in substandard conditions and mistreated, according to search warrants filed as part of the latest investigation. Correction Dec. 20, 2023, 8:56 a.m.: An earlier version of this story identified Edward Gates as the father of Kerrell DeaShay Jones, based on search warrant information. However, a family members says Gates was Jones stepfather. The story has been updated. A Roanoke man was indicted last month on a murder charge connected to the death of his stepfather, who was shot in the familys home in September, according to court documents. Kerrell DeaShay Jones faces one count of first-degree murder and one count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Indictments, handed down at the Nov. 6 meeting of the Roanoke Circuit Court grand jury, and other court documents identify the victim of the Sept. 17 shooting as Edward L. Gates. Officers found a man with a critical gunshot wound inside a residence there, police reported. Rescue personnel took him to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he later died. The regional medical examiners office confirmed in an Oct. 4 email that a gunshot wound to the abdomen caused Gates death. According to search warrant documents, Gates is Jones father - but a family member told The Roanoke Times Gates is Jones' stepfather. Gates wife, Jones and a juvenile son were at the residence when police arrived on scene, according to one of the documents. As officers secured the home, the family was placed in the living room, a warrant reads. An officers body camera captured Gates wife using her juvenile sons cellphone, as well as Jones using his own cellphone. Police searched both devices and seized data. Police found Gates body in an upstairs bedroom, the warrant continues. Near him, police found another cellphone, from which they also seized data. From the home, police seized firearms, cartridges, cartridge cases, a sandal, a camera system, a phone, pistol magazines, ammunition, DNA swabs, a gun box and clothing, according to an executed search warrant document. One document reads that police also found a vehicle in the residences driveway with a warm engine compartment indicating that it had been recently driven. However, the document continues, police could not locate any blood inside the vehicle or outside the residence, which led officers to conclude that Gates was shot after he went inside the home. Police also reviewed surveillance footage from the area of the Gates residence. In that footage, another warrant document reads, it is evident that no vehicles are seen coming or leaving from the Westside Boulevard home prior to the shooting. One document identifies the wife as Gabrielle Gates and explains that the couple had a history of domestic disorders. The document reads that approximately four hours before the homicide occurred, city police had responded to the home for a domestic disturbance. Gates left the scene before police arrived, but his wife alleged he had damaged her vehicle, according to the documents. After the fatal shooting, police took Jones from the Westside Boulevard home to the Roanoke Police Department. But before they left, Jones emptied his pockets onto a television stand, according to a warrant. A single shell casing was located where Jones empties his pockets, the warrant reads. Since Jones indictments were handed down, a warrant for his arrest has been issued. But as of Monday afternoon, he was listed as a fugitive in Virginias online court case information system. I can confirm that no one has been arrested or taken into custody regarding this active investigation, Caitlyn Cline, Roanoke police public information official, said in a text message Monday. Im not able to provide further details at this time. Gates was the 24th person to die due to gun violence in Roanoke in 2023. Since his Sept. 17 homicide, Roanoke police have reported another six shooting deaths. More than a dozen rundown properties in Roanoke are getting touched up for new uses through the citys land bank. Since 2019, the land bank has acquired 13 properties dotted around the city, with three more parcels currently under contract, said Angela Penn, who works in leadership roles for Total Action for Progress, a Roanoke nonprofit. TAP administers the land bank program on behalf of the city, and Penn presented an update to city council on Monday afternoon. The land bank, its primary purpose is to acquire properties that some might call blighted, Penn said. And to temporarily hold and take care of those properties until they can be transferred to new and responsible owners. A $570,000 grant from federal coronavirus recovery funds kick-started the program. About $450,000 has been spent so far on acquiring and improving those initial parcels, Penn said. Im pleased to say that there have been some homeowners as a result of those properties being acquired, Penn said. There are houses in the process of development as a result of those acquisitions. In some cases, derelict houses have been demolished, and overgrowth trimmed back to reveal plots ready for new development, according to city documents. Some have already seen new houses built, Penn said. Other properties, like the house at 406 Eighth St. S.W., have undergone long-needed renovations. Before, it just was a vacant, boarded up structure, Penn said. The housing developer is now in the process of working and rehabilitating that house for home ownership. In 2024, one of the parcels will hopefully see 10-units of affordable housing built, she said. More properties will be added to the land banks holdings in 2024 and beyond, Penn said. I think were on a good path, Penn said. But the only funding allocated to Roanokes land bank so far is the citys initial grant using money from the pandemic-related American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Penn said. Once these resources that came under the ARPA funding are finished, we need to look at what mechanism could be put in place to have some longevity and some sustainability of the land bank over time, Penn said. To remain soluble, other land banks numbering about 300 nationwide, with four in Virginia subsist off some combination of fund allocations from local governments, grant funding and land transfers to maintain property inventory, among other strategies, she said. The land bank is one way that Roanokes government is focusing on housing issues. At least 37% of all Roanoke households are burdened by the combined costs of utilities and rent or mortgage, according to city documents. The city attorneys office, treasurers office and code enforcement are coordinating to identify problem parcels for review and potential transfer to the land bank, Penn said. People can also donate parcels. Council member Luke Priddy said the land banks creation was enabled through recent state laws by the Virginia General Assembly. The property owners, no land is being taken from them, Priddy said. They are being rightfully compensated through this system. Vice Mayor Joe Cobb said he wants to see land bank successes celebrated more publicly, so the community knows its happening. I think the general public isnt really aware of how vital and important the land bank is, in partnership with some of our other agencies, Cobb said. To have 13 properties and three more coming up in the new year, thats such a great investment of that $500,000. An historic property in Boyle has been awarded 2,500 through Historic Houses of Ireland and Airbnbs Capacity Awards to help encourage tourism. The funding has been awarded to Frybrook House to help prepare the house to welcome visitors and help enhance Roscommons tourism offering. Earlier this year, Airbnb partnered with Historic Houses of Ireland to help support the conservation of heritage homes and sites in Ireland. The partnership established the Capacity Awards, a fund available to members of Historic Houses of Ireland to support the development, maintenance and restoration of these important properties. The funding will support the owners in preparing their historic homes for the tourism market. Frybrook House in Boyle was among the three winners of the Airbnb Capacity Awards alongside Richmond House, Fermoy in Cork and The Gatekeepers Lodge at Whitewood House, Nobber in Meath. Applications were received and assessed by a panel consisting of Historic Houses of Ireland and Airbnb representatives. Each of these successful properties received the Capacity Award, which consisted of 2,500 to assist with preparing the property for the tourism market. Frybrook House, situated in the heart of Boyle, lay empty for a number of years before being acquired by its current owners, Joan Collier, Ulrich Bals and Belinda Collier in 2018. They have invested considerably in the restoration of the property. The Capacity Award has been awarded to help the owners ensure the property is compliant with fire safety regulations, before their doors can open as an historic guesthouse in 2024. The local community has expressed strong support for Frybrook opening to guests as a vital part of the local tourism infrastructure. Joan Collier, owner of Frybrook House, said: Our passion over the last five years was to bring Frybrook House back to where it should be, reflecting its history and Georgian elegance. Finally, we will be ready to share its beauty and history with our guests in March 2024. Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Airbnb explained that Irelands historic houses offer a depth of history and add uniqueness to the local tourism offer. Careful restoration of these historical homes provides additional tourism accommodation which is badly needed in some areas. The opening of Frybrook House to guests in 2024 will provide a welcome boost to tourism in Boyle and beyond. Thomas Cosby, Chairman of Historic Houses of Ireland, said: We are delighted to be partnering with Airbnb to bring much needed resources and expertise to our members. Historic houses often form a vital part of their communities, whether through employment, as part of the local tourism ecosystem, or as a community and arts venue. We are excited to do our part in bringing these properties back to their original glory. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Editor's note: This story is part of 'ESA at 50,' a series that examines the past, present and future of the Endangered Species Act. Often called the "pit bull of environmental laws," the ESA has provided federal protection to nearly 2,000 animals and plants. On its 50th anniversary, it grapples with political uncertainty and unforeseen ecological challenges. Yellowstone National Parks bison are one of only two populations in the world to have continually persisted on their current landscape for more than 14,000 years barely. In the early 1900s, about 20 bison had avoided hunters by hiding in the parks remote backcountry. By breeding these animals with other bison moved from Texas and northwest Montana, the population slowly rebounded from a genetic bottleneck. Listen: Endangered Species Act turns 50 and Montana has been the battleground Montana Untamed: Often called the pit-bull of environmental statutes, the ESA has given federal protection to nearly 2,000 animals and plants. Its now estimated there are 420,000 plains bison in commercial herds spread across the United States. One of the largest of these is owned by media mogul and part-time Montana resident Ted Turner. Turner Enterprises touts 45,000 bison across 14 ranches, two of which are in Montana. Most of those are descended from Yellowstone Park populations. Another 20,500 bison are in what the Fish and Wildlife Service calls conservation herds. Out of the total population, about 15,000 bison are considered wild by the Department of Interiors estimate. Despite these numbers, the agency under current Secretary Deb Haaland has referred to bison as functionally extinct and this year dedicated $25 million to restore the species. In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering whether to list Yellowstone bison a threatened or endangered species under the 1973 Endangered Species Act. Thats justified because wild bison populations, without connectivity, are suffering from a lack of genetic diversity, according to Darrell Geist, habitat coordinator for Buffalo Field Campaign, a bison advocacy group that has sued to push a listing. As a wildlife species, bison are in serious, serious trouble, Geist said. Which is why it is vitally important we protect one population in the Lower 48 states, at least one that might make it for the long term. In other words, the issue is not about how many bison are on the landscape, but the ancient evolutionary qualities that made it the dominant herbivore on the North American continent until the 19th century. Above all, its the wild genome thats at risk of extinction, Geist said, pointing to human managements artificial selection of which animals die. Youre going to end up with an entirely different bison than the ancestral one, known as the wild American buffalo. Limiting their range, thats going to affect their ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the future, he added. Really youre hobbling a wild characteristic. Conservation triumph The restoration of bison in North America is hailed as a conservation success story. After nearly being obliterated by market hunters and the federal governments attempt to starve Plains Indian tribes into submission in the late 1800s, bison also called buffalo were nursed back from near oblivion. While wild bison in the Lower 48 states are now constrained, their ancestors roamed across continents. Its estimated the bisons much larger predecessor, Bison antiquus, first migrated into North America from Asia around 130,000 years ago. The smaller version now roaming Yellowstone has been around since the last Ice Age, more than 10,000 years ago. Before European settlement, its estimated 30 to 60 million bison roamed North America from Alaska to Mexico and all the way from Nevada and the Great Plains to the eastern Appalachian Mountains. In part because of their incredible history, in 2019 bison were recognized as the national mammal. That has not done anything to elevate its conservation prospects, apparently, said Western Watersheds executive director Erik Molvar. It hasnt changed the public debate. Thanks to transfers of live bison, the animals have also repopulated historic lands on the Blackfeet, Crow, Fort Belknap and Fort Peck Indian reservations in Montana, as well as other states. A large conservation herd has also been established on ranch lands purchased by the nonprofit American Prairie group in north-central Montana. Because of that group's goal to reestablish bison as a keystone species on the prairie grasslands, which include federal grazing leases, American Prairie has drawn continual fire from some state politicians and livestock groups. Last fall, Yellowstones bison population was estimated at 6,000 animals. Following a harsh winter and heavy migration into the Gardiner Basin, the number shrank by more than 1,500 through hunting, shipment to slaughter or being held for the parks quarantine and transfer program that ships live, disease-free bison to tribes. Its all take, take, take, take, take, Geist said. Capture, trap, hunt, shoot, remove. Environmentalist George Wuerthner compared Yellowstone to a bison ranch, saying the animals are subject to unnatural, selective slaughter and likening the existing animals to fish raised in hatcheries. The issues are not the number of bison but the quality of the bison and the question of domestication, he wrote in a recent column. Wildlife or livestock? Bison are unique among wildlife in Montana where they are managed as a species in need of disease control because they can carry brucellosis. Brucellosis also infects some elk in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem that move freely in Montana, yet they are not similarly managed. Brucellosis can cause pregnant cattle to abort, which is why the Montana Department of Livestock shares oversight of bison with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Under regulations established between the state, Yellowstone National Park and other agencies, bison are confined mainly inside the park boundaries with the exception of two tolerance zones to the north, near Gardiner, and to the west, near West Yellowstone, where bison are allowed. These two areas are also where tribal and public bison hunting occur in Montana. The Fish and Wildlife Services review of bison for possible listing under the Endangered Species Act is being undertaken as Yellowstone National Park considers an overhaul of its bison management plan. The Park Service has offered three alternatives. One would attempt to keep the population between 3,500 to 5,000 animals using hunting and culling as well as live bison transfers to reduce the population. See which species are endangered in the U.S. Explore which species in your state have made the endangered species list. Another alternative would allow the bison population to grow to 6,000 animals and emphasize live transfers of bison to tribes to control the population. However, this alternative would allow park officials to shoot bison within the parks capture facility to reduce the population if needed. The third alternative would allow the bison population to grow to 7,000 animals and rely on hunting outside the park, as well as live bison transfers, to reduce the population. If the population approached 7,000 bison, removals would occur. Range curtailment is one of the factors the FWS will consider in its review. One estimate put the amount of land bison currently roam at one-tenth of one percent of the species historic range. Critics call for population, disease control The Montana Stockgrowers Association criticized the parks plan in a fall press release. That was followed by a 17-page letter from Gov. Greg Gianfortes office, written in consultation with the director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Department of Livestocks executive officer. Alternatives should include management tools like population control, spring hazing, vaccination, culling, tribal hunting, and shipment of excess animals to processing facilities, said Raylee Honeycutt, executive vice president of the Stockgrowers. While alternatives include some components, it is imperative to have all management tools be available to manage the herd depending on time of year, location, and environmental scenarios. The press release went on to state, MSGA continues to express its concerns with the increase in the bison population as it is likely to increase bison migration out of the park and the risk of brucellosis transmission to cattle and the limited forage availability in the park during winter for a growing herd size. The association is further concerned with the concept of limiting management tools as the population increases, leading to an exponential growth in bison numbers. In his letter, Gianforte and his administrators decried all of the parks proposals in great detail and called Yellowstone officials posture uncollaborative and obstinate. The letter also included a not-so-veiled threat. Given Montanas strident and consistent opposition to the alternatives proposed, and the fact that YNPs alternatives may undermine the foundation of Montanas tolerance, common sense precludes assuming that Montanas tolerance zones will remain unchanged, the state officials warned. In other words, should the Park Service move ahead with a plan to increase or maintain a higher bison population, the state could pull back from its agreement allowing bison to wander north and west outside of Yellowstone. On the other side of the fence, Defenders of Wildlife has argued for a higher low-end number of bison 4,000 animals. The group also proposed recognizing tribes as co-stewards to manage the herd and expanding the transfer program. Giving bison ESA protection would check states abilities to treat bison like domestic livestock. Endangered Species Act protection can break the stranglehold Montana has placed on recovering wild bison in the Yellowstone ecosystem, said Geist in an online post. We need to honor, protect and restore Yellowstone bison where they are now extinct because of the failure of the State of Montana to provide for a self-sustaining population in the wild. Decades of court fights Buffalo Field Campaign, along with the Western Watersheds Project, petitioned the Fish and Wildlife Service to protect bison under the Endangered Species Act in 2014. They were preceded by other petitioners. In 1999, Minnesota author James Horsely appealed to FWS to safeguard Yellowstone bison. Ten years later, in 2009, the Center for Biological Diversity and Western Watersheds asked the FWS to protect bison. Each time the agency turned down the petitions. In 2018, a federal judge accused the Fish and Wildlife Service of picking among contradictory scientific studies without explaining why the most recent petitions science was unreliable, irrelevant or otherwise unreasonable. A year later, the FWS again turned down the petition, and in 2022 a federal judge for a second time ordered the agency to revisit its decision. The repeated delays have frustrated Western Watersheds Molvar, who said his group is again considering legal action to compel the FWS to move ahead. The Fish and Wildlife Service is definitely dragging its feet, Molvar said. The same issues keep cropping up over and over again. He accused the agency of ignoring best available science and being motivated by political agendas, instead of whats best for bison. Finally, in June 2022, the FWS said it would conduct a comprehensive status review of Yellowstones bison to determine if the species warranted protection under the Endangered Species Act. The agency noted the petitioners had presented credible information to indicate potential threats to the (distinct population segment) from reductions of its range due to loss of migration routes, lack of tolerance for bison outside Yellowstone National Park, and habitat loss. The FWS also acknowledged management actions, disease and loss of genetic diversity may pose further threats. Although the agency calls its assessment a 12-month finding, its 14-page list showing all of the species being studied for protection in the United States forecasts the bison work wont be done until 2026. The Service is conducting an in-depth status review and analysis using the best available science and information to arrive at a finding as to whether listing is warranted, Joe Szuszwalak, a public affairs specialist for FWS, said in an email. If listing is found to be warranted, the Service would then conduct a separate rulemaking process, with public notice and comment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is overseen by Martha Williams, a former director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. 'Listing is a long haul' Robert Fischman, a professor at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, testified in April before a U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources subcommittee regarding the Endangered Species Act. When contacted for this story, he said the Fish and Wildlife Services latest move is not a signal that bison will be listed as threatened or endangered. Instead, the agency will be conducting a two-part test: One is to decide if the bison are a distinct population segment; and the other to resolve whether theres a trend suggesting bison are threatened or likely to be endangered. The Fish and Wildlife Service could also decide the Yellowstone bison are a distinct population, but not rule on listing them, citing other priority species, Fischman said. One thing I think it will be important for readers in Montana to understand is that this would be a good time, before listing, for stakeholders to get together and decide: Well, whats something we can all accept that would contribute to bison conservation? That was done in Montana when greater sage grouse were considered for listing under the ESA. Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances were developed with landowners in existing core sage grouse habitat. The landowners voluntarily agreed to maintain and enhance bird habitat. In exchange, the landowners have fewer federal restrictions to worry about if the sage grouse is listed under the ESA. Such a collaborative deal could protect a migratory corridor or create a program where private landowners could haze or shoot bison on their property, Fischman said as an example. If you can fold all those practices into a plan and show the Fish and Wildlife Service how that would be a net benefit for bison, then the agency can approve the agreement and whatever is authorized by the agreement could continue to occur even if bison were listed, he explained. Without such an agreement, were bison to be listed, Fischman said Park Service management would likely change little, if at all. However, it could affect how other agencies like the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, as well as the state of Montana and private landowners deal with bison when they migrate out of the park. The bottom line is: It doesnt matter how few bison there are, Fischman said. It doesnt matter how constricted their habitat is. It doesnt matter whether the International Union for Conservation of Nature says these animals are in danger of disappearing. From a legal perspective, to be protected under the Endangered Species Act, its an administrative action that stems from this rulemaking procedure. So no matter how imperiled the species, if its not subject to a final rulemaking, its not protected under the Endangered Species Act. Nonetheless, Geist of the bison advocacy group Buffalo Field Campaign, said his group sees the Fish and Wildlife Services decision to conduct a 12-moth status review as quite the milestone. He also points to the federal courts twice ruling in the groups favor as encouraging. Endangered Species Act listing is a long haul, he said. Anybody expecting a quick listing is going to be greatly disappointed. 50 years of the ESA: Explore this series, in photos Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth celebrates as the first box of ballots arrives at NRG Stadium on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in Houston. (Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via AP) Elizabeth Conley/AP Editors Note: Were so relieved, and impressed, at the lack of fiasco that accompanied the recent Harris County elections that we decided County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth deserved not only an editorial praising her leadership but a seasonally inspired poem. With apologies to Clement C. Moore, we present "Twas the Night Before Elections." Twas the night before voting and all through the place Not a scandal was stirring, not even one trace! The paper was stacked in the precincts with care, In hopes that the piles would not soon go bare; The clerk could not nestle all snug in her bed Since visions of lawsuits danced in her head Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republican mischief had set quite a trap, Should polling be mired by the slightest mishap: If voting in Harris fell short of perfection, Theyd ride in from Austin and wrest our elections. Away with autonomy! theyd sweetly exult, Then tear through the ballots and toss the results! With cameras all rolling to take in the show, The clerk knew the stakes were high as they go. Finally at daybreak the ballot booths beckoned And voters streamed in for frustration, they reckoned; Advertisement Article continues below this ad When what to their wondering eyes did commence? But a smoothly run vote and no trouble hence! With a diligent clerk so bent on success Chaos fell victim to Tenesia Hudspeth! More rapid than pistons, the polls smoothly hummed, No shortage of paper, no lost-ballot scrum. Now, RINO, Now, liberal! Now, all kinds of voters! On Right Wing! On middle! On losers and gloaters! Ho, ho, Harris County, your votes in good hands, No powers in Austin will hijack command. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Freedom prevailed, our confidence grew May this progress restart our tradition anew! Past spring, past the fall, past all who decry, Our rights as conditional, our truth, a Big Lie. Singapore Airlines to launch non-stop service to London's Gatwick Airport in June 2024. (PHOTO: Singapore Airlines) (Singapore Airlines) SINGAPORE National carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch its inaugural non-stop flight to London's Gatwick Airport in June 2024. Flights will operate five times weekly using the long-haul variant of the Airbus A350-900, the carrier said on Monday (18 December). Subject to regulatory approval, flight SQ310 will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The inaugural flight will depart Singapore for Gatwick Airport at 11.55pm (local time) on 21 June 2024 and arrive in London at 6.25am (local time) on 22 June 2024. The return leg, flight SQ309, will operate from Gatwick Airport to Singapore on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The inaugural return flight will depart at 10.15am (local time) on 22 June 2024 and arrive in Singapore at 6.20am on 23 June 2024. SIA's total flights to London to increase to 33 per week Together with its current four-times daily services to London's Heathrow Airport, SIA will be having a total of 33 weekly services - up from 28 weekly services currently to the UK's capital. SIA also flies five times weekly to Manchester Airport. London's Gatwick Airport is located in the south-east of England, and offers transport services into central London, with trains connecting travellers directly to major hubs such as London Blackfriars, London Bridge, City Thameslink, St. Pancras International, and London Victoria. "London has always been a very important market for the Singapore Airlines Group. With the introduction of this new service to London's Gatwick Airport, Singapore Airlines' customers will have an additional flight to choose from when flying between Singapore and the UK. It also opens up additional travel options to other points in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region," Dai Haoyu, acting Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines said. Story continues Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, London Gatwick, said, "With significant increases in trade between the UK and Singapore in recent years, the service also provides exciting opportunities for local and regional businesses." Tickets for these flights to Gatwick Airport will be progressively made available for sale through SIA's various distribution channels from Tuesday (19 December). Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Traffic on the Woodlands Causeway. (PHOTO: Yahoo News Singapore file photo) SINGAPORE Visitors planning a trip to Malaysia during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays are advised to prepare for "very heavy traffic" at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Tuesday (19 December). Prepare for longer immigration waits and enhanced security During the upcoming two long weekends, travellers should take into account additional waiting times for immigration clearance. ICA has advised that individuals leaving by car might experience waits of up to three hours. Furthermore, in light of the growing instability in the Middle East, the ICA has implemented enhanced security measures at the checkpoints. "Traffic flow over the recent weekend (15 to 17 December) at both land checkpoints has exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels, with more than 1.3 million travellers passing through (close to 435,000 crossings daily)," it said. "Compared with the same period in 2019, this was an increase of close to 30,000 travellers (close to 10,000 crossings daily)." Strict consequences for queue cutting at checkpoints ICA has reminded motorists to exercise patience, adhere to traffic regulations, maintain lane discipline and cooperate with on-site officers when using the land checkpoints. It urges collaboration with the traffic police, to ensure road discipline at critical junctions and roads leading to the checkpoints. "Motorists using the land checkpoints should refrain from queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists. Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue," ICA said. ICA also remind travellers to ensure that their passport has at least six months of remaining validity. Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passports must transfer their re-entry permit to the new passport. Long-term pass holders must notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any changes in their passport particulars before entering Singapore. Story continues Check traffic conditions and updates before you hit the road Motorists are also strongly recommended to check the traffic conditions at both checkpoints using the Land Transport Authority's OneMotoring website or the Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System on the Bukit Timah and Ayer Rajah expressways before commencing their journey. Updates on traffic conditions will also be available on the ICA's social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter, and local radio stations such as Money FM 89.3, Kiss92, One FM 91.3, 96.3 Hao FM, and UFM100.3. Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. Seven individuals lost $27,000 in a phishing scam targeting Domino's Pizza seekers between 25 November and 6 December, according to police. (PHOTO: SPF and Domino) SINGAPORE Seven individuals collectively lost about $27,000 in a recent phishing scam which targeted users searching for Domino's Pizza online between 25 November and 6 December. Police said in a media release last Saturday (16 December) that the victims fell prey to fake websites resembling the authentic Domino's Pizza platform. Such fraudulent sites - like domino-plza.com and order.domino.piza.com - closely mimicked the layout and web addresses of the legitimate Domino's website. The victims would place orders on these websites, inadvertently disclosing their credit card details. Exploiting this information, the scammers would conduct unauthorised transactions, leaving victims to discover the fraudulent activities on their cards later. Victims duped by counterfeit Domino's Pizza sites resembling the authentic platform. (PHOTO:SPF) Warning against deceptive parcel scams In another scam case, scammers managed to steal about $560,000 from at least 362 victims from January to November through deceptive parcel delivery schemes. In this scam, the victims would typically receive misleading text messages or emails demanding additional payment for the delivery of items they've purchased. These messages and emails would impersonate reputable postal and e-commerce logistics companies, such as Singapore Post (SingPost), and contain links redirecting recipients to fraudulent websites. Upon clicking these phishing links, individuals would be prompted to input their personal and banking details on these bogus websites. As a result, unauthorised transactions would appear later on their bank accounts or credit cards. Clicking phishing links leads to inputting personal and banking details on bogus websites, resulting in unauthorised transactions on bank accounts or credit cards. (PHOTO:SPF) How can you safeguard yourself against these scams? To prevent such incidents, the police recommended several precautions. Firstly, they suggested installing the ScamShield app on devices and activating security measures like two-factor or multi-factor authentication for banking transactions. They also advise using the ScamShield Bot on WhatsApp, checking scamalert.sg, or contacting the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-7226688 for potential scam indicators. Story continues The police also emphasised that SingPost never requests extra payments via text messages or emails containing links that solicit personal or banking information. Legitimate payments to SingPost should solely be made through the SingPost mobile app, SAM machines or post offices. The public are also urged to look out for telltale signs websites for phishing signs and verify offers by visiting official company websites. They are also cautioned against sharing personal information or payment card details. Additionally, the police urge individuals to report any suspicious transactions to their respective banks promptly. Those with information on such scams can contact the police hotline at 1800-2550000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness, ensuring confidentiality of all details provided. In cases requiring immediate police assistance, individuals can dial 999. For further insights into scams, visit www.scamalert.sg or contact the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-7226688. Get more insights on scams at Scam Alert official website or reach the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688.(PHOTO: Scam Alert website) Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. SIOUX CITY Sioux City police have arrested a man suspected of shooting another man in the hand in October. Orlondo Hinzman, 25, of Sioux City, was arrested and booked into the Woodbury County Jail early Tuesday on charges of willful injury causing serious injury and going armed with intent. He's being held in lieu of $27,000 bond. Hinzman is accused of shooting Fernando Murillo the morning of Oct. 7 near West Third and George streets. According to court documents, Murillo was walking to work when he noticed a vehicle pass him, turn around and stop. Murillo told police he saw a handgun pointed out the window as the vehicle slowly advanced toward him and the driver threatened to rob him. The driver then fired one shot, striking Murillo in the left hand, and drove away. Murillo ran home and was taken to the hospital, where his pinky was removed because of the gunshot. Police obtained a spent shell casing from the the scene. Using video surveillance footage from a business in the area of the shooting, investigators were able to identify the vehicle and Hinzman. Police investigating another shooing in which Hinzman was a suspect were able to identify the pistol as one found discarded earlier, and tests determined the shell casing from Murillo's shooting had been fired from the same gun as two shell casings found in the other shooting incident. Hinzman had been arrested on Oct. 19 in connection with an Oct. 18 incident in the 1500 block of West 20th Street in which he was accused of firing two shots at a woman during a verbal altercation. He has pleaded not guilty of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, assault while participating in a felony and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. Hinzman is charged in a separate incident with displaying a gun to a man delivering appliances in the 4200 block of Hickory Lane on Sept 28. He pleaded not guilty of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. He's also pleaded not guilty to domestic abuse assault for Sept. 22 incident in which he's charged with striking a woman. Hinzman, who awaits trial in those three cases, had bonded out of jail on Wednesday prior to his Tuesday arrest. Before Judge Tod Deck Tanner Lee Snyder, 27, Sioux City, operating a vehicle without owner's consent; sentenced Nov. 21, two years prison. Christopher Robert Moyle, 44, Sioux City, attempted third-degree burglary, possession of a controlled substance; sentenced Nov. 28, two years prison. Nathan David Grandadam, 42, Correctionville, Iowa, domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury, first-degree harassment, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, second-degree criminal mischief (habitual offender enhancement); sentenced Dec. 14, 20 years prison. Jones Hon Huynh, 27, Sioux City, possession of a controlled substance -- third offense; sentenced Dec. 11, five years prison. Carl Stoddard, 34, Sioux City, failure to register as a sexual offender -- second offense; sentenced Dec. 11, five years prison. Marco Antonio Anzaldo, 39, Sioux City, domestic abuse assault causing serious bodily injury -- second offense; sentenced Nov. 28, 14 days jail, two years probation. Dayana Duenas-Hernandez, 28, Davenport, Iowa, second-degree theft; sentenced Nov. 29, 60 days jail. Rikki Dell Shangreaux, 37, Sioux City, possession of a controlled substance -- third offense; sentenced Nov. 28, five years prison suspended, two years probation. Raymon Olague, 31, Sioux City, eluding -- second offense, felon in possession of a firearm, failure to appear; sentenced Dec. 7, 10 years prison. Jeremy Allen Martin, 44, Sioux City, possession of a controlled substance -- third offense, unlawful betting, sentenced Dec. 8, five years prison. David Jason Dunscomb, 45, Sioux City, domestic abuse assault -- third offense; sentenced Dec. 6, five years prison. Joshua Noel Chase, 47, Oto, Iowa, possession of a controlled substance -- second offense; sentenced Dec. 5, two days jail, one year probation. Andres Gabriel Botello, 25, Sioux City, aggravated assault; sentenced Nov. 30, two years prison. Before Judge Zachary Hindman Salomon Rojas Jr., 44, Sioux City, possession of a controlled substance -- third offense; sentenced Dec. 5, five years prison. Javier Lorenzo Curi, 21, Sioux City, second-degree theft, operating while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance -- third offense; sentenced Dec. 1, five years prison. Miguel Garcia, 47, Sioux City, possession of a firearm by a domestic abuser, aggravated assault; sentenced Nov. 17, five years prison suspended, two years probation on gun charge, 60 days jail for assault. Howard J. Carlson, 44, Sioux City, third-degree burglary; sentenced Nov. 17, five years prison suspended, two years probation. Kennethia E. Baxter, 20, Winnebago, Nebraska, operating a vehicle without owner's consent; sentenced Dec. 8, two years prison suspended, two years probation. Joshua Brown, 42, Sioux City, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (habitual offender enhancement), operating while intoxicated; sentenced Dec. 11, 15 years prison. Waylon Michael Frazier, 37, Sioux City, possession of a controlled substance -- third offense; sentenced Dec. 1, five years prison suspended, two years probation. Brandon Michael Holloway, 48, Sioux City, carrying a weapon on school grounds, operating while intoxicated -- second offense; sentenced Dec. 11, five years prison suspended, five years probation. Before Judge James Daane Dayton E. Horton, 36, Sioux City, domestic abuse assault -- second offense; sentenced Oct. 17, 60 days jail. Bret Matthew Meyer, 32, Pender, Nebraska, first-degree burglary, willful injury, going armed with intent; sentenced Dec. 8, 35 years prison. SIOUX CITY The Sioux City Council, during its Monday meeting, took one of the first steps in making Siouxland Splash, a waterpark planned for a 10-acre parcel along Highway 75, a reality. The council, by voting in favor of its consent agenda, approved a resolution inviting proposals for the sale of the land. The resolution also announces the council's intent to accept the proposal of an investor consortium planning to build the waterpark and sets a date for proposals and a public hearing. "I'm very happy to see that the waterpark development agreement has officially begun and that it's out in public. It's been going on for several years," Councilwoman Julie Schoenherr said during the council comments portion of the meeting. I just want everyone to remember that this is a first step of future development out in that area." Schoenherr said the city has acquired several pieces of property -- 43 acres where the waterpark will begin and another 54 acres in that area. She said the 54 acres is intended for "light industrial or some other form of commercial property development." "The waterpark will begin with approximately 10 to 12 acres. I think they're intending on investing $12 to 15 million," she said of Frontline Development, LLC, a group of local investors who intend to build Siouxland Splash at 3820 Highway 75 N. "It's going to be a very large professional park with possibly some future plans for other phases. There could be other amenities added. There could be a hotel. We don't know." Siouxland Splash is slated to be open for business by the summer of 2025 and is under design by a team of experienced and specialized waterpark consultants. Sioux City currently has several public pools and splash pads, but no waterparks. Siouxland Splash will be "a dynamic waterpark featuring an array of attractions such as body slides, tube slides, a multi-featured kid zone, and diverse pools for all ages," according to city documents, as well as "a culinary hub with a variety of food and drink options." Joe Zehring, partner and co-owner of Frontline Development, LLC, said his group wants to create a "family-friendly" amenity that will "engage the community." "Our team came up with the idea of the waterpark, and it seemed to make a lot of sense. It was something the community has been wanting. It just flowed really smooth," he said. "This is a great opportunity for Sioux City to have something fun for the area, for the whole community, for the surrounding communities. We really are excited for this." Zehring said he will be back in the council chambers on Jan. 22 to "finish the deal." At that time, he said some concepts for the waterpark will be revealed. "It's a big design. It's a big park," he said. Councilman Alex Watters said he shares some of Schoenherr's excitement in taking the first step toward the development of Siouxland Splash. "I think that we're going to open up a corridor that's really ready for development. I think that it's a really exciting proposal," said Watters, who thanked Zehring and the other investors, as well as city staff and Schoenherr for their dedication to the project. "I don't think this project is coming to our community at all, if it wasn't for Julie stepping up and really having those conversations." Sioux City Hall Sioux City's City Hall building is shown in November. The waterpark will have an initial $7 million minimum tax valuation. The land would be sold to the developer at a price of $22,946 per acre, for a total of $229,460. The developer would make a $100,000 payment at the close of the deal and pay the remainder of the balance over 10 years. As part of the deal, the city would agree to construct street improvements for an entrance to the site (at an estimated cost of $1 million, half of which would be eligible for Iowa DOT RISE grant funding) and build a regional storm water pond to serve the site (estimated cost of $367,000). The city would also provide a partial 75 percent property tax rebate of the new incremental taxes created by the value added to the property; this would amount to a total tax rebate assistance estimated at $1.7 million over the 10-year period. The developer has also requested an option to purchase/right of first refusal agreement on the remainder of the 42-acre site for a period of 10 years, for potential future expansion of the waterpark or related developments, like a hotel. SIOUX CITY While many people associate Christmas with memories of family, Kemi Brown will always identify the holiday of Kwanzaa when remembering her late aunt, a Milwaukee social worker who was also named Kemi. "I was named after my aunt and I lived with her when I was a teenager," Brown explained. "Aunt Kemi was married to a man from Ghana and that led her to examine her on African roots." Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by author and activist Maulana Karenga. It was a reaction to the Watts riot, which resulted in 34 deaths and more than $40 million in damage in the predominantly African-American section of Los Angeles. Karenga, a college professor of Africana studies, started Kwanzaa specifically to give Black people a chance to celebrate themselves and their history that wouldn't be part of the Christian holiday of Christmas. "You see, Christmas is a religious holiday while Kwanzaa was a cultural celebration," Brown, herself a Sioux City-based social worker, explained. Kwanzaa, which means "first" in Swahili, is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. "When I found out Aunt Kemi celebrated Kwanzaa," Brown said. I didn't know Kwanzaa and I thought some of clothes my aunt wore to celebrate it was weird and different. Over time, Brown began to embrace the observance which celebrated community. "Kwanzaa was based on principles that you can follow throughout the year, not simply on the seven days of December," she said. You mentioned the seven principles of Kwanzaa. What are they? "The seven principles -- or Nguzo Saba -- of Kwanzaa was meant to connect Black Americans to their African roots by uplifting their community by recognizing and honoring traditional African family values. On Day One, we celebrate Umoja, which means unity. Day Two, it was Kujichagulia, which means self-determination. Day Three was Ujima or working together. Day Four was Ujamaa, which means supporting each other. Day Five found Nia, which means purpose On Day Six, we celebrated Kuumba or creativity. On Day Seven was meant for Imani, which means faith, especially faith in ourselves." Since Kwanzaa wasn't a religious holiday, it wasn't celebrated in a church, right? "No, my family would celebrate Kwanzaa by going to a different house each night. In addition, we'd light a kinara, which held three red candles, three green candles and one black candle. The candles represented the seven principles and we'd light one candle each night for the entire week." Are gifts exchanged during Kwanzaa? "Yes, they are. However, the gifts are homemade rather than purchased from a store. Constructing a mat to place at the bottom of a kinara is a popular Kwanzaa gift." Do you have to be an African-American or of African descent to celebrate Kwanzaa? "Of course not. Everyone is encouraged to practice the principles of Kwanzaa since it stresses human relationships as well as strong ties within the family and community. It does it by putting the collective community ahead of the individual. In other words, it truly does take a village. I've been teaching Kwanzaa to area children as well as to community members for many years. Anybody can find value in following the principles of Kwanzaa." What has the celebration of Kwanzaa mean to you? "It has made me live a more purposeful life. Especially nowadays, it is easy to silo yourself away from other people. Kwanzaa, which is all about family, friends and community, is something that brings us together. It is also a celebration of a value system where we work together, support one another while finding purpose and faith in ourselves. This is something I learned from my Aunt Kemi. I am now a social worker like she was, I may be following in Aunt Kemi's footsteps. Kwanzaa is something I have passed on to my own children. It's important to pass down our traditions to the next generation." LE MARS, Iowa The Le Mars Art Center will host "That's Amore," a Valentine's Day red carpet fundraising event celebrating 50 years of the Art Center, while featuring the debut of a new one-of-a-kind car museum from 6 - 10 p.m. Feb. 10, 2024. The event will take place at The Garage at 800, 800 Prospect St., SW, which features a collection of classic automobiles, vintage gas/oil and automotive signs and other memorabilia. The Garage at 800 is owned by Mike and Cheryl Wells, who say the space can be used as a venue for corporate events and other special occasions. "I love cars and I love Le Mars," said Mike Wells, who added that the car museum will recreate downtown Le Mars in the 1950s, including a Chevy dealership, Standard gas station, the Royal movie theater and more. The "That's Amore" part of the program will feature live music, dancing and authentic Italian cuisine by Steve Papero and restaurateur Joe Sitzmann. "That's Amore" will also feature a live auction with proceeds going towards supporting the Le Mars Art Center and its programs. For more information about the Le Mars Art Center, go to lemarsart.com. Ticket information on "That's Amore" can be found at eventbrite.com/e/774098097247. Housing developers are required to manage stormwater runoff from their sites during construction. (Photo by Getty Images) State environmental regulators recently issued three fines for unabated soil erosion at construction sites that contaminated creeks in different parts of the state. Sedimentation of Iowas waterways is a serious problem, and regulatory agencies have recognized that uncontrolled runoff is a significant contributor to these problems, according to three recent orders by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that levied the fines. Two of the violations were noted at housing developments on each end of the state, and one was found at a sewer construction site in Ely in eastern Iowa. Century Heights development In one case, at a Century Heights development in Bettendorf, the DNR documented numerous deficiencies in soil erosion controls over the course of about seven months, according a DNR order. In December 2021, the DNR investigated the eastern Iowa site and found that a sediment basin that is meant to contain stormwater runoff had been partially dismantled and allowed runoff to flow toward Pidgeon Creek, which goes to the Mississippi River. It further noted that silt fencing had been overcome by sediment and that part of the fence had apparently been flattened by construction equipment, which had also been driven through the creek. In March 2022, the DNR found that work had been done to remedy the runoff problems, but that water discharges from the basin were flowing on unstable ground toward the creek. There was a plume of sediment in the creek. In June 2022, the DNR documented numerous areas of silt fence that had been knocked down or driven over. Century Heights recently agreed to pay a $5,000 fine. City of Ely In Ely, the city failed for more than a year to adequately control stormwater runoff associated with a sewer construction site near a creek, according to a DNR order. Responding to a complaint about the situation, the DNR went to the site in January 2022 and found two silt fences covered in soil and discovered that no one had been inspecting the site for erosion problems. In February 2023, the DNR responded to another complaint and found that there were no erosion controls in place at the site and that sediment was going into a tributary of Hoosier Creek. The city recently agreed to pay a $4,000 fine. Golden Hills development In March 2021, the DNR went to a Golden Hills development in Crescent after receiving a complaint about dust blowing from the site. It found sediment had discharged from a basin into a ditch that flows to Lapworth Creek, a terrace that had breached and that the site was missing multiple erosion controls, according to a DNR order. Within days, Golden Hills said it had repaired a silt pond and terrace, installed new terraces and put up about 600 feet of silt fence. But later that year, someone reported that a roadway had been flooded with silt from the site more than once and that the sediment had filled a highway ditch. The DNR visited the western Iowa site three more times that year and noted that erosion controls were still inadequate. The department returned to the site in August 2023 and found that some of the erosion controls needed repair, sediment was still flowing off the site and there were areas that had not be stabilized. Golden Hills recently agreed to pay a $4,500 fine for the violations. Photos: UNI men's basketball vs. Alcorn State, Dec. 17 THE MINI: We've never elected a president who jailed political opponents, built concentration camps for unwelcome aliens or dismantled the Constitution over a disappointed outcome of an election. Why, in God's name, would we do so now? - Rev. Gerald Feierfeil, Sioux City China's Huawei awards Tanzanian students Xinhua) 11:27, December 19, 2023 DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's tech giant Huawei held an award ceremony to award Tanzanian students participating in Huawei's Seeds for the Future (SFTF) program in Tanzania's commercial hub of Dar es Salaam on Monday. Nape Nnauye, the minister of information, communication and information technology, lauded Huawei's support in nurturing youth talents in information, communication and technology, saying these are the main drivers for the country's digital transformation and knowledge-based economy. Nnauye made the remarks in Dar es Salaam when he awarded certificates to university students under the SFTF program, one of Huawei's global flagship programs dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM students. In Tanzania, the program was launched in 2016 under the support of the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, contributing to the development of ICT talent and aligning with the vision of a digital economy strategic framework for the country. Nnauye also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Huawei and the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology that seeks to leverage cutting-edge technologies and international best practices to enhance the nation's digital ecosystem and propel it toward becoming a smart nation where technology and innovation empowers the growth of the digital economy. Chu Kun, counselor at the Chinese embassy in Tanzania, said through initiatives like "Seeds for the Future," Huawei is actively nurturing local communication talents, supporting Tanzania in achieving technological self-reliance and deeply engaging in the country's telecommunications development. Damon Zhang, the managing director of Huawei Tanzania, said the program continuously empowers the youth and has brought extensive influence among universities in Tanzania. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) President Joe Biden shakes hands with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott after Abbott handed him a letter about the border at El Paso International Airport in El Paso Texas, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, second from left, and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez Jr., D-Texas, right, look on. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Andrew Harnik/Associated Press Even on vacation I cant escape the immigration debate. While in Mexico City for my brothers wedding the other week, concerned family members asked me about a controversial bill Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign soon. They were talking about Senate Bill 4, which empowers Texas to essentially deport to Mexico people suspected of crossing the border illegally. As the Chronicle editorial board has argued over and over, immigration has to be solved at the federal level by the president and Congress, not through more political grandstanding by Abbott. Whats clear, though, is that state lawmakers are motivated by the publics desperation for a solution any solution to what has become a humanitarian crisis. Even President Joe Biden has expressed openness to reconsider the countrys asylum standards. To get an expert perspective on how the U.S. can rethink asylum, something often discussed in your letters to the editor, I spoke with Charles Foster, chairman of the immigration law firm Foster LLP. He was an immigration advisor to Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and has focused on this issue since 1986, when he testified before the Senate and House on the last really big immigration reform bill. Our interview has been edited for length and clarity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Q: As Houston letter writer Nancy Perich Daly pointed out, around the world, people look to the U.S. for inspiration and hope. How do we balance maintaining that reputation with an orderly immigration process? A: We need to update our immigration system in terms of numbers and legal avenues. I developed the basic bones to do that for then-candidate and future president George W. Bush. That became known as comprehensive immigration reform, and really nothing changed. Ive gradually come to the realization that Congress is incapable of enacting any, even the smallest, good piece of immigration legislation, beginning with the low-hanging fruit of DREAM Act legislation. Congress wont do anything because there is a perception, and to some extent a reality, that were incapable of enforcing our immigration laws. Thats been dramatically highlighted on the TV news showing long lines of people coming into the country, overwhelming our immigration courts. By saying the borders open, and with the governor of Texas providing air-conditioned transportation, were actually incentivizing people to try their luck crossing. Fixing that is critical. Q: If comprehensive immigration reform is realistically out of the question, what can we do to address the asylum backlog? Advertisement Article continues below this ad A: No one addresses the root cause of the problem, and that is what we lawyers call an attractive nuisance: that anyone who touches U.S. soil and makes a credible fear claim saying they are subject to persecution is legally entitled to apply for asylum. Such applications are not adjudicated until their removal/deportation hearings, which, given the unprecedented number of applicants, are scheduled years in the future. In the interim, asylum applicants are eligible for invaluable employment authorization. Simply put, we have to reform our asylum laws. When our current asylum laws, contained in the 1980 Refugee Act, were enacted, we never contemplated that we could have hundreds of thousands of people applying for asylum more or less contemporaneously. Our laws were enacted to cover individuals singled out for persecution, not to handle a humanitarian crisis. The most effective and humane solution is for Congress to pass legislation providing that all asylum applications made on our borders be decided by a greatly expanded corps of trained asylum officers. With expertise in the conditions of the sending countries and with bilingual capacity, they would adjudicate the vast majority of claims within 30 to 45 days. This would allow applicants to be detained in the interim. Wed no longer have large numbers of migrants being released into our country to pursue what are mostly ephemeral claims of asylum, and wed likely increase the number of approvals of viable asylum cases. Those denied will be subject to expedited removal. In spite of the additional costs for significantly increasing the number of asylum officers, in the long run it would be far cheaper than funding ever-growing costs of housing and related expenses. Q: That seems like a short time for asylum seekers to make and prove their claims. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A: Provisions would be made for the small number of applicants who have reasonable grounds to believe that they can obtain evidence to corroborate their claim that they would be singled out and subject to persecution based upon their political opinion or membership in a particular social group, and not just violence and abject poverty in general. Denied applicants would have a limited right of appeal. Q: What do you hope Houstonians take away from your proposal? A: Those who oppose legislation to make the asylum process both quicker and fairer ignore the real risk that Congress, with broad public support, will enact far more draconian legislation, even repealing asylum altogether. All hope for needed immigration reform legislation would be dashed. Enacting effective legislation to deter growing numbers of would-be asylum seekers from making the dangerous journey north will not only save lives but will shift the focus to the much greater need for both short- and long-term humanitarian responses. What do you think about Charles Fosters proposal for asylum reform? Let me know by sending a letter to viewpoints@houstonchronicle.com. VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. (AP) Nearly two years after he signed documents attempting to overturn Donald Trump's 2020 loss in Nevada, Jim Hindle thanked everyone gathered in a historic Nevada boomtown's commission chambers and asked them to bear with him while he learned how to oversee elections in rural Storey County. Hindle was another replacement in what was a revolving door of county election officials across Nevada as the 2022 midterms approached. He had just unseated the interim clerk, who had stepped in after the prior clerk resigned. But Hindle's tenure in the heavily Republican county is part of a trend across battleground states where fake electors have retained influence over elections heading into 2024. Hindle and the others, who pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of offering a false instrument for filing and uttering a forged instrument, coordinated with Trumps team directly, according to transcripts of testimony before the U.S. House committee that investigated the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Hindle told The Associated Press he will continue running local elections despite the charges, which could land him up to nine years in prison. He declined to comment further. Wisconsin, Arizona and Pennsylvania also have fake electors who are involved in the 2024 election. The list includes Bob Spindell, who remains on Wisconsins bipartisan election commission despite calls from Democrats for him to be removed. A Republican legislative leader who appointed Spindell said last week that he will not rescind the appointment, calling the fake elector scheme a failed legal strategy and not a sinister plot to overturn an election. Spindell and the fake electors in Wisconsin agreed to a settlement this month conceding that their actions were part of an attempt to improperly overturn the 2020 presidential election results. In Arizona, fake electors Jake Hoffman and Anthony Kern are Republican legislators with powerful roles. Hoffman is chairman of the Senate Elections Committee, and Kern leads the Judiciary Committee. The Arizona attorney general is investigating the role of fake electors; no one has been charged. Hoffmans position makes him a gatekeeper for virtually all election-related legislation under consideration. That has become especially contentious in the Western swing state where Republicans have been aggressive in trying to overturn or cast doubt on Democratic victories. The FBI in 2022 interviewed Sam DeMarco, a member of the three-member election board in Pennsylvanias Allegheny County. Despite the subpoenas served to DeMarco and that states other GOP electors, they have faced no legal consequences after qualifying their electoral votes as conditional in case Trump had prevailed in court. DeMarco has often been critical of Trumps influence on the state party. Michigan is a rare example where a fake elector has lost influence due to charges. In July, the Michigan Bureau of Elections barred Shelby Township Clerk Stan Grot from running any elections as the state attorney general brought criminal charges against him and 15 other Republicans for their roles as fake electors. Burt Jones, who was a Georgia state senator at the time he was a fake elector, later won a race to become the states lieutenant governor. In that position, he doesnt directly oversee elections, but can influence legislation on voting and vote-counting. In Nevada, Storey County's 3,750 active registered voters represent a speck of the state's electorate. Even while Hindle and others remain in their roles as elections officials and legislators, state election officials and state and federal courts can provide checks on their authority, said Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice. Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar's office, which runs elections across the state, did not respond to questions about whether the indictment could affect Hindle's elections role. But Hindles influence does not stop at the county line. He is one of three fake electors involved in the state GOP's organization of a party-run caucus in early February that is scheduled just days after the state-run presidential primary. The Nevada GOP has come under intense scrutiny for confusing voters with the dueling elections and for adopting rules that many say benefit Trump over other Republican candidates. The Nevada GOP did not respond to a request for comment on whether the indictment affects members' abilities to organize the caucus. The Nevada Republican chairman, Michael McDonald, one of the indicted fake electors, has said the state party is bypassing the primary because the Democratic-controlled Legislature did not consider the Republican governor's proposals for a voter ID requirement and other measures. On Sunday, several of Nevada's fake electors attended a Trump rally in Reno, where the former president thanked three of them personally, including Hindle and McDonald, while saying they were treated unfairly. He did not mention the specific charges. McDonald introduced Trump at the rally, while encouraging the crowd to advocate and vote for Trump at the party-run caucus. He ended the speech with the same pledge he made at an October rally, before his indictment. You give us a fair election, Ill give you the next president of the United States Donald J. Trump, he said. Associated Press writers Jonathan J. Cooper in Phoenix, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan, Rio Yamat in Las Vegas, Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Jeff Amy in Atlanta contributed to this report. Stern is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a program that places journalists in local newsrooms. Follow Stern on X, formerly Twitter: @gabestern326. Holiday checklist time: Youve sent out your cards. Youve got your presents. Youve made your travel arrangements. But theres one last thing to take care of: Have you settled on the pointless Christmas movie fight youre going to have this year? The Die Hard thing has grown stale. I checked to see if theres anyone out there who thinks Die Hard specifically isnt a Christmas movie, and there is exactly one person: Bill Simmons. If thats the company you want to keep, have at it. And Love Actually? Do you think society hasnt adjudicated to death whether that moviecelebrating its 20th anniversary this year!is problematic, fatphobic, and bad, actually? Its all been said, often very delightfully, but still, so many times. You need a better low-stakes debate to wage with your family or significant other this year, and that is why I humbly suggest a new entry to the dumb movies to fight about at Christmas canon: The Holiday. You may have seen it before, given that it came out in 2006, but you may not have realized quite how perfect it is for this specific purpose. The Holiday, despite being on the surface a harmless rom-com that takes place at Christmas time, is actually surprisingly divisive. Advertisement The movie is also literally divisive, or at least divided, in the sense that it tells two parallel stories. To refresh your memory, The Holiday drops us into the lives of two unlucky-in-love women: Kate Winslets sad-sack Iris is an English newspaper writer who finds out the co-worker whos been stringing her along for years has gotten engaged to another woman, while Cameron Diazs Amanda has a booming business editing movie trailers in L.A., but her boyfriend cant handle her independence and Type Aness, which leads to him cheating on her and them breaking up. Both feeling an itch to escape their problems and get out of town, the two women find each other online at a vacation rentals website, and then, after an instant message conversation where they act like its normal to read all your messages out loud, Amanda heads for Iris cozy cottage and Iris to Amandas sun-dappled mansion. In their new locations, each happens to meet a charming man, and then were off to the races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When The Holiday first came out, consensus skewed negative: It was only a modest hit in theaters, and critics didnt exactly embrace it, with reviews calling it formulaic and flat. But opinion has shifted more and more toward the positive over the years, as writer-director Nancy Meyers herself has acknowledged: In 2020, she told Vulture, If anybody in 2006 in December, when that movie came out, told me 14 years later someones going to say, When its December, you watch The Holidaywhat can I tell you? Time will tell. The audience is everything. Cut to this year, and weve got movie theaters hosting special screeningsat least one of which Diaz popped byand outlets like Yahoo News running articles headlined, Why Are Gen Z and Young Millennials So Obsessed With 00s Rom-Com The Holiday? The Yahoo piece poses a few answers to that question, from the plausible (like aughts nostalgia, which is definitely a big thing) to the less so (astrological relevance seems like a stretch), but doesnt fully get to the bottom of it. Elsewhere in the content mines, listicles and pieces about The Holiday overfloweth: People is telling us where the cast is now, Vogue is calling Diazs movie wardrobe its winter style inspiration, Mashable loves the scene set in a Blockbuster, Refinery29 wants to argue about whether its a Christmas movie, someone baked a miniature version of one of the houses from the movie and so on. Its getting out of hand. Last year, there was a whole news cycle about how the movie wasnt getting a sequel, despite fans clamoring. Advertisement Advertisement But The Holiday isnt universally beloved, and is in fact weirdly polarizingI know this firsthand because, to out myself, I happen to be one of the people who doesnt like it. Its not because I dont like this sort of thingI am, on the contrary, very dorkily so into this sort of thing that earlier this year I took a class on the work of Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers. But The Holiday has always felt like two not-interesting-enough-to-be-their-own-movie stories grafted together to me, with stock characters who werent nearly as interesting as Meyers middle-aged protagonists. When it came time to discuss it in my class, I assumed everyone would be on the same page as me in considering it easily one of Meyers worst films. That wasnt the case at all: Extremely smart people whose taste I respected spoke very convincingly about how much they adore this movie, to my utter bewilderment. They found its writing charming, they were moved by Iris friendship with the old man who turned out to be a screenwriter in Golden Age Hollywood, and they noted how perfectly it fit that Amanda, who hasnt cried since her father left when she was a kid, winds up with a single father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their exaltations and the movies sizable online fandom notwithstanding, I dont see it. To me (and the rest of what I assume is the silent Holiday majority out there), this movie is a nothingburger. But I cant deny that others very much do see it, that to them its a somethingburger, and thats what makes this movie a perfect candidate for fighting about with your loved ones. Im telling you, I have a hunch that if you polled viewers on whether they like this movie, the results would be both unpredictable across normal party lines and swing statelevel close. As a thread on Twitter (aka X) that got millions of views last week illustrated, people get up in arms about this movie, and some of the people picking the fights are the people who claim to love it most. Advertisement The twin storylines are key to this movies strength as an object of debate: They mean theres double the things to disagree about. A common refrain is to say that you wish the movie was actually all one story, but strangely enough, this gets said about both narratives: For every person who claims they wish the movie was just Kate Winslet and Jack Black, theres another one who says it would be better if they cut out Winslet and Black and the movie was only Diaz and Jude Law. You can also disagree about the levels of chemistry: Winslet and Black have none! No, its Diaz and Law who have none! And where Love Actuallys body-shaming is so passe, theres a more subtle discussion to be had here concerning beauty standards: Are Winslet and Black supposed to be the more normal-looking and approachable couple here? Is that a knock on Winslet? Or is it a knock on Black to even suggest as much? Im telling you: Endless matrices for disagreement! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After revisiting The Holiday to write about its elevation to Christmas movie fight classic, I still dont like it, but I do appreciate it more. Its not one of those paper-thin TV Christmas movies that get churned out nowadays. That it can withstand all these rewatches and arguments has to mean something about how it was built. In 2006, they still knew how to make bad movies that were also kind of good or good movies that were also kind of bad, depending on how you see it. In any case, may The Holiday hold over you and yours until next year, when we can pick another movie to fight about. This story about dual-language programs was produced by the Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter. For parents applying to the dual-language program at Rochester, New Yorks public school No. 12, where students learn in both English and Spanish, the process can be both bureaucratic and baffling. After listing the program as a top choice, parents must schedule a testing appointment at the central office, where an instructor gauges such skills as whether each incoming kindergartner can hold a book properly and turn its pages, identify that a sentence is made up of words and spaces, use words to describe the scene in a picture, identify sounds in a word, and other pre-reading skills. Advertisement Families never receive a score on the test, which is available in both English and Spanish, or any information about how it is used in the admissions processjust word on whether their child made it in. (The district communications office did not respond to multiple queries about the process.) After her 5-year-old son took the test several years ago, Rochester parent Llerena Searle was convinced that the news wouldnt be good. He had a meltdown when asked to go with an unfamiliar instructor, acquiescing only when allowed to test from his mothers lap. The boy was admitted, though, and is now in seventh grade; Searle believes he received a wonderful education at school No. 12. I just wish it were more accessible, she said. In some communities across the country, dual-language programsone of the best means of ensuring equity for underserved groups, especially English learnershave taken an elitist turn. And with the Biden administration eager to help districts expand such programs, questions about who they helpand who gets left outare becoming more urgent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In too many places, admissions processes send a message that dual-language learning is not for everyone (when research shows that actually it is). In Mamaroneck, New York, for instance, the webpage of the local dual-language school at one point asked families to consider whether their childs native language is developing within normal limits when deciding whether to apply. (After this article published, school officials reached out to say that has not been their practice for some time, and the program is open to all interested families.)* In Boston, the dual-language programs significantly under-enroll students with disabilities, partly out of a misconception that learning in two languages isnt appropriate for many students with special education needs. Advertisement In other districts, the sin is one of omission rather than commission: failure to market the dual-language programs sufficiently to newcomer families; failure to locate the programs in communities where newcomers actually live; time-consuming admissions processes that can seem labyrinthine and opaqueeven if they dont involve testing recalcitrant preschoolers. Most experts recommend reserving at least half of seats in dual-language programs for English learners, who benefit most from programs partly in their native language, and dividing the remainder through random lottery after aggressive outreach to underrepresented communities, including Black families, low-income students, and those with disabilities. Yet English learner enrollment shares are shrinking in most dual-language schools in large cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, according to a report released last spring by the Century Foundation and the Childrens Equity Project. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the share of white student enrollment was up in several other cities, most noticeably Washington, D.C. Many dual-language programs are at risk of tilting toward language enrichment for English-dominant children instead of advancing linguistic equity and expanding educational opportunity for ELs, the reports authors wrote. Overall, the number of dual-language schools in the country has nearly quadrupled since 2010, and currently numbers more than 3,600. Advertisement Theres no one solution to this troubling shiftdual-language programs are gentrifying in many cities partly because the cities themselves are gentrifying. In some communities, English learner enrollments are depressed because of the lingering effects of hypocritical policies in the U.S. banning bilingual education for non-English-speaking newcomers. Many immigrant families absorbed the English only message, and remained hesitant to try dual language even after the policies changed. Advertisement But school districts need to be far more vigilant in designing admissions processes and programs that favor the least privileged rather than the most. Otherwise, one of the most proven ways to combat the achievement gap, particularly for English learners, is at risk of playing a perversely opposite role: expanding educational opportunity for the elite. Dual-language programs have never been monolithic in their demographics or their goals. When they began to appear in significant numbers in the U.S. in the 1980s and 1990s, some opened with the intent of serving English learners and working-class Latino families. Others hoped to enroll a significant number of white, English-speaking families, and even deter white flight from urban areas. Some wanted to meet both goals. One-way language schools enroll predominantly students from a single language group, while most two-way programs try to enroll a roughly equivalent number of students from English-speaking households and the target language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Widespread gentrification in the 1990s and early 2000s also brought many white and well-off families back to some urban neighborhoods where dual-language schools were taking root. That coincided with a growing recognition by privileged families of the economic and career benefits of bilingualism, and a particular interest in affluent communities in studying Spanish and Mandarin. Research shows that learning multiple languages early in life has cognitive benefits extending beyond language acquisition and helps children develop stronger social skills, including empathizing better with others. In sum, bilingualism is good for both the brain and the heart. Advertisement In New York City, meanwhile, some middle-class and affluent families have come to see dual-language programs as an alternative to gifted and talented education, particularly as the latter has become harder to access, said Alina Adams, a parent and creator of the website NYCSchoolSecrets.com. Over the past decade, gifted and talented became more competitive every year, and suddenly there were many more dual-language programs, she said. Ambitious parents perceived it as a more rigorous, challenging curriculum. And at some locations, programs that were ostensibly created to help English learners have turned into an extracurricular for native English speakers, Adams added. Advertisement Advertisement Yet recent decades have also brought a growing research base showing that its precisely the students least likely to seek out gifted and talented programming who can benefit most from well-designed, supportive dual-language programs. Dual language is the one program weve found that truly closes the [achievement] gap between English learners and the rest of the student population, said Virginia Collier, an professor emerita of education at George Mason University. Her research, done over the course of four decades in collaboration with her husband and GMU colleague Wayne Thomas, also shows that dual-language learning can be particularly effective for Black students, low-income students, and those with special needsthree groups that are often underrepresented in the programs. Advertisement Theres a misconception among some educators and parents that bilingual education is inappropriate for students with developmental delays, or those predisposed to fall behind in an English-only curriculum. Yet a 2021 study found that dual-language education can benefit even students who often struggle in school because of special education needs. And a 2018 paper found no credible evidence that bilingual education adds or creates burden for children. Yet it is incontrovertible, according to the paper, that bilingual learning comes with decided advantages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spanish dual-language programs, the most common kind in the U.S., can be especially beneficial for students who struggle with reading. Thats because the Spanish language is more phonetic than the English one, with much less variation in the sounds that letters make. But some programs send the messagewhether intentional or accidentalthat dual-language schools arent appropriate for children without strong early literacy skills. Advertisement You might hear a parent say, My kid didnt start talking until age 3 . They are already strugglingit would be too confusing to be in a dual-language program, said Emily Bivins, former principal of a dual-language school in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, whose company provides professional development for dual-language programs. We all know the research is counter to that. These are the students who absolutely need to be in our bilingual programs. Bivins own three children attended dual-language programs, and she said it was most helpful for the child with an attention deficit diagnosis and early reading struggles. Learning to read in Spanish was much better for her the rules were clearer, Bivins said. Thats part of the reason its so frustrating when she hears from colleagues at dual-language schools that use reading screeners where if students dont score high enough, [they] dont get in. Advertisement Widespread interest in dual-language schools, including among the affluent, is a good thing, say proponents of bilingual education. But it becomes problematic if students from underserved groups are neglected or squeezed out of programs. Many communities lack sufficient bilingual educators to meet the desire for dual language. Its an iron law of education policymaking: nothing exacerbates educational unfairness like scarcity, wrote the authors of the report released last spring. The history of the Amigos School, a dual-language program in Cambridge, Massachusetts, shows that even seemingly minor changes to admissions processes can significantly shape how a school is perceivedand who appliestilting preference toward privilege. Advertisement Thirty-five years ago, scores of first- and second-generation immigrant families from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, along with others, came to see Amigos as the place to send their kids. The school was located near subsidized public housing, where many of the families lived. And the schools founder, Mary Cazabon, engaged in constant grassroots outreach, attending community events and churches, like Cambridges bilingual Saint Marys Church, where she spread word about the school and the benefits of learning in two languages. We wanted to make sure that we were going to address the needs of the students who were most vulnerable, Cazabon says. The priority was on them. To that end, Spanish-speaking students designated as English learners were given priority in admissions, Cazabon says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the biotech boom hit Cambridge in the 1990s, and a growing number of white and wealthier families began to take an interest in Amigos, drawn by the allure of raising bilingual children. At some point in the 2000s, the school district also made a pivotal switch: Instead of giving priority to English learners, as Cazabon had done, they introduced a system that awarded Spanish points to children who could show some knowledge of Spanish when applying to the schools pre-K or kindergarten. The change opened the door to a much broader group of families gaining admissions preference: Families with some Hispanic heritage whose toddlers were exposed to both English and Spanish in the home, but also families with no Hispanic heritage who sent their children to a Spanish-language child care or hired Spanish-speaking nannies with the goal of getting a spot at Amigos. By 2010, the demographics of Amigos had shifted dramatically, and it enrolled fewer low-income students than almost all the other schools in the district. Penn Loh, a lecturer at Tufts University, said that in his sons class at that time, only two of 44 children qualified for free and reduced lunch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2011, one mother filed a complaint with the Cambridge Human Rights Commission, alleging that Amigos no longer served the Hispanic community. And Loh and other parents at Amigos petitioned the school board to change the admissions process, worried that Amigos increasingly catered too much to the children of Cambridges elite. The pool of Spanish-proficient applicants became more unbalanced, with more wealthy, privileged families having children qualify in this pool, Loh said in a recent email. We heard that working class Latinx families, often in Cambridge for generations, were not getting into the school. The school district changed the policy to give points to children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. We are on our way to being much more balanced, said Sarah Bartels-Marrero, the schools current principal. To me, its very important that we have a very diverse group of Spanish-speaking students. Thats a core pillar of our school. The Spanish points system helps ensure that, she added, although she acknowledged that some English-only parents have also employed it as a workaround. Certain individuals with privilege and knowledge may look for a loophole, she said. That is a thing, but we work really hard to combat and mitigate that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amigos continues to enroll slightly fewer English learners and about 10 percent fewer low-income students than the district average. Although the current formula would virtually guarantee a low-income Spanish speaking student admission, only one such incoming kindergartener listed Amigos as their first choice in January 2022, according to data published by the district. However, Bartels-Marrero pointed out that about 60 percent of families identify as Hispanic or Latino, a group that is incredibly diverse. To me, its fundamentally important that [Amigos] is an option and opportunity for every kid in Cambridge regardless of race or background, she said. Advertisement Some states and communities also suffer from a location problem when it comes to dual language. The predominantly white town of Maynard, Massachusetts, created a Spanish dual-language school with its English speakers in mindnot its growing population of Portuguese-speaking students, for instance. But the thousands of Spanish-speaking English-learner students in the much larger and heavily Hispanic city of Lawrence, located just 35 miles to the north, have for two decades lacked access to even a single dual-language Spanish program (two are slated to open in the next year or so). States and the federal government could, and should, incentivize districts to open programs where there is the most need, and discourage programs targeted mostly at English speakers. Advertisement But starting new programs takes time, and there are steps that school districts can take right now to help ensure that English learners, low-income students, Black students, and other underrepresented groups have equal, if not greater access, to dual-language programs. They should engage more in grassroots outreach and marketing of dual learning, tailoring the message as needed to different communities. They should make the admissions process as transparent and accessible as possible, avoiding complicated or burdensome steps that advantage those with flexible schedules and knowledge of school system bureaucracy. And they should eschew any kind of elitist framing, intentional or not. Llerena Searle, the Rochester mother, liked the dual-language program at public school No. 12 well enough to enroll her younger child there, too. This time, there was a pandemic going on and the child was tested over Zoom. Her daughter dutifully cooperated with the process. With little doubt of a successful outcome (the school also has an admissions preference for siblings), Searle was more relaxed this time, yet hardly sanguine about the admissions process. She never figured out exactly what district officials were trying to accomplish, but in the end worried that the test mostly measured privilege. The Catholic Church, a 2,000-year-old institution, generally moves at a glacial pace. Changes are typically measured at the scale of generations. But this week, Pope Francis announced that he was allowing priests to bless same-sex relationshipsa shocking and complete reversal from 2021, when the Vatican declared that same-sex relationships should not be blessed because God cannot bless sin. How did this reversal of policyon a major hot-button issuehappen in just two years? As one theologian wondered on Twitter: Is that the fastest weve seen the Vatican move like ever? To get the most obvious possible explanation out of the way, theres no evidence that the pope had a major epiphany or change of heart. And to be clear, he hasnt bucked long-standing doctrine: The declaration this week emphasized that priests cannot bless couples in official liturgical settings or in any way that could be mistaken for officiating a marriage. The church still doesnt condone same-sex relationships. Instead, Francis is merely expanding the thinking of blessings to be about giving sinnersthat is, all humansaccess to care and spiritual succor. Still, for the Catholic Church, its an extraordinary gesture, and one Francis knew would infuriate his conservative opposition. To understand what changed in just two years to allow Francis to take this big step, we have to look at Vatican politics. When Francis was elected in 2013, he had the distinction of being the first pope since 1415 to lead the church while his predecessor was still alive. It was, unquestionably, awkward. To cope with that awkwardness, as well as soothe anxieties about Francis relatively liberal approach, he kept much of his predecessors administration in place, honoring a custom of projecting continuity inside the church. That, naturally, led to issues. (It would be as if Biden did his first term with Trumps Cabinet, said David Gibson, the director of Fordham Universitys Center on Religion and Culture.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, the projected continuity led to issues in the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which has traditionally been considered the Vaticans most important and powerful department. The DDF, an entity once responsible for the Roman Inquisition in the Middle Ages, exists to clarify and defend Catholic doctrine. At the start of Francis papacy, the DDF was led by a German ally of Pope Benedict XVI who would go on to accuse Francis of material heresies. Francis replaced him with a Spaniard with a similar theological background, signaling, as one Catholic publication put it at the time, that he did not want a radical shake-up at the Vatican office, but simply a change in personnel. In July, though, Francis appointed his third DDF prefect: Victor Manuel Tucho Fernandez. Fernandez, an Argentine who knew the pope back when he was Jorge Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, is a major ally of the popes and was a ghostwriter for several of Francis most important papal documents. (He is also known, among those who enjoy extremely minor and absurd news cycles, for a scandal over his book Heal Me With Your Mouth: The Art of Kissing. The gist of the book, which was an effort to reach out to young people, is that sex should be tender and emotionally meaningful. It also, quite delightfully, explores what the poets say about kissing and includes such lines as The kiss is the thermometer of love and The clearest sign of the death of love is that those tremulous kisses disappear.) Fernandez started his job at the DDF in October, and his presence was immediately felt. Advertisement Advertisement One thing thats changed since 2021 is, back then he couldnt count on key figures in the Vatican, Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University, said about Francis. But Fernandez is Francis man, Faggioli noted. And hes accelerated in these months. Advertisement That acceleration Faggioli is alluding to is most visible in the sudden crackdowns on dissident bishops. And since Fernandez started his job, the pope has become bolder in other ways. In October, the pope and Fernandez signed a document clarifying that transgender people can be baptized, serve as godparents, and be witnesses at church weddings. (This hasnt made Fernandez popular on the right. I am not a Freemason, nor an ally of the New World Order, nor a Soros spy infiltrated in the Church, he told one Catholic publication when discussing his U.S. critics.) Advertisement So now, Faggioli said, it appears the Vatican is putting out statements that actually fit what the pope wants. And that tracks with other, seemingly off-the-cuff comments the pope has made. Most famously, in 2013 he responded to a comment about gay priests with Who am I to judge? He also has supported legal protections for civil unions; argued that homosexuality isnt a crime; met with transgender Catholics; and expressed support for LGBTQ+ Catholic organizations. This is something he wanted, Faggioli said of the new announcement about blessings of same-sex couples. This thing, of the LGBT Catholics, is one of the situations where he has been very open and consistent from the very beginning. Its one of the markers of his pontificate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Pope Francis Finally Did Something About the Revolt Brewing Against Him Read More As Faggioli and others see it, the 2021 statement rejecting blessings for gay couples is something Francis simply allowed to be published without his heart, in part to appease the conservatives in the Vatican and, Faggioli suspected, to see what the reaction would be. Gibson agreed that the previous position wasnt really Francis doing. The statement two years ago was technically approved by the pope, but its not clear he put much input into it, he said. By all indications, it wasnt reflective of his thinking. Advertisement Up until recently, that had generally been the case for a DDF document put out during Francis papacy, Gibson said: You couldnt be totally sure Francis agreed with it. Now you know, when Fernandez speaks, Pope Francis is behind it, Gibson added. Thats giving it a weight and clarity you never had before. Advertisement The timing was also right for Francis to make his own position clear, given the political climate of the Catholic Church. Some European churches had already begun blessing same-sex couplesin official liturgical settingsin a clear challenge to the Vatican. (This new statement from Francis could actually serve as a check to the rebellious left, as well as to the right.) The first stage of the churchs major worldwide summit to discuss potential reforms disappointed progressive Catholics this year by concluding with no official language on LGBTQ+ matters. The very fact that the meeting was happening at all outraged conservative Catholics, who claimed that the pope was spreading confusion. People on both sides were clamoring for some kind of clarification. This was an opportune time for Francis to address gay Catholics. Advertisement Advertisement But on a more personal level, Francis is 87, and he may be feeling some urgency. We dont know if the pope will retire, but he has had some health problems, and the 2024 conclusion of his global discussion project could serve as a kind of capstone for his papacy. Francis has helped reshape the College of Cardinals, which will choose his successor, but he may also want to define his legacy with action. Hes had to tread so carefully not to raise the hackles of the conservative wing, Gibson said. But hes been doing that, and hes gotten nowhere. In less than two weeks, it will have been one year since Pope Benedict died. That allows Pope Francis a little more freedom to do things that actually move forward, Faggioli said. Now were seeing the results. This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become. New York. This is a place where every day you wake up you could experience everything from a plane crashing into our Trade Center through a person whos celebrating a new business thats open. This is a very, very complicated city, and thats why its the greatest city on the globe. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, asked Monday to describe his 2023 in one word Years end is a natural time for reflection. New York Citys New Jerseydwelling Mayor Eric Adams year has been almost as perplexing as his answer to that prompt. Its a signature Adams flourish: defiant of the rules, logically confounding, unserious and concerning in equal measure. If 2021 announced Adams as the great hope of big businessaligned centrist and conservative Democrats who hoped to beat back the citys activistsAdams, in fact, announced himself as the future of the Democratic Party2023 has revealed him to be anything but. Lacking in popularity almost as desperately as he lacks in legislative ambition, Adams has managed nothing remotely akin to a signature policy accomplishment during his time at the helm of New York City. His greatest achievement in 2023 was probably his embrace of the Republican line on immigration, a hardcore anti-migrant sentiment that Adams has adopted as cynically as the crime panic he rode to a narrow win two years back, in the contentious ranked-choice Democratic primary. His cruel and unnecessary posture toward asylum seekers has seeped into national politics more deeply, and it has served as a paper-thin excuse for Adams to deliver the policy change he is becoming best known for: bruising, unnecessary budget cuts to social services (but not and never to police budgets). When New Yorkers stroll by the newly shuttered doors of their public libraries on Sundays, they will think of their mayor, who might be on his way back from Saturday night at the club. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Profound, general mismanagement and the goring of necessary social services (parks, beaches, and schools are all getting some version of the Adams library policy) are one thing, but its the startling array of corruption allegations that has made Adams 2023 really stand out. Adams acolytes have recently pleaded guilty to straw-donor campaign finance fraud, in a scheme designed to generate illicit public matching funds for Adams 2021 campaign. The mayors chief fundraiser had her home raided by the FBI, in connection with an illegal foreign-influence investigation into the Adams campaign. Adams himself had his phone snatched by the feds as part of that ongoing operation. All of that, expectedly, has resulted in some nightmarish polling for Adams, who is about as underwater as a mayor can get, despite maintaining relative support from the New York Post. Voters dont trust him on migration, on budgetthey dont even trust him on the crime panic that he made up. According to a Quinnipiac poll, Adams has the lowest job approval rating for a New York City mayor since Quinnipiac University began polling New York City registered voters in 1996. Only 28 percent of New Yorkers approve of the job hes doing, and he has hardly done anything. Adams camp has resorted to simply accusing the negative public opinion reporting of racism. So, when Adams describes his year on an emotional spectrum between 9/11 at the low end and Someone opened another gray-market weed store on my block on the top, all that is just part of whats gotten him there. Except, of course, Adams has pledged war on the gray-market weed stores, which he will surely be cracking down on just as soon as the haters clear out of his way. The winter between 1917 and 1918 was a trying one for the gas industry. That year, household gas leaks had reportedly killed more than 300 New Yorkersdue to their own carelessness, the gas companies argued. But not everyone was convinced. Consumers were also upset over rate increases, inequitable access, and inconsistent delivery; they filed more than a thousand complaints about gas quality and pressure. In the midst of these battles, in June 1918, the American Gas Association was born. Launched by gas utilities and appliance makers, the industrywide trade group quickly proposed an advertising arm. Better information, the case went, would help counter undeserved criticism. Today, most investor-owned gas utilities in the U.S., along with many publicly owned ones, are members of the AGA, and the trade group has worked to make gas poisonings much more rare. Coordinating safety efforts across American utilities, the group notes, is one of its key priorities. But over the past 100 years, the AGA has alsoin coordination with its members and other industry trade groupsdedicated significant resources to marketing ideas like Gas is better for cooking; Gas stoves dont significantly impact health; and Natural gas is an important tool for climate progress. That marketing has gained more relevance over the past year, as the debate over gas stoves has picked up steam. In case you need a refresher: Last December, a study funded by the Rocky Mountain Institute and the National Cancer Institute estimated that gas stoves are a risk factor for childhood asthma about on par with exposure to secondhand smoke. Shortly after, a commisioner from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in an interview that products that cant be made safe can be banned. The commission chair later clarified that the commission was not seeking a ban on gas stoves, but the mere specter of one was enough to spark plenty of dont-touch-my-kitchen outrageand the issue quickly devolved into a political maelstrom. (Culminating in, among other things, the House passing the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This whole culture-war mess has done a fairly good job of distorting a pretty straightforward truth: Gas is not the best option for our health, and its especially not the best option for the planet. Just last week, delegates at the U.N.s COP28 conference finally agreed to transition away from fossil fuels like gas by 2050. They didnt agree on all the particulars, but to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius, according to the International Energy Agency, demand for natural gas needs to fall by more than half by 2050. The IEAs roadmap to get there assumes a move away from household gas, which is foundational to gas utilities business modelthe very business model gas trade groups like the AGA are tasked with protecting. Advertisement Trade groups, of course, influence public opinion and legislation in virtually every industry, so on its face theres nothing surprising about the AGAs efforts. But while consumers can choose not to support brands they dont agree with, it is harder to stop paying your gas bills. What many Americans may not know is that a portion of ratepayer fees are often directed toward funding energy trade groupswhich means that if you heat your home or cook with gas, your bills may be funding efforts to keep gas demand high. Advertisement To understand how, lets take a step back. According to the AGA, 96 percent of American gas customers get their gas from AGA member utilities. These utilities have shareholderseither private investors or the publicand they have ratepayers: captive customers who cant easily get their gas somewhere else. As regulated monopolies, U.S. utilities are meant to act in the public interest (perhaps a livable planet?). This means they cant legally spend ratepayer money on specific types of lobbying (they use shareholder money for that instead). But they can and do spend utility bill revenue on other tactics designed to maintain natural gas market share. Advertisement Advertisement They do this, in part, by paying dues to the AGA. In recent years, the AGA has boasted around 200 members and annual budgets between $30 and $60 million. It has, among other tactics, hired influencers to wax poetic about #cookingwithgas, opposed local legislation that would limit gas hookups in new developments, and funded research to sow doubt over the health and environmental effects of its product. One of the AGAs particularly important areas of influence is in rulemakingthe wonky but high-stakes process through which government agencies regulate everything from Energy Star labels to clean air. In May, for example, the AGA argued that new energy efficiency standards were stacked against gas stoves, splitting hairs over the water quantity and pan diameters. These may seem like mundane details, but they determine outcomes that shape consumer behavior, and the AGA comments on hundreds of similar regulations. In August, the group argued against advanced leak detection for pipeline leaks, noting it was very concerned with how the federal pipeline regulator was prioritizing climate concerns to be on par with pipeline safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AGA has similarly invested in influencing legislation. AGA meeting minutes from 2020, obtained by the Climate Investigations Center (and previously reported by Vox and NPR), noted that local gas company PR campaigns were, at the time, suffering from a leadership gap. The trade association promised to step up its coordination role. It also took credit for legislation passed in Arizona that barred local governments from banning gas hookups in new construction. Since then, anti-gas-ban bills have passed in 20 states. Earlier this year, when gas stoves popped up in the news, the AGA sprang into actionamong other responses, the organization hired a scientist to comment on an American Medical Association resolution that urged doctors to educate their patients about gas stove health risks. Advertisement Advertisement One of the gas lobbys tactics is to greenwash natural gas by focusing on the health and environmental drawbacks of other fuels, without mentioning the health and environmental drawbacks of gas. The AGA calls natural gas the earths cleanest traditional fuelas in, Its better than coal and oil! But natural gas, which is mostly methane, is natural in the same sense that coal is; in a recent lawsuit, the state of California argued that similar clean or cleaner framing constituted false advertising. (While natural gas releases less carbon dioxide than coal, it releases more planet-warming methane, and the climate comparisons vary based on the circumstances, including the scale and frequency of gas leaks.) Advertisement As climate concerns threaten to drive momentum away from natural gas, the AGA is hedging its bets. The organization has been busy promoting liquefied natural gas, or LNG, for export, which could help ensure American gas will still have somewhere to go if domestic demand for gas falls. On the home front, its promoting potentially lower-carbon replacements that may still be able to flow through AGA members existing pipes. Those include renewable natural gas (biomethane from sources like landfills and manure) and hydrogen. Both offer the social license and financial rationale for continued investments in gas infrastructure. But both have drawbacks: RNG can only replace a small portion of natural gas, and hydrogen is still not feasible at scale. Depending on how they are made, both can emit a wide range of greenhouse gases. Advertisement Taken together, the AGAs efforts have helped to keep gas stoves in homes, and demand for gas has slowed an important avenue for climate progress. To be fair, many climate experts do believe that natural gas is still necessaryjust not in the residential and business communities that AGA members primarily serve. Instead, said Tina Swanson, a visiting scholar with climate policy group Project Drawdown, natural gas should be reserved for things like jet fuel and cargo ship fuel, which are harder to power with renewables. (Admittedly, #cargoshippingwithgas is clunkier than #cookingwithgas.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Were About to Find Out How Dangerous the Cybertruck Really Is Read More Through all this, utilities have, for the most part, stood by their trade group. But in August, for the first time, a public utility left the American Gas Association: WBUR Boston reported that Eversource Energy dropped its membership in order to prioritize decarbonizationin other words, to become less reliant on gas. Eversource spokesperson Tricia Taskey Modifica told me the utility would instead redirect its dues to other partnerships focused on a thoughtful transition to a clean energy future. Advertisement After Eversources departure, environmental groupsand a few clean energy companiespetitioned other utilities to leave as well, reaching out to Californias Pacific Gas & Electric, Oregons Avista energy corporation, and Washingtons Puget Sound Energy Corporation. None of those utilities have heeded activists pleas, but Eversource remains an example of how things could be different. Asking utilities to leave gas trade groups isnt the only way to keep ratepayer money away from gas PR budgets. New York, Maine, Connecticut, and Colorado all have laws prohibiting utility bill revenue from funding trade associations at all. Last year, six senators asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to follow those states lead. For too long, utilities have financed the political activities of trade associations using funds from captive ratepayers, they wrote. These trade associations then lobby for policies that frequently run counter to ratepayers interests. Environmental groups, meanwhile, have also asked the FERC to prohibit ratepayer funding for PR that does not serve ratepayer interests. And nine states suggested that utilities be required to disclose how their trade associations spend ratepayer money. The FERC has promised follow-up action in 2024. Advertisement In the meantime, if you, as a ratepayer, do not want your gas bills funding gas PR, you can pressure your own utility to leave the AGA or encourage your city to avoid locking in natural gas in its energy planning. You can also switch out gas appliances for electric onesyou may be eligible for a rebate to do so. If you cant swap out a stove or furnace, you can at least lower your gas consumption: Electric kettles, induction burners, air fryers, toaster ovens, and electric blankets all make nice holiday presents. (Of course, electric trade associations can also work against the interests of their ratepayers.) When the AGA first proposed its public relations arm a little more than a century ago, it marveled that just a little more than 100 years before that, gas was so rare that its single outlet was enclosed in a museum and an admission price charged to see it burn. Even in optimistic energy transition scenarios, gas wont be relegated back to museums any time soon. But demand does need to decrease quickly. Rather than a trade group fighting to keep gas in homes, we need one fighting for a very different future. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Are your company business accounts susceptible to ACH and wire fraud? If youre not sure, now is the time to find out. By educating yourself on this type of fraud and implementing preventative measures, you can help protect your business from losing money. This article will outline some tips for ACH fraud protection and prevention, so keep reading to learn more. What Is ACH Fraud? ACH fraud refers to the unauthorized use of electronic funds transfer by banks and other financial institutions via the ACH network. This can include instances where an individuals account information is stolen and used to make a fraudulent ACH transaction, or when a scammer tricks a business into sending payments to the wrong account. Wire fraud, on the other hand, refers to the illegal use of wire communications for financial gain. Both ACH and wire fraud can result in significant financial losses for individuals and businesses. Its a good idea to be aware of these scams as your first step to fraud protection. How Do ACH and Payment Fraud Happen? ACH and payment fraud can occur when unauthorized individuals gain access to personal information, such as bank accounts or routing numbers, to conduct fraudulent transactions through the ACH network. These criminals may use phishing scams, data breaches, or other methods to obtain this sensitive information. It is important for individuals and businesses to protect their information and closely monitor their accounts for ACH payments fraud prevention. Small Business Deals Who Is At Risk for ACH Fraud? Business email compromise (BEC) scams target all companies that conduct ACH transfers, regardless of size or industry. These scams often involve fraudulent emails impersonating a company executive or vendor requesting an urgent transfer of funds. However, smaller businesses may be more susceptible to these attacks due to a lack of proper security measures and training on detecting fraudulent activity. It is important for all businesses to stay vigilant and implement proper security protocols for ACH fraud prevention. How to Prevent Fraudulent ACH Transactions In order to prevent fraudulent ACH transactions, it is important for businesses to be aware of the signs of fraud and take precautions to protect their bank account. Here are 11 tips to help keep your business transactions safe and secure. 1. Use a secure payment gateway Using a secure payment gateway is one of the best ways to prevent ACH fraud. A secure payment gateway will encrypt your customers information and protect it from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. 2. Anti-virus and malware software Protect your computer with anti-virus and malware software to prevent malware from infecting your system and stealing your customers information. And make sure to keep your software up-to-date! 3. Be smart when creating passwords Create strong passwords and dont use the same password for multiple accounts. Avoid using easily guessed words like your name or birthday, and include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. 4. Make sure websites are secure Only enter your credit card information on encrypted websites that start with https://. You can also check for a padlock icon in your browsers address bar, which indicates that the site is secure. If the site starts with http:// or you dont see a padlock icon, do not enter your credit card information. 5. Keep your firewall turned on A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to your system to steal your information. Always keep your firewall turned on and up-to-date. Financial institutions typically have their own fraud prevention measures in place, but its always good to have an extra layer of protection. 6. Monitor your bank account regularly Monitoring your bank account regularly for unauthorized transactions is one of the best ways to prevent ACH fraud. Set up account alerts so you can be notified immediately if there is any suspicious activity. If you do see a fraudulent transaction, report it to your bank immediately. 7. Educate your employees Educating your employees about safe online practices and ACH fraud is one of the best ways to prevent it. Make sure your employees know how to spot the signs of fraud and what to do if they suspect someone is trying to scam them. 8. Verify requests for payment If you receive a request for payment, make sure to verify the request before sending any money. Verify the requestors identity and make sure you understand the purpose of the payment. If you have any doubts, contact the requestor directly to confirm. 9. Dont click on links in suspicious emails If you receive an email from a sender you dont know, or if the email looks suspicious, dont click on any links. These links could be malicious and lead you to a website that will steal your information. 10. Dont trust a sense of urgency Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency in order to get you to act quickly. Dont let yourself be pressured into making a decision and take the time to verify any requests for payment. 11. Know your rights Its important to know your rights in case you do become a victim of ACH fraud. The Federal Trade Commission has information on what to do if youre a victim of identity theft, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has information on your rights as a consumer. Tip Description Secure Payment Gateway Utilize a secure payment gateway to encrypt customer information, preventing unauthorized access. Anti-virus Software Install anti-virus and malware software to protect your system from malicious software and data theft. Strong Passwords Create strong, unique passwords for accounts, avoiding easily guessed information and including various characters. Secure Website Ensure websites for financial transactions have "https://" and a padlock icon, indicating encrypted and secure connections. Firewall Protection Keep your computer firewall on to defend against hackers attempting unauthorized access and information theft. Regular Account Checks Monitor your bank account regularly for suspicious activities and set up alerts for immediate notifications. Employee Education Educate employees on identifying fraud signs and safe online practices, empowering them to prevent fraudulent activities. Payment Request Verification Verify payment requests by confirming the requestor's identity and understanding the payment purpose before sending money. Avoid Suspicious Links Refrain from clicking on links in suspicious emails, as they may lead to malicious websites designed to steal your information. Don't Rush Decisions Be cautious of creating a sense of urgency; take time to verify payment requests and avoid making hasty decisions. Know Your Rights Familiarize yourself with your rights as a consumer and how to respond if you fall victim to ACH fraud; consult resources like the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. More Essentials to Prevent ACH Fraud Enhanced Verification Processes Implementing robust verification processes is essential in mitigating ACH fraud risks. Introducing multi-factor authentication and thorough verification for transactions can significantly reduce unauthorized access and fraudulent activities. This approach involves using a combination of something the user knows (like a password), something they have (like a mobile device), and something they are (like a fingerprint). This multi-layered defense strategy ensures that even if one factor is compromised, unauthorized transactions can still be prevented. Collaboration with Financial Partners Working closely with banks and financial institutions is key to enhancing ACH fraud prevention efforts. These partners often have access to advanced fraud detection tools and industry-specific insights that can be invaluable. By leveraging their expertise and resources, businesses can adopt more effective fraud prevention strategies and stay updated on the latest trends and threats in financial fraud. Regular Policy Reviews and Updates To effectively combat ACH fraud, its crucial to regularly review and update company policies related to financial transactions. This proactive approach ensures that internal procedures remain in line with evolving industry best practices and regulatory changes. Regular audits can identify vulnerabilities and lead to timely updates of protocols, thereby strengthening the organizations defense against fraud. Cybersecurity Education and Awareness Continuous education and awareness about cybersecurity are crucial in preventing ACH fraud. Regular training sessions for employees can help them recognize and report suspicious activities. Educating staff about the latest fraud tactics and prevention methods builds a knowledgeable workforce capable of identifying red flags and mitigating risks. Secure Communication Protocols Establishing secure communication protocols is vital, especially when handling sensitive financial data. Using encrypted communication channels can prevent data breaches and unauthorized access. This practice is critical not only in safeguarding the integrity of financial transactions but also in maintaining customer trust and compliance with data protection regulations. Investment in Advanced Security Technologies Investing in cutting-edge security technologies, such as AI-driven fraud detection systems, can provide an additional layer of protection. These systems can analyze transaction patterns and flag anomalies that might indicate fraudulent activities, enabling preemptive action to safeguard against ACH fraud. Incident Response and Recovery Plans Having a well-structured incident response and recovery plan is essential for minimizing the impact of ACH fraud. This plan should outline clear procedures for immediate action in case of a fraud incident, including steps for containment, investigation, notification, and recovery. It ensures a swift and coordinated response, reducing financial and reputational damage. Customer Education and Engagement Involving and educating customers about ACH fraud and common scam tactics plays a significant role in prevention. Informing customers about safe financial practices and encouraging them to report any suspicious activities can act as a crucial line of defense against fraudsters. Regular Audits and Assessments Conducting frequent audits and assessments of financial systems and processes is critical in identifying potential security gaps. These audits help in understanding the effectiveness of current fraud prevention measures and in identifying areas that require enhancement or modification. Compliance with Regulatory Standards Adhering to relevant regulatory standards and compliance requirements is not just a legal necessity but also a crucial aspect of ACH fraud prevention. Compliance ensures that businesses follow best practices in financial security, thereby reinforcing their overall defense against fraudulent activities. Who Is Liable for Automated Clearing House Fraud? The party responsible for ACH fraud is typically the bank which the fraudulent transaction originated from. However, if it can be proven that the account holder was negligent in protecting their account information and passwords, they may also be held liable. It is important for both individuals and businesses to regularly monitor their bank accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately to their financial institution. How Do Financial Institutions Investigate ACH Fraud? If someone were to commit fraud, financial institutions would investigate by closely monitoring account activity for unusual or suspicious behavior. They may also utilize fraud detection software to flag potentially fraudulent transactions. In cases of suspected fraud, the institution will conduct a thorough investigation and may even contact law enforcement if necessary. Understanding ACH and Wire Fraud Prevention Fraudulent activities, especially ACH and wire fraud, can pose significant risks to businesses of all sizes. Being proactive in understanding and implementing preventive measures is crucial to safeguard your companys financial well-being. Heres a deeper dive into how you can protect your business from ACH and wire fraud: Implement Employee Training Programs Educating your employees about the various forms of fraud, including ACH and wire fraud, can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams. Training should cover identifying suspicious emails, verifying payment requests, and understanding the importance of secure practices. Educating your employees about the various forms of fraud, including ACH and wire fraud, can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams. Training should cover identifying suspicious emails, verifying payment requests, and understanding the importance of secure practices. Multi-Layer Authentication Consider using multi-layer authentication for accessing sensitive financial systems. This approach requires users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting access, adding an extra layer of security against unauthorized access. Consider using multi-layer authentication for accessing sensitive financial systems. This approach requires users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting access, adding an extra layer of security against unauthorized access. Regularly Update Security Software Stay vigilant by consistently updating your security software, firewalls, and anti-virus programs. These updates often include patches to address new vulnerabilities, ensuring your systems are fortified against emerging threats. Stay vigilant by consistently updating your security software, firewalls, and anti-virus programs. These updates often include patches to address new vulnerabilities, ensuring your systems are fortified against emerging threats. Conduct Periodic Risk Assessments Regularly assess your businesss exposure to fraud risks. Identify potential weak points in your financial processes and implement targeted measures to mitigate these risks effectively. Regularly assess your businesss exposure to fraud risks. Identify potential weak points in your financial processes and implement targeted measures to mitigate these risks effectively. Work with Your Financial Institution Collaborate closely with your bank or credit union to understand the security measures they have in place. Seek guidance on best practices for ACH and wire fraud prevention, as financial institutions often have specialized tools and recommendations. Collaborate closely with your bank or credit union to understand the security measures they have in place. Seek guidance on best practices for ACH and wire fraud prevention, as financial institutions often have specialized tools and recommendations. Regularly Review Transactions Assign personnel to regularly review transactions and financial statements. This practice can help identify any unauthorized or suspicious activities promptly, allowing for immediate action. Assign personnel to regularly review transactions and financial statements. This practice can help identify any unauthorized or suspicious activities promptly, allowing for immediate action. Utilize Positive Pay Services Some financial institutions offer positive pay services that match incoming checks or electronic payments against your businesss authorized transactions. This can prevent unauthorized transactions from being processed. Some financial institutions offer positive pay services that match incoming checks or electronic payments against your businesss authorized transactions. This can prevent unauthorized transactions from being processed. Secure Your Online Platforms Ensure that your online platforms, including banking portals and financial systems, are protected with robust passwords and two-factor authentication. Regularly update passwords and restrict access to authorized personnel. Ensure that your online platforms, including banking portals and financial systems, are protected with robust passwords and two-factor authentication. Regularly update passwords and restrict access to authorized personnel. Establish Payment Approval Protocols Implement strict protocols for approving payments, especially those involving large sums. This may include requiring multiple levels of authorization or utilizing digital signatures for confirmation. Implement strict protocols for approving payments, especially those involving large sums. This may include requiring multiple levels of authorization or utilizing digital signatures for confirmation. Maintain Communication Channels Encourage open communication within your organization about potential fraud. Employees should feel comfortable reporting any suspicious activities, allowing for swift intervention and prevention. Encourage open communication within your organization about potential fraud. Employees should feel comfortable reporting any suspicious activities, allowing for swift intervention and prevention. Develop an Incident Response Plan Prepare for the worst-case scenario by developing a comprehensive incident response plan. This plan should outline the steps your business will take if a fraud incident occurs, ensuring a quick and effective response. By taking these additional steps, you can fortify your business against the threat of ACH and wire fraud. Keep in mind that the landscape of fraud is constantly evolving, so staying informed and adaptable is essential to ensuring your businesss financial security. Conclusion As businesses increasingly rely on digital financial systems, the risk of ACH and wire fraud becomes ever more pronounced. This article has illuminated the intricate landscape of ACH fraud, wire fraud, and the strategies fraudsters employ to exploit vulnerabilities. Armed with this knowledge, you can take proactive steps to protect your business from potential financial losses. The journey toward ACH and wire fraud prevention begins with awareness. By understanding the mechanics of these fraud types, you lay a foundation for effective defense. Implementing preventative measures is the next crucial step. From secure payment gateways and anti-virus software to vigilant monitoring and employee education, each strategy contributes to a robust defense against fraud. Moreover, recognizing the dynamic nature of fraud, you must remain adaptable. Engage with financial institutions, utilize advanced security features, and foster a culture of vigilance within your organization. Through ongoing training, regular risk assessments, and open communication, you can fortify your businesss resilience against evolving fraud tactics. By integrating these strategies, you can shield your business from the detrimental impacts of ACH and wire fraud. Remember, the goal isnt just to preserve financial stability; its to safeguard your businesss reputation and longevity in an increasingly digitized landscape. If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. A well-planned advertising campaign can elevate your small business, increasing sales, customer engagement, and growth. But how do you set one up? In this small business advertising guide, youll discover how advertising can help your business and read a step-by-step guide to designing your advertisement campaign. We will also show you how to define clear goals, understand your target audience, select optimal advertising channels, craft compelling messages, and measure your success. Heres a word from Emmy-winning designer and CEO Chris Do about marketing strategies that will grow your business and brand: Sell Your Business Discover the Zoho Ecosystem ChatGPT Prompts for Business Advertise Your Business Here What is an Advertising Campaign? An advertising campaign is a strategic initiative designed to promote a specific product, service, or brand to a targeted audience. It comprises multiple interconnected advertisements spread across different platforms with a common theme and goal. These campaigns aim to increase brand visibility, foster customer engagement, and, ultimately, drive sales. Small businesses, particularly, stand to gain substantially from successful advertising campaigns. They provide a platform to create brand identity, reach potential customers, and compete in markets often dominated by larger enterprises. Lets explore the three broad types of advertisement campaigns: Small Business Deals Branding: A branding campaign aims to create or enhance your brand identity in the market. These campaigns emphasize your businesss core values, mission, and unique selling points, creating an emotional connection with potential customers. Its all about telling your brand story and setting your business apart. Direct Marketing: Direct marketing campaigns focus on prompting immediate action from potential customers. Techniques such as direct mail, telemarketing, and email marketing are commonly used. The primary goal is to encourage purchases, sign-ups, or inquiries by providing direct value propositions and clear calls to action. Digital Marketing: Digital marketing campaigns are run across digital platforms such as social media, search engines, email, and websites. Given the widespread use of digital devices and the internet, these campaigns can reach a vast audience. They can involve various strategies, including content marketing, social media advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Branding Campaigns: Building Your Business Identity Branding campaigns are all about defining who you are as a business. They create an image in the minds of potential and existing customers about your brands personality, culture, values, and unique attributes that set you apart from competitors. Successful campaigns can transform your small business from a mere name or logo into a living, breathing entity with its own character and purpose. It builds an emotional connection with your audience, fostering loyalty and long-term customer relationships. A key aspect of a branding campaign is consistency across all communication platforms from your website and social media accounts to print advertising and customer service interactions. Consistent use of tone, style, imagery, and language ensures a uniform brand experience that customers can identify and resonate with. Branding campaigns can also articulate your brands value proposition why should customers choose you over competitors? By highlighting what makes your products or services superior, branding campaigns can help customers understand your unique selling points, and why they matter. Overall, branding campaigns lay the foundation of your business identity. They enable your small business to stand tall in the marketplace, build trust with customers, and carve out your niche. Without a strong brand, its hard to make a lasting impression. But with the right branding campaign, your small business can capture hearts and minds, building a loyal customer base that powers your success. Direct Marketing Campaigns: Targeting Your Audience Directly Direct marketing campaigns involve promoting your products or services directly to your target audience. They use tactics designed to evoke an immediate response, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or visiting your website. The goal is to forge a direct link between your business and the customer, eliminating intermediaries. Direct marketing campaigns typically use channels such as direct mail, telemarketing, SMS, email marketing, and targeted online ads. A key feature of these campaigns is the use of personalized messages tailored to the recipients interests, preferences, or previous interactions with your business. This high degree of personalization can make the communication feel more relevant and engaging to the recipient, increasing the chances of a positive response. Direct marketing campaigns can be highly effective for small businesses for several reasons: Targeted Approach : These campaigns allow you to focus on a specific demographic or customer segment, increasing the chances of your message reaching people who are genuinely interested in your offerings. : These campaigns allow you to focus on a specific demographic or customer segment, increasing the chances of your message reaching people who are genuinely interested in your offerings. Measurable Results : Its easier to track responses in direct marketing, providing clear data on what works and what doesnt, aiding in improving future campaigns. : Its easier to track responses in direct marketing, providing clear data on what works and what doesnt, aiding in improving future campaigns. Cost-Effective: Since youre communicating with a targeted group, direct marketing can be more cost-effective than mass marketing methods, making it a good choice for small businesses with limited budgets. Digital Marketing Campaigns: Leveraging the Power of the Internet Digital marketing campaigns utilize the internet and digital technologies to promote a product, service, or brand. These campaigns leverage various online platforms, from social media networks and email to search engines and websites, allowing businesses to reach consumers where they are spending increasingly more time: online. In a digital marketing campaign, you might use: Content Marketing : This involves creating and sharing valuable content (like blog posts, videos, or infographics) to attract and engage your target audience. : This involves creating and sharing valuable content (like blog posts, videos, or infographics) to attract and engage your target audience. Social Media Marketing : You can use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote your brand, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your website. : You can use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote your brand, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your website. Email Marketing : This allows you to send targeted messages directly to your subscribers inboxes, which can be personalized to increase engagement. : This allows you to send targeted messages directly to your subscribers inboxes, which can be personalized to increase engagement. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) : By optimizing your website and content, you can increase your visibility on search engine results pages, driving organic (free) traffic to your site. : By optimizing your website and content, you can increase your visibility on search engine results pages, driving organic (free) traffic to your site. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Here, you pay a fee each time one of your ads is clicked on platforms like Google Ads or social media networks. The internets role in digital marketing is fundamental. It enables businesses to reach a global audience, engage with customers in real-time, and tailor their messaging based on rich data insights. The Importance of Advertising Campaigns for Small Businesses Advertising campaigns play a crucial role in the growth and sustainability of small businesses. They are more than just tools for promotion; they are strategic drivers that can propel your business forward in several key areas: Brand Awareness: An effective advertising campaign can put your business on the map. By consistently showcasing your brands unique attributes across various platforms, you can engrave your brand in the minds of potential customers. With heightened brand awareness, you enhance recognition and recall, making it more likely for consumers to think of your business when they need a product or service you offer. Customer Acquisition: Advertising campaigns are essential for attracting new customers. Whether its through direct marketing efforts that offer an immediate value proposition, or digital marketing strategies that drive online traffic to your business, well-executed campaigns can widen your customer base, expanding your market reach. Sales Improvement: By strategically promoting your products or services, advertising campaigns can stimulate demand and drive sales. Effective campaigns not only reach potential customers but also convince them of the value your business offers, increasing the likelihood of conversions and boosting your bottom line. Competitive Advantage: In markets saturated with options, advertising campaigns help your business stand out. They distinguish your offerings from those of competitors, giving customers compelling reasons to choose you over others. In essence, advertising campaigns are a pivotal component of a small businesss strategy. They foster growth, not just by increasing visibility, but by actively contributing to customer acquisition and sales. The Role of a Successful Marketing Campaign in Business Growth Successful advertising campaigns can catapult small businesses into new levels of growth and profitability. Lets consider a couple of real-world examples that demonstrate this potential. Dollar Shave Club : When Dollar Shave Club launched in 2012, it was a small startup with a simple idea: deliver high-quality razors to your door for a dollar a month. They kicked off with a hilarious, irreverent video that quickly went viral. The video was a huge success not only because it was entertaining but also because it clearly communicated the brands value proposition: stop overpaying for brand-name razors. Within two days of the videos launch, the company had 12,000 new subscribers. By the end of 2015, it had more than 2 million members and was purchased by Unilever in 2016 for $1 billion. : When Dollar Shave Club launched in 2012, it was a small startup with a simple idea: deliver high-quality razors to your door for a dollar a month. They kicked off with a hilarious, irreverent video that quickly went viral. The video was a huge success not only because it was entertaining but also because it clearly communicated the brands value proposition: stop overpaying for brand-name razors. Within two days of the videos launch, the company had 12,000 new subscribers. By the end of 2015, it had more than 2 million members and was purchased by Unilever in 2016 for $1 billion. Airbnb: When Airbnb first started, it was a small operation with an innovative concept that was unfamiliar to most people. To raise awareness and credibility, they launched a clever advertising campaign during the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. They sold limited-edition, politically-themed cereal boxes (Obama Os and Capn McCains) online to provide accommodation support for convention-goers. The campaign went viral, leading to national press coverage that significantly boosted Airbnbs visibility, leading to the worldwide presence it has today. These examples demonstrate that a successful advertising campaign, whether its branding, direct marketing, or digital, can serve as a growth catalyst for small businesses. A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Small Business Advertising Campaign Setting Goals for Your Advertising Campaign Before launching any advertising campaign, its essential to define what you want to achieve. Clear, measurable goals will guide your campaigns direction and help evaluate its success. Goals might range from increasing website traffic or boosting product sales, to expanding your email list or enhancing brand awareness. Its important to align these goals with your overall business objectives. Ensure your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying I want to increase website traffic, a SMART goal would be I want to increase website traffic by 25% over the next three months. Having well-defined goals not only gives your campaign direction but also allows you to measure its performance against predefined benchmarks. This way, you can accurately assess the effectiveness of your campaign and make necessary adjustments for future initiatives. Target Audience Identification and Understanding Identifying and understanding your target audience is a critical step in setting up your advertising campaign. Your target audience is the specific group of people you want to reach with your message, those most likely to be interested in your product or service. To define your target audience, consider the following aspects: Demographics: What is their age, gender, income level, education, or occupation? Geographics: Where do they live or work? Psychographics: What are their interests, attitudes, values, or lifestyle? Behavioral Factors: What are their purchasing behaviors or product usage patterns? Understanding your audience goes beyond just knowing who they are. Its about comprehending their needs, preferences, and pain points. Use tools like customer surveys, marketing research, and data analytics to gain insights into your audiences behavior and motivations. Choosing the Right Channels for Your Ad Campaigns Choosing the right channels for your ad campaign is crucial in ensuring your message reaches your target audience. Todays advertising landscape offers a plethora of options, from traditional media like television, radio, and print, to digital platforms like social media, search engines, and email. Heres how to choose the best ones for your business: Know Your Audience: Where does your target audience spend their time? For instance, if theyre active on social media, channels like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn might be a good fit. If your target audience frequently uses search engines for research, consider search engine advertising. Consider Your Budget: Some advertising channels are more cost-effective than others. For example, social media and email marketing can be less expensive than television or radio ads. Determine what channels you can afford while still reaching a substantial portion of your target audience. Align with Your Goals: Some channels may be more effective than others depending on your goals. If youre aiming for brand awareness, you might benefit from display ads on social media. If youre trying to increase direct sales, pay-per-click ads on search engines could be more effective. Test and Measure: Consider running small tests on different channels to see which generate the best results. Measure engagement, conversion rates, and ROI to determine the effectiveness of each channel. Remember, the goal is to choose ad campaign channels that will best deliver your message to your target audience. It might not be about using every available option, but rather about leveraging the right channels that align with your audience, budget, and goals. Crafting the Perfect Message for Your Ad Campaign The message you convey in your advertising campaign is the heart of your communication. Its what will either draw in your audience or push them away. Here are key steps to crafting the best advertising campaign messages: Know Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Understand what makes your product or service unique. What sets you apart from your competitors? Your USP should form the core of your message. Understand Your Audiences Needs: Your message should address the needs or pain points of your target audience. Make sure your message clearly articulates how your product or service can provide the solution they are seeking. Be Clear and Concise: Your message should be straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid jargon or complicated language. Remember, clarity trumps cleverness when it comes to communication. Include a Strong Call to Action (CTA): Prompt your audience to take action after viewing your ad. Whether its Buy Now, Sign Up, or Learn More, ensure your CTA is clear and compelling. Emphasize Benefits, Not Features: Your audience wants to know how your product or service will benefit them. Instead of just listing features, explain how those features translate into benefits for the customer. Be Consistent: Maintain a consistent message across all channels and platforms. This enhances your brands credibility and makes it easily recognizable to your audience. Allocating Budget and Resources for Your Advertising Campaign The budget and resources allocated for your advertising campaign can greatly influence its reach and impact. Heres how to approach this crucial task: Define Your Budget: The first step is to decide how much youre willing to spend. This should be an amount thats affordable but sufficient to make a noticeable impact. Keep in mind that your budget needs to cover all aspects of your campaign, from creative development and ad creation to placement and monitoring. Understand Cost Structures: Different advertising channels have different cost structures. For example, traditional media like TV or print might charge a flat rate, while digital platforms like Google or Facebook often use a pay-per-click model. Familiarize yourself with these structures to make informed decisions. Prioritize Channels: Based on your target audience and chosen channels, allocate more of your budget to channels where your audience is most active and where youre likely to get the best return on investment (ROI). Consider Timing: If your business is seasonal, you might want to allocate more funds to peak periods. Similarly, if a certain channel performs better on specific days or times, consider increasing your spending during those periods. Allocate Resources: Apart from the budget, youll also need to allocate human resources. Determine who will manage the campaign, create the content, monitor performance, and make necessary adjustments. Monitor and Adjust: Monitor your campaign closely to see how well each channel is performing. Dont be afraid to adjust your budget allocation based on performance data. If a particular channel is not performing well, consider shifting funds to a more successful one. Monitoring, Measuring, and Optimizing Your Advertising Campaigns An advertising campaign isnt something you set and forget. Its a dynamic process that requires constant monitoring, measurement, and optimization to ensure its delivering the desired results. Heres how to approach these tasks: Monitoring: Regularly check your campaigns performance to assess if its running as expected. Monitor engagement metrics like clicks, shares, comments, and view time on digital platforms, or response rates in direct marketing. Watch for any unusual activity, like sudden drops or spikes, which could signal a problem or an opportunity. Measuring: Use appropriate tools to measure the results of your campaign against your defined goals. Google Analytics, for instance, can track website traffic and user behavior, while social media platforms offer built-in analytics tools for tracking engagement and reach. Look at metrics such as conversion rate, cost per lead, and return on ad spend to evaluate the success of your campaign. Optimizing: If your campaign isnt performing as well as expected, dont be afraid to make adjustments. Perhaps your message isnt resonating, or maybe youre not reaching the right audience. Experiment with different variables, like your ad copy, visuals, or targeting criteria, to see what improves performance. Learning: Take lessons from every campaign. What worked? What didnt? Use these insights to inform your future campaigns. Remember, continuous improvement is a key part of successful advertising. This condensed table presents an overview of the steps and their respective key points and actions. It can be used as a reference or checklist when planning and executing advertising campaigns. Steps Key Points & Actions Setting Goals for Advertising Campaigns - Define clear objectives aligned with business goals. - Emphasize SMART criteria (e.g., "25% website traffic increase in three months").- Use goals to gauge performance. Target Audience Identification & Understanding - Define audience using demographics, geographics, psychographics, and behaviors. - Understand deeper needs using tools like surveys and data analytics. Choosing the Right Channels for Your Ad Campaigns - Select channels based on audience activity. - Prioritize budget-friendly platforms (e.g., email, social media). - Match channels with goals (e.g., social media for awareness). - Continuously assess channel effectiveness. Crafting the Perfect Message for Your Ad Campaign - Identify product's USP. - Address audience's needs, showcasing solutions. - Keep message clear with a direct CTA. - Convey benefits, not just features.- Ensure consistency across platforms. Allocating Budget & Resources for Your Advertising Campaign - Set a realistic budget.- Allocate more to channels offering best ROI. - Adjust for seasonal peaks or performance periods.- Assign responsibilities.- Periodically review and adjust funds. Monitoring, Measuring & Optimizing Your Advertising Campaigns - Monitor engagement metrics (clicks, shares, view time).- Use analytics tools to measure against goals (conversion rate, ROI).- Adjust as needed (e.g., ad copy, targeting).- Learn and apply insights for continuous improvement. The Key Elements of a Great Advertising Campaign A successful advertising campaign relies on the following key elements: Targeting: The first step to creating a successful advertising campaign is to target your ads to the right people. This means understanding your target audience and their needs. You can use demographic data, psychographic data, and behavioral data to create a target audience profile. The first step to creating a successful advertising campaign is to target your ads to the right people. This means understanding your target audience and their needs. You can use demographic data, psychographic data, and behavioral data to create a target audience profile. Messaging: Once you know who youre targeting, you need to create a message that will resonate with them. This means using language that they understand and appeals to their emotions. Your message should also be clear, concise, and persuasive. Once you know who youre targeting, you need to create a message that will resonate with them. This means using language that they understand and appeals to their emotions. Your message should also be clear, concise, and persuasive. Creative elements: The creative elements of your ad, such as the visuals, copy, and design, should all work together to create a cohesive message. The visuals should be eye-catching and relevant to your product or service. The copy should be clear, concise, and persuasive. And the design should be consistent with your brand identity. The creative elements of your ad, such as the visuals, copy, and design, should all work together to create a cohesive message. The visuals should be eye-catching and relevant to your product or service. The copy should be clear, concise, and persuasive. And the design should be consistent with your brand identity. Channel Selection: Choosing the right marketing channels is vital. Select platforms and mediums where your target audience is most likely to be present. This could include digital platforms, social media, print media, TV, radio, or outdoor advertising, based on your audiences preferences and behavior. Choosing the right marketing channels is vital. Select platforms and mediums where your target audience is most likely to be present. This could include digital platforms, social media, print media, TV, radio, or outdoor advertising, based on your audiences preferences and behavior. Consistency and Integration: Maintain consistency in branding elements across all channels to strengthen brand recognition. Integrate your messaging and creative elements seamlessly to create a cohesive brand experience for your audience. Maintain consistency in branding elements across all channels to strengthen brand recognition. Integrate your messaging and creative elements seamlessly to create a cohesive brand experience for your audience. Budget: Advertising can be expensive, so its important to set a budget before you start. Your budget will determine the size and scope of your campaign. Advertising can be expensive, so its important to set a budget before you start. Your budget will determine the size and scope of your campaign. Measurement: Its important to track the results of your advertising campaign so you can see whats working and whats not. You can use tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic, social media engagement, and sales. Its important to track the results of your advertising campaign so you can see whats working and whats not. You can use tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic, social media engagement, and sales. Innovation and Adaptability: Stay ahead of the curve by embracing innovation and adapting to changes in the market and consumer behavior. Explore new technologies, trends, and emerging platforms to reach your audience effectively. Embracing the Digital Era: Online Advertising and Digital Advertising Campaigns Digital advertising campaigns refer to promoting products or services through digital channels such as websites, search engines, social media platforms, and mobile applications. It offers several key benefits for small businesses: Targeted Reach: Online advertising enables precise targeting, allowing businesses to reach their specific target audience based on demographics, interests, and online behaviors. This ensures that your message reaches those most likely to be interested in your offerings, maximizing the effectiveness of your campaigns. Cost-Effectiveness: Online advertising often offers flexible budgeting options, allowing businesses to set and control their advertising expenses. With various pricing models like pay-per-click (PPC) or cost-per-impression (CPM), you can optimize your spending and ensure youre getting value for your investment. Measurable Results: Digital advertising campaign provide detailed analytics and reporting, allowing you to track and measure the performance of your ads in real-time. This data-driven approach helps you understand the effectiveness of your campaigns, make informed decisions, and optimize your strategies for better results. Benefits of Digital Advertising Campaign for Small Businesses: Increased Visibility: By utilizing a well-crafted search engine advertising strategy, display ads, social media advertising, or email marketing, you can reach a larger audience and generate brand awareness more effectively. Enhanced Targeting and Personalization: Digital advertising allows for precise targeting and personalization. With tools like audience segmentation and retargeting, you can tailor your messages to specific audience segments, delivering more relevant and personalized ads, which can improve engagement and conversions. Improved Customer Engagement: Interactive elements in digital marketing campaign, such as videos, quizzes, or interactive banners, enhance customer engagement and promote two-way communication. This helps build stronger connections with your audience, fostering loyalty and increasing the likelihood of conversions. Flexibility and Agility: A digital marketing campaign offers flexibility in terms of budget, scheduling, and creative modifications. This allows small businesses to adapt their strategies quickly, respond to market changes, and optimize their campaigns based on real-time insights. Digital Advertising Campaigns: The Future of Small Business Advertising Digital ad campaigns offer numerous advantages for small businesses. Heres why they are crucial: Wider Audience Reach: Digital advertising allows small businesses to transcend geographical boundaries and reach a vast online audience. With billions of people active on various digital platforms, businesses can tap into new markets and extend their reach like never before. Precise Targeting: Digital ad campaigns provide advanced targeting capabilities, enabling businesses to reach their ideal customers based on demographics, interests, online behavior, and more. This precision targeting ensures that your message reaches the right people, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversions. Cost-Efficiency: Digital ad campaigns often offer cost-effective solutions, allowing businesses to optimize their budgets. Compared to traditional advertising channels, digital platforms offer the cheapest way to advertise a small business. They also provide flexible pricing models and better return on investment (ROI), making it accessible for small businesses with limited resources. Data-Driven Optimization: Digital advertising provides in-depth analytics and performance metrics. Leveraging these insights, small businesses can measure the effectiveness of their campaigns in real-time, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven optimizations to achieve better results. Trends in Digital Advertising Campaigns: Mobile Advertising: With the increasing use of smartphones, mobile advertising has become a dominant force in the advertising industry. Optimizing campaigns for mobile devices, leveraging responsive design, and utilizing mobile-specific ad formats can significantly enhance campaign effectiveness. Video Advertising: Video content continues to gain popularity. Incorporating engaging video ad campaigns, whether on social media platforms or video-sharing platforms, can capture audience attention and boost engagement. Personalization and Automation: Tailoring ad campaigns to individual preferences and delivering personalized experiences has become more critical than ever. Utilizing automation tools and personalized targeting techniques can enhance the relevancy and effectiveness of your campaigns. Tips for Maximizing Benefits from Digital Ad Campaigns: Define Clear Objectives: Clearly define your campaign objectives, whether its brand awareness, lead generation, or driving sales. This clarity will help guide your strategy and ensure alignment with your business goals. Research Your Audience: Conduct thorough research to understand your target audiences demographics, preferences, behaviors, and digital habits. Use this insight to craft personalized and compelling messages that resonate with your audience. Optimize Landing Pages: Ensure your landing pages are optimized for conversions. Create clear calls-to-action, streamline the user experience, and provide relevant and valuable content to drive conversions. Experiment and Test: Dont be afraid to try different approaches and ad formats. Test different creatives, messaging, targeting options, and platforms to identify what works best for your audience and refine your strategy accordingly. Track and Analyze Results: Continuously monitor and analyze the performance of your campaigns using analytics tools. Identify key metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and cost per acquisition to evaluate the effectiveness of your campaigns and make informed optimizations. Online Advertising: Platforms and Strategies for Success Small businesses have a variety of online ad platforms and strategies at their disposal to achieve advertising success. Online Ad Platforms: Search Engine Advertising (SEA): Platforms like Google Ads allow businesses to display ads in search engine results when users search for specific keywords. SEA offers precise targeting, cost control, and the ability to reach users actively searching for relevant products or services. Social Media Advertising: Platforms such as Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, and Twitter Ads enable businesses to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. These platforms offer a wide reach, engagement opportunities, and various ad formats like image ads, video ads, and carousel ads. Display Advertising Networks: Networks like Google Display Network and Bing Ads provide access to a vast network of websites and apps where businesses can display banner or text ads. Display advertising offers broad reach, advanced targeting options, and the ability to leverage visual elements. Video Advertising Platforms: Platforms like YouTube Ads and social media video ad options allow businesses to reach audiences through engaging video content. Video ads can be skippable or non-skippable and provide opportunities for storytelling and brand engagement. Native Advertising Platforms: Native ad platforms such as Taboola and Outbrain integrate ads seamlessly into the content of websites, blending them with the user experience. This approach enhances user engagement and reduces ad resistance. Online Ad Strategies: Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimizing your website for search engines helps improve organic visibility and drive targeted traffic. Focus on keyword research, high-quality content creation, on-page optimization, and building quality backlinks to enhance SEO efforts. Content Marketing: Creating valuable and relevant content, such as blog posts, articles, infographics, or videos, helps attract and engage your target audience. Distribute your content through various channels and leverage it to drive brand awareness and establish thought leadership. Retargeting Campaigns: Implementing retargeting campaigns allows businesses to show ads to users who have previously visited their website or interacted with their brand. This strategy helps reinforce brand awareness, nurture leads, and increase conversions. Influencer Marketing: Collaborating with influencers relevant to your industry or target audience can amplify your brands reach and credibility. Identify influencers with an engaged following, align their values with your brand, and leverage their influence to promote your products or services. Email Marketing: Building an email list and sending targeted email campaigns helps nurture leads, retain customers, and drive conversions. Use personalized, engaging content and automation tools to deliver timely and relevant messages to your subscribers. Geotargeting: Geotargeting allows businesses to display ads to users in specific geographic locations. This strategy is particularly useful for local businesses targeting a specific area or for businesses running location-based promotions. Harnessing the Power of Social Media: Crafting a Successful Social Media Marketing Campaign Social media has revolutionized the advertising landscape, playing a pivotal role in the success of modern marketing campaigns. Heres an exploration of the key roles social media plays in successful campaigns: Audience Reach and Targeting: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn boast billions of active users, providing businesses with unparalleled access to diverse audiences worldwide. These platforms offer powerful targeting tools that allow businesses to precisely reach their desired demographic, interest groups, and even custom audiences, ensuring their ads are seen by the right people. Engagement and Interaction: Social media platforms facilitate direct engagement and interaction between businesses and their audience. Through likes, comments, shares, and messages, businesses can build relationships, foster brand loyalty, address customer queries, and gain valuable feedback. The interactive nature of social media helps businesses connect with their audience on a personal level, driving engagement and fostering a sense of community. Visual Storytelling and Content Promotion: Social media places a strong emphasis on visual content. It offers businesses the opportunity to visually showcase products, services, brand culture, and values through high-quality images, videos, and infographics. This enables businesses to capture attention, evoke emotions, and effectively convey their brand story, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer engagement. Amplification and Virality: Well-crafted content on social media has the potential to go viral and be shared extensively. When users engage with and share content, it expands the reach of businesses beyond their immediate followers, amplifying brand exposure and generating organic growth. This viral potential is a powerful aspect of social media that can significantly enhance the impact of an ad campaign. Influencer Partnerships: Social media platforms provide opportunities for businesses to collaborate with influencers who have established credibility and a dedicated following. Influencers can help businesses tap into their audience, expand brand reach, and drive conversions through authentic recommendations and endorsements. Data Analytics and Optimization: Social media platforms offer robust analytics tools that provide insights into the performance of an ad campaign. Businesses can track key metrics such as reach, engagement, click-through rates, and conversions, allowing them to measure campaign effectiveness and make data-driven optimizations for better results. The availability of real-time data empowers businesses to refine their strategies, target their audience more effectively, and allocate resources wisely. Social Listening and Market Research: Social media platforms serve as valuable channels for businesses to listen to conversations, gather market insights, and understand their audience better. By monitoring social media conversations, businesses can uncover trends, preferences, and sentiments, enabling them to tailor their advertising strategies, refine messaging, and stay ahead of the competition. Content Marketing: Engaging Customers Through Value-Driven Content Content marketing plays a crucial role within the scope of digital advertising, offering businesses the opportunity to engage customers through valuable and relevant content. Heres why small businesses need to produce high-quality, value-driven content: Building Customer Relationships: Content marketing focuses on creating and sharing content that provides value to the target audience. By offering informative, entertaining, or educational content, businesses can establish themselves as industry experts and build trust with their customers. This helps nurture long-term relationships and encourages customer loyalty. Enhancing Brand Awareness: Producing high-quality content allows businesses to increase their brand visibility and awareness. When businesses consistently deliver valuable content, they become recognized as a go-to resource in their industry. This recognition helps expand their reach, attract new customers, and create brand advocates who actively promote their business. Driving Website Traffic: Valuable content serves as a magnet, attracting potential customers to a businesss website. By incorporating relevant keywords and optimizing content for search engines, businesses can improve their organic search visibility and attract more visitors. This increase in website traffic provides opportunities for engagement, lead generation, and conversions. Engaging and Educating Customers: Content marketing allows businesses to engage customers on a deeper level by addressing their pain points, answering their questions, and providing solutions to their problems. By delivering value through content, businesses can educate their customers, help them make informed decisions, and position themselves as trusted advisors in their industry. Supporting Social Media and Email Marketing: Valuable content serves as the foundation for effective social media and email marketing campaigns. Businesses can share content through their social media channels, driving engagement, attracting followers, and encouraging sharing. In email marketing, businesses can provide valuable content to subscribers, nurturing leads and driving conversions. Encouraging Customer Action: Through content marketing, businesses can inspire customer action. By strategically incorporating calls-to-action within their content, businesses can direct customers to take desired actions such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or requesting more information. Well-crafted content helps guide customers through the buyers journey, influencing their decisions and driving conversions. Analytics and Iterative Improvement: Content marketing provides valuable data through analytics tools, allowing businesses to measure the performance of their content and make data-driven decisions. By analyzing metrics like engagement, click-through rates, and conversions, businesses can refine their content strategy, optimize campaigns, and improve their overall digital advertising efforts. More Top Tips When Creating an Advertising Campaign Emphasize Visual Appeal and Branding When creating an online ad video, prioritize visual appeal and branding. Use colors, fonts, and imagery that align with your brands identity, ensuring consistency across all marketing materials. A visually appealing video captures attention and helps in brand recognition. Employ high-quality graphics and animations to make your video stand out. Remember, your videos visual aesthetics reflect your brands quality and professionalism. Incorporate Customer Testimonials Including customer testimonials in your ad video can significantly boost its effectiveness. Testimonials provide social proof, building trust and credibility with potential customers. Choose testimonials that are relatable and highlight the benefits of your product or service. Authentic customer experiences resonate with viewers and can influence their purchasing decisions. Ensure these testimonials come across as genuine and not scripted for maximum impact. Highlight the Solution, Not Just the Product Focus on presenting your product or service as a solution to a problem your target audience faces. Instead of merely showcasing the features of your offering, demonstrate how it addresses specific needs or challenges. This approach shifts the focus from the product itself to the value it provides, making the ad more relatable and compelling to the audience. Use the Right Music The right background music can elevate your ad video significantly. Music evokes emotions and sets the tone of your video. Choose a soundtrack that complements the message and mood of your ad. Be mindful of the volume balance between music and voiceover to ensure clarity of your message. Remember, music can make or break the viewers engagement with your video. Include a Clear and Compelling Call-to-Action End your video with a clear and compelling call-to-action (CTA). Your CTA should guide viewers on what to do next, whether its visiting your website, making a purchase, or subscribing to your channel. Make the CTA stand out visually and verbally to ensure it catches the viewers attention. A well-crafted CTA can significantly increase the conversion rate of your ad video. FAQs: Advertising Campaigns How Much Should a Small Business Spend on an Advertising Campaign? The amount a small business should spend on an advertising campaign varies depending on factors such as industry, target audience, and marketing objectives. As a general guideline, it is recommended that small businesses allocate around 5-10% of their annual revenue towards advertising. However, this can be adjusted based on the businesss growth stage and competition. Its crucial to strike a balance between investing enough to reach your target market effectively and ensuring the campaign remains within your budgetary constraints. Conducting market research and consulting with marketing professionals can help determine an appropriate advertising budget for your specific business. How to Promote Your Local Small Business? For your small business promotion, thinking grand isnt always necessary. Focusing your marketing strategies on the local scene can enhance your customer base. Heres how: Boost Local Online Presence: Tailor your site for nearby searches since many search engine inquiries target specific locations. Register a tangible business location. Establish a Google My Business account, detailing operational hours, payment methods, and more. Feature your business on local online directories, like Citysearch or Yelp. Promote good feedback and address any concerns. Enhance your website with specific code tags for better local visibility. Dive into Community Activities: Take part in community events or back local causes. Organize special promotions or events to gather client data and foster returning customers. Team Up with Neighborhood Businesses: Collaborate with local companies with complementary offerings. Engage in mutual promotions to expand local outreach. Engage in Business Networks: Become a member of area business groups or professional associations. Contribute or present at community business gatherings to highlight your specialty. Utilize Local Media Releases: Design and share noteworthy news about your business with local outlets. Consider online news distribution services like PRWeb or Business Wire. Adopt Traditional Mail Outreach: Use mailers to connect with local residents, including those not online. Keep current clients informed about new deals and updates. How Long Should an Advertising Campaign Run? The duration of an advertising campaign depends on goals, budget, and product/service. Short-term campaigns, lasting a few weeks, work for time-limited promotions or events. Longer-term campaigns, spanning months, are ideal for brand awareness or product launches. Balance campaign length with budget, consider target audience buying cycle, and regularly evaluate performance for successful marketing campaigns. How Can I Measure the Success of My Advertising Campaign? To measure the success of your advertising campaign, consider these key metrics: ROI (Return on Investment): Calculate revenue generated compared to campaign cost. Conversion Rate: Determine the percentage of people taking the desired action. Click-Through Rate (CTR): Measure the percentage of clicks compared to impressions. Cost Per Acquisition (CPA): Calculate the average cost to acquire a customer or lead. Website Analytics: Track website traffic, user behavior, and conversions using tools like Google Analytics. Social Media Engagement: Monitor likes, comments, shares, and followers gained. Brand Awareness Surveys: Conduct pre-and post-campaign surveys to measure changes in brand perception. Can I Run Multiple Ad Campaigns for My Small Business at the Same Time? Yes, running multiple ad campaigns simultaneously for your small business is possible and can be advantageous. It allows you to target different audiences, promote various products or services, and test different marketing strategies. Allocate your budget strategically, ensure message consistency, track campaign performance, and manage resources effectively to make the most of multiple campaigns. How Often Should I Review and Adjust My Advertising Campaign? It is recommended to review and adjust your advertising strategy on an ongoing basis. Depending on the campaigns duration and goals, conduct regular assessments weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Monitor key performance metrics, such as ROI, CTR, and conversion rates, to identify areas for improvement. Adjustments can include refining targeting, messaging, creative elements, or media placements. By continually optimizing your campaign, you can adapt to market changes, improve effectiveness, and achieve successful marketing campaigns. What are the Types of Advertising Campaign? There are different types of advertising campaigns, including: Brand Awareness Campaigns: Increase visibility and familiarity with a brand. Product Launch Campaigns: Introduce new products or services to the market. Promotional Campaigns: Offer limited-time discounts or special incentives. Lead Generation Campaigns: Attract potential customers and collect their information. Rebranding Campaigns: Communicate new brand identity. Social Media Campaigns: Leverage social media platforms for brand engagement. What do Successful advertising campaigns have in common? Successful advertising campaigns share common characteristics, including: Clear Objectives: They have defined goals aligned with the overall marketing strategy. Targeted Audience: They understand and connect with their specific target audience. Compelling Creativity: They use impactful visuals, copywriting, and storytelling. Consistent Branding: They maintain a consistent brand image across different channels. Multi-channel Approach: They leverage various relevant marketing channels. Measurement and Optimization: They measure performance and make data-driven adjustments. Adaptability: An effective advertising campaign adapts to market trends and consumer feedback. A well-defined social media content strategy is essential in the modern business environment. Businesses and individuals alike face the challenge of standing out in an ever-expanding digital universe. An effective social media content strategy not only helps distinguish ones presence but also plays a pivotal role in engaging and retaining audiences. The content strategy acts as a guiding star, directing the creation, distribution, and management of content that resonates with the target audience. What is Content Strategy for Social Media? A social media content strategy is a plan that encompasses the creation, publication, and governance of useful and usable content. The strategy is a subset of the broader social media marketing strategy, tailored specifically to manage the content on various social media platforms. Sell Your Business Discover the Zoho Ecosystem ChatGPT Prompts for Business Advertise Your Business Here It involves understanding the audience, determining the type of content that appeals to them, and deciding on the tone and style of the content. The strategy also includes planning the frequency of posts and choosing the right platforms to reach the intended audience effectively. The ultimate goal is to create content that not only engages the audience but also aligns with the brands objectives and values. The Importance of Content in a Social Media Marketing Strategy Content is the cornerstone of any social media strategy. Its the primary tool for engaging with the audience, conveying the brands message and building a community. Effective content can captivate the audience, encourage shares, and foster a deeper connection between the brand and its followers. Social media encompasses a dynamic landscape where trends and user preferences constantly evolve. A solid content strategy ensures that the brand remains relevant and visible. Quality content drives engagement, increases reach and enhances the overall impact of social media marketing efforts. Small Business Deals Its not just about posting regularly but about delivering value through content that informs, entertains, and engages the audience. Step Description Importance Tip for Success 1. Set Clear Objectives Define measurable goals for your strategy. Provides direction and focus for your content. Set specific, achievable, and quantifiable goals. 2. Conduct an Audit Review your current social media presence. Helps understand what's working and what's not. Regularly analyze engagement and content effectiveness. 3. Create a Content Calendar Plan and organize content posting schedule. Ensures consistent and strategic content distribution. Use a social media management tool for scheduling. 4. Develop Engaging Content Create content that resonates with your audience. Engages and retains the audience's attention. Mix different content types like videos and polls. 5. Leverage Multimedia Content Use diverse media formats like videos and images. Enhances engagement and interaction. Regularly incorporate new and varied media types. 6. Implement Engagement Strategies Engage actively with your audience. Builds a loyal and interactive community. Prompt user interaction through polls and questions. 7. Monitor and Analyze Performance Track and analyze social media performance. Informs strategy adjustments for better results. Use analytics tools to measure key performance metrics. 8. Iterate and Refine the Strategy Continuously refine strategy based on feedback. Keeps the strategy relevant and effective. Stay updated with trends and audience preferences. Step 1: Set Clear Objectives for Your Social Media Strategy A successful social media strategy begins with defining clear, measurable goals. These goals serve as the foundation for all subsequent actions and decisions. They provide direction and focus, ensuring that every piece of content aligns with the broader objectives of the business. Identifying these goals is part of employing social media best practices, which include a comprehensive understanding of the platform and its possibilities. Whether its increasing brand visibility, driving website traffic, or boosting sales, each goal should be specific, achievable, and quantifiable. Such clarity helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the social media strategy and making necessary adjustments. Identify Your Core Business Objectives The first step in crafting a social media strategy is to identify core business objectives. Objectives might vary from one business to another and could include increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or enhancing customer engagement. Its crucial to understand what the business aims to achieve through its social media presence. For instance, a startup might focus on building brand awareness, while an established company might aim to drive sales or foster customer loyalty. Aligning social media goals with these core objectives ensures that efforts contribute meaningfully to the overall business strategy. Understand Your Audience Understanding the target audience is critical in shaping an effective social media content strategy. It involves delving into the demographics, interests and behaviors of the audience. Knowing who the audience is, what they care about and how they interact with social media helps in creating content that resonates with them. Its about understanding their challenges, preferences, and the type of content that captures their attention. This sort of insight allows for a more tailored approach, ensuring that the content not only reaches the audience but also engages them effectively. Select the Right Platforms Choosing the right social media platforms is a key aspect of a successful content strategy. The selection should be based on where the target audience spends their time and the nature of the business objectives. Each platform has its unique features and user demographics. For example, LinkedIn is ideal for B2B marketing and professional networking, while Instagram is more suited for visual storytelling and a younger audience. The choice of platforms should align with the type of content the business creates and where its audience is most active. This strategic selection ensures that the efforts are concentrated on the platforms that will yield the best results for the business objectives. Step 2: Conduct an Audit on Your Social Media Presence A comprehensive audit of your existing social media presence is a critical step in refining your content strategy. The audit provides valuable insights into whats working, whats not and how to improve. This process is akin to the ways to spy on competition, as it involves analyzing not only your own content but also understanding how competitors engage with their audience. It involves a thorough examination of all social media accounts, analyzing content, engagement, reach, and alignment with the set objectives. This process helps in understanding the current state of the social media presence and sets the stage for strategic improvements. Evaluate Current Content Evaluating the effectiveness of current content is essential in a social media audit. This evaluation should focus on how well the content aligns with the established objectives. Are the posts driving the desired actions, such as website visits, product purchases or engagement? Analyzing metrics like click-through rates, conversion rates and engagement levels provides insights into the contents performance. Its also important to review the contents relevance, quality and consistency. The evaluation helps in understanding what types of content resonate with the audience and contribute to achieving the business goals. Assess Engagement and Reach Assessing the level of engagement and reach of current posts is another crucial aspect of the audit. Engagement metrics such as likes, comments, shares and mentions offer a glimpse into how the audience interacts with the content. Reach, on the other hand, indicates how far the content is spreading and how many people its impacting. Analyzing these metrics helps in understanding the contents effectiveness in engaging the audience and extending the brands presence on social media. The assessment guides the strategy in terms of what content to produce more of and what to adjust. Identify Opportunities and Gaps The final part of the audit involves identifying opportunities and gaps in the current social media content strategy. The step requires a critical analysis of the audit findings to pinpoint areas where the strategy can be enhanced. Opportunities might include unexplored content types, underutilized platforms or untapped audience segments. Gaps could be in content quality, posting frequency or alignment with objectives. Identifying these areas provides a clear direction for improvement and helps in developing a more effective and comprehensive social media content strategy. Step 3: Create a Social Media Content Calendar Planning and organizing a content calendar is an essential step for consistent posting on social media. A content calendar acts as a roadmap, outlining what to post, when to post, and where to post. It ensures that content distribution is strategic, timely, and aligned with the overall marketing goals. A well-structured content calendar helps maintain a steady flow of content, avoiding last-minute rushes and ensuring a balanced mix of content types. To manage this effectively, using social media management tools can be highly beneficial. These tools can help schedule posts, track engagement, and analyze performance. Map Out Content Themes Developing themes or topics to guide content creation is a strategic approach to ensure consistency and relevance in your social media posts. Themes should reflect the brands values, resonate with the target audience, and support the overall business objectives. For example, a health and wellness brand might focus on themes like healthy recipes, workout tips, and wellness advice. By mapping out these themes, businesses can create a cohesive narrative on their social media channels, making the content more engaging and relatable to the audience. Schedule Content Posting The timing and frequency of posts are crucial for optimal engagement on social media. Different platforms have different peak times when the audience is most active. Understanding these patterns and scheduling posts accordingly can significantly increase visibility and engagement. Its also important to maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep the audience engaged and informed. However, the frequency should be balanced to avoid overwhelming the audience. A mix of daily updates, weekly features, and occasional special content can create a dynamic and engaging social media presence. Use a Social Media Management Tool Social media management tools are invaluable in managing and scheduling social media posts. Tools allow for the planning, scheduling, and automatic posting of content across various platforms. They also provide analytics to track the performance of posts, making it easier to adjust strategies based on real-time data. Tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social offer features like calendar views, team collaboration, and content curation, which streamline the social media management process. By leveraging these tools, businesses can save time, maintain consistency and enhance the effectiveness of their social media content strategy. Step 4: Develop Engaging and Relevant Content for Social Media Platforms Creating content that resonates with the audience is a vital step in a social media content strategy. It involves crafting messages that capture attention, using a variety of content types, and ensuring that all content reflects the brands voice. Incorporating diverse content like blog posts and user-generated content can also enhance engagement and authenticity. Craft Compelling Messages Creating compelling and engaging messages is key to capturing the audiences attention. Fortunately there are ways to ensure you are crafting effective messages, including: Keep It Clear and Concise : Ensure your message is straightforward and easy to understand. : Ensure your message is straightforward and easy to understand. Use a Strong Call to Action : Encourage your audience to engage with your content. : Encourage your audience to engage with your content. Incorporate Storytelling : Share stories that resonate with your audience. : Share stories that resonate with your audience. Be Authentic : Maintain a genuine tone that reflects your brand. : Maintain a genuine tone that reflects your brand. Use Visuals: Enhance your message with relevant images or videos. Diversify Content Types Using a mix of content types, such as text, images, videos and polls keeps your social media feeds dynamic and engaging. Various types of content appeal to different segments of your audience and can convey your message in various ways. For instance, videos can be particularly effective in capturing attention, while polls can increase engagement by encouraging audience participation. Align Content with Your Brand Voice Ensuring that all content aligns with the brands voice and messaging is crucial. Consistency in tone and style helps in building brand recognition and trust. Whether the brand voice is professional, playful, or inspirational, every piece of content should reflect this. That alignment helps in creating a strong brand identity across all social media platforms. Incorporate Blog Posts into Your Social Media Strategy Effectively using blog posts as part of your social media content strategy can drive traffic and engagement. Sharing snippets or highlights from blog posts on social media can pique interest and direct followers to your website. Remember the following when incorporating blog posts into your social media strategy: Hooks : Use eye-catching headlines or quotes from the blog post. : Use eye-catching headlines or quotes from the blog post. Eye Candy : Include visually appealing images or graphics. : Include visually appealing images or graphics. Links : Provide a link to the full blog post for more information. : Provide a link to the full blog post for more information. CTA: Encourage followers to share their thoughts or experiences related to the blog topic. Leverage User-Generated Content Incorporating user-generated content into your social media strategy can enhance authenticity and engagement. UGC like customer reviews, photos or stories adds a level of credibility and relatability to your brand. Strategies for encouraging and curating UGC include: Encouragement : Create campaigns or contests that encourage users to share content. : Create campaigns or contests that encourage users to share content. Social Media : Feature user-generated content on your social media channels. : Feature user-generated content on your social media channels. Recognition : Acknowledge and thank users for their contributions. : Acknowledge and thank users for their contributions. Branding: Ensure that the UGC aligns with your brand values and messaging. Step 5: Leverage Multimedia Content Using diverse media formats is a powerful way to enhance engagement in your social media content strategy. Multimedia content, including videos, live streaming, images, infographics, and interactive content, can significantly increase audience interaction and interest. Embrace Video and Live Streaming Incorporating video content and live streaming into your strategy can have a profound impact. Videos are highly engaging and can convey complex messages in an easily digestible format. Live streaming adds a layer of immediacy and authenticity, allowing for real-time interaction with the audience. These formats are excellent for tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks, Q&A sessions and showcasing product launches or events. They provide a dynamic way to connect with the audience and keep them engaged with the brand. Utilize Images and Infographics Images and infographics are essential tools for conveying information in an engaging and visually appealing manner. How do you effectively integrate data visualizations and other images into your content? Consider the following tips: Choose High-Quality Images : Ensure your images are clear and professionally presented. : Ensure your images are clear and professionally presented. Align with Brand Aesthetics : Keep your visuals consistent with your brand style. : Keep your visuals consistent with your brand style. Use Infographics for Data : Present complex data in an easy-to-understand format. : Present complex data in an easy-to-understand format. Optimize for Each Platform : Tailor image sizes and formats for specific social media channels. : Tailor image sizes and formats for specific social media channels. Incorporate Branding: Subtly include your logo or brand colors. Include Interactive Content and Stories Creating interactive content like polls, quizzes and stories can significantly boost engagement. These formats encourage active participation from the audience, making the experience more engaging and personal. Polls and quizzes are great for gathering opinions and feedback, while stories offer a temporary yet impactful way to share content. They are perfect for showcasing daily activities, special offers, or quick updates. Interactive content not only entertains but also fosters a sense of community and involvement among the audience. Step 6: Implement Engagement Strategies Engaging with the audience is a fundamental aspect of building a vibrant and loyal community on social media. The engagement goes beyond simply posting content; it involves creating a dynamic two-way interaction that resonates with and involves the audience. Effective engagement strategies not only increase the visibility and reach of your content but also foster a deeper connection with your audience. By actively engaging, you transform your social media platforms from mere broadcasting channels into thriving communities. The approach helps in understanding the audiences needs and preferences, which in turn informs the content strategy, making it more effective and audience-centric. Engaging with the audience is crucial for building a vibrant and loyal community on social media. Effective engagement strategies not only increase the visibility of your content but also foster a deeper connection with your audience. Leverage each Social Media Platform for Engagement Different social media platforms offer unique opportunities for engagement. Tailoring your approach to each platform is key. For instance, Instagram is ideal for visual storytelling and can use features like Stories and Reels for interactive content. X, with its fast-paced nature, is great for quick updates, polls and joining trending conversations. LinkedIn, on the other hand, suits more professional content and industry discussions. Understanding the nuances of each platform helps in crafting strategies that resonate with the specific audience on those platforms. Prompt User Interaction Encouraging user interaction is vital for a dynamic social media presence. Weve gathered the following strategies to help motivate your readers to get involved: Ask Questions : Stimulate conversation by asking your audience their opinions. : Stimulate conversation by asking your audience their opinions. Create Polls : Engage users with quick and easy-to-answer polls. : Engage users with quick and easy-to-answer polls. Host Contests : Encourage participation with contests and giveaways. : Encourage participation with contests and giveaways. Use Hashtags : Increase visibility and invite users to join broader conversations. : Increase visibility and invite users to join broader conversations. Share User Content: Feature content created by your audience to encourage more submissions. Employ Community Building Techniques Fostering a sense of community among followers can significantly enhance engagement. How do you build a community among your audience? The following tactics can help: Highlight Followers : Showcase your followers stories or achievements. : Showcase your followers stories or achievements. Create Groups : Establish dedicated spaces for discussions and interactions. : Establish dedicated spaces for discussions and interactions. Host Live Sessions : Engage in real-time with Q&A sessions or webinars. : Engage in real-time with Q&A sessions or webinars. Offer Exclusive Content : Provide content that is exclusive to your social media followers. : Provide content that is exclusive to your social media followers. Encourage Collaboration: Invite followers to contribute ideas or content. Respond and Interact Actively responding to and interacting with followers is essential. The interaction shows that you value their input and are interested in what they have to say. Whether its replying to comments, addressing concerns or acknowledging positive feedback, timely and thoughtful interaction can strengthen the relationship with your audience. Its not just about broadcasting content but also about listening and engaging in meaningful conversations. This two-way communication is key to building trust and loyalty among your social media community. Step 7: Monitor and Analyze Performance Monitoring and analyzing social media performance is essential for understanding the impact of your content strategy. The process involves tracking various metrics to gauge the effectiveness of your posts and engagement strategies. By analyzing this data, you can make informed decisions to enhance your social media presence. Track Key Metrics Identifying which metrics are most important is crucial for effectively tracking performance. Engagement metrics like likes, comments, shares and click-through rates provide insights into how the audience interacts with your content. Reach and impressions indicate the extent of your contents visibility. Conversion rates and lead generation metrics are vital for understanding the ROI of your social media efforts. Tracking these metrics helps in assessing the success of your content strategy and identifying areas for improvement. Use Analytics Tools How do you measure the success of your content? Several tools and platforms are available for tracking social media analytics, including: Google Analytics : The platform offers comprehensive insights into website traffic from social media. : The platform offers comprehensive insights into website traffic from social media. Hootsuite : This tool provides a dashboard for tracking performance across multiple social platforms. : This tool provides a dashboard for tracking performance across multiple social platforms. Sprout Social : Another effective online tool, it features detailed analytics and reporting tools for social media engagement. : Another effective online tool, it features detailed analytics and reporting tools for social media engagement. BuzzSumo : The popular option is great for analyzing content performance and identifying popular trends. : The popular option is great for analyzing content performance and identifying popular trends. Facebook Insights: Designed to measure social media content success, it offers in-depth analytics for Facebook page performance. Adjust Strategy Based on Insights Using insights from data to refine your content strategy is a continuous process. Analyzing the performance data helps you understand what types of content resonate with your audience and which platforms are most effective. The information allows you to adjust your content themes, posting schedule, and engagement tactics. For instance, if videos receive more engagement, you might increase video content in your strategy. If certain posts drive more website traffic, you can create similar content to boost conversions. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your strategy based on these insights ensures that your social media efforts remain effective and aligned with your business objectives. Step 8: Iterate and Refine the Strategy Continually refining your social media strategy is key to maintaining its effectiveness. The process involves regularly reviewing analytics and feedback to make informed adjustments. As social media is an ever-evolving landscape, staying agile and responsive to changes ensures that your strategy remains relevant and impactful. Iteration is not just about fixing what doesnt work; its also about optimizing and enhancing what does work. Stay Current with Trends Adapting your strategy to stay in line with current social media trends is crucial. Social media trends can change rapidly, and whats popular today might not be tomorrow. Keeping a close eye on these trends allows you to adjust your content and engagement tactics to stay relevant. This might involve embracing new content formats, experimenting with emerging platforms, or adopting the latest engagement techniques. Staying current with trends helps in keeping your content fresh and engaging for your audience. Incorporate Audience Feedback Using audience feedback to make adjustments to your strategy is invaluable. Feedback can come in various forms, such as comments, direct messages, or engagement metrics. Listening to your audience helps in understanding their preferences and expectations. This direct input can guide you in tailoring your content, improving engagement tactics, and enhancing the overall user experience. Incorporating audience feedback ensures that your strategy is aligned with the needs and interests of your audience. Test and Experiment The role of testing and experimentation in evolving your strategy cannot be overstated. Experimenting with different types of content, posting schedules, and engagement methods can reveal what works best for your audience. A/B testing, for example, can provide insights into which headlines, images, or call-to-actions are more effective. This process of trial and error is essential for discovering new ways to engage and grow your audience. Regular testing and experimentation keep your strategy dynamic and allow for continuous improvement. FAQs: Social Media Content Strategy How Can a Blog Post be Used Across Different Social Media Platforms? To leverage a blog post across different social media platforms, adapt its content to fit each platforms unique style. On Facebook, share a brief summary and link to the post. Instagram is ideal for posting compelling images or infographics from the blog, with a link in the bio. Use Twitter to highlight key insights or quotes, and LinkedIn for more in-depth analysis. This approach ensures your blog reaches a diverse audience effectively. Should a Business Hire an Expert in Social Media Content Strategy? Hiring an expert in social media content strategy is beneficial for businesses lacking specialized knowledge. An expert can tailor social media marketing campaigns to various platforms, understand audience behaviors, and keep up with digital trends. They save time and resources by creating effective content and analyzing performance data for continuous improvement. For businesses aiming to enhance their online presence, an experts insights and skills can be invaluable, potentially leading to greater engagement and success on social media platforms. Are you an employee who is curious about what a W2 form Wage and Tax statement are, or an employer wondering if they need to provide them? Its essential that employers and employees understand their responsibilities when it comes to W2 forms. This tax document has vital implications for tax filing and is an essential part of any workers financial landscape. In this article, well walk through everything you need to know about the intricacies of the W2 form, from its purpose, contents, and distribution deadlines. Lets dive in! What is a W2 Form? A W2 Form is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax form that is used to report wages, salaries, and other forms of compensation paid to an employee. In essence, its a comprehensive financial record of an employees earnings for the year. The employer must provide the employee with a copy of the completed W2 form so they can file their taxes correctly and efficiently. In addition to providing a copy to the employee, the employer is also mandated by law to submit copies of the form to the IRS and any applicable state tax agencies to ensure transparency and compliance. Who receives a Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement? A W2 Form, also known as a Wage and Tax Statement, is sent to an employee who has worked for an employer during the tax year. Whether the work was part-time or full-time, the form is issued by the employer at the end of the tax year. It includes detailed information about the employees earnings, taxes withheld, and any compensation received, ensuring a transparent record of an employees income for tax purposes. It is a requirement that all employees must receive a copy of this form in order to file their taxes. Employers need to submit a copy of this form to the IRS and applicable state tax agencies. Small Business Deals Your Responsibilities as an Employer As an employer, you are required by law to provide employees with a W2 Form at the end of the tax year. This form, which needs to be completed accurately and filed on time, is a significant part of your businesss tax obligations. Its not just about legal compliance; a timely and accurate W2 also helps maintain a positive relationship with your employees. Its important that you keep meticulous records of employee wages and taxes withheld throughout the year, as this information will be reflected on the W2 Form, and discrepancies could lead to potential issues with the IRS or state agencies. The Importance of Accurate W2 Reporting Understanding the significance of accurate W2 reporting is essential for both employers and employees. Its accuracy is paramount for several reasons: Tax Compliance : Accurate W2 forms are vital for complying with IRS regulations. Errors or discrepancies can lead to questions from the IRS, potentially triggering audits or investigations. Ensuring that all information is correct helps avoid unnecessary scrutiny and legal complications. : Accurate W2 forms are vital for complying with IRS regulations. Errors or discrepancies can lead to questions from the IRS, potentially triggering audits or investigations. Ensuring that all information is correct helps avoid unnecessary scrutiny and legal complications. Employee Tax Filings : Employees rely on the information provided in the W2 form to file their personal income taxes accurately. Inaccuracies can lead to incorrect tax filings, resulting in either underpayment or overpayment of taxes. Such mistakes can be time-consuming and costly to rectify. : Employees rely on the information provided in the W2 form to file their personal income taxes accurately. Inaccuracies can lead to incorrect tax filings, resulting in either underpayment or overpayment of taxes. Such mistakes can be time-consuming and costly to rectify. Refund Accuracy : The data on W2 forms directly affects the calculation of tax refunds or dues. Incorrect information can lead to incorrect refund amounts being issued, impacting an employees financial planning. : The data on W2 forms directly affects the calculation of tax refunds or dues. Incorrect information can lead to incorrect refund amounts being issued, impacting an employees financial planning. Social Security and Medicare Benefits : W2 forms report wages that are subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Inaccuracies in these reports can affect an employees future benefits, as these are calculated based on the reported earnings history. : W2 forms report wages that are subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Inaccuracies in these reports can affect an employees future benefits, as these are calculated based on the reported earnings history. State Tax Implications : For states that levy income tax, the W2 form provides essential data for state tax filings. Mistakes in state wages and tax withholdings can lead to issues with state tax authorities. : For states that levy income tax, the W2 form provides essential data for state tax filings. Mistakes in state wages and tax withholdings can lead to issues with state tax authorities. Employer Accountability : Employers are legally obligated to provide accurate W2 forms. Failure to do so can result in penalties and damage to the employers credibility and trustworthiness. It is also a reflection of the employers commitment to responsible business practices. : Employers are legally obligated to provide accurate W2 forms. Failure to do so can result in penalties and damage to the employers credibility and trustworthiness. It is also a reflection of the employers commitment to responsible business practices. Financial Record-Keeping: The W2 form serves as an official record of an employees earnings and taxes paid. This is important for personal financial record-keeping, loan applications, and future employment verifications. How Can I Get My W-2? Many people find themselves unsure about how to get their W-2 form, but its actually quite simple. Here are some handy tips on how to secure your W-2: Contact Your Employer: Your employer is your first point of contact for W-2 forms. They should be able to provide you with the necessary paperwork or instructions on how to access and download it online if such a system is in place Your employer is your first point of contact for W-2 forms. They should be able to provide you with the necessary paperwork or instructions on how to access and download it online if such a system is in place Log into Your Online Payroll System: If you have online access to your payroll system, you may be able to download a copy of your W-2 directly from the website, making the process quick and paperless. If you have online access to your payroll system, you may be able to download a copy of your W-2 directly from the website, making the process quick and paperless. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA): The SSA may be able to provide you with a copy of your W-2 if you have lost it or cannot obtain one from your employer. This is a helpful backup option if you find yourself in a bind. The SSA may be able to provide you with a copy of your W-2 if you have lost it or cannot obtain one from your employer. This is a helpful backup option if you find yourself in a bind. Request a Copy from the IRS: If you are unable to receive a copy from your employer, you can request a free replacement from the IRS by filing Form 4506T. This is a good alternative if other methods prove unsuccessful. If you are unable to receive a copy from your employer, you can request a free replacement from the IRS by filing Form 4506T. This is a good alternative if other methods prove unsuccessful. Use Third-Party Services: There are various third-party services that can help retrieve copies of your W-2 form if all other methods have failed. These companies usually charge fees for this service, so its advisable to do the proper research beforehand to ensure youre making an informed decision. What Information Does Form W-2: Wage and Tax Statement Include? A Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement provides a comprehensive overview of an employees financial data for the year. This document acts as a one-stop source of vital information for tax filing. The following is a list of details included in Form W-2: Employees name, address, and Social Security number Employers name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) Total earnings, wages, and tips Amount of federal income tax withheld The amount of Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld State, local, and/or city taxes withheld Any other taxable income or deductions reported to the IRS How to File Form W-2 Lets go through how to fill out Form W-2 box-by-box below Boxes A-F Box A is for the employees SSN. This number is a critical piece of personal identification for tax purposes. Boxes B, C, and D are for the EIN, employers address, and control number. These details provide important information about the employer. Boxes E and F are for the employees name and address, another critical aspect of personal identification for tax records. Box 1 Wages, tips, other compensation This section contains your employees total taxable wages, tips, and other compensation. It includes all forms of earnings that are subject to taxation. Box 2 Federal income tax withholding This is where the total sum of federal income tax taken out from the employees salary throughout the year is listed. This figure represents the employees prepaid federal tax contributions. Boxes 3 and 4 Your employees gross wages and the Social Security taxes withheld from their pay are shown in these boxes. This indicates how much of their earnings were subjected to Social Security taxes. Box 5 Medicare wages and tips This box shows the amount of wages and tips subject to Medicare taxes. This is an important detail as it directly impacts your employees future Medicare benefits. Box 6 Medicare tax withheld This section contains the total amount of Medicare taxes withheld from the employees paycheck. Like the Social Security taxes, these contributions influence the employees Medicare benefits. Box 7 Social security tips If applicable, this box contains the total amount of tips reported to you by your employee. These tips count as earned income for the purposes of calculating Social Security contributions. Box 8 Allocated tips This box captures the amount of tips allocated to your employee, based on reported tip income. It helps provide a more accurate picture of the employees total earnings. Box 9 This box is no longer used and should be left blank. Box 10 Dependent care benefits This section shows the amount of dependent care benefits provided by your business. It can include things like employer-funded child care or adult dependent care services. Box 11 Nonqualified plans This section includes the amount of nonqualified deferred compensation paid to the employee. It covers any payments that arent part of a tax-qualified deferred compensation plan. Box 12 This box includes various types of deferred compensation and benefits. 401(k) plans are This process may differ depending on the software. Box 13 In box 13, there are three checkboxes. The employer should mark if any of these apply: Statutory Employee: This refers to employees who, despite earning wages, are treated as self-employed when it comes to FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes. The IRS has specific guidelines on who qualifies as a statutory employee. This refers to employees who, despite earning wages, are treated as self-employed when it comes to FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes. The IRS has specific guidelines on who qualifies as a statutory employee. Retirement Plan: This box should be checked if the employee participated in your companys retirement plan during the tax year. This might affect the employees ability to deduct contributions to a traditional IRA. This box should be checked if the employee participated in your companys retirement plan during the tax year. This might affect the employees ability to deduct contributions to a traditional IRA. Third-Party Sick Pay: This box should be checked if a third party, like an insurance company, paid sick wages to your employee. Box 14 Other In box 14, employers have the liberty to report any additional tax information that may not fit into the standard boxes. This can include items such as union dues, employer-sponsored health coverage, or after-tax contributions to a retirement plan. Boxes 15 to 20 These boxes relate to state and local taxes. They include the employers state and state tax identification number, the employees state wages, tips etc, state income tax, locality name, local wages, tips etc, and local income tax. Not all employees will have entries in these boxes, but when relevant, the employer should accurately report this information. What to do if you havent received your IRS W2 Form? If by the end of February you have not received your Form W-2 from your employer (or former employer), you should first contact them to inquire if and when the W-2 was mailed. If it was mailed, it may have been returned to your employer because of an incorrect address. After contacting your employer, if you do not receive your W-2, you may call the IRS for assistance at 800-829-1040. Types of IRS W Form There are several types of W forms issued by the IRS, here are some: Form Description Who Uses It? W-2 This form reports an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. Employers issue this form to their employees and to the IRS. W-4 This form helps an employer determine the correct amount of tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck. Employees fill this out and give it to their employer. It can be updated anytime the employee's personal or financial situation changes. W-9 This form is used to request a taxpayer identification number (TIN) and to certify that the number provided is correct. Used primarily by independent contractors, self-employed service providers, and other non-employees to provide their TIN to entities from whom they receive payments. W-2G This form is used to report certain gambling winnings. Issued by gambling operators to winners who receive payouts that meet a certain threshold or meet certain criteria. What to do if you find an error on your W-2 If you find an error on your W-2, you should immediately notify your employer and request a corrected W-2. Your employer will issue a W-2c, a corrected W-2. Never alter the original W-2 yourself. How to attach your W2 Attaching your W-2 to your tax return is a simple process. Here is exactly how to do this: Gather documents. Gather your W-2 and any other documents you will be attaching to your tax return. Scan or photocopy. Scan the documents or make copies if they are paper forms. Create an electronic folder. Create a folder on your computer in which you will store the documents. Upload documents. Upload your scanned/photocopied forms to the electronic folder. Attach documents to the return. Use the software youre using to file your taxes to attach the documents to the return. W2 Form Tips Filing taxes can be a daunting task for many people. Here are some tips to make sure you file your W-2 correctly and on time: Check your information carefully . Make sure all of your information is accurate and up to date. . Make sure all of your information is accurate and up to date. Double-check for accuracy. Review the form carefully before sending it in to make sure there are no errors. Review the form carefully before sending it in to make sure there are no errors. Send it in on time. Make sure to file your W-2 before the due date so you dont incur any late fees. Make sure to file your W-2 before the due date so you dont incur any late fees. Consult a tax professional. If in doubt, reach out to a qualified tax professional for more advice and assistance on tax deductions and with filing your W-2. If in doubt, reach out to a qualified tax professional for more advice and assistance on tax deductions and with filing your W-2. Estimated tax payments. If you are not receiving a salary or wage, you may need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. Final Words Understanding the W-2 form and its implications for both employees and employers is crucial. Its an essential part of the tax filing process and can play a significant role in determining how much income tax an individual is required to pay. This form also provides valuable information for employers, helping them keep track of the amounts theyve paid in wages and taxes throughout the year. Make sure to keep accurate records, file on time, and understand your responsibilities whether youre an employee or an employer. Doing so can help you avoid any potential issues or penalties down the line. Finding the best tax software for self-employed individuals and small business owners is also important, as it can make the filing process easier and more efficient. What is the difference between a 1099 and W-2? A 1099 Form is for reporting non-employee income such as freelance or contracted work, while a W-2 Form is used to report wages, salaries, and other types of employee compensation. Employers are also required to withhold taxes from employee income reported on W-2 Forms, whereas 1099 rules require independent contractors are responsible for paying their own taxes on income reported on 1099 Forms. What is the difference between a W-4 form and a W-2 form? A W-4 Form, also known as the Employees Withholding Allowance Certificate, is filled out by employees to let employers know how much federal income tax to withhold from their paychecks. The employee may adjust this form anytime their personal or financial situation changes. In contrast, a W-2 Form is an annual report generated by employers that details the total income an employee has earned and the amount of federal, state, and other taxes withheld from their paycheck throughout the year. Thus, the W-4 form is used to anticipate tax obligations, while the W-2 form reflects what was actually earned and withheld. What is Cafe 125 on a W-2 tax form? Cafe 125 on a W-2 tax form refers to Section 125 of the IRS code. This section pertains to pre-tax contributions that employees make towards a cafeteria plan, which includes benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance premiums. These contributions are made with pre-tax dollars and hence are not subject to federal income tax withholding, Social Security taxes, or Medicare taxes. The Cafe 125 notation on the W-2 form is an indicator of such contributions made by the employee throughout the tax year. What is Form W-2G? Form W-2G, also known as Certain Gambling Winnings, is a tax form used to report income earned from specific types of gambling activities. These activities include lotteries, sweepstakes, and other betting ventures that meet specific payout thresholds. Payers of such winnings are required to issue a W-2G form to the recipient if the winnings exceed certain values, which vary depending on the type of gambling, and are subject to federal income tax withholding. How Much Money Do You Need to Make to Get a W-2? In general, employers are obligated to provide a W-2 form to any employee who earned at least $600 in wages, tips, or other compensation during the year. This rule also applies if the employee had any amount of taxes withheld, regardless of their total income. However, its important to note that even if you made less than $600, youre still responsible for reporting all of your income to the IRS. What Do I Do If I Lost My W-2? If you lost your W-2 form, you should promptly reach out to your employer and ask for a duplicate copy. Employers are legally obligated to provide a replacement if requested. If your employer fails to provide a replacement, you can contact the IRS, who can compel your employer to issue a new one. The IRS can also provide you with a substitute Form W-2 to use if your employer does not provide a replacement in a timely manner. By what date must W-2s be sent to employees? The IRS mandates that employers must distribute W-2 forms to their employees no later than January 31st of the year following the tax year. This allows employees ample time to file their tax returns before the April 15th deadline. If employers fail to comply with this deadline, they could face penalties. Therefore, employees should contact their employers directly if they have not received their W-2 by early February. What should I do if an employees copy of the W-2 is returned as undeliverable? If an employees copy of the W-2 form is returned as undeliverable, its the employers responsibility to make a reasonable attempt to obtain a corrected mailing address. The employer should then resend the W-2 form to the new address. If the employer cannot obtain a corrected address, they should securely store the undeliverable W-2 and provide it to the employee upon request either in person or by email. Can employers furnish W-2s to employees electronically? Yes, employers are allowed to provide W-2 forms to their employees electronically. However, the employer must first obtain the employees written consent to receive the W-2 in an electronic format. This consent can be given electronically, and once given, its effective for all future years unless the employee revokes it. Can an Employee Receive More Than One W-2? Yes, an employee may receive multiple W-2 forms if they worked for more than one employer during the tax year. They may also receive a corrected W-2 form if their employer made an error on the original form, resulting in the need to amend and reissue the form. Each W-2 form represents the earnings and taxes withheld by a separate employer. What are the penalties for submitting W-2s late? Penalties for submitting W-2 forms late are based on when you file the correct information with the IRS. The penalty is $50 per form if you file within 30 days of the due date, increasing to $110 per form if filed between 31 days after the due date and August 1. After August 1 or if you dont file at all, the penalty can be up to $270 per form. For intentional disregard, the penalty is at least $550 per form, with no maximum limit. Can an employer charge for a replacement W-2? Yes, employers are allowed to charge a reasonable fee for issuing a replacement W-2 form. This fee is typically equivalent to the actual cost the employer incurs in processing and generating the replacement form, including expenses related to research, data retrieval, and document preparation. However, its worth noting that many employers provide this service free of charge as a courtesy to their employees. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reaches out to greet Texas Border Czar Mike Banks before a press conference at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. Joining Abbott are from left, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Gov. Greg Abbott has just signed two major bills into law that will have far-reaching ripple effects felt by immigrants and non-immigrants alike. Legislators expect these laws to discourage and prevent immigrants from coming to Texas, but the reality is that they will do little to stop migration. As with anti-immigration laws passed in other states, the legislation is likely to backfire and result in a series of severe, unintended consequences. These bills will inevitably lead to civil rights violations, hurt our economy and may even affect foreign relations with Mexico. As Texans, we should be concerned. The first, Senate Bill 4, makes it a state misdemeanor to enter the country between ports of entry, empowers Texas peace officers to arrest people suspected of being unlawfully present in the country and requires state judges to order that suspected undocumented migrants to leave the U.S. and return to the foreign nation from which they entered, Mexico or Canada. The second, Senate Bill 3, appropriates more than $1.5 billion for border wall construction. These bills are only the latest in the states demands for more jurisdiction over immigration law enforcement, which is under the federal governments purview. The Republican majority in the Texas House and Senate blame the inaction of the Biden administration. Depending on ones perspective, they may be right. However, the Republican majority in the Legislature has historically failed to hold past White House administrations accountable, including Democrats and Republicans. Most importantly, Republicans continue to overlook the role of Congress, which is partially controlled by a slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Through the necessary and proper clause in the Constitution, the Supreme Court recognizes that Congress has plenary power over immigration, giving it almost complete authority to decide who can enter and remain in the United States. However, the inability of Congress to produce immigration reform for the past several decades has led to a series of haphazard laws implemented at the state level. By failing to act, Congress has essentially devolved its power to the states. As a result, states dare to implement restrictive immigration policies that affect far more people than just immigrants. The patchwork affects all of us. Though the Republican majority behind SB4 has argued it is not a show me your papers law, in practice, officers must ask residents about their immigration status to determine whether they are living in the U.S. unlawfully. This means that peace officers may disproportionately target ordinary Americans based on the color of their skin and the presumption of their immigration status. Typically, Americans of color especially Latinos are profiled as immigrants, and in many instances, as undocumented. Research conducted on similar laws that encourage profiling based on physical characteristics, such as Senate Bill 1070 in Arizona and Stop and Frisk in New York City, illustrate this point. SB4 may result in severe civil rights violations against many ordinary, law-abiding Texans. If SB4 and SB3 do drive immigrants away, as their proponents hope, the economy will be hurt. Immigrants significantly contribute to economic growth through retail sales, leases, rentals and taxable services. According to a 2006 report by former state Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, if the 1.4 million undocumented migrants residing in Texas at the time were deported (today that number reaches an estimated 1.6 million, not so different from 2005), the state would have experienced a gross domestic product loss of nearly $18 billion that year. During this time, migrants generated $1.58 billion in in-state revenue, outweighing the $1.16 billion in incurred costs. Though some evidence shows that unskilled undocumented immigration has a slight negative impact on the wages of native-born individuals without a high school diploma, economists generally believe these costs are marginal. According to Alan Greenspan, the 13th chairman of the Federal Reserve and Ronald Reagan nominee, the overall economic benefits of undocumented immigration are significantly greater than the costs. Legislators and constituents often support these restrictive state laws based on unfounded assumptions. The first of these myths is that immigration increases crime. Research on immigration and crime repeatedly refutes this point. In fact, some research reveals the opposite: immigration may, in fact, reduce crime by stimulating the local economy. The second popular myth is that migrants take jobs and depress wages for Americans. Decades of research shows that this is not the case. The current labor shortage in the U.S. belies this point. We need immigrants to fill important jobs across all sectors of the economy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad THE LATEST: Abbott signs border law that empowers Texas to begin deportations If immigration ultimately benefits us, what purpose do SB4 and SB3 serve? The answer to this question is simple: politics. Immigration as a campaign issue, in an era of extreme partisan polarization, works well for both Republicans and Democrats. Maintaining the status quo helps both parties rally their base during elections. Democrats denounce Republicans, and Republicans denounce Democrats. Every year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) necessitates that all employees, regardless of their income level or tax bracket, fill out the W4 Form. This essential document serves as a roadmap for employers to determine the accurate amount of federal and state taxes that should be withheld from each paycheck. Acting as a guide to tax withholding, the W4 form is of great significance since it empowers taxpayers to precisely calculate their income tax liability. This ensures that they are meeting their tax obligations and helps avoid any potential legal complications arising from improperly filed taxes. In this guide, we delve into the details of what a W4 Form entails, who needs to file one, and the correct methodology to complete this crucial document. Lets get started! What is a W4 Form? At its core, a W4 Form is a federally mandated form employed by the IRS. It plays a pivotal role in defining the amount of tax that should be withheld from your paycheck and subsequently remitted to the government. This form is the key determinant in calculating whether youll end up owing additional taxes or will be eligible for a tax refund when the time comes for filing your tax return. Ensuring that the W4 Form is filled out correctly and accurately is a critical aspect of financial management. It safeguards you from the pitfalls of underpaying or overpaying taxes, thus potentially saving you significant amounts of time and money in the long run. By understanding the implications of the W4 Form, you can make more informed decisions about your tax withholdings, leading to better financial planning and stability. Small Business Deals What is the IRS Form W4 Form Used for? The IRS Form W4 serves as a fundamental document for taxpayers, outlining their financial liabilities for a particular fiscal year. Lets delve a little deeper into the primary functions of the Form W4: Determine Tax Withheld The Form W4 acts as a guide for both employers and employees, establishing how much federal and state income tax should be systematically withheld from the employee paychecks, ensuring the correct taxes are being paid throughout the year. Calculate Income Tax Liability Another crucial role of the Form W4 is assisting taxpayers in accurately calculating their income tax liability. This is accomplished when they file their returns, which helps them keep track of their financial obligations to the state and federal government. Reduce Taxes Owed The Form W4 also proves advantageous in helping taxpayers reduce the amount of taxes they owe. By claiming certain deductions and tax credits outlined in the form, taxpayers may be able to lower their overall tax bill, contributing to their financial stability. Receive a Larger Refund Lastly, the Form W4 can also be a tool for taxpayers to increase their potential refund amount. By claiming specific deductions and credits as stipulated on the form, taxpayers may increase their chances of receiving a larger refund when they file their returns, positively impacting their financial health. Types of IRS W4 Form There are several types of W4 Forms provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Heres a summary: Form Name Purpose and Usage W-4 Tax Liability Estimator Used to estimate tax liability. Helps taxpayers determine the amount of taxes they owe. W-4P Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments Used by pension and annuity recipients to instruct payers on tax withholding amounts. W-4R Withholding Certificate for Retirement Payments Used by retirees to instruct employers on tax withholding amounts from retirement payments. W-4S Request for Federal Income Tax Withholding from Sick Pay Used by employees on sick pay to instruct employers on tax withholding amounts. W-4V Voluntary Withholding Request Used by taxpayers to voluntarily request employers to withhold a certain amount of income tax. How to Fill Out a W4 Form Filling out a W4 Form can be a bit confusing, so here are some steps to help you get started. Download the W4 Form Here. Step 1: Enter Personal Information The first step is to enter the basic personal information. This includes your name, address, filing status, and Social Security number. Step 2: Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works When you hold more than one job at once, or when your spouse works, you need to complete this step. Income earned from all of these jobs determines the correct amount of withholding. Step 3: Claim Dependent and Other Credits For this step, you will provide information on any dependents you have and other credits. This can include education or childcare tax credits that could reduce your tax liability. Step 4 (optional): Other Adjustments This step is optional, but its a good idea to complete it if you have other sources of income, want to reduce your withholding if you expect to claim tax deductions other than the standard deduction, or if you want any additional tax withheld each pay period. Step 5: Sign Here You will need to sign and date the form under penalties of perjury. This is important because it indicates that all of the information on the form is true, accurate, and complete. Employers Only The last section of Form W-4 is for employers only. In this section, the employer will include their business name and address, the date the employee started working for the company, and their Employer Identification Number (EIN). How to Fill Out W4 Form First Time Completing the Form W4 for the first time might seem daunting, but its a straightforward process once you understand the basics. In addition to adhering to the outlined steps to fill out Form W4, its vital that you pay extra attention to all the relevant sections. This includes particularly critical areas like your filing status and the number of allowances youre claiming. Meticulously read the instructions and ensure you populate all relevant fields accurately and entirely before submitting your form. This accuracy will streamline your tax calculation and ensure a smooth experience when its time to file your returns. When to File Form W4 Typically, the ideal time to file an IRS Form W4 is as soon as you commence a new job. This form sets the standard for your tax withholdings for that employment. However, life isnt always so predictable. If your tax situation undergoes changes during the year (for instance, if you get married, have children, or experience other major life events), then you might need to revise your Form W4 with your employer. This ensures that your taxes are calculated precisely and your withholdings accurately reflect your current financial situation. Employers are usually required to file Form W4 with the IRS by the end of February each year. This timely filing ensures that employee taxes are properly withheld and reported for the previous tax year, maintaining compliance with federal tax laws. How to Estimate Your Taxes To estimate your taxes, check your income tax return from the previous year and note which deductions youve claimed. This historical data can serve as a valuable benchmark for the upcoming year. If you find yourself having to pay taxes instead of receiving a refund, this should give you a ballpark figure for what your tax bill might look like this year. Analyze the information from your paychecks to calculate how much is being withheld each month for taxes and other deductions. Lastly, compare these figures with what you anticipate to owe on your next tax return. If theres a discrepancy, you may need to update your W-4 form or modify the amount of withholding tax to more accurately mirror your projected income tax. Form W-4 Special Considerations Completing a Form W-4 comes with some special considerations that should not be overlooked. These nuances can greatly impact your tax calculations and potential refund. Its crucial to understand these considerations before embarking on filling out the form, ensuring that your withholding is both accurate and appropriate for your specific financial circumstances. Knowledge of these special considerations helps minimize surprises during tax season, leading to a more predictable and manageable financial year. Here are the most important points to consider when it comes to completing the Form W-4: Filing Status Be sure to choose the correct filing status based on your marital status and other criteria. Be sure to choose the correct filing status based on your marital status and other criteria. Part-Year Employment If you started working part-way through the year, you may need to adjust your withholding selection accordingly. If you started working part-way through the year, you may need to adjust your withholding selection accordingly. Multiple Jobs When multiple jobs are held, more tax might be withheld from each paycheck than is necessary. This can affect people who hold extra jobs when businesses are hiring seasonal employees. When multiple jobs are held, more tax might be withheld from each paycheck than is necessary. This can affect people who hold extra jobs when businesses are hiring seasonal employees. Tax Credit Qualifications When claiming certain tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), the Form W-4 should be adjusted accordingly. When claiming certain tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), the Form W-4 should be adjusted accordingly. Additional Withholding Amounts If desired, additional amounts can be withheld from each check for federal income tax purposes. W4 Form Tips When filling out Form W-4, consider following these tips. Theyll help ensure that your withholding tax is accurate and appropriate: Read the instructions thoroughly. Make sure you understand all sections of the form before completing it. Make sure you understand all sections of the form before completing it. Standard deduction amounts . Be sure to confirm the standard deduction for your filing status. The standard deduction may be able to reduce your taxable income and consequently the amount of taxes due. Be sure to confirm the standard deduction for your filing status. The standard deduction may be able to reduce your taxable income and consequently the amount of taxes due. Review Life Changes : Consider any significant life events, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, as these can affect your tax situation. Adjust your W-4 accordingly to reflect these changes, which can impact the number of allowances you claim. : Consider any significant life events, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, as these can affect your tax situation. Adjust your W-4 accordingly to reflect these changes, which can impact the number of allowances you claim. Consider Additional Income : If you have additional sources of income (e.g., investment income, freelance work), you may need to adjust your withholding. Ensure that enough tax is being withheld to cover the total income tax liability from all sources. : If you have additional sources of income (e.g., investment income, freelance work), you may need to adjust your withholding. Ensure that enough tax is being withheld to cover the total income tax liability from all sources. Multiple Jobs Adjustments : If you or your spouse have more than one job, use the IRSs Multiple Jobs Worksheet or the Tax Withholding Estimator tool to calculate the correct amount of withholding. This is critical to avoid underpaying taxes throughout the year. : If you or your spouse have more than one job, use the IRSs Multiple Jobs Worksheet or the Tax Withholding Estimator tool to calculate the correct amount of withholding. This is critical to avoid underpaying taxes throughout the year. Non-deductible business expenses. Understand which business expenses are not deductible from federal income tax and account for them when calculating your withholding. Understand which business expenses are not deductible from federal income tax and account for them when calculating your withholding. 1099 rules . If you receive a 1099 instead of a W2, you will likely need additional withholding amounts as you wont have enough taxes withheld through payroll. If you receive a 1099 instead of a W2, you will likely need additional withholding amounts as you wont have enough taxes withheld through payroll. Estimate Deductions and Credits : If you plan to itemize deductions or qualify for various tax credits (e.g., education credits, child tax credit), factor these into your withholding calculations. This can help you avoid having too much or too little tax withheld. : If you plan to itemize deductions or qualify for various tax credits (e.g., education credits, child tax credit), factor these into your withholding calculations. This can help you avoid having too much or too little tax withheld. Regularly Update Your W-4 : Dont set and forget your W-4. Review and update it annually or whenever your personal or financial situation changes. Regular updates ensure that your withholdings align with your current tax situation, avoiding surprises at tax time. : Dont set and forget your W-4. Review and update it annually or whenever your personal or financial situation changes. Regular updates ensure that your withholdings align with your current tax situation, avoiding surprises at tax time. Use IRS Resources : The IRS provides tools and resources, including the Tax Withholding Estimator, to help you determine the right amount of tax to withhold. Utilize these tools to make informed decisions about your withholdings. : The IRS provides tools and resources, including the Tax Withholding Estimator, to help you determine the right amount of tax to withhold. Utilize these tools to make informed decisions about your withholdings. Seek Professional Advice : If youre unsure about how to complete your W-4, particularly in complex tax situations, consult with a tax professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific financial circumstances. : If youre unsure about how to complete your W-4, particularly in complex tax situations, consult with a tax professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific financial circumstances. Check State Withholding Forms: Some states have their own version of the W-4 for state tax withholding. Ensure you also complete these forms if required, especially if you live or work in a different state than your employers location. Wrapping Up In wrapping up, the significance of the W4 Form cannot be overstated for both employers and employees. This document is a cornerstone for ensuring that your taxes are computed correctly, providing a clear snapshot of your financial obligations to the government. It also contributes to the accuracy of your paycheck, ensuring you receive the right amount of money after tax withholdings. As a first-time filer, its paramount to take your time, thoroughly read the instructions, and meticulously fill out all the relevant fields before submitting your form. This vigilance can save you from future tax complications. Moreover, should your financial situation shift during the year, its vital to proactively update your W4 Form with your employer. This allows you to adjust the withholding tax amount accordingly and reflect your current financial circumstances accurately. Do I Claim 0 or 1 on My W-4? As a rule of thumb, if you are a single employee with no dependents, then option 0 is typically the best choice. This option applies the standard withholding to your paycheck, making it a straightforward choice for individuals with simple tax situations. If you are married with dependents, you may want to consider option 1. This option accounts for higher withholdings and could potentially pave the way for a larger refund when tax season rolls around. What is an Employees Withholding Certificate? The Employees Withholding Certificate, often referred to as Form W-4, is an integral document that employers use to determine the appropriate amount of federal income taxes to withhold from an employees wages. To be effective, the form must be completed accurately by the employee and handed over to the employer. It captures essential data such as the employees name, address, filing status, and the number of dependents. This information equips employers with the necessary insights to accurately withhold federal income taxes from employee paychecks, ensuring compliance with tax laws. Why Did the IRS Change the W-4 Form? The IRS decided to change the W-4 Form to enhance its transparency, simplicity, and accuracy. Withholding allowances were formerly tied to personal exemptions, but due to changes in the law, personal and dependent exemptions can no longer be claimed. The updated form is designed to be more user-friendly and more accurately reflect modern tax situations. What Is the Difference Between a W-2 and a W-4? W-2 Form W-4 Form Who generates it? Employer Employee Purpose To show wages earned by an employee and the amount of taxes withheld. To provide information on how much federal income taxes to withhold. Usage For filing tax returns. Used by employers to determine tax withholding each pay period. Timing Provided annually, typically at the end of the year. Typically completed when an employee is hired or changes their status. Recipient Both the employee and the IRS receive a copy. Usually kept by the employer, but also sent to the IRS. Where can I download the latest w4 form? To get the most up-to-date version of the W-4 form or any other IRS forms like the W9 form, simply visit the IRS website. The forms are accessible in both fillable and non-fillable PDF formats. This flexibility allows you to either complete the form online or print it out and fill it in manually, depending on your preference or needs. Having ready access to these forms ensures youre equipped with the right tools to manage your tax responsibilities efficiently. Francis Xavier Courtney, 72 of Loveville, MD, transitioned from this earthly life into eternal rest and peace on December 13, 2023. Family and friends will unite on Friday, December 29, 2023 for visitation at 10 am until time of service at 11 am at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, 38576 Brett Way, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Interment will be private. More polluting flights are visibly cheaper, the organisation says. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Travelling by train from Bratislava to several European cities on Christmas is on average twice as expensive as travelling by plane, says Greenpeace Slovakia. In its analysis, the organisation compared the December costs of rail and air travel between the Slovak capital and 12 cities in Europe: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Cologne, London, Milan, Paris, Rome, Venice, and Warsaw. More Greenpeace findings: The biggest price difference between trains and flights was found when travelling to London on December 21. The train trip cost 189.50, which is 7.6 times more than the Wizz Air flight (24.99). The most expensive train tickets were on the route from and to Barcelona with an average price of 309.60, followed by the route from London and to London for 294.08. The cheapest average train prices were found on the BratislavaBerlin route with an average price of 35.67, followed by the BratislavaWarsaw route, where the train always cost 42. Night trains are cheaper than day trains, but most of them start in Vienna. In winter, only two night trains leave from Bratislava: one to Berlin and one to Warsaw. Train prices are more predictable than flight prices. Source: Greenpeace (Nov 7-27, 2023) The organisation analysed these routes in each direction and for three trips: December 21, 23 and 28. These are one of the busiest travel days in Europe. A train trip between Bratislava and London was 4.5 times more expensive than getting on a plane and flying on this route. Travelling by train between Bratislava and Barcelona (4.3 times), and between Bratislava and Milan (2.4 times) are also among the most expensive train trips. Of all the routes analysed, only a Bratislava - Berlin train ticket was always cheaper than a plane ticket. People would almost always pay less for train trips to Amsterdam and Warsaw as well. Sustainable rail transport remains unaffordable for many, Greenpeace Slovakia spokesperson Miroslava Abelova said, explaining that train travel produces 80 percent less carbon dioxide emissions per person per kilometre than air travel. The organisation believes that the EU and the Slovak government should tackle the problem. The analysis further shows that Bratislava, of all the 12 places, is directly connected by train only with Berlin and Warsaw. As for direct flights, the Slovak capital has direct connections with four cities (Rome, Milan, London and Brussels), according to the analysis. Greenpeace noted that most railway companies, including the Slovak carrier ZSSK and the Austrian carrier OBB, did not offer tickets to or from Bratislava 12 weeks before Christmas. Most started to sell them in the second half of October. Conversely, plane tickets were at travellers disposal three months in advance. The European Commission and governments in Europe must finally create conditions for the easier booking of cross-border train tickets, added the spokesperson for Greenpeace. According to Greenpeace, the EU and national governments could scrap VAT on train tickets and traction power, reduce tax benefits for air transport, and finance affordable climate tickets. Expert Erika Matwij discusses the benefits and pitfalls of keeping a firm in the family. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share While family businesses in Slovakia have been around for decades, with some even dating back to before the communist regime, it was only this year that the term family business got an official definition and not a single one has yet been officially registered or recorded. However, just like anywhere else, family firms face specific challenges in Slovakia because of their nature. One of the most demanding is generational exchange, the process by which ownership and management responsibilities are transferred from one generation to another. Erika Matwij President of the Institute of Family Business in Slovakia, strategy and management expert in family businesses in Slovakia and owner of Human Inside, which is engaged in the implementation of HR strategies in companies and for audits. Erika has been supporting family businesses in the development of human resources and strategies in succession and generational exchange processes, and in emotional and mental processes for different generations of family businesses, for more than 12 years. She is also a member of, and Slovakias only representative at, the International Academy for Family Business Research IFERA. The Slovak Spectator spoke with Erika Matwij, a strategy and management expert in family businesses in Slovakia, and president of the Institute of Family Business in Slovakia. She herself is the owner of a family business, Human Inside. How many family enterprises operate in Slovakia? The Economy Ministry estimates that, as a share of all the companies operating in Slovakia, it may be somewhere between 60 and 70 percent, but we do not have exact data. This is because until recently there was no official definition of a family business in Slovakia. This was introduced as part of a revision to the legislation on social economy and social companies that came into effect only on July 1, 2023. Actually, this was the first time the government did something related to family businesses. Related article Related article Austrian private bank expands services in Slovakia Read more What is the official definition of a family business? It is quite long, but the key factors defining a family enterprise are that 50 or more percent of the shares, or a share of 50 and more percent, depending whether it is a joint-stock company or a limited liability company, is owned by the family, that it is managed by the family and that at least one family member works in the enterprise. So, were two people to launch a company and declare it had a family atmosphere in it, it would not mean that it is a family enterprise by default. What other changes has this legal revision brought about? Family enterprises can either get themselves recorded (zaevidovat sa) or registered (zaregistrovat sa) with the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family. There is a big difference between these two, as a registered family enterprise is obliged to spend at least 12 percent of its taxed profit on strengthening its internal and external relations. This could include education, recreation, healthcare, or social assistance to family members. However, even though many family businesses already do this, we do not recommend they register as they would become regulated by the state and subject to greater supervision compared to other companies. Also, there is a lot of related administration. Nevertheless, we recommend they get recorded, as this will help the state identify how many family businesses operate in Slovakia, in which sectors, and so on. Based on your observations and experience, in which sectors in Slovakia are family businesses most common? They are active most often in manufacturing and commerce. This includes companies performing various crafts, for example building, carpentry, and wine production. But it is really difficult to say, as there are no statistics. Have family businesses familiarised themselves with this legislation? Obviously not, because as of today no family enterprise has been either recorded or registered. Another problem is that this new legislation has put family businesses into the category of social enterprises. This is a big mistake, which I have pointed out since the legislation was first drawn up. Although the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family has family in its name, that does not mean that it should be in charge of family businesses. Putting family businesses, which are one of the backbones of the economy, into the same group as social enterprises is an insult to them. The role of social enterprises is completely different. Which ministry should deal with family businesses? The Economy Ministry. A section should be set up featuring experts from the ministries of finance, justice and labour to address the problems facing family businesses. For example, succession and generational exchange in family businesses and transfer of assets is being carried out in Slovakia based on legislation dating from 1964, when prenuptial agreements didnt exist at all. Were working against this backdrop in 2023, and its a shame. Do family businesses in Slovakia differ from those abroad? No. I can say this as I also provide assistance during generational exchange and various processes related to family enterprises abroad. They differ only in how many generations the family business is passed on to. Family businesses around the world have very similar problems and processes that they have to deal with as part of the generational change process. Have some family businesses in Slovakia been built out of firms that once operated in Slovakia before the communist regime? Yes, and they are very proud of it. There are a number of families which have businesses today that were built on the businesses run by their grand- or even great-grandparents. For example, the confectionery firm Wagner. It was launched by Jan Wagner in 1947, but the state nationalised it soon after. After the fall of the totalitarian regime in 1989, he got his nationalised property back and resumed his business. Today his son Rudolf and his wife Aniko run the business, which consists of confectioneries in Velky Meder, Dunajska Streda, and Bratislava. Was it a problem for those companies that there was sometimes a 40-year hiatus? The biggest hindrance was the time gap, as family businesses were not allowed to operate because private entrepreneurship was not allowed under communism. For example, in Italy, grandchildren work together with parents and grandparents in family businesses and the knowledge and DNA of the company is directly passed on to them. In Slovakia, on the other hand, successor generations did not have this chance. Often, their ancestors were no longer alive when they renewed their family businesses. What advantages and disadvantages does a family business bring in terms of business and family life? The advantage is that they can continue to build their wealth, that they bring the wealth not only to the family but to the region and community in which they live. They perceive their responsibility in a different way to managers in non-family businesses. They create room for family members, who can take jobs in the family business if they fail to establish themselves somewhere else. But what is both an advantage and disadvantage at the same time is that the children, somewhere in their minds, will believe that if things go completely wrong on the labour market, they will always be able to get a job in the family business. On the other hand, the emotional links and inability to separate business issues from family life, private from work-related, can be a big problem. There is often no celebration, Christmas or even Sunday lunch without someone mentioning the company or its problems or somebody checking to see if something has been done. This is emotionally very demanding. Another disadvantage is that we see family members and ordinary employees in a different light. This brings problems, when, for example, parents give preferred treatment to the children working in the company and refuse to see that they lack managerial skills or that they are not yet mature enough to take over the management of the company. Or they do not trust their children enough and undermine their authority in front of employees. A big problem during generational exchange is when parents do not allocate enough time to pass on their knowledge and experience to the emerging generation. Also, boys are often preferred over girls. Unfortunately, I have to say, companies dont break up because of family problems, but families break up because of family businesses. These are the big issues that family businesses face. At the same time, I must say that the cohesion of family businesses, the kindness to family members, the willingness to help, is tremendous. What problems do family businesses face when dealing with succession and generational change? The most common problem is the emotional and procedural unpreparedness of the founding generation to hand over the company. The founders, usually over 60, think that this can be done at the drop of a hat, because the child has been active in the company since he or she was 15. But to manage a company and to take over responsibility is something completely different to working in the company as a student for a few hours during the school holidays. But the successor generation is equally unprepared. It is impatient, very ambitious and also labours under a lot of assumptions Ive been working here since I was 15 and I know everything. Another common issue we help family businesses with is communication. They dont listen to each other, act presumptuously, and so on. They need to work on these things Is the younger generation interested in taking over family businesses? Yes, it is. But when they do not get a specific work position or responsibility in the family business, and are not told what is expected of them, are constantly criticised, or fail to persuade the founding generation to, for example, implement an innovation or make a change in marketing, they lose interest and leave. Based on long-term statistics, only 30 percent of family businesses survive into the second generation with the key reason being that both the founders and the successors are not willing to listen to each other. What should an ideal succession plan look like? At the very outset the family should carry out an analysis of where they and their company is, and its potential. The second step is to set expectations and decide how long the transition process should last. To do so, they need to set up a family council, which consists of only primary family members, i.e. father, mother and children, without the spouses of the children. Even when a family member is not active in the family business, he or she is part of this council. They are passive members of the family business and they must not be left out of discussions about the family business and its future. At sessions of the family council, they present basic questions like what the vision for the future operation of the family business is, as generational exchange is only one possibility and there are four others: the entry of an investor, handing the companys management to someone else from the broader family, hiring an external manager, and sale of the company. It helps greatly if there is family constitution. Could you explain what a family constitution is? It is also called a family codex, and usually bound into a book. I always recommend that a family which has decided that their family business will be multi-generational should write a family constitution. It is a set of rules and agreements for the founders, setting out what they want the following generations to pursue in order to reduce and eliminate conflicts between siblings and family members after they have passed away. For example, how dividends will be paid out, how to cope with conflict when it occurs, how a family member can become a director of the family company, and whether the company should support the local community. A very sensitive issue is excluding shared ownership of property. This means that when a child marries, the spouse will have no entitlement to any share in the company. There are about a hundred questions we ask at sessions of family councils and they are gradually answered. After they agree upon everything, I put all the rules into a book which they then ceremonially sign. The family constitution is a very strong document accepted all over the world. So, if you say, for example in the USA, that you have a family constitution, nobody will question anything. It is so strong that everybody knows that you have clarified relationships and that all the structures and processes you use to organise and guide your relationship with the enterprise are well set. What steps should families follow? The family should agree on how long the transition process should last, and its concrete phases. They should also inform employees, suppliers and banks about this change. The company should be prepared for this step in terms of organisation and processes. Generational exchange is a huge change for key employees who have been with the owners for 20 years and may be perceived as an existential threat to them. We help companies discuss all these issues so that the process is a controlled and coordinated one. Could you give some examples of successful, and failed, generational exchanges? There are plenty of successful generational exchanges reported in family businesses histories. Some examples are the frozen bakery products manufacturer and seller Minit, and the bicycle manufacturer Kellys. Of course, we have also seen instances of failed generational exchanges in cases where we did not recommend such an exchange. I remember one case when relations within the family went so wrong that we advised them to postpone the exchange and first work on their communication and relationships. We spent two years trying to find ways to carry out generational exchange in their family business, but none of these worked for them. Always, after a while, one of the generations started to boycott the process, find faults, and blamed the other generation. Now, the child is leaving the company and starting their own firm, but will receive shares in the family business. The father, who is now in his 60s, will continue to manage the company for a number of years and then they may hire an external manager. What is sad is that our institute is very often approached by companies where conflicts are already very heated. When did the institute launch the Academy of Successors? The academy is not our product: we launched it following the example of similar academies run by institutes for family business in Switzerland, Germany and Poland some years ago. In Germany and Poland such an academy has been running for many years. In general, they are five-seven years ahead of us. The Academy of Successors is a nine-month managerial programme aimed exclusively at successors in family businesses. During the course the successors acquire the latest know-how to operate a business, as well as how to run family councils. We have also launched the Academy of Nestors. This is a two-day programme during which the owners of family businesses learn, among other things, what is the role of the owner after a generational exchange and after they withdraw from the company. These people, who are mostly over 60, do not know what it means to be just an owner without managerial powers. They also learn about intergenerational communication and leading a family council. Glaswegian teacher and musician John Boyd reflects on his life in Slovakia. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share John Boyd's life is a reflection of his remarkable journey of self-discovery and impact. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, he moved to Slovakia over three decades ago. His early years in the populous housing district of Castlemount were marked by the challenges of gang warfare, instilling in him a sense of resilience. His family faced its own difficulties, with his parents separating when he was just four. This early experience taught him the importance of gratitude and shaped his outlook on life. https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7Bqkmczafu8mpJNjYyVL8K?utm_source=generator John's childhood aspirations were diverse. He was drawn to music from a young age, initially encountering the piano at 13 and later picking up the guitar. Academically gifted, he excelled in school, garnering top marks. A significant turning point occurred when he was offered an apprenticeship as a draftsman by the shipbuilders in Glasgow. While he pursued this technical path, he also delved deep into philosophy and religion, a reflection of his multifaceted interests. A move to Slovakia and The Voice Czechia Slovakia The journey to Slovakia was a pivotal chapter. It began with an invitation to an environmental camp in Germany, which led him to meet his first wife, a Slovak. They settled in Slovakia in the midst of significant political upheaval in 1989. John's initial foray into Slovakia involved teaching English, a role he embraced with vigor. His dedication to mastering the English language led him to become a self-taught expert. His contributions extended beyond language, as he also ventured into activism, particularly in the environmental sphere. In 2019, John took an unexpected turn by auditioning for The Voice Cesko Slovensko (Czechia Slovakia). This experience introduced him to a vibrant community of young artists, inspiring him to delve deeper into music education. He subsequently established "Music Hub Slovakia" and the "Skola Hudba." As an educator, he imparts his passion for music to students of all ages, from singing to guitar and ukulele. His multifaceted career also included journalism, with the creation of the news website "The Daily.SK." video //www.youtube.com/embed/aJRPZlvLtqw Cultural integration and contributions Throughout his journey, John has navigated the complexities of cultural integration. While he acknowledges feeling like an outsider at times, he takes pride in his contributions to Slovak society. His impact spans from founding language schools to establishing online news platforms, enriching the lives of many, both local and foreign. Despite his deep connection to Slovakia, John maintains a holiday home in Scotland, reflecting his enduring ties to his homeland. He contemplates the future with a sense of contentment, knowing he has shaped his path in his own unique way. Ultimately, John Boyd's story is a reflection of the power of individual agency and the profound impact one person can have on a community. His legacy is woven into the fabric of Slovakia, a tribute to the transformative journey of a man who dared to venture beyond borders. This episode of Na Slovensku Aj Po Anglicky was created with financial support from Fjuzn and the Fund for the Support of the Culture of National Minorities. What it takes to run a family business in Slovakia, Christmas concerts, and a Scottish native who found home in Slovakia in 1989. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Good evening. Here is the Tuesday, December 19 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. EU: Slovnaft refinery can export Russian oil products Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava. (Source: TASR - Dano Veselsky) Slovnaft, a Bratislava refinery, can export products made from Russian oil to the Czech Republic in 2024 following an exemption approved by EU member states. The exemption, which was first approved last year, is part of the recently adopted twelfth package of anti-Russian sanctions. It has entered into effect today and will expire on December 5 next year. The export-oriented refinery hasnt completed its transformation and is able to process only 30 percent of non-Russian oil. More stories from The Slovak Spectator website Parliament: MPs approved the governments consolidation package, increasing taxes and hundreds of fees like a citizenship application fee. MPs approved the governments consolidation package, increasing taxes and hundreds of fees like a citizenship application fee. Business: Expert Erika Matwij discusses the benefits and pitfalls of keeping a firm in the family. Expert Erika Matwij discusses the benefits and pitfalls of keeping a firm in the family. Travel: Zemplinska Sirava in eastern Slovakia has a new Finnish attraction. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. PODCAST FOR TUESDAY A Glasgow native who sings about Bratislava video //www.youtube.com/embed/aJRPZlvLtqw John Boyd, a Scottish native, arrived in Slovakia on the day when the Velvet Revolution started and communism in former Czechoslovakia ended. But he didnt come to protest. He came to meet his future (ex-) wife. In an interview with Jeremy Hill, Boyd reflects on his life in Slovakia and why he continues to feel like an outsider. EVENT(S) FOR THIS WEEK Slovak Philharmonic: Christmas concerts video //www.youtube.com/embed/16LgTxas6-M The Slovak Philharmonic in Bratislava holds Christmas concerts until Friday. The concerts are opened by the work of the English composer Benjamin Britten, Ceremony of Carols, op. 48, for harp and mixed choir, which is an integral part of the celebration of the Christmas holidays in many English-speaking countries, the Slovak Philharmonic has said. There will also be Christmas hits Leroy Andersons composition called A Christmas Festival, The Little Drummer Boy by the American composer Katherine Kennicott Davis, and the popular song Jingle Bells by the American composer James Pierpont. The concert will traditionally end with Silent Night, Holy Night by Franz Xaver Gruber. The concerts start at 19:00. You can buy your ticket (s) here. In other news The Government Office refuses to publish the names of advisors, the Aktuality.sk news website writes. The website is one of the media outlets that the government refuses to communicate with. It is the governments obligation to publish the names of those who advise the premier and his ministers. National Crime Agency (NAKA) Director Lubomir Danko will retire from the police force tomorrow. He decided to quit after Police Chief Lubomir Solak didnt allow him to serve, at least, as a NAKA investigator, the Dennik N daily writes. Danko was close with ex-police chief Stefan Hamran. Hamran, who considers running for Slovak president, had been attacked by the ruling coalition before he was sacked by Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok in late October. Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar will meet with Slovak President Zuzana Caputova in Bratislava on Wednesday . The Slovenian president should arrive in Slovakia tonight. Teachers in Slovakia are getting older. Secondary schools and kindergartens are especially at risk. The largest number of teachers at retirement age are in the Bratislava Region, reads a report published by the Education Ministrys Education Policy Institute. In Bratislava, a year-round ban on the use of pyrotechnics applies, including New Years Eve and New Years Day. Only childrens fireworks and scenic pyrotechnics are allowed. People violating the ban can receive a fine ranging from 33 to 500. People can call 159 in case they think a person violates the ban. (TASR) On Tuesday, a raid was carried out by the Antimonopoly Office in three companies engaged in medical laboratory diagnostics (Medirex, Unilabs, Klinicka Biochemia) due to the suspicion of the formation of a cartel. If the suspicion is confirmed, the three firms face fines in the millions of euros. Laboratory diagnostics is one of the most profitable businesses in the Slovak healthcare sector. Some companies have higher profit margins than IT companies. (Sme) The third wave of anti-government protests took place in a dozen of Slovak towns, including Bratislava and Kosice (picture) on December 19, 2023. The crowds, led by the opposition, demand the government halt its effort to change the Criminal Code without a wider discussion. The protests are growing bigger. They will continue in January. (Source: TASR - Frantisek Ivan) WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: It will be very cloudy. The met office warns of fog in the morning. You can expect snow and rain. The highest daytime temperature will rise to 8C. Ground-ice and fog weather warnings are already in place across the country. (SHMU) Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us. P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook and Instagram (@slovakspectator). Simply put, Kent Bakke is an icon in the American specialty coffee industry. An architect of the late 20th century American cafe boom, Bakke started importing espresso machines to Seattle in the late 1970s, partnering with a man named Piero Bambi, the second-generation owner of the Italian craft manufacturing company La Marzocco. What began as a relationship to bring espresso machines into America blossomed into a full-fledged partnership, and eventually, a role as the companys international CEO. Along the way Bakke struck influential partnerships with Starbucks, who in the 1990s worked exclusively with La Marzocco espresso machines, the creation of La Marzocco USA, a production and assembly facility located in Seattle, and the growth of an international network of satellite offices and licensed distributors. Kent Bakke is the namesake for the La Marzocco KB90 espresso machine, and in 2018 he stepped down as the companys CEO after three decades. For today at least, this is only the start of the story. While I do know of a few private collectors with impressive collections in Europe and Australia, I suppose its alright to call it that. This is Kent Bakkes characteristically modest reply when asked if this is the largest espresso machine collection in the world. Were standing in the lobby of the Bakke Coffee Museum, an independent archive of espresso design history and culture located adjacent to La Marzocco USA headquarters in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Previously a marine engine warehouse, this two-story 6,000-square-foot building has been beautifully reimagined as the premier destination for espresso machine archival display in Americaindeed, the world. The top floor of the Bakke Coffee Machine is split into two parts: a gallery exhibition space housing a very impressive fraction of the overall collection, and an entry lobby/workspace, befitting the museums status as an active restoration project. Although the exhibition changes often, visitors can expect to see vintage and archival machines from the likes of La Pavoni, La San Marco, Faema, Gaggia, a few truly impressive monster movie set piece Kees van der Westens, and of course, La Marzocco. The main floor is also home to archival print materials dating back to the 1970s, including multiple early pieces of coffee press appearing in publications such as Seattle Weekly and The Seattle Times, as well as an impressive collection of books on the history of coffee and espresso. Down below the showroom sits the 3,000-square-foot archive, taking up a humidity controlled basement and organized by decade. This space holds hundreds of machines, and represents a significant amount of Bakkes overall collection (though even more machines are stored off-site, and in Europe). Its hard not to be flabbergasted by the depth and breadth of this collection, from ancient double boiler machines to mid-century modern designs to former Starbucks units. The net effect of visiting this space as a coffee lover is not unlike visiting one of those great holy sites in Europe. The expression of devotion, the vibrational history of it all, there is really nowhere else quite like it in the world. For espresso lovers, and lovers of coffee history, the Bakke Coffee Museum is a new point of pilgrimage, and a cornerstone of Kent Bakkes legacy in the coffee industry. The museum is presently engaged in a rolling soft open, with appointments available via select advanced reservation. More details can be found on the official website and via social media. Jordan Michelman is a co-founder at Sprudge Media Network. Read more Jordan Michelman on Sprudge. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/gaza-conflict-claims-lives-of-66-palestinian-journalists-since-october-7---reports-1115670019.html Gaza Conflict Claims Lives of 66 Palestinian Journalists Since October 7 - Reports Gaza Conflict Claims Lives of 66 Palestinian Journalists Since October 7 - Reports At least 66 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed in the Palestine-Israel conflict in the Gaza Strip since October 7, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported on Monday. 2023-12-18T22:32+0000 2023-12-18T22:32+0000 2023-12-18T22:32+0000 world palestine-israel conflict israel hamas gaza strip international federation of journalists (ifj) palestine journalists humanitarian crisis humanitarian disaster /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/12/1115670159_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_3c9d33cafefdaaeb1e4b4ee0792607e0.jpg "At least sixty-six Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed, several have been injured and others are missing during the war in Gaza," the IFJ said in a statement, calling for an investigation into the circumstances of their deaths. On October 7, 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 19,400 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of the conflict, the local authorities said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/idf-killing-journalists-reporting-on-gaza-war--israeli-media-exec-1115019496.html israel gaza strip palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International dead journalists, killings of journalists, press die, journalists killed, israel kills journalists, israel kills reporters, dead reporters, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces, hostages, israeli military, hamas fighters, hamas soldiers, hamas military, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/more-americans-world-turn-to-friends--family-for-election-info-over-polls-news-media-1115672165.html More Americans Turn to Friends & Family for Election Info Over Polls, News Media More Americans Turn to Friends & Family for Election Info Over Polls, News Media A new poll by YouGov is giving a stark perspective on the mistrust Americans feel with the news media. And while those numbers differ between party lines, the difference isnt significant. 2023-12-18T23:57+0000 2023-12-18T23:57+0000 2023-12-19T04:28+0000 americas election donald trump joe biden poll us americans yougov republicans democrats /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/0c/0a/1081419936_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_584311eb14f42b5f96636c0f34219d39.jpg A new poll by YouGov is giving a stark perspective on the mistrust Americans feel with the news media, and while those numbers differ between party lines, the difference isnt significant.Both Democrats and Republicans trust their friends and family more than poll results or the news media, recent findings have suggested, noting that Democrats were significantly more likely than Republicans to trust poll results, the news media, and political campaigns. Overall, the results show a grim outlook for the industries and institutions responsible for conveying election information.When asked if they trusted poll results for accurate information about elections, 47% said not much and not at all while 46% said a great deal or a fair amount. Just 44% showed trust in the news media, with 51% distrusting the news media.Findings further indicated that at least 68% of Americans do not trust social media as a viable place to get their news information, while 26% do. For political campaigns, 70% distrust these efforts to persuade voters while 24% of people showed trust in them.Age, too, was a factor in the polls. Younger voters (people under the age of 30) were more likely to trust non-family sources for their information than those older than them. They were also much more likely to trust social media than those who are older than them, and seem to view social media with nearly the same trust as the news media.In an analysis conducted by columnist Philip Bump, he highlighted Pew Research Center polls that showed very few Americans knew people who supported a different presidential candidate than one they supported. Therefore: people who support President Joe Biden will turn to others who support the Democrat for their political information. Likewise, those who support former President Donald Trump will also turn to fellow Trump-supporters for their information.Despite no evidence of voter fraud in the US 2020 election, many Republicans have continued to indulge the former presidents unsubstantiated claim that the election was rigged or stolen. The former president is now facing indictments related to his efforts to overturn the results of the election. However, support for the former president hasnt wavered, and the YouGov poll showed that 65% of Republicans still want Trump to run for president in 2024, and 61% also say Trump is their first choice for candidate. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231109/trump-says-would-consider-tucker-carlson-as-2024-us-presidential-election-running-mate-1114829967.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg polls, distrust media, election rigged, us poll, polls, us politics, 2020 us election, biden, trump https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/father-christmas-may-be-delayed-wests-antagonism-of-russia-iran-block-red-sea-alternatives-1115683219.html 'Father Christmas May Be Delayed': West's Antagonism of Russia, Iran Block Red Sea Alternatives 'Father Christmas May Be Delayed': West's Antagonism of Russia, Iran Block Red Sea Alternatives For a continent so dependent on specific trade routes, the European Union has short-sightedly used sanctions as a weapon against nations otherwise able to host alternative trade routes, hurting itself in the process. 2023-12-19T17:30+0000 2023-12-19T17:30+0000 2023-12-22T10:23+0000 analysis yemen red sea bab-el-mandeb strait houthis israel trade red sea crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/15/1115097020_0:160:1620:1071_1920x0_80_0_0_ae51d30cece1ee06e58af37d027f0b28.jpg Recently, the Yemeni Shiiite militant group Ansarallah, which controls most of Yemen, have declared that Israel-linked ships will not be allowed to pass the Bab el-Mandeb, the narrow strait that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Yemen and the Indian Ocean beyond. Other ships, they said, will still have free passage.However, in response to the Yemeni declaration and to news that some ships with tenuous links to Israel had also been attacked, several major shipping companies, including Maersk, Hapag Lloyd, MSC, and oil giant BP have decided to stop using the waterway entirely.The anti-Israel blockade is part of Ansarallahs response to the Israeli bombing campaign and invasion of the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 20,000 people since early October and displaced almost the entire population of 2.3 million Palestinians. The group has also fired ballistic missiles at the southern Israeli city of Eilat.In response to Ansarallahs declaration, the Pentagon announced on Monday the creation of a multinational task force dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian to secure Red Sea trade for Israeli ships and restore the confidence of other cargo vessels to use the waterway. The task force includes the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain, as well as the US.Paul Goncharoff, a businessman and chief manager of consulting firm Goncharoff, LLC, told Sputnik on Tuesday that Father Christmas may not arrive on time in the European Union this year, as the West has already antagonized all of the nations through which an alternative trade corridor might run.He said the situation in the Red Sea is extremely serious and has already delayed shipments from Asia to Europe for the Christmas Festive season, he observed. It impacts many delivery companies - a lot of Europeans will find their Christmas and New Year presents delayed this year, likewise for regular deliveries. Perishable items will be especially affected. There are likely to be significant insurance claims.Goncharoff said that redirecting freight traffic from the Red Sea to other routes would take time and not solve the present problem of delays.The US and EU at present have no other alternatives as they have sanctioned Russia and Iran. They could have diverted ships via the Gulf and north via Iran, and then via Azerbaijan and Turkey to Europe's Black Sea Ports - however that route is now cut off. Or, they could have sent via Iran to Russia at Astrakhan and then over to the Baltic States, Poland and Belarus, but these borders are now closed to Russian and Belarussian traffic, he explained.Goncharoff said that compared to the March 2021 grounding of the container ship Ever Given in the Suez Canal for six days, the present situation will have a longer and possibly long-term impact.Russia could play a role; however, its access to ports to Europe are sanctioned, he noted. In cutting the country off, the EU has limited their supply chains. When those come under unforeseen stress, the perils of the EU having limited access becomes apparent. It is a classic example of how the EU has not fully comprehended the impact of sanctions that they have imposed. Now it means that Father Christmas may either not arrive, or be delayed this year, at least in the UK and Europe. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/us-military-action-against-houthis-may-expand-war-in-yemen-1115661451.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/abhorrent-war-crime-hrw-lambasts-israel-for-gaza-starvation-1115659187.html yemen red sea bab-el-mandeb strait israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier how much trade goes through red sea, how will red sea blockade affect trade, what are red sea alternatives, what is happening in red sea, why can't ships go via suez channel People vote at West Gray Multi-Service Center, 1475 W Gray St., on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Its an Election Day mishap that will sound familiar to Harris County residents. Voters in Pennsylvanias Luzerne County temporarily were unable to cast ballots in the 2022 midterm election when they experienced a ballot paper shortage at over a dozen of the countys 143 polling locations. After election officials were accused of intentionally plotting the shortage, Luzerne Countys district attorney opened an investigation and concluded in a public report released six months ago that the problem was a result of high staff turnover and inexperienced supervisors, not criminal misconduct. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In Harris County, in contrast, over a year after state Republicans called for an investigation into similar circumstances, the Texas Rangers have yet to release any findings, leaving some in the states most populous county with lingering doubts about the integrity of their electoral system. Around 20 out of 782 Harris County polling locations ran out of ballot paper on Election Day in November 2022 some for just 15 minutes, others for up to three hours. A week after the election, Gov. Greg Abbott asked the Secretary of State, the Attorney Generals Office and the Texas Rangers to investigate. The allegations of election improprieties in our states largest county may result from anything ranging from malfeasance to blatant criminal conduct. Voters in Harris County deserve to know what happened, Abbott said in a statement at the time. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg sent a letter the same day to Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw asking for the Texas Rangers' assistance in investigating alleged irregularities in the election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A heat map made by a member of the Harris County Republican Party became the key piece of evidence Republicans used to make allegations that the shortage was an intentional effort to target polls located in heavily Republican neighborhoods. However, a Chronicle analysis found the impact to be more evenly split. Around half of the polling locations that initially did not receive enough ballot paper were located in neighborhoods that favored former President Donald Trump in 2020. Over the past year, Harris Countys November 2022 election has been legislated, litigated and audited. But if the Rangers have reached any findings in their investigation, they have not been made available to the public. A spokesperson with Oggs office referred questions about the investigation to the law enforcement agency conducting the investigation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In response to multiple queries about the Rangers' November 2022 election investigation, a spokesperson with the Texas Department of Public Safety, which includes the Texas Rangers, did not provide any additional details. Ultimately, voters wont have peace of mind until the investigation reaches a resolution, said Jonathan Diaz, director of voting advocacy and partnerships at the Campaign Legal Center in Washington, D.C. That kind of closure whether its 'we got accountability for the misconduct' or 'there was no misconduct' thats going to improve voters' trust in the system, Diaz said. Because theyll know that the safeguards are working. In October, the Texas Secretary of States office released preliminary audit findings about the Harris County election in a lengthy report that identified incomplete paperwork and discrepancies in record keeping but did not reveal evidence of widespread voter fraud. County officials declined to answer questions about the issues identified in the audit. 2022 AUDIT: Harris County 2022 preliminary election audit finds discrepancies as officials decline to answer questions Advertisement Article continues below this ad The election results were then upheld by a judge, who ruled that while Harris County had made many mistakes and violations of the Election Code, those issues would not have changed the electoral outcomes. While the Secretary of State audit and the court rulings shed light on what occurred during the election, questions about criminal intent would only be answered by the Rangers investigation. Theres every reason to believe the state is stalling on this because they have no evidence to produce, said Jeremi Suri, a professor of public affairs and history at the University of Texas at Austin. The decision to keep the investigation open could also be a strategic one, Suri added. What this does by not concluding an investigation that should easily have been concluded by now, Suri said, it opens the door for continued fear mongering, conspiracy theories, lies and false rumors. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/germanys-rheinmetall-to-transfer-tens-of-thousands-of-shells-to-ukraine-in-2025-1115674714.html Germanys Rheinmetall To Transfer Tens of Thousands of Shells to Ukraine in 2025 Germanys Rheinmetall To Transfer Tens of Thousands of Shells to Ukraine in 2025 The German armed forces (Bundeswehr) has ordered the national arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall, to produce tens of thousands of artillery ammunition for Ukraine by 2025, the company said on Monday. 2023-12-19T05:25+0000 2023-12-19T05:25+0000 2023-12-19T05:25+0000 military ukrainian crisis rheinmetall bundeswehr /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/0d/1107378225_0:0:1536:864_1920x0_80_0_0_2169e3da0ac579d79f652b0d1d8fc825.png "The German Bundeswehr has again called off 155 mm artillery ammunition from Rheinmetall under the framework agreement. Rheinmetall has been commissioned to supply a total of several tens of thousands shells of various types for the Ukrainian armed forces. The order is worth a three-digit million euro amount. Delivery is scheduled for the course of 2025," the company said. In July, Rheinmetall and the Bundeswehr signed a 1.2 billion euros ($1.31 billion) framework agreement for the supply of hundreds of thousands of ammunition, fuses and charges until 2029. Western countries increased their military support for Ukraine after Russia launched a special military operation to protect the people of Donbass from Kiev's aggression. The Kremlin has repeatedly stated that arms supplies to Kiev only fuel the conflict, but ultimately will not affect the course of the special operation. Western arms supplies turned Ukraine into the global black market for military groups, with NATO weapons offered in the darknet to anyone willing to pay, the investigation showed. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230815/western-weapons-captured-in-ukraine-displayed-at-army-2023-military-expo-in-russia-1112613701.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukrainian crisis, arming ukraine, weapons for kiev, germany ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/lightning-strike-what-is-known-about-russias-kinzhal-hypersonic-missile-1115678625.html Lightning Strike: What is Known About Russia's Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile? Lightning Strike: What is Known About Russia's Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile? The Russian military continues to use Kinzhal hypersonic missiles in the special military operation. What's the Kinzhal and why does it give Russia's rivals the shivers? 2023-12-19T13:03+0000 2023-12-19T13:03+0000 2023-12-19T13:03+0000 us sputnik explains vladimir putin russia ukraine kiev ukrainian armed forces nato glonass patriot /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106243/32/1062433211_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_9f8c2d1572b692318c3c89f5726b5c5c.jpg The Ukrainian and Western press reported Russia's precision air strikes on December 14 in the vicinity of Starokonstantinov in the Khmelnitsky region, where a Ukrainian military airfield is located. Russian missiles were also fired in the direction of the Sumy and Kiev regions, as per the speaker of Ukraine's Air Force Yury Ignat.According to Ignat, the attacks were conducted by MiG-31K fighters armed with Russia's state-of-the-art Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.What's the Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile?The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ("dagger") is an air-launched hypersonic ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads. It boasts a reported range of 1,500 - 2,000 kilometers and speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,250 kilometers per hour). If launched from the Tupolev Tu-22M long-range strategic strike bomber, the Kinzhal's range could be extended to 3,000 km.The high-precision missile's probable circular deflection does not exceed one meter, while an inertial navigation system (INS) with the possibility of adjustment from the GLONASS system or from AWACS aircraft is used to aim at the target.In general, the hypersonic complex was designed to destroy especially protected stationary assets behind enemy lines.When Did the World Learn About the Missile?Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the veil of secrecy surrounding the Kinzhal during a speech to members of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on March 1, 2018.What Tests Did the Kinzhal Undergo?The Kinzhal hypersonic missile was tested in different environments. One of the tests was carried out in mid-November 2019 in the Arctic region, as Russian military industry sources told the press at the time.The missile was launched from the MiG-31K taking off from Olenegorsk airbase on the Kola Peninsula. The weapon successfully hit a target at the Pemboy training ground, about 60 kilometers from Vorkuta, traveling around 1,300 km and reaching a speed of Mach 10.Why Was a MiG-31K Chosen to Carry the Kinzhal?An aircraft is used as the "first stage" of the Kinzhal rocket, lifting it into the stratosphere and accelerating it to supersonic speed.One might wonder why the MiG-31 was picked as the Kinzhal's carrier. After all, the aircraft was designed not as a missile carrier but as a fighter-interceptor. Per Russian military observers, the crux of the matter is that the MiG-31 boasts high speed and long flight range. The aircraft's speed is 2,500 km/h (maximum 3,000 km/h), while the flight range reaches up to 3,000 km. Besides, the warplane can reach a service ceiling of 20,600 meters.Meanwhile, it was reported in September that the Kinzhal hypersonic missile was first used by the Su-34 fighter-bomber in the zone of the special military operation, meaning that the weapon could be carried by various Russian aircraft.When Was the Kinzhal Used in Combat?The Kinzhal was first used in the zone of the special military operation on March 18, 2022, to destroy the underground military arsenal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. The rocket managed to penetrate the concrete walls of the well-fortified underground weapons storage and blow it up.On March 9, the Kinzhal hit and destroyed a Ukrainian underground bunker located near Lvov at a depth of 120 meters that served as the headquarters of the Ukraine Armed Forces and NATO. Reportedly, the strike killed 200 officers and generals.In May, the Russian Air Forces knocked out the US-made Patriot air defense system with a Kinzhal missile in Kiev. Footage of the strike appears to indicate that the MIM-104 Patriot fired a whopping 32 missiles to intercept the Kinzhal but missed the target. Eventually, the Russian hypersonic missile smashed the US-made air defense system.Can Kinzhal be Intercepted?International observers have repeatedly admitted that existing air defense systems are not capable of efficiently intercepting hypersonic missiles. Still, the Ukrainian press claimed that its military managed to bring Russia's wonder weapon down on several occasions, providing zero evidence to back these claims up.On the heels of uncorroborated reports of the Patriot intercepting a Kinzhal in Ukraine in May, the US-made system was swiftly destroyed by the hypersonic missile in question, busting the earlier claims and embarrassing the Ukrainian leadership.In December, the Ukrainian press once again claimed that the nation's military had brought the hypersonic missile down, presenting no proof. Russian military observers explained the case, referring to a recent interview given by Ignat to a Ukrainian video channel.Ignat complained about a new trick adopted by the Russian military to overwhelm the Ukrainian air defenses. According to him, the Russian military uses both real missiles and fake targets.Per Russian military observers, the Ukrainian military are chasing ghost targets and believe that they managed to shoot them down, at a time when real hypersonic missiles routinely accomplish their mission in the combat zone and behind the enemy lines. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230919/russia-celebrates-gunsmith-day-with-record-missile-production-1113492974.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/why-russias-mystical-mig-31-fighters-strike-fear-across-ukraine-1115655555.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230517/unstoppable-kinzhal-one-us-made-patriot-cracked-up-more-to-come-1110424287.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231005/russian-kinzhal-iskander-missiles-to-make-short-work-of-german-air-defenses-in-ukraine-1113957627.html russia ukraine kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova russia, kinzhal hypersonic missile, russian hypersonic weapons, mig-31, mig-31k fighter jet, russia uses kinzhal hypersonic systems in ukraine, su-34 used to launch the kinzhal missile https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/nikki-haley-makes-direct-attack-on-bidens-age-in-new-ad--1115674389.html Nikki Haley Makes Direct Attack on Bidens Age in New Ad Nikki Haley Makes Direct Attack on Bidens Age in New Ad Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has launched a new campaign attack ad against President Joe Biden. In the 30-second attack ad, Haley accused Biden of being too old. 2023-12-19T04:00+0000 2023-12-19T04:00+0000 2023-12-19T04:00+0000 americas politics us politics nikki haley donald trump joe biden us 2024 us presidential election presidential hopeful presidential race /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/07/0e/1083382221_0:0:2656:1495_1920x0_80_0_0_b3ded388bde918c6651d89c624aacffb.jpg Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has launched a new campaign attack ad against President Joe Biden. In the 30-second attack ad, Haley accused Biden of being too old.We need term limits, mental competency tests, and a real plan to defeat China and restore our economy. We have to leave behind the chaos and drama of the past with a new generation and a new conservative president, Haley said at the end of her ad.Haley, 51, served as governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017 and served as the 29th US ambassador to the UN for two years. She is currently polling behind Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) by 1 percentage point as Republicans first choice. Though, a majority of Republicans chose DeSantis as their second choice. Former President Donald Trump, 77, is leading polls with 61% of Republicans support.But Haley is also picking up steam with large groups of moderate voters who dont want Trump or Biden. In fact, a majority of Americans dont want Trump or Biden to run for president in 2024.While making gains in New Hampshire, the former UN ambassador is appealing to Independents and moderates who would vote for Biden in 2024, should Haley not make the cut. In a poll from earlier this month, Haley led Biden by 4 points while Trump leads the president by just 2 points, and DeSantis by 1 point.Haleys ad will most likely resonate with both Republicans and Democrats: the average age of a US senator was 65 at the beginning of 2021, which is the oldest in history. A poll from October showed 79% of Americans favor maxim age limits for elected officials in Washington.Biden is the oldest elected president in history. If reelected, he will be 86-years-old by the end of his second term. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/biden-frustrated-over-approval-ratings-election-polling--reports-1115661218.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg joe biden, biden administration, nikki haley, trump, polls, us politics, 2024 election, presidential election, us elections, us presidential elections, 2024 us elections, 2024 us presidential elections, presidential hopeful https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/putin-holds-extended-meeting-with-ministry-of-defense-1115676461.html Putin Holds Extended Meeting With Ministry of Defense Putin Holds Extended Meeting With Ministry of Defense Today the Russian President Vladimir Putin holds an extended session with the collegium of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. 2023-12-19T10:30+0000 2023-12-19T10:30+0000 2023-12-19T10:30+0000 russia vladimir putin russia russian ministry of defense russian army sergei shoigu /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/07/03/1096910107_0:0:2454:1381_1920x0_80_0_0_b7b7754bed0bbf5052965202e22b20fb.jpg Sputnik comes to you live as President Vladimir Putin holds an extended meeting with the collegium of the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD). The National Defense Management Center (also referred to as National Defense Control Center) hosts a session where the MoDs officials will summarize Russias Armed Forces' results in 2023.During the visit to the National Defense Management Center, Putin will also look at advanced and promising samples of new military equipment, weapons, ammunition and protective gear.Follow Sputniks live feed to learn more! russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Vladimir Putin and Sergei Shoigu hold an extended meeting of the Board of the Ministry of Defense Vladimir Putin and Sergei Shoigu hold an extended meeting of the Board of the Ministry of Defense 2023-12-19T10:30+0000 true PT68M26S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International putin and shoigu, putin's meeting with ministry of defense, putin meets shoigu, russia defense plan for 2024 https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/restrictions-on-orthodox-church-of-ukraine-violate-intl-law-religious-freedom--un-1115677047.html Restrictions on Orthodox Church of Ukraine Violate Int'l Law, Religious Freedom UN Restrictions on Orthodox Church of Ukraine Violate Int'l Law, Religious Freedom UN The actions of the Ukrainian authorities against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and the bill proposing the dissolution of religious organizations associated with Russia are contrary to freedom of religion and international law, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said on Tuesday. 2023-12-19T10:38+0000 2023-12-19T10:38+0000 2023-12-19T10:38+0000 world ukrainian crisis ukrainian orthodox church (uoc) persecution of christians /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/1e/1092625524_0:160:3075:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_45a62012430385cb5ec1f4f474bc4ac7.jpg "I note also my concerns regarding freedom of religion, belief in Ukraine, given continuing action by the authorities against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A draft law would set out the procedure for dissolving any religious organization with ties to the Russian Federation. These proposed restrictions to the right of freedom of religion do not appear to comply with international human rights law," Turk said during the presentation of the latest OHCHR report on Ukraine at the Human Rights Council. Since the start of the special military operation, the Kiev regime has escalated its crackdown against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, using the flimsy excuse that it is allegedly tied to Russia. Vladimir Legoyda, the head of the press-service for the Russian Orthodox Church, recently explained to Sputnik that the persecution of Christians is being orchestrated by the Western bosses of the Zelensky regime. These Western powers understand the significant role that religion plays in both Russia and Ukraine. Legoyda also pointed out that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, a respected religious institution, is being targeted in this crackdown along with Orthodox Christianity as a whole. This clampdown is seen as an effort to prop up the newly-created Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which was established after the 2014 coup and is widely rejected by believers. One recent development is that the Kiev regime has added Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill to their "wanted" list. However, this move is purely symbolic, as the regime lacks any capability to bring charges against Patriarch Kirill. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/what-happened-to-the-orthodox-church-in-ukraine-1108821316.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukrainian crisis, ukrainian orthodox church . If you do not agree with the blocking, please use the Access to the chat has been blocked for violating the rules . You will be able to participate again through:. If you do not agree with the blocking, please use the feedback form The discussion is closed. You can participate in the discussion within 24 hours after the publication of the article. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/russian-pm-mishustin-visits-china--1115675747.html Russian PM Mishustin Visits China Russian PM Mishustin Visits China Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin pays a working visit to China on December 19-20, where he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier of the State Council Li Qiang. 2023-12-19T08:31+0000 2023-12-19T08:31+0000 2023-12-19T08:31+0000 world mikhail mishustin state council china russia xi jinping /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/15/1108633090_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_1818857793ba56004860350b2140893b.jpg Sputnik presents a broadcast from Beijing, where Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is currently meeting with top Chinese officials. This visit signifies the strengthening of ties between the two countries.This high-level meeting is part of a two-day state visit to China by the Russian delegation. During the upcoming sessions, the parties will discuss the overall development of Russian-Chinese bilateral relations, focusing on the comprehensive bilateral partnership and strategic multi-vector cooperation.The high-level state officials will pay particular attention to expanding trade and economic ties, as well as promoting large-scale joint projects in various sectors. Additionally, the officials plan to adopt a joint communique and sign multiple Russian-Chinese documents.Follow Sputniks live feed to learn more! china russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Mishustin pays an official visit to China Mishustin pays an official visit to China 2023-12-19T08:31+0000 true PT84M50S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian pm in china, russian pm mishustin visits china, russia-china relations, russian-chinese ties, xi jinping, li qiang, mikhail mishustin, russia and china https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/their-only-playing-card-us-talk-of-two-state-solution-cover-for-israels-genocide-in-gaza-1115685725.html Their Only Playing Card: US Talk of Two-State Solution Cover for Israels Genocide in Gaza Their Only Playing Card: US Talk of Two-State Solution Cover for Israels Genocide in Gaza For decades, US and Arab leaders have upheld a two-state solution as the only path forward for Israel and the Palestinians - an agreement that required cooperation from an Israeli government uninterested in the project. 2023-12-19T20:57+0000 2023-12-19T20:57+0000 2023-12-19T20:54+0000 analysis ansarullah yemen two-state solution palestine-israel conflict benjamin netanyahu joe biden /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106371/85/1063718545_0:0:2490:1401_1920x0_80_0_0_ff95d5f968fce99cd94a5b385f831a5f.jpg Over the weekend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a startling admission that to many did not come as a surprise at all: that in the aftermath of the 1993-5 Oslo Accords, he deliberately worked to undermine a two-state solution that would have seen the Palestinians given a separate state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.Using common Zionist language to describe the West Bank by referring to the ancient Jewish kingdoms of Judea and Samaria, Netanyahu went on to say that everyone understands what would have happened if we had capitulated to international pressures and enabled a state like that in Judea and Samaria, surrounding Jerusalem and on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.He also called the Oslo Accords a mistake he had inherited from then-Prime Minister Ytzhak Rabin, who signed the agreements to end the violence of the First Intifada, at the time the largest-ever Palestinian national uprising. Since Oslo, Western leaders have included support for a two-state solution in their standard repertoire of diplomatic positions, asserting the agreement whenever violence between Israelis and Palestinians flares up. That includes US President Joe Biden, who in 1986 declared that Were there not an Israel, the United States of America would have to invent an Israel to protect her interest in the region.Indeed, Netanyahus government has been pressuring the White House not to publicly mention the two-state solution, according to US media reports.Esteban Carrillo, a journalist and editor for the online news magazine The Cradle, told Radio Sputniks Fault Lines on Monday that while the US and Arab states continue to talk about a two-state solution, the government doing the most for Gaza was the Yemeni militant group Ansarallah, which controls most of Yemen, including its capital of Sanaa, and operates as the de facto government of the regions poorest country.Of course they have failed, and they failed because of Israel. And this call for a new two-state solution and now a revamped Palestinian Authority, this is going to fail as well, and it is because the Israelis do not even want to hear a word about this. They are saying it. There was a report a few days ago on some US outlet that said the Israelis are telling the US to stop talking about a two-state solution. Some Israeli official was interviewed, I think on Sky News over the weekend, and he was asked like, why shouldn't the Palestinians have the same rights? And they're saying, essentially, they can't have the same rights as us because that that would mean that the genocide of the Jewish population of Israel. You know, they always talk in these very maximalist terms and then their actions are as well as we are seeing with the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. They say they are there to eradicate Hamas, but the Hamas losses are minimal, and at this point, you have over 10,000 women and children killed.Carrillo noted that on Monday, Biden called Netanyahus government the most conservative government in Israel's history, adding that it does not want a two-state solution.Asked about Bidens comment, Mark Regev, Netanyahus senior adviser for foreign affairs and international communications, brushed the disagreement aside, pointing instead to their agreement on the need to destroy Hamas through a military operation and expressing his belief that the US and Israel would come to an agreement on a post-Hamas Gaza scenario.Even Netanyahu is saying we don't want the Palestinian Authority, the Palestinian Authority also wants to eradicate us, even though the Palestinian Authority is an organization that has for decades collaborated with Israel to suppress resistance in the West Bank. They are very much disliked in the occupied Palestinian territories because of these reasons and some others. So, you know, the Israelis, you need to look at their actions and you need to look at their statements. And they're very straightforward with what they want: you see former officials, you see current officials getting asked, you are going after Hamas, but, you know, we see all these innocent civilians and they say, well, there's no innocents in Gaza, there's no civilians in Gaza. This is the language of genocide and this is what's happening. And it's you know, it's taken such a long time for the Western world, or at the very least for Western media, for Western leaders, even Arab leaders, to accept this as a fact, that what is happening to the Palestinians right now, if it's up to Israel, it's not going to stop.Carrillo said Bidens talk of a two-state solution is just cover because they are really interested in suppressing Ansarallah because Yemen is in control of global trade with its blockade of the Red Sea to Israeli vessels.Today, BP said: we are no longer going to operate in the Red Sea. The same with Evergreen. That's on top of five other shipping firms that already said we will not operate in the Red Sea anymore because of the threat posed by Yemen. And now, remember, Yemen, in the Arab world, they are the poorest country. They're the least developed. This is a country that has been at war for eight years, brutal war. You know, at one point during the first two years, they were getting bombed every 3 hours in the capital, in Sana'a. But now, they are not just putting their country on the line, themselves on the line, they are showing that they have capabilities beyond what anybody really expected.So now, you know, the Arab world's poorest country is doing essentially the most for Palestine. And the United States has been caught completely with their pants down, because right now the only way that they can stop. This is essentially opening a war front in Yemen. And that's why [US Defense Secretary] Lloyd Austin is right now here in the region. He's in Israel, he's going to meet some Arab leaders too - it's because they want to launch this naval task force, they want to call it Operation Prosperity Guardian, to stop Yemen.And that I think is really the most pressing issue right now in the halls of power in Washington, because what happens after the war in Gaza is going to be what happened before the war in Gaza. You know, this didn't start on October 7. This got worse on October 7, and the Israelis got punched in the nose on October 7, but before then, Gaza was already the world's largest concentration camp. They were already being bombed every so often, you know, the Israelis control everything. So in the outcome of these, no matter what the United States says, the Israelis will still at the very least, want to continue to control everything. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231012/two-state-solution-or-one-state-agreement-what-are-the-options-in-palestines-path-to-statehood-1114148856.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/us-senator-says-netanyahu-has-shut-the-door-on-two-state-efforts-1115653900.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/father-christmas-may-be-delayed-wests-antagonism-of-russia-iran-block-red-sea-alternatives-1115683219.html yemen Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier does israel want a two-state solution, netanyahu two-state solution, biden netanyahu spat https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/ukraine---another-lost-usnato-war-with-no-regrets-1115679845.html Ukraine - Another Lost US/NATO War With No Regrets Ukraine - Another Lost US/NATO War With No Regrets One of the enigmatic aspects of international politics is that big and militarily superior countries have systematically lost wars in smaller countries over the last 50 years, from Vietnam to Ukraine. 2023-12-19T13:16+0000 2023-12-19T13:16+0000 2023-12-19T13:16+0000 world ukrainian crisis us arms for ukraine ukrainian counteroffensive attempt russia-nato showdown nato aukus nord stream joe biden nato expansion /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/14/1114352435_0:0:3048:1714_1920x0_80_0_0_58b97879b4d788a3a91ca4ae4f52c1d9.jpg "Losing" here means military defeat, being forced out, losing the struggle for the hearts and minds of the people, and facing fiasco when it comes to achieving the professed noble motives like introducing human rights, democracy, freedom or liberating women. And given the tremendous human costs, particularly in the Middle East, the US' "Global War on Terror" since September 11, 2001 is also an intellectual and moral disaster.The US - by far the world's largest military spender, interventionist, warrior, occupier, global base-builder with the most militarized foreign policy - is in a class of its own. In losing wars too.It is now rapidly losing legitimacy, relevance and credibility in the eyes of most of the world outside US/NATO/EU/ANPO/AUKUS. Firstly, all these imperial militarist adventures have been woefully anti-intellectual and imbued with the arrogance of power, elements of racism and hubris. Secondly, after quite predictable fiascos and defeats - such as in Iraq - there comes a time when propaganda, psychological operations (PSYOPS), media influencing, and psycho-political projection no longer do the trick.There comes a time, too, when even the biggest military spender and economy cannot finance its weapons addiction and its arsenals of weapons and ammunition dry up.It's called over-extension and diminishing legitimacy in the eyes of others, it's called militarism to death and is transforming into imperial decline and eventual fall. No empires have lasted forever and that of the US/NATO world will be the last. No one is so foolish to believe that, in an incredibly diverse world, everybody else would accept one player to be the all-dominating system and shape others into its own image. Missionary times are a thing of the past. Enter Ukraine. NATO set itself up in Kiev immediately after it became independent and declared in 2008 that it would become a member of the alliance. It was a gross violation of the promises indisputably given to the last Soviet President, Michael Gorbachev, but such was the unipolar we-can-do-whatever-we-want sentiment. In an autistic manner, NATO refused to listen to Russia's legitimate security concerns and also did not bother about the fact that there was only a tiny minority among the Ukrainian people in favour of membership of NATO. Instead, a regime change in Kiev was all that was needed: installing a pro-Western leadership, paying it well and giving it an offer it could not refuse by wooing it step-by-step into the ever-expanding alliance.Russia then put its foot down, and insult had to be added to injury: We will help you, Ukraine, for as long as it takes for you to win "our" war against Russia and "weaken" it; you'll be covered the whole way, just fight for us to the last Ukrainian. Thus, Part One with the expansion and wooing, and Part Two with the militarization and proxy war - but no membership of NATO, which would commit NATO troops to Ukrainian soil and cost NATO lives. Now comes Part Three - the abandonment and Ukraine on desolation row to be fixed by a faltering EU. Here, the Palestine-Israel conflict comes in handy. The political and media attention on Ukraine has diminished significantly, while Ukraine's counter-offensive has stalled, and internal conflicts in Kiev accelerate. The NATO blame game is on: We gave you all the weapons, ammunition and training we could, but you did not manage the military struggle well; your leadership is falling apart, and you are not as grateful to us as we had expected, and so on. And do not expect NATO or EU membership in the near future (no matter what we say for the public).Obviously, nobody wants to be associated with such a political, economic, military, legal and moral fiasco. Not the US and NATO's leaders, who, from a historical perspective, provoked it in Part One and, instead of admitting it, continued to Part Two and Three.The EU has not been able to develop its own policies on the Ukraine conflict. It followed the US blindly, installed history's toughest sanctions and completely isolated the largest European state, Russia, from Europe. Sweden and Finland willingly let themselves be pushed into NATO for no serious reason. Then followed the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines, the largest ever infrastructure destruction (most likely carried out by the US because President Biden and other leaders said they would do just that and because of the silence and lack of official reports explaining who did what). Weapons depots are becoming emptied, and now, to put it crudely, the Union looks increasingly wobbly politically while undergoing its deepest ever economic crisis. Germany's economic and political situation looks bleak. The EU area is likely to also be heavily hit by the long-term repercussions of the violence in the Middle East.The EU's helter-skelter knee-jerk reaction to Russia's military operations in Ukraine prevented any analyses of likely consequences in the short-, mid- and long-term of these measures, which were as ill-considered and irrational as they were drastic. Russia, on the other hand, will get out of this quagmire much better than the EU.While the US is comparatively well protected from the negative consequences of its policies, its European allies are not. The burdens on the civilian economy caused by warfare, militarism, tremendous re-armament, and refugee flows - and thereby, depletion of resources urgently needed for European infrastructure, climate change measures and welfare investments - paint a dark picture of the future. It will likely become a guns-before-butter society, and future generations will have to pay the bills.As time goes by, people will take to the street - for themselves and/or in support of, say, the Palestinians. Simultaneously, the far right will see its dawn as the economic crisis deepens.While the West declines and implodes - more with a whimper than with a bang - one scenario for the next decade or so may well contain the fragmentation and possible dissolution of NATO.This article war originally published by Global Times. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231216/scott-ritter-joe-bidens-world-war-iii-fantasy-1115624459.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/biden-admin-has-no-end-game-in-doomed-ukraine-project---expert-1115604505.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231213/us-unable-to-fight-one-front-war-after-ukraine-supplies-depletes-weapon-stocks-1115560867.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231210/cost-of-empire-study-says-us-military-intervention-making-americans-less-safe-1115514762.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia-nato showdown, ukrainian crisis, nato expansion, nato militarism, nato war, proxy war https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/ukraine-lost-383000-soldiers-since-start-of-the-special-op--shoigu--1115677303.html Ukraine Lost 383,000 Troops Since Special Op's Launch, Shoigu Reveals Ukraine Lost 383,000 Troops Since Special Op's Launch, Shoigu Reveals Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported on the main achievements of the Russian Armed Forces and military-industrial complex in year 2023. 2023-12-19T10:55+0000 2023-12-19T10:55+0000 2023-12-19T12:28+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/14/1113515566_0:110:2594:1569_1920x0_80_0_0_1663cd97c47d0bcac700c671921e0289.jpg On Ukraine's Failed Counteroffensive Resulting in Tremendous Losses for KievAccording to Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Ukraine has suffered a devastating blow in the ongoing conflict, losing over 383,000 soldiers. In addition, the Ukrainian forces have incurred significant losses, including 14,000 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and armored personnel carriers. Furthermore, the Kiev regime has lost 553 aircraft, 259 helicopters, 8,500 field artillery guns, and multiple launch rocket systems. These staggering figures highlight the immense toll the conflict has taken on Ukraine.Since the commencement of Kiev's counteroffensive in June, Ukraine has suffered significant losses, with over 159,000 troops killed. In addition to the substantial human casualties, Ukraine's military equipment has also been severely impacted, with 121 aircraft, 23 helicopters, and 766 tanks destroyed, including the loss of 37 Leopards. Furthermore, the Russian army has wiped out 2,348 armored vehicles, which includes the destruction of 50 Bradleys.The Russian Armed Forces are effectively neutralizing foreign mercenaries involved in the conflict.Russia's air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed a total of 1,062 NATO missiles over a period of six months. These included missiles for MLRS, operational-tactical and cruise missiles, as well as guided aerial bombs.Shoigu emphasized that the Russian army had liberated lands five times larger than what the DPR and LPR had before the special operation had begun. Additionally, he stated that the Azov Sea now belonged to Russia as its inner waters.Shoigu added that Ukraine received $203 billion from external donors, which is 30 billion more than its GDP.On Russia's Military-Industrial Complex and Nuclear ArmsRussia's defense industry has quadrupled its output since the start of the special military operation, the minister pointed out.Russia churns out more high-tech weapons than NATO member states in spite of the US-led sanctions targeting Moscow, Shoigu stressed.The defense chief stressed that Russia swiftly created infrastructure for the Burevestnik nuclear cruise missiles and Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drones. Referring to Moscow's future goals, Shoigu stressed that the Russian military would conduct combat training in 2024, taking into account the threats of NATO's further eastward expansion. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia special military operation, ukrainian crisis, ukraine, russian armed forces, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian counteroffensive attempt Migrants stand in a detention area Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. Jessica Phelps Migrants stand in a detention area Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. Jessica Phelps Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass William Luther Migrants stand in a detention area Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass as a surge of migrants push across the border. William Luther WASHINGTON El Paso County and two immigrant rights groups on Tuesday sued to stop what they called patently illegal legislation empowering Texas officials to remove people they suspect of being in the country illegally, less than 24 hours after Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill into law. The new law, set to take effect in March, would allow any law enforcement officer in Texas to arrest migrants accused of unlawfully entering the state from Mexico and empower judges to order their removal. It was widely expected to wind up in the courts and has seen pushback from the Mexican government and Democrats in Congress, who have urged the Department of Justice to step in, as well. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The law is a major escalation of Abbotts border security initiative, Operation Lone Star, and has been cast by the governor and other state officials as an invitation for the Supreme Court to revisit longstanding precedent leaving immigration enforcement solely to the federal government. The ACLU, which is representing the plaintiffs, argues that the states deportation scheme violates the U.S. Constitution by putting federal power in the states hands. The law creates a new state system to regulate immigration that completely bypasses and conflicts with the federal system, the lawsuit says. S.B. 4 jettisons this system, grasping control over immigration from the federal government and depriving people subject to that system of all of the federal rights and due process that Congress provided to them, including the rights to contest removal and seek asylum, the suit says. The complaint was filed in a federal district court in Austin on behalf of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center and American Gateways, two nonprofits that assist asylum seekers and other migrants, as well as El Paso County. It names as defendants Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw and Bill Hicks, the district attorney for the 34th Judicial District, which includes Culbertson, Hudspeth and El Paso counties. The ACLU also issued a travel advisory on Tuesday, saying the law poses a risk to any person while in Texas, since travelers and Texas residents alike may be accused of 'illegal entry' into Texas and face arrest and even be ordered deported by a Texas judge. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbott said during a bill signing ceremony Monday in Brownsville that the measure is a step to stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas. The third-term Republican argued that the state has the authority to proceed with the new law and accused President Joe Biden, a Democrat, of failing to secure the border, leaving Texas to do so on its own. Abbott predicted the deportation law would lead to a 50- to 75-percent drop in border crossings into Texas. The law empowers police across the state to arrest people they suspect of unlawfully entering Texas from Mexico under a new class of illegal entry state crimes. Judges would decide whether to issue an order to return to Mexico in lieu of prosecution, with consent from migrants. But judges also would be required to issue return orders for anyone convicted of illegal entry. People would face stiff penalties for refusing the orders, effectively leaving them to choose between state-ordered deportation to Mexico or up to 20 years in prison. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbott, a former attorney general, said he believes the law was crafted in a way that can and should be upheld in the courts on its own. Nonetheless, he said, it does open up the possibility for the Supreme Court to reconsider a 2012 landmark ruling that held that only the federal government has the power to enforce immigration laws. In that case, the high court struck down portions of an Arizona law that authorized police to arrest anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. Then-Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that the federal government has broad discretion in setting immigration policy and that the state could not pursue policies that undermine federal law. We think that Texas already has the constitutional authority to do this, Abbott said. But we also welcome a Supreme Court decision that would overturn the precedent. Jasper Scherer contributed to this report. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/us-escalation-in-the-red-sea--a-loselose-proposition--1115679933.html US Escalation in the Red Sea A Lose/Lose Proposition US Escalation in the Red Sea A Lose/Lose Proposition The latest escalation in world military affairs, the situation in the Red Sea and Yemen, has the real potential to eclipse both the war in Ukraine and the invasion of Gaza, both in terms of military and economic impact, on a global scale. 2023-12-19T14:09+0000 2023-12-19T14:09+0000 2023-12-22T10:23+0000 world red sea yemen israel houthis houthi us navy suez canal us middle east /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/13/1115681349_0:136:1965:1241_1920x0_80_0_0_34ef2559c18ec6e98aa2ced58cbb947d.jpg The hubris and abject idiocy of US plans to open yet another conflict that they cannot hope to win, and that cannot lead to anything but the destruction of the world economy can only be described as criminally insane.In a recent letter to "Dear America", the Houthi leaders wrote, "A desperate plea for reflection. The consequences are dire, and the responsibility lies with the guardians of the American dream. Beware, for the path you tread upon carries weighty consequences, reverberating across oceans and continents. Choose wisely..." The choice is between demanding an end to the Gaza humanitarian tragedy or escalating the conflict into a war that will have global consequences. The US has already announced its intention to choose the latter. It is a choice for which the American people, if they allow it to happen, will suffer gravely.The US and UK have moved at least 24 combat ships into the seas off the coast of Yemen, ostensibly "to protect global shipping lanes". This is a lie. The Houthis have clearly stated that, one, that they are only targeting ships serving Israeli interests, and that all other shipping is under no threat, and two, that they are willing to cease all military operations against Israeli shipping as soon as Israel stops its attacks on Gaza and the West Bank.It is ONLY Israeli shipping that is under threat, and it is ONLY Israeli shipping that US and UK naval forces are deployed to protect. But by escalating the situation in the Red Sea, they are putting at risk ALL shipping passing through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, which accounts for 12% of all global trade and 30% of all container shipping, as well as about 8% of world trade in both oil and LNG, for a total annual value of over a trillion US dollars. As things stand now, only Israel-linked shipping is at risk, and even that risk can be completely eliminated by the cessation of Israeli attacks on Gaza and the West Bank. But if the US attacks Yemen, the Houthis will respond, and they do have the capability to sink US Navy ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. And once that happens, the Red Sea becomes an active war zone, and then, all bets are off, along with all shipping in the Red Sea, and 12% of all global trade. Think about itThe economies of the EU nations are already in serious decline. The US national debt stands at over $33 TRILLION, and the era of the US dollar's reserve currency status in global trade is closing fast. A 12% overnight decline in global trade would almost certainly lead these economies into economic depression equivalent to the Great Depression of almost 100 years ago. As I have said many times before, economic war and military war are two sides of the same coin. The Houthis have a major economic advantage based on their geography to influence and even threaten global economic activity, and have proven their ability and willingness to use it. And it is by no means certain that the Western armada assembled along the Yemeni coast can even defeat the Houthis militarily without unacceptable and unsustainable losses.According to Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Houthis are known to possess two types of larger anti-ship ballistic missiles: The Asef, which has a ranger 450km range, and the Tankil,which has a range of 500km. These missiles can travel at speeds up to Mach 5, and carry warheads of between 300 to 500 kg. (By comparison, Chinese anti-ship missiles with 600 kg warheads have been dubbed "Aircraft Carrier Killers".) The range of these missiles allows the Houthis to cover not only the southern third of the Red Sea, but all of the Gulf of Aden and much of the Arabian Sea as well. With the exception of the USS Indianapolis and the USCG ships in the Gulf of Oman, all of the US/UK naval ships in the graphic above are already within range of Houthi missiles.After almost ten years of civil war against the Yemeni government backed the US and a Saudi-led coalition, the Houthis remain an undefeated and powerful fighting force, still in control of about 20% of Yemen, in the northern and western parts along the Red Sea. Though a recent ceasefire was brokered by China and based on Saudi - Iranian rapprochement, the situation in Yemen remains volatile, exacerbated by Israel's recent attacks on Gaza and the West Bank. With the US threatened escalation, the global military and economic risks increase by orders of magnitude.The Houthis demands are clear and precise: Stop the attacks on Palestinians, and the threats to Israeli shipping will cease. Escalate, and the Houthi response will be asymmetrical and world-changing. To any who might scoff at the idea of a rebel army in an impoverished 3rd world country being able to take on the US military, I would simply remind them of the fact that the US has failed to achieve any meaningful victory in any of the wars it has started over the last 30 years.The choice is clear - either end the Palestinian tragedy, or unleash a global catastrophe of unimaginable proportions. The US government has announced its ill-advised decision to choose the latter option. It is up to all good people in the world, and US citizens in particular, to prevent this global and suicidal miscalculation from taking place, or suffer the consequences. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/us-military-action-against-houthis-may-expand-war-in-yemen-1115661451.html red sea yemen israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.jpg Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.jpg us sends ships to red sea, houthi attacks, us response to houthi attacks, what is red sea attack, why are the houthis attacking ships, yemen attacks ships https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/us-military-recruitment-crisis-symptoms-of-overreaching-empire-1115681702.html US Military Recruitment Crisis: Symptoms of Overreaching Empire US Military Recruitment Crisis: Symptoms of Overreaching Empire US has recentle faced a growing "recruitment crisis" in which branches of the US Armed Forces are unable to meet recruitment quotas and, as a result, are diminishing in both quantity and quality. The US Army, for example, has fallen 10,000 short of the 65,000 recruits it aimed for in 2023 because of an inability to meet recruitment quotas. 2023-12-19T17:10+0000 2023-12-19T17:10+0000 2023-12-19T17:20+0000 americas us dick durbin washington russia us armed forces us army navy white house /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102395/45/1023954533_0:224:4256:2618_1920x0_80_0_0_fd851ee77c363fee7919b81515697cac.jpg To address these gaps, the US has gradually lowered the entry standards for joining the military and expanded the eligibility criteria to include non-citizens. For several years, legal immigrants have been permitted to serve in the US military as a means to expedite their path to US citizenship. In recent times, there has been suggestions to recruit undocumented immigrants.Last week, a press release from the office of Illinois US Senator Dick Durbin concerning ideas to fix what was called a "broken immigration system," included mention of the military recruiting illegal immigrants.Senator Durbin also mentioned a lack of qualified human resources within the US itself which he hoped to address by recruiting talent from around the globe.The US media admitted that the US Armed Forces are failing to meet quotas for a variety of reasons including a growing percentage of the American population unable to meet health and fitness requirements, drug addiction, criminal record, and mental health issues, or a general disinterest or even distrust of the US Armed Forces following decades of wars predicated on dubious pretexts. Yet, there has been no introspection as to how the US arrived at this crisis, both for its military and its domestic workforce. Thus, there is little hope of US leadership ever genuinely resolving it. The US has plenty of human beings living within its borders. The problem lies within American society, or rather, the lack thereof. It suffers from a general unraveling of family values, work ethic, and social cohesion. Additionally, there is a collapse of America's education system, including vocational education, which creates a shortage of qualified candidates for economic and military activities. Instead of understanding and addressing this problem at its roots, the US seems intent on papering over it. Rather than creating a sustainable foreign policy that would allocate more resources to education and infrastructure at home, the US continues to pursue overreaching maximalist policies overseas. These policies encroach upon, encircle, and attempt to "contain" both Russia and China. The former policy would address the growing shortage of qualified candidates for the economy and the military, while the latter ensures that this problem will only continue to grow. The US has been engaged in almost perpetual war since the end of World War II, not in defense of America's homeland, but in pursuit of its influence and "interests" abroad, both of which are euphemisms for modern-day empire. Like all empires before it, the US finds itself facing a dilemma. It must either continue expanding to maintain and grow its wealth and power globally, or it must refrain from doing so, in which case its international wealth and power will crumble.Like empires throughout history, the necessity to fill the ranks of its military, one of the primary tools used to secure and expand US wealth and power worldwide, is paramount. And like all other empires throughout history, the US has found itself growing increasingly desperate to do so. The mind-set in Washington that makes the pursuit of modern empire such an urgent imperative is also the same mind-set incapable of understanding and solving the problems the pursuit of empire always inevitably creates. It is a mind-set unable to admit the unsustainability of an empire and the military and economic requirements needed to pursue it. The desperate search to fill the ranks of the military, which is deployed across the globe among hundreds of bases dotting scores of nations and involved in interventions on virtually every inhabited continent, consumes Washington to the extent that no one in the White House or Congress ever stops to think if they should continue doing so in the first place.The induction of immigrants into the US military may temporarily delay America's multiplying problems, but it will not make the pursuit of empire any more sustainable in the long run. Until Washington understands that what it is trying to do cannot (and should not) be done, it can start to solve its many problems sooner.This article was originally published by Global Times. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/us-v-gen-z-tiktok-complaints-reportedly-aiding-poor-military-recruitment-1115670689.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231217/despite-bloated-budget-us-entering-2024-with-tiniest-military-since-1941-1115644109.html americas washington russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International roots of american empire, why does us have so many military bases, what is us hegemony, recruitment in us military, what's happening with us military recruitment, did us military suffer after iraq, did us military suffer after afganistan, where are us miliatry bases, how to sign up for us military, does us military accept immigarnts, immigrants in the us military, do young people want to serve in the us military https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/us-on-alert-as-yemens-houthis-wreak-havoc-on-israel-linked-ships-1115662596.html US on Alert as Yemen's Houthis Wreak Havoc on Israel-Linked Ships US on Alert as Yemen's Houthis Wreak Havoc on Israel-Linked Ships On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Melik Abdul discussed several topics from around the globe, including the recent upheaval in the Red Sea after Yemen's Houthis seized Israel-linked cargo ships and attacked others. 2023-12-19T04:12+0000 2023-12-19T04:12+0000 2023-12-22T10:25+0000 fault lines rudy giuliani israel-gaza conflict israel european union (eu) yemen ukraine radio houthis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/12/1115662438_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_612886f8c2656fca46f4486fa7cc813f.png U.S. on Alert as Yemen's Houthis Wreak Havoc on Israel-Linked Ships On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Melik Abdul discussed several topics from around the globe, including the recent upheaval in the Red Sea after Yemen's Houthis seized Israel-linked cargo ships and attacked others. Mark Sleboda: International Relations & Security AnalystEsteban Carrillo: Journalist & Editor for The CradleLarry Ward: President of the Constitutional Rights PACFault Lines kicked off the show on Monday by discussing Ukraine's desperate recruitment attempts amid a manpower shortage. The show was joined by security analyst Mark Sleboda, who detailed the the Ukrainian regime's corruption and their failures on the battlefield.In the second hour, journalist Esteban Carrillo joined Fault Lines to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as Israel continues its military operation despite an apparent rift with the US on the intensity of its offensive.In the third hour, Larry Ward spoke to Fault Lines about the Rudy Giuliani lawsuit, which saw the court rule in favor of the plaintiffs and demand that the former New York Mayor pay $148 million in damages.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM israel yemen ukraine red sea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png rudy giuliani, israel-gaza conflict, israel, european union (eu), yemen, ukraine, , radio, houthis, red sea, red sea crisis https://sputnikglobe.com/20231219/us-vet-on-depleted-uranium-i-saw-disfigured-newborns-and-my-dad-dying-from-cancer-1114153992.html Ex-US Airman on Depleted Uranium: 'I Saw Disfigured Newborns & My Dad Dying From Cancer' Ex-US Airman on Depleted Uranium: 'I Saw Disfigured Newborns & My Dad Dying From Cancer' Damacio A. Lopez, a US Air Force veteran who has firsthand knowledge of depleted uranium arms' deadly effect on human chromosomes and the environment, told Sputnik why the supply of DU rounds spells long-lasting disaster for Ukraine. 2023-12-19T05:00+0000 2023-12-19T05:00+0000 2023-12-23T18:57+0000 depleted uranium iraq socorro us department of defense (dod) us air force pentagon ukraine iraq war gulf war kosovo /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106074/81/1060748180_0:0:2837:1597_1920x0_80_0_0_ff337a80e4732600b64f586a4e89dbb4.jpg Following the costly failure of their summer counteroffensive, the Ukrainian military has begun desperately searching for wonder weapons to restore their battlefield fortunes.Announcing the provision of DU rounds to Ukraine, Washington insisted in September that there's nothing to worry about: the wonder-weapon is somewhat toxic, but overall harmless and fine. Rafael Grossi, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general, joined the chorus, asserting to the public that there are "no significant radiological consequences" from the use of depleted uranium shells.These are barefaced lies, according to Damacio A. Lopez, a US Air Force veteran and a member of Veterans For Peace and co-chair of its Depleted Uranium Working Group. He founded the International Depleted Uranium Study Team and co-founded the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons (ICBUW).Damacio was one of the first Americans who raised the red flag about the disastrous consequences of the weapons. Since 1985, he has been seeking a global ban on depleted uranium arms, which are still not covered by international chemical or nuclear conventions, despite DU's toxicity and radioactivity.Sinister Black Cloud Over SocorroDamacio was born in Socorro, a southern town in central New Mexico along the Rio Grande. Back in 1945, the Trinity nuclear test rocked the Jornada del Muerto Desert, only 36 miles southeast of his hometown. Damacio was only two years at that time, but later he became curious about radiation hazards.The Trinity blast wasn't the only US nuclear experiment in the region. In 1985, when Lopez visited his parents in Socorro during the Christmas holidays, the first thing he heard on his arrival was the sound of very loud explosions less than two miles from his house. Explosions occurred regularly, making dishes rattle and causing cracks in the walls. But even more alarming was a dark black cloud hovering over the town after the blasts.Lopez went to a Board of Regents meeting and asked about the explosions and dark clouds of smoke. But in response, he only got evasive answers.Still, his efforts bore some fruit: one morning, he found five mysterious boxes in the front yard of his Socorro house. When he opened them, he found documents shedding light on the ongoing disaster.He learned that the black cloud that he saw was radioactive and chemically toxic dust ejected into the atmosphere by depleted uranium blasts.Damacio decided to dig deeper. He knew that the exposure to nuclear materials could lead to health problems, so he went to the Health Department in Santa Fe and sought information about Socorro's residents. The records gave him the shivers: over past years, the community's health problems had piled up, with the number of cases of hydrocephalus, cancer, and birth defects higher than in the other counties around the state.This gruesome discovery prompted him to start researching the effects of depleted uranium contamination.Horrific Effects of Exposure to Depleted UraniumIn the late 1990s, Damacio was invited to Iraq by the nation's authorities to speak at a conference on the depleted uranium weapons used in the country by the US during the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991). In 1993, Lopez and his fellows published the book Uranium Battlefields Home and Abroad: Depleted Uranium Use by the US Department of Defense, looking into DU testing sites in the US and the Pentagon's use of the weapons abroad. The US and its allies unleashed over 300 tons of DU in Iraq."I found a lot of [health] related issues. At that conference that I went to, I learned a lot of things and I was one of the speakers at this conference. And so I was able to get studies from these medical people who had done a lot of studies on the people in Iraq and birth defects, cancers. These were the top things that were going on in their country, and some of the cancers were the same cancers, the same cancer that my father died from. And a lot of other people in the town were having problems in Socorro with birth defects. So I was able to go into hospitals in Iraq to see for myself the people who were victims."But the greatest shock for Damacio was Iraqi children who were born after the US bombing campaign. When he recalls them, he cannot hold back his tears."In one particular hospital I was able to see many, many children with birth defects that were so severe that it was so hard for me to think of them as even human."The little boy looked listless. Damacio thought for a moment that the toddler couldn't see or hear. "And as I was leaving the room, I heard the little boy scream out: 'Mama, mama!' And it sent chills through my entire body."If Damacio were told at the time that the US government would throw another thousand tons of depleted uranium on Iraq in just three weeks during the Second Gulf War, it would have stopped the researcher's heart.Geiger Counter Never Lies: DU Weapons are RadioactiveLopez suspected that these hideous birth defects and the spike in cancer cases were caused by depleted uranium's radioactivity and toxicity. Preparing for his Iraq trip, he took his Geiger counter. The radiation detector "could identify alpha, beta, and gamma, and could identify whether it was depleted uranium or something more hot than depleted uranium," according to the researcher.While in Baghdad, Damacio visited the Amiriyah shelter, which was subjected to a US aerial attack that killed over 400 civilians, including children, on February 13, 1991."Eyewitnesses told me, more than one said to me: 'Damacio, what happened here is I saw this projectile. I saw this large Tomahawk cruise missile making curves around streets.' And then, when they got to the Amiriyah shelter, they went up high, came straight down in the middle of the shelter that had three stories, three feet of concrete between the stories to protect the people in there. In this case, children. There were more than 600 kids and school kids in that shelter at this time. The missile came down from the middle of the shelter, went through, went all the way down to the bottom of the shelter, and then went into a deep hole there. I saw all this, and they're watching it."Lopez decided to find remnants of projectiles used during the US bombing of Baghdad and other areas and make measurements. He knew that typically, natural background radiation levels could range between five and 60 counts per minute, or a little more. Anything higher than that meant potential radioactive contamination."I found in one of the facilities in Baghdad after going to the Amiriyah shelter, there was an exhibition, there was a big building and they had picked up all the war remnants that they had found. One of them was partially, about three quarters, a Tomahawk cruise missile. And I had my detector and I checked it out. It was about a hundred counts per minute, which was an indication that there was radiation within this Tomahawk cruise missile."Then he travelled to a site on the border between Kuwait and Iraq, dubbed the "Highway of Death," where thousands of Iraqi tanks and armored vehicles were pierced and burned by DU munitions fired by US A-10 Warthogs. There, he got readings of about 100-120 counts per minute on the holes of the damaged tanks. Lopez also collected small pieces of metal as samples that showed a reading of 600 counts per minute.DU Weapons are Made of Radioactive WasteLopez tried to find out why the US had decided to use depleted uranium for its ammo in the first place.Damacio's book Uranium Battlefields Home and Abroad: Depleted Uranium Use by the US Department of Defense explains that DU is a byproduct of the uranium enrichment process by which the fissionable isotope uranium-235 (U235) is extracted from natural uranium for subsequent use as fuel for nuclear reactors.Natural uranium, a silvery-grey metal, contains 0.7% U235, 99.3% U238, and a small amount of U234 by mass. After producing 85 kilograms of enriched uranium, one would get 915 kg of U238, or depleted uranium.The Pentagon argues that U238 retains "only" 60% of natural uranium's radioactivity and emits alpha particles, which have low penetration depth and can be stopped by skin. Inside the body, however, alpha-emitters can be extremely harmful, damaging sensitive living tissue. After the explosion of DU projectiles, microscopic and light uranium dust can travel with the wind, be inhaled, swallowed, or enter the body through a wound, later causing cancer and chromosome damage.Why Do Pentagon and Defense Contractors Like DU So Much?Lopez explained that from a military standpoint, the most important property of DU is its great density, relatively low cost of fabrication, and availability. The material is used for tank armor and projectiles of different sizes.Highly-dense DU munitions easily pierce tanks and other armored vehicles. While tungsten carbide projectiles are capable of doing the same, DU is cheaper, more accessible, and offers greater margins for US military firms.On the other hand, turning spent uranium into bullets and shells has become an "ingenious" solution for the US nuclear industry on how to "dispose" of radioactive waste, Lopez said in his book. So, as money talks, the US' testing and use of DU weapons continue unabated, according to the activist.But has the Pentagon ever been aware of the long-lasting hazard related to DU projectiles?The US Department of Defense's internal memos, leaked to the press in the late 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s, indicate that the Pentagon knew. But why would it use the toxic and radioactive substance nevertheless?A March 1, 1991 document shows the US DoD's attitude to DU weapons use in a nutshell. Authored by US Lieutenant Colonel M.V. Ziehmn at the Los Alamos Laboratories in New Mexico, the memo reads: "There has been and continues to be a concern regarding the impact of DU [sic] on the environment. Therefore, if no one makes a case for the effectiveness of DU on the battlefield, DU rounds may become politically unacceptable and thus, be deleted from the arsenal."The memo went on by saying: "If DU penetrators proved their worth during our recent combat activities, then we should assure their future existence (until something better is developed)," adding "we should keep this sensitive issue at mind when after action reports [sic] are written"; otherwise the US may lose "a valuable combat capability."Why Are Pentagon and White House Keeping DU's Deadly Effects Secret?The documentary Uranium 238: The Pentagons Dirty Pool (2009), used by Lopez's International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons (ICBUW) as part of its international campaign to prohibit DU, said that the Pentagon is in denial about DU munitions potentially leading to carcinogenic diseases, birth defects, and environmental contamination.One could easily imagine that if the US government admits DU's hazardous effects, the weapon would be banned, influential defense contractors would be stripped of their profits, and Washington would be slapped with a heap of legal cases with compensation demands.And the US is not the only country that uses depleted uranium as a weapon, as some of its NATO allies also do, according to Lopez. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230915/bosnia-still-suffering-from-impact-of-depleted-uranium-munition-bombings---ambassador-1113394647.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230904/us-depleted-uranium-shells-will-poison-ukraine-wont-change-conflicts-outcome-1113113379.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230907/how-us-media-learned-to-love-depleted-uranium-shells-amid-ukraine-counteroffensive-1113179148.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231110/fallout-from-catastrophic-ukraine-depleted-uranium-explosion-reached-england-1114872089.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231211/how-west-is-turning-ukraine-into-a-waste-disposal-site-1115522175.html iraq socorro ukraine kosovo serbia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Damacio A. Lopez 1 Damacio A. Lopez 1 2023-12-19T05:00+0000 true PT1M26S Damacio A. Lopez 2 Damacio A. Lopez 2 2023-12-19T05:00+0000 true PT2M28S Damacio A. Lopez 5 Damacio A. Lopez 5 2023-12-19T05:00+0000 true PT2M17S Damacio A. Lopez 6 Damacio A. Lopez 6 2023-12-19T05:00+0000 true PT1M42S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova depleted uranium, us munitions made of depleted uranium, depleted uranium ammo hazardous effects, depleted uranium radioactive and toxic, birth defects caused by depleted uranium, depleted uranium studies, depleted uranium used in gulf war, us and uk sent munitions with depleted uranium to ukraine, is depleted uranium radioactive, is depleted uranium toxic Equine Guelph announced on Tuesday, Dec. 19 that Shelby Dennis is the recipient of the 2023 Roger LHeureux Memorial Equine Award. Selected for her love of horses, commitment to their welfare and desire to learn, Dennis will receive two online courses through Equine Guelph valued at $625 each. (Certificates are available in Equine Science, Equine Welfare and Equine Business six courses complete the certificate). "I am passionate about improving horse welfare in the industry and hope to bring positive change in the competition world for horse welfare using scientific research as a template for where improvement is needed, said Dennis. My studies at Guelph have been crucial in this aspect." Already on her way to accomplishing Equine Guelphs Certificate of Equine Science through University of Guelph continuing education, Dennis did not hesitate to name the next course the award will enable her to take. Management of The Equine Environment is the last course required for her to achieve the Science certificate. Dennis also has her eye on the Equine Genetics 12-week online course, which examines how the genetics of a horse influences its potential to perform, or renders it susceptible to disease, unsoundness or genetic disorder. An avid rider since the age of four, Dennis has dedicated her life to horses, already having worked in several facets of the horse world, including the racing industry. She currently works as a horse trainer and behaviour consultant and co-founded an equine welfare organization called the Alliance for Horse Welfare in Sport. The organization is currently working to help improve equine welfare regulations leading up to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Dennis travelled to Paris last September to advocate for competition horse welfare improvements in front of FEI representatives. We are very grateful to the LHeureux family for establishing this memorial award, said Gayle Ecker, Equine Guelph director. We have been administering this tuition award since 2016 and it is fantastic to see the future ambassadors of the equine industry keen to advance their knowledge and use that knowledge to advocate for the horse, becoming real change makers in equine welfare. The Roger LHeureux Memorial Equine Award was established in loving memory of Standardbred driver, trainer and groom Roger LHeureux by David LHeureux and Crystal Fountains Inc. Submissions will be accepted for this years applicants until Nov. 30, 2024. (Equine Guelph) Improvements are being made at Riverside Discovery Center, its executive director told the Scottsbluff Council Monday. Drane-Davison came before the council to provide a report, telling council members that RDC officials have been working to make changes since losing its AZA accreditation in September. She outlined the work that she and her staff had been doing to rise to AZA standards. She previously cited the accreditation as having been revoked because of the state of the zoos finances, inexperienced staff and turnover at the executive director position. Drane-Davison reassured the council that she plans to stay on as director at least until the zoo achieves reaccreditation and she is able to stabilize its finances. She also reported how she is working to improve those finances as the zoo has been holding a sale on memberships that is helping to increase revenues. She has also been soliciting donations. I think thats just telling us that the community is supporting the zoo, they are not giving up on us, Drane-Davison said. She said she is also in the process of teaching herself grant writing as well. The zoo has also been pursuing accreditation through the Zoological Association of America, a similar organization to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The AZA contends they are the standard for zoo accreditation. My goal is, within a year, to have things kind of straightened out and on track, Drane-Davison said. Zoo officials are working toward reaccreditation with the AZA through its Pathway Toward Membership program. However, Drane-Davison said it may be quicker to seek accreditation through the ZAA in the meantime. In November, the Riverside Discovery Center a recently had an inspection from the USDA, done under the Animal Welfare Act, and had no non-compliant items listed on the report. The zoo also had a USDA inspection in August and did not have any compliance issues listed in that report, according to online records. Even with what seem like improvements to the facility at the RDC, questions still remain surrounding the citys support for the zoo. Through an agreement with the zoo that expires in 2025, the city provides the RDC with $300,000 a year in quarterly installments. According to City Manager Kevin Spencer the agreement requires that the zoo has to maintain, or make a good faith effort to maintain AZA accreditation. He said the council needs to have a conversation about whether or not the RDC is in compliance with that agreement. He suggested that conversation be held in January. In other action items, the council also held a discussion about increasing Spencers salary following his positive recommendation on his performance review at the previous council meeting. Two council members made raise offers to Spencer; Council Member Jordan Colwell offered a %4 raise and a 1% increase to his retirement match while Council Member Matt Salomon offered a 5% raise. Spencer chose Colwells offer which would raise his salary from $147,500 annually to $153,400 along with the increase to his retirement match that would raise to 10%. While accepting the offer, Spencer once again thanked the council for their positive recommendation and for their offers. The council also approved an agreement between the city and the Nebraska Department of Transportation surrounding the maintenance of state roads in the city limits. According to Public Works Director Mark Bohl, the city does snow plowing, mowing of right of ways and pothole patching while the state does all other maintenance. The agreement includes payment from the state for the citys maintenance in the amount of $36,792. The Scottsbluff City Council will meet next on Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. On Sunday, Syracuse community members gathered at Luther Memorial Church to celebrate a man who has been a staple of the Southeast Nebraska town for decades. Eddie Harms, born Dec. 22, 1923, in Adams, turns 100 this year. For more than 80 of those years, he has worked as a farmer and soil conservationist, only recently selling his trusty Caterpillar Dozer. "He still helps farmers that need their terraces fixed, or their waterways," said friend Ruth Neeman of Syracuse. "As long as he's got work, he's going to work. He doesn't stay still very long." Harms grew up on his family's farm just southeast of Adams with 12 siblings. Neeman first knew Harms as the husband of her grade-school teacher, Millie Harms, and Eddie would come to visit the class in a memorable way. "We would hear this airplane fly over the schoolhouse, and we'd all run to the windows," Neeman said. "He'd always wave to us when he ended up outside the schoolhouse." Eddie and Millie married in 1952 after they met at the wedding of one of Eddie's older brothers. They had two children, Tim Harms and Tanya (Harms) Christian, later moving to Burr, where Eddie continued his work as a soil conservationist. Their own land, Neeman said, was something the couple took great care of. "They're good stewards of the land," Neeman said. "They worked hard and saved and were able to purchase quite a bit of land and have been very successful farmers." The couple retired to Syracuse in 1999. In 2008, Millie suffered a stroke that kept her confined to a nursing home. Christian said this was a defining moment for the family. Her mother was outgoing, and her father usually did more physical labor around the house. With Millie in assisted living, Eddie had to take on a bigger role. "That's when Dad really had to step up to the plate, and he did a really good job," Christian said. He visited Millie every night, usually tucking her into bed after they watched game shows like "Wheel of Fortune." While at the nursing home, Eddie became friends with Tammie Heller, of Syracuse, whose grandmother was roommates with Millie. Heller appreciated their dedication to one another over the decade Millie lived in the nursing home. Heller and Harms kept in touch, often visiting the home together until Millie died in February 2019. Then, Harms required a valve replacement surgery which meant he needed additional home care and cardiac rehab. Heller stepped in to help him. "He (Eddie) is the hardest working guy I've really known besides my dad," Heller said. "I would go and see him periodically and keep in touch with him because I love this man like a grandpa, I love talking to him." Christian, who lives in Minnesota, sees his impact on the community of Syracuse. She said it makes her feel at peace knowing that her father has such a strong support system. "It is very comforting since I live so far away," Christian said. "I'm really proud of him too. He's a really humble guy. He does his life and doesn't care what other people think." Growing up on the farm, Eddie and his siblings learned to be responsible for their own jobs on the family land. "We'd come in for the day, and dad would ask us if we had the chores done," Eddie said. "He said, 'You better know if you had them done or not.' We learned what we needed to do." The work interested him, and kept him learning to care for the land as he grew. He's earned awards for his soil conservation, and made a name for himself in Southeast Nebraska as someone willing to lend a hand when a neighbor needs one. His son, Tim, now works in Texas, using the metallurgy and mechanical skills his father taught him. "I would say I just followed in his footsteps," Tim said. "He's a real good man." Christian said the sale of Eddie's Caterpillar Dozer was hard for him, a sign of the times and the loss of his ability to help farmers in a big way. Before its sale, he added a step so he could get into the bulldozer more easily. An avid news reader, a Husker fan and a friend to all in the community, Eddie still lives in his own home and visits friends and family in and around Syracuse. "Friends up here ask why I don't move my dad up to Minnesota, but he wouldn't be happy," Christian said. "He loves taking care of the land and being busy doing things." Christian said she visits every month, and sees how much he loves living in his own home and working on his own schedule. She keeps an eye on whether assisted living is the right move, but for now it's not. "I almost can't believe he's that old," said Christian. "And I think sometimes he thinks the same thing." Giovanni Pellegrino said he didnt feel any pressure as Pellegrinos Trattoria put its best foot forward on Friday as the Americas Best Restaurants Roadshow was there to film an episode. Between almost being the subject of a reality show and his regular updates on social media, Giovanni said the lights and cameras were welcome and didnt make him nervous Besides me wearing my brand new coat for today, no pressure at all. This is what I do, Pellegrino said. Everybody knows I put out magic most of the times when I cook, I dont feel the pressure. On the table near him were a number on items prepared for host Danyel Detomo, ready to be sampled. These are all number one hitters, so Ill let the food speak for itself. Owners and brothers Salvatore, Roberto and Giovanni Pellegrino brought their culinary influences from New Jersey to Troutman in 2008. The sons of Italian immigrants hoped to bring a taste of Italy to North Carolina, and judging from some of their regulars praise for them during the filming of Americas Best Restaurants episode last week, theyve done that. The only other sign it was a special day at Pellegrinos was the presence of its jumbo stuffed meatball two pounds of meatballs served with mozzarella and pasta an item that isnt on their regular menu that you have to catch when its advertised on their social media channels. The restaurant regularly offers pizzas, strombolis, calzones, pastas and Italian specialty entrees and desserts. The restaurants finished episode premiere date will be announced on their Facebook page and will be featured on Americas Best Restaurants website. Restaurants featured on the ABR Roadshow are found through customer nominations or by a restaurant applying to be featured at www.americasbestrestaurants.com. Three cases involving the assault of children, two sexual in nature, led a busy docket in Floyd County Circuit Court last week. William Andrew Lusk of Willis pleaded guilty on Dec. 12 to the sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13 in 2020. Commonwealths Attorney Eric Branscom said that Lusk, 51, repeatedly touched the private areas of his victim, starting when she was 9. After learning of the abuse, her family alerted the sheriffs office, which arrested Lusk in October 2022. A county grand jury indicted Lusk on charges of aggravated sexual battery of a minor under the age of 13 on Jan. 13, 2023. The case went through six continuances, including being changed by the defense to request either a trial or a plea before the plea hearing. Circuit Judge Mike Fleenor accepted the plea bargain and set sentencing for March 26, 2024. In another case, Roger Andrew Altizer Jr., charged with malicious wounding of a pre-teen boy in 2022, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of felony unlawful wounding. Branscom detailed the attack by Altizer on the boy, saying the adult grabbed the boy and shook him violently before pushing him to the floor. The boys mother provided graphic details to deputies but then told hospital personnel that her son fell, Branscom said, which came from her fear of the involvement of the Department of Social Services, he said. Altizer also pleaded guilty to assault and battery of a family member in 2022. Fleenor accepted the amended felony charge as part of the plea agreement and sentenced Altizer to six months and 30 days, suspended, with orders that he stay away from the boy and mother along with a follow up review in three months. The third case of attacks on a child involved charges of indecent acts with a child, aggravated sexual acts with a child, and child endangerment against Travis Jackson Cruey of Hillsville. The case was continued until February of next year for a plea. In other cases: A guilty plea by Jeffrey Wayne Radford of Floyd on a charge of drug possession was placed on a deferred status until Dec. 11, 2024. If he stays out of trouble for the next 12 months, the charge will be dismissed. Daniel Lee Martin Jr. pleaded guilty to violating probation on a drug possession conviction and was given a new sentence of four years suspended. Travis William Franklin of Patrick Springs was granted a one-year deferment on a charge of possession of schedule II drugs and final disposition will be made on Dec. 10, 2024. Steven Oliver Smith of Christiansburg pleaded guilty on felony child endangerment and possession of schedule II drugs and was given a 24-month suspended sentence. Heather Michelle Venteiicher of Christiansburg was given a three-year suspended sentence on a guilty plea of forgery. President al-Assad highlighted that the only topic of significance is the recent developments in Palestine, according to al-Baath. President Bashar al-Assad declared that the current battle is one of truth. He emphasized that recent events in Palestine have shattered the global dominance of the Zionist narrative. He stressed that steadfast commitment to just causes is crucial for safeguarding homelands. While chairing a Central Committee meeting of the al-Baath Arab Socialist Party, President al-Assad remarked that the Palestinian people have successfully clung to their cause. He noted that Western officials support for Israel is akin to a mothers instinct to defend her child, with Israel being the direct offspring of colonialism. President al-Assad highlighted that the only topic of significance is the recent developments in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. He stated that these events have altered historical perceptions for years to come, independent of the wars outcomes. These facts and lessons, he asserted, are vital for all to learn, as they greatly align with Syrias experiences and those of other Arab and non-Arab nations, given that the underlying principles are common to all peoples and nations. Key Points from President al-Assads Speech: The Palestinian narrative has successfully challenged and weakened the Zionist narrative. A crucial aspect of this conflict is the decline of World Zionisms control over the narrative since the Palestinian issue first arose. Zionism has lost its grip on its narrative, even in its primary strongholds, including the U.S. While this doesnt imply that the American public is now pro-Palestine, there is a growing skepticism about Zionist narratives. This skepticism closely mirrors Syrias early experiences in the war. Emphasizing the importance of public trust, President al-Assad noted that if a people cannot defend its homeland, the state loses its purpose and hope in safeguarding its nation. President Bashar al-Assad offered a critical perspective on historical and current geopolitical issues, focusing on the Wests role in World War II and the evolution of the Palestinian Cause. The U.S. and Nazism: A Revisionist View President al-Assad challenged the conventional narrative of World War II, asserting that the defeat of Nazi Germany began in 1941 with the Battle of Moscow, nearly two years after the war started. He contended that Western powers, particularly the United States, were initially inactive against Nazism. According to al-Assad, the U.S. hoped for Nazism and Communism to mutually weaken each other, aiming to subsequently dominate a devastated Europe. He suggested that the U.S. entered the war between 1942 and 1944, only when it became apparent that the Soviet Union was nearing victory. The goal, he claimed, was to claim victory for themselves and to prevent Soviet advancement into Eastern Europe. Revival of the Palestinian Cause Discussing the Palestinian Cause, President al-Assad remarked that recent events had reignited global interest in the issue. Contrary to the belief that the Palestinian Cause had been resolved, he noted that the recent struggle, especially in Gaza, had brought the issue back to its fundamental roots: a conflict between an occupier and the rightful landowners. He emphasized that the essence of this conflict had been obscured globally, leading to a perceived dissolution of the issue. However, recent events have resurrected it to its original status, pre-Oslo Accords and pre-Peace Process. Israel, a State Born of Political Decision, Not Cultural Accumulation President al-Assad also critiqued the foundations of Israel, arguing that unlike societies built through the accumulation of civilizationencompassing geography, history, culture, and beliefsIsrael was established through a political decision. He opined that politics alone cannot create peoples or civilizations. He described the result as a monster living in contradiction with natural and human laws, in stark contrast to its neighbouring peoples. He pointed to the behaviour of Israeli settlers and the actions of the Zionist army as indicative of a troubled people, characterizing the army as both excessively violent and cowardly. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, left, talks with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after speaking to the media as Abbott campaigns at the DPS headquarters on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, in Weslaco, Texas. Joel Martinez, MBI / Associated Press Texas 2024 election season officially began this week as the clock ran out for candidates to enter the March primaries, setting the field for Houston-area races ranging from Sheila Jackson Lees bid for another term in Congress to down-ballot GOP races that pit Gov. Greg Abbott against Attorney General Ken Paxton. Jackson Lee, fresh off a landslide defeat in Saturdays mayoral runoff, faces perhaps the most formidable primary challenge of her 30-year career from Houston Councilmember Amanda Edwards. Some of her constituents will also decide a six-candidate primary to fill the overlapping state Senate district seat held by incoming Mayor John Whitmire, whose move to City Hall opens up his safely Democratic seat for the first time since 1982. On the Republican side, several state House incumbents face primary challenges centered on two flashpoints: the House vote to impeach Paxton in May and the move several months later to reject private school vouchers, Abbotts top priority. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The two GOP leaders, each looking to settle their own political scores, have found themselves on opposing sides of three Houston-area primaries in which Abbott is backing pro-voucher lawmakers and Paxton is trying to boot them from office for voting to impeach him. State-level feuds are likely to take center stage amid a shortage of intrigue atop the ballot, with President Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump so far coasting toward a presidential election rematch. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas has far outraised the rest of the 10-candidate Democratic field vying for the right to challenge Sen. Ted Cruz, who faces token opposition in the Republican primary. Theres no doubt that without any highly contested races at the top, were looking at relatively low voter turnout, which we traditionally have in Texas anyway, said Renee Cross, senior executive director at the University of Houstons Hobby School of Public Affairs. That tends to magnify the voting power of the die-hard liberals and die-hard conservatives, she added, creating more of an opening for primary challengers running to the left or right of incumbent lawmakers. Heightening the stakes, next years primaries will effectively decide the fate of most legislative districts after Republican lawmakers redrew Texas political maps two years ago to fortify their majorities in Austin, eliminating nearly all competitive general election races. Up for reelection next year are 52 seats in the Legislature and Congress that are in Harris County or at least one of the seven counties that border it. All but three of those districts were carried by either Abbott or Democrat Beto ORourke by at least 15-point margins in the 2022 governors race, making them unlikely to flip in either direction barring a seismic political event. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nearly a dozen candidates for the Legislature secured another term in office just by putting their names on the ballot, as they received no primary or general election challengers. And more than a dozen others will face a general election opponent in their safe Democratic or Republican seats but avoided competition in their upcoming primaries. That makes up about two-thirds of the Houston-area legislative races where incumbents are seeking reelection. Cross said potential challengers are likely being dissuaded by voter apathy, which has increased through gerrymandering and other factors. It's just been very clear that people aren't tuning in to these elections, Cross said. If it looks like it's going to be an uphill battle to get attention even within one's party, within the primary, I think it's just very discouraging for new folks to jump in against an incumbent. Whitmire's Senate seat Some of the most closely watched primaries stem from the Houston mayoral election, led by the six-candidate race to succeed Whitmire in his heavily Democratic Senate district. The district covers some of Houstons most prominent neighborhoods, including Montrose and The Heights, along with Bellaire, Meyerland, Humble, Atascocita, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and most of northwest Houston. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The field consists of Michelle Bonton, a charter school leader and former Houston City Council candidate; Beto Cardenas, a politically connected Houston attorney; Molly Cook, an emergency room nurse and progressive activist who was Whitmires 2022 primary foe; state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, a Democrat whose House district overlaps the Senate district; Todd Litton, an attorney-mediator who ran for Congress against Dan Crenshaw in 2018; and Karthik Soora, a renewable energy developer and former teacher. Open primary races tend to produce plenty of drama, but Cross said the race is especially intriguing because of the well-rounded quality of the candidates. Even statewide, I think that is going to be one of the most interesting races to watch, certainly on the Democratic side, because we've just got really qualified people running, Cross said. That should be, I think, a very lively race. State House primaries Most of the action will center on the Texas House, where all 150 seats are on the ballot for two-year terms beginning in January 2025. Nearly one-quarter of the lower chamber districts 37 are in Harris County or at least one of its seven surrounding counties: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery or Waller. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On the Republican side, many state lawmakers appeased potential Republican critics this year, likely explaining why they escaped without a primary opponent. All nine House GOP members in Harris County voted in favor of vouchers last month, and five of them Sam Harless, Charles Cunningham, Dennis Paul, Mike Schofield and Valoree Swanson also opposed Paxtons impeachment. None of the five received primary challengers even Harless, a Spring Republican who sparked threats of a primary in May when he joined with Democrats to advance a bill that would have raised the minimum age for buying assault-style rifles. (The proposal later died.) Abbott, meanwhile, is pitted against Paxton in the reelection bids of state Reps. Jacey Jetton of Richmond and Mano DeAyala and Lacey Hull of Houston. Paxton has endorsed each of their respective primary challengers: businessman Matt Morgan, Spring Branch Independent School District trustee John Perez and Houston activist and attorney Jared Woodfill. Abbott and Paxton have yet to wade into a district northeast of Houston where state Rep. Ernest Bailes, a Shepherd Republican and one of the few GOP members to vote for impeachment and against vouchers, faces a pair of repeat primary challengers from the 2022 election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Among them is Silsbee ISD board president Janis Holt, who contends that Bailes is defying the will of a district that overwhelmingly supports school choice, the term supporters use to describe voucher programs that give families taxpayer dollars to enroll their children in private schools. Bailes has long argued the opposite, pointing to the dearth of accredited private schools anywhere in the district, which covers a mostly rural swath of southeast Texas between Houston and Beaumont, while also stretching north to Sam Houston National Forest. On the Democratic side, two House incumbents whove recently broken with their party on high-profile issues have drawn primary challenges. In southwest Houston, state Rep. Shawn Thierry is seeking reelection against two fellow Democrats union organizer Lauren Simmons and activist Ashton Woods who are blasting her votes this year to ban gender transition care for minors and bar transgender college athletes from competing on the teams that match their gender identity. Thierry also backed a GOP bill aimed at banning books in public school libraries that include sexually explicit material, which critics charged would end up banning many LGBTQ books because it was too vaguely worded. Thierry has defended the votes, saying she was following the will of a majority of her constituents. Dr. Shaaban emphasized the significance of President Bashar al-Assad's meeting with President Xi Jinping, describing it as both important and historic, according to al-Thawra. Dr. Buthaina Shaaban, Special Advisor to the Presidency of the Republic, held a productive meeting with Wang Di, the Director-General of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs at the Foreign Ministry. They explored areas of joint cooperation and future prospects. During their Monday meeting, they reviewed topics aimed at enhancing cooperation in various fields. This included discussions on initiatives presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping in recent years, focusing on international security, human civilization, and economic growth, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative. Dr. Shaaban emphasized the significance of President Bashar al-Assads meeting with President Xi Jinping, describing it as both important and historic. She noted that this meeting marked a qualitative shift in relations, paving the way for a strategic partnership. She underscored the need to solidify action steps between the two countries to further elevate their relationship. Highlighting the growth of bilateral ties in recent years, Special Advisor Shaaban pointed out that the relationship with China is crucial not only for Syria but for all developing countries. She stressed the importance of further strengthening this partnership in various fields, especially in light of the major changes in the international situation and the increasing prominence of Chinas role. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Abu Ahmad Zakur was responsible for the economic wing of the HTS, according to Athr Press. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra) issued a statement dismissing Jihad Issa al-Sheikh, codenamed Abu Ahmad Zakour, who announced his defection from HTS three days ago. A confidential source in Idleb countryside confirmed to Athr Press that Zakour is the third man in the HTS after al-Julani and al-Qahtani, explaining that he was responsible for the economic wing of the HTS and handled financial matters, including gas stations, restaurants, and funds collected from civilians, merchants, and landowners through royalties, taxes, and checkpoint fees on goods and cars entering the areas under its control in Idleb countryside. Regarding the reason for Zakours defection, sources mentioned that HTS leader, Julani, was planning to isolate Zakour and impose house arrest. This was due to Zakour possessing sensitive information about Julanis investments inside and outside Idleb within Turkish territory. Zakour received this information through the mediation of one of Julanis aides, prompting him to flee to the countryside of Aleppo areas controlled by Ankara factions with approximately $25 million. After Zakour went to the countryside of Aleppo, HTS issued a decision to dismiss Jihad Issa al-Sheikh, accusing him of abusing his position and violating the general policy of the HTS. Athr Press sources suggested that secret negotiations took place between HTS and the former leader, Abu Ahmed Zakour, to prevent the leakage of sensitive information, with Zakour receiving a substantial amount of money in return. This year, HTS experienced a notable rebellion movement among its leaders, prompting its leader, Julani, to launch arrest campaigns against several leaders. In September, he ordered the arrest of 50 individuals, including an official responsible for manufacturing explosives. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Several border guards sustained light to moderate injuries, while the armed groups were repelled back into Syria, according to al-Modon. On Monday, the Jordanian army reported the successful prevention of the smuggling of rockets, automatic weapons, and a substantial quantity of drugs from Syria. The clash with armed groups on the northern border resulted in injuries to several army members. A spokesperson from the armys general command disclosed that the border guard forces engaged in a dawn confrontation with armed groups, ultimately thwarting the smuggling attempt. During the exchange of fire, several border guards sustained light to moderate injuries, while the armed groups were repelled back into Syria. There has been a recent surge in drug smuggling activities, transitioning from infiltration to armed clashes targeting border guard forces. The army emphasized its commitment to monitoring and countering these groups to preserve national security, vowing to take necessary actions to deter and pursue them. The clashes are part of a broader pattern of aggression by armed groups, resulting in the death of smugglers, the arrest of one individual, the martyrdom of a member of the armed forces, and the injury of another. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Safadi, urged the Jordanian forces to deal decisively with these organized smuggling groups to safeguard the borders and national security. He expressed solidarity with the Jordanian army and King Abdullah II in their efforts to protect the country. During a parliamentary session, Safadi commended the heroic efforts of the border guard forces, highlighting their defense of homeland security against armed groups. He noted that recent days have seen a notable increase in smuggling operations, with the army successfully thwarting four large-scale operations within three days, seizing substantial quantities of drugs, including Captagon pills and hashish. Reports from the Suwayda 24 network indicated that at least 10 smugglers were killed, injured, or lost contact in the past three days due to Jordanian border guard forces responding to infiltration attempts from the Syrian side. Communication was severed with individuals from Daraa, Suweida, and Deir ez-Zor govrnorates, with indications that they perished in clashes with Jordanian forces. The army confirmed the death of a non-HTS officer, the injury of another border guard, and the killing and injuring of several smugglers during the clashes. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Security forces aggressively attacked and detained four media workers, according to Hibr Press. The city of al-Rai, located east of Aleppo, experienced heightened security measures in front of the courts headquarters (Palace of Justice) and the Syrian interim governments offices. This followed calls for a demonstration on Monday, advocating for judicial independence and the governments resignation. According to a confidential source disclosed to Hibr Press, the mobilized forces in al-Rai included civil, military, and riot control units. The source further revealed that security forces disrupted media coverage, arresting a media worker in their initial attempt to forcefully disperse the demonstration. Activists had scheduled the demonstration in Rai City for Monday at 1 p.m. in the Palace of Justice Square. Emphasizing their objectives, the activists aimed to demand judicial autonomy and put an end to Turkish coordinator interference and government influence on the judiciary. Additionally, they sought to prevent any meddling in the affairs of civil society organizations and professional syndicates, particularly the Free Bar Association, currently embroiled in disputes over council member elections. Attack on Civilians and Media Workers Despite the presence of media and human rights defenders among the civilian crowds, security forces aggressively attacked and detained four media workers (Humam Abu Zein, Syria TV correspondent; Nizar al-Zaben, Syria TV cameraman; Malaz Abu Yazan, al-Arabiya channel cameraman; and Fares Zain al-Abidin, an independent media activist) during the dispersal of the demonstration in Rai. While they were eventually released, visible signs of assault on them and other civilians remained. Activists strongly condemned the actions of the security forces in Rai, branding them as a new incarnation of the shabiha, donned in the guise of revolutionaries. Those who defended these forces were seen as complicit in their actions. Civilians highlighted the parallels between the methods employed by these security services, allegedly working to support the government of Abdul Rahman Mustafa, and the tactics of the regimes security forces in preserving the Assad government. The key distinction lies in the formers claim to be fighting against tyranny, championing rights, and supporting the demands and demonstrations of civilians, while the latter is known for its tyrannical behavior. The Association of Revolutionary Activists in Homs condemned the brutal assault on Syrian journalists and media workers by the civil police during the Rai protest. In response, a demonstration unfolded in front of the citys police station. The Syrian Media Union called for the dismissal and accountability of the Palace of Justice Police members responsible for assaulting demonstrators and media workers in Rai. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria. Israeli missiles hit near Damascus, injuring two soldiers, Syrian army says The Syrian army said on Sunday that Israeli missiles launched from the occupied Golan Heights hit sites near Damascus that regional intelligences say targeted Iranian militias stronghold near Syrias holiest Shiite Muslim shrine. Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the Golan Heights remained tense on Monday as nearby residents feared potential attacks from Hezbollah in Syria and Lebanon, FRANCE 24s Rob Parsons said, reporting from Majdal Shams. Syria says two soldiers hurt The alleged Israeli airstrikes wounded two Syrian soldiers on Sunday, the Syrian defence ministry said in a statement carried by state media. At around 22:05 p.m. (1905 GMT), the Israeli enemy carried out an aerial aggression from the occupied Golan Heights, targeting several areas near the capital Damascus, the SANA official news agency quoted the statement as saying. The ministry said two soldiers were wounded and averred that Syrian anti-aircraft defences had intercepted several Israeli missiles, a claim that could not be independently verified. SANA also reported that there were material losses following the alleged Israeli airstrike. An AFP correspondent near Damascus reported hearing bombardments. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, alleged that Israeli aircraft struck Syrian [Bashar Assad] regime anti-aircraft defences as well as positions of Hezbollah near Sayyida Zeinab district south of the capital. The organization, run by a single person, has regularly been accused by Syrian war analysts of false and inaccurate reporting. Eight civilians including a pregnant woman killed by the Syrian regime army in rebel-held northwest A pregnant woman was among eight civilians killed on Sunday during a strike by Syrian regime forces in the last major rebel stronghold in the northwest, a war monitor said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said six other people were injured in the attacks. Regime forces committed a massacre by directly targeting residential areas, using artillery shells and rocket launchers in Darat Izza, Aleppo province, said the monitor, which relies on a network of sources in the country. At least six civilians, including a pregnant woman, were killed in Darat Izza, and two other civilians in the locality of Abzimou in the same province, which added in a new toll. Earlier, five regime soldiers were killed by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, formerly the local branch of Al-Qaeda, in the north of Latakia province, according to the Observatory. It said the HTS attack was a response to the wounding of 14 civilians earlier on Sunday in Syrian regime bombardments of residential areas of Idlib city. HTS controls swathes of Idlib province and parts of the neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces. The hardline Islamist group regularly clashes with Syrian regime forces and their Russian allies. Jordans Army clashes with arms smugglers from Syria The Jordanian army early on Monday repelled an attack by armed men at the border with Syria, Jordan News Agency stated. Several border guard soldiers were reportedly moderately wounded. According to the report, the armed men who attempted to cross the border are a part of a terrorist organization that smuggles arms and drugs on the territory of Jordan. The smugglers are said to have had a large number of missiles, automatic weapons and drugs on their hands. The incident comes as the number of such attempts to cross the Syria-Jordan border by armed men has recently increased recently. The trafficking routes organized by militants from Syria and Iraq are said to reach cities in the West Bank. We know who created Syrias torture programme and how This article in The New Arab, by Nerma Jelacic, Director of the Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA), details the extensive efforts to document and bring to justice those responsible for Syrias torture program. Jelacic begins by referencing a recent ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which mandates that the Syrian state must prevent the torture of detainees and not destroy evidence of these acts. This ruling forms part of ongoing proceedings against Syria for violating the Convention against Torture. The Commission for International Justice and Accountability has played a pivotal role in documenting human rights abuses in Syria. CIJA investigators have amassed over 1.3 million pages of regime-issued documents, shedding light on the brutal methods employed by the Syrian regime to maintain power. According to the author, the Syrian regime initially denied reports of torture, mass arrests, and murders, attributing the violence to armed terrorist groups and justifying their actions as necessary for national security. Contrary to the regimes public stance, internal documents reveal that Syrian authorities were aware that demonstrators sought freedom and democracy. These documents indicate a systematic approach to suppressing these movements, including detailed intelligence gathering and aggressive policies against protesters. The article highlights a circular from Military Intelligence Branch 294 as a critical document that set up the infrastructure for mass arrests and torture. This document exemplifies the bureaucratic nature of the Syrian regimes crackdown. The severity of the regimes actions is further evidenced by internal reports and photographs, showing the brutal treatment of detainees leading to severe injuries, disabilities, and deaths. CIJAs evidence has been instrumental in various legal cases, including the civil lawsuit in the US over the killing of journalist Marie Colvin and the trial of a former Syrian colonel in Germany. The article also mentions recent arrests and trials in the Netherlands related to charges of torture and sexual violence, where CIJAs evidence played a role. The article concludes by acknowledging the slow process of justice but emphasizes that the collected evidence provides a clear indication of the parties responsible for the atrocities in Syria. The ongoing ICJ proceedings, bolstered by CIJAs documentation, hold the potential for accountability and justice. This article is a comprehensive account of the systematic efforts to document and prosecute those responsible for the Syrian regimes torture program, illustrating the complexities and challenges in seeking justice for such large-scale human rights violations. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Officials report a Transportation Security Administration agent failed to detect Washington state Sen. Jeff Wilsons gun during routine X-ray screening at Portland International Airport in October, which led to Wilsons arrest in Hong Kong. TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers said the agent didnt detect the weapon during luggage screening when Wilson was flying to San Francisco International Airport, en route to Hong Kong. Wilson, R-Longview, said he discovered the weapon mid-flight over the Pacific Ocean and told authorities once he landed in Hong Kong, where he was briefly arrested. Dankers said TSA is not releasing additional information about the incident due to a a pending civil enforcement action against Wilson. According to TSA policy, the agency could impose fines ranging from $1,500 if an unloaded firearm is found at a security checkpoint to $5,370 if loaded. Wilsons revolver was unloaded, according to Wilsons office. The security breach was found after TSA conducted a review of the Oct. 20 incident, including viewing footage of the security checkpoint, security screening images, and statements made by TSA officers on duty. Dankers said TSA cannot discuss disciplinary actions against staff. Initially, Wilson was accused of possessing an unlicensed firearm, but a Hong Kong magistrate dismissed the charges. Wilson called the incident an honest mistake. Over the Pacific, I reached into my briefcase for gum and felt my gun instead, he said in a press release. My heart sank. I understood immediately what had happened and that my only option was to report to the proper authorities. The Longview Public Library is hosting an afterhours readathon next month to raise money to create a mobile library, also known as a bookmobile. The mobile library is a van filled with resources like books and internet access that would regularly visit Longview-Kelso neighborhoods including Lexington and Beacon Hill. The plan is to have the vehicle delivered by August, according to the Longview Library Foundations website. People can help make the mobile library a reality by joining the readathon from 5-9 p.m., Jan. 12 at the library. Participants are asked to gather pledges based on how much they plan to read during that time period like a grandparent offering $5 for every hour a child reads. Admission to the event is free and open to people of all ages, as long as they are reading independently, according to a library press release. Library Marketing and Communications Specialist Heather Palow said some families are signing up together. Check-in for the event begins at 4:30 p.m., and participants can select books from the library or bring their own. Comfortable clothes are encouraged, or even a pillow and blanket. Readers can listen to music on their headphones as well as bring a covered drink and a snack. Snacks that will make a mess, such as Cheetos, are not allowed, the press release states. The library will provide a drink, snack and small gift to everyone participating in the readathon. After the event, pledges can be returned to the library in person, submitted online at longviewlibraryfoundation.org or mailed to Longview Library Foundation Readathon, 1600 Louisiana St., Longview, WA 98632. The Longview Library Foundation reports they have raised $283,000 of the $325,000 needed for the mobile library. Donors include the Library Foundation, Rural Library District, Friends of the Longview Library, and Altrusa International of Longview-Kelso. If you go What: Longview Public Library Readathon When: 5-9 p.m. Jan. 12. Check-in starts at 4:30 p.m. Where: Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana St., Longview. Info: 360-442-5300 orb www.longviewlibrary.org Palow said, in addition to purchasing the bus/van, other expenses include books as there will be separate offerings from those at the library as well as a TV and internet access. The vehicle will also be ADA accessible. In early 2024, she said the library plans to host a naming competition for the mobile librarys owl mascot, a nod to the owls in the librarys brick-and-mortar design. Palow said the mobile library is a way for the library to get out in the community, similar to its StoryWalk in Archie Anderson Park, where pages of a picture book are placed on signs, encouraging young readers to walk along the path as they read. A transportation group managed by the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments has awarded nearly $1.6 million to five nearby bicycle and pedestrian projects including plans to convert an old Longview rail line into a trail. Rails to Trails, the nickname for a local project aiming to convert a stretch of unused railway to a pedestrian and bike trail, received $80,000 for planning, including an analysis of the existing bridges and trail amenities, according to a council of governments press release. The money is a step forward for Rails to Trails in a year with setbacks. This spring, Cowlitz County commissioners pulled the plug on using county funds for the project. The project has been underway since at least 2018. The proposed path would run from Longview to Ostrander, which is a scaled-back version of the original plan, which was to run from Longview almost to Toutle. Contributions also included: $194,625 for Twin Transit, in partnership with the city of Chehalis, to construct a sidewalk on South Market Boulevard; $436,946 for the city of Woodland to build a sidewalk and bike lane near Whalen Road; $400,000 for the city of Aberdeen to complete sidewalk gaps; $446,000 Pacific County to complete the design phase of a 1.4-mile bike and pedestrian trail connecting Ilwaco to the rest of the Long Beach peninsula. The money was awarded to the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization, which coordinates transportation planning across Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties, the press release states. The Cowlitz County Auditors Office is seeking people to write the statements against several school levies up for a vote in February. The Auditors Office is creating the committee that will write the against argument for the levies, which will appear in the voters guide before the Feb. 13 special election. Interested volunteers can contact the Elections Office before 5 p.m. Wednesday, either by calling 360-577-3005 or emailing elections@cowlitzwa.gov. The Castle Rock School District is seeking a new $2.49 million capital projects levy to pay for building repairs and upgrades. The Longview School District, Kelso School District and the Toutle Lake School District are all asking voters to continue an education programs and operations levy. Woodland School District has a programs and operations levy on the ballot as well, but the Elections Office is not currently seeking members for the against statement on that measure. Citizens at a recent Woodland school board meeting said they had already formed an against committee. There are tons of fictional movies that have been released over the years, a lot of which shaped the imaginations of a generation. Sadly, most of those fantasy worlds do not exist yet or will never exist, but if it was possible, it would be a treat to visit them. Here are a couple we would go to in a heartbeat. 1. The Wizarding World Countless Potterheads have dreamed of getting their acceptance letters in the mail to attend Hogwarts. It would be the adventure of a lifetime to experience what the wizarding world is like, from flying in brooms or going to Hogsmeade for some Christmas shopping. The closest we can ever get is the actual place called "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Universal Orlando. You can go on rides like "Flight of the Hippogriff," shop for wands and candy, and finally try Butterbeer from the Leaky Cauldron. 2. Narnia There's something about a closet that's comforting to a kid since it seems like a world that's just their own. Luckily for the Pevensies, they managed to find the doorway to a magical world called Narnia, where there are creatures like fauns, centaurs, dwarves, and all sorts of talking animals. If the events of the movie are to be followed, then you won't have to worry about being human in Narnia anymore. The Telmarines have since occupied the world, and Prince Caspian reigns as a king who encourages the coexistence of both humans and Narnians. 3. Camp Half-Blood We're so close to the release of the "Percy Jackson" series on Disney+, which means that fans of the franchise will have a reignited passion for the universe created by Rick Riordan. Of course, you'll have to be a demigod to enter the camp, but for imagination's sake, let's just pretend. You'll battle with opposing teams, go through obstacle courses, and train with people who are experts in the art of combat and war. Plus, you'll see demigods exhibit their powers like Percy's control of water, as well as the charms of Aphrodite's children. Read Also: 5 Movies That Fans Believe Ruined Its Franchise 4. Middle-Earth The world from "The Lord of the Rings" is among the most popular fantasy worlds ever created. It was because of author J.R.R. Tolkien's imagination that we got to meet characters like Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, Aragorn, Samwise, and more. One can only imagine the awe of seeing Rivendell, the Elvish Realm, with our own eyes. The architecture alone is enough to make you want to stay. Even the comfort of living in a Smial seems like something a person can do for the rest of their lives. 5. Berk Many are fascinated by the old Viking world and their practices and would give anything to take a glimpse of it, but imagine what it would be like if it was like Berk from "How to Train Your Dragon." It would be nice if you went during that sweet spot where humans and dragons coexisted. Sadly, the movie franchise ended with Hiccup realizing that dragons would always be hunted and that they had to go their separate ways. Still, even just seeing a dragon would warp your mind. How fun would it be to pet, let alone ride one in the skies? Related: 5 Movies with 'End of the World' Scenarios Vancouver-based property-management owners Denise and Michael Werner have been ordered to pay nearly $1 million in penalties for unlawfully issuing eviction notices and threatening to shut off utilities at an Ilwaco mobile home community, Beacon Charters and RV Park. The Washington State Attorney Generals Office filed the motion for a partial summary judgment ruling in a lawsuit against the Werners and their companies including Deer Point Meadows Investments. The lawsuit alleges the Werners violated the Manufactured/Mobile Housing Landlord-Tenant Act and Consumer Protection Act during their purchase and operation of Beacon Charters and RV Park. On Thursday, the Werners were ordered to pay $381,500 in civil penalties and $545,000 in enhanced penalties as their unlawful notices impacted protected classes of people, including veterans, senior citizens, people with disabilities and low-income residents. Efforts to reach the Werners and Deer Point Meadows for comment were unsuccessful Friday. According to the lawsuit, Denise Werner has described the Beacon residents as filth, and Michael Werner has made statements that he is not concerned about the Beacon residents rights and that he does not believe the law applies to him. The Werners operate dozens of mobile home and RV parks across the state, with more than 4,000 tenants. This week, The Columbian wrote about the plight of one of their Hazel Dell tenants. The magnitude of this penalty reflects the Werners egregious abuse, Attorney General Bob Ferguson said in a press release. Under new owners On April 11, 2022, the Werners purchased Beacon Charters and RV Park with the intention to convert the mobile home park into short-term rentals, according to the lawsuit. In February, before the parks final sale, the Werners began issuing 30-day eviction notices to Beacons 45 long-term residents, according to the lawsuit. The eviction notices were signed by management. On April 6 also before owning the park the Werners issued a utility shut-off notice, signed off by management, to its now-32 residents, according to the lawsuit. Employees posted four notices around the Beacon property telling residents the park would be closed by April 13 and tenants must vacate, according to the lawsuit. When issuing the utility shut-off notices around the mobile home park, the lawsuit states, two of the Werners employees were visibly armed with firearms. The lawsuit also states this was at the direction of Michael Werner. A 78-year-old resident undergoing cancer treatment said she saw rats running all over the place, according to the press release. The resident had to borrow money in order to move. Another resident, 81 years old, was worried we might get kicked out onto our butts in the streets. How on earth can (the Werners) do that legally? As a result of the Werners notices, many residents were forced to leave the property, according to the press release. Residents said they feared for their safety as they believed the Werners would kick them out or tow their homes. One resident said the Werners threats of a utility shut-off and safety concerns due to the employees carrying firearms prevented him from seeing his young child, according to the press release. Residents also said they experienced physical harm from the stress requiring hospitalization and continued care, according to the press release. Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge Katherine Svoboda, who is hearing the case, ruled that the notices were deceptive and unfair, in violation of the Consumer Protection Act. After receiving 13 complaints from 10 tenants, an attorney with the Attorney Generals Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program met with the Werners on April 13, 2022 two days after they officially became the parks owners. The Werners indicated the notices would be revoked, the press release states. A month later, the Werners filed eviction proceedings against the 14 remaining residents, according to the press release. In July, an administrative cease-and-desist order and notice of violation was issued against the Werners and their company ordering them to pay relocation costs or $2,000 (whichever is greater) to all tenants remaining at the mobile home park, the press release states. The order also requires the Werners to halt current attempts to evict the remaining tenants. The order also requires the Werners to manage the common areas of the mobile home park, according to the press release. The Manufactured/Mobile Housing Landlord Tenant Act requires manufactured park owners to keep common areas habitable. Visits to Beacon Charters and RV Park found overflowing garbage, dirty showers, clogged toilets and feces covering the walls, according to the lawsuit. The Werners denied their legal obligations and fought the attorney generals administrative enforcement action, the press release said. The lawsuit states that the Werners conduct is part of a pattern and practice engaged at other Werner-owned parks. The Werners have 25 open complaints filed against them at the Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program related to other Werner-owned parks; they include similar issues raised in this litigation, according to the lawsuit. Although the judges order resolves some claims, a portion of the lawsuit is ongoing regarding the Werners violation against Washingtons Manufactured/Mobile Housing Landlord Tenant Act. For a harrowing hour or two after Amazon.com Inc. launched its first satellites, it appeared the company might have lost one of them. The two prototypes had entered orbit over the Atlantic Ocean at 2:24 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 6. An Amazon antenna on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius made contact with both, but during a subsequent handoff to another station, only one vehicle checked in. Amazon scanned the sky behind the first satellite for a signal from the second one but heard silence. The incident threatened to kill the mood for employees who'd gathered to celebrate the launch at Postdoc Brewing, not far from Amazon's Seattle-area space operation. The team had spent years building satellites from scratch and endured months of delays launching them. Now that they were aloft, Amazon needed to make contact to ensure their solar panels had deployed. If not, the batteries would run out and the satellites would fail, a major setback for the retail and cloud-computing giant, already a late entrant in the race to build a profitable business selling internet access from low-Earth orbit. Inside Amazon's Mission Operations Center, a conference room stuffed with big video displays, computers and cases of energy drinks, satellite operations chief Yonina DeKeyser and her deputies worked to piece together the scraps of data they'd collected. Between the third and fourth contacts, the guidance, navigation and control team made the call: the missing satellite was fine. The information streaming in could only have come from a pair of healthy spacecraft. Rajeev Badyal, the project's leader, yelled in triumph. At the brewery, an Amazonian looking at his phone broke through the din, raising clenched fists as he bellowed We're power positive! His colleagues cheered. The team would later discover that some of Amazon's ground-based antennas had been looking in the wrong place, mistaking the second satellite to pass for the first. Amazon executives tend to describe their satellite venture, Project Kuiper, in philanthropic terms, emphasizing its potential to connect people in remote or impoverished areas with education and global commerce. Less altruistically, Amazon also hopes the $10-billion-plus project can transform it into a global telecommunications giant. The company plans to sell rooftop antennas to individual internet users, cloud-computing and data-recovery services to business, and connectivity to wireless companies to link remote cell towers to their networks, starting in 2025. Project Kuiper is among the Seattle-based company's biggest bets, one of just a few that have survived two years into a cost-cutting drive that has eliminated many of the speculative projects started late in Jeff Bezos's tenure as chief executive officer. It's an enormous undertaking in an arena that has had more bankruptcies than successful businesses. Broadband is already widely available and, in many places where it isn't, it's not clear people will be able to afford space-based internet. Some Amazon observers see Project Kuiper as another front in the rivalry between Bezos and fellow billionaire Elon Musk, whose SpaceX operates the Starlink constellation of internet satellites. Amazon is betting its system advances the state of the art, and can offer the capacity and internet speeds to compete not just with Starlink, which has a big head start, but with terrestrial telecommunications companies. At the very least, Amazon is building an alternative to Musk's service at a time when governments and corporations alike are looking for ways to reduce their reliance on the erratic and controversial businessman. Over the last two months, Amazon engineers have put their maiden satellites through a battery of tests. They've made a video call, bought a toy rocket set from Amazon.com and tested a system of lasers designed to extend the reach of each satellite. Now comes the really hard part. To meet the terms of its license with regulators, Amazon has to buildand find a ride to space forthe equivalent of two satellites a day, every day, through July 2026. Building two satellites is very hard, Badyal said. Building 3,000-plus is exponentially harder. Project Kuiper, named for the belt of dwarf planets, ice and rock beyond Neptune, was born of a thought experiment, according to longtime Amazon consumer electronics chief Dave Limp. Bezos had periodically asked executives to ponder far-off hurdles that might slow the company down, an exercise that led Amazon to spend billions on warehouse robots and fleets of aircraft, big rigs and delivery trucks. About six years ago, Amazon's leaders grew fixated on broadband internet. Their disparate range of businesses, including retail sites, film studios and business software, all depend on access to the web. It became, if you wanted to grow, you had to find these hundreds of millions of people that are not currently Amazon customers, Limp said in an interview. Well, what's the constraint to getting them there? Among other ideas, Amazon explored internet-broadcasting drones and balloons, approaches tried and abandoned by Facebook, now Meta Platforms Inc., and Alphabet Inc.'s Google. Amazon decided to deliver the internet from satellites. The idea wasn't novel. In the 1990s, not far from the suburban Seattle garage where Bezos founded Amazon, a company called Teledesic had set out to launch a constellation of hundreds of satellites. Most communications satellites at the time rested in a geostationary orbit, which matched the Earth's rotation, fixing each craft in place from the perspective of someone on the ground. Such satellites power the global positioning system, weather tracking and in-flight web browsing. Teledesic figured satellites in a much lower orbit, the domain of space stations, could take advantage of the shorter trip to the ground to better compete with terrestrial phone and internet companies. Despite backing from Microsoft Corp.'s Bill Gates and wireless mogul Craig McCaw, the company folded after the dotcom bust. Rockets were expensive, and the aerospace industry preferred to keep making bespoke satellites for governments. About a decade later, Musk took up the idea and cut out the middlemen. His rocket company, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., was reducing the cost of getting to orbit, and opted to build satellites in-house. Musk hired Badyal, the future Kuiper chief, to bring that to life. Badyal was born in India and spent much of his childhood in Kuwait, where his architect father was posted. He came to the US for college, earning a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering from Oregon State University. He found work at a nearby Hewlett Packard campus, helping design the printhead that transfers ink to the page on inkjet printers. Later, he worked on the first optical mice, sparing future generations the task of cleaning a grimy tracking ball, before moving to Microsoft, where he helped create the company's ill-fated Zune music player. Rapid technological advances in consumer electronics made it possible for companies outside the aerospace industry to build satellites. People like Badyal, adept at navigating on-the-fly design changes and mass manufacturing, had the right tools for a new generation of satellites that could be built quickly and on the cheap. After joining the Starlink project in 2014, Badyal set up shop in exurban Redmond, Washington. The first two satellites launched on a SpaceX rocket four years later. In June of 2018, Musk flew to Seattle. Soon after, Badyal and much of his team were out. Colleagues were told they'd been fired. Badyal says he and Musk simply decided to part ways. Musk put another lieutenant in charge and ordered him to strip the design down to the bare minimum in an effort to get a barebones system operating as quickly as possible. Today, SpaceX says it's building six satellites a day. There are more than 5,000 in orbit, serving more than 2 million customers. It's a Bezos maxim that Amazon only enters new fields when it has expertiseor can acquire it quickly. Amazon's satellite initiative was a two-page outline when Limp heard Starlink's founding team was looking for work. He called Badyal in August 2018. Two months later, Badyal and five fellow Starlink alums were at Amazon, sketching out a new constellation in a pair of conference rooms obscured by a black curtain that curious employees saw as an invitation to pop their heads through. It was very secure, deadpanned Naveen Kachroo, one of the first hires. When their plan3,236 satellites crisscrossing the globe at an altitude of between 590 to 630 kilometersbecame public months later, Musk called Bezos a copycat on Twitter. Amazon engineers designed a terminal, the gadget that customers will someday use to receive data from satellites, that they figured they could manufacture for about $750. Bezos sent them back to the drawing board. It needed to be even cheaper. Amazon's antenna chief, Nima Mahanfar, and his team combined some antenna functions, and the company says it can now build its main, 11-inch-square terminal, for less than $400. It offers internet speeds of up to 400 megabits per second, roughly twice the median broadband speed in US homes. Project Kuiper employs more than 1,600 people, a mix of consumer electronics veterans and career aerospace experts. DeKeyser, the satellite operations chief, holds a master's in aeronautical engineering and says winding up at Amazon would have been unfathomable earlier in her career. The team is the rare organization inside Amazon run mostly by people who hail from elsewhere. Chief satellite engineer Paul O'Brien, Kachroo and Mahanfar all worked on Microsoft's Zune. You have to innovate at a much faster pace than traditional space manufacturing, said Badyal, a mustachioed, gray-haired engineer with a gravelly voice and a thing for classic cocktails. His office at Project Kuiper headquarters in Redmond, in a building that once made forklifts, overlooks a research and development lab where engineers fabricate custom aluminum parts, assemble circuit boards and test antennas in a cavernous echo-free chamber. Amazon's satellites pair technology that pushes the cutting edgeincluding optical satellite links, more commonly called space laserswith simple, proven components that limit cost or weight. Kuiper is designing spacecraft that are fewer in number, bigger in size, higher in power than SpaceX's first generation of vehicles, said Caleb Henry, who tracks private-sector space companies for Quilty Space. There's a real difference in design philosophy between the two. The satellites will enter space packed inside the nose of a rocket and start their first orbit in a tumble until an automated system reorients them toward Earth. By that point, the solar panels, folded at launch, should be deploying automatically, relying on an almost century-old technology: actuators that heat a plug of wax, which expands to push on a bolt that releases the array. When a customer loads a website, the home terminal beams a signal up to a circular array of thousands of antenna modules, which look like tiny, green two-dot Legos. Bowl-shaped gateway antennas route the request down to Amazon's ground stations, the conduit to the internet. Responsive data is fired back upward, and then down to the terminal from one of the set of arrays of Lego bricks. All of this happens in milliseconds as the craft speeds by at 17,000 miles per hour (27,359 kph). By the time the satellite zooms out of sight, another should be in view. Each has its own propulsion system. Amazonians liken the power of the thruster to a flap of a dragonfly's wings, which, fired for hours in the vacuum of space, can overcome gravity's pull. Amazon at one point aimed to produce the satellites for $500,000 apiece, and keep their weight under 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds), according to two people familiar with the matter. The size and weight of Amazon's upcoming production models couldn't be learned. Based on Amazon's launch vehicles, Quilty Space estimates Kuiper satellites weigh between 600 and 800 kilograms. A photo Amazon published of its prototypes en route to launch showed each enclosed in a cubical steel crate about the height of a human. Kachroo, now Kuiper's business development chief, says Amazon will sell connectivity directly to individual internet users, as well as through wireless and broadband service providers, depending on the country. Amazon has announced partnerships with Verizon Communications Inc. in the US, Vodafone Group Plc in Europe and Africa, and Japan's NTT. Service tests will start in the second half of next year, and Amazon ultimately anticipates selling to tens of millions of customers. We want to serve enterprise, governments, schools, hospitals, mobile operators, so we don't have a single channel, or segment, on which we make money, said Kachroo. Amazon, which hasn't disclosed pricing, has licenses so far to operate in more than 15 countries, including Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico and the US. The company will offer businesses and governments private connectivity through its Amazon Web Services unit, and make service quality guarantees that SpaceX has yet to offer. AWS, the largest seller of rented computing power and data storage, will in the coming years be able to offer packages of products that include internet access, a perk that Amazon's cloud-computing rivals can't match on their own. Kuiper staff tend not to bring up Starlink (another Bezosism: don't obsess over the competition), but analysts say Amazon has an opportunity to set itself apart simply by operating a satellite business devoid of Musk's personal drama or business entanglements. Other companies are building what the industry calls megaconstellations, but Starlink's is by far the largest and most capable. Officials in Taiwan, seeking backup internet access in the event of war with China, are wary of relying on Musk, who has business ties with Beijing, Bloomberg has reported. In Ukraine, Starlink has been a lifeline following Russia's invasion, but earlier this year it emerged that Musk refused a request from Kyiv to expand coverage to enable a Ukrainian advance. The world's richest man has urged an end to the conflict on terms favorable to Russia, and his biographer published text messages between Musk and Ukraine's deputy prime minister. SpaceX, which didn't respond to requests for comment, also avoids the long-term contracts and exclusivity agreements that business customers tend to seek, said Lluc Palerm, an analyst with researcher NSR. They are not perceived as the best partner in the industry, In an interview, Julie Zoller, Kuiper's regulatory chief, didn't specify how Amazon would navigate political entanglements, saying the company would defer to the State Department. Zoller, who started her career installing satellite gear at US military bases, did concede that Amazon doesn't envision Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy negotiating service terms by text message. Customers are literally saying Why can't you all go faster,' Kachroo said. They love the fact that there's competition. Executives insist Kuiper is on schedule, but the company hoped to have its prototypes aloft almost a year earlier. The proof is in orbit: etched onto an aluminum body component of each craft are the names of the people working on the project as of August 2022. Amazon's initial ride to spaceon a new rocket built by a startupexploded on the launch pad. Its second, the new Vulcan Centaur built by United Launch Alliance, the US space stalwart, was supposed to take off this summer before an explosion during testing. Desperate to get its satellites flying, Amazon chartered an Atlas V, a 21-year-old ULA rocket capable of carrying much heavier loads. The launch was the rocketry equivalent of hiring a city bus to take two people to the movies. Now Amazon has to get the rest of the satellites up there. Project Kuiper's is the biggest commercial launch order in history, which in addition to 47 ULA launches, includes rockets from ArianeGroup and Bezos's Blue Origin. But only one of those rocketsthe Atlas, which Amazon has booked for eight more launcheshas flown. Blue Origin has never sent a spacecraft to orbit, and the rocket it hopes to get there is years behind schedule. (Limp, Badyal's old boss, left Amazon this month to lead Blue Origin.) Earlier this month, Amazon booked three launches with SpaceX, an awkward deal necessitated by Kuiper's tight launch schedule and the lack of alternatives. Amazon says it has been in discussions with every major launch provider for years. It also denies the decision was influenced by a lawsuit filed by a pension fund alleging Amazon didn't consider using SpaceX thanks in part to the Bezos-Musk rivalrypushing up costs. Amazon says the claims are without merit. ULA is expanding a factory in Alabama, and retrofitting a facility in Cape Canaveral, Florida, to quickly stack Kuiper satellites on rockets and ferry them to the launchpad. Suppliers of rocket motors and avionics equipment are ramping up production. It's all on track to be done in time, said ULA CEO Tory Bruno. As long as we don't have to completely change the design, we're going to be fine. However Amazon's satellites get to space, Project Kuiper's Federal Communications Commission license requires that 1,618 of them be there by July 2026, and the other half three years later. Amazon plans to build them at a dedicated manufacturing site in Kirkland, Washington, where crews are still installing machinery and doing utility work. So Amazon's first satellites are being assembled at Kuiper's headquarters, which is being reconfigured from a research and development facility into a crash production line. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain What would news stories be without proper sources? To tell a compelling story, reporters need to find newsworthy narratives and trustworthy information. Such information typically comes from a wide pool of publications, official records and experts, all with their own biases, expertise, opinions and backgrounds. The pool of interview candidates is plentiful yet overwhelming to navigate. Artificial intelligence, however, may serve as a guide. Researchers from the USC Information Sciences Institute are creating a source-recommendation engine designed to suggest references for journalists. "In practice, the software application would analyze a given text or topic and suggest relevant sources by cross-referencing against a database of potential interviewees, experts or informational resources," said Emilio Ferrara, a professor of computer science and communication at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. "The tool could provide contact details, areas of expertise and previous work of the sources," he added. The tool's development is being led by Alexander Spangher, a computer science Ph.D. student at USC Viterbi who previously worked as a data scientist at the New York Times. While immersed in the journalism industry, Spangher witnessed the pressure of traditional newsrooms. "I haven't spoken to a single local journalist that was not totally overstretched," he remarked. "There have been news deserts and papers shutting down. It's areas like this that we really want to assist and build tools for." Motivated to provide helpful resources for reporters, Spangher is creating various AI gadgets, including a source-recommendation system prefaced in his paper, "Identifying Informational Sources in News Articles," that was accepted to the 2023 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing and is now posted to the arXiv preprint server. To create an AI model that can suggest sources, the researchers first laid the groundwork: how are human journalists currently using sources in news writing? To study this, they gathered a dataset of sentences from over a thousand news articles and annotated the source of the information, as well as the sourcing category (e.g., "direct quotes," "indirect quotes," "published works" and "court proceedings"). A thousand annotated news articles, however, were not enough data for the researchers to draw firm conclusions about all the myriad ways journalists use sources across reporting genres. But, it was enough to train a language model (LM) to continue the annotation process. "Language models are AI frameworks that process and understand human language by analyzing large volumes of text for patterns and context," explained Ferrara, senior author of the paper. The LMs the researchers trained could detect source attributions with 83% accuracy, revealed the authors. Now equipped with these LMs, they annotated roughly 10,000 news articles and delved further into understanding the compositionality of news writing: when and how do journalists currently use sources? The AI models found that, on average, roughly half the information in news articles came from sources and, in each article, there are usually one to two major sources (i.e., those contribute 20% or more of the information in the article) and two to eight minor ones (those that contribute less). "The AI also discovered that the first and last sentences were the most likely to be sourced," Spangher explained, adding that reporters often lead with cited information and close with a quote to send the reader off. The researchers challenged their new algorithm with one more test: could they detect if a source was missing? If AI can recognize when information is lacking, then it can be configured to know when to recommend a particular expert to complete the full picture. Analyzing 40,000 articles with some sources randomly removed, the AI models easily noticed when a major source was absent but had difficulties with minor ones. Although they may be the least crucial to a story, less obvious sources may also be the most valuable recommendations that an AI could one day make, Spangher said. "You're going to draw a lot of information from the main participants, but supplementary voices are going to provide extra color and details to the article," he noted. "It's going to be a challenge to get the engine to recognize and recommend minor sources, but they may be the most helpful." The researchers also think the tool will be significant if it can diversely recommend sources. "It can introduce journalists to new, diverse voices beyond their usual network, thus reducing the reliance on familiar sources and potentially bringing in fresh perspectives," Ferrara said. However, every AI system is prone to bias if not appropriately designed, he added. "To ensure diversity in source databases, standards should include representation from a wide range of demographics, disciplines and perspectives," he noted. Jonathan May, a research associate professor of computer science at USC Viterbi and ISI lead researcher, imagines a future where the sourcing engine jumpstarts the reporting process, allowing journalists to be more efficient. "Technology that can help us do creative work and be our creative best is a good thing," said May, a co-author of the paper. "That's why I'm hopeful for it." The team plans to collaborate with journalists to gather feedback for further improvements. "With projects like this, I really thrive off talking to journalists and understanding their needs, viewpoints and what they think will or won't work," Spangher said. "Any solution to local journalism will require a bunch of different people with a bunch of different backgrounds coming together." More information: Alexander Spangher et al, Identifying Informational Sources in News Articles, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2305.14904 Journal information: arXiv This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: University of Glasgow Nuclear power stations could be decommissioned in the future with the help of teams of autonomous robots known as the SMuRFs, scientists have suggested. Engineers from University of Glasgow, University of Manchester, Bristol Robotics Laboratory and Heriot-Watt University are behind the development of the SMuRF system, which is short for Symbiotic Multi-Robot Fleet. The system provides a seamless method to enable wheeled, four-legged and airborne robots to collaborate and complete tasks that could be difficult or harmful for humans to undertake on their own. Instead, a single human supervisor can remotely observe the actions of the robots as they share sensor data between themselves, combining their abilities to achieve results far beyond the reach of a single machine. SMuRFs could offer authorities, regulators and industry a safer, faster method of monitoring nuclear facilities, as well as opening up new opportunities for the maintenance of engineering infrastructure in challenging environments like offshore wind power platforms. In a new paper titled "Lessons Learned: Symbiotic Autonomous Robot Ecosystem for Nuclear Environments," and published in the journal IET Cyber-Systems and Robotics, the researchers outline how they deployed the SMuRF in a practical demonstration at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) facility in Cumbria. RAICo is a collaboration between the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd and the University of Manchester. During the demonstration, the SMuRF successfully completed an inspection mission in a simulated radioactive storage facility containing some of the challenges found in real nuclear power decommissioning environments. The robots' ability to collaborate is the result of a sophisticated computer system developed by the researchers, which they call a 'cyber physical system or CPS. The CPS is capable of communicating with up to 1,600 sensors, robots and other digital and physical assets in near to real-time. It also allows robots with very different abilities and operating systems to work together and most importantly, update the human operator. The data collected and processed by the CPS enables the creation of a 3D digital twin of a real space. That allows the SMuRF to navigate around the space and carry out tasks with minimal oversight, while providing human operators with a wealth of data via a specially designed digital dashboard to help the SMuRF make informed decisions if required. Human operators can also take direct control of the robots if they need to. Combining the robots' abilities allowed them to complete a series of tasks often applied to radiation monitoring around nuclear sites known as post-operational cleanout. Credit: University of Glasgow The robots collaborated to map the environment, creating a 3D digital twin of the space using their onboard sensors, which was supported by further mapping from an aerial drone piloted by a human operator. Boston Dynamics' Spot fetched tools for closer scans using its flexible arm, while wheeled robots Scout and CARMA mapped radiation levels across the testing environment. The CARMA robot successfully detected a simulated spill of radioactive liquid underneath a waste barrel, a detection that could help ensure proper containment and cleanup in a real-world environment. Daniel Mitchell of the University of Glasgow's James Watt School of Engineering is the paper's corresponding author. He was recently named as the Institution of Engineering and Technology's Rising Star 2023 in recognition of the impact of his research. He said, "The robots we programmed and designed in this prototype SMuRF each have their own unique abilities and limitations, as well as their own operating systems. "During the deployment of the SMuRF at RAICo, we were able to show how well the robots can work together and how the digital twin we built can provide remarkable situational awareness for human operators. "That could make them ideally-suited for the challenges of working in potentially hazardous environments such nuclear inspection and decommissioning. "Humans will still be required to oversee and direct the robot fleet, but their high level of autonomy could help keep people safe by allowing them to interact with the robots from their desks instead of visiting work sites." David Flynn, Professor in Cyber Physical Systems at the University of Glasgow, is a co-author of the paper. Professor Flynn added, "These kinds of autonomous robotic fleets have a great deal of potential to undertake a wide range of dangerous, dirty, dull, distant and dear jobs. "In addition to work in the nuclear sector, there's tremendous additional potential in sectors like offshore power generation, where SMuRFs could handle many routine inspection and repair tasks. Currently, these tasks are expensive because they often require staff to be helicoptered out to offshore sites, a process which can be hampered by bad weather. "However, they are critically important to preventing downtime and ensuring a steady flow of power to the grid. Having a robot crew permanently on-site to carry out these routine tasks would maximize the potential of all kinds of renewable energy platforms. "The next step for our research is to integrate a wider range of robots in our fleets, with even more diverse abilities to sense their surroundings, move through them in new ways, and manipulate objects." Dr. Paul Baniqued of the University of Manchester said, "The digital architecture was inspired by the fleet management system, as seen in strategic video games, which depicts individual members of the SMuRF operating simultaneously in the digital twin environment. This allows the human operator to focus their attention on a single interface, enabling a better understanding of the task at hand." More information: Daniel Mitchell et al, Lessons Learned: Symbiotic Autonomous Robot Ecosystem for Nuclear Environments, IET Cyber-Systems and Robotics (2023). doi.org/10.1049/csy2.12103 Bryan minor arrested for aggravated assault A Bryan minor was arrested Monday after allegedly displaying a weapon during an argument outside of Daves Hot Chicken restaurant on Texas Avenue, according to the College Station Police Department. The 17-year-old, whose name is being withheld per Eagle policy, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to police. At around 8:50 p.m. Monday, police said officers responded to a report that a man, later identified as the minor, had brandished a gun outside Daves Hot Chicken before going inside the business. After arriving on scene, police said the victim told officers that he had been dropping off his girlfriend, who worked at the restaurant, behind the building when she pointed out the minor as a co-worker who had been playful with her at work. The victim confronted the minor and told him to stop speaking to his girlfriend, according to police. The victim said the minor then went to their vehicle where the victim heard the minor insert a magazine into a gun, according to officers. The victim told police the minor then threatened to kill him. Responding officers said they did not find a weapon on the minor, but did see a magazine in his vehicle and later found a handgun in the vehicle following a search. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $20,000. The minor is being held under a $30,000 bond, according to Brazos County Jail records. A lawyer representing the family of Mark Hopkins told The Eagle on Friday that a temporary agreement has been reached with College Station regarding a lawsuit filed by the family in October for the February police shooting of their son. On the morning of Feb. 8, Mark Hopkins, 22, was shot and killed by College Station police in his apartment during the execution of a search warrant. According to the October lawsuit, the family claimed that police gave false information to secure the search warrant and refused to release the full body camera footage of the incident. The lawsuit also claims that officers did not identify themselves before or upon entry into the apartment causing Hopkins to grab his shotgun believing a break-in was occurring. In a statement to The Eagle, attorney Michael Patrick Doyle said the temporary agreement with the city came in exchange for some of the information originally requested. We met with the department and its lawyers several weeks ago, and they agreed to provide some of the information requested, Doyle said via email. In return, we agreed to cancel the current hearing that was set [for] December 8 and reset it, if we cannot after review reach an agreement as to what additional materials should be required to be produced. I anticipate that by the middle of next month will know where we are at collectively. Collin Killian, College Stations public communications director, told The Eagle on Monday that neither party could provide exactly what information was shared with the family. The city of College Station and the Hopkins family lawyers have agreed to share information with each other under a confidentiality and protective order signed by the judge, Killian said in a statement. The original coverage of the police shooting death and subsequent lawsuit can be found on The Eagles website. BROWNSVILLE, Texas Texas will begin authorizing state and local police to arrest migrants believed to be in the state illegally and granting state judges the power to order them to return to Mexico, under a new law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in Brownsville on Monday. The sweeping and controversial proposal is scheduled to take effect in early 2024 but some civil rights groups have already said they would file a lawsuit over the bill which is likely destined to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Mexican officials and congressional Democrats have criticized Abbott and said the bill, known as Senate Bill 4, would lead to discrimination against Hispanic and Latino Texans and other residents of color. Abbott, however, has maintained the law is necessary to combat illegal immigration in Texas and again blamed President Joe Biden for failing to properly enforce immigration laws. The law will create a new state crime illegal entry from a foreign nation which will allow the state to charge migrants with a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail or a $2,000 fine. The penalty could increase to a state jail felony if they have been previously convicted of the crime. It will allow state judges to order the expulsion of migrants to the country from which they entered presumably Mexico. Abbott also signed on Monday a separate bill, known as Senate Bill 3, allocating $1.54 billion in funding for the state to continue building a state border wall similar to one that was built under former President Donald Trump. Republican state leaders, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan, all have praised Senate Bill 4, referring to it as the strongest border security bill ever passed. But Democrats and immigration attorneys and even a Republican state senator have called the bill unconstitutional and said it would likely be struck down since the Supreme Court has ruled that Congress and the federal government have full authority over immigration enforcement and states have a more limited role. Dozens of former federal immigration judges appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents also have criticized the measure and penned a letter last month saying the bill violates federal law. If the law does end up getting caught up in legal proceedings, it would be the third case where Texas is attempting to defend its border security policies. The two other cases have so far not gone in Texas favor. The Justice Department sued Abbott over the summer after the governor installed a 1,000-foot-long barrier of buoys in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass. A federal court and federal appeals court have both ruled against the states arguments that it did not violate a 19th-century law that prohibits construction on navigable waterways. Abbott has said he would appeal the ruling from the three-judge panel to the entire 5th Circuit Court of Appeals one of the most conservative appellate courts in the country. The second lawsuit is one led by Attorney General Ken Paxton, who sued the Department of Homeland Security and accused border patrol agents of destroying state property when agents cut through razor wire the state installed along the river banks of the Rio Grande. Paxton was seeking a preliminary injunction in the case. A federal judge denied the injunction despite being critical of the Biden administrations handling of immigration enforcement. The state appealed to the 5th Circuit. As more advertisers leave the platform, Elon Musk showed off an increase in X's (formerly Twitter) traffic. The billionaire shared a post of reports stating that the social media surged 22.3% on-site traffic on a year-to-year basis or 75 million visits, "its current peak in popularity" in the past 18 months. BREAKING: site traffic up 22.3% YoY In one year, traffic has surged by 22.3% recording ~75 million visits. is currently at its current peak in popularity that it's been in 18 months. pic.twitter.com/gxXTYtEFKn DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) December 18, 2023 Musk shared the post as the European Union launched investigations on the site for violating regulations on illegal content, disinformation, transparency, and "deceptive" design practices. EU Starts Formal Probe on Elon Musk's X The Union has opened its "formal infringement" against X weeks after the site was asked to provide evidence of compliance in eliminating hate speech, racism, and disinformation on the platform. EU regulators earlier launched a preliminary inquiry on the platform following the surge of "terrorist and violent content and hate speech" on X since the conflict in Gaza started. Musk himself has shared antisemitic posts claiming Jewish people "have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites." Musk proclaimed the post as "the actual truth." The investigation marks the first time the EU acted on behalf of the Digital Services Act since it was implemented in August. In response, X said it "remains committed" to complying with the Act and is "cooperating with the regulatory process." X remains committed to complying with the Digital Services Act and is cooperating with the regulatory process. It is important that this process remains free of political influence and follows the law. X is focused on creating a safe and inclusive environment for all users on our December 18, 2023 Several advertisers have already promised to never return to the platform under Musk's leadership after the billionaire hurled profanities at companies that joined the exodus. Also Read: Elon Musk's X Ad Revenue Plunges Down for Entirety of 2023 User Traffic on X The billionaire has been regularly sharing and posting claims that the site experienced further growth since he took over the platform in October 2022. Musk himself posted a graph chart on Dec. 15, Friday, of X having more organic traffic than Instagram for both mobile and web versions from December 2022 to 2023. However, contrary to Musk's claims, estimated site traffic from third-party sources indicates that the site has been experiencing a downtrend since Musk acquired the platform. Market intelligence firm Similarweb reported that X's global traffic for both web (-14%) and Android (-14.8%) was down on a year-to-year basis as of September 2023. Recent system outages and the lack of platform innovations on X are among the main reasons for former Twitter users migrating to other social media. Related Article: X Suffers System Outage, Breaks Site Links Again Kathmere Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 9.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,867 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 241 shares during the quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $278,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 97,996.2% in the 2nd 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 purchasing an additional 2,099,413,455 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 104,649.4% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 30,247,436 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $3,320,866,000 after acquiring an additional 30,218,560 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,893,715,000. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 40.5% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 20,820,152 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,108,249,000 after buying an additional 6,003,997 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 14.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 38,966,499 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $4,278,132,000 after buying an additional 4,886,954 shares during the period. 73.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.7 % ABT stock opened at $108.07 on Tuesday. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $89.67 and a one year high of $115.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $187.62 billion, a PE ratio of 36.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.74. The company has a fifty day moving average of $98.95 and a 200-day moving average of $102.54. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.92% and a return on equity of 20.15%. The company had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.82 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.15 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be issued a $0.55 dividend. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 11th. This is an increase from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 69.39%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total value of $4,702,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 6,725,316 shares in the company, valued at approximately $632,515,969.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Abbott Laboratories news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total transaction of $1,620,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,022,916. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total transaction of $4,702,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 6,725,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at $632,515,969.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $112.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $122.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective 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. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $117.80. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ABT Abbott Laboratories 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Acropolis Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Centene Co. (NYSE:CNC Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 3,228 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $222,000. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vontobel Holding Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Centene by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 23,522 shares of the companys stock worth $1,620,000 after acquiring an additional 270 shares during the period. First Hawaiian Bank grew its position in Centene by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 21,218 shares of the companys stock worth $1,461,000 after acquiring an additional 177 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI increased its stake in shares of Centene by 194.5% in the third quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 435,318 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,120,000 after buying an additional 287,509 shares in the last quarter. Gladius Capital Management LP raised its stake in shares of Centene by 8.5% in the third quarter. Gladius Capital Management LP now owns 8,471 shares of the companys stock worth $583,000 after acquiring an additional 663 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Quent Capital LLC raised its position in Centene by 117.8% in the 3rd quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 930 shares of the companys stock worth $64,000 after purchasing an additional 503 shares during the last quarter. 90.92% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Centene alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In CNC has been the topic of a number of research reports. Cantor Fitzgerald upped their target price on shares of Centene from $82.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on shares of Centene from $82.00 to $81.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 9th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Centene from $74.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. TheStreet upgraded shares of Centene from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Centene from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $94.00 to $73.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $83.41. Centene Stock Performance NYSE CNC opened at $74.79 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $39.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.81, a P/E/G ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $72.28 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $68.70. Centene Co. has a 12-month low of $60.83 and a 12-month high of $83.61. Centene (NYSE:CNC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $2.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.55 by $0.45. Centene had a net margin of 1.63% and a return on equity of 15.47%. The business had revenue of $38.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $36.20 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.30 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Centene Co. will post 6.66 earnings per share for the current year. About Centene (Free Report) Centene Corporation operates as a healthcare enterprise that provides programs and services to under-insured and uninsured families, commercial organizations, and military families in the United States. It operates in two segments, Managed Care and Specialty Services. The Managed Care segment offers health plan coverage to individuals through government subsidized programs, including Medicaid, the State children's health insurance program, long-term services and support, foster care, and medicare-medicaid plans, which cover dually eligible individuals, as well as aged, blind, or disabled programs. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Centene Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centene and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Adviser Investments LLC trimmed its position in Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report) by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 7,327 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 147 shares during the quarter. Adviser Investments LLCs holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company were worth $1,894,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. BlackRock Inc. increased its position in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 5.7% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 23,794,080 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $5,889,987,000 after purchasing an additional 1,281,866 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its position in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 12,762,618 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $3,369,459,000 after purchasing an additional 76,244 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its position in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 98,105.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 6,929,375 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,829,424,000 after purchasing an additional 6,922,319 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,134,645 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,351,490,000 after purchasing an additional 113,425 shares during the period. Finally, Providence Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 25,185.5% during the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 4,492,216 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $18,147,000 after purchasing an additional 4,474,450 shares during the period. 86.72% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Becton Dickinson and Company alerts: Becton, Dickinson and Company Trading Up 0.3 % Becton, Dickinson and Company stock opened at $237.75 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $245.20 and a 200 day moving average of $258.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $69.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.93, a P/E/G ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 0.49. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a 12-month low of $228.62 and a 12-month high of $287.32. The company has a current ratio of 1.31, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. Becton, Dickinson and Company Increases Dividend Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The medical instruments supplier reported $3.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $3.42. The company had revenue of $5.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.02 billion. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a net margin of 7.66% and a return on equity of 13.91%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.75 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 12.83 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be issued a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.60%. This is a positive change from Becton, Dickinson and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 7th. Becton, Dickinson and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 76.61%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Becton, Dickinson and Company news, EVP Richard Byrd sold 2,156 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $238.47, for a total transaction of $514,141.32. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,120 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $982,496.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes BDX has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $282.00 to $260.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $310.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Raymond James lowered their target price on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $304.00 to $269.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 10th. TheStreet cut shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $279.57. View Our Latest Research Report on Becton, Dickinson and Company Becton, Dickinson and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Becton, Dickinson and Company develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products for healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, and the general public worldwide. The company operates in three segments: BD Medical, BD Life Sciences, and BD Interventional. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BDX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Adviser Investments LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 4.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 32,356 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 1,251 shares during the quarter. Adviser Investments LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,878,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. True Wealth Design LLC bought a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Live Oak Investment Partners bought a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. 74.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets lowered Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $60.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a hold rating and a $55.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com raised Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report 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. Finally, TheStreet lowered Bristol-Myers Squibb from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $63.59. Insider Activity at Bristol-Myers Squibb In other news, Director Theodore R. Samuels II acquired 8,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $49.81 per share, for a total transaction of $423,385.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 35,500 shares in the company, valued at $1,768,255. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, Director Theodore R. Samuels II acquired 8,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $49.81 per share, for a total transaction of $423,385.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 35,500 shares in the company, valued at $1,768,255. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Christopher S. Boerner acquired 3,071 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $48.86 per share, for a total transaction of $150,049.06. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 79,384 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,878,702.24. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have bought 13,571 shares of company stock worth $672,994. Insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance Shares of NYSE BMY opened at $51.34 on Tuesday. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a twelve month low of $48.25 and a twelve month high of $75.18. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $52.06 and its 200-day moving average price is $58.43. The company has a market capitalization of $104.46 billion, a PE ratio of 13.03, a PEG ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results 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. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.59% and a net margin of 18.44%. The firm had revenue of $10.97 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.96 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.99 EPS. The companys revenue was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.53 EPS for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th will be paid a $0.60 dividend. This is an increase from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.67%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 57.87%. Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that its board has initiated a stock repurchase program on Thursday, December 7th that authorizes the company to buyback $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the biopharmaceutical company to reacquire up to 2.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are typically an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Adviser Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (NYSEARCA:VT Free Report) by 6.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,057 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 839 shares during the quarter. Adviser Investments LLCs holdings in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF were worth $1,217,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 681,735.5% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 251,713,227 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $21,695,163,000 after acquiring an additional 251,676,310 shares during the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its position in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 94,998.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 153,374,063 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $14,874,217,000 after purchasing an additional 153,212,783 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC grew its position in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 7,226.7% in the 4th quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 1,034,750 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $89,185,000 after purchasing an additional 1,020,627 shares during the period. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. grew its position in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 89.9% in the 1st quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 1,193,769 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $109,932,000 after purchasing an additional 565,067 shares during the period. Finally, Brandywine Trust Co. acquired a new position in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $51,370,000. Get Vanguard Total World Stock ETF alerts: Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Stock Performance Shares of VT opened at $101.41 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $95.75 and a 200 day simple moving average of $96.25. Vanguard Total World Stock ETF has a 52-week low of $84.82 and a 52-week high of $102.57. The firm has a market capitalization of $29.85 billion, a PE ratio of 14.20 and a beta of 0.94. Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Company Profile Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap Index, which covers both well-established and still-developing markets. The Fund invests in both foreign and the United States stocks. The fund offers three classes of shares: Investor Shares, Institutional Shares, and ETF Shares. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (NYSEARCA:VT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Adviser Investments LLC decreased its holdings in Alerian MLP ETF (NYSEARCA:AMLP Free Report) by 12.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 23,880 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 3,250 shares during the period. Adviser Investments LLCs holdings in Alerian MLP ETF were worth $1,008,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Alerian MLP ETF by 270,500.9% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 16,135,934 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $614,295,000 after acquiring an additional 16,129,971 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Alerian MLP ETF by 54.9% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 14,607,500 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $559,467,000 after acquiring an additional 5,174,427 shares during the last quarter. Cowa LLC raised its position in Alerian MLP ETF by 10,043.4% in the 1st quarter. Cowa LLC now owns 5,232,801 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,004,000 after purchasing an additional 5,181,213 shares during the period. Rational Advisors LLC raised its position in Alerian MLP ETF by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Rational Advisors LLC now owns 1,962,413 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $76,946,000 after purchasing an additional 59,131 shares during the period. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in Alerian MLP ETF by 3.6% in the 2nd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 1,530,869 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $60,025,000 after purchasing an additional 53,003 shares during the period. Get Alerian MLP ETF alerts: Alerian MLP ETF Price Performance Alerian MLP ETF stock opened at $42.19 on Tuesday. Alerian MLP ETF has a 1-year low of $35.68 and a 1-year high of $44.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.30 and a beta of 1.42. The companys 50-day moving average is $42.56 and its 200 day moving average is $41.22. Alerian MLP ETF Profile ALERIAN MLP ETF seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index (the Index). The Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the United States energy infrastructure Master Limited Partnership (MLP) asset class. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Alerian MLP ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alerian MLP ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AE Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report) by 10.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 382,895 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 36,925 shares during the period. AE Wealth Management LLCs holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $21,936,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Country Trust Bank increased its position in NextEra Energy by 975.6% during the third quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 441 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp bought a new position in NextEra Energy during the second quarter valued at $26,000. Magellan Asset Management Ltd bought a new position in NextEra Energy during the first quarter valued at $32,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of NextEra Energy in the second quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, Tower View Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of NextEra Energy in the second quarter worth about $35,000. Institutional investors own 76.48% of the companys stock. Get NextEra Energy alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, major shareholder Nextera Energy Inc acquired 3,097,524 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 6th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $24.21 per share, with a total value of $74,991,056.04. Following the purchase, the insider now directly owns 4,097,524 shares of the companys stock, valued at $99,201,056.04. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, Director Nicole S. Arnaboldi acquired 8,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated 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 purchase, the director now directly owns 11,523 shares of the companys stock, valued at $686,655.57. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, major shareholder Nextera Energy Inc acquired 3,097,524 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 6th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $24.21 per share, for a total transaction of $74,991,056.04. Following the purchase, the insider now directly owns 4,097,524 shares in the company, valued at $99,201,056.04. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.18% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Mizuho cut their price target on shares of NextEra Energy from $91.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Scotiabank cut their price target on shares of NextEra Energy from $105.00 to $96.00 in a report on Thursday, September 28th. StockNews.com cut shares of NextEra Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on shares of NextEra Energy from $83.00 to $72.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Guggenheim upped their price objective on shares of NextEra Energy from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, NextEra Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $73.14. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on NEE NextEra Energy Stock Performance NEE opened at $61.00 on Tuesday. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a 52-week low of $47.15 and a 52-week high of $86.47. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. The company has a market cap of $125.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 0.51. The firms 50-day moving average price is $57.20 and its 200-day moving average price is $64.98. NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The utilities provider reported $0.94 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.86 by $0.08. NextEra Energy had a net margin of 27.82% and a return on equity of 12.15%. The company had revenue of $7.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.07 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.85 EPS. NextEra Energys quarterly revenue was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. NextEra Energy Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, November 24th were issued a $0.4675 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 22nd. This represents a $1.87 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.07%. NextEra Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 49.47%. 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NextEra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NextEra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Ashtead Group plc (LON:AHT Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the nine brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is GBX 4,675 ($59.12). Several equities research analysts have weighed in on AHT shares. Canaccord Genuity Group downgraded Ashtead Group to a hold rating and set a GBX 615 ($7.78) price target on the stock. in a report on Monday, December 4th. Barclays lowered their target price on Ashtead Group from GBX 6,300 ($79.68) to GBX 6,000 ($75.88) and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on Ashtead Group from GBX 5,500 ($69.56) to GBX 5,300 ($67.03) and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. Berenberg Bank lifted their target price on Ashtead Group to GBX 700 ($8.85) and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Finally, Numis Securities reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 7,000 ($88.53) target price on shares of Ashtead Group in a research note on Monday, September 11th. Get Ashtead Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Ashtead Group Ashtead Group Stock Performance Ashtead Group Cuts Dividend LON AHT opened at GBX 5,388 ($68.14) on Friday. Ashtead Group has a fifty-two week low of GBX 4,386 ($55.47) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 6,012 ($76.03). The stocks fifty day moving average is GBX 4,910.80 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 5,190.84. The firm has a market capitalization of 23.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,790.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 164.27, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a current ratio of 1.18. The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 11th will be issued a dividend of $0.16 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 11th. This represents a yield of 0.25%. Ashtead Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 2,657.81%. About Ashtead Group (Get Free Report Ashtead Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the construction, industrial, and general equipment rental business in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It provides pumps, power generation, heating, cooling, scaffolding, traffic management, temporary flooring, trench shoring, and lifting services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ashtead Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ashtead Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 2.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 41,787 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 890 shares during the quarter. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $21,069,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the 1st quarter valued at $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc purchased a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $47,000. Finally, Tucker Asset Management LLC bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 1st quarter valued at $48,000. 85.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $587.00 to $579.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $610.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. HSBC restated a reduce rating and issued a $480.00 price objective (down previously from $550.00) on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Monday. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $580.00 to $584.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $596.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $574.89. Insider Activity at UnitedHealth Group In related news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $540.58, for a total transaction of $65,688,578.70. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 521,818 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $282,084,374.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total transaction of $36,370,321.59. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 635,528 shares in the company, valued at approximately $349,788,255.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was 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 in the company, valued at $282,084,374.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 192,094 shares of company stock valued at $104,507,072. Corporate insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock. UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance Shares of UNH opened at $526.24 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $537.37 and its 200 day simple moving average is $507.08. 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 $486.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.80. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.33 by $0.23. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.58% and a net margin of 6.02%. The firm had revenue of $92.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $91.41 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $5.79 EPS. The companys revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Investors of record on Monday, December 4th were 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 1.43%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR Free Report) by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 29,196 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,215 shares during the quarter. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLCs holdings in BellRing Brands were worth $1,204,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of BRBR. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in BellRing Brands by 6.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,661,882 shares of the companys stock worth $97,425,000 after acquiring an additional 153,415 shares in the last quarter. B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. AG purchased a new position in BellRing Brands in the first quarter worth $301,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its position in BellRing Brands by 101.3% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 85,317 shares of the companys stock worth $2,901,000 after acquiring an additional 42,935 shares in the last quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its position in BellRing Brands by 270.3% in the second quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 124,597 shares of the companys stock worth $4,560,000 after acquiring an additional 90,945 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Strs Ohio raised its position in BellRing Brands by 14.5% in the second quarter. Strs Ohio now owns 14,200 shares of the companys stock worth $519,000 after acquiring an additional 1,800 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.90% of the companys stock. Get BellRing Brands alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on BellRing Brands from $43.00 to $53.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Truist Financial increased their price objective on BellRing Brands from $45.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 24th. Bank of America increased their price objective on BellRing Brands from $42.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Needham & Company LLC increased their price objective on BellRing Brands from $44.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a buy rating and set a $54.00 target price on shares of BellRing Brands in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $50.38. BellRing Brands Stock Performance BellRing Brands stock opened at $55.68 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $47.89 and its 200 day moving average price is $41.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.30 billion, a PE ratio of 44.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.85. BellRing Brands, Inc. has a one year low of $24.50 and a one year high of $57.00. BellRing Brands (NYSE:BRBR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 21st. The company reported $0.41 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $472.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $462.65 million. BellRing Brands had a negative return on equity of 49.86% and a net margin of 9.93%. BellRing Brandss revenue for the quarter was up 24.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.31 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that BellRing Brands, Inc. will post 1.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. BellRing Brands Profile (Free Report) BellRing Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various nutrition products in the United States. The company offers ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and other products primarily under the Premier Protein and Dymatize brands. It distributes its products through club, food, drug, mass, eCommerce, specialty, and convenience channels. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BRBR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BellRing Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BellRing Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Adobe remains the leading company in editing software, and with the proposed merger with Figma, it could dominate the product design software market. However, that's the very thing regulators are wary of, leading them to challenge the acquisition. Adobe, Figma Merger Called Off The editing software giant's acquisition plans had much potential and could've pushed its software to a new level. However, UK and EU regulators are concerned about the market power it could lead to and the threat it can pose to competition. The deal was first announced back in September 2022, and designers immediately expressed concerns. Regulators said that Adobe might harm innovation by not allowing Figma's design platform to flourish independently, which was proving to be more popular than Adobe XD, as reported by The Verge. Feeling the pressure from it, Adobe finally decided that the merger was no longer a good plan and abandoned the deal. Although both companies disagree with regulator findings, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen said that it was better to "move forward independently." In addition to that, Narayen expressed that while Adobe and Figma shared a vision to jointly redefine the future of creativity and productivity, they "continue to be well positioned to capitalize on our massive market opportunity and mission to change the world through personalized digital experiences." Both companies have already been working with regulators to make sure that the merger goes through as planned, but Figma CEO Dylan Field stated that even then, they "no longer see a path toward regulatory approval of the deal." The downfall of the acquisition likely started when Adobe rejected the suggestions brought forth by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK, which could've prompted an antitrust investigation. The European Commission had similar plans but eventually dropped the investigation after Adobe announced the termination of the deal. Due to the cancelation, Adobe will pay Figma $1 billion in cash for a reverse termination fee. Read Also: Amazon's iRobot Acquisition is Facing Objections from EU Regulators Adobe Continues to Innovate Despite the major setback it went through with the Figma merger, Adobe will still be one of the leading design software companies in the market. In fact, it had just released an update to its Spectrum design system, calling it Sprectrum 2. The company claims that the update would "make Adobe tools even more intuitive, inclusive, and joyful to use across platforms, while supporting our mission of enabling Creativity for All," as reported by Tech Crunch. The three areas that were impacted most by the update were dynamic contrast and brightness, more accessible colors, and attention hierarchy to prioritize specific visual elements, which would be dedicated to newer audiences of its products. Adobe Vice President of Design, Eric Snowden says that the new Adobe wants to reach a wider market which includes students, social content creators small business owners, and more. Spectrum 2 will start rolling out by early 2024. The first Adobe products that will see the updates will be the web apps which will be followed by various tools like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro. Eventually, it will roll out to over 100 apps from the company. Related: Adobe Premiere Pro Filler Word Detection Tool is Every Editor's Savior Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) had its price target raised by UBS Group from $72.00 to $82.00 in a research report sent to investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. UBS Group currently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $92.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Raymond James raised their price objective on Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. StockNews.com started coverage on Charles Schwab in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating for the company. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and set a $77.00 target price on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $75.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $69.44. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Price Performance Shares of SCHW opened at $69.31 on Friday. Charles Schwab has a 12-month low of $45.00 and a 12-month high of $86.63. The businesss fifty day moving average is $56.67 and its 200 day moving average is $57.88. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87. The stock has a market cap of $122.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.10, a P/E/G ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 0.99. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.02. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 24.58% and a net margin of 30.14%. The company had revenue of $4.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.62 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.10 EPS. Charles Schwabs quarterly revenue was down 16.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Charles Schwab will post 3.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 10th were issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.44%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 9th. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is presently 33.33%. Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab In other Charles Schwab news, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 12,208 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.28, for a total transaction of $748,106.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 1,722,400 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $105,548,672. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 12,208 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.28, for a total transaction of $748,106.24. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 1,722,400 shares in the company, valued at approximately $105,548,672. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 7,162 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.72, for a total value of $434,876.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 33,402 shares of company stock valued at $1,945,960 in the last quarter. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Charles Schwab Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. CoreFirst Bank & Trust bought a new stake in Charles Schwab in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $56,000. WNY Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 11.8% in the 3rd quarter. WNY Asset Management LLC now owns 10,629 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $584,000 after buying an additional 1,124 shares during the last quarter. Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 6.6% in the 3rd quarter. Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL now owns 21,425 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,176,000 after buying an additional 1,325 shares during the last quarter. Wesbanco Bank Inc. bought a new stake in Charles Schwab in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $238,000. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 841.3% in the 3rd quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 10,655 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $585,000 after buying an additional 9,523 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 81.61% of the companys stock. Charles Schwab Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Consolidated Capital Management LLC cut its position in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 1.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 18,697 shares of the companys stock after selling 331 shares during the period. Procter & Gamble comprises about 1.4% of Consolidated Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th largest position. Consolidated Capital Management LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $2,727,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 99,734.1% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 253,081,478 shares of the companys stock worth $38,402,583,000 after buying an additional 252,827,976 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in Procter & Gamble by 1.4% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 161,843,254 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,064,473,000 after acquiring an additional 2,157,319 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its stake in Procter & Gamble by 0.8% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 103,104,467 shares of the companys stock worth $15,645,072,000 after acquiring an additional 817,674 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.1% during the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 46,754,131 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,936,343,000 after acquiring an additional 510,559 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 12.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 44,320,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,717,246,000 after purchasing an additional 4,959,527 shares in the last quarter. 63.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Procter & Gamble Price Performance Shares of PG stock opened at $146.19 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $149.00 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $150.37. The stock has a market cap of $344.55 billion, a PE ratio of 23.73, a PEG ratio of 2.98 and a beta of 0.46. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 52-week low of $135.83 and a 52-week high of $158.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 0.67. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The company reported $1.83 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.12. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 33.49% and a net margin of 18.30%. The business had revenue of $21.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.58 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.57 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.42 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Friday, October 20th were paid a dividend of $0.9407 per share. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.57%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 19th. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is 61.04%. Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble In other news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 188 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction on Friday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.52, for a total transaction of $27,921.76. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 626 shares of the companys stock, valued at $92,973.52. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 6,575 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total transaction 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 transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 188 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.52, for a total value of $27,921.76. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 626 shares in the company, valued at approximately $92,973.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 79,382 shares of company stock worth $11,988,690. 0.17% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $166.00 to $154.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $162.00 to $153.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. William Blair assumed coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research report on Friday, September 8th. They set a market perform rating on the stock. They noted that the move was a valuation call. DZ Bank upgraded Procter & Gamble from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $155.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Procter & Gamble has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $166.41. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Procter & Gamble Procter & Gamble Company Profile (Free Report) The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Drive Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 4.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,949 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after purchasing an additional 263 shares during the quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Canadian Natural Resources were worth $388,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of CNQ. Money Concepts Capital Corp bought a new position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 57.6% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 594 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 217 shares during the period. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in Canadian Natural Resources in the 1st quarter worth $35,000. KB Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in Canadian Natural Resources in the 1st quarter worth $41,000. Finally, Natixis bought a new position in Canadian Natural Resources in the 4th quarter worth $42,000. Institutional investors own 73.88% of the companys stock. Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: Canadian Natural Resources Trading Up 1.5 % Shares of NYSE CNQ opened at $63.32 on Tuesday. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 1-year low of $48.81 and a 1-year high of $68.74. The company has a market cap of $68.60 billion, a PE ratio of 13.27 and a beta of 1.48. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. The company has a 50-day moving average of $64.94 and a two-hundred day moving average of $61.65. Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend Canadian Natural Resources ( NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNQ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The oil and gas producer reported $1.93 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.62 by $0.31. Canadian Natural Resources had a net margin of 17.32% and a return on equity of 20.89%. The company had revenue of $7.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.49 billion. As a group, equities analysts expect that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 5.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be paid a $0.7203 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. This is an increase from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.67. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.55%. Canadian Natural Resourcess payout ratio is currently 61.84%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently commented on CNQ. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from $84.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, August 28th. CIBC raised their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from $90.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock an outperformer rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 29th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian Natural Resources presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $90.80. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CNQ About Canadian Natural Resources (Free Report) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Drive Wealth Management LLC lessened its stake in The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB Free Report) by 30.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 11,782 shares of the pipeline companys stock after selling 5,244 shares during the quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Williams Companies were worth $397,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A acquired a new stake in shares of Williams Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Missouri Trust & Investment Co raised its stake in Williams Companies by 300.0% in the 2nd 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 bought a new stake in Williams Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. raised its stake in Williams Companies by 52.5% in the 2nd 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 bought a new stake in Williams Companies in the 1st quarter valued at $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.76% of the companys stock. Get Williams Companies alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Williams Companies from $39.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Williams Companies in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a neutral rating and a $35.00 price target on the stock. StockNews.com started coverage on Williams Companies in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Barclays increased their price objective on Williams Companies from $35.00 to $37.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Mizuho increased their price objective on Williams Companies from $41.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.50. Williams Companies Stock Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSE WMB opened at $34.69 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.77. The Williams Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $27.80 and a 52 week high of $37.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $42.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.56, a PEG ratio of 4.65 and a beta of 1.12. The stocks fifty day moving average is $35.34 and its 200 day moving average is $34.04. Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The pipeline company reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by $0.05. Williams Companies had a return on equity of 16.90% and a net margin of 24.52%. The company had revenue of $2.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.63 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.48 earnings per share. Williams Companiess revenue was down 15.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that The Williams Companies, Inc. will post 2.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Williams Companies Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 26th. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be paid a $0.4475 dividend. This represents a $1.79 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 7th. Williams Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 80.27%. About Williams Companies (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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Williams Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Williams Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hurlow Wealth Management Group Inc. lowered its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 0.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 5,766 shares of the companys stock after selling 20 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for about 1.3% of Hurlow Wealth Management Group Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Hurlow Wealth Management Group Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $3,097,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Retirement Group LLC lifted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 159.1% in the 2nd quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 57 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 156.4% in the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 100 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $60,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance NYSE LLY opened at $580.00 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $550.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 105.07, a P/E/G ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.05 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $589.77 and a two-hundred day moving average of $533.23. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $309.20 and a 1-year high of $629.97. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced 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 return on equity of 48.12% and a net margin of 15.55%. The business had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.88 billion. As a group, analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.61 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.90%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is presently 81.88%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total transaction of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,688,738.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have weighed in on LLY. TheStreet lowered Eli Lilly and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. UBS Group restated a buy rating and issued a $710.00 price objective (up previously from $612.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Friday, October 20th. Bank of America lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a report on Friday, October 6th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and set a $630.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, Argus lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $578.48. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Eli Lilly and Company About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. raised its position in Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR Free Report) by 15.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 990 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 135 shares during the quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc.s holdings in Entergy were worth $92,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in shares of Entergy in the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in shares of Entergy by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 637,493 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $74,429,000 after buying an additional 11,568 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its stake in shares of Entergy by 20.0% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 44,607 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,208,000 after buying an additional 7,434 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. boosted its stake in shares of Entergy by 52.8% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 189,102 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $22,074,000 after buying an additional 65,376 shares during the period. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its stake in Entergy by 37.7% during the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 288,794 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $33,717,000 after purchasing an additional 79,137 shares during the last quarter. 86.52% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Entergy alerts: Insider Activity In related news, EVP Marcus V. Brown sold 38,417 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $101.53, for a total transaction of $3,900,478.01. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,380 shares of the companys stock, valued at $952,351.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Entergy from $117.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. UBS Group upgraded Entergy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $103.00 to $118.00 in a research note on Monday, November 6th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on Entergy from $120.00 to $114.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 30th. Barclays decreased their target price on Entergy from $98.00 to $94.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, Guggenheim boosted their price objective on Entergy from $99.00 to $103.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $109.91. Get Our Latest Stock Report on ETR Entergy Trading Up 0.7 % NYSE:ETR opened at $101.56 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $21.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.59, a PEG ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $98.01 and its 200-day simple moving average is $97.76. Entergy Co. has a 12-month low of $87.10 and a 12-month high of $115.20. Entergy (NYSE:ETR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $3.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.97 by $0.30. The business had revenue of $3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.22 billion. Entergy had a return on equity of 10.77% and a net margin of 11.56%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.84 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Entergy Co. will post 6.74 EPS for the current year. Entergy Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 14th were issued a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 13th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.45%. This is a positive change from Entergys previous quarterly dividend of $1.07. Entergys payout ratio is presently 64.94%. About Entergy (Free Report) Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities. The Utility segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Entergy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Entergy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Bank & Trust trimmed its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 36.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,720 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 992 shares during the period. First Bank & Trusts holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $208,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Marcum Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust during the 3rd quarter worth $238,000. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 5.8% in the 3rd quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 37,842 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $4,580,000 after purchasing an additional 2,069 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Street Advisors Inc. NC acquired a new stake in Digital Realty Trust in the 3rd quarter valued at $7,684,000. Perpetual Ltd increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 39.1% in the 3rd quarter. Perpetual Ltd now owns 19,400 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,348,000 after purchasing an additional 5,450 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bartlett & Co. LLC increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 393.3% in the 3rd quarter. Bartlett & Co. LLC now owns 952 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $115,000 after purchasing an additional 759 shares in the last quarter. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Digital Realty Trust Stock Performance Shares of DLR stock opened at $132.30 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. The business has a 50 day moving average of $129.79 and a two-hundred day moving average of $122.59. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 52 week low of $86.33 and a 52 week high of $139.35. The company has a market cap of $40.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 46.10, a PEG ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.55. Digital Realty Trust Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a $1.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.69%. Digital Realty Trusts payout ratio is currently 170.04%. DLR has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Scotiabank initiated coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Friday, October 13th. They set a sector perform rating and a $132.00 target price on the stock. Truist Financial lifted their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $130.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. Citigroup lifted their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $136.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 8th. HSBC initiated coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Friday, December 1st. They set a reduce rating and a $112.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $98.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned 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, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $122.00. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Digital Realty Trust Digital Realty Trust Profile (Free Report) Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. trimmed its position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX Free Report) by 25.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,237 shares of the natural resource companys stock after selling 1,114 shares during the period. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc.s holdings in Freeport-McMoRan were worth $121,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of FCX. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in Freeport-McMoRan during the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Synovus Financial Corp raised its holdings in Freeport-McMoRan by 15.2% during the first quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 11,101 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $553,000 after buying an additional 1,468 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL raised its holdings in Freeport-McMoRan by 40.8% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 112,066 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $5,574,000 after buying an additional 32,474 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. raised its holdings in Freeport-McMoRan by 73.6% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 132,043 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $6,624,000 after buying an additional 55,987 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in Freeport-McMoRan by 22.0% during the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 79,686 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $3,964,000 after buying an additional 14,388 shares in the last quarter. 77.96% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Freeport-McMoRan alerts: Freeport-McMoRan Stock Down 0.3 % NYSE FCX opened at $41.36 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 2.90, a quick ratio of 1.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The stocks 50 day moving average is $36.12 and its two-hundred day moving average is $38.47. The company has a market capitalization of $59.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.95 and a beta of 2.02. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has a 1-year low of $32.83 and a 1-year high of $46.73. Freeport-McMoRan Announces Dividend Freeport-McMoRan ( NYSE:FCX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The natural resource company reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $5.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.43 billion. Freeport-McMoRan had a return on equity of 9.98% and a net margin of 9.50%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 16.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.26 earnings per share. Equities analysts forecast that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 1.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 13th were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 12th. Freeport-McMoRans payout ratio is 20.27%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have weighed in on FCX. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Freeport-McMoRan in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. They set a neutral rating and a $42.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded Freeport-McMoRan from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. UBS Group lowered their price target on Freeport-McMoRan from $42.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. Eight Capital set a $55.00 price target on Freeport-McMoRan and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on Freeport-McMoRan from $49.00 to $48.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Freeport-McMoRan has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $43.38. View Our Latest Stock Report on Freeport-McMoRan About Freeport-McMoRan (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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FCX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Freeport-McMoRan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freeport-McMoRan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:GNZUF Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 505,900 shares, a drop of 5.9% from the November 15th total of 537,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 103.2 days. Guangzhou Automobile Group Price Performance OTCMKTS GNZUF opened at $0.44 on Tuesday. Guangzhou Automobile Group has a fifty-two week low of $0.41 and a fifty-two week high of $0.75. The business has a fifty day moving average of $0.47 and a 200-day moving average of $0.53. Get Guangzhou Automobile Group alerts: Guangzhou Automobile Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Read More Guangzhou Automobile Group Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of vehicles and motorcycles, and parts and components; and provision of commercial and financial services in Mainland China and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Vehicles and Related Operations, and Others. Receive News & Ratings for Guangzhou Automobile Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Guangzhou Automobile Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hall Capital Management Co. Inc. increased its position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 22.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,476 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after buying an additional 816 shares during the quarter. UnitedHealth Group comprises about 1.4% of Hall Capital Management Co. Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest position. Hall Capital Management Co. Inc.s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $2,257,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its position in UnitedHealth Group by 97,436.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,029,274,230 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $494,710,366,000 after purchasing an additional 1,028,218,963 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 0.7% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 74,928,539 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $35,410,478,000 after buying an additional 509,633 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 1.7% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 46,313,751 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $22,260,241,000 after buying an additional 764,872 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 0.6% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 24,079,140 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $11,379,561,000 after purchasing an additional 140,312 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in UnitedHealth Group by 2.6% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 17,546,024 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $8,410,038,000 after purchasing an additional 444,629 shares in the last quarter. 85.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have weighed in on UNH shares. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $591.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. StockNews.com downgraded shares of UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 21st. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $610.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. HSBC reiterated a reduce rating and set a $480.00 target price (down previously from $550.00) on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Monday. Finally, Stephens restated an overweight rating and set a $585.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $574.89. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total value of $2,448,171.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,218 shares in the company, valued at $5,017,173.04. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total value of $2,448,171.44. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,218 shares of the companys stock, 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. Also, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total transaction of $36,370,321.59. Following the transaction, the director now owns 635,528 shares in the company, valued at approximately $349,788,255.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 192,094 shares of company stock worth $104,507,072. Corporate insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock. UnitedHealth Group Stock Down 0.9 % Shares of NYSE UNH opened at $526.24 on Tuesday. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 52-week low of $445.68 and a 52-week high of $554.70. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $537.37 and a 200 day moving average price of $507.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The stock has a market cap of $486.73 billion, a PE ratio of 22.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.61. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.33 by $0.23. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.58% and a net margin of 6.02%. The firm had revenue of $92.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $91.41 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $5.79 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 earnings per share for the current year. UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 4th were issued a $1.88 dividend. 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 1.43%. UnitedHealth Groups 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The year 2023 saw how artificial intelligence emerged to be one of the most transformative forces in the technology industry. Customers were easily captured with the premise of stimulating human intelligence through a computer. Over the months, we have seen various big developments in the AI industry and how it continues to amaze not only tech-savvy people but also average people. It has been reshaping processes and enhancing capabilities in various industries. Indeed, AI is now becoming an indispensable tool that contributes to the efficiency of the workforce. It drives innovation and helps individuals to work faster and perform better in a short period. Here are some of the moments wherein AI reshaped the tech industry this 2023: Read Also: Users Are Divided When It Comes to Using AI to Talk to Loved Ones Who Died Breakout of Generative AI Considered as one of the major breakthroughs this year, generative AI saw its opportunity to flourish within companies. These types of models are capable of creating new content from prompts like text, images, and even code. The introduction of generative AI opened the door for companies to release services that are designed for automating tasks yet are capable of customizing user experiences. The integration of generative AI into various industries has the potential to unlock other levels of innovation. Wider Accessibility for AI Tools Previously, AI models have been kept away from people who are less knowledgeable about the technicalities of it. Moreover, other people used to be shunned for using AI. Although there is still debate on the proper usage of AI, some people are using it to boost their performances. These days, AI tools are now easily available to anyone who has access to the internet. They also have a user-friendly interface, making it easy for anyone to use regardless of their background. Ethical Considerations, Challenges Ethics plays a huge role in using AI, many government regulators are looking closely into how to maintain fairness in using such powerful technology. During the early days of AI, many people had concerns about what it could mean. This year, AI has been frequently linked to job displacement, privacy concerns, and bias statements. Other experts are also pushing to finalize the regulations for AI as the industry continues to boom without any rules to limit it. Boosted Efficiency AI is an all-rounder tool that is capable of creating solutions in any industry. The current AI models have helped various companies to automate tasks and boost efficiency in different aspects. Some companies have invested in purchasing AI tools that will assist their employees. So far, the results have been shown on cost savings, faster turnaround times, and improved resource allocation. Most companies have also committed that their AI tools will not replace their employees. Enhanced User Experience Whether you work in a company or just an individual trying to finish a task at home, AI has brought chatbots that act as your virtual assistants. They can recommend and offer solutions to you which are often tailored to your personality. This innovation has led to a more personalized experience and deeper interaction with the AI model, which also helped them in learning more from humans. It also gives a more accurate answer as the conversation progresses. Related Article: AI Chatbots Do Not Increase Student Cheating, Stanford Research Says Ignite Planners LLC boosted its holdings in The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY Free Report) by 11.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,098 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 214 shares during the period. Ignite Planners LLCs holdings in Hershey were worth $410,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Lincoln Capital LLC increased its position in Hershey by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter. Lincoln Capital LLC now owns 2,997 shares of the companys stock worth $600,000 after buying an additional 105 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Hershey by 7.1% during the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 1,590 shares of the companys stock valued at $322,000 after purchasing an additional 105 shares during the period. Silverlake Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Hershey by 93.2% during the third quarter. Silverlake Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,561 shares of the companys stock valued at $712,000 after purchasing an additional 1,718 shares during the period. First Hawaiian Bank increased its position in shares of Hershey by 37.9% during the third quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 3,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $600,000 after purchasing an additional 824 shares during the period. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI increased its position in shares of Hershey by 396.6% during the third quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 173,865 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,599,000 after purchasing an additional 138,857 shares during the period. 56.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Hershey alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. DA Davidson assumed coverage on Hershey in a research report on Friday, December 8th. They set a neutral rating and a $205.00 price objective on the stock. Bank of America cut Hershey from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $250.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Friday. Royal Bank of Canada cut Hershey from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $239.00 to $213.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Stephens started coverage on Hershey in a research note on Friday, October 13th. They issued an overweight rating and a $240.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on Hershey from $245.00 to $186.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Hershey has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $239.81. Hershey Price Performance Hershey stock opened at $182.34 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $37.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.67, a P/E/G ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.34. The Hershey Company has a 52 week low of $181.27 and a 52 week high of $276.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 1.09. The businesss fifty day moving average is $189.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $215.73. Hershey (NYSE:HSY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $2.60 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.47 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $3.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.95 billion. Hershey had a return on equity of 54.74% and a net margin of 17.11%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 11.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.17 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that The Hershey Company will post 9.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hershey Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th were given a dividend of $1.192 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $4.77 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.61%. Hersheys payout ratio is currently 51.46%. Insider Transactions at Hershey In other news, CFO Steven E. Voskuil sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $192.71, for a total transaction of $289,065.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 32,816 shares in the company, valued at $6,323,971.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CFO Steven E. Voskuil sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $192.71, for a total value of $289,065.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 32,816 shares in the company, valued at $6,323,971.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Pamela M. Arway sold 182 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $194.56, for a total value of $35,409.92. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 15,562 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,027,742.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 4,682 shares of company stock worth $920,800 over the last 90 days. 0.22% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hershey Company Profile (Free Report) The Hershey Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of confectionery products and pantry items in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International. It offers chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products; gum and mint refreshment products, including mints, chewing gums, and bubble gums; pantry items, such as baking ingredients, toppings, beverages, and sundae syrups; and snack items comprising spreads, bars, snack bites, mixes, popcorn, and pretzels. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HSY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hershey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hershey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton lessened its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 52.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 121 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 131 shares during the period. Rosenberg Matthew Hamiltons holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $28,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of ITW. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 103,194.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 72,134,735 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $18,045,225,000 after acquiring an additional 72,064,901 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 106,553.0% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,185,211 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,582,902,000 after purchasing an additional 7,178,474 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 4th quarter valued at $708,259,000. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 59.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 4,591,278 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,011,459,000 after purchasing an additional 1,707,780 shares during the period. Finally, BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 4.7% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 22,309,285 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $5,431,195,000 after purchasing an additional 997,389 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.56% of the companys stock. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Illinois Tool Works Trading Down 0.3 % Shares of NYSE:ITW opened at $257.66 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.53 billion, a PE ratio of 24.99, a P/E/G ratio of 5.07 and a beta of 1.13. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1 year low of $216.13 and a 1 year high of $264.19. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $237.08 and a 200 day moving average price of $240.85. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27. Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates 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 company had revenue of $4.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.10 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.35 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.68 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued 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 is Thursday, December 28th. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 54.32%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $244.00 to $256.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $213.00 to $198.00 in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $265.00 to $255.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $235.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $238.09. View Our Latest Analysis on Illinois Tool Works About Illinois Tool Works (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 39.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 11,742 shares of the companys stock after selling 7,699 shares during the period. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $1,548,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 0.9% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 8,179 shares of the companys stock worth $1,103,000 after acquiring an additional 75 shares during the period. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 1.2% during the second quarter. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC now owns 7,017 shares of the companys stock worth $946,000 after acquiring an additional 86 shares during the period. Prudential PLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.4% during the first quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 3,764 shares of the companys stock worth $467,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares during the period. Hobart Private Capital LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 1.3% during the second quarter. Hobart Private Capital LLC now owns 7,146 shares of the companys stock worth $964,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the period. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. increased its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 6,737 shares of the companys stock worth $909,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Trading Up 0.7 % Shares of QUAL opened at $147.33 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $137.85 and its 200 day moving average price is $136.12. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.30 and a beta of 1.03. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 1-year low of $71.96 and a 1-year high of $88.63. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 2,764 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $310,000. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LEN. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton increased its stake in shares of Lennar by 10.6% in the 3rd quarter. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton now owns 1,100 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $123,000 after acquiring an additional 105 shares during the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Lennar by 107.6% in the 3rd quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 15,341 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,722,000 after acquiring an additional 7,950 shares during the last quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Lennar by 140.7% in the 3rd quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC now owns 9,413 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,056,000 after acquiring an additional 5,503 shares during the last quarter. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Lennar in the 3rd quarter valued at about $385,000. Finally, New England Research & Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Lennar in the 3rd quarter valued at about $2,174,000. 79.87% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Lennar alerts: Insider Transactions at Lennar In related news, VP David M. Collins sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $1,300,000.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 37,060 shares in the company, valued at $4,817,800. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, VP David M. Collins sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $1,300,000.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 37,060 shares in the company, valued at $4,817,800. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Jeffrey Joseph Mccall sold 8,843 shares of Lennar stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.10, for a total value of $929,399.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 132,543 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,930,269.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 20,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,350,896. 9.53% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Lennar Trading Down 1.3 % Shares of Lennar stock opened at $147.28 on Tuesday. Lennar Co. has a 1 year low of $88.42 and a 1 year high of $156.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 6.12 and a quick ratio of 1.72. The company has a market capitalization of $41.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.70, a P/E/G ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 1.52. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $122.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $120.81. Lennar (NYSE:LEN Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, December 15th. The construction company reported $4.82 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.59 by $0.23. Lennar had a return on equity of 15.84% and a net margin of 11.51%. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.22 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $5.02 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Lennar Co. will post 14.88 EPS for the current year. Lennar Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced 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. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.02%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. Lennars dividend payout ratio is currently 10.90%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. BTIG Research upped their price target on Lennar from $148.00 to $161.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on Lennar from $114.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Monday. Evercore ISI increased their target price on Lennar from $161.00 to $164.00 in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Wedbush reissued a neutral rating and set a $123.00 target price on shares of Lennar in a research note on Monday, September 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Lennar from $123.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating 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 and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Lennar currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $138.47. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Lennar Lennar Company Profile (Free Report) Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LEN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 3,102 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $234,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 0.4% during the first quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 276,660 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,027,000 after buying an additional 1,138 shares during the last quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $691,000. Ossiam lifted its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 1,304.1% in the 2nd quarter. Ossiam now owns 80,244 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,063,000 after purchasing an additional 74,529 shares during the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 34.7% in the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 4,189 shares of the companys stock valued at $320,000 after purchasing an additional 1,078 shares during the last quarter. Finally, EA Series Trust bought a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $290,000. 77.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: Archer-Daniels-Midland Trading Down 4.5 % ADM opened at $72.34 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $73.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $76.86. The company has a market capitalization of $38.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.08 and a beta of 0.82. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 52 week low of $69.31 and a 52 week high of $96.16. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. Archer-Daniels-Midland Announces Dividend Archer-Daniels-Midland ( NYSE:ADM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $21.70 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $23.69 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a return on equity of 16.63% and a net margin of 4.05%. Archer-Daniels-Midlands quarterly revenue was down 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.86 EPS. Analysts forecast that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 7.26 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were given a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.49%. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.07%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ADM has been the subject of several analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets lowered Archer-Daniels-Midland from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $90.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Monday. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $87.00 to $76.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 30th. Finally, Stephens reduced their price target on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Archer-Daniels-Midland has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $88.22. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Archer-Daniels-Midland About Archer-Daniels-Midland (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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ADM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 1,184 shares of the information technology services providers stock, valued at approximately $364,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. United Bank lifted its position in Accenture by 6.3% during the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 2,969 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,001,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares during the period. Weitz Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in Accenture by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. Weitz Investment Management Inc. now owns 89,400 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $30,148,000 after acquiring an additional 1,168 shares during the period. Fund Management at Engine No. 1 LLC acquired a new stake in Accenture during the 1st quarter worth about $1,805,000. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. lifted its position in Accenture by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. now owns 7,292 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,459,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares during the period. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC lifted its position in Accenture by 104.8% during the 1st quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 441,451 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $148,871,000 after acquiring an additional 225,943 shares during the period. 70.42% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Accenture alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Barclays boosted their price objective on Accenture from $340.00 to $390.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, September 11th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating and issued a $358.00 price objective on shares of Accenture in a report on Monday, September 18th. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on Accenture from $312.00 to $300.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 29th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $340.00 price objective on shares of Accenture in a report on Friday, September 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Accenture from $314.00 to $341.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $338.84. Accenture Trading Down 0.7 % NYSE:ACN opened at $341.85 on Tuesday. Accenture plc has a 12 month low of $242.80 and a 12 month high of $346.96. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $319.84 and a two-hundred day moving average of $315.83. The firm has a market cap of $214.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.16 and a beta of 1.23. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, September 28th. The information technology services provider reported $2.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.65 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $15.99 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.07 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 29.74% and a net margin of 10.72%. The businesss revenue was up 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.60 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that Accenture plc will post 12.2 earnings per share for the current year. Accenture Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were given a $1.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 11th. This is a positive change from Accentures previous quarterly dividend of $1.12. This represents a $5.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.51%. Accentures dividend payout ratio is 47.91%. Accenture announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, September 28th that authorizes the company to repurchase $4.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the information technology services provider to repurchase up to 2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are usually an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Activity at Accenture In related news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $298.48, for a total value of $1,567,020.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 20,265 shares in the company, valued at $6,048,697.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Accenture news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, October 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $298.48, for a total transaction of $1,567,020.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 20,265 shares in the company, valued at $6,048,697.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $314.68, for a total value of $2,832,120.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 26,830 shares in the company, valued at $8,442,864.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 36,334 shares of company stock worth $10,939,027. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. Accenture Company Profile (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Lennar (NYSE:LEN Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report released on Friday morning. Several other analysts have also recently commented on LEN. Citigroup reissued a buy rating and issued a $139.00 price target on shares of Lennar in a report on Tuesday, September 19th. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Lennar in a research note on Monday, November 27th. They issued a hold rating and a $117.00 price objective on the stock. JMP Securities lifted their target price on shares of Lennar from $135.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 19th. BTIG Research lifted their price objective on Lennar from $148.00 to $161.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Finally, Wedbush reissued a neutral rating and set a $123.00 target price on shares of Lennar in a research report on Monday, September 11th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $138.47. Get Lennar alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on LEN Lennar Stock Down 1.3 % Shares of NYSE:LEN opened at $147.28 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $41.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.70, a P/E/G ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 1.52. Lennar has a 1-year low of $88.42 and a 1-year high of $156.01. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $122.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $120.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 6.66 and a quick ratio of 1.18. Lennar (NYSE:LEN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, December 15th. The construction company reported $4.82 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.59 by $0.23. The business had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.22 billion. Lennar had a return on equity of 16.08% and a net margin of 11.51%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $5.02 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Lennar will post 14.89 EPS for the current year. Lennar Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were given a $0.375 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.02%. Lennars payout ratio is 10.90%. Insider Buying and Selling at Lennar In other news, Director Amy Banse acquired 920 shares of Lennar stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 13th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $108.71 per share, with a total value of $100,013.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 10,038 shares in the company, valued at $1,091,230.98. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, EVP Jeffrey Joseph Mccall sold 1,157 shares of Lennar stock in a transaction on Monday, October 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.01, for a total value of $121,496.57. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 131,386 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,796,843.86. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Amy Banse bought 920 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, October 13th. The shares were bought at an average price of $108.71 per share, for a total transaction of $100,013.20. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 10,038 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,091,230.98. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders sold 20,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,350,896 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 9.53% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Lennar in the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Lennar during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. BluePath Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Lennar during the third quarter worth about $29,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Lennar during the 2nd quarter worth about $46,000. Finally, NBC Securities Inc. acquired a new position in Lennar in the third quarter worth $56,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LVW Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 5,160 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $220,000. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in BK. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC now owns 4,764 shares of the banks stock valued at $212,000 after acquiring an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. King Luther Capital Management Corp increased its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. King Luther Capital Management Corp now owns 38,109 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,697,000 after acquiring an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLC now owns 63,013 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,805,000 after acquiring an additional 240 shares during the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 14,451 shares of the banks stock valued at $717,000 after acquiring an additional 245 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. boosted its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 4,936 shares of the banks stock valued at $224,000 after purchasing an additional 260 shares during the period. 81.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages recently weighed in on BK. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $46.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Bank of New York Mellon from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $54.50 target price for the company in a research note on Monday. StockNews.com began coverage on Bank of New York Mellon in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $47.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, Bank of America reduced their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $55.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $52.77. Bank of New York Mellon Price Performance Bank of New York Mellon stock opened at $51.43 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.71 and a quick ratio of 0.71. The company has a market capitalization of $39.55 billion, a PE ratio of 12.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.11. The Bank of New York Mellon Co. has a one year low of $39.65 and a one year high of $52.26. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $45.69 and a 200 day simple moving average of $44.74. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The bank reported $1.27 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.15 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $4.37 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.32 billion. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 11.84% and a net margin of 11.81%. Bank of New York Mellons revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.21 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that The Bank of New York Mellon Co. will post 4.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bank of New York Mellon Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 9th. Investors of record on Friday, October 27th were given a dividend of $0.42 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 26th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.27%. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.44%. About Bank of New York Mellon (Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its holdings in shares of Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR Free Report) by 436.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 222,672 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 181,192 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI owned about 0.11% of Entergy worth $19,820,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in Entergy during the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of Entergy by 1.8% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 637,493 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $74,429,000 after buying an additional 11,568 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its stake in shares of Entergy by 20.0% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 44,607 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,208,000 after acquiring an additional 7,434 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. boosted its holdings in shares of Entergy by 52.8% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 189,102 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $22,074,000 after acquiring an additional 65,376 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH grew its position in Entergy by 37.7% during the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 288,794 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $33,717,000 after acquiring an additional 79,137 shares during the last quarter. 86.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Entergy alerts: Insider Transactions at Entergy In related news, EVP Marcus V. Brown sold 38,417 shares of Entergy stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $101.53, for a total transaction of $3,900,478.01. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,380 shares of the companys stock, valued at $952,351.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Company insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock. Entergy Trading Up 0.7 % Shares of Entergy stock opened at $101.56 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $21.48 billion, a PE ratio of 14.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.68. Entergy Co. has a 52 week low of $87.10 and a 52 week high of $115.20. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $98.01 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $97.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 0.91. Entergy (NYSE:ETR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $3.27 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.97 by $0.30. Entergy had a net margin of 11.56% and a return on equity of 10.77%. The business had revenue of $3.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.22 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.84 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Entergy Co. will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Entergy Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 14th were issued a dividend of $1.13 per share. This is a positive change from Entergys previous quarterly dividend of $1.07. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.45%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 13th. Entergys payout ratio is currently 64.94%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently commented on ETR shares. Barclays cut their price target on Entergy from $98.00 to $94.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. UBS Group upgraded shares of Entergy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $103.00 to $118.00 in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of Entergy from $113.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada lowered Entergy from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $117.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Entergy from $92.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $109.91. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Entergy Entergy Company Profile (Free Report) Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities. The Utility segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Entergy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Entergy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Friday morning. A number of other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Quest Diagnostics from $148.00 to $149.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Piper Sandler lifted their price target on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $136.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Bank of America upgraded Quest Diagnostics from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $140.00 to $160.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. Finally, TheStreet downgraded Quest Diagnostics from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $147.58. Get Quest Diagnostics alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on DGX Quest Diagnostics Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of DGX opened at $135.84 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $131.76 and its 200-day simple moving average is $132.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.27 billion, a PE ratio of 20.40 and a beta of 0.91. Quest Diagnostics has a 12-month low of $119.59 and a 12-month high of $158.34. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX Get Free Report) last released its 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. Quest Diagnostics had a net margin of 8.21% and a return on equity of 15.80%. The company had revenue of $2.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.27 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.36 EPS. The companys revenue was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that Quest Diagnostics will post 8.71 earnings per share for the current year. Quest Diagnostics Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 17th will be given a dividend of $0.71 per share. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.09%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 16th. Quest Diagnosticss dividend payout ratio is currently 42.64%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of DGX. Park Place Capital Corp increased its stake in Quest Diagnostics by 73.4% in the second quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 189 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Quest Diagnostics during the 3rd quarter worth $25,000. Chilton Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Quest Diagnostics during the 1st quarter worth $28,000. NBC Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in Quest Diagnostics in the third quarter valued at about $25,000. Finally, VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC grew its position in Quest Diagnostics by 100.0% in the third quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 218 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.76% of the companys stock. Quest Diagnostics Company Profile (Get 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Quest Diagnostics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quest Diagnostics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. (Photo : Unsplash/Jason Blackeye ) Enphase Energy announced on Monday that it will cut its global workforce by approximately 10%, affecting around 350 contractors and employees. This move is part of a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations to address excess inventory on a global scale. Solar Power Economic Condition CEO Badri Kothandaraman acknowledged that Enphase Energy, a company specializing in microinverters, battery storage, and other products for the solar and alternative energy sector, is undergoing challenging adjustments due to the harsh economic environment it is currently facing. "Over the last few months, we have made significant efforts to reduce our operating costs, but we have more work to do to right-size our operations and become leaner and more efficient," the executive said in a letter attached to a filing on Monday. Metering reform in California and high lending rates in the country significantly reduced consumer demand in the nation's largest solar power market. Solar power expansion has decelerated in Europe, resulting in elevated inventory levels for companies like Enphase. This slowdown suggests a challenging market environment, where companies may face increased difficulty managing their stockpiles due to lower demand for solar products. Enphase announced plans to decrease the capacity of its global microinverter contract manufacturing operations in a regulatory filing. The new capacity target is approximately 7.25 million units per quarter, a reduction from the current capacity of around 10 million units per quarter to better align production with the anticipated demand for microinverters in the market. Operational and Cost-cutting Strategy Consequently, Enphase will discontinue operations at its contract manufacturing sites in Timisoara, Romania, and Wisconsin, United States. This strategic decision aligns with the company's effort to optimize its operational footprint in response to the evolving market conditions and production adjustments. READ ALSO: Hasbro, The "Toy Giant" Announces Providence Office Closure, Plans to Lay Off 1,100 Employees As Part of "Global Business Enablement Project" The solar inverter manufacturer plans to reduce expenses by consolidating its global facilities and minimizing its real estate footprint. Additionally, Enphase intends to extend its freeze on hiring and travel through 2024, with certain exceptions. This cost-cutting strategy reflects the company's commitment to financial optimization and strategic resource management in the coming years. Enphase anticipates finalizing its restructuring plan by the first half of 2024, with adjusted operating expenses of between $75 million and $80 million a quarter. The company foresees a one-time charge for restructuring and asset impairment, totaling approximately $16 to $18 million as part of this plan. This strategic move is designed to position Enphase for future growth and align its operations with evolving market dynamics. Charges are not anticipated to significantly impact the company's financial results or overall financial condition, according to Enphase. In the after-hours session on Monday, the company's shares saw a slight decline, having finished the regular trading day with a 0.1% increase. Notably, the stock has experienced a 53% decrease in value this year, in contrast to the approximately 23% gains observed in the S&P 500 index. RELATED ARTICLE: FourKites Leadership Shake-Up: Slashes 15% Workforce Headcount and Parts Ways with Key Executive 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. CAE Inc. (NYSE:CAE Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in November. As of November 30th, there was short interest totalling 3,350,000 shares, a decrease of 5.9% from the November 15th total of 3,560,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 290,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 11.5 days. Currently, 1.1% of the companys shares are short sold. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in CAE by 1.5% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,606,797 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $247,669,000 after acquiring an additional 152,778 shares in the last quarter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of CAE in the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,417,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in shares of CAE by 17.2% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 130,354 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $3,057,000 after purchasing an additional 19,156 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in CAE by 12.4% during the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,219,330 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $75,159,000 after buying an additional 354,938 shares during the period. Finally, Creative Planning purchased a new stake in CAE in the third quarter valued at approximately $282,000. 64.34% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get CAE alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CAE has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Bank of America lowered shares of CAE from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of CAE from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of CAE from $37.00 to $34.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $35.43. CAE Stock Up 0.3 % CAE stock opened at $20.88 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $21.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is $22.16. The stock has a market cap of $6.64 billion, a PE ratio of 30.25, a P/E/G ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 1.59. CAE has a 1-year low of $18.74 and a 1-year high of $25.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.67. CAE (NYSE:CAE Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 14th. The aerospace company reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.15 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $811.45 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $783.06 million. CAE had a return on equity of 7.90% and a net margin of 6.79%. On average, sell-side analysts expect that CAE will post 0.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. About CAE (Get Free Report) CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa, and Rest of Americas. It operates through three segments: Civil Aviation, Defense and Security, and Healthcare. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for CAE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Adviser Investments LLC lifted its stake in shares of The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report) by 170.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 19,441 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 12,246 shares during the quarter. Adviser Investments LLCs holdings in Southern were worth $1,258,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Drive Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Southern by 9.9% in the second quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,171 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $223,000 after purchasing an additional 286 shares in the last quarter. Capital City Trust Co. FL purchased a new stake in shares of Southern during the second quarter worth $306,000. Bollard Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Southern by 1.0% during the second quarter. Bollard Group LLC now owns 431,500 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $30,313,000 after acquiring an additional 4,082 shares in the last quarter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Southern by 2.4% during the second quarter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLC now owns 24,377 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,712,000 after acquiring an additional 582 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aspen Grove Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Southern by 63.1% during the second quarter. Aspen Grove Capital LLC now owns 4,965 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $349,000 after acquiring an additional 1,921 shares in the last quarter. 62.85% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Southern alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have weighed in on SO. Citigroup began coverage on Southern in a report on Friday, December 8th. They set a buy rating and a $82.00 target price on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Southern from $69.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Mizuho lowered their price target on Southern from $76.00 to $73.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. StockNews.com raised Southern from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Barclays decreased their target price on Southern from $68.00 to $64.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Southern currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $73.00. Southern Stock Performance NYSE:SO opened at $71.41 on Tuesday. The Southern Company has a 1 year low of $58.85 and a 1 year high of $75.80. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $69.00 and a 200-day moving average of $69.22. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.92 and a beta of 0.55. Southern (NYSE:SO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.42 earnings per share for the quarter, topping 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 firm had revenue of $6.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.38 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Southern Company will post 3.6 EPS for the current fiscal year. Southern Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Investors of record on Monday, November 20th were given a $0.70 dividend. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.92%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 17th. Southerns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 101.08%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Southern news, insider David P. Poroch sold 10,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.39, for a total transaction of $693,900.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 28,691 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,990,868.49. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, insider David P. Poroch sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction 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 transaction, the insider now owns 28,691 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,990,868.49. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.39, for a total transaction of $341,950.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 111,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,610,712.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 25,000 shares of company stock worth $1,722,000 in the last quarter. Insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock. Southern Company Profile (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Transform Wealth LLC lessened its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 51.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 10,972 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,679 shares during the period. Transform Wealth LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $5,893,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. GenTrust LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 3rd quarter worth $207,000. Strong Tower Advisory Services grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.5% during the third quarter. Strong Tower Advisory Services now owns 9,428 shares of the companys stock worth $5,064,000 after buying an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. LVW Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 51.8% in the 3rd quarter. LVW Advisors LLC now owns 2,953 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,586,000 after buying an additional 1,008 shares during the period. Castle Rock Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter. Castle Rock Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,042 shares of the companys stock valued at $580,000 after buying an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MJP Associates Inc. ADV lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 8.3% during the 3rd quarter. MJP Associates Inc. ADV now owns 2,398 shares of the companys stock worth $1,288,000 after acquiring an additional 183 shares during the period. 81.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at approximately $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 LLY opened at $580.00 on Tuesday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $589.77 and a 200-day moving average of $533.23. 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 capitalization of $550.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 105.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $309.20 and a 1 year high of $629.97. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.88 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.55% and a return on equity of 48.12%. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.61 earnings per share for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.90%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is presently 81.88%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $673.00 to $722.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $650.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and seventeen 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 $578.48. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tributary Capital Management LLC increased its stake in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 36.1% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 3,396 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after acquiring an additional 900 shares during the quarter. Tributary Capital Management LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $430,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. CWM LLC boosted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 21.8% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 13,604 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,724,000 after buying an additional 2,436 shares in the last quarter. Alera Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 35.2% in the 3rd quarter. Alera Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,106 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $901,000 after buying an additional 1,851 shares in the last quarter. First Bank & Trust boosted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 7.4% in the 3rd quarter. First Bank & Trust now owns 1,920 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $243,000 after buying an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Close Asset Management Ltd raised its position in shares of EOG Resources by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Close Asset Management Ltd now owns 110,432 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $14,004,000 after purchasing an additional 2,603 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Acropolis Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $265,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.21% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have issued reports on EOG shares. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $143.00 to $147.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $161.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $165.00 to $169.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th. Finally, Mizuho dropped their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $158.00 to $150.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong 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 $145.14. EOG Resources Stock Performance Shares of EOG opened at $121.62 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $125.08 and its two-hundred day moving average is $123.98. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 52-week low of $98.52 and a 52-week high of $137.95. The firm has a market cap of $70.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.04, a PEG ratio of 0.35 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a quick ratio of 2.10, a current ratio of 2.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The energy exploration company reported $3.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.95 by $0.49. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 26.80% and a net margin of 32.11%. The business had revenue of $6.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.91 billion. Analysts forecast that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 12.08 EPS for the current fiscal year. EOG Resources Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.91 per share. This is an increase from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.99%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 16th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 24.52%. About EOG Resources (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tributary Capital Management LLC reduced its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL Free Report) by 26.8% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 3,550 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,300 shares during the period. Tributary Capital Management LLCs holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises were worth $327,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Panagora Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 21.8% during the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 11,553 shares of the companys stock valued at $968,000 after buying an additional 2,068 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 6.6% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 30,004 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,514,000 after buying an additional 1,861 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 35,806 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,000,000 after purchasing an additional 818 shares during the last quarter. Aviva PLC boosted its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 65.5% during the 1st quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 54,096 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,532,000 after purchasing an additional 21,415 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Prudential PLC purchased a new position in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 1st quarter worth $300,000. 75.64% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Royal Caribbean Cruises alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on RCL shares. TheStreet upgraded Royal Caribbean Cruises from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $127.00 to $123.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Barclays lowered their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $132.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $135.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 15th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Royal Caribbean Cruises currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.93. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen sold 315,234 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.19, for a total value of $37,887,974.46. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 19,852,273 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,386,044,691.87. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, EVP Harri U. Kulovaara sold 24,707 shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.90, for a total value of $2,641,178.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 33,650 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,597,185. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen sold 315,234 shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.19, for a total transaction of $37,887,974.46. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 19,852,273 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,386,044,691.87. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 636,009 shares of company stock valued at $76,313,890. Corporate insiders own 8.70% of the companys stock. Royal Caribbean Cruises Trading Down 1.2 % NYSE RCL opened at $121.10 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.90, a quick ratio of 0.17 and a current ratio of 0.19. The firm has a market cap of $31.03 billion, a PE ratio of 37.84 and a beta of 2.47. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has a one year low of $47.91 and a one year high of $123.72. The firms fifty day moving average is $99.44 and its two-hundred day moving average is $98.76. Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $3.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.43 by $0.42. The business had revenue of $4.16 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.08 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a net margin of 6.98% and a return on equity of 34.59%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 39.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.26 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will post 6.59 earnings per share for the current year. About Royal Caribbean Cruises (Free Report) Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company worldwide. The company operates cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, which comprise a range of itineraries. As of February 13, 2023, it operated 64 ships. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RCL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 450,204 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after acquiring an additional 5,029 shares during the period. UnitedHealth Group accounts for 1.3% of Vontobel Holding Ltd.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest holding. Vontobel Holding Ltd.s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $226,988,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter worth $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter worth approximately $39,000. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc acquired a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter worth $47,000. Finally, Tucker Asset Management LLC bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 1st quarter worth $48,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.69% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on UNH shares. UBS Group raised UnitedHealth Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the company from $520.00 to $640.00 in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Piper Sandler upped 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. StockNews.com lowered shares of UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 21st. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $596.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $587.00 to $579.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $574.89. UnitedHealth Group Stock Down 0.9 % NYSE UNH opened at $526.24 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $537.37 and its 200 day simple moving average is $507.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.80. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a one year low of $445.68 and a one year high of $554.70. The firm has a market cap of $486.73 billion, a PE ratio of 22.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.61. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.23. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 6.02% and a return on equity of 26.58%. The firm had revenue of $92.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $91.41 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.79 EPS. The companys revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Investors of record on Monday, December 4th were issued a $1.88 dividend. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 1st. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is 32.64%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total value of $2,448,171.44. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,218 shares in the company, valued at $5,017,173.04. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other UnitedHealth Group news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the stock in a transaction on 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 sale, the director now directly owns 635,528 shares in the company, valued at $349,788,255.92. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the companys stock in a transaction 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 of the companys stock, 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 valued at $104,507,072. 0.35% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Drive Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT Free Report) by 11.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,145 shares of the retailers stock after acquiring an additional 544 shares during the period. Drive Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Walmart were worth $823,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in shares of Walmart by 93,272.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 821,003,685 shares of the retailers stock worth $129,045,359,000 after purchasing an additional 820,124,410 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Walmart by 112,181.6% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 22,854,919 shares of the retailers stock worth $3,240,599,000 after purchasing an additional 22,834,564 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Walmart during the 4th quarter worth about $2,598,736,000. Providence Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Walmart by 1,164,937.0% during the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 4,718,400 shares of the retailers stock worth $32,000,000 after purchasing an additional 4,717,995 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Walmart by 179.2% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,578,677 shares of the retailers stock worth $254,078,000 after purchasing an additional 2,938,948 shares during the last quarter. 33.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Walmart alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Walmart news, major shareholder Alice L. Walton sold 433,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.89, for a total transaction of $67,500,370.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 235,007,961 shares in the company, valued at $36,635,391,040.29. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Walmart news, major shareholder Alice L. Walton sold 433,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.89, for a total transaction of $67,500,370.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 235,007,961 shares in the company, valued at $36,635,391,040.29. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director S Robson Walton sold 885,170 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.13, for a total transaction of $138,201,592.10. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 233,094,355 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $36,393,021,646.15. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 2,990,310 shares of company stock worth $466,515,037. Insiders own 46.51% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets WMT has been the topic of several analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of Walmart from $180.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Walmart from $169.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 13th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Walmart from $170.00 to $168.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 17th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Walmart from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Finally, Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and set a $210.00 price objective on shares of Walmart in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Four investment 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 an average target price of $179.44. Read Our Latest Research Report on WMT Walmart Stock Up 1.5 % Shares of NYSE:WMT opened at $154.97 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $159.07 and a 200 day simple moving average of $158.57. The firm has a market cap of $417.21 billion, a PE ratio of 25.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.24 and a beta of 0.48. Walmart Inc. has a 12-month low of $136.09 and a 12-month high of $169.94. Walmart (NYSE:WMT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 16th. The retailer reported $1.53 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.53. The business 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%. The businesss revenue was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.50 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Walmart Inc. will post 6.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Walmart (Free Report) Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Walmart Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Walmart and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WJ Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 113.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,704 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 904 shares during the period. WJ Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $915,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Retirement Group LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 159.1% in the 2nd quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 57 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares during the period. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Activest Wealth Management purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. increased its stake 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 period. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $60,000. 81.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 1.4 % LLY stock opened at $580.00 on Tuesday. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $309.20 and a 1-year high of $629.97. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $589.77 and a 200-day moving average price of $533.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.05 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $550.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 105.07, a P/E/G ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.18. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 48.12% and a net margin of 15.55%. The firm had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.88 billion. Equities analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.90%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is 81.88%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have commented on LLY shares. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on 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. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and set a $710.00 target price (up from $612.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Citigroup boosted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $675.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $578.48. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on LLY Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total transaction of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total transaction of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 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 value of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,688,738.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Iranian nation-state actor known as MuddyWater has leveraged a newly discovered command-and-control (C2) framework called MuddyC2Go in its attacks on the telecommunications sector in Egypt, Sudan, and Tanzania. The Symantec Threat Hunter Team, part of Broadcom, is tracking the activity under the name Seedworm, which is also tracked under the monikers Boggy Serpens, Cobalt Ulster, Earth Vetala, ITG17, Mango Sandstorm (formerly Mercury), Static Kitten, TEMP.Zagros, and Yellow Nix. Active since at least 2017, MuddyWater is assessed to be affiliated with Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), primarily singling out entities in the Middle East. The cyber espionage group's use of MuddyC2Go was first highlighted by Deep Instinct last month, describing it as a Golang-based replacement for PhonyC2, itself a successor to MuddyC3. However, there is evidence to suggest that it may have been employed as early as 2020. While the full extent of MuddyC2Go's capabilities is not yet known, the executable comes fitted with a PowerShell script that automatically connects to Seedworm's C2 server, thereby giving the attackers remote access to a victim system and obviating the need for manual execution by an operator. The latest set of intrusions, which took place in November 2023, have also been found to rely on SimpleHelp and Venom Proxy, alongside a custom keylogger and other publicly available tools. Attack chains mounted by the group have a track record of weaponizing phishing emails and known vulnerabilities in unpatched applications for initial access, followed by conducting reconnaissance, lateral movement, and data collection. In the attacks documented by Symantec targeting an unnamed telecommunications organization, the MuddyC2Go launcher was executed to establish contact with an actor-controlled server, while also deploying legitimate remote access software like AnyDesk and SimpleHelp. The entity is said to have been previously compromised by the adversary earlier in 2023 in which SimpleHelp was used to launch PowerShell, deliver proxy software, and also install the JumpCloud remote access tool. "In another telecommunications and media company targeted by the attackers, multiple incidents of SimpleHelp were used to connect to known Seedworm infrastructure," Symantec noted. "A custom build of the Venom Proxy hacktool was also executed on this network, as well as the new custom keylogger used by the attackers in this activity." By utilizing a combination of bespoke, living-off-the-land, and publicly available tools in its attack chains, the goal is to evade detection for as long as possible to meet its strategic objectives, the company said. "The group continues to innovate and develop its toolset when required in order to keep its activity under the radar," Symantec concluded. "The group still makes heavy use of PowerShell and PowerShell-related tools and scripts, underlining the need for organizations to be aware of suspicious use of PowerShell on their networks." The development comes as an Israel-linked group called Gonjeshke Darande (meaning "Predatory Sparrow" in Persian) claimed responsibility for a cyber attack that disrupted a "majority of the gas pumps throughout Iran" in response to the "aggression of the Islamic Republic and its proxies in the region." The group, which reemerged in October 2023 after going quiet for nearly a year, is believed to be linked to the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate, having conducted destructive attacks in Iran, including steel facilities, petrol stations, and rail networks in the country. The cyber assault also follows an advisory from the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) that accused Iran and the pro-Hamas group Hezbollah of unsuccessfully attempting to disrupt Ziv Hospital, attributing the attack to threat actors named Agrius and Lebanese Cedar. "The attack was executed by the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence with the involvement of Hezbollah's 'Lebanese Cedar' cyber units under the leadership of Mohammad Ali Merhi," the INCD said. A Grand Island man will spend more than four years in prison on federal drug charges. Felix Chacon, 61, was sentenced in federal court in Lincoln to 50 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine, according to acting United States Attorney Susan Lehrs office. There is no parole in the federal system. After Chacons release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. In February 2018, Chacon twice met with an informant and sold the informant methamphetamine during controlled purchases which were monitored and recorded by police, Lehrs office said. In total, Chacon sold the informant 57 grams of actual or pure methamphetamine. Chacon pleaded guilty to his offense on Aug. 30, 2023. Chacons sentencing included an enhancement for obstruction of justice, according to Lehrs office. After his initial arrest on the charges in this case, Chacon was released from custody pending trial. However, Chacon failed to appear for trial on July 26, 2021. He was later arrested in January 2023 in New Mexico. Because he failed to appear for trial and absconded, an enhancement under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines applied. This case was investigated by the Trident Drug Task Force. The members of that task force include the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriffs Department, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriffs Department, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriffs Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. China urges UK to stop sheltering anti-China, Hong Kong destabilizers Xinhua) 13:12, December 19, 2023 LONDON, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom (UK) on Monday refuted UK politicians' remarks related to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. David Cameron, British secretary of state for foreign, commonwealth and development affairs, recently issued a statement, continuing to slander the national security law in Hong Kong and calling on the Hong Kong authorities to end their prosecution and release Jimmy Lai. Responding to a question about Cameron's moves, a spokesperson for the embassy said: "We firmly oppose and strongly deplore UK politicians' appalling acts of endorsing Jimmy Lai." Lai is one of the most notorious anti-China elements bent on destabilizing Hong Kong, and interfering with the rule of law in Hong Kong, according to a press release quoting the spokesperson. A mastermind and instigator of anti-China riots that took place in Hong Kong, Lai blatantly colluded with external forces to jeopardize national security, solicited foreign support, and was responsible for various egregious acts, said the release on the embassy's website. "While the relevant court in Hong Kong is trying the case in accordance with the law, the UK side, ignoring the rule of law, has scurried to intervene in an ongoing trial. This further exposes its sinister intention to use agents to disrupt Hong Kong," the spokesperson said. With the implementation of the national security law, Hong Kong has already entered a new stage in which it has restored order and is set to thrive, the release said, adding that the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have been better protected. "No external interference can shake China's firm determination to safeguard our sovereignty, security, and development interests, and Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability," the spokesperson stated. "We strongly demand that the UK immediately stop sheltering anti-China, Hong Kong destabilizers, stop smearing the National Security Law, stop meddling in Hong Kong-related affairs which are China's internal affairs in any way, and refrain from going further down the wrong path," the spokesperson added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) (Photo : Unsplash/Tesla Fans Schweiz) The majority of Swedes are in favor of the current mechanics' strike taking place at Tesla's workshops in Nordic countries. The strike revolves around the workers' demand for the right to engage in collective bargaining, as revealed in a recent Novus opinion poll. Resistance from Unions The American car manufacturer Tesla is encountering resistance from unions and pension funds throughout the Nordic region. The opposition stems from Tesla's refusal to meet the demand by the trade union IF Metall. Members of this union, employed at Tesla workshops, have been on strike since October, intensifying the dispute. On Thursday, a coalition of Nordic institutional investors conveyed their profound concern to Tesla through a letter. They expressed unease regarding the ongoing conflict between the company and labor unions in Sweden. In the letter, the investors urged Tesla to reassess its stance on collective bargaining, signaling a desire for a more collaborative and constructive approach to address the prevailing labor issues. In its fight against Tesla, 58% of Swedes back the union, according to a poll conducted on behalf of the daily Svenska Dagbladet, where 20% of participants believe the union's industrial action is unwarranted. This indicates that the surveyed population clearly and firmly supports the union's position. READ ALSO: Workers at Non-Union Automakers in the U.S. Lodge Unfair Labor Practice Charges, Defying Union-Busting Tactics Dispute Triggering Sympathy The ongoing dispute has triggered sympathy strikes throughout the Nordic region, which holds strategic importance for Tesla. Additionally, the conflict has led certain pension funds to divest their shares in the company as a response to the escalating labor dispute. The disagreement's repercussions extend beyond the immediate scope of the primary conflict, affecting both Tesla's operations and the shareholder landscape. Not one collective bargaining agreement has been signed by Tesla's roughly 127,000 workers. Elon Musk, the CEO of the business, has publicly stated that he opposes unions and that Tesla will not be holding formal talks with its employees about collective bargaining. This strategy has exacerbated labor-related conflicts and tensions about Tesla's hiring procedures. According to a Novus poll, most Swedes expressed that their confidence in Tesla had diminished due to the ongoing conflict. As reported by SvD, the survey indicates a notable decline in public trust or belief in Tesla during the dispute, shedding light on the impact of labor-related tensions on the company's perception among the Swedish populace. According to Torbjorn Sjostrom, the CEO of Novus, there is robust and widespread support for the Swedish model. This assertion emphasizes the high level of approval or endorsement for the established practices and principles associated with the Swedish model, as highlighted in the context of ongoing discussions or conflicts. In the Swedish labor market model, employers and unions negotiate directly to determine working conditions and salaries, with minimal government intervention. This approach underscores a high degree of autonomy and collaboration between the private sector and labor organizations, reflecting a distinctive feature of the Swedish employment framework. RELATED ARTICLE: Factory Workers' Firing Amid Union Campaign Denied By Tesla 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After working 25 years for Grand Island, City Clerk RaNae Edwards retired at the end of this week. Deputy City Clerk Jill Granere will officially take over the position on Sunday. In 1998, Edwards first position with the city was as a legal secretary in the legal department, where she worked for a year and a half before applying for the city clerk position when it came open. Edwards was already familiar with taking minutes and board meetings as she had previously served as the Howard County clerk in St. Paul. While the county clerk was an elected position, Edwards was able to hold the job for 16 years. I won that when I was 23 years old, Edwards said. It was my first full-time job. According to Edwards, she was appointed as the Grand Island city clerk on July 3, 2000, and is the 19th clerk in the towns history. Having served for 23 years, Edwards is the longest-serving female clerk in Grand Islands history. She is also the third-longest-serving clerk, just behind Floyd White, who served 28 years from 1937-1964, and Henry Clifford, who served twice from 1885-1887 and 1906-1932 for a total of 30 years. Every Grand Island City Clerk, documented and chronological ordered by RaNae Edwards Jay E. White Served 3 years from 1872-1875 John Wallichs Served 3 years from 1876-1878 Christian Schlosfelds Served 3 years from 1879-1881 Jos. H. Mullin Served 6 month in 1881 J.H. Gorman Served 2 years from 1881-1882 David Ackerman Served 4 years from 1882-1885 Henry E. Clifford Served 3 years from 1885-1887 C.W. Brininger Served 9 years from 1887-1895 Carl H. Menck Served 4 years from 1895-1898 Edward Hooper Served 9 years from 1898-1906 Henry E. Clifford Served 27 years from 1906-1932 Margaret (Paulsen) Stahlnecker Served 7 years from 1932-1937 Floyd S. White Served 28 years from 1937-1964 James F. Minor Served 10 years from 1965-1974 R.L. Retallick Served 13 years from 1975-1987 Marti Ann Wit Served 3 years from 1988-1990 Muritta Czaplewski Served 3 years from 1990-1992 Cindy (Cartwright) Johnson Served 8 years from 1993-2000 RaNae Edwards Served 23 years from 2000-2023 Jill Granere Starts on Dec. 17, 2023 Ive served under five mayors and 40 council members since I started, Edwards said. According to Mayor Roger Steele, Edwards has always taken the time to mentor other employees at City Hall and helped mayors and council members understand the complexities of city government. Steele also said that Edwards is an expert in her field and that she is known throughout the state as the city clerk to call for any questions about the job. If the Nebraska League of Municipalities receives a question about how the city clerks office should operate, they would most likely say, Do it the way RaNae Edwards does in Grand Island. Thats a remarkable testament to her expertise, Steele said. Edwards said that she has thoroughly enjoyed her time working as the city clerk, and she has enjoyed the people she got to work with. Edwards has also enjoyed the many opportunities she has received as city clerk, such as serving on the board of directors for the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. There (were) some trials and tribulations, you know, as there always is with any job, Edwards said. But the fond memories do stand out. The better times, the best times do stand out way more than the trials and tribulations. However, all things must come to an end eventually. On Sunday, Edwards will turn 65 years old and she knew thats when she wanted to retire. Edwards and her husband, who has been retired for six years, want to travel and spend time with their grandchildren. Looking forward to being done, Edwards said. You know, Ive been in government work for 41 years. Its time. Edwards retirement party was held on Dec. 15, where many of her family members, friends, former and current co-workers attended. There are many who care about Edwards, and will certainly miss her. Edwards said she will miss the people she works with, but knows that everything will be alright. I know that when I leave here there shouldnt even be a hiccup in the transition, Edwards said. While Granere is still acting as deputy, the City Council already approved her appointment to the city clerk position on Dec. 5. Granere has already taken over some of Edwards duties, such as attending the council meetings in her stead since the summer. Granere said that she feels ready to become the city clerk. (Edwards retirement is) well deserved, said Granere. She has worked hard for many, many years but she is leaving with a wealth of knowledge. Knowing Granere has already been doing a great job, Edwards feels confident that she will do wonderfully as city clerk. Having served Grand Island for 25 years, its time for everyone to say goodbye to Edwards and wish her the best. I look back and the time has gone by so fast, Edwards said. It doesnt seem like its been that long at all. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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Peace is charged with: Murder Criminal conspiracy Possession of a weapon by a person convicted of a violent felony Two counts of attempted murder Three counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime Peaces two co-defendants were arrested in September. Levern Miguel Glover, 19, of 165 Lynx Drive, Williston, and Drevon Malik Owens, 20, of 395 Middle Street, Bamberg, are charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count each of murder and criminal conspiracy. Glover is also charged with three counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The three are accused of participating in an Easter shooting in the parking lot of the Southern Lodge located at 3616 St. Matthews Road outside Orangeburg. Dantavious Dowling, 15, of Denmark, was shot and died at the scene. A 14-year-old male was shot in the back. He was on his stomach and complained he couldnt feel his legs when Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office deputies arrived. A 23-year-old man was also shot. He attempted to render aid to the teens. Authorities allege Glover and Peace were the shooters in the incident, while Owens is accused of being the driver. If the suspects are convicted, they face up to life in prison. A South Carolina State University alumna gave the university's more than 140 fall graduates a lesson on the true definition of success. Dr. Antoinette Williams Rutherford, a pulmonary physician, has been defined by the positive impact she has made on others lives. As you venture on in life, at different points in your life, you will have this definition of success change. Success is equally about the impact you make, the lives that you touch and the difference that you make in this world, Rutherford said. Rutherford served as the featured speaker at S.C. State's fall commencement exercises held in the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on Friday. Shes medical director of adult sleep medicine at Prisma Health Midlands, as well as interim division chief of pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine at Prisma Health. The 1993 graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School graduated with honors from S.C. State in 1997. She was the first S.C. State student to graduate from the University of South Carolina's School of Medicine. She said being accepted into medical school had been a pinnacle of success for her, but her understanding of true success eventually changed. As life evolved, my perception of success has shifted. It wasn't solely about personal achievement and accomplishments, but evolved from personal milestones to the impact that I could make. True success is not measured solely by personal achievements, but, again, by the lives you touch and the communities you serve, she said. Rutherford continued, Today, my success is about helping others achieve their aspirations. It is about dedicating myself to the people of South Carolina, improving their health care and ensuring a better tomorrow for others. Rutherford said true success will not necessarily come overnight, but will be more of a journey. In this digital era of Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, where the lure of success is dazzled in our eyes and where sometimes success could be done quickly, that is not always the case. ... Just like a flower, it takes time to grow, she said. Graduating today is one success, but there are definitely more to come. Remember to define your success, but do not forget that success is fluid. It evolves. It adapts and morphs into something more profound. ... Keep defining your success and expect that once you've achieved one success, you will have others, she said. I want you to remember to celebrate the small victories because these small victories will lead to larger triumphs, Rutherford said. She said the graduates that Bulldog tenacity can take them anywhere and urged them to leave their own indelible mark on the world. I'm known to get the job done. Leave your mark. Make yourself known in your own way. ... Success often favors those who persist in the face of adversity, Rutherford said. She also urged the graduates to set goals, take advantage of opportunities and stand ready to adapt to technological and other changes the world will be bring. Remain open to pivoting. ... Keep an open mind and seize opportunities as they appear, she said. Rutherford said she stayed in Hodge Hall on the S.C. State campus, where she poured herself into the pursuit of learning. Its a process that never ends. The physician said she had her own personal chant: If can do it, yes I can. If I can't do it, no one can. She said it helped her develop her authenticity and life's purpose. Your uniqueness is your strength, Rutherford said, admonishing the graduates to embrace failure and use it as stepping stone to greater things. I know that you can do it. The world awaits your Bulldog tenacity and brilliance, she said. S.C. State President Alexander Conyers told the graduates that theyre ready for the challenges ahead. The world awaits you with many complex challenges, but I'm confident that you're more than ready to rise to the occasion. In fact, you were built for these challenges, Conyers said. Holly Hills external auditor says he is waving a red flag to call attention to continued losses in the towns water and wastewater operations. Bill Hancock of The Brittingham Group presented the independent auditors annual report on Holly Hills finances during the town councils monthly meeting on Monday, Dec. 4. Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. He said the $515,000 that was collected for water and wastewater services was $290,000 short of the actual cost of running the system. The water and sewer fund has been borrowing, year after year, from the general fund. As of Aug. 31, the water and sewer fund owed the general fund $869,000, Hancock said. This is not sustainable. Now some hard decisions need to be made and honest discussions need to be had. Mayor Billy Chavis has said that several residential subdivisions are in various stages of construction and those additional customers will help the systems reduce the deficit. Hancock agreed with the mayor, but added, Thats in the future, and town officials need to consider what you can do between now and then to (address) the situation youre in. Were waving a red flag that you have (either) a rate problem or an efficiency problem, Hancock said. Youve either got to significantly cut costs right now which would mean youve been wasting money up until now, and I dont see that or there needs to be a significant rate increase to sustain the system, Hancock said. Revenues havent kept up with expenses for years. Back in 2013, a rate study recommended single-digit rate increases. The deficit kept growing. More recently, EnviroLink recommended a 47 percent rate increase. Now the deficit has grown so much that a 60 percent rate increase would be necessary just to break even, Hancock said. Mayor Chavis said the general fund which has grown through rising business license revenues could afford to loan money to the water and sewer fund for, at most, one more year. Lets go ahead and start having a conversation that should have been had before, he said. Once again, youve heard the dereliction of whats going on around the town. Now were going to have to address it. After the meeting, Chavis claimed that former mayor William Johnson did not emphasize preventive maintenance of the system They ran it to exhaustion, Chavis said and allowed the deficit to escalate by hundreds of thousands of dollars. It has to be brought in check because if you dont bring this system into check ... you could bankrupt the town, the mayor continued. So, everyone, pray on it as we move forward. It states in the audit that the reason why (the deficit) is not worse is because theres a third party running the system, said Chavis, who had a pivotal role in getting EnviroLink to sign a contract with the town to operate the utility system. The mayor also announced that the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority awarded Holly Hill a $999,970 grant to repair leaks in the wastewater system. Going back to the audit report, Hancock said that the auditors look at systems, processes, and confirmations, and we observe whether or not we find a system or process that could be improved upon or changed cost-effectively. He said the towns actual general fund revenues and expenses were both higher than budgeted, but overall there was less than a 4 percent variance, which was pretty good for a $1.5 million general fund. He said the town received an unmodified opinion, which was formerly known as an unqualified opinion, or a clean opinion. Whatever you call it, its the one you want. However, he found some problems he felt compelled to mention. A small portion of most court fines must be deposited in the victims assistance fund, and if that money isnt spent in a timely manner, the town can be required to forfeit it to the state attorney generals office. Hancock said the town began the fiscal year with $37,000 in the fund, spent only $3,000, and had $46,000 in the bank at years end. I think the town now is at risk of having to forfeit most of the money in that account, he added. The last time the topic arose in a council meeting, it was stated that Police Chief Josh Detter would receive formal training as a victims advocate, which would qualify him to put the towns victims assistance money to work locally. Hancock cited three significant deficiencies that he attributed primarily to personnel changes when some institutional knowledge is lost. First, certain expenses were logged in the wrong accounts. But they were easy enough to identify and the grand total did not change, Hancock said. Second, although payroll taxes were submitted in a timely manner, certain required reports were turned in late. This is a reporting issue, its not a money issue, he said. Holly Hill council member LeAnne Troutman From left, Judge Kelly Muckenfuss administers the oath of office to LeAnne Troutman while her husband, Troy Troutman, holds the Bible for her Third, it was very difficult to determine the compensated absences for the staff, he said. So, paper records were computerized. Thats an example of problem found, problem discussed, and problem solved. Youve already fixed it, Hancock said. The next town council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Contact Town Clerk Shelia Williams at 803-496-3330 for more information. (TBTCO) - Gia ca phe hom nay (11/1) tai thi truong trong nuoc noi dai chuoi ngay i len. Ghi nhan cho thay, muc giao dich cao nhat trong cac ia phuong uoc khao sat la 70.500 ong/kg. Trong khi o, gia tieu dao ong trong khoang 78.000 - 80.000 ong/kg sau khi uoc ieu chinh giam ong loat. oi voi cao su, gia ky han tren hai san giao dich uoc ieu chinh tang duoi 2% trong phien sang nay. LONDON A British Royal Navy destroyer has joined a new international maritime protection force to protect shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the government in London said Monday. HMS Diamond is part of the Operation Prosperity Guardian task force seeking to deter attacks from Iran-backed Yemeni rebels on commercial vessels in the busy Bab al-Mandeb strait. The United States announced the 10-nation coalition on Monday, promising a multinational response to the Houthi drone and missile strikes disrupting shipping. The Houthi rebels are considered part of the "Axis of Resistance" in the region, which also includes Iran, Syria, and Lebanese Hezbollah. Houthi rebels have declared that their attacks on ships in the Red Sea are carried out in solidarity with their ally Hamas and the people of Gaza. A Dec. 9 statement from the group explained that "if Gaza does not receive the food and medicine it needs, all ships in the Red Sea bound for Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality, will become a target for our armed forces." UK response On Monday, British energy giant BP announced it "has decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea," in response to consistent attacks by Houthi rebels on ships passing through this vital shipping passage. "These illegal attacks are an unacceptable threat to the global economy, undermining regional security and are threatening to drive up fuel prices," said UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps. "This is an international problem that requires an international solution. That is why HMS Diamond has joined Operation Prosperity Guardian. "This new task force will protect shipping and vital trade routes in the Red Sea, where large amounts of goods and oil transit through to Europe and on to the UK." Shapps sent HMS Diamond to the region last month to join the frigate HMS Lancaster, three mine hunters and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship as part of the UK's longstanding maritime presence in the Gulf. It arrived in the Red Sea over the weekend and on Saturday shot down a suspected Houthi attack drone that was tracking commercial shipping, the Ministry of Defense said. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's spokesman told reporters: "We are confident that a task force with the US [and] UK navies in particular and with our French allies provides considerable capacity to deter future attacks and protect commercial shipping." You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). More than 10,000 feet above sea level, miles into the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park in the areas beyond Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, Dr. Libby Pansing spent an entire autumn month imitating a bird: the Clarks Nutcracker. Not by mimicking its choppy and obnoxious call. Nor by weaving a leeward treefort. Rather, she planted hundreds and hundreds of whitebark pine seeds. Pansing, director of restoration science with the conservation group American Forests, has no illusions that she can do the birds job better. In a months time she and a dedicated team managed only to burry 1,300 seed caches; a single Clarks Nutcracker, on the other hand, might intern as many as 100,000 whitebark pine seeds each year. But desperate times call for special measures. The worsening spread of a fungus known as Blister Rust has driven dramatic whitebark die-off in critical ecosystems around the West, including Wyomings Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. White Pine Blister Rust, which first appeared in America in the 1900s, results in cankered bark and premature defoliation that kills cone-bearing branches. The losses are especially stark in The Crown of the Continent ecosystem in Montana, where the species has dropped off by 90% in the last decade. In response, advocates like Pansing are ramping up restoration efforts and taking to the high country as part of an agreement between American Forests and the National Park Service (NPS) to fulfill a piece of its National Seed Strategy. Though shed just as soon leave seed dispersal to the Clarks Nutcracker, shes doing something the bird cannot dispersing seeds that have been screened for a genetic predisposition to blister rust resilience. Her concern is that whitebark groves could fall beneath a critical threshold needed to attract the Clarks Nutcracker; if this bird moves on to more bounteous groves, whitebark populations are certain to plummet further. The loss is not the trees alone. Its canopy plays an important role in water management by tempering snowmelt to provide steady spring runoff. While its seeds, with good protein and the highest fat content of any pine, are a near perfect food for Grizzlies and other mammals. We had five black bears hanging out in the area adjacent to the campground where we were staying. And they were all eating whitebark pine seeds from squirrel middens before they went into hibernation. Its magical to watch this linchpin, keystone species supporting the wildlife and the biodiversity that exists in those spaces, Pansing said, adding that research indicates whitebark losses are resulting in problematic trophic cascades down the food chain. This is the story of an ecosystem. Not just the story of a tree. To see the whitebark pine against the ropes is something of a paradox. The tree, after all, has a reputation for unparalleled turgor and resilience. Inhabiting the high timberline, it lives exposed to plunging temperatures and whipping winds that few species can abide, which has inspired a growing number of natural scientists committed to its survival. They are a tenacious, powerful, slow growing species, and theres something about watching life persist in these really harsh environments that is inspiring. They tend to grow on these ridge lines where no other tree species can grow, and theres a level of appreciation for their tenacity, Pansing said. The blister rust endemic strikes at a time when the species is beset on other fronts, too. Drought has driven die off in the southern Sierras and increased vulnerability to wildfire, while warming temperatures have made them more susceptible to the ravages of the mountain pine beetle. Fortunately, the tree has inspired a support group that rivals its own tenacity. In the coming months, a years-in-the-making National Whitebark Pine Restoration Plan will be published by two of the species fiercest advocates, American Forests and Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation. Drawing on a partnership of stakeholders ranging from national parks to tribal nations, the plan outlines scientific best practices and regional strategies to combat species decline. It identifies core restoration areas amounting to around 20% of the whitebarks range. Much of the work is already underway, including direct seeding like that done by Dr. Pansing in Grand Teton Earlier this year, which parallels similar projects from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes, whove independently implemented whitebark restoration initiatives for over 20 years, and who are now partnering with American Forests. Such partnerships are viewed as critical to the trees survival, not least considering the vastness of their range, which spans seven American states and myriad public and tribal lands. Those partnerships have helped catalyze action from federal lawmakers: In December 2022, the whitebark pine was listed with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a move that could open the door to funding for other restoration elements, like genomic research. Botanists have recently sequenced the whitebark genome, and are in the process identifying markers associated with blister rust resilience. Required by the ESA listing, U.S. Fish and Wildlife is drafting its own formal recovery plan, which will piggyback on the research and strategies in the forthcoming National Whitebark Pine Restoration Plan. The Fish and Wildlife plan is unlikely to be released before 2025, and advocates with American Forest are not waiting around. There is just too much volatility in federal funding for this type of workso we have to meet managers where theyre at, said Wes Swaffar, director of Northern Rockies for American Forests, speaking of collaboration with federal land management agencies. We know what we need to get done in these ecosystemsand we know where we need to do it. It might not sound like a lot, but [the National Whitebark Restoration Plan] gives us a lot of information about how we can in turn support those federal agencies to do and expand this work. Swaffar says even with the ESA listing the species remains vulnerable, and that completing genomic research will require additional fundraising from private and non-profit players. We cant just keep throwing seedlings at the problem because theres not enough seed to grow seedlings. And then furthermore, we need to know more information about disease resistance, said Swaffar, who expressed excitement for advances in whitebark genetic study. As for seeds, Pansing will return to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in the coming summer to inventory her 2023 caches using GPS location data. She and her team will seek to ascertain animal pilferage rates and see which microsites were most conducive to germination. Even as shes proud to be amongst a passionate subculture, Pansing says whitebark enthusiasts have a sense of reprieve now that the species is officially on the radar of policymakers. It has largely been driven by a suite of really devoted and passionate people. And so watching that transition from just being a people driven movement to something that has additional structural and institutional support makes me very hopeful it will help to increase the capacity for restoration, she said. By Yi Whan-woo KB Kookmin Bank said, Monday, every employee will stand by and help customers during lunch hour at five of its branches in Seouls heavily populated business districts. The experimental, temporary measure will come as customers, regardless of the digital transformation, often find in-person banking services more efficient than online services. The banking industry on the other hand has been reducing staff numbers while enhancing digital technology. Under the measure, customers are welcome to visit any of the five branches from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., the bank explained. Of the five branches, three of them are in southern Seoul Gangnam, Secho and Songpa districts. Another one is in the financial district of Yeouido while the remaining one is in downtown Seoul. The five branches, according to the company, have been overcrowded with salaried workers during lunchtime as it is the most convenient time for them to take care of their personal banking during the day. Many of the KB Kookmin Bank branches are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during weekdays, largely as a consequence of the emergence of digital banking and the dwindling number of clients visiting branches. Some branches, however, have extended working hours until 6 p.m., while others operate flexibly from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. President Joe Biden announced Tuesday his intent to nominate five individuals to federal district courts all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution which included Kelly H. Rankin for Wyoming. Rankin has overseen many notable federal cases during his time as Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge for Wyoming. He has served since 2012 in the Joseph C. OMahoney Federal Center in Cheyenne. Most recently, Rankin presided over portions of a nationally publicized case of a woman who burned down an abortion clinic in Casper shortly before its opening. He has issued hundreds of opinions and is well-versed in the issues that will come before the court, Wyoming U.S. Sen. John Barrasso said in a statement of support Tuesday. Rankin would be replacing Judge Nancy Freudenthal, who is the first and only woman to have served as a federal district court judge in Wyoming. Judge Nancy Freudenthal leaves an incredible legacy that is hard to follow, but Im confident Judge Rankin is up to the challenge, Barrasso said. Former Democratic Wyoming Govs. Mike Sullivan and David Freudenthal also issued a joint statement Tuesday praising Bidens decision to appoint Rankin. They have both known Kelly for multiple decades, and he has always exhibited a calm, caring and thoughtful attitude. Sullivan held office from 1987 to 1995, and Freudenthal held office from 2003 to 2011, according to the State of Wyomings website. Kelly Rankin is the right choice for Wyoming, Sullivan and Freudenthal said in the statement. This will be Bidens 43rd round of nominees for federal judicial positions, which brings the number of announced nominees to 209, the Biden-Harris Administration announced in a statement Tuesday. Sullivan and Freudenthal hope the Senate will move quickly in confirming Rankins appointment, they said in their joint statement. As the Chief Federal Magistrate Judge, Kelly Rankin has demonstrated judicial demeanor and good judgement, reflecting, as well, the ability to treat citizens and lawyers with respect and uniformly applying the rule of law with fairness, they said. Prior to 2012, Rankin served as Criminal Chief in the U.S. Attorneys Office for Wyoming, the statement said. He was also counsel to Freudenthal in 2010 and was the U.S. Attorney for Wyoming from 2008 to 2010. Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney, Rankin served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Wyoming from 2003 to 2008. From 1999 to 2003, Rankin served as the Park County Attorney after working as a Deputy County Attorney in the Park County Attorneys Office for three years. Rankin was also a Deputy County Attorney in the Lincoln County Attorneys Office from 1994 to 1995. He graduated from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1994 and also received his bachelors degree from the university in 1990. Beyond his professional qualifications, Kelly is a Wyoming native... Sullivan and Freudenthal said in the statement. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. A former Wyoming State Penitentiary warden would hand out holiday packages to inmates including socks, underwear and a pack of tobacco along with cigars to ring in the New Year. Now, a different version of the decades-old tradition continues. There is a long-standing history of holiday celebrations in Wyomings institutions, which date back to the late 70s, the Wyoming Department of Corrections announced in a statement. When Duane Shillinger became warden of the Wyoming State Penitentiary during that time, he started a few holiday traditions that have integrated to present day... Over the years, the holiday packages evolved from clothing and other state property articles to commissary items. The department purchased just under 2,100 holiday bags to hand out to inmates this year, the statement said. The bags that are being distributed include a few different types of cookies, coffee packets, sunflower seeds, four different bags of chips, a few pieces of candy, and powdered drink packets. It cost about $7 per bag, or $14,600 in total. The bags are purchased with the Inmate Assistance Fund, which is money collected through commissary purchases, phone use and fines imposed during disciplinary processes. These bags offer items that are not available on commissary normally, the statement said. And all Wyomings inmates, even those who have been placed out of state, will receive them, the statement said. Another of Shillingers fabled traditions was the Christmas Kickout, the statement said. The Christmas Kickout gave inmates in adminitrative segregation the opportunity to be released back into the general population early, the statement said. This tradition has been rumored as the precursor to a practice that the WDOC implements today which allows inmates to be released from disciplinary restrictive housing early if they demonstrate good behavior during their sanction, the statement said. Individual institutions also have their own holiday traditions from decorating competitions between housing units to midnight mass to the singing of Christmas carols. The holiday season is always a difficult one for those who are away from their families, which includes our staff who spend the large portions of the holiday season working in our institutions, the statement said. The WDOC will aim to do our part to continue the long standing traditions as a way to bring joy during this season... Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. GLOBAL growth is expected to remain weak, with the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region projected to experience 2% GDP growth in 2023. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggests that T&Ts economy is on a broad-based recovery path. Explore these and other international, regional and local economic insights from the Chambers Trade & Business Development Unit. THE Merriam-Webster dictionary defines icon as a person or thing widely admired, especially for having great influence or significance in a particular sphere. Subhas Panday believes his brother, Basdeo Panday, was such a person... and then some. Trinidad and Tobago has lost a man who blazed a trail like few others before him ever had, and like few others ever will again. These were the words of President Christine Kangaloo as she paid tribute to former prime minister Basdeo Panday at his state funeral, at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), San Fernando, yesterday. Global Peace Foundation chairman urges young people to spearhead efforts to consolidate divided peninsula By Lee Gyu-lee MANILA, Philippines A dream as a concept means nothing, but if people take ownership over that dream, that's where change comes about. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), a non-profit organization, stressed the importance of the youth and a sense of ownership by each individual to bring peace and unification to the divided Korean peninsula. The chairman, who founded the organization in 2009 to promote inclusive peacebuilding worldwide, has forged his way into Koreas unification movement, launching a coalition called Action for Korea United (AKU) in 2012. The coalition brings together about 1,000 non-governmental organizations in Seoul to raise awareness and present a vision for the unification of the two Koreas, particularly among younger generations. Noting that the younger generations could play crucial roles in solving the unification issue, Moon expressed concerns over how disinterested they are in the issue despite their potential to influence change. Young Korean people need to come out of their slumber. I realize that they have been misinformed in many ways, but I'm going to provide you the opportunity to know the truth and the solution to make your future better and brighter, he said during an interview with The Korea Times at Manila Marriott Hotel in the Philippines, on Dec. 14. The young generation has a special opportunity in history where they can fulfill the unfulfilled dreams of their grandparents and their parents and be the architects of developing and building a new nation; a new nation that can live or strive to live up to the tremendously noble ideas If the Korean young people can take ownership of it, believe me, this works. He explained that the widely-held notion that unification will bring about devastating aftershocks to the Korean peninsula is a miscoception caused by misinformation. There are so many models of successful transition and successful development that many academics have not really brought into the discussion. I will start to bring them in, but then it's really up to the media to give that truth to the young people, Moon said. So they realize that when I think about my future and I think about the challenges here in South Korea, instead of complaining about it, I can do something about it. Because unification will solve all the issues that I'm currently facing. Unification should be the issue of young people. Citing the current economic issues in the country, he added that once the younger generations are properly educated, they will come to understand that unification could provide solutions. The birth rate (in South Korea) is so low that you have fewer employees and yet you still have such a high unemployment rate that's a huge indictment on the South Korean economy You need to create greater incentives for people to participate in capital creation. That's what's going to build the engine of growth, he said. If young people really understand the truth and the implications of unification, I know that they will be the greatest advocates for unification because it's about their future. Moon's 2016 book, "Korean Dream: A Vision for a Unified Korea," presents his "Korean Dream" framework towards the practical process of reunification, laying out his prospect for a peaceful and united Korea. In the book, he emphasizes Koreas deep-rooted ideology of "Hongik ingan," which means to broadly benefit all humankind. Its not just about money at the end of the day, but it's about living for something higher, something that is worth living for a higher purpose. Unification is a moral issue. It's a human rights issue; a reflection on the Korean people in Korean character that we are allowing this to happen, especially people in the South, who are well-to-do and wealthy, he said, adding the ideology should be reminded again to bring people together. Korea was divided by the ideology of the Cold War, but now in Korean society, it's divided by many different factors Thats why I emphasize the importance of Korean identity and that identity comes from our 5,000 years of history, especially the 'Hongik ingan' providential mandate that the Korean people create an ideal nation that can be the inspiration for all of humanity. It was one of the best tributes (eulogies) I saw or heard, and perhaps the best speech Presi At some point in their lives, a lot of children will have to deal with mean, vindictive adults, something that continues as they get older. Perhaps this is why the story told in Matilda the Musical feels so universal. I think Matilda can be an inspiration not just for kids, but for a lot of grown-ups, as well, said Dena DiGiacinto, director of outreach and education for Saguaro City Music Theatre, which is mounting the show Friday, Dec. 22-Jan. 7. The year-old company, which hosted its first major professional show with Its a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play during last years holiday season, will perform Matilda 12 times at the Berger Performing Arts Center on the Arizona Schools of the Deaf and Blind campus, 1200 W. Speedway. The show, based on the novel Matilda by Roald Dahl, tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a 5-year-old girl with telekinetic abilities trying to find her place in a world of mostly cruel and difficult adults. Miriam Howell, the 9-year-old Tucson native who stars in the titular role of Matilda, performed in her first musical when she was 2 years old, has previously been in Frozen Jr., Seussical the Musical, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Lion King Jr. Matilda is one of my favorite shows ever, Miriam said. I just love all the singing and dancing in it. Its so high energy. To prepare for the role, Miriam said she is also working to perfect her British accent. In addition to carrying a message everyone can relate to, Saguaro Citys production of Matilda is also a family affair. Miriam, who grew up in a family that is deeply involved in musical theater, will star alongside her parents, mother Kate Scally Howell as Mrs. Phelps, the librarian at Matildas school; and father Luke S. Howell as the Doctor and Sergei, a Russian mafioso who is in business with Matildas father. Ray Frieders, a member of Saguaro Citys board of trustees who has been instrumental in generating buzz for Matilda, is particularly excited to have his daughter, Ally Frieders, on the team. We are so proud and so ready to see her return to her first love, dance, and dance on stage with our company, Frieders said. Ally, who graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelors of fine arts degree in theater production, is a member of the ensemble. The role of Miss Trunchbull, the mean, child-hating headmistress of Matildas school, will be played by Tyler Wright, who has been nominated for local MAC and Carmen awards for his roles in Gutenberg! The Musical! and Hot Mikado. Lydia Schmidt, a senior studying musical theater at the University of Arizona, will play Miss Honey, Matildas kindhearted and supportive teacher. The show will be directed and choreographed by Mandy Modic, a Chicago-based performer and teacher whose students won the Most Outstanding Performance award last year for their performance of Matilda at the Junior Theater Festival hosted by Music Theatre International. If you go What: Matilda the Musical Presented by: Saguaro City Music Theatre When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays Dec. 22-Jan. 6; 1 p.m. Jan. 7 Where: Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway, on the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind campus Tickets: $25 for children, $55 for adults, $50 for seniors and military, through saguarocity.org/tickets Three U.S. residents, including a U.S. citizen, were fired on while driving on a highway in northwest Sonora early Saturday morning. One of the men was struck and killed and the other two were wounded, authorities said. Local media in Sonora reported that the victims had refused to stop at an illicit checkpoint set up by criminal groups on the highway, which prompted the gunfire. The Arizona Daily Star has not independently confirmed that reporting. The incident occurred on a stretch of highway that more tourists may be using now since the U.S. closure earlier this month of the Lukeville-Sonoyta port of entry. Tourists have been advised to use alternative routes to reach the beach destination of Puerto Penasco, known as Rocky Point in Arizona. One of those recommended routes entering Mexico through the Nogales port of entry, driving south on Highway 15 to Santa Ana before heading west on Highway 2 toward Caborca would take tourists on the same highway where Saturdays shooting took place. The three men, all in their 30s, were driving from the U.S. to visit family in Michoacan, in southwest Mexico, for the holidays, Sonoran officials said. The victims were in a white Dodge Durango, with Oregon plates, driving on Highway 2 between Altar and Santa Ana, Sonora, likely having entered Mexico from one of the ports of entry west of the now-shuttered Lukeville port, state officials said. Around 2 a.m., soon after passing a toll booth on the highway, one of the men was fatally struck by gunfire. The two other men were wounded but were able to continue driving east to Santa Ana, where they were treated by local emergency responders, Emilio Ibarra, commander of Santa Anas municipal police force, said on Monday. State authorities emphasized that security along the highway, and in the region, has been stepped up in light of the shooting. Authorities are seeking to identify and capture the criminal groups responsible for the attack, according to a statement from the state security board. The roads are closely guarded by members of the National Guard and likewise our city (Santa Ana) is guarded by state and local police at the entrances and exits of the municipality, Ibarra said. Travel with the peace of mind that if you see any authorities, you can trust that were here to help you. The body of the deceased man who was a resident of the state of Oregon and a Mexican citizen, born in Michoacan has already been transported to his family in Michoacan, a spokesman for the state Attorney Generals Office told the Star on Monday. One of the injured men was a U.S. citizen, the spokesman said. The Sonoran Attorney Generals Office said the victims vehicle was discovered near the center of Santa Ana, where photos show they were parked outside a pharmacy. The injured men told authorities that soon after passing a toll booth on the highway from Altar, they heard gunfire. The deceased man was lying in the rear, right-side seat of the vehicle, the office said. The victims took shelter in the local police department after their arrival in Santa Ana, Ibarra said. One of the victims was picked up by family who arrived from Phoenix, and National Guard units accompanied them to the border for security, Ibarra said. The other injured man was transported by local police to Hermosillo, Sonora, so he could fly to meet his family in Michoacan. Avoid travel at night in Sonora Northwestern Sonora has been embroiled in surging violence recently, as criminal factions of the Sinaloa cartel battle over control of smuggling routes. But Sonoran residents say, regardless of whether there are active battles going on between criminal groups, its safer to avoid traveling the state at night. A tourism official in Rocky Point emphasized on Monday that as long as tourists travel in the daytime, they are still recommending both routes to reach Rocky Point: crossing into Mexico through Nogales before heading to Rocky Point, or using the port of entry further west at San Luis. The latter route is shorter, and avoids the highway between Santa Ana and the town of Altar. Altar has long been a common way-station for migrants headed to the U.S. border, shepherded by the human smugglers who control passage through the region. A spokesman for the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora had no immediate comment on Saturdays attack, other than to share the consulates existing travel advisories for Sonora. The advisories say that government employees are only allowed to reach Puerto Penasco using Highway 8, from the now-closed Lukeville point of entry. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Penasco, the advisory says. Another existing travel advisory for Sonora suggests visitors reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping in the state. Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks, the advisory states. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and (legal permanent residents) have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora. On Monday the Mexican National Guard arrested eight people, including two minors, in Sasabe, Sonora, for possession of weapons intended for exclusive use by the armed forces, the state security board said in a Monday statement. The National Guard, in collaboration with SEDENA, the Secretary for National Defense, also seized nine firearms, ammunition and the white Toyota Tacoma, without license plates, that the suspects were riding in. While local media reported the detained men may be suspects in Saturdays fatal incident, the Star has not confirmed that connection. PHOENIX Kari Lakes lawyers told a judge Tuesday a defamation suit against her should be thrown out because she believes her statements about injected ballots and sabotaged voting machines in the 2022 election she lost are true. Lakes attorneys said Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, in pursing his defamation claim, must prove she acted with actual malice, meaning she knew or should have known her statements were false. All of Lakes statements about why she claims the election she lost for governor should be overturned have been rejected by courts. But not only does Kari Lake believe what she said is true, she will testify as such and will defend accordingly, Jennifer Wright, an attorney for the failed GOP candidate for governor, told Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Jay Adelman. Richers attorneys say Lakes statements about his role in the 2022 election are absolutely false and they will prove that at trial. Lakes attorneys, however, are hoping it never actually gets to a trial. Thats why they are asking the case be tossed now before Richer even gets a chance to present any evidence. Anti-SLAPP law Jessica Banks, an Arizona State University law student who also is on Lakes team, says Lake is protected by the states anti-SLAPP law, short for Strategic Action Against Public Participation. That law is designed to protect individuals sued by public officials from having to retain expensive attorneys simply because they are criticizing that person. It would allow the judge to dismiss the case without further hearings if he determines that Richer sued Lake primarily to deter, retaliate against or prevent the lawful exercise of a constitutional right. Lakes attorneys say she had the right to criticize how her fellow Republican Richer performed his duties in the 2022 election she lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs by more than 17,000 votes. Richer is attempting to chill Kari Lakes speech by bringing this lawsuit against her and seeking injunctive relief, Banks said. That claim, however, isnt exactly true. The injunction Richer wants is not to keep her from making future statements. Instead he seeks a court order requiring her and her campaign to delete false and defamatory statements about him from any websites and social media accounts they control. He also wants unspecified financial damages, saying Lake spread intentional or reckless falsehoods about his role in the election, actions he said harmed him and his family and resulted in threats of violence and death for family members. Wright told Adelman at Tuesdays hearing that the fact some people, on hearing Lakes rhetoric, may have threatened Richer is not Lakes fault. She is not asking people to do violent things, Wright said. The way people react to her words is not her responsibility. Testable facts Central to Richers defamation lawsuit are two issues. One involves statements Lake repeatedly made that Richer inserted 300,000 illegal, invalid, phony, or bogus early ballots into the vote count. That is based on Lakes claim about disparities between preliminary and final counts of ballots dropped off on Election Day, ballots she continues to argue were not within the legal chain of custody. The other says that Richer, along with Republican Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates, sabotaged election day. One post by Lakes campaign, for example, says the pair knew 75% of Kari Lakes voters would show up on game day, so they programmed the machines to print 19-inch images on 20-inch ballots. Judge Adelman agreed that, in general, phrases like bogus or steal by themselves may be considered descriptive language or rhetorical hyperbole and not rise to the level of a statement that allows someone to sue. But he said the statements attributed to Lake were more specific, like whether 300,000 ballots were inserted into the count or whether the ballots were purposely printed the wrong size. Those would seem to be facts that are tested as either true or false, the judge said. Theyre either provably false or entirely true, Adelman continued. Maybe a jury gets to decide that, maybe not. One of Richers attorneys, Cameron Kistler, told the judge there is sufficient reason to allow the claims to go to trial where a jury can decide whether Lakes statements are false and whether she made them with knowledge or had reason to believe they were false. He said one of those questions, for example, is whether Richer personally programmed the printers to produce wrong-size ballots, the ones that Lake said sabotaged the Election Day process by producing the the long lines that turned away voters she presumed were her supporters. Those are events that either happened or they didnt, Kistler said. And we will have the burden at trial (to show) that they didnt, which we have every expectation we will be able to do. But he said Lakes attorneys want Adelman to rule is that because the cause of the printer errors hasnt been proven to their satisfaction, that makes it impossible for Richer to disprove, undermining his defamation claim. Thats not how defamation law works, Kistler said, saying Richer doesnt have to prove the cause of why the printers malfunctioned. He just has to show it wasnt him. Of note is that while Lakes attorneys say she stands behind her statements, Wright sought to put some distance between her and the words she used. For instance, Wright said of one of Lakes claims that it was a question of opinion, not necessarily fact, as to how Lake characterized it. If Adelman refuses Lakes request to dismiss the case, that will lead to extensive pre-trial activities, including the chance for Richers attorneys to question Lake under oath. Anna Codutti Tulsa World Breaking News Editor Follow Anna Codutti Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today A Tulsa man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a fatal shooting spree April 18 that was motivated, at least in part, by the victims race or color. Carlton Jefferson Gilford, 61, pleaded guilty in the slayings of Lundin Hathcock, 35, and James McDaniel, 55. There is no question that Carlton Gilford targeted his victims solely based upon the color of their skin, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said in a statement. Each of them did nothing to draw the wrath of Mr. Gilford upon them. The suffering of their families is compounded by the racist nature of Gilfords motivations. Gilford, who is Black, pleaded guilty to malicious intimidation or harassment, which is Oklahomas version of a hate crime law, according to the Tulsa County District Attorneys Office. Hathcock was killed at the Rudisill Regional Library, 1520 N. Hartford Ave. McDaniel was shot multiple times at the nearby QuikTrip at 1513 N. Peoria Ave. Gilford also pleaded guilty to shooting with intent to kill after firing at a security guard and another person at the QuikTrip. The men and women of the Tulsa Police Department who responded to this murderous crime spree are to be commended for their quick thinking and bravery, Kunzweiler said. In all likelihood, they prevented this tragedy from expanding to other unsuspecting victims. Gilford, who shot himself prior to being arrested, spent about a week in a hospital before he was jailed. He also was sentenced to life in prison on two counts of shooting with intent to kill. While these families will continue to ask why, their only consolation is that Gilford will never breathe free air again, Kunzweiler said. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. The State Capitol Preservation Commission declared a moratorium on approving any new ones on this day in 2013. Why? It was swamped with inquiries about building on Capitol grounds monuments from groups ranging from PETA to "Flying Spaghetti Monster" advocates. The Commission said it also received requests from Hindus, Satanists and Church of the Dude. In October 2015, workers removed the Ten Commandments monument from state Capitol grounds after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the privately funded monument was religious in nature. Here's a look back at the Oklahoma's Ten Commandments monuments at the state Capitol, Haskell County and LeFlore County courthouses: F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. The control stations for Americas 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. Its the largest cultural shift in the land leg of the Air Forces 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 its 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 countrys 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 thats 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. Its been a long time since we did an ICBM, Kendall said in November at a Center for New American Security event in Washington. Its 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 Montanas 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. Its 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 missiles wiring from the rest. Over decades of testing, there are now hundreds of splices in those critical loops. But its also one of the Minutemans 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. Its 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 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 States with the most active-duty military members Introduction #51. 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The missile launch was conducted to "take a powerful warning measure under the grave situation, in which the hostile forces' anti-DPRK military threat ... is getting evermore undisguised and dangerous," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, referring to the North by its official name. The ICBM flew 1,002.3 kilometers for 4,415 seconds at a maximum altitude of 6,518.2 km before "accurately" hitting the East Sea, the KCNA said. Experts said the missile would have flown more than 15,000 km, long enough to strike any part of the continental United States, had it been fired on a normal trajectory. Kim expressed great satisfaction with the launch, saying it was "a practical demonstration of the actual condition and reliability of the formidable striking capabilities and absolute nuclear war deterrent possessed by the DPRK's armed forces," the KCNA said. "Noting that it was an occasion to clearly show what action the DPRK has been prepared and what option the DPRK would take when Washington makes a wrong decision against it, he appreciated that the drill once again and strikingly displayed the DPRK's will for toughest counteraction and its overwhelming strength," it said. Kim also stressed the need for the North to strongly counter the military threats of the enemies "with more offensive actions by adopting a more evolutionary and threatening way when the enemies continue to make a wrong choice," the KCNA said. Photos released by state media showed Kim observing the launch alongside his daughter, known as Ju-ae, who had appeared in ceremonies celebrating the North's spy satellite launch last month. Also among the photos were images of Earth, presumed to be taken from the Hwasong-18, and a transporter erector launcher carrying the missile ahead of its launch. The North made clear the latest ICBM launch was a show of force against strengthened efforts by Seoul and Washington to advance their nuclear strategy against Pyongyang's threats. "The U.S. and the military gangsters of the Republic of Korea held a nuclear war confab called the second meeting of the 'Nuclear Consultative Group' in Washington and openly revealed their intention to conduct large-scale joint drills under the simulated conditions of an actual war of 'nuclear retaliatory strike' at the DPRK," the KCNA said. During the NCG meeting last week, South Korea and the U.S. agreed to complete the establishment of guidelines on a shared nuclear strategy by the middle of next year and conduct joint military exercises simulating nuclear attacks from the North. The KCNA also lashed out at the arrival of the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine USS Missouri in Busan, 320 km southeast of Seoul, as an "extremely provocative action" to turn the Korean Peninsula "into an assembly base for all the U.S. nuclear strategic assets." The national security advisers of South Korea, U.S. and Japan have condemned North Korea's ICBM launch as a "flagrant" breach of U.N. Security Council resolutions and underscored the importance of their work to share missile warning data, which the three countries have pledged to put into operation by the end of this year. Earlier Tuesday, South Korea's defense ministry said the three countries have activated the real-time system and jointly established a multiyear plan for trilateral military drills as they seek to better counter evolving North Korean threats. On Monday, South Korea's military said the North's missile flew about 1,000 kilometers at a lofted trajectory before landing in the East Sea. It marked the North's fifth ICBM launch this year, the highest number ever recorded in a single year and the third Hwasong-18 solid-fuel ICBM launch following those in April and July. Solid-fuel missiles are faster to shoot and harder to detect ahead of a launch. (Yonhap) Coverage of State Superintendent Ryan Walters Oklahomans first elected State Superintendent Ryan Walters in 2022. He previously served as the state's education secretary; appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in September 2020. Before then, Walters was CEO of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma and spent eight years as a high school history teacher in his hometown of McAlester. The Oklahoma State Department of Education named Walters as an Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist in 2016. Walters also taught AP U.S. history at Millwood High School and McAlester High School in a pilot course through the Oklahoma Supplemental Online Course Program; and served as the executive director of Oklahoma Achieves, an education initiative of the State Chamber of Oklahoma. The following is coverage of the superintendent by the Tulsa World newsroom. To send a news tip, contact Staff Writer Andrea Eger at andrea.eger@tulsaworld.com. Lang Son Province in northern Vietnam is set to launch a pilot scheme on transforming international border gates linking it with Chinese localities into smart ones, which will utilize AI, automated guided vehicles, and a smart warehouse management system. The northern border province will implement this pilot scheme right after receiving approval from the national government, Nguyen Vinh Phu, deputy head of the Dong Dang-Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone Management Authority, told a press briefing hosted by the provincial administration on Tuesday. Both the Vietnamese and Chinese sides will also deliberate developing a command center to monitor operations of the smart border gates as well as to connect and share data with each other. The smart border gates are expected to improve border customs throughput capacity and raise import-export turnover by threefold by 2027 and fivefold by 2030, Phu said. The local official explained that implementing these measures could not only lead to a 30-40 percent reduction in logistic and customs clearance costs at the Tan Thanh and Huu Nghi international border gates but also stimulate production and enhance the export activities of enterprises. He asserted that the advancement of smart border gates would elevate cargo throughput efficiency at land border gates, meeting the increasing demand for trade activities between Vietnam, China, and other ASEAN nations. Nguyen Vinh Phu, deputy head of the Dong Dang-Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone Management Authority in Lang Son Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Ha Quan / Tuoi Tre In the year to date, there have been instances in which Vietnamese agricultural products bound for China were delayed at the province's border gates so local authorities took measures such as arranging parking lots and non-tariff zones in the area to accommodate stranded trailer trucks carrying agricultural items, according to Phu. The border gates in the province have seen a little number of stranded vehicles since then, while their throughput capacity has been improved. These border gates are now able to handle some 1,300 vehicles per day from the previous 800 units, Phu added. In July this year, the province resumed customs clearance activities at the Na Hinh sub-border gate, raising the total number of operational border gates to six, including Huu Nghi, Dong Dang, Chi Ma, Tan Thanh, Coc Nam, and Na Hinh. Official data showed that Lang Son conducts customs clearance for between 1,100 and 1,350 vehicles per day on average. Two-way trade between Lang Son and the Chinese side reached an estimated US$4.78 million this year, equivalent to 125.8 percent of the 2023 target and up over 56 percent year on year. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! BRUSSELS -- Seven countries including Germany, the Netherlands and France pledged on Monday to eliminate CO2-emitting power plants from their electricity systems by 2035. Taken together, the countries account for nearly half of EU power production - largely thanks to the contributions from Germany and France, Europe's two biggest power producers. The aim was set by EU members Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands and non-EU Switzerland, which aligns itself with some EU climate policies. In a joint statement, the countries said existing EU climate measures are likely to steer Europe towards a nearly CO2-free power sector by 2040. Agreeing to move faster together, the countries said, would help them jointly plan infrastructure to make sure they build enough grids and energy storage to integrate large amounts of low-carbon power into the network and keep it flowing across country borders. "The countries have a strongly interconnected electricity system, and can benefit from offshore potential in some areas and storage in other areas," the Netherlands' caretaker energy minister Rob Jetten said. Overall, the EU got 41% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2022, European Environment Agency data show. But the CO2 intensity of power generation varies significantly between countries. For example, Austria already gets more than three quarters of its electricity from renewables, while France relies on CO2 emissions-free nuclear power for around 70% of its power, and Poland has the most CO2-intensive power production of any EU country owing to its high share of coal. Modelling by think-tank Ember has said it would be possible for all of Europe to nearly decarbonise its power sector by 2035, with wind and solar producing up to 80% of electricity by that date, and coal and gas power largely eliminated. Doing this would require upfront investments of up to 750 billion euros in renewable sources and grids - but, by 2035, countries would have overall saved money compared with current plans, thanks to a much-reduced bill for fossil fuels, Ember said. Vietnamese and Indian military forces jointly participated in a peacekeeping exercise in Hanoi on Monday as part of the ongoing Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2023, held in the Vietnamese capital from December 11 to 21. The field exercise, which was attended by Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, was aimed at equipping engineering and military medical forces with skills needed for UN peacekeeping operations. Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan (first row, L, 4th), deputy chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, attends a peacekeeping exercise in Hanoi, December 18, 2023. Photo: Thuy Du / Tuoi Tre The peacekeepers at the event were required to build barracks, disperse protesters, give emergency treatment to injured UN staff members, and conduct air medical evacuations. Colonel Aseem Gupta, head of the Indian army delegation, said this marked the fourth joint peacekeeping exercise between Vietnam and India and the second field drill on peacekeeping between the two countries militaries. Compared to the first edition organized in 2018 in India, this year's peacekeeping exercise featured an elevated level, incorporating additional field training exercises. Colonel Gupta emphasized that the primary lesson gleaned from this field exercise is the potential for close cooperation between Vietnamese and Indian peacekeepers. Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, presents flowers to peacekeepers participating in the field exercise in Hanoi, December 18, 2023. Photo: Thuy Du / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Catch up on the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held separate meetings with former Japanese counterparts Fukuda Yasuo and Suga Yoshihide on Sunday and Monday, respectively, during his trip to Japan for the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and bilateral activities. Society -- A 44-year-old man from Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam was arrested on Monday night for physically assaulting a 14-year-old male student over a conflict between the student and his son, a local official said the same day. -- A tractor trailer bearing a Laotian license plate fell into an abyss on an expressway connecting Da Nang City and Thua Thien-Hue Province in central Vietnam on Monday, injuring two people in the vehicle. -- Two 10th-grade students in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam on Saturday last week spotted a mobile phone and handed it over to the local police to return to its owner, who was later found to be a British tourist, police officers said on Monday. -- A person was injured after a four-seater car that was reversing at high speed on a street in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam plowed into three motorbikes and another car on Monday. The car driver was a woman. -- Dozens of Hatinh langurs, highly threatened Old World monkeys, have been found on two mountains in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam, according to Three Monkeys Wildlife Conservancy, a dedicated team that protects and conserves Vietnam's wildlife and habitats. World News -- The Reykjanes volcano in southwest Iceland erupted on Monday, spewing lava and smoke into the air, after weeks of intense earthquake activity, Reuters reported, citing Iceland's Meteorological Office. -- Seven countries including Germany, the Netherlands and France pledged on Monday to eliminate CO2-emitting power plants from their electricity systems by 2035, according to Reuters. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Tanaka Akihiko, during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Tokyo on Monday, expressed his hope that the first metro line project in Ho Chi Minh City would soon be completed. The metro line project, which stretches from Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City, has been primarily financed through Japanese official development assistance (ODA). Tanaka urged Vietnamese PM Chinh to direct relevant agencies to fast-track work on the metro line in accordance with the fourth Japanese ODA loan agreement for the project. Last Saturday, Vietnamese PM Chinh and his Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents regarding the 41 billion yen (US$285.7 million) loan. I have many memories of [working on] the project 10 years ago when I was JICA vice-president. I have paid much attention [to the project], [hoping] it can be completed early, Tanaka said. PM Chinh also shared his support for the projects early completion, saying he would ask relevant agencies to finish early. I will require the leaders of ministries and agencies to coordinate with JICA to fix the projects shortfalls. We will learn from our experience and conduct new-generation ODA projects faster and more effectively, the Vietnamese prime minister said. At the meeting, the Vietnamese government chief affirmed Japans ODA loans as proof of the good relationship between the two nations, contributing to Vietnam's poverty alleviation, education and healthcare development, industrialization, and modernization. He suggested that JICA continue working closely with Vietnamese government, ministries, and agencies to discuss further cooperation. We expect to receive more new-generation ODA loans with more incentives and simpler procedures to serve key sectors, PM Chinh said. Vietnam needs JICAs support in strategic infrastructure projects, including traffic, healthcare, and education, specifically airports, seaports, expressways, railways, digital transformation, green transition, response to climate change, improvement of the manpower quality, and labor cooperation. JICA president Tanaka said the agency has explored new-generation ODA loans for Vietnam, anticipating that the Southeast Asian country will achieve high-income status in the coming years. He endorsed Prime Minister Chinh's proposal to enhance cooperation projects quickly and effectively, committing to collaborate with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to examine specific and suitable projects. The meeting between PM Chinh and JICA president Tanaka was part of the formers visit to Japan for the Commemorative Summit for the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. Ho Chi Minh Citys first metro line, which is currently over 96 percent complete, will be put into commercial operation in July 2024, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways, the project investor. Work on the 19.7-kilometer-long metro line started in 2012 at a total cost of VND43.7 trillion ($1.8 billion). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Two 10th-grade students from Quang Binh Province in north-central Vietnam last weekend spotted a mobile phone and handed it over to the local police for its rightful return to the owner, police officers said on Monday. The possessor was later found to be a British tourist, police said. Police officers in Phong Nha Town, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province reported that the British traveler, named Siana Pundick, lost her phone during her tour to Phong Nha. On Saturday last week, Hoang Thi Thuy Linh and Tran Quoc Bao, who reside in Phong Nha Town and are students of Nguyen Trai Middle School, found the phone on their way home after school. They immediately brought it to the police station in Phong Nha Town and asked the police officers there to look for its owner. Suspecting that the mobile phone belonged to a tourist visiting Phong Nha, the police conducted a review of lodging facilities in the town and successfully located the owner, Siana Pundick. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Marking their 30th wedding anniversary together, three close friends have sparked excitement and admiration across the online community in Vietnam as they shared this remarkable milestone. From purchasing new ao dai, Vietnam's traditional costume often donned for special occasions, and suits to selecting the date and capturing memorable photos for the anniversary, Dao Thi Bich, along with her lifelong friends Ly Thi Hung and Khong Thi Tranh, share a bond stemming from their childhood days. Born and raised in Song Khe 1 Village of Bac Giang City, located in Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam, where bamboo basket weaving was a common traditional craft, the three girlfriends transitioned from weaving baskets together as children to building a close and lasting friendship. At the age of 15, Bich met her future husband, Nguyen Van Vinh. Interestingly, Vinh also has two close friends, Dao Van Phuc and Dao Huu Cuong. The destinies of the two couples, Hung-Phuc and Tranh-Cuong, unfolded later as they got to know each other. The three guys expressed affection for the three of us, Bich fondly recalled the amusing anecdote. All three couples tied the knot at the end of 1993. Three close girlfriends don 'ao dai' (Vietnam's traditional long gown) at their 30th wedding anniversary in Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Kun Mon After 30 years, all three families now have children and grandchildren, coming together whenever one family needs assistance or has a celebration. Two years ago, on Bich and Vinhs 28th wedding anniversary, the three couples decided to celebrate a joint 30th wedding anniversary. The families engaged in joint activities such as placing orders for ao dai and suits at the same tailor shops for the anniversary, deciding the event date, and shooting wedding anniversary photos. Especially remarkable was the presence of Phuc and Hung's family, who traveled from Ho Chi Minh City to Bac Giang with their children and grandchildren to participate in this special celebration. We arranged 50 guest tables, Bich said. Although it took place two days ago, its echoes continue today. On December 16, in a spacious hall, the pearl anniversary of the three pairs of close friends took place in joyous vibes. Three close boyfriends at their 30th wedding anniversary in Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Kun Mon Compared to 30 years ago, the celebration was grander and had more special guests -- the children and grandchildren of the three couples. Im delighted to participate in my parents 30th wedding anniversary, said Nguyen Thi Lien, Bichs daughter. Your beautiful friendship sets an example to us, and we hope to follow in your footsteps. Upon the sharing of images from this unique wedding anniversary, the admirable friendship captured the attention of numerous netizens. Thousands of comments flooded in, showing admiration for the strong bond and endearing story. In a humorous vein, many netizens playfully make pacts to hold weddings in the same year as soon as they find a partner, all for the chance to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary together. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Foxtel Executive Director of Group Communications Jacqui Abbott has resigned after 3 years in the role. Abbott plans to spend time traveling before pursuing new career opportunities. Sbe previously had roles with from Ogilvy PR, marketing agency Pulse and has represented major consumer brands including Netflix, Tourism Australia, Xbox, Microsoft, Audible, Coca-Cola, eBay, KFC and IKEA. She originally joined the agency in early 2015 to lead the Netflix account, and was previously head of public affairs and social media at Virgin Australia and before that at Optus. Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany said, Over the past few years, the communications function for the Group has been completely overhauled under Jacquis leadership and we have raised the bar on all our PR efforts for our growing portfolio of brands. We are now more innovative and different better special in our communications in every way. We have also navigated a number of reputational challenges, a major company reorganisation, and an ever-changing regulatory landscape in the past year during which she has been a steadfast support to me and the Executive team. I want to thank Jacqui for everything she has done. She will be greatly missed by everyone at the Foxtel Group. Abbott will remain until the end of March 2024 working towards the launch of Hubbl. Her replacement will be announced in the New Year. South Korea renewed its call for China to play a "constructive role" Tuesday after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with a visiting senior North Korean official on the day of the North's test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Seoul's foreign ministry made the comment a day after Beijing said North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong-ho had a meeting with Wang on Monday, when Pyongyang fired what it claimed to be a Hwasong-18 ICBM into the East Sea. North Korea is banned from such missile launches under multiple U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. "China is a responsible permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and a country that has an influence over North Korea. We expect that China will play a constructive role so that North Korea can stop its provocations and return to dialogue," foreign ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk said in a briefing. South Korea strongly condemns the North's ICBM launch as a serious threat to regional peace and international safety, Lim added. "We will work closely with the United States, Japan and other key partners on ways to respond at the UNSC level, and on independent and multilateral sanctions against North Korea," he said. The UNSC is set to convene a meeting Tuesday (U.S. time) to discuss the North's latest ICBM launch, although any new resolution against the saber-rattling is unlikely due to the opposition from China and Russia two of the five permanent UNSC member states that hold veto power. (Yonhap) In a phase-one human clinical trial, a University of Houston pharmacist researcher has demonstrated that a newer generation tetracycline antibiotic, called Omadacycline, may be a promising tool in combating the resilient bacteria Clostridioides difficile (C diff), which causes an infection often picked up in hospitals. C diff brings on diarrhea and colitis, an inflammation of the colon, and is responsible for nearly 500,000 infections annually in the United States. The stubborn superbug known as C diff ( Clostridioides difficile) if often picked up by patients in hospitals. The fight against C diff takes its toll internally, including a significant disruption of gut microbiota, usually by broad-spectrum antibiotics, leading to loss of colonization resistance to C difficile. Omadacycline demonstrated a low likelihood of causing C diff in clinical trials, but no one understood why. Kevin Garey, Robert L. Boblitt Endowed Professor of Drug Discovery at the UH College of Pharmacy, assessed the pharmacokinetics and gut microbiome effects of oral Omadacycline in comparison to Vancomycin, another possible C diff drug. Vancomycin is used to treat C diff but is not good at eliminating it over the long-term. Gareys team investigated whether Omadacycline, given orally, achieves high concentration in the gut and the effect on the gut microbiome, the healthy bacteria that lives in the colon. Our research shows off the coolness of the microbiome. Omadacycline caused a distinctly different effect on the microbiome than Vancomycin. This could explain why Omadacycline is a safe drug to give to patients at high risk for C diff infection. This could become a new method in drug development to see if antibiotics are not only killing the bacteria causing infections (the bad bugs) but not causing harm to the beneficial microbes that live in our body (the good bugs), said Garey, whose results were published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases. I would hope that this becomes a normal part of the antibiotic drug development process. Kevin Garey, Robert L. Boblitt Endowed Professor of Drug Discovery at the UH College of Pharmacy, leads a team that shows a new antibiotic fig hts C d iff and spares healthy microbiota. In the study, 16 healthy volunteers tolerated Omadacycline with no safety differences compared to the other antibiotic. A rapid initial increase in fecal concentration of Omadacycline was observed compared to Vancomycin, with maximum concentrations achieved within 48 hours. Rapid increase is a good thing it means the active drug is getting to the site of the infection faster. Both the Omadacycline and Vancomycin groups showed significant changes in their microbiomes when we looked at how diverse they were internally (alpha diversity). However, when we compared the changes between the two groups (beta diversity), they were noticeably different from each other, reported Garey. Gareys team includes Jinhee Jo, assistant professor, University of Houston College of Pharmacy; and Blake M. Hanson and Hossaena Ayele, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. North Korea on Monday tested an intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach anywhere in the U.S., according to government officials in Japan and South Korea. South Korean government officials said it was a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), likely referring to North Koreas Hwasong-18, which has solid propellants that make it harder to detect than liquid-fueled weapons, The Associated Press reported. The missile flew about 620 miles and landed in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, and the missile was launched at an elevated angle, the news service added, citing South Koreas military. The missile has a range of more than 9,300 miles and can reach anywhere in Japan or the mainland U.S., Japans Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense Shingo Miyake told reporters Monday, according to Reuters. Mondays launch follows North Koreas testing of the Hwasong-18 in July and April. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un previously described the Hwasong-18 as the most powerful weapon of his nuclear forces. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan also spoke with South Korean and Japanese leaders and condemned Mondays launch as a violation of several U.N. Security Council resolutions, the White House stated. The launch came hours after North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile that landed in the water off the nations east coast. The two launches were likely in response to the U.S. and South Koreas recent assertions that they will reinforce their joint defense against North Koreas nuclear threats. In a statement last Friday, the White House warned 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. Last month, North Koreas government claimed it launched a spy satellite that photographed the White House and the Pentagon. The White House said it strongly condemn[ed] the satellite launch as a violation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. North Yorkshire estate owner Colin Armstrong, 78, was snatched from his ranch in Los Rios, Ecuador, in the early hours of Saturday, according to local media (Image: Tupgill Park Estate) A North Yorkshire estate has issued a statement after its owner was kidnapped from his home in Ecuador. As The Press reported, Colin Armstrong, 78, was snatched from his ranch in Los Rios in the early hours of Saturday (December 16), according to local media. He is the former UK honorary consul in Guayaquil and owner of the Tupgill Park Estate in Coverham near Leyburn in the Yorkshire Dales. Police in Ecuador confirmed they were investigation an alleged criminal act against a businessman but did not name Mr Armstrong. Local media report that Mr Armstrong and a Colombian woman believed to be his partner were taken. He was driven away in his own black BMW, which was later found dumped, a police report seen by The Guardian said. A spokesperson for the Tupgill Park Estate confirmed to The Press that Mr Armstrong was kidnapped and said everything is being done to ensure his safe release. Tupgill Park Estate wishes to express their sincere devastation at the situation and that all of our thoughts and prayers are with the Armstrong family, they said. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: We are in contact with the Ecuadorian authorities following the disappearance of a British man and are supporting his family. Mr Armstrong runs an agricultural supplies company in Ecuador. In the 1980s he designed the pleasure ground Forbidden Corner in the Tupgill Park Estate which is now open as a visitor attraction. Mr Armstrongs family has lived on the 500-acre estate since Victorian times. He was Honorary Consul to Guayaquil until 2016. An Honorary Consul is a voluntary position that is appointed based on their extensive knowledge of a region and an established network that enables them to support British interests and to provide support to British Nationals who find themselves in difficulty. A South Korean condolence delegation visiting Kuwait has attended a memorial service to pay respects to the late Kuwaiti leader Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, the foreign ministry said Tuesday. The delegation, led by Foreign Minister Park Jin, offered deep condolences to the new emir, Mishal Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, on behalf of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the South Korean government, during a meeting Monday (local time), the ministry said. Kuwait announced the death of Sheikh Nawaf on Saturday (local time). Park also congratulated the new emir on his inauguration and took note of the comprehensive, future-oriented and mutually beneficial partnership between South Korea and Kuwait. Park conveyed Yoon's will to take a new leap forward in bilateral relations under the new emir's leadership. Emir Mishal expressed gratitude to South Korea for sending the condolence delegation and said he will follow the wishes of the late emir, who had a great interest in relations with South Korea, and make efforts to further develop the bilateral relations. During the visit, Park also met with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Salem Abduallh Al Jaber Al Sabah, and discussed bilateral ties. Noting that next year will mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, they agreed to expand cooperation in areas like housing, health, food and defense. (Yonhap) According to the report from the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, by the end of 2023, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ba Ria-Vung Tau is expected to increase by 2.78 times compared to the same period in 2022. It is projected that in 2023, there will be 21 new projects and adjustments to increase investment capital for 29 projects. The total additional attracted investment capital for the year is estimated to reach approximately US$1,401 million, achieving 153.9 per cent of the plan and a 91.67 per cent increase compared to 2022. Specifically, new investment capital is $893.1 million, a 221 per cent increase from 2022, and additional investment capital is $508.3 million, a 12 per cent increase from 2022. By the end of 2023, it is expected that there will be 458 foreign-invested projects in the province with a total registered capital of $31,535.5 million, including 285 projects within industrial zones (IZs) with a total investment capital of $13,880 million and 173 projects outside IZs with a total registered capital of $17,655.5 million. Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province has also developed and issued a plan to promote the implementation of projects based on the Memorandum of Understanding on investment at the conference to implement the Government's Action Program implementing Resolution 24-NQ/TW with seven investors/companies. So far, the province has issued amended Investment Registration Certificates for one project. According to the report from the Industrial Zone Management Board, the province is also continuing to support the investment procedures for six specific projects, including IDIS Vietnam Co., Ltd., Earth Vision LLC, Waizu Giken Company, Thanh Binh PM Joint Stock Company, and Kraft of Asia Paperboard & Packaging Co., Ltd. Ba Ria-Vung Tau always remains attractive to FDI businesses because it consistently holds a high Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI). In 2022, Ba Ria-Vung Tau climbed 5 ranks to become the province with the 4th highest PCI, surpassing both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This indicates the business community's trust in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. "The achievements are the result of continuous efforts to improve the business investment environment and administrative procedures in the province. The province always listens to and acknowledges the contributions and suggestions to address difficulties for businesses, thereby contributing to the development of the local economy," shared Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. Ba Ria-Vung Tau boasts over 305km of coastline and abundant natural resources, notably the largest oil reserves in the country. Five out of eight districts and cities in Ba Ria-Vung Tau are coastal, and it is a region with the advantage of owning the largest deep-water port in Vietnam, Cai Mep-Thi Vai, ranking 19th globally, capable of accommodating vessels up to 200,000 tonnes. This favourable location has positioned Ba Ria-Vung Tau as a key development hub in the Southeast region, a national maritime economic centre, and a province strong in industries, seaports, tourism and high-tech agriculture. Consequently, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has become a preferred investment destination for many foreign businesses seeking sustainable development. Vina Kyoei Steel Company, a Japanese enterprise, has been investing and developing its business in the Phu My 1 Industrial Zone, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, for nearly 30 years. The company highly appreciates the province's efforts in developing infrastructure and its strategic position. "With a series of domestic road networks connecting Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast region, numerous deep-water ports along the Thi Vai River, and the future Long Thanh International Airport, BRVT has the potential to develop into an industrial and service centre for the key economic region in the South. Due to its favourable geographical location, we chose Ba Ria-Vung Tau as our investment destination from the early days of the province's establishment," said Mr. Tomonori Yasui, Deputy General Director of Production at Vina Kyoei Steel Company. A South Korean conglomerate has recently invested $540 million to implement a carbon fibre plant in the Phu My 2 Industrial Zone, Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Mr. Kim Kyung Hoan, the General Director of Hyosung Vietnam, stated, "We are establishing a factory for the production of carbon fibre and materials, a new project that is the first of its kind in Vietnam, with a designed capacity of 4,800 tons per year in the first phase. It is expected to be completed and operational around February 2025. We have received positive support from the relevant authorities in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province to expedite the project." Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province currently has 15 industrial zones (IZs) covering a total area of over 8,492 hectares. Among them, 13 IZs are operational, occupying a total area of over 7,242 hectares, with an occupancy rate of over 65 per cent of the completed infrastructure. Additionally, the province has 14 industrial clusters covering a total area of 484.36 hectares, and there are plans to develop 2 new IZ clusters with a total area of 82.7 hectares. By 2030, the province aims to have 23 IZs and 16 industrial clusters covering a total area of 13,969 hectares. All industrial zones (IZs) and industrial clusters are located near the deep-water port system, connected to the transportation network in the Southeast region and the Long Thanh International Airport. This is highly advantageous for the export of goods. Enterprises investing in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province come from 30 countries and territories, including Thailand, South Korea, the United States, Canada and Japan, investing and operating in industrial zones. The province aims to continue striving for additional FDI of at least $5.804,7 million by 2025. "The province emphasises attracting investment in large-scale projects, modern technology, with spillover effects, high added value, low labour intensity, and environmentally friendly. To attract major investors, the province focuses on developing infrastructure for industrial zones and clusters, connecting transportation infrastructure within the province and the strategic development plan for the economic and social development phase from 2021 to 2030," affirmed Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. Vu Lan The award program, which is held annually, recognises US companies that demonstrate a strong connection between their business operations and society and who strive for both long-term economic and social values in Vietnam. Adam Sitkoff, Executive Director of AmCham Hanoi, said: The award is given to companies with high marks in four categories: attention to business objectives and societal needs; creation of long-term economic and social gains; communication and sharing of best practices; and program sustainability. AmCham congratulates AES Vietnam on their CSR Recognition Award. Joe Uddo, President of AES Vietnam, added: We are grateful to AmCham Hanoi for this recognition, which reflects our values and mission as a company. We believe that CSR is not only a duty but also an opportunity to create positive impacts and share AES values in the communities where we are operating. We are proud to be part of the journey to develop a prosperous Vietnam through our CSR program. In November 2023, AES Vietnam also received recognition from AmCham Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Chapter, with an ESG Impact Showcase award. AES Vietnam was praised for its reliable and responsible partnership in providing safe, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions for Vietnam, as well as its unwavering commitment to ESG principles. The award is another testament to AES Vietnams leadership and excellence in sustainability and social responsibility in Vietnam. Since 2015, AES Vietnams CSR program has been implemented to improve the quality of life for local communities in Vietnam. More than 170 CSR initiatives have been held, benefiting more than 200,000 people across the country. All activities were designed to match local needs identified through consultations all together with local stakeholders and community leaders to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals framework (SDGs) developed by the United Nations. About AES in Vietnam Our vision is to be a leading sustainable power company in Vietnam that provides safe, reliable and affordable energy. AES, through its subsidiary, AES Mong Duong Power Company Limited, has successfully developed and arranged financing for the Mong Duong 2 Power Project of 1,242 MW with total investment of approximately $2.1 billion. This project represents approximately 2.3% of the countrys installed capacity. To learn more, please visit https://aesmongduong.vn/ In November 2017, AES signed an MOU with PV Gas to develop the $1.3-billion Son My LNG Terminal Project. In November 2019, AES also signed an MOU with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to develop a 2.2GW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant under the BOT scheme, which will be located in Binh Thuan Province. In October 2020, AES Vietnam and PV GAS signed a Term Sheet of the Joint Venture Agreement for Son My LNG terminal. Together, the CCGT and terminal are expected to play a major role in shaping Vietnams energy future by diversifying the energy mix with imported LNG and meeting the countrys increasing demand for sustainable and affordable electricity. For more information, visit: www.aes-vietnam.com About AES The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, were improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today. For more information, visit www.aes.com. HA NOI The 2023 VinFuture Sci-Tech Week kicked off on December 18, bringing together leading scientists and experts in key technological domains, including semiconductor technology, precision medicine, green transportation infrastructure and artificial intelligence. Themed Boundless Unity, the four-day 2023 VinFuture Sci-Tech Week comprises a wide array of events, including the Science for Life Symposia, the VinFuture Discovery Talk Series", the prestigious VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony, and Talk Future: Dialogue with the 2023 VinFuture Prize Laureates. The week opens with a Science for Life symposia that gathers world-leading scientists who will discuss issues related to semiconductor technology, precision immunology therapy for the treatment of autoimmune disorders, sustainable infrastructure and green transportation, and artificial intelligence. The highlight of VinFuture Sci-Tech Week is the connection activities under the VinFuture Discovery Talk Series, organised for the first time to cultivate partnerships and delve into potential technology transfers among renowned research institutes and universities in Viet Nam. The 2023 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony will be held on the evening of December 20, honouring laureates of VinFuture Prize Season 3, whose technological breakthroughs were meticulously curated from a comprehensive pool of nearly 1,400 nominations spanning over 90 countries and territories worldwide. Wrapping up the VinFuture Sci-Tech Week is the grand finale themed Talk Future: Dialogue with the 2023 VinFuture Prize Laureates scheduled for December 21. Attendees can join the morning session to personally connect with the esteemed 2023 VinFuture Prize Laureates as they share the inspirational scientific research journey that led them to these prestigious accolades. The VinFuture Prize has entered its third year, with prestige and stature increasingly affirmed by the global science and technology community, and being recognised on par with the worlds top prestigious awards. The VinFuture Foundation and the VinFuture Prize have a unique meaning, not only serving as a bridge to connect the worlds outstanding minds with the Vietnamese science and technology community, but also contributing to inspiring and motivating Vietnamese science to catch up quickly and advance further on the global science and technology map. VNS HCM CITY As many as 21 Vietnamese rubber enterprises have been branded with the trademark Vietnam Rubber, which was registered for the protection of intellectual property in China, India, Taiwan (China), Laos and Cambodia. According to the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG), the export of 96 products from 33 factories by these enterprises demonstrates the increasing credibility of the brand. Tran Ngoc Thuan, chairman of VRG Board of Directors, said Viet Nams total rubber export turnover reached an estimated US$8 billion in the first 11 months of 2023, with the largest share held by rubber products, at nearly $3.9 billion. Following closely, natural rubber turnover was estimated at around $2.5 billion, and rubber wood, over $1.8 billion. The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has predicted that the global production of natural rubber in 2023 would likely reach 14.927 million tonnes, up 2.3 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, the consumption is anticipated to be 15.575 million tonnes, reflecting a 0.2 per cent growth compared to 2022. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported that the Vietnam Rubber Association has a project on building and developing Viet Nam's rubber brand in 2015-2020 with a vision to 2030, which aims to well position the brand and image of Vietnamese rubber, thus creating confidence among customers. VNS HA NOI The number of share auctions in the Vietnamese stock market has reached its lowest level in the past 16 years, according to recent statistics from the Ha Noi and HCM Stock Exchanges (HNX and HoSE). In 2023, only three share auctions have taken place so far, with a total auction value of VN2.7 trillion (US$111 million). This represents the lowest number of auctions since 2007. HoSE recorded a single successful auction, with Petrolimex divesting 120 million shares (equivalent to a 40 per cent stake) in PGBank (PGB) with a value of VN2.56 trillion. On HNX, there were two successful auctions involving Tia Sang Battery (TSB), selling 3.44 million shares, and EVNNPC auctioning 2.34 million shares. The total value of share auctions on HNX reached nearly VN164 billion. The decline in share auction activities can be attributed to various factors, including the challenging macroeconomic conditions in 2023. The VN-Index has struggled to surpass the 1,100-point threshold for several months, reflecting the difficult situation in the stock market. Experts point out that the lack of notable new companies entering the market is one of the reasons for the decline in share auctions. This has led to a continuous decrease in auction values over the years, from a peak of VN130 trillion in 2017 to only VN2.7 trillion last year. The number of newly listed shares in 2023 remains modest. Both HoSE and HNX exchanges have listed only nine new stock codes and one fund certificate, with many of them being transferred from UPCoM and not considered entirely new listings. Companies like Nova Consumer (NCG), Ton ong A (GDA), and VNG (VNZ) have decided not to list and are only traded on UPCoM. Moreover, several stocks have been delisted from HoSE and HNX due to violations of information disclosure regulations and financial losses. inh The Hien, an economic expert, told Viet Nam News that the lack of new listings is primarily due to businesses not perceiving the favourable timing for going public. After a challenging year, the stock market has only experienced a slight recovery, making it unfavourable for businesses to raise capital at reasonable costs through IPOs. "State-owned enterprises face additional challenges in the equitisation process as they require strategic partners to participate. However, the global economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a narrowing of operations for many manufacturing corporations and financial investors, making it more challenging for state-owned companies to find strategic investors." Hien emphasised the importance of a vibrant market with new products and listings. The presence of more listed businesses and quality stocks attracts investors and contributes to the development of the capital market. VNS HCM CITY HDBank, the Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank, has been recognised for having one of the Best Annual Reports among listed large-cap companies a fifth year in a row. The announcement was made at the 2023 Vietnam Listed Companies Awards (VLCA) in Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa Province, on December 15. The top 10 companies were banks BIDV, HDBank, MB Bank, Vietcombank, ACB, MSB, SHB, insurer Bao Viet Group, and securities companies SHS and Rong Viet. The 16th Vietnam Listed Companies Awards were given away to more than 50 enterprises for their transparent and responsible business practices. The VLCA, given by the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, Hanoi Stock Exchange and Investment Review newspaper, is a significant event that evaluates the performance of listed companies. This years assessment of the annual reports category introduced a new scoring system that divided registered listed companies and businesses into two groups -- financial and non-financial industries -- instead of the hitherto capitalisation size. HDBank received recognition for its pioneering efforts in digital transformation and sustainable development, and for having a clear and transparent annual report in both Vietnamese and English. Its annual report highlights its achievements and presents full information and organisational structure attractively and scientifically. It also has analysis of financial and business positions fully and clearly to make it easy for shareholders to better its financial, operations and administration situations. It had some outstanding points in the disclosure of information on corporate governance practices, responsibilities and risk management for the environment. Annual reports are an essential tool to help investors understand the level of corporate governance practices in the market, which will enable them to make thorough judgments when considering investment decisions. The VLCA has also introduced a voting system for the award for Best Listed Company to Organise the General Meeting of Shareholders to encourage businesses good corporate governance and shareholder relations. HDBank was recognised for its digitisation at its annual general meeting (organised both online and offline). It was bestowed with the Best Bank for Sustainable Development Vietnam award at the 2023 Global Banking and Finance Review Awards. It has been named among Viet Nams Top Sustainable Companies by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a fifth consecutive year for meeting all 130 criteria in its Corporate Sustainability Index. VNS By Thanh Hai HA NOI Future of the global semiconductor industry was the main topic of discussion at a symposium, entitled Semiconductors Unleashed: The Backbone of Modern Innovation, on December 18. The event is part of the symposium series "Science for Life" within the framework of VinFuture Science and Technology Week 2023, taking place in Ha Noi from December 18 to 19. The international forum brought together many leading scientists and domestic researchers to connect and discuss the future of the booming global semiconductor industry. Participants heard that as the "lifeblood" of the digital economy, the semiconductor industry is forecast to bring in revenue of more than US$620 billion by 2024 and increase sharply to $1 trillion by 2030, according to the consulting and research company Gartner. The semiconductor industry is also considered a core part of the technological competition between great powers in the 21st century. Prof. Richard Henry Friend from Cambridge University (UK), Chair of the VinFuture Prize Council, emphasised that semiconductors are the foundation technology of many current technology solutions. Everything from energy systems to telecommunications and computing requires semiconductors. Semiconductors play an important role in development and it is opening up many opportunities and attracting many industries. Prof. Teck-Seng Low, Senior Vice President at the National University of Singapore predicted that semiconductor technology will be the "backbone" of developing many industries as well as attracting talent to countries. Currently, according to Prof. Low, around the world, there is a race to reduce the size of semiconductor chips. Chips have been produced in decreasing sizes from 9nm, 7nm, 5nm, and 3nm. Chips are getting smaller and smaller, and are expected to dominate and improve even more areas of life. The microelectronics and semiconductor industry currently contributes 9 per cent of Singapore's GDP and 42 per cent of total manufacturing outputs. Lessons from Singapore can be applied to development strategies in many countries around the world, including Viet Nam, according to Prof. Low. Prof. Low said Singapore copied the semiconductor technology model of Taiwan (China). Singapore did not use much government budget, but this capital source was a good primer for attracting leading semiconductor companies to Singapore. Singapore also has policies to attract investors. To develop this industry, Low suggested, it is necessary to attract foreign investors and secondly, develop domestic semiconductor companies, combining internal strength and foreign investors. Lessons for Viet Nam Viet Nam has had nearly 10 years of research on semiconductor chips but has not achieved the expected results. Prof. Low suggested that Viet Nam can start like Singapore, by investing in Lab rooms. This investment requires millions of US dollars. Every year, Singapore spends $5 billion on research, but this money will be useless if we do not have talented human resources to develop. Therefore, the strategy to attract good human resources in the field of semiconductors is a prerequisite when you want to start developing this technology industry," said Prof. Low. Emphasising the importance of financial and human resources in semiconductor development, Prof. Low said that Viet Nam can look at Singapore because starting a Lab requires tens of millions of US dollars. Viet Nam can start with a reasonable initial cost when cooperating with a startup model. Prof. Vivian Yam - a member of the VinFuture Award Preliminary Council - also believed that Viet Nam can start on a small scale such as investing in universities to promote research and training. Universities will create high-quality human resources for the semiconductor industry. According to Dr. Sadasivan Shankar, Research Technology Manager at SLAC National Laboratory in Stanford University, USA, the $600 billion electronics industry is mostly focused on computing and services. Participating countries should start from a small scale to gradually develop their capacity. Dr. Shankar believes that developing countries like Viet Nam can establish programmes or funding options to promote education. Chip packaging is a great opportunity for Viet Nam to grasp. Answering the question of what Viet Nam needs to do to develop the semiconductor industry, Professor Nguyen Thuc Quyen, California University, Santa Barbara (USA), Co-Chairman of the VinFuture Award Preliminary Council, said that universities need to train high-quality human resources for semiconductors, training students to both study and practice at businesses. Viet Nam is lacking this high human resource. Viet Nam is a developing country that needs shared infrastructure, which is important to attract investors," said Prof. Quyen. VNS HOA BINH Cooperatives in Hoa Binh Province, as evaluated by the provincial Cooperative Union, play a key role in empowering ethnic minorities by leveraging local potential and regional advantages. These initiatives act as catalysts, inspiring community members to adopt innovative technologies and contribute actively to sustainable poverty reduction. After two decades, cooperative development in Hoa Binh has flourished both in quantity and quality. As of June 2023, the province hosts a total of 763 collective economic organisations, comprising 512 cooperatives, three people's credit funds, and 194 cooperative groups. According to the provinces Cooperative Union, cooperatives have notably enhanced the utilisation of local advantages for production among ethnic minorities. Overcoming initial challenges, the provincial cooperative system has adapted to the market economy, ensuring sustained production and income for labourers. It motivates community members to embrace innovative technologies and actively participate in sustainable poverty reduction. The May Tre an Cooperative in Bui hamlet, Nhan Nghia commune, Lac Son district, established in 2020 with 25 members, has demonstrated significant success in nearly three years. Their handcrafted bamboo products, known for diverse designs and high quality, have gained popularity nationwide and internationally. This success has resulted in stable employment for about 150 members, providing an average monthly income of VN4-VN5 million per person. An additional 200 seasonal workers in the local area earn VN2.5-VN3 million per person monthly. Chairwoman Quach Thi Dung credits the cooperative's success to the support and favourable conditions provided by provincial authorities, emphasising the preservation of cultural identity and the creation of stable employment and income for members. "Beyond passion and the awareness of preserving cultural identity, many artisans and I are dedicated to restoring and passing on valuable experiences in the craft," Dung said. Supported by the Cooperative Union of Hoa Binh Province, Hang Kia and Pa Co, Mong ethnic minority villages, addressed challenges through the establishment of the Hang Kia Tourism and Agriculture Service Cooperative and the A Hiep Cooperative. The Hang Kia Cooperative, with 11 members and a VN200 million capital, achieved an estimated 2022 revenue of VN650 million and an average monthly income of VN4 million per member. Similarly, the A Hiep Cooperative, with eight members and a VN200 million capital, achieved a 2022 revenue of nearly VN500 million and an average monthly income of VN3 million per member. Innovating support mechanisms and policies Situated in the central highlands of Hoa Binh Province, Lac Thuy district is home to a concentrated population of ethnic Muong and Dao people. Since 2017, eight members of the Duong Nam Agricultural Cooperative (in Phu Thanh commune) have collaborated to produce high-quality, economically efficient products on a 13-hectare area dedicated to oranges, Dien grapefruits, and tea. Duong Ngoc Chuc, Director of the Duong Nam Agricultural Cooperative, shared that the primary goal of the cooperative is to play a supportive role for farmers collaborating with each other. This collaboration aims to transition from small-scale, fragmented production to concentrated, high-efficiency commodity production. Throughout its operations, the Duong Nam Cooperative has received consistent attention and support from various levels of government. Notably, the provincial Cooperative Union provided a support fund of VN15 million, while the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Lac Thuy district offered technical assistance, enabling participation in training courses and study tours of effective production and business models. Recently, the Duong Nam Cooperative received recognition from the provincial Cooperative Union as an advanced model in creating regular employment. The cooperative has played a crucial role in providing stable incomes for its members and labourers, contributing significantly to local sustainable poverty reduction. In Hoa Binh Province, effective implementation of ethnic policies, guided by the Party Committee and provincial authorities, is evident. Infrastructure development and targeted support policies have led to a rapid decrease in the poverty rate, down 2.5 per cent from 2021 to 2022 to nearly 13 per cent. Positive shifts in the economic structure and improved material and spiritual lives are notable among ethnic minorities in remote and challenging areas. Hoa Binh Province is prioritising the effectiveness of collective economic models and cooperatives through increased resource concentration and investment. This involves state budget allocation and social mobilisation, especially in challenging ethnic minority and mountainous regions. Reforms in collective economic mechanisms aim to boost membership, scale, and production linkages, enhancing overall economic efficiency. The province also plans to promote trade, expand markets for collective economic products, and stimulate cooperative activities province-wide. VNS South Korea, the United States and Japan shared information on North Korea's cryptocurrency theft and other malicious cyber activities during a meeting of their national security officials Tuesday, the South's presidential office said. The virtual meeting was led by Deputy National Security Adviser In Seong-hwan, U.S. deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies Anne Neuberger and deputy head of Japan's National Security Secretariat Keiichi Ichikawa. The officials shared information on North Korean cyber activities used to fund its nuclear and missile programs, including cryptocurrency theft and fundraising by IT workers, and agreed to work closely together to block such cyber activities in the future, the presidential office said in a press release. The three sides also discussed ways to further expand trilateral cooperation on cybersecurity issues, which it said is expected to reduce the level of North Korea's cyberthreats. (Yonhap) Tanaka Akihiko 2023 is a milestone year that marks the 50th anniversary of friendship and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN. It is an important year in which we reflect on the past 50 years and consider what we should do for future generations to ensure peace and prosperity in Japan and ASEAN for the next 50 years. ASEAN was initially established in 1967 as a consultative body of five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Japan-ASEAN relations began in 1973 when the two parties resolved the friction over the export of synthetic rubber by Japan through ministerial meetings. One of the important efforts was 1977s Prime Minister Takeo Fukudas speech at Manila, which was later to be labelled as the Fukuda Doctrine speech. And he set up three principles: first, Japan rejects the role of a military power. It wouldnt become a military power. Second, Japan will strengthen "heart-to-heart" relationships of mutual confidence and trust with Southeast Asian countries. And third, Japan will be an equal partner of ASEAN and its member countries. In the subsequent decade, in 1981, when Prime Minister Zenko Suzuki visited ASEAN countries, he proposed that Japan cooperate in establishing ASEAN Human Resources Development Centers. These centres served as Japans pioneering project to support human resources development and promoted active exchange among people from ASEAN and Japan. They laid the foundation for todays friendly relationship between Japan and ASEAN. Later, Japan-ASEAN relationships underwent major changes following whats called the Plaza Accord of 1985. Backed by a high yen value, Japanese corporations expanded their investments and businesses in Southeast Asian countries. In parallel, the Japanese government cooperated in developing economic and social infrastructure through its ODA, thus contributing to the development of ASEAN countries. Formally, JICA, the organisation called Japan International Cooperation Agency, was established formally in 1974. One of JICAs foremost projects is the Brantas River Basin development projects in Indonesia, which began in 1961 and continue even today. The projects used Japanese ODA to develop multi-purpose dams, irrigation facilities, and other structures in the Brantas river basin which had often been damaged by floods. As a result of this project, the Brantas river basin became a major rice-producing district in Indonesia, and it became the driving force behind the countrys achievement of rice self-sufficiency in 1984. In the early 1990s, the Cold War structure collapsed, signifying a major turning point in contemporary history. In Southeast Asia, a comprehensive Cambodian peace agreement was reached in 1991 to bring peace to Cambodia and the former Indochina region. From 1995 to 1999, four countries in the Mekong region - Viet Nam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia - joined ASEAN successively. This developed ASEAN into a regional community that covers the entire Southeast Asian region. In the 1990s, following the Cambodian peace agreement, JICA resumed full-fledged cooperation projects for three continental Southeast Asia countries: Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam. JICA provided cooperation in various infrastructure development projects. Examples include roads, bridges, ports as typified by the Sihanoukville port in Cambodia; power plants, medical institutions as exemplified by the Cho Ray hospital in Viet Nam; and urban water supply services in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Vientiane, Laos. Another example is legal and judicial development cooperation with these countries, Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos. This project includes support for the drafting of a civil code and the development of legal professionals. One common characteristics of this intellectual cooperation was joint research, which I believe offers a lot of insight as to the way of cooperation JICA should aim for in the future. In a word, we often use these words nowadays, co-creation of knowledge through shared dialogue and interaction. Since the beginning of the 21st century, economic development in ASEAN countries as well as the establishment of ASEAN Community and the deepening of its integration had been really, really remarkable. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN countries achieved striking economic growth, more than doubling their nominal GDP over 10 years, and came to be known as growth centre of the world. Of course, in 2020, because of the pandemic, ASEAN member states saw negative growth, except for Viet Nam, but since then, they have shown vigorous recovery from the recession. Politically, these countries established the ASEAN Community. ASEAN countries declared the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2003, and they adopted the ASEAN Charter in 2007. At the end of 2015, ASEAN deepened integration among its member states by launching the ASEAN Community, which consisted of the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community, and the Socio-Cultural Community. Due to the economic development of ASEAN countries, the establishment of the ASEAN Community and deepening of integration among its members, and the emergence of ASEAN as an important player in the international community, the relationships between Japan and ASEAN are undergoing considerable changes. ASEAN countries are becoming even more important to Japan, as peace and prosperity in ASEAN leads directly to peace and prosperity in the entire East Asian region, including Japan. JICA will extend its support to strengthen the ASEAN Community and its Secretariat. Today, when we direct our eyes to the world, we find ourselves in the midst of a series of compound crises. These compound crises involve three layers of crises: the outermost layer is the physical system, as typified by climate change and natural disasters; within that outermost layer is what is called the living system, as exemplified by infectious diseases and ecological disasters; and innermost layer is the social system, where there are issues of armed conflicts and geopolitics as well as many economic and social crises. Up to now, traditional international relations studies and international relations policy-making are conducted only as a matter of social systems. But we lay down the nature of compound crises. We are now facing compound crises not just from social systems but interactions of physical systems, living systems and social systems. So, unless we take the interaction of social, living physical systems into consideration, we cannot focus on the cracks of the issue. All humankind - including conflicting parties must work together to build a system of cooperation to address these compound crises. In this context, Japan has been promoting a new rules-based order from Asia to Africa under the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. In response, ASEAN has developed the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Japan will continue to contribute to the development of the Indo-Pacific region together with ASEAN and its member states, which are located at the centre of the Indo-Pacific region. JICA will cooperate with the ASEAN and its members as equal and increasingly more important partners in order to solve global issues. One characteristic of JICAs past technical cooperation, including training programmes, has been that participants from Japan and ASEAN countries learn each others strong points and jointly create knowledge through dialogue and interaction. In the future, JICA will further promote this type of interactive and collaborative programme. Moreover, it is necessary to advance cooperation and exchange between Japan and ASEAN countries in a more multilayered way through various channels in the public and private sectors. Even today, JICA owes much of its activities to the support of our partners in industry, government, and academia. From now on, JICA will consider how we can support such partners activities that contribute to the development and stability of the ASEAN region. We will keep in mind JICAs function as a facilitator for cooperation and exchange activities in the region. Finally, in the words of the Fukuda Doctrine, Japan will strengthen "heart-to-heart" relationships of mutual confidence and trust with Southeast Asian countries, and Japan will be an equal partner of ASEAN and its member countries. Today, these words, announced 46 years ago, become reality. When looking back on the past 50 years of JICAs cooperation, through its financial aid, technical cooperation, and volunteer programmes, what we aimed at and have achieved is the really people-to-people, heart-to-heart bondage that truly cultivated trust between ASEAN and Japan. Thats what the Fukuda Doctrine meant to promote. In order to continue to be a reliable and important partner, Japan must continue to learn from developing ASEAN countries and hold in-depth dialogues to advance together. The next 50 years belong to the young generation. Through this symposium, you will take home with you the visions and insights for action that will enable the people of Japan and ASEAN, including yourself, to work hand in hand to open up a bright future, to face the world together, and to solve global issues. VNS Tanaka Akihiko is JICA President. His opinion was presented at the Symposium to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and ASEAN. HA NOI President Vo Van Thuong examined the training and combat readiness at the Special-task Arm in Ha Noi on December 18, on the occasion of the 79th founding anniversary of the Vietnam Peoples Army (December 22, 1944 - 2023) and the All Peoples National Defence Festival (December 22, 1989 - 2023). The State leader highly valued the soldiers' and officers training and combat readiness. He expressed his pride in the 56-year history of the Arm, which brought into play its particular wisdom, bravery, solidarity, creativity, and unique military art and weathered every hardship to make brilliant feats of arms to join the entire country in liberating and reunifying the nation. In the period of national construction and defence, the arm has shown good performance in advising the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence about the development of the force, fulfilled its function as the armys leading counter-terrorism unit, paid due attention to the Party building, increasingly improved the training quality and combat readiness, and properly carried out defence diplomacy, he said. Pointing out higher national safeguarding requirements and complex developments in the world, President Thuong emphasised the request that the arm stays ready to respond to any circumstances with the best possible results. He ordered the building of the force with particularly firm political mettle and particularly high will that is particularly trusted, absolutely loyal to the Party, the Fatherland and the people, and ready to take and fulfil tasks in every circumstance. Aside from training, the arm also needs to step up the building of a clean and strong Party organisation, enhance coordination with the border guards, coast guards, and police, along with related agencies and units to guarantee the combat readiness to fight peaceful evolution, terrorism and subversive riots, deal with complicated situations in a timely and effective manner, and actively respond to all circumstances, he continued. The President also demanded the arm boost the solidarity with the people, coordinate with authorities to encourage people to comply with the Partys guidelines and the States policies and laws, and assist people in poverty elimination, economic, cultural and social development, as well as natural disaster response. He expressed his belief that the arm will make even greater feats of arms and become comprehensively strong to deserve its status as a particularly elite and faithful combative force of the Party, State, army, and people. VNS HA NOI President Vo Van Thuong hosted a reception in Hanoi on December 18 for visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune. President Thuong welcomed the Lao Deputy PM and a high-ranking delegation from the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) to Viet Nam to attend the 10th theoretical workshop between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the LPRP. He expressed his belief that the workshop on cultural and human development in the development pathway toward socialism - experiences of Viet Nam and Laos will be a success, contributing to deepening relations between the two Parties and countries. According to the President, collaboration between the two Theoretical Councils has become increasingly effective, especially in holding seminars and sharing experiences in building Party documents. Members of the Central Theoretical Council will extensively impart their wealth of experiences gained by Viet Nam, including both successful and unsuccessful endeavours, to the LPRP to study, consider, and refine its Platform on national development, he said. The Lao Deputy PM, for his part, thanked President Thuong for his sentiment to Laos and the LPRP, demonstrating the CPV and the Presidents support for cooperation between the two Parties. He also took the occasion to convey LPRP General Secretary Thongloun Sisouliths regards to Vietnamese Party and State leaders. VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on Tuesday called for promoting "bamboo diplomacy" to continue to innovate, build and develop a modern and comprehensively strong diplomatic sector. Speaking at the 32nd Diplomatic Conference, Trong said the sector must promote its pioneering role in building and safeguarding the nation to successfully concretalise the 13th Party Congress Resolution. The conference, themed "Promoting the pioneering role, building a comprehensive, modern and strong diplomacy, successfully implementing the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress", will review the countrys diplomatic achievements and map out orientations for the future. The outcome of the conference will not only orient the foreign affairs tasks in the next two to three years but also serve as a preparation step for summarising 40 years of implementing the foreign policy during the oi moi (reform) period and setting external relation policy of the 14th Party Congress. In the context of unprecedented global and regional developments along with traditional and non-traditional security challenges, Trong said the sector must regularly update the situation and make accurate forecasts. He said the diplomatic sector must strive to accomplish assigned tasks as stated at the 13th Party Congress which is to implement consistently the foreign policy line of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development; the foreign policy of openness and diversification and multilateralisation of international relations. Viet Nam is a friend and reliable partner of all countries in the international community, actively taking part in international and regional cooperation processes. Diplomacy must always be steadfast in principles and flexible in strategy. Our principles are national independence and socialism. Our strategy is to be mobile and flexible to adapt to every problem, every certain time and partner, he said. The sector must build a team of foreign affairs officials holding quality in ethics and intelligence, and modern professional style as well as proficiency in business and foreign languages, he said. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said since the National Foreign Affairs Conference in late 2021, the diplomatic sector and others have successfully organised 45 visits made by Vietnamese key leaders to neighbouring, traditional and important partner countries and welcomed nearly 50 visits by leaders of countries to Viet Nam, including the historical visit to China of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, visits to Viet Nam by General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden. Those visits have created new qualitative developments in the country's foreign affairs and international integration. Viet Nams relationships with many important partners have been elevated to new heights, political trust with many countries has been firmly consolidated, and cooperation has been increasingly expanded substantively and effectively, he said. On the multilateral level, Viet Nam's international position and reputation continue to be enhanced. Viet Nam has been taking on a lot of international responsibilities well, promoting our role in important multilateral organisations and forums such as ASEAN, the United Nations, the Mekong sub-region, APEC, AIPA, IPU, UNESCO, United Nations Conference on Climate Change, Belt and Road Summit, he said. Viet Nam has made responsible contributions to common world issues such as combating climate change, food security, preserving peace in Africa and providing timely humanitarian support to countries suffering from natural disasters and conflict, Son said. He said Viet Nams economic diplomacy has been expanded and deepened with many partners, contributing to ensuring macro-economic and major balances, promoting economic growth, import and export, attracting new resources, including FDI, ODA, science and technology and bringing Viet Nam into the group of 40 largest economies in the world and the top 20 economies in terms of trade and foreign investment attraction. Minister of Public Security To Lam said the public security foreign policy continues to affirm its role as one of the main pillars of Viet Nam's foreign policy. The public security sectors external relations affairs have strengthened the image of Viet Nam as a peace-loving country, ready to act as a bridge to resolve conflicts and maintain peace, he said. The sector has actively engaged in multilateral forums and developing new laws and standards related to the fight against transnational crime and solving non-traditional security issues, he said. Delivering a remark on Ha Nois foreign affairs, Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Tran Sy Thanh said the city has fostered bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Ha Noi has signed cooperation agreements with many localities from Laos, China, Cuba and the Republic of Korea. In 2023, Ha Noi hosted big diplomatic events such as the 12th cooperation conference between Vietnamese and French localities, the 10th economic corridor cooperation conference between four Vietnamese provinces and cities with Yunnan province (China). Those events have left an impression on foreigners as a dynamic and creative city during the integration, he said. VNS CAN THO Turning the rice fields into a classroom where students are farmers, Associate Professor and Dr Huynh Quang Tin from the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute, Can Tho University, has guided and trained many farmers to become "agricultural engineers". The "agricultural engineers" that were born out of these efforts have successfully engaged in breeding new rice varieties, making significant contributions to rice production in the Mekong Delta region, considered the 'rice bowl' of the country. At the summer-autumn rice fields of Pham Van Long's family in Long An Commune, Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province, Dr. Tin from Can Tho Province and local farmers are busy evaluating the 15 rice varieties that Long was experimenting with. These are rice varieties that Long personally crossbred to identify strains with high yields and strong resilience to the current climate changes. Long told the Vietnam News Agency that previously, he was just a farmer with no interest in selection or crossbreeding of rice varieties. But participating in the "Community rice breeding" class, guided by Tin, sparked the passion for rice crossbreeding in him and his wife. As a farming family without educational opportunities, the enthusiastic guidance and assistance from Dr Tin has helped Long as if he was attending a real university. Not letting down his teacher's encouragement, after 10 years of researching rice crossbreeding, farmer Long successfully crossbred the Long Ho 8 rice variety (LH8), which has been officially recognised for production by the Department of Crop Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The LH8 variety demonstrates good salt tolerance, making it suitable for saline-affected land in provinces such as Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, and other localities in the Mekong Delta region. Additionally, Long continues to research and crossbreed new rice varieties that are adaptive to climate change. He said without the encouragement and dedicated guidance from teacher Tin, along with the support of local authorities, a farmer like him would never have the capability to crossbreed rice, as this is typically considered a task for scientists. Pham Van Nhut, a farmer from Phong Nam Commune, Giong Trom District, Ben Tre Province, said he initially joined the "Community rice breeding" class primarily to learn how to restore local rice varieties that had deteriorated. However, after participating in the class, he developed a passion for selecting and crossbreeding rice. He said participating in the rice breeding class led to the successful restoration of the local OC10 rice variety. He also successfully crossbred the purple rice variety, a distinctive black and aromatic rice. With the guidance of professor Tin, he was encouraged to bring the purple rice product directly to the market. Now, he is the sole farmer in Ben Tre Province with a purple rice product that he produces and supplies to the markets in Ben Tre and HCM City. The purple rice product meets the three-star OCOP standards. Nhut said that the practical field lessons taught by professor Tin have helped him and many local farmers enhance their research capabilities, access new scientific and technical knowledge, apply them to production, and increase efficiency and profitability. According to Tin, alongside training agricultural engineers at Can Tho University, the project "Agricultural knowledgeable farmers" is an essential source for training human resources because farmers are directly involved in practical production, creating products for the Mekong Delta rice industry. While young students may lack experience in production, farmers have a deep understanding of the fields. If equipped with agricultural knowledge and breeding techniques, they can collaborate more effectively, choosing the right rice varieties for their specific land, adapting to current climate change conditions. Dr Tin said there's an old saying, "First is water, second is fertiliser, third is cultivation and fourth is seed." The first three issues have seen the application of numerous scientific and technological advancements by farmers. However, the matter of seeds in production hasn't received sufficient attention. Therefore, providing additional knowledge in breeding and seed selection will gradually change the habits of farmers, leading them towards modern production methods. "Farmers participating in rice breeding have made efforts to learn and conduct research like true scientists to create new rice varieties. They have worked quietly, persistently and passionately, much like true scientists in action." Tin said the "Community rice breeding" project has trained over 30 progressive farmers who are passionate about scientific research. They have received specialised training and participated in rice breeding. As a result, more than 300 pure lines have been developed by these farmers through breeding and testing, providing seeds to the community. Dr. Vu Anh Phap, deputy director of the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute, said the project has focused on enhancing agricultural research capabilities for farmers and local technical officials. The project has trained hundreds of local officials and more than 10,000 farmers on techniques to improve rice seed quality at farms and select new rice varieties to adapt to climate change. "The results of the project have had a great impact. It has created human resources with in-depth knowledge of rice seed production techniques and choosing suitable rice varieties for the locality. "High-quality seeds are being manufactured and supplied to farmers within the community. This not only helps increase productivity and reduce the cost of purchasing rice seeds, but also improves the quality of exported rice, meeting about 30 per cent of the total seed demand for rice production in the Mekong Delta," Phap said. She said Dr Tin is not just a teacher but also a close companion to the farmers. His passion and contributions have greatly impacted the overall development of agriculture, especially rice. He also spends a lot of effort to find many projects to support farmers. The classes conducted beyond the fields have provided farmers from different areas with a platform to connect and share experiences in cultivation and rice variety selection, enhancing agricultural production efficiency. Dr Tin has effectively nurtured "agricultural engineers," gradually steering farmers toward modernised production. With over 80 research works, 15 scientific research projects focusing on varieties and rice plants, and practical application of research findings, he has played a crucial role in improving farmers' production efficiency. VNS THANH HOA Thanh Hoa City has witnessed holistic growth in 2023, with the total capital for development estimated to have reached VN26.2 trillion (US$1.08 billion). This year, the citys average income per capita is approximately VN84.86 million ($3,490), while the total production value is expected to be VN73.41 trillion ($3.02 billion). These achievements were presented in the 12th meeting session of the 22nd-tenure Thanh Hoa City Peoples Council on Monday. Thanh Hoa City has also worked with provincial-level departments and agencies on the Master Plan for Thanh Hoa urban area and Thanh Hoa Province by 2040. Local socio-cultural growth has also been positive with achievements in education and elite sports, according to reports presented at the meeting. Social order and safety as well as national defence and security are also maintained. Speaking at the meeting, Thanh Hoa Citys Peoples Council Chairman and Party Secretary Le Anh Xuan said that this year-end meeting will have a significant workload with important discussions. Reviewing the implementation results of the 2023 socio-economic and national defence-security plans, delegates will analyse and evaluate the citys achievements, as well as identify shortcomings and bottlenecks, and their causes. Based on these lessons learnt, they will decide on the overarching goals and fundamental criteria, tasks and solutions for 2024. The next year is considered a pivotal period in the implementation of the goals set out in the resolution of the 21st Party Congress term 2020-2025, with multiple significant events in the city. Local authorities, departments and agencies are required to effectively carry out Resolution 05-NQ/TU of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Resolution 303/NQ-HND of the provincial Peoples Council. They will also coordinate to complete the procedures of merging ong Son District into Thanh Hoa City, organise the 220th anniversary of the provinces urban administrative centre and 30th anniversary of Thanh Hoa City, as well as the 60th anniversary of Ham Rong Victory. At this meeting, the city Peoples Council will also assess reports from its Standing Committee and departments; as well as from the citys Peoples Committee, Peoples Court, Peoples Procuracy and the Civil Judgment Enforcement Department; discuss and consider approving 18 resolutions on socio-economic development and national security-defence; and review the progress of addressing voters opinions and recommendations. The council will also conduct a Q&A session with leaders of the city Peoples Committee on the programme of building a civil urban area, hospitable citizens. A vote of confidence will also be held for positions elected by the city Peoples Council for the term 2021-2026. At this meeting, the council will also finish the procedure to dismiss Nguyen Trong Thanh, member of the Peoples Committee term 2021-2026, due to professional relocation; and hold additional election for the committees members with Nguyen Thi Oanh, head of the education and training division, and Le Thi Truc Quynh, head of the justice division. The meeting will continue until Tuesday. VNS On the afternoon of December 15, the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center organized a discussion on "Current status and solutions for developing wedding tourism in Da Nang City". Orienting wedding tourism as one of the important market segments in the coming time, the discussion "Current status and solutions for developing wedding tourism in Da Nang City" was organized to connect policymakers and the business community to jointly develop Da Nang into an attractive wedding tourism destination, conveying the message "Da Nang, The Origin of Happiness". The "starting shot" for a series of plans to develop wedding tourism in 2024-2025 Attending the discussion were representatives of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, representatives of the Vietnam Trade Counselor in India, speakers and more than 100 guests attending in person and online who are tourism service providers, wedding services, domestic and international wedding event organizers... The discussion is considered a "starting shot" for a series of plans to develop wedding tourism in 2024-2025, attracting the attention and valuable opinions of tourism workers and organizations. wedding event. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai An is the City Tourism Promotion Center director. Da Nang said: "Tourism workers have cherished the idea of developing wedding tourism for a long time. But this will be when we are determined and unanimous in capturing this market segment, offering an action plan to engage the business community, develop a service ecosystem and create a wedding destination brand that Da Nang deserves." ussion covered the current capacity of Da Nang wedding destination through survey results as well as practical experiences of industry experts, thereby approving the Draft Wedding Tourism Development Plan. Da Nang 2024 - 2025 and Pilot program to attract wedding tourists. At the same time, a special discussion connects with domestic and international wedding event organizers to bring the public useful information about the wedding tourism market and how to attract and meet the requirements of wedding customers in this segment. Also read: Da Nang tourism season is the most beautiful and where to go? Vietnam News - Latest Updates and World Insights | Vietreader.com Golden time for wedding travel In the past 5 years, wedding tourism products have been considered a development strategy for many Asian countries, especially Southeast Asia, taking advantage of the natural resources of tropical islands and cultural values. Unique features and attractive event organization costs. Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are gradually appearing on the list of wedding destinations chosen by the North American and Asian markets - the two largest wedding markets with an estimated value of 28.8 billion USD and 23 billion USD. Not only does it have opportunities thanks to the general growth trend of wedding tourism in Southeast Asia, but Da Nang is also taking advantage of the increase and significant interest of the Indian tourist market, one of the countries famous for its lavish travel weddings with a wedding market value of more than 45 billion USD in 2022 and estimated to reach 100 billion USD by 2025. 2023, although direct flights cannot be restored, the total number of Indian visitors to Da Nang will reach 68,753, accounting for 4.64% of the international visitor structure to Da Nang. Compared to 105,425 total Indian visitors to Vietnam, for every 2 Indians travelling to Vietnam, 1 person will come to Da Nang. Da Nang and surrounding areas soon "caught the eye" of wedding event organizers, with more than 20 Indian wedding events in the past 2 years, and it is expected that 6 weddings will be held in the first 2 months of 2024. At the discussion, many opinions were shared by Indian wedding event organizers about the difficulties in organizing weddings, including the limitations of the local wedding service ecosystem when compared to other countries with familiar wedding destinations like Thailand, as well as obstacles in local management policies. Through connections and open sharing, issues are highlighted and discussed between management agencies and the business community, aiming for specific solutions shortly. Mr. Prabhakar Singh (Parker), Director of Sales and Marketing Furamamam, said that with a beautiful stretch of coastline, the Ba Na cable car system as well as the geographical advantage of being the center of cultural heritage, Da Nang will be an ideal destination for Indian tourists to visit, travel and organize weddings... Also read: What do you see from the international press being impressed with Vietnam's cable car? Vietnam News - Latest Updates and World Insights | Vietreader.com A Da Nang Tourism Association representative also shared that the discussion is considered a push and launch for a series of plans to develop wedding tourism in 2024-2025, attracting attention and valuable opinions. A treasure for those working in tourism and wedding event organizers./. Heineken Vietnam will switch to renewable energy, improve efficiency and cut emissions to achieve net zero emissions throughout the value chain by 2040. As a joint venture between HEINEKEN and Saigon Trading Corporation (SATRA), HEINEKEN Vietnam has a 30-year history with proud marks and achievements. From the first factory in Ho Chi Minh City in 1991, HEINEKEN Vietnam now has 6 factories with more than 3,000 employees across Vietnam. HEINEKEN Vietnam is creating 152,000 jobs throughout the value chain, contributing to 0.7% of the total national GDP. HEINEKEN Vietnam is among the businesses that have contributed the most taxes to the state budget for many consecutive years. Also read: Heineken to invest US$500 million in Vietnam in next 10 years HEINEKEN Vietnam recognized as one of Asias best places to work As a company constantly innovating, the brand combines international experience with know-how and a deep understanding of the Vietnamese market to bring Vietnamese consumers a diverse product portfolio suitable for different needs, preferences and enjoyment times. In Vietnam, HEINEKEN produces and distributes the brands Heineken, Tiger, Larue, BIVINA, Bia Viet, Strongbow and Edelweiss, including products created by Vietnamese beer brewing experts exclusively for Vietnamese people. Specifically, to realize the Net Zero commitment, Heineken Vietnam focuses on the 4Rs strategy with Reduce - reducing energy consumption with advanced equipment and process optimization; Replace - replace fossil energy with renewable energy; Remove - remove emissions residues with carbon offset projects; and Report - report and evaluate impacts throughout the entire value chain, in production, packaging, logistics and refrigeration stages respectively. Read more: Vietnam eyes transition to green production for sustainable value The Heineken factory in Hoc Mon, Ho Chi Minh City as well as all Heineken factories are making efforts to convert to using renewable energy. Photo: HVN In particular, Heineken Vietnam also aims to achieve zero net emissions in the manufacturing sector by 2025. To realize this ambition, the business is focusing on investing in the roadmap to transition to use renewable energy at all 6 breweries. Energy conversion in production The production process of Heineken Vietnam products uses two main types of energy: heat energy, mainly for brewing beer, and electricity for all machinery and equipment. Currently, 6/6 of the company's breweries nationwide use thermal energy from biomass with input from agricultural by-products such as rice husks and sawdust. In addition, all electricity has been approved by Energy Attribute certificates purchased from certified suppliers. The company continues to aim for more radical renewable power solutions, typically the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) and installing rooftop solar energy systems next year. In 2022, the company recorded 96% renewable energy used in production while reducing emissions by 87% compared to 2018. Agricultural waste and by-products are used as input for biomass thermal energy at Heineken Vietnam's breweries. Photo: HVN In 2023, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Group's founding, Heineken - one of the most premium brands of Heineken Vietnam - announced that it is produced with 100% renewable energy in Vietnam, marking a milestone on the energy transition roadmap. Accordingly, all Heineken products produced in Vietnam - including Heineken Original, Heineken Silver and Heineken 0.0 are now produced using renewable energy. Vietnam is the third country to achieve this after the Netherlands and Brazil. Heineken is produced with 100% renewable energy, loved by users. Photo: HVN Cut carbon throughout the value chain. Aiming for great ambitions in 2040, Heineken Vietnam continuously strives to cut carbon emissions throughout the value chain. Notably, in terms of packaging, 98% of glass bottles are reused more than 30 times by Heineken Vietnam, 98.5% of plastic containers are reused for more than 10 years, and specially designed aluminium cans help save thousands of tons of aluminium every year. The company also innovates vehicles and optimizes supplier networks across provinces to improve truck efficiency and minimize emissions in the logistics process. Heineken Vietnam supports installing environmentally friendly refrigerator systems at all distribution channels, helping reduce emissions by 63% compared to conventional refrigerators. Electric forklifts are used at Heineken Vietnam's brewery. Photo: HVN The company's main office area applies new initiatives such as space design to optimize natural light, thereby reducing electricity used for lighting, or a policy that empowers employees to work from anywhere, reducing emissions from travel. Through sustainable initiatives in all operations, Heineken Vietnam also affirms its commitment to accompanying the government's Net Zero roadmap while spreading the spirit of sustainable development to the business community. In a challenging year, 2023, Heineken Vietnam continues to realize its sustainable development ambitions. With continuous efforts, recently, the company was recognized as one of the two most sustainable enterprises in Vietnam at the Announcement Ceremony of Sustainable Enterprises in Vietnam (CSI) 2023. This is the second year Heineken Vietnam has been in the Top 3 Most Sustainable Enterprises in Vietnam in the manufacturing sector for 8 consecutive years, and it is also one of the 5 pioneering enterprises implementing a circular economy and cutting carbon emissions in 2023. Faced with increasing challenges in the field of sustainable development, the representative of Heineken Vietnam emphasized "the importance of expanding cooperation and joint action from all individuals and organizations" to find practical solutions to the carbon neutral problem, replicating good values and aiming for the goal of "For a better Vietnam". Startups in the energy sector from across the Asia-Pacific attract international investment. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched the SolarX Startup Challenge for the Asia-Pacific region at COP28, showcasing its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and driving solar projects in the region. Following the success of the Africa edition, SolarX APAC is poised to be a pivotal force in advancing solar initiatives. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cultivate scalable business models, accelerate global energy transitions, and bridge energy and investment gaps. Dr Ajay Mathur, director general of the ISA said, "The SolarX Startup Challenge epitomises our commitment to accelerating solar deployment in the Asia-Pacific region. We recognise the unique challenge of developing projects in economies requiring renewable energy. ISA is addressing this challenge from both ends. We are collaborating with governments to establish favourable policies and, through SolarX, attracting investments to create a demand where there was none. The 'Solar for She' programme, launched alongside SolarX, aims to encourage more women-led startups, building on the success seen in the Africa leg of SolarX. I hope that these entrepreneurs achieve levels of success that rival the impact and innovation of Amazon and Google." Under the SolarX Startup Challenge, 20 startups from across the Asia-Pacific region will be selected, each receiving a $15,000 cash grant. This initiative, symbolising a commitment to excellence, provides a transformative platform for entrepreneurial success, innovation, and strategic networking. Successful entrepreneurs will undergo an intensive acceleration programme and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals. To facilitate market penetration and expansion, SolarX winners will be connected with potential investors and granted access to diverse markets within the Asia-Pacific region. Dr Mathur added, "ISA has established a Global Solar Facility to unlock investments, and by cultivating entrepreneurs, we aim to foster locally relevant business models and create a robust project pipeline. Through entrepreneurship, finance, and increased investments, we anticipate a transformative shift in enabling a swift energy transition. Our vision is to nurture a new generation of leaders shaping the future of solar energy and contributing to global climate action." The Sequoia Climate Foundation is supporting the Asia-Pacific edition of the SolarX challenge. Christie Ulman, president of Sequoia Climate Foundation, said, "Sequoia Climate Foundation looks forward to continuing its partnership with ISA in championing the widespread deployment of clean, affordable energy solutions across ISAs member countries, which is critically important to the global energy transition. To that end, we are excited to partner with ISA to launch the Asia Pacific edition of the SolarX Challenge, which supports solar scale-up and capacity building in the Asia Pacific region and beyond." Following the success of SolarX Africa, which received 182 applications from 28 countries and produced 20 winning companies, including seven women-led ventures, ISA anticipates that the Asia-Pacific region will play a crucial role in ushering in a sustainable and low-carbon future. The initiative aims to harness the immense potential for solar deployment, driven by entrepreneurship, innovation, and increased investments in the solar energy sector. Vietnam launches Resource Mobilisation Plan for Just Energy Transition Partnership During the World Leaders Summit at COP28 on December 1, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh launched the Resource Mobilisation Plan (RMP), which marks a key milestone towards the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership. Vietnam and Denmark key climate partners: COP28 In light of a green strategic partnership between Denmark and Vietnam established in November, the leaders of both nations have agreed to take concerted measures to further deepen the bilateral relationship. Power purchase agreements just the ticket for Vietnam New rules and the removal of various disadvantages in the countrys current power purchase agreement model could help international finance find its way into Vietnams energy transition process. JETP a crucial step for Vietnams climate ambitions Almost one year ago, the Vietnamese government agreed on a Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to facilitate the transition away from fossil fuels towards cleaner forms of energy. In the months since, there has been a flurry of activity to support the operationalisation of that initial agreement. BAT Vietnam also issued its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report for 2022, outlining its strategic approach. The double awards for sustainability efforts This is the fifth time in the past eight years that BAT Vietnam has been named in the Sustainable Businesses category, demonstrating the companys progress. The circular economy award was based on the company's Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) performance scores and its impressive achievements in reducing energy usage and converting to green energy sources. This has resulted in an annual energy consumption reduction of more than 2,100 tons of CO 2 compared to 2018, zero waste to landfill from both joint-venture factories, and more than 99 per cent of waste recycled. Sustainable development is an indispensable part of BAT Group's strategy and purpose to 'Build a Better Tomorrow'. This is strongly underpinned by its ESG commitments and actions. BAT Vietnams sustainability goals are well aligned with the targets set by the Vietnamese government, which contribute to the National Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 according to the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment from BAT Vietnam is backed by clear, specific, and measurable goals in each pillar of the ESG agenda. According to Pham Hung Anh Tuan, head of operations at BAT Vietnam, the CSI by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an essential tool to support sustainable corporate governance, helping the business community to self-assess the effectiveness and impact of its sustainable development activities, thereby driving and improving sustainability programmes. Accomplishing those indices and being recognised at the CSI 100 Awards 2023 offer businesses like us a valuable opportunity to enhance brand reputation, consolidate the trust of stakeholders, and drive our competitive capabilities, said Tuan. ESG as part of corporate governance This is the second time that BAT Vietnam has issued its ESG report. It provides a strategic vision with clear standards and goals, and offers an overview of the company's sustainable development activities and performance in 2022. To implement their environmental commitments, BAT Vietnam is striving to contribute to the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The business is also adopting circular economy principles, ensuring zero waste enters landfill at both manufacturing sites, and empowering its employees to make changes to minimise their environmental impact. It is working to reduce water consumption and increase the use of recycled water to facilitate sustainable agricultural practices, regenerate degraded forests, and protect biodiversity. In terms of its social focus, BAT Vietnam is committed to improving the livelihoods of farmers in its supply chain through increased productivity and incomes. Ensuring zero accidents company-wide and creating a safe and equal working environment are BAT Vietnam's top priorities as it cultivates a culture of diversity, inclusion and solidarity. For robust corporate governance, the company has pledged to maintain a culture of integrity, with full adherence to the group's Standards of Business Conduct and International Marketing Principles. BAT Vietnam's achievements in sustainable development show a significant step forward on its transformation journey that has required close collaboration with the government. BAT Vietnam creates shared values for the community In March, BAT Vietnam held a ceremony to summarise the Women Empowerment programme and continued to disburse a sponsorship loan for disadvantaged women in Duc Hue district in the southern province of Long An. BAT Vietnam focuses on diversity and inclusion Employers and business leaders around the world have been trying to predict how diversity and inclusion (D&I) trends impact work cultures. Hamzah Fazal, head of Talent, Culture & Inclusion, BAT Vietnam talked with VIRs Bich Ngoc about his views. President shakes up diplomatic, security teams as NK escalates threats By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk Yeol named the new chief of South Koreas intelligence agency and foreign minister, Tuesday, in what appears to be an effort to ensure the continuity of his diplomatic policies amid escalating provocations and brinkmanship by North Korea. Director of National Security Cho Tae-yong was tapped as the director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), a position which has been vacant after former chief Kim Kyou-hyun resigned last month apparently due to infighting over personnel affairs within the spy agency. Cho is a strategist who has served in the countrys key diplomatic and security posts, such as the first vice foreign minister, the first deputy director of national security and the ambassador to the United States, presidential Chief of Staff Kim Dae-ki said during a press conference, highlighting his expertise in South Koreas relations with the U.S. and security issues related to North Korea. As Cho has accomplished achievements in heightening South Koreas international status and establishing an impenetrable security posture, we expect he will upgrade the countrys security and intelligence capabilities, the chief of staff added. The nomination is interpreted as a reflection of the presidents confidence in Cho, who is known for his gentle leadership style and diplomatic capabilities, so that he can stabilize the feuding at the NIS and swiftly fill the void in South Koreas intelligence capabilities. The NIS is the backbone of the countrys intelligence, and it serves a critical role of providing correct information at the right time so that the country can make the right decision, Cho said. I will draw on the best that NIS members have to offer to upgrade the agency to a top-level organization that can compete with any international intelligence authority. Foreign Minister Park Jin was also replaced by former Second Vice Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul. After serving as the South Korean ambassador to Spain, he became the first vice foreign vice minister during the conservative Park Geun-hye administration, showing strengths in multilateral diplomacy. He continued his diplomatic role as Seouls permanent representative to the United Nations and assisting the U.N. in placing sanctions on North Korea. Cho excels in multilateral diplomacy and trade between countries, the chief of staff said. The nominee's expertise in trade and diplomacy will be crucial in addressing diplomatic issues, given the complex interconnection between economic and security interests in the international environment. Park, the outgoing foreign minister and four-term lawmaker, is set to return to politics to run for a fifth term at the National Assembly. I will do my utmost to navigate the countrys diplomacy through the harsh external landscape, and dedicate myself to national security and prosperity, the foreign minister nominee said. Contrary to initial expectations, Yoon did not name the new director of national security. The chief of staff said Cho, the outgoing director, will continue serving the role until his confirmation hearing is completed. The nominations appear to be aimed at continuing Yoons diplomatic and security strategies by filling vacancies in the intelligence agency and the foreign ministry with people familiar with the administrations policies. The announcement came amid worries over a possible vacuum in Seouls diplomatic and security capabilities as North Korea escalated provocations by launching a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile a day earlier. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the launch showed what option he would take when Washington makes the wrong decision, according to the Norths official Korean Central News Agency. Along with the new nominations, the chief of staff said the position of third deputy director of national security will be created under the director of national security, to be in charge of economic security. The agreement is the culmination of discussions between the parties pursuant to an MoU announced in 2021 to identify and acquire a suitable project for development in Vietnam. As intended under the MoU, UOA will hold a 30 per cent stake in the joint venture entity, with CLV holding the remaining 70 per cent. The $247 development budget will be funded by each party in proportion of their respective ownership, with UOAs share coming to just over $74 million. The proposed project is a mixed-use development with an initial proposal consisting of the construction of four high-rise towers comprising residential, commercial and retail spaces, one medium-rise tower comprising residential and retail space, and two low-rise towers offering residential space only. We look forward to being a part of this project with CapitaLand as Vietnam continues to develop and offer further opportunities for our company, read the statement from UOA. On its homepage, UOA introduces itself as one of the leading real-estate corporations in Malaysia. The company was founded and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange under the name United Oversea Australia Ltd in 1987, focusing on development, construction, investment, and real estate management. Since 1989, UOA has its headquarters and business operations in Kuala Lumpur. UOA is known in Vietnam for developing a number of real estate projects in Ho Chi Minh City such as UOA Tower, MarQ, and Millennial Tower in Phu My Hung urban area. Focusing on its core markets of Singapore, China, and Vietnam, CapitaLand's well-established real estate development capabilities spans various asset classes, including integrated developments, retail, office, lodging, residential, business parks, industrial, logistics, and data centres. CLVs portfolio comprises one retail mall, two integrated developments, and over 13,000 quality homes across 17 residential developments in Vietnam. In November, CapitaLand acquired an almost 19-hectare (ha) plot of land from Becamex IDC in the economic hub of Binh Duong province and announced a luxury apartment project called Lumi Hanoi, with a total investment of approximately $760 million. With a total land area of nearly 5.6 ha, the project is expected to start construction in the first quarter of 2024. With an estimated investment capital of approximately $800 million, Sycamore, a subsidiary of CapitaLand plans to build CapitaLands first large-scale residential project in Vietnam with more than 460 low-rise villas and about 3,300 apartments, with a total construction area of about 593,000 sq.m. CapitaLand wins seven PropertyGuru Vietnam Awards CapitaLand Development (CLD) Vietnam won seven awards in both the developer and development categories at the prestigious 2023 PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards held on November 10. Hanoi to organise trade promotion fair for OCOP items in Haiphong, Source: baotintuc.vn The fair is a continuation of an MoU signed earlier by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Hanoi Peoples Committee, and AEON on promoting trade in Vietnamese goods via the Japanese groups malls to achieve the goal of $1 billion by 2025. The event in Haiphong is an opportunity for businesses to introduce and promote consumption connections, seek cooperation opportunities, expand markets and gain access to AEON Groups modern retail distribution system for OCOP products, handicraft products, and typical traditional craft villages of Hanoi and other cities and provinces. According to the organising board, the trade fair is expected to include free booth areas to support localities to promote and introduce agricultural products and regional specialities. In addition, there will have a booth area to introduce speciality agricultural products, OCOP items and traditional craft villages in Hanoi and other localities; an area to promote and introduce speciality agricultural products, OCOP items, and green agricultural products of cooperatives in Hanoi; and connection activities to boost product consumption. The fair focuses on promoting agricultural product groups, regional specialities, processed foods, high-tech agricultural products, green agricultural products of cooperatives, and OCOP items certified with 35 stars. In particular, priority is given to OCOP items with 4 to 5 stars that are given QR codes to trace their origin and have traceability stamps. The fair will include side events such as a conference to connect and promote trade and consumption of agricultural products between Hanoi and Haiphong; on-site product processing activities; cultural exchange activities and ethnic art performances; sightseeing, product shopping and check-in activities. This event is part of a series of practical activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan; implement and concretise cooperation programmes of the Party Committee, Peoples Council, Peoples Committee of Hanoi and provinces and cities nationwide with the spirit of Hanoi with the whole country, the whole country with Hanoi. The Hanoi Centre for Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion (HPA) is a unit assigned by the Hanoi People's Committee to implement cooperation programmes with AEON. Since 2016, it has cooperated with AEON to carry out many agricultural trade promotion activities directly with Vietnamese companies. The two sides have supported local businesses to export agricultural products and foods to the Japanese market through AEON's retail systems. In 2023, the fair was taken place in three periods at AEON MALL Ha Dong and AEON MALL Long Bien. Notably, the first period was held at AEON MALL Ha Dong from June 8-11 and attracted about 70 booths with the participation of about 60 organisations, businesses, OCOP subjects from 20 localities. After that, the fair was held at AEON MALL Long Bien from June 22-25, and back to AEON MALL Ha Dong from September 14-17. HPA is considered a bridge to support and connect the agricultural product suppliers with AEON. In addition, HPA also implements technical support training programmes to improve the awareness and the competition capacity for suppliers. In addition, on December 15-18, HPA organised an event to promote local specialities in preparation for New Year 2024. The event saw the participation of hundreds of businesses, cooperatives, and OCOP entities from provinces and cities across the country such as Lao Cai, Haiphong, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Dak Nong, and many more. It featured 90 booths, displaying over 1,000 products, along with various promotional activities, networking opportunities, and on-site product and processing demonstrations. Vietnam regional specialities fair 2023 opens in Hanoi Hanoi Centre for Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion (HPA) held a ceremony on November 22 to open the Vietnam regional specialities fair 2023, aiming to promote trade between different regions. The event in Hanoi will run until November 26. Specialities fair enhances local trade With a decade of partnering with businesses and localities, a Vietnam local specialities fair is helping to promote trade and business connections while strengthening the local supply and value chain. Domestic investment and trade conference focuses on Hanoi, northwest regions Nearly 300 delegates participated in a conference to promote investment, trade, and tourism between Hanoi and the northwest provinces. The dialogue, jointly hosted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, brought together government officials, diplomats, representatives of international agencies, and more than 200 young people in Hanoi. The participants called for enhanced investment in skills and knowledge transfer as key to increasing youth employment, equipping the young with the tools they need to contribute to the development of Vietnam, and confidently navigating a globalised world. The discussions also contribute to implementing Sustainable Development Goals, the Youth and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Vietnamese Youth Development Strategy for 2021-2030. Nguyen Tuong Lam, secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, standing vice chairman of the National Committee for Youth of Vietnam, said that raising awareness for young people and promoting close engagement in the journey of safe migration were practical measures. "We hope that ministries, departments, international organisations and non-governmental organisations can accompany young people in the establishment of their businesses, as well as creating an environment and providing opportunities for young people to train and improve their skills when participating in the labour market and studying at home and abroad, he said. Park Mihyung, IOM chief of mission to Vietnam, highlighted the potential that young people represent for societies and how migration can be an essential driver for their development and empowerment. "In the future, even more people will be on the move, to seek better lives and diverse experiences. Globalisation and the growth of the internet will create a different world. Therefore, it is even more critical for the younger generation to be encapsulated with knowledge and new skills to navigate this digitalised and globalised world," Mihyung said. In addition, participants had the opportunity to experience the migrants' journey through highly interactive information booths that disseminated necessary knowledge about safe migration, training and upskilling courses, support services for migrants abroad and upon return, as well as overseas education and job opportunities. A number of proposals from young people have been sent to representatives of government agencies, embassies, and international organisations in Vietnam. BIRD-IN-HAND, Pa. (AP) One person was found dead after an early morning explosion and fire at a hotel in the heart of Pennsylvanias Amish-related tourism area, authorities said Monday. State police in Lancaster County said the blast was reported shortly after 2:30 a.m. Monday at the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn in the Lancaster County community of Bird-in-Hand. Trooper James Grothey said arriving first responders reported heavy fire and smoke, and multiple fire departments were sent to the scene. Grothey said one person was found dead and a preliminary investigation indicates that this appeared to be a propane explosion. The name of the person killed was not immediately released. John Smucker, owner of the company that runs the business complex that includes the hotel, said no guests were present since the inn closes the week before Christmas every year for maintenance and repairs, LNP reported. He said the blast, which flattened the front office, was unrelated to repair work since the inn had just closed and the work hadn't begun. Smucker said the restaurant next door was damaged as well and estimated total damage at $1 million to $2 million. CRESCO Sayvonne Jordan will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing his friend in 2022. And as a symbolic measure, Jordan on Monday was sentenced to an additional 10 years for cutting up the body and burning it in his backyard. Nobody wants to see murder at all but to see it done in this fashion, where a family cant even have a body to look at. They have pieces, they have shards, they have unrecognizable things with chop marks in them to remember their loved one by. Thats heinous and monstrous, said Assistant Attorney General Monty Platz, who prosecuted Jordan and secured guilty verdicts for first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse during trial. Authorities allege Jordan, 26, formerly of Elma, blamed Jonathan Esparza for meth that was stolen from his home Oct. 13, 2022. Esparza, 30, of New Hampton, disappeared a short time later, being last seen on the night he told friends he was going to Elma. More than a month after that, investigators found charred bone fragments, car keys and a necklace in a burn barrel behind Jordans home, fragments that were identified as the last remaining traces of Esparza. During a sentencing hearing in Howard County District Court in Cresco on Monday, Esparzas relatives had a chance to vent their feelings. Esparzas father, Henry Esparza, of San Antonio, Texas, attended by a video link, recalling fond memories of his son. This animal took that away from us, Henry Esparza said. This animal who has no respect for life. He called Jordan a coward, bully and a punk and described him as psychotic and evil. No place in society should we have an animal like this, the father said. Henry Esparza said he will remember his son forever, turning to Jordan, he continued you have already been forgotten. When I throw away garbage, I forget about it. I can never forgive you for the horrible acts you did to our Jonathan, said Courtney Chandler, one of his sisters. Another sister, Erin Tyler, said the family knew Jonathan Esparza was wrestling with addiction and had hoped he would turn his life around. Weve seen the destruction that drugs cause, and weve also seen the power of God to transform lives. We had that hope for Jonny. That was taken from him, said Tyler, who urged Jordan to turn to religion. Tyler also talked about the fear she experienced when her brother was missing and how after her brothers remains were found she could only sleep by piping music or an audio Bible through her headphones to drown out the images in her head. The mental torment of hearing how things went down was more than I could handle, she said. Jordan declined to address the court during the hearing. I have nothing to say, he said. His defense attorney argued for a new trial, saying there wasnt sufficient evidence to support the guilty verdicts. Platz resisted the request, saying jurors were able to use the facts of the case to reach their conclusion. We can infer both premeditation and intent from relationships and also by considering some actions taken after the fact. An innocent person wouldnt need to hack a person apart in order to conceal what happened. You wouldnt need to toss those pieces of a so-called friend onto a fire and hoped it burned away, Platz said. Judge Laura Parrish also ordered Jordan to pay $150,000 to Esparzas estate. Platz noted Jordan owned a house and several vehicles, assets that might be liquidated for restitution. Photos: Burn pit homicide trial, November 2023 110823jr-jordan-trial-7 110823jr-jordan-trial-8 110823jr-jordan-trial-9 110223jr-jordan-trial-1 110223jr-jordan-trial-3 110223jr-jordan-trial-2 110223jr-jordan-trial-4 102323jr-jordan-hearing-1 102323jr-jordan-hearing-2 Sayvonne Eugene Jordan 110323jr-jordan-trial-4 110323jr-jordan-trial-7 110323jr-jordan-trial-6 110323jr-jordan-trial-5 110323jr-jordan-trial-9 110323jr-jordan-trial-8 110323jr-jordan-trial-10 110323jr-jordan-trial-11 110323jr-jordan-trial-14 110323jr-jordan-trial-15 110323jr-jordan-trial-12 VIDEO: Murder arrest in missing persons case, January 2023 110623jr-jordan-trial-1 110623jr-jordan-trial-2 110623jr-jordan-trial-4 110623jr-jordan-trial-3 110723jr-jordan-trial-1 110823jr-jordan-trial-2 110823jr-jordan-trial-1 110823jr-jordan-trial-3 121823jr-jordan-sentencing-1 121823jr-jordan-sentencing-4 121823jr-jordan-sentencing-3 121823jr-jordan-sentencing-2 121823jr-jordan-sentencing-5 WATERLOO Trial is back on track for a teen accused of sexually abusing a resident at a Waterloo care center where they both lived. A Black Hawk County judge temporarily suspended the case against Andrew Tyler Bibler, of Quimby, earlier this year pending a competency exam. During a brief hearing Friday, the court found Bibler competent and placed the case back on the docket after receiving a report from the Cherokee Mental Health Institute. Bibler, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is charged as an adult with one count of third-degree sexual abuse. He pleaded not guilty Friday and waived his speedy trial rights. According to court records, Woodbury County Juvenile Court Services placed him at Harmony House on West Shaulis Road for reasons that werent immediately clear. In June 2022, he was seen leaving the room of a woman with mental disabilities, against care center policy that prohibits patents from entering other residents rooms. Waterloo police collected evidence from the womans room, and Biblers DNA was found, according to court records. Records indicate Bibler had confessed to another resident he had raped the woman, and he then requested the residents help in going after yet another resident. At the time, Biblers care plan called for checks every 15 minutes. That was changed to constant direct monitoring following the incident, and he was later moved from the center and sent back to western Iowa, court records state. Criminal charges were filed in May 2023. State regulators with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals found Harmony House allegedly failed to identify his behavioral management needs and didnt adequately investigate the abuse allegations. Records indicate he was also found pulling his pants up in a bathroom with another female resident whose pants were down in March 2021. And his records showed prior sexual conduct was noted while he was at another facility. Counties with the highest diabetes rate in Iowa Counties with the highest diabetes rate in Iowa #25. Emmet County #24. Clayton County #23. Floyd County #22. Taylor County #21. Webster County #20. Marshall County #19. Louisa County #18. Muscatine County #17. Tama County #16. Black Hawk County #15. Pottawattamie County #14. Cass County #13. Monona County #12. Des Moines County #11. Decatur County #10. Montgomery County #9. Clinton County #8. Lee County #7. Appanoose County #6. Woodbury County #5. Buena Vista County #4. Crawford County #3. Wapello County #2. Wayne County #1. Clarke County Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy South Korea will seek to expand maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific as part of efforts to implement its own Indo-Pacific strategy crafted to contribute to regional peace and stability, a senior foreign ministry official said Tuesday. First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin made the remarks at a forum, highlighting South Korea's "unwavering commitment" to doing its part for a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. "Over the last 12 months, government ministries and agencies have put their heads together to design the action plans (for the Indo-Pacific strategy)," Chang said at the pan-government forum held to mark the launch of the strategy a year ago. "In pursuit of peace in the Indo-Pacific, the ROK will expand comprehensive security cooperation, including in maritime security ... We plan to establish a maritime domain awareness platform, which will boost information sharing among regional countries," Chang said, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea. Such efforts will help "eradicate illegal fishing" by supporting capacity building for Southeast Asian and Pacific island countries, Chang said. In December last year, the Yoon Suk Yeol government unveiled the strategy committed to promoting freedom, peace and prosperity through the establishment of a rules-based order under the principles of inclusiveness, trust and reciprocity. It seeks to pursue nine core tasks related to building a rules-based regional order and comprehensive security cooperation, enhancing economic security through cooperation in science technology, and climate change cooperation, and engaging in development cooperation partnerships. Chang said the government also plans to launch various types of Indo-Pacific consultative bodies with major partner countries to promote democracy and a rules-based order. South Korea will offer to forge "tailored" development cooperation partnerships with countries in need and double its official development assistance to the Pacific island countries by 2027 to help build a foundation for sustainable growth. A new regional cooperation fund for the South Asia and Indian Ocean region will be created to achieve these goals, among other plans, Chang said. "Our action plan will serve as a cornerstone, anchoring a strategic and robust footing. This is a long exhaustive list of the ROK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific," he said. (Yonhap) WATERLOO -- MercyOne Waterloo is inviting the community to join their partnership with LifeServe at an upcoming blood drive. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center, 3421 West Ninth St. The LifeServe blood center is now the sole supplier of all blood and blood products to MercyOne Waterloo. As a community-based blood center, the organization hosts blood drives in the communities where that blood will go back into area hospitals. During winter months, inclement weather, holidays and travel can keep donors from coming in to donate. Tragedy can strike at a moment's notice, especially amidst winter weather. For more information or to schedule a donation, visit lifeservebloodcenter.org or call LifeServe at (800) 287-4903. 2023 in review: The most memorable photos of the year An Iowa educator who was fired after police found three pounds of marijuana at her home is entitled to jobless benefits, a judge has ruled. (Photo via Getty Images) An Iowa educator who was fired after police found three pounds of marijuana at her home is entitled to jobless benefits, a judge has ruled. According to state records, Amy Garrison-Perkins was employed by the Waterloo Community School District as a behavior interventionist at Expo Alternative High School earlier this year. In September, police went to the school and served a search warrant on Garrison-Perkins in connection with a search of her home. Garrison-Perkins allegedly informed the districts chief human resources officer that she had a medical-marijuana card, officially known as a Medical Cannabidiol Registration Card, and that because it was too expensive to legally purchase the product from vendors, she was growing marijuana at home. Garrison-Perkins allegedly told district officials she was authorized to have four grams of medical marijuana in connection with her medical prescription, but that law enforcement had removed three pounds of marijuana from her home. Under the terms in which Iowas Medical Cannabidiol Registration Cards are provided, Garrison-Perkins was prohibited from possessing cannabidiol in any form that could be smoked or eaten. Several weeks after the search took place, Black Hawk County prosecutors charged Garrison-Perkins in October with conspiracy to manufacture marijuana. Court records indicate police executed the search warrant at her home after spotting five marijuana plants that were plainly visible in her backyard. A jury trial is scheduled for January. The district fired Garrison-Perkins, and she subsequently applied for unemployment benefits. After a hearing dealing with that application, Administrative Law Judge James Timberland noted that the district had no policies applying to off-duty conduct, and that Garrison-Perkins actions did not involve the school, students or staff. Timberland awarded Perkins unemployment benefits, adding that the decision in no manner condones the claimants off-duty misconduct. Other unemployment decisions Other Iowans whose unemployment cases were recently decided include: Patricia Huffman, a registered nurse who worked for Physicians Clinic of Iowa until she was fired in October for allegedly falsifying records. The clinic alleged Huffman had falsely claimed to have changed a patients dressing on the morning of Oct. 16. After the patient reported he had not been at the clinic on that day, Huffman allegedly stated the care was provided to a different patient she was unable to identify. Huffman was fired after a review of surveillance footage allegedly showed no interactions between her and any patients. An administrative law judge ruled recently that Huffman was ineligible for jobless benefits and ordered her to repay $3,487 in benefits already collected. State records indicate that in 2018, the Iowa Boad of Nursing ordered Huffman to undergo additional training after she was charged with posing as another nurse in order to obtain a refill for medications prescribed to a family member. Emmanuel King, who worked for REM-Iowa as a full-time, direct-support professional and certified medication aide until he was fired in September. As part of his duties, King had provided daily care and medications for eight individuals who required 24-hour care inside a congregate home run by REM-Iowa. Shortly after beginning his overnight shift at the residence, King allegedly left the facility, went home, and fell asleep there leaving the eight residents unattended overnight. An administrative law judge ruled King was ineligible for jobless benefits and ordered him to repay $5,238 in benefits already collected. Bonnie Blake, who was employed as a full-time, direct-support professional for Handicap Village until late August, when she was fired for medication errors. On Aug. 18, a diabetic client cared for by Blake showed signs of high blood sugar. Blake gave the man four units of insulin, plus the amount of his next scheduled dose which wasnt due for several hours and then failed to document the additional insulin doses in the patients medication record. That allegedly caused a worker on the next shift to administer the scheduled dose of insulin, which resulted in the mans blood sugar dropping to a dangerously low, and potentially fatal, level. In June 2023, Handicap Village had disciplined Blake for multiple medication errors. In a three-month period, she had allegedly administered four incorrect dosages of medication, failed to administer one medication, and failed to record the altered dosages in the patients medical records. An administrative law judge ruled Blake was ineligible for jobless benefits. Editor's note: This story is part of 'ESA at 50,' a series that examines the past, present and future of the Endangered Species Act. Often called the "pit bull of environmental laws," the ESA has provided federal protection to nearly 2,000 animals and plants. On its 50th anniversary, it grapples with political uncertainty and unforeseen ecological challenges. Right after the landscape around Gunsight Lake became Glacier National Park, people started improving on its natural bounty. The old Indigenous trail over the U-shaped, namesake notch in the Continental Divide got expanded into a tourist-quality horse route. Great Northern Railroad hotel developers had an elaborate chalet built on its shore two years after Glacier Parks 1910 opening. And a mule-train load of rainbow trout was dumped in its otherwise barren waters. A grizzly bear trashed the chalet kitchen and storeroom shortly after it closed for the summer of 1913. The hasty rebuild went for nothing when an avalanche wrecked the whole building during the winter of 1916. Demolition crews shoved the wreckage into the lake. But the rainbow trout remained. The nonnative fish entertained backpacking anglers for over a century until fall 2023. The formerly fishless lake is fishless again, but not for long. Next summer it will begin a new chapter as a climate refuge for Glacier Parks dwindling populations of native cutthroat, and eventually federally threatened bull trout under an Endangered Species Act recovery plan. In a new tactic to help recover threatened and endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has authorized expanded use of experimental populations to recover animals protected under the ESA. The rule, published in the Federal Register this summer, allows at-risk animals to be transplanted in suitable habitats where they didnt exist before. Gunsight Lake is ideal for cutthroat and bull trout, except for one thing. A big waterfall between it and the rest of the St. Mary Lake watershed is too high for fish to swim over. So while Gunsight sits at a lower elevation than equally famous Cracker Lake in the Many Glacier Valley, Cracker has a natural population of bull trout while Gunsight stayed empty until fish arrived on horseback. The project raises some interesting questions about how to use the Endangered Species Act. How much can or should people manipulate habitat to recover a protected species? And is the 50-year-old ESA up to the challenge of using modern recovery methods nobody anticipated back in the 20th century? Fragile fishery Stocking fish in Montana lakes made lots of human anglers happy, but it fractured the existing ecosystem. Widespread placement of nonnative rainbow trout has hurt westslope cutthroat trout, which lose genetic survival fitness when they hybridize with newcomers into cutbows. The artificial introduction of lake trout in the Flathead watershed proved disastrous, as the predatory lakers devoured the indigenous species in lakes throughout the western half of Glacier Park. Lake trout damage to bull trout populations was one of the main factors the bull trout received Endangered Species Act protection in 1998. Bull trout face a different threat on the east side of Glaciers Continental Divide. There, numbers are dwindling because of hybridization with stocked brook trout (which leaves the resulting offspring sterile) and losses to a decrepit irrigation system pulling water from the St. Mary River. So this fall, GNP fisheries biologist Chris Downs and U.S. Geological Survey aquatic ecologist Clint Muhlfeld started an ambitious effort transforming Gunsight Lake into a refuge for future cutthroat and bull trout. Shortly after the end of the summer tourist season in September, they deployed a field team to kill all the non-native rainbows in Gunsight with rotenone poison. Another crew swarmed up and down Jule Creek with electrofishing wands, and live-captured every cutthroat they could find in the little stream near the Canadian border. About 140 of the Jule Creek cutthroats underwent genetic testing to screen out any hybridized trout, and those with the cleanest genetics got transported to the Creston Fish Hatchery. There, theyre kept in a special pen as they grow to breeding maturity. As soon as they start producing eggs and fry, some of their offspring will be transplanted to Gunsight to restart the fishery there. Others will be returned to Jule Creek to strengthen the remaining indigenous cutthroat population. Once the Gunsight newcomers get established, Glacier Park biologists plant to add bull trout taken from nearby waters. The goal is twofold to have a self-sustaining foodweb supporting native trout species, and for those natives (rather than non-native rainbows) to add future fish to the downstream populations. Critics have challenged the Gunsight project and similar efforts as violations of the federal Wilderness Act, which prohibits the use of mechanized equipment and technology to manipulate the landscape. In November, Wilderness Watch sued the U.S. Forest Service over a similar project to poison non-native fish in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area north of Yellowstone National Park. The lawsuit claims the importance of Wilderness designation was to remove the human hand from shaping the landscape and safeguard the untrammeled, wild ecosystems into the future. That project involves replacing non-native rainbow with Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Ironically, 20th-century fisheries managers planted Yellowstone cutthroats in many Glacier Park waters, not realizing Yellowstone and westslope had significant genetic deviations. Over the past three summers, Glacier Park biologists have been eliminating those Yellowstone cutthroats from the Camas Creek watershed north of Lake McDonald and replacing them with westslope cutthroats. Let the right fish in The precision DNA decision-making gets even more specific on Glaciers east side. Genetic sampling at a University of Montana lab showed nearly all the cutthroats in the St. Mary watershed had troublesome levels of hybridization with non-native rainbows. A few fish from nearby Rose Creek and Two Dog Creek were hybrid-free, but upon further review turned out to be from hatchery transplants most likely descended from Bob Marshall Wilderness populations. See which species are endangered in the U.S. Explore which species in your state have made the endangered species list. Thats much too distant for the projects requirements. Park biologists even rejected cutthroats from Midvale Creek in East Glacier those trout were part of the Missouri River watershed genetics. St. Mary fish need to come from the Saskatchewan River watershed, which has its iconic separation at Triple Divide Peak, about 10 rugged miles southwest along the Continental Divide. East of the divide, we have very few populations of native cutthroats left, Muhlfeld said. And those that are left are fragmented and isolated. Protect what you have left thats the first rule of conservation. Shifting landscapes At a policy level, the option to move cutthroat and bull trout into Gunsight Lake might not have been legally possible a few years ago. Several challenges to the ESA have questioned whether a recovery plan can include placing species in habitats that are suitable, but not historically used by that critter. That doesnt legally matter much in public land like a national park, but its gone all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court when private land gets included in a protected species critical habitat. The plight of the dusky gopher frog in Alabama got that far, as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to save the frog included transplanting it in ponds where it had never been detected before. As Tate Watkins of the Bozeman-based Property and Environment Research Center put it, a law that pits people who could provide habitat for rare frogs or snakes against those very species is entirely counterproductive. That approach certainty helps explain why less than 3% of species have ever recovered and come off the list. Fights over the potential fallout from delistings account for much of the rest. Natural resource law expert Sean Skaggs noted that loosening the rules around moving species to novel habitats was a reasonable response to the threat of climate change. But he added that the Fish and Wildlife Service's lack of funding for recovery programs might make the change too little, too late. "We are at a critical juncture where the effects of climate change could wipe out decades of species conservation gains," Skaggs wrote in a 2023 Environmental Law Institute review. "In the face of such exigent circumstances, focusing on habitat protection and adaptation strategies seems akin to putting a finger in the dike." A 2022 Princeton University study found that funding for ESA species recovery efforts has fallen by 50% since 1985. Almost two-fifths of the fiscal 2020 ESA funding went to just 10 species, all of which were fish. One of those lucky top 10 is the bull trout. While moving at-risk fish around hasnt encountered too much objection, a similar effort to transplant an experimental population of grizzly bears into the Bitterroot Mountains along the Montana-Idaho border recently barged back into the news. As part of its grizzly recovery plan, the FWS had designated a 5,800-square-mile Bitterroot Ecosystem as a place to restore the historic-but-extirpated bear population. That plan was finalized just as the Clinton presidential administration handed the reins to George W. Bushs Interior Department, which put it on ice. This fall, a federal district judge ruled that because the plan was never officially canceled, FWS had unlawfully failed to complete its duty and must get back to work. However, in the intervening two decades, some wild grizzly bears had taken up residence in the Bitterroots. That meant the use of experimental transplanted bears needed a complete re-evaluation, the judge wrote. That will take even more time. Grizzly bears are both highly adaptable and mobile. Keystone fish species have proved far less resilient, whether faced by a too-tall waterfall or a too-tough competitor. And as those fish depend on mule trains or other artificial means to get to new habitat, they will need on humans to do the literal heavy lifting. 50 years of the ESA: Explore this series, in photos Eimear Dodd A teacher accused of sexually assaulting six young men has told his trial that he made a major mistake to have a student sleep in bed beside him. The 59-year-old man has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault in relation to six complainants on dates between March 1991 and November 1997 at locations in Co Dublin. The man was in his 30s at the time of the alleged offences, while the six complainants were then aged between 17 and 24. Giving evidence on Monday, the accused denied any sexual interaction occurred between him and the complainant who was first to give evidence to the jury. This complainant was then an 18-year-old student. He told the jury that he stayed at the man's house on a night in November 1997 and slept in his bed. He gave evidence that the man's mouth made contact with his penis. He told Michael O'Higgins SC, defending, that this complainant got into the bed beside him as his home was not particularly warm. He said next thing he knew, the light went on, and the teenager was out of bed and getting dressed. He said the teenager dressed quickly and seemed nervous and agitated. The teenager then left his apartment. The accused said he got a fright, and wondered what was going on. He said he later went back to sleep. He said he got up and left for work the next morning. He said while driving he became concerned as this is a serious incident, he shouldn't have been there. I was wondering why he left, what he might have said or how he would explain how he left the house. He said he went to work, then felt ill and returned home where he was concerned and agitated. On the face of it, a student had run from the house of a teacher... he should not have been in my house... it should never have happened. I should have known better." 'Major mistake' The accused said he accepted it wasn't appropriate that the student was in his bed describing it as a major mistake. He agreed with his counsel that the school's principal visited him during the day and showed him a letter written by the student which alleged a sexual interaction had taken place between him and the accused. The man said he was really shocked and concerned when he saw the letter. My recollection of what I said was 'that reads very badly'. I dont remember saying is this a P45 job. The accused denied that the incident outlined in the letter had taken place. Mr O'Higgins then asked the man about his interactions with the second complainant to give evidence to the jury. This complainant said he woke up on a night in early 1994 to the accused man performing oral sex on him. He told the jury he turned onto his side and the accused mirrored his movement before moving his penis against my back, bottom and hips. The man said this complainant hopped into bed beside him as they were both freezing. We were in a spooning position - me with my back to him. I could feel his penis against my back and I performed oral sex on him in my bed. He said this complainant turned away from him and continued to masturbate while he rubbed himself against the sheets. When asked by Mr O'Higgins if he said anything, the accused replied: no. He continued: It was all furtive, thats how it worked in the 1990s. To be a homosexual in 1990s was a criminal offence. It was very much taboo. Mr O'Higgins put to him that this complainant said he was sleeping on the floor. The accused disagreed, adding that the complainant started on the floor but got into bed beside him as it was cold. He insisted that the oral sex occurred in his bed. The man was then asked about the third complainant who gave evidence to the jury. The now 54-year-old third complainant previously gave evidence that he stayed at a friend's house in the early part of 1994 along with the accused. He said he woke up to his face and neck being licked by the accused man. He said there was a hard penis against him and a foot grappling with his boxer shorts. He said the accused man's penis was hard against the top part of his bottom and he was gyrating against me. When asked by his counsel, the accused said he had no recollection of being at that house with this complainant. He further denied the sexual interaction took place saying, I wasn't there. Mr O'Higgins then put to him that this complainant said he elbowed him to make the behaviour stop. The man said: "If he elbowed me, I'd remember it. Interview transcripts Earlier on Monday, transcripts of the man's interviews with gardai were read to the jury. The accused was interviewed voluntarily on nine separate occasions by gardai. During these interviews, the man agreed the first complainant stayed at his house, but denied any sexual contact took place. He initially denied any sexual contact with the second complainant and said he was shocked by the allegations. In a later interview, the man told gardai he had performed oral sex on this complainant. He said he deeply regretted denying it. The accused also denied any sexual interactions occurred with the third and fourth complainants to give evidence. He subsequently told gardai there had been sexual contact with the fourth complainant. He said he never put pressure on this student, and knew what had occurred was inappropriate. He said there were four incidents of oral sex on a reciprocal basis at his home with this complainant. The man also rejected any sexual encounter with the fifth complainant, who alleges the accused sexually assaulted him in the toilet of a pub. The accused said, it's lies. The man initially denied any sexual interaction with the sixth complainant, but told gardai in a later interview that he assumed he [the sixth complainant] was interested in something intimate occurring. He said he performed oral sex, but denied attempting penetrative anal sex. The trial continues before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and the jury. Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (18 December 2023) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems repelled ten attacks of assault groups of AFU 21st, 115th mechanised, 95th air assault brigades near Sinkovka, Liman Perviy, and Terny (Kharkov region). AFU losses were more than 60 Ukranian troops, one German-made Leopard-2 tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces units supported by artillery repelled one attack of the AFU 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade south-eastern of Kuzmino (Lugansk Peoples Republic). The enemys losses amounted to up to 220 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, one tank, three armoured personnel carriers, five motor vehicles, as well as one Slovakian-made Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery system. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by artillery and heavy flamethrower systems repelled nine attacks launched by assault groups of AFU 24th, 28th mechanised, 79th air assault, 81st airmobile brigades close to Kurdyumovka, Belogorovka, Leninskoye, Shumy, and Maryinka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In addition, aviation and artillery launched strikes at AFU manpower and hardware near Kleshcheyevka and Andreyevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy has lost up to 190 Ukrainian personnel, five infantry fighting vehicles, including one Bradley, and two motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, two Msta-B howitzers, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and three D-30 howitzers were eliminated. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by Operational-Tactical aircraft, helicopters, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems repelled four attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 79th Air Assault Brigade near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemys losses amounted to 90 troops, three pickups, as well as one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In Zaporozhye direction, two attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 117th Mechanised Brigade near Novoprokopovka (Zaporozhye region) were repelled by the Russian Group of Forces, air strikes, and artillery fire. Moreover, the Russian Armed Forces inflicted fire damage on manpower pf AFU 33rd, 65th mechanised, 128th mountain assault brigades near Rabotino, Zherebyanka, and Nesteryanka (Zaporozhye region). The enemys losses amounted to 30 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, as well as one D-30 howitzer. In Kherson direction, as a result of actions of the Russian Group of Forces supported by artillery and aviation, the AFU lost up to 50 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded and three motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin, one Polish-made Krab, and one Msta-B howitzer were destroyed. Operational-tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Group of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation destroyed one command and observation post of the AFU 1st Operational Brigade of National Guard near Serebryanka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), as well as manpower and military hardware in 113 areas. Air defence systems shot down 25 unmanned aerial vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Topolevka, Verkhnekamenka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Gorlovka, Berestovoye, Spornoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Alyoshki (Kherson region), as well as two U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles. In total, 553 airplanes and 259 helicopters, 9,861 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 14,165 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,189 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,382 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,437 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. Tags: WtR The annual Dodge County Shop with Cops took place on Saturday, giving children throughout the county the chance to not only see Santa Claus but also shop for their families with the help of Dodge Countys finest. There were 59 children from Dodge County who participated this year, with about 63 officers from a variety of departments assisting the children with their shopping, Beaver Dam Lt. Jeremiah Johnson said. This is our 21st annual event, Johnson said. Each kid has a budget of $175 to shop with officers. Half of the group will go to Walmart, and the others to Fleet Farm. The funds are from donations from very generous individuals and businesses in and around Dodge County. The goal is to share the spirit of giving, by kids shopping for their family members, and to have a positive experience with a law enforcement officer. The program was started by former Dodge County Sheriff Pat Ninmann in 2003 when she heard about a similar program in Fond du Lac. Ninmann was a dispatcher at the time. The first year, children had $35 to get presents for their families. Children met with Santa Claus and their officer at The Watermark before being splitting into groups that shopped at either Fleet Farm or Walmart on Saturday morning. Upon returning, officers and kids are treated to breakfast, pizza and holiday snacks, Johnson said. While they eat, 4H volunteers (Santas helpers) help and wrap the purchases for the kids. Kids go home with the wrapped gifts for their families, as well as a Shop with Cops sweatshirt and a care package. Later, the photos with Santa are sent with a Christmas card from the organization. Officers volunteer time for the event from agencies including the Dodge County Sheriffs Office, Beaver Dam Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Mayville Police Department, Dane County Sheriffs Office, Hustisford Police Department, Juneau Police Department, Horicon Police Department, Brownsville Police Department, Waupun Police Department and the State Patrol, along with agents from Wisconsin Probation and Parole, Dodge County Sheriffs Office cadets and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources employees. In years past, we have had employees from other counties and various federal agencies shop with us as well, Johnson said. We saw an increase in officer involvement and an increased need in the community with over 150 applications from kids and families. We also were able to increase the amount each kid shops with, all thanks to the generous donors in the community. The officers who participate also enjoy then event and getting a chance to know the youths in the community a bit better than they would without it. Too often when police are knocking on the door late at night, its not good news, Johnson said. This program gives us a chance to have a positive interaction with kids and families and spread some Christmas cheer. Most cops are paired with kids from their jurisdiction. This is Dodge County Shop with Cops main event, but we also host Cops and Bobbers, where kids learn to fish with an officer, as well as Shop with Cops Summer Edition, where kids shop with an officer for their yearly school supplies. We also participate in shopping for various adopt a family type events, Johnson said. Donations are accepted at the Dodge County Sheriffs Office and the Beaver Dam Police Department. Dodge County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony Memorial001.jpg Memorial002.jpg Memorial003.jpg Memorial004.jpg Memorial005.jpg Memorial006.jpg Memorial007.jpg Memorial008.jpg Memorial009.jpg Palestinians inspect the home of Issa Bani Fadl after it was blown up by the Israeli military in the West Bank village of Aqraba, near Nablus, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Fadl was arrested as a suspect in a shooting attack that killed two Israelis this past summer. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed) In this undated photo provided Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with his daughter and officials, inspects what it says is an intercontinental ballistic missile being prepared before launching from an undisclosed location in North Korea. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form South Korea, the United States and Japan on Tuesday launched a system to share North Korean missile warning data in real time, the defense ministry said, in the latest effort to bolster trilateral security cooperation against the North. The three sides also jointly established a multiyear plan for trilateral military drills as agreed by their defense chiefs in a three-way meeting in November as they seek to better counter evolving North Korean nuclear and missile threats. "The three countries established the system to detect and evaluate missiles launched by North Korea in real time to ensure the safety of their citizens and enhance related capabilities," the ministry said in a release. The system's activation comes just a day after North Korea launched what it claimed to be a Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the regime's fifth ICBM launch this year. Leader Kim Jong-un said the launch showed what option the North would take "when Washington makes a wrong decision." The ministry did not provide details on the type of data to be shared by the three sides, but Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said in a media interview Monday they would include the missile's presumed launch point, flight path and expected point of impact. As the U.S. has bilateral alliance treaties with South Korea and Japan, it has had a data sharing system with each ally, but there has not been a direct data linkage between the two Asian neighbors that have long been in historical feuds stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula. The ministry said the three countries have also approved the multiyear exercise plan, starting next year, noting that they plan to regularize military drills and stage them in a more systematic and efficient manner. "Today's progress in cooperation ... will advance a new era of South Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation," it said. "The three countries will continue to strengthen trilateral cooperation to respond to regional challenges and ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Korean Peninsula, and beyond." In November last year, President Yoon Suk Yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed to share the missile warning data in real time in a joint statement at their Phnom Penh summit. The three leaders also agreed to operationalize the system by the end of this year and to hold "annual, named, multi-domain" trilateral exercises on a regular basis to enhance cooperation at their Camp David summit in August this year. (Yonhap) The history behind the Crazy Horse Memorial in Black Hills, South Dakota, is nearly as interesting as the history of Crazy Horse himself. A legendary Native American, members of his family commissioned a massive sculpture in his likeness that is still in the process of being made. As of today, it is the largest in-progress statue in the world. Crazy Horses legacy Crazy Horse was a legendary war leader of the Oglala Lakota, born around 1840. He was the son of a medicine man and was raised by the women of his family. By the time he reached his teenage years, he had proven himself to be a skilled warrior. During a time of contention between Native Americans and colonizers, Crazy Horse successfully fought the US government and its soldiers against the encroachment of their territories. He rode into battle with a single hawk feather in his hair, a rock behind his ear, and a lightning symbol on his face. Crazy Horse has always been remembered as someone who put the needs of his people above his own. In 1877, Crazy Horse met with members of the US federal government at Fort Robinson under a flag of truce to discuss negotiations. However, these negotiations broke down after the translator incorrectly translated what Crazy Horse was trying to say. Soldiers then detained him and escorted him to the jail. When he realized what was happening, he struggled and drew his knife. This prompted another soldier to lunge at Crazy Horse with his bayonet, inflicting a fatal wound on him. Not long after the injury, Crazy Horse died. Henry Standing Bears initiative to start the memorial In the late 1930s, Crazy Horses maternal cousin and Oglala Lakota chief, Henry Standing Bear, recruited Polish-American sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to build a memorial to Crazy Horse in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Ziolkowksi had previously worked on Mount Rushmore under Gutzon Borglum, whom Luther Standing Bear, Henry Standing Bears brother, wrote to in 1931 advocating for Crazy Horse to be added to the Rushmore memorial. In his letter, Luther Standing Horse wrote how it would be most fitting to have the face of Crazy Horse sculpted there. Crazy Horse is the real patriot of the Sioux tribe and the only one worthy to place by the side of Washington and Lincoln. However, Borglum never replied. When Henry Standing Bear reached out to Ziolkowski, the latter accepted the commission and spent three weeks with Henry Standing Bear, learning all about Oglala history and culture. One of the important factors about the project was that it did not accept any government funding and instead was privately funded. In order to get permission for the barren mountain in the Black Hills, Henry Standing Bear offered his entire 900 acres of fertile land to the federal government. His offer was accepted, and while they tried on multiple occasions to offer $10 million for the project, government funding has never been accepted for the project. Its going to be a work in progress for a while When Ziolkowski died in 1982, his wife, Ruth, took over the project as CEO and made some pretty sizeable changes to the way things would be carried out. Her husband had wanted the horse to be completed first, but Ruth made the switch to focus on the face of Crazy Horse. Her thinking was that by completing the face, there would be an increase in interest around the memorial, which would raise tourism and funding for the project. The memorial has continued on as a family affair, as after Ruth died in 2014, some of her children and grandchildren took over to continue working on the project. Completion of the Crazy Horse memorial is open-ended when construction first started in 1948, it was estimated that the project would be completed in 30 years time. That clearly didnt happen, and so timelines have been compartmentalized to monitor progress. As of 2022, the hand, arm, shoulder, hairline, and top of the horses head have been estimated to be finished by 2037. Excellent Progress made in Lithium Carbonate Refinery Study Melbourne, Dec 19, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Universe Limited ( ASX:LU7 ) is pleased to report the excellent progress of the Engineering Study by Hatch Ltd (Hatch) on the Company's Quebec Lithium Processing Hub (QLPH) multi-purpose battery-grade lithium carbonate refinery. The Refinery is rated at 16,000 tpa with an assumed feed grade of spodumene at or around 5.5% Li2O. The final lithium carbonate product should be at least 99.5% and 99.9% grade. Target plant availability is 84% and target overall recovery rate for lithium is 85%. Anhydrous sodium sulphate, generally used in the textile industry, will be sold as a by-product. The aluminasilicate residue from the leached spodumene will be sold to the cement industry. The finalized design flow sheet (See Figure 1*) illustrates how the front end loader operation and belt conveyors feed spodumene concentrate from the stockpile area to the calciner. The concentrate is calcined at 1080degC in a direct-fired rotary kiln to convert the alpha spodumene to the leachable beta spodumene. The calcining kiln off-gases will pass through a cyclone and an electrostatic precipitator to comply with environmental emissions limits. The hot calcine is indirectly cooled and dry-milled to less than 300 micronm. After storage in a surge bin, the beta spodumene is mixed with concentrated sulphuric acid and roasted at 250degC in an indirectly heated kiln. The sulphating kiln off-gases will be cleaned in a wet scrubber to meet site environmental emissions limits. The sulphated spodumene is cooled and fed to the leach circuit. The combined leached solids and precipitated impurities are thickened prior to being filtered in a belt filter. The filtrate is combined with the thickener overflow and passed through a polishing sand filter and an ion exchange column to remove residual calcium, magnesium and other multivalent cations before the lithium carbonate area. The solution entering the lithium carbonate production area is heated and then reacted with a hot sodium carbonate solution in a single crystalliser operating at 95degC. The coarse crystals from the crystalliser are thickened before passing to the centrifuge circuit. Raw lithium carbonate is further purified to battery grade using the carbonation process. After slurried in demin water, soluble lithium bi-carbonate is formed from the bubbling of carbon dioxide gas. The solution is filtered, and lithium carbonate is re-crystalised when the solution is heated using injected steam. Carbon dioxide gas is re-generated which is recycled to the front end of the purification process. Battery-grade lithium carbonate is centrifuged and dried in an indirect-fired kiln at 120degC. The dry coarse lithium carbonate is air-milled to less than 6 micronm in a microniser and then pneumatically conveyed to the storage bins and bagging stations. Anhydrous sodium sulphate is produced from the vacuum evaporative crystallisation, dried, packaged and sold to the textile industry as a by-product. The design closely resembles that of the Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate Plant but is more robust and capable of processing various types of spodumene concentrate from Canada and around the world. The company has developed a draft overall site layout to account for Canadian climate conditions, and defines roads required for delivery of raw materials and shipment of products and co-products. See Figure 2*. So far, the Hatch Study team has provided a Block Flow Diagram (BFD) and Process Flow Diagrams (PFD). They've also delivered a Mass Balance along with Process Design Criteria (PDC), which showcase mass flows, splits, and anticipated tonnages concerning significant equipment. The progress made thus far has been excellent. Hatch has also completed a location study for the optimal site selection for the Company's proposed 16,000 ton per annum battery-grade lithium carbonate refinery, which is an integral part of the Company's Quebec Lithium Processing Hub (QLPH). The location study involved an evaluation of various potential locations, with more than 20 municipalities contacted, and relied on recent site location benchmarks from both 2021 and 2023. Based on the location study, Lithium Universe has opted to concentrate on the Becancour Industrial Park located between Quebec City and Montreal. The company has initiated discussions with the Societe du parc industriel et portuaire de Becancour (SPIPB) concerning the Becancour Industrial Park. Mr Iggy Tan, the Chairman of LU7 said "The progress of the engineering study for the QLPH Lithium Refinery by Hatch has been excellent, setting the stage for the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS). Considering our listing in early August this year, the pace and quality of work demonstrated by Hatch, guided by the Company's Lithium Dream Team, has been pleasing". *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/U5ZZZ822 About Lithium Universe Ltd Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Galaxy team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited. Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe's mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects. Related Companies Kachi Project Phase One Definitive Feasibility Study Sydney, Dec 19, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lake Resources NL ( ASX:LKE ) ( LK1:FRA ) ( LLKKF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce the results of its Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") for Phase One of the globally significant Kachi lithium brine project in Argentina. The Kachi Project ("Kachi", "Kachi Project" or "Project") Phase One DFS demonstrates that Kachi is a tier one project, backed by a significant resource and strong economics positioning it competitively within the growing lithium market. Kachi Project Phase One Financial Highlights - The Project boasts a post-tax NPV8 of US$2.3 billion and an internal rate of return ("IRR") of 21%. - Targets battery grade lithium carbonate revenue of US$21 billion and US$16 billion EBITDA for the 25-year life of mine ("LoM"). - Targets annual average EBITDA of US$635 million and EBITDA margin of 76%. - US$1.38 billion estimated initial Capex for Phase One is within the range provided in the previous operational update. - US $6.05 / kg of lithium carbonate equivalent ("LCE") estimated run rate Opex for Phase One is within the range provided in the previous operational update. "Kachi commands an NPV8 of US$2.3 billion and an IRR of 21% with targeted $21 billion revenue and $16 billion EBITDA for Phase One. These are very strong and competitive economics," Lake Resources CEO David Dickson said. Mr. Dickson added: "Demand growth is expected to continue with strong forecasts for the next two decades - at the time our top tier Project comes into production. Kachi will be producing a high-quality, high-specification battery grade product to match this increasing demand." This Project will bring much needed lithium into the expanding electric vehicle automotive and energy storage systems markets. Currently, lithium demand is on pace to grow from less than one million tonnes LCE in 2023 to over four million tonnes LCE in 2040, a 9% compound annual growth rate ("CAGR"). Kachi has taken an innovative approach to lithium brine extraction to advance sustainable and responsible lithium production through the application of ion exchange Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE"). The process design for Kachi has been developed in partnership with Lilac Solutions ("Lilac") and is supported by a rigorous field-testing program. Project and Resource Highlights - Total resource is estimated at 10.6 Mt LCE, a globally significant resource. - 25-year mine life supported by maiden Ore Reserve statement. - Phase One targets a production of 25 thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa) over the LoM to meet the growing demand and specifications of the battery market. - DLE process tailored to mitigate impact on the local community with minimal disruption to land, freshwater table, and water usage. - The Project targets production of consistent battery grade lithium carbonate (greater than 99.5% purity) at site without the need for further refining or processing. - Kachi is targeting first lithium in 2027 with ramp-up to full capacity by the end of 2028, which is forecast to coincide with the start of a prolonged period of structural deficit for battery grade lithium chemicals. - Long-term pricing forecasts used in the DFS are reflective of the forecasted lithium supply deficit. Proven Process from Brine Extraction to Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate - The Project operated two campaigns at the demonstration plant at site from October 2022 to November 2023, processing 5.2 million litres of brine and producing over 200,000 litres of lithium chloride eluate while also allowing for increased operational experience and optimization of Lilac's DLE technology. - Additionally, the Project has produced in excess of 1,300 kilograms of greater than 99.5% purity lithium carbonate at Saltworks demonstration facility to ensure that the commercial flowsheet will meet expectations and to have in place product samples for potential offtake parties. - Utilizing Lilac's proprietary ion-exchange DLE technology eliminates the need for upstream or downstream evaporation ponds for lithium concentration, reducing the footprint of a traditional brine evaporation operation by greater than 90%. - The demonstration plant vessels, which hold the ion-exchange material, are approximately one-third the size of commercial-scale vessels. This significantly reduces scale-up risk and increases process uptime. - The extraction plant is conservatively designed for 80% lithium recovery within the DLE process and an overall plant recovery of lithium greater than 75%. This is significantly higher than traditional evaporation pond recoveries (40%-60%). - The Project is designed to inject the de-lithiated (spent) brine directly back into the salar, minimizing the risk of subsidence and impact to the reservoir in this semi-desert ecology. This would be the first application of brine reinjection in an Argentinian lithium brine project and the extensive project field work in 2023 has demonstrated that this plan can be deployed. This Phase One DFS marks the next important milestone in the development of the Kachi Project, building on the field, test and engineering work performed over the past two years and represents a credible, de-risked execution plan to support delivery of the Project. Next Steps The critical next steps of the Kachi Project involve: - Initiation of a strategic partnering process for the Kachi Project, led by Goldman Sachs. - Commencement of negotiations with potential offtake partners to secure binding offtake agreements, in tandem with strategic partnering process. - The submission of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("EIA") in early 2024, in support of the Catamarca Province development permit application. - Selection of a Front-End Engineering Design ("FEED") / Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management ("EPCM") contractor for the Process Plant. - Selection of an Independent Power Producer ("IPP") for design, permitting, regulatory approvals, construction and operation in accordance with the Power Purchase Agreement ("PPA"), which is to be negotiated. - Continued engagement with Export Credit Agencies and the supporting commercial banks for project financing. - Opportunities to further improve overall project Capex and Opex. - Final Investment Decision ("FID") is targeted for Q1 2025. *To view the detailed Summary Report of the Kachi Project DFS, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/E97STS59 About Lake Resources NL Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising state-of-the-art ion exchange extraction technology for production of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project in Catamarca Province within the Lithium Triangle in Argentina among three other projects covering 220,000 ha. This ion exchange extraction technology delivers a solution for two rising demands - high purity battery materials to avoid performance issues, and more sustainable, responsibly sourced materials with low carbon footprint and significant ESG benefits. Related Companies CLEAN HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGIES CORP - INVESTMENT UPDATE Clean Hydrogen Update Perth, Dec 19, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - At a shareholders' meeting held on 21 June 2022 BPH Energy Limited ( ASX:BPH ) shareholders voted unanimously to approve an investment in hydrogen technology company, Clean Hydrogen Technologies Corporation (Clean Hydrogen) together with BPH's 35.8% investee Advent Energy Ltd (Advent), Clean Hydrogen is based in the United States and has established a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in India, 6 hours north of Mumbai, for the purposes of research and development of its hydrogen technology. As previously announced on 27 October 2023, in October 2023, BPH, Advent and Clean Hydrogen entered into a Loan Conversion Agreement whereby BPH and Advent together now have an interest of 19.5% in Clean Hydrogen. BPH and Advent (together, the Purchasers) have been assessing new investment opportunities, where there are ever increasing obligations to provide energy solutions with a responsible management and protection against carbon emissions. In 2019, the International Energy Agency reported that the transitioning from hydrocarbons such as coal and oil to hydrogen, produced with no CO2 emissions, is now presenting real economies and growth globally (report prepared for the G20 held in Japan, titled The Future of Hydrogen Seizing Today's Opportunities). Clean Hydrogen has developed and tested its processing capabilities which have successfully produced hydrogen, with no CO2 emissions, achieving on average above 90% cracking efficiency. Cracking efficiency refers to the percentage of hydrocarbons broken into solid carbon and hydrogen per hour. This high level of cracking efficiency has been consistently achieved across proof-of-concept tests undertaken by Clean Hydrogen in 2022 and 2023. Clean Hydrogen have tested the performance of a number of catalysts in the period between April 2022 and September 2022 and have determined that several of the catalysts have given methane cracking conversion rate (efficiency) more than 90%, for several hours. To achieve these results, Clean Hydrogen currently uses methane as its feedstock however, in the future, plans to use natural gas as its feedstock through the pyrolysis method (explained further below). Clean Hydrogen's development activities and testing have shown that, by pyrolysis processing (not burning) methane gas using its catalyst in a modified fluidised bed reactor, it can produce hydrogen with no CO2 emissions. This is referred to as Turquoise Hydrogen, which is hydrogen that is produced using a process called pyrolysis, where the feedstock is natural gas (specifically the hydrocarbons such as acetylene, methane, butane, propane, and others). Pyrolysis is defined as the method of heating solids, liquids, or gases in the absence of oxygen. The pyrolysis process is not new and has been used by the oil industry for many years. What is new, is Clean Hydrogen's success in the efficiency of its cracking the methane into Turquoise Hydrogen with non-CO2 emissions and the quality of the carbon black produced, being majority Carbon Nano-Tubes (CNTs), which are highly conductive and used in battery manufacturing. In Clean Carbon's testing, the majority of the carbon formed (over 80%) from cracking hydrocarbons to date are CNTs. This type of carbon was determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, which enables the high-resolution imaging of single nanoparticles with sizes well below 1 nm or micron, as is the case for CNTs. The Clean Hydrogen process is more specifically called a thermos-catalytic pyrolysis, which uses 800-900 degrees heat centigrade in the reactor in the absence of oxygen. The Company confirms that there are no non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions that are produced or released as a result of Clean Hydrogen's production process. Steam Methane Reforming vs Clean Carbon pyrolysis process Over 80% of the world's hydrogen is produced using a process called Steam Methane Reforming (SMR). The Clean Hydrogen process requires similar energy needs as SMR and at scale, Clean Hydrogen is of the view that it can be produced at a similar price. Clean Hydrogen's Chief Science Officer, Dr Vivek Nair (PhD material science engineering) has examined research undertaken by Nuria Sanchez-Bastardo, Robert Schlogl, and Holger Ruland published in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 2021 60 (32), 11855-11881, which shows that the electrical energy required to produce 1kg of hydrogen from SMR is 8.81 kwh, 39.69kwh for electrolysis and 5.24kwh for pyrolysis at the reaction level. As such, the pyrolysis process requires less energy than SMR to achieve cracking and uses the same feedstock, natural gas. This energy analysis is conducted without considering the benefits from the use of a catalyst in the pyrolysis process, such as Clean Hydrogen's catalyst, which implies that pyrolysis at scale can be cheaper than SMR. Further, as the process creates two products, which are hydrogen and CNTs, the combined income source provides a means to produce hydrogen at a cheaper net cost. Clean Hydrogen The Clean Hydrogen solution is being built with flexibility to work downstream at heavy transport fuelling hubs currently in use in the USA, mid-stream at steel plants replacing coking coal and upstream where the natural gas is processed into hydrogen, a much higher energy source which can be piped for all uses including the production of electricity. As such the technology being developed by Clean Hydrogen's solution requires very little change and impact to existing infrastructures and supply chains, unlike other solutions. Clean Hydrogen has produced hydrogen beyond lab scale tests at the CoE and is now planning to scale up to a commercial production in 2024. There are three (3) stages to Clean Hydrogen scaling to commercial production: Stage 1 Completed Stage: Clean Hydrogen has completed work in 2022 / 2023 on how to scale the catalyst production at the CoE. They have also scaled the reactor to 1/3 of the internal diameter of the full scale commercial system reactors planned for use in Stage 3, explained below. Stage 2 Current Commercial Stage: Before moving to Stage 3, Clean Hydrogen plans to demonstrate the commercial viability of its two (2) products; Turquoise Hydrogen and solid carbon. This will be performed using a reactor half the internal diameter of the Stage 3 reactor. It will also require Clean Hydrogen to build the end to end process for separating out the hydrogen from the uncracked hydrocarbons and then compressing it into hydrogen bottle storage. Clean Hydrogen will demonstrate the commercial viability of its products by selling a carbon product called carbon composite made from majority based CNTs and Alumina and bottled hydrogen of 99%+ purity. Clean Hydrogen is currently in the final stages of the assembly of the end to end systems for this. Stage 3 Scale and Commercial: The Stage 3 system is planned to have two (2) reactors working together, illustrating that Clean Hydrogen can scale several reactors together. Clean Hydrogen's final customer systems are planned to have a network of several reactors working together. Stage 3 is planned for completion in 2024. About BPH Energy Limited BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company developing biomedical research and technologies within Australian Universities and Hospital Institutes. The company provides early stage funding, project management and commercialisation strategies for a direct collaboration, a spin out company or to secure a license. BPH provides funding for commercial strategies for proof of concept, research and product development, whilst the institutional partner provides infrastructure and the core scientific expertise. BPH currently partners with several academic institutions including The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT). Related Companies Rwandan PM, senior Chinese political adviser discuss bilateral relations, cooperation Xinhua) 13:30, December 19, 2023 KIGALI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente met Sunday with Mu Hong, vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), discussing bilateral relations and cooperation. During their meeting in Rwanda's capital city of Kigali, Ngirente thanked China for its long-term and selfless support for Rwanda's economic and social development. The prime minister reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation pragmatically and efficiently, describing China as a trustworthy partner of Rwanda and other African countries. Mu, who is also the head of the China-Africa Friendship Group of the CPPCC, said that China-Rwanda relations have remained strong over the years. China has always viewed and developed China-Rwanda relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to work with Rwanda to actively implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries for the benefit of the two peoples, he said. Mu also breifed Ngirente on Chinese modernization and the Belt and Road cooperation. During his four-day visit in Rwanda, Mu and his delegation also met with Mukabalisa Donatille, speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, and Wellars Gasamagera, secretary general of the ruling party Rwandan Patriotic Front. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) South Korean troops in the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom have been allowed to carry guns in response to North Korea's redeploying of weapons in the Joint Security Area (JSA), the United Nations Command (UNC) said. The two Koreas had agreed to pull back firearms in the JSA in accordance with a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, but North Korean military personnel in the area have begun carrying guns since late November after it vowed to restore all military measures halted under the accord. The move came after South Korea partially suspended the military tension reduction deal and resumed aerial surveillance near the border in protest of Pyongyang's Nov. 21 spy satellite launch. "Given the KPA's current armed security posture, the UNC has authorized trained and qualified members of the guard forces on the UNC side of the JSA to re-arm to protect both civilian and military personnel," UNC spokesperson Col. Isaac Taylor told Yonhap News Agency over the phone, referring to the Korean People's Army (KPA), the North Korean Army's official name. "This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution, but UNC has also informed the ROK government and KPA of its position that a disarmed JSA is safer and more peaceful for the Korean Peninsula and that this can be achieved by reimplementing the previous UNC-KPA agreements," Taylor added. ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name. Despite the recent decision, the UNC said it remains committed to its role of overseeing the Korean War armistice agreement. "The United Nations Command has reassured Korean People's Army counterparts that it intends for the JSA to remain a place for dialogue and armistice agreement implementation," Taylor said. The defense ministry said South Korean personnel in the JSA have been carrying arms since early December as part of countermeasures against the North's rearmament in the area. "The UNC has taken the action to protect civilians and military personnel," ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu said in a regular press briefing. South Korea has bolstered military readiness after North Korea test-fired a Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Monday, the fifth ICBM test this year. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the missile launch was conducted to "take a powerful warning measure under the grave situation" and ordered the military to "take more offensive actions" against threats by enemies, according to the North's state media. (Yonhap) Cover Images/AP/Koi Sojer/INSTARimages Movie The actor, who had been cast to play Kang - the central antagonist in the Multiverse Saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was found guilty of assaulting his ex Grace Jabbari. Dec 19, 2023 AceShowbiz - Jonathan Majors is said to have been dumped by Marvel after he was found guilty of harassing and assaulting his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. The "Creed III" star, 34, was being lined up as one of the future leading faces of the superhero movie studio, but has reportedly been dropped by bosses after a jury delivered the verdicts on Monday, December 18. Variety reported just after the finding was reached in court that a "source close to the studio" said it had "parted ways with Jonathan Majors." The actor had been cast to play Kang, the central antagonist in the Multiverse Saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has been convicted of two misdemeanor counts of harassment and assault of his ex-partner Grace. Majors was also found not guilty of one count of intentional assault in the third degree and one count of aggravated harassment in the second degree. The actor was arrested on March 25 on assault and harassment charges, after Grace accused him of assaulting her in the backseat of a private car after she took his phone to read a text message he had received from another woman. She alleged the star forcefully took his phone back from her, causing an "excruciating" injury to her right middle finger. And she said when she got out of the car Majors hit her on the back of her head and then tried to force her back into the car, causing a cut behind her right ear. Majors denied he assaulted Grace and his defense team alleged she was the aggressor when she took his phone. During the actor's nearly two-week trial, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office released a series of texts between him and Grace, as well as an audio recording that was used evidence. It included messages in which Majors seemingly attempted to persuade Grace not to go to hospital following a head injury and another in which the actor threatened suicide. In the audio, Majors tells Grace she needs to act like Corretta Scott King and Michelle Obama, because he's "a great man" who is "doing great things, not just for me, but for my culture and the world." Majors could be jailed for up to a year when he is sentenced and the case could spell the end of his Hollywood career at a time when he was being tipped for an Oscar for his role in the unreleased film "Magazine Dreams". The Hollywood Reporter has said Majors was set to front 2026's "The Avengers: Kang Dynasty", which has now been renamed "Avengers 5". You can share this post! Cover Images/Instagram/Milla Cochran Celebrity The 'Mama June: From Not To Hot' star insists on keeping custody of Anna's 11-year-old daughter Kailtyn after being slapped with a lawsuit by the late star's ex-husband. Dec 19, 2023 AceShowbiz - Mama June a.k.a. June Shannon has vowed to fight for custody of Anna Cardwell's first child. The "Mama June: From Not To Hot" star shared her intention to keep custody of Anna's eldest daughter, 11-year-old Kaitlyn, after being sued by her late daughter's ex-husband. The reality TV star broke her silence after Anna's former husband Michael Cardwell, who is the biological father of Anna's youngest daughter Kylee, filed a lawsuit against her. Speaking to TMZ on Monday, December 18, she revealed that "she hasn't been served with any legal papers yet." Though so, she told the outlet that she "can see him in court." According to Mama June, Kaitlyn "wants to stay with her and her husband" Justin. She went on to insist that a change in custody "would be going against [Kaitlyn's] wishes." She also claimed that Anna "wanted Kaitlyn to live with" her prior to Anna's death. She further alleged that Michael knew about Anna's wish regarding Kaitlyn's caregiver. Noting that Kaitlyn's biological father "has never been involved in her life," Mama June believed that it is best for Kaitlyn if she "be the one to step into the parent role." She additionally told the outlet, "At the end of the day, the girls have lost their mother so why put them through this." Mama June's statement came after Michael sued her for custody of Kaitlyn. Michael, who took full custody of Kylee since Anna's passing, insisted in legal documents that he has "fully and completely undertaken a permanent, unequivocal, committed, and responsible parental role" of Kaitlyn. In the court papers, he also claimed that he has been paying for Kaitlyn's education. Michael further argued that he has "engaged in consistent caretaking of the child and established a bonded and dependent relationship with the child." He continued, "Both petitioner and parent understood, acknowledged, accepted and behaved as though the petitioner is a parent of the child and accepted full and permanent responsibilities as a parent of the child without expectation of financial compensation." Elsewhere in the papers, Michael alleged that "Anna has been raised by her maternal grandmother in Griffin, Georgia since she was approximately eight years old and only returned to the home of June Shannon when she was 17. Anna has had a very sordid relationship with her mother throughout her life and went various periods of time without speaking to her." He added, "Likewise, June's presence in the minor child's life has been inconsistent." Prior to the lawsuit, it was reported that Mama June is "currently in custody" of Kaitlyn and is planning to "become Kaitlyn's legal guardian" following Anna's passing on December 9. Mama June reportedly has "a very close bond" with Kaitlyn, who is her first grandchild. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The 19-year-old content creator on an adult platform is showered with praise by her devotees after showing off her new hairstyle in a video via social media. Dec 20, 2023 AceShowbiz - Sami Sheen has found a creative way to surprise her devotees. The OnlyFans model, who is the daughter of actor Charlie Sheen and actress Denise Richards, attracted the attention of her fans via social media with her stunning hair transformation. On Sunday, December 17, the 19-year-old content creator on the adult platform made use of her TikTok page to debut her new hairstyle. At that time, she uploaded a video highlighting before and after the hair transformation. In the beginning of the clip, it could be seen that Sami was filming herself while showing off her light blonde hair, which was let loose and was long enough to reach her chest. She appeared to have kept her locks natural without styling it. In addition, she confidently flaunted her makeup-free face. All of a sudden, Sami appeared in the same clip with a whole new look. She looked flawless with her eye-catching brunette locks, which were apparently longer than her blonde hair. The light brown tresses were styled into waves and parted in the middle. While showcasing the new hairstyle, the model, who was wearing a skin-tight short-sleeved black tee, also showed off full glam on her face. She looked fresh with her makeup, consisting of pink lipstick, long lashes, thick black eyeliner and bright pink blush on her cheeks. She enchanted the look with a pair of silver earrings and a matching necklace. Along with the video, Sami exclaimed in the caption, "SHE'S BRUNETTE!!!!!" adding a brown heart emoji. She also explained the reason why she dyed her hair, "[I] had to give my hair a break from the bleach & it already feels so much healthier #fyp #newhair #brunette #blondetobrunette #hairtok." It did not take long for Sami to be showered with praise by TikTok users. In the comments section, one in particular gushed, "You're glowing up in so many ways holy." Making a reference to Sami's mother, another marveled, "This hair color has Denise alllll over it. Very flattering!" A third praised, "It looks sooo good I love the dark hair," adding a slew of smiling faces with heart eyes emojis. You can share this post! Authored By: Mr. Sachin Shah, Founder, The Hype Capital The infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ignited a revolution, reshaping how brands and creators forge connections with their audiences. Beyond being a mere set of algorithms, AI has emerged as a visionary artist, sculpting narratives that not only engage but deeply resonate with the intricacies of human expression. Imagine AI as a silent hero, armed with sophisticated machine learning algorithms and the finesse of natural language processing, propelling the evolution of how we create and consume content. It's not just a tool; it's a dynamic force that blurs the lines between machine and human creativity. To truly harness the power of AI in content creation, understanding these intricate mechanisms becomes paramount. At the heart of this creative evolution lies the pursuit of engagementthe holy grail that transforms content from a mere conveyance of information into an interactive experience. In the AI arena, engagement takes centre stage in a symphony where algorithms assume the role of conductors, orchestrating a dynamic interplay of content generation based on intricate user preferences. Thanks to the magic of A/B testing and sophisticated real-time analytics, AI optimizes content delivery, ensuring maximum impact and resonance with diverse audiences. AI's impact on content creation transcends the confines of algorithmic assembly lines. Automated tools, fueled by the prowess of AI, are challenging traditional notions of human creativity. Customization takes a quantum leap, with AI not just creating content variations but tailoring them to diverse audience segments and adapting strategies based on nuanced user behaviours. Let's explore some ways in which brands and content creators can seamlessly integrate AI into their creative processes: Dynamic Content Generation: AI analyzes real-time user preferences, enabling the creation of dynamic content that adapts to individual tastes and behaviours. Example - Netflix's recommendation algorithm. Precision in Audience Targeting: Advanced segmentation allows AI to identify specific audience groups, enabling brands to tailor messages with precision, enhancing relevance and engagement. Example - Amazon's advanced segmentation. Behavioral Analytics: AI-driven analytics delve into user behaviours beyond demographics, providing insights to captivate audiences with tailored content. Example - Spotify A/B Testing for Optimization: Through A/B testing, AI determines the content elements that resonate best with the audience, leading to optimized and more engaging content. Example - Google Personalized Recommendations: AI algorithms analyze user interactions to offer personalized content recommendations, enhancing user experience and increasing the likelihood of continued engagement. Example - Alibaba Beyond that, they can be used for various use cases. Below are some examples of tools that brands and creators can use for content creation: Canva: Canva's AI-powered tools assist users in creating visually appealing social media graphics by suggesting design elements, layouts, and colour schemes. Hootsuite: Hootsuite utilizes AI to analyze social media trends, recommend optimal posting times, and provide insights into content performance, aiding in effective social media management. Buffer: Buffer employs AI algorithms to schedule posts at the most optimal times for maximum reach and engagement across various social media platforms. Lumen5: Lumen5 uses AI to transform text content into engaging video presentations, enabling brands to create compelling visual content for social media. Adobe Spark: Adobe Spark integrates AI to assist users in creating stunning graphics, web pages, and video stories for sharing on social media platforms. ChatGPT by OpenAI: Brands can use ChatGPT to develop AI-powered chatbots for social media platforms, providing personalized interactions with users. Sprout Social: Sprout Social incorporates AI to analyze social media data, offering insights into audience behaviour, content performance, and trends for informed decision-making. (Not an exhaustive list. There are tons of tools and it is best to do your research to find the relevant tools) Yet, it's essential to recognize that AI isn't a solitary entity; it's a collaborative partner in the content creation process. Training teams to seamlessly integrate with AI tools becomes not just a strategic imperative but a necessity for those seeking to thrive in the creative landscape of the future. The synergy between algorithms and human creators sparks innovation and sets the stage for a journeyfrom generative adversarial networks to immersive AI experiences. Before fully embracing AI, creators and brands must weigh a few considerations. Evaluating the Return on Investment (ROI) of AI integration becomes crucial in navigating the cost-benefit landscape. Amidst the buzz of AI, preserving the authentic human touch emerges not just as an art form but as a strategic imperativea meticulous brushstroke of humanity on the canvas of algorithms. Striking the right balance between the automated and the authentic becomes the hallmark of exceptional content creators and brands. As we traverse this transformative landscape, the question beckons: Have you started creating content with AI? (Please note the examples are just for references. One needs to do their research and look for things that are most suited for their requirements) Get ready for the grand reveal! NDTV x WhosThat360 presents the inaugural WhosNext 2023 Influencer Awards at Hyatt Regency, Delhi. The much-anticipated event is here! NDTV and WhosThat360 present the grand WhosNext 2023 Influencer Awards on December 19th at the Hyatt Regency in Delhi. It's not just an awards night; it's a celebration of the hard work and creativity of our favourite creators. In its inaugural edition, the Influencer Awards aim to acknowledge and reward the standout influencers who have left an impactful mark in the digital space. From entertaining content to impactful messages, these influencers have shaped the digital landscape, and now it's time to honour their contributions. National Talent Hunt Winner to be Announced Adding to the excitement, the event will also unveil the winners of the National Talent Hunt. WhosNext 2023 received an overwhelming 8000 entries, showcasing incredible talent across various categories. The grand stage will be set to announce the name that stood out as the ultimate winner. NDTV and Whos That 360 present Whos Next Influencer Awards 2023, a one of its kind initiative brought to you by Special partner Conker, Home appliance partner Panasonic, partner Trigo, marketing partner Socialveins, Energy drink partner Hustle, Gifting partner Rica x Mr Barber, Vero Moda, Jack & Jones, and supported by Invincible. Expect a night filled with glamour, glitz, and star-studded moments as the best in the business gather under one roof. The Influencer Awards promise to be a spectacular extravaganza, bringing together top-notch talent and industry enthusiasts. Stay tuned as we share more details in the coming days. Get ready to witness the influencers' world at its finest, and mark your calendars for a night to remember! For More Details - Pls. reach out to https://www.whosthat360.com/influencer-award-2023 Team Fighter, in a pioneering move launches an innovative initiative, #ThankYouFighter, to pay a sincere tribute to the unsung heroes of our nation the Indian Air Warriors. This heartfelt campaign aims to express love and appreciation towards the brave souls serving in the Indian Air Force (IAF). To facilitate this initiative, Team Fighter has launched a dedicated platform, www.thankyoufighter.com. This platform serves as a digital canvas inviting individuals to share their heartfelt messages in the form of virtual paper planes, a simple yet powerful act to honour the spirit and valour of the Indian Air Force. The website shares a name - personalised badge for each person who shares their message. It's a unique way to say #ThankYouFighter for those who protect the skies of our country. Team Fighter has also collaborated with PVR Inox, placing drop boxes in 10 cities across 30 locations, allowing the masses to drop in their handwritten and warm messages. Additionally, in an effort to engage young minds, Team Fighter has partnered with 300 DAV Schools across 23 states. Viacom18 Studios has sent eco-friendly seed-based papers to these schools, inviting children to write heartfelt messages, forging a connection between the younger generation, nature, and their appreciation for the Real Fighters of the Indian Air Force. #ThankYouFighter is a unique endeavour designed to unite citizens from every corner of our country, across generations, in sharing their gratitude towards our Air Warriors, through heartfelt messages, showcasing their admiration and support for the commitment and sacrifices made by the IAF personnel. Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios, and Producer of 'Fighter' shared, With #ThankYouFighter, we aspire to convey our appreciation and respect for our Air Warriors. This initiative is not just about our film, but about honoring those who safeguard our skies and our nation. This initiative encourages participation from all, inviting individuals to visit www.thankyoufighter.com and contribute their messages, symbolizing their heartfelt tribute to the brave guardians of our nation. Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Minister Atishi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the fresh summons of ED to CM Arvind Kejriwal and said that the saffron party uses these agencies to scare and that they will not be scared by the threats of ED and CBI. Hitting out at the BJP, Atishi said that the party fears Arvind Kejriwals model of governance; thats the reason why the leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party are being sent to jail. It is clear the BJP is scared of the Aam Aadmi Party and the model of governance of Arvind Kejriwal, which is why the leaders of our party are being sent to jail one by one. The BJP uses these agencies to scare us, she told ANI. If Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia join the BJP, all cases against them will be dropped, like in the cases of Ajit Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal. I want to tell the BJP that we will not be scared by threats from the ED and CBI, the AAP leader added. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday issued fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning on December 21 in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. The Delhi CM was first called by the federal agency to appear on November 2, but he did not depose, alleging that the notice was vague, motivated, and unsustainable in law. The said summons is not clear as to the capacity in which I am being summoned, i.e. as a witness or a suspect in the above-mentioned case. Please recall the said summons, which is to say the least is vague and motivated, and I am advised, unsustainable in law, Kejriwal stated in his letter to Jogendar, Assistant Director, ED. When asked about the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled for today, Atishi said that in the meeting, important points like seat-sharing and others would be discussed. In the meeting today, important points like seat sharing and others will be discussed. AAP and Arvind Kejriwal will make every possible effort to make INDIA alliance a success, she said. The combined opposition INDIA alliance will hold its fourth meeting in Delhi today. Alliance leaders like Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Samajwadi Pary chief Akhilesh Yadav have arrived in the capital for the critical meeting. Ahead of the meeting there is a question mark on who will lead the alliance should they decide on contesting the 2024 election as a unified force. In its editorial, Saamna, the mouthpiece of UBT Sena in Maharashtra, said, Who is the face of the INDIA alliance in 2024? Who is the one infront of Narendra Modi? These questions will have to be answered. The India alliance needs a coordinator and a face. The Congress should understand that a hundred cooks spoil the taste of food. If the Congress party has to defeat the BJP, then it will have to discuss these two issues with its friends and take a decision. In a sarcastic post on its official social media account, the BJP wrote, What will happen in the INDI Alliance meeting today? Watch this trailer. Lashing out at the Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Admi Party National Convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, the BJP further wrote in its post, Watch the dark exploits of the arrogant Alliance in episode 3, How Arvind Kejriwal made the countrys capital a gas chamber and how the people of Delhi are paying the price for Kejriwals false promises. The party took pot shots at the opposition by sharing a clip of a Hindi movie and a video featuring key leaders of the ruling AAP. Seat sharing for the Lok Sabha polls, which are just a few months away, is likely to be at the top of the agenda for the next INDIA bloc meeting and will be crucial for Congress, particularly as the party lost the recent Assembly elections in the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. The first meeting of the joint opposition convened in Patna on June 23 and the second meeting was held in Bengaluru on July 1718. The third meeting happened in Mumbai on August 31September 1. In India, every hour, numerous girls get abused, molested, and raped, but hardly any of these cases are reported. Even if they are reported, getting justice is also a big hoax. Assault is the fourth most common crime against women in India. There are several forms of violence against women. Violence against women related to modesty encompasses assaults intended to outrage a womans modesty and insult her. The recurrent abuses and usurpations of women throughout human history have been done with the intention of establishing their dictatorship over them. Women were usually thought to be weak and susceptible to exploitation. Violence against women has long been regarded as a fact. Slapping, hitting, and harassment by men in their lives have become common phenomena. Although there is no gender-specific profile of domestic violence victims, it is commonly found that women make up the majority of the victims. For a variety of reasons, women from almost every levelfrom the upper class to the lower class, from the educated to the uneducatedare victims of abuse. The Indian Constitution provides numerous guarantees to shield women from discrimination as well as to uphold their dignity and strengthen their sense of empowerment. These include providing women with protection through the adoption of laws like the Domestic Violence Act, which was adopted in 2005 and became effective on October 26, 2006. But these laws are of no use. No doubt Indian societies have committed atrocities towards women but there is another side to such stories too. Men need justice and sometimes they too get bullied by women. Recently in Mumbai, Thane, a young model was subjected to nastiness by her boyfriend. When I saw her pictures of her swollen lips, ravaged limbs, and gaping wounds on social media, I was really disturbed. While the girl is now recovering at a hospital, her boyfriend was arrested and released the next day. According to the womans social media posts, her lover, who is the son of Anilkumar Gaikwad, the joint MD of MSRDC, tried to mow her down with his car after a fight in Thane city. Two of his friends were also involved in the crime to support their friend. Whereas, Priya Singh was constantly abusing Ashwajit, his wife, and friends because she was frustrated. Priya Singh, a social media influencer and a beautician from Thane, shared a post on her Instagram page stating that on December 11, her boyfriend Ashwajit Gaikwad had invited her to meet him and allegedly ordered his driver to run her over with his car. She claimed that when she tried to take her belongings from the accuseds car, the driver tried to mow her down, leaving her with serious injuries. Three bones of her right leg are broken; they have been operated on. From her left shoulder to her hips, Ive got deep injuries. Following her complaint, the Thane Police registered a case under relevant sections of the law and formed an SIT to probe the case. An offence has been registered under sections 279, 338, 323, 504, and 34 of the IPC. A primary investigation has been done by the local police officers. No doubt the accused person is not only rich but also influential due to his fathers big position. Priya met Ashwajit through a common friend and after meeting frequently, they developed a bond. Their friendship continued for years, while Ashwajit Gaikwad is a married man and a father of lovely kids. In a post on her Instagram page, Priya wrote: I had a four-and-a-half-year relationship with my boyfriend. We were completely in love with each other. I did not know earlier that he was married. Later, when I came to know, he told me that they (his wife and him) were not together anymore; they had separated. He said that he wanted to marry me. I was staying with him for a long time. Ashwajit Gaikwad is married to a very elegant and reputed woman who is known to the entire Thane. He and his wife are very well together and are parenting their lovely kids. On December 11, Ashwajit Gaikwad took his wife to a party, where they had a good time. One of the friends posted all the party pictures and videos on social media and that is how Priya got to know that Ashwajit is still with his wife. Priya lost her mind and she had gone to meet Gaikwad at the hotel but the two ended up having an argument. Ashwajit was leaving the place to avoid further confrontations. Priya clung to his drivers car, and the driver, too, wanted to leave as his boss had already left. But then, as soon as the driver sped, she fell off, and in the process, she hurt herself badly as it was a moving car that she clung on to. Because Ashwajit is a senior bureaucrat, the news became big. On the same day, there was an accident on the same route, but the media felt the necessity of reporting it. Soon after this episode, Ashwajit Gaikwads family issued an official statement refuting allegations by Priya Singh. As per the statement, when the incident happened, Singh was allegedly intoxicated, and Ashwajit was at a family get-together with his wife, kids, and friends. The family stated that the incident occurred between 1:30 AM and 2 AM. On the other hand, Singh claimed the incident occurred around 4 am. The statement reads that Singh was continuously messaging Ashwajit, wanting to meet him. She reached the Courtyard Hotel, where the family was having a party, and barged into it. This accident could have been avoided if Priya had called Ashwajit the next morning and confronted him. Probably they both could have ended up giving better shape to their relationship. President Yoon Suk Yeol said Tuesday that North Korea will learn its provocations only bring "greater pain," as he referred to a series of missile launches by the regime this week, including its latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Yoon made the remark during a Cabinet meeting a day after North Korea fired what appeared to be a Hwasong-18 in its fifth test of an ICBM this year. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the launch showed "what option (North Korea) would take when Washington makes a wrong decision against it," according to state media. "North Korea launched a short-range missile and an ICBM yesterday and the day before for two consecutive days," Yoon said during the meeting. "The North Korean regime will come to realize its provocations will only come back to them as greater pain." Yoon said South Korea, the United States and Japan have activated the real-time sharing of North Korean missile warning data and that the recent launch confirmed the system's smooth operation. He also said last week's meeting of the South Korea-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group brought the allies a step closer to establishing an integrated extended deterrence regime. Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to defending its ally with all of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons. "A strong nuclear-based South Korea-U.S. alliance is becoming a reality," he said, assuring the people the government would work to ensure they can live comfortably without concern about North Korea's nuclear threat. Yoon also relayed the results of his state visit to the Netherlands last week, saying 32 documents were signed between the two countries' governments, institutions and businesses to advance cooperation in defense, economic security, supply chains and other areas. In particular, he said the six memorandums of understanding signed in the semiconductor sector elevated the two countries' partnership to a "semiconductor alliance." He further called attention to what he said were the growing complaints of small businesses and consumers about the dominance of large monopolistic and oligopolistic firms on online platforms. "Small business owners are complaining that once they pay the platforms advertising fees and commission, there is nothing left," he said. "The autonomy and creativity of the private sector must be strictly guaranteed. But actions that restrict competition by abusing vested rights and monopoly power, and undermine consumers' welfare, can never be tolerated," he added. Yoon vowed to take corrective measures and strictly enforce the law against actions that violate the rights and interests of consumers and unfairly discriminate against small business owners on online platforms. He also cited growing supply chain risks amid disruptions to urea solution imports, saying relevant ministries should prepare thoroughly to quickly activate an early warning system for supply chain disruptions and establish an interagency risk management system under a relevant bill that passed through the National Assembly. Moreover, Yoon said the recent cold weather could threaten the lives and safety of vulnerable groups, including senior citizens living alone and people in semi-basement apartments, and ordered relevant ministries to take preemptive steps to ensure their safety. (Yonhap) Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) announced Monday he will try to block the sale of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, a Japanese company. Fetterman cited security concerns and fears that jobs will be lost if the deal goes through. I live across the street from U.S. Steels Edgar Thompson plant in Braddock. Its absolutely outrageous that U.S. Steel has agreed to sell themselves to a foreign company. Steel is always about security both our national security and the economic security of our steel communities. I am committed to doing anything I can do, using my platform and my position, to block this foreign sale, Fetterman said. This is yet another example of hard-working Americans being blindsided by greedy corporations willing to sell out their communities to serve their shareholders. I stand with the men and women of the Steelworkers and their union way of life. We cannot allow them to be screwed over or left behind. I promise to them and to all forgotten communities across Pennsylvania that I will work with Senator Casey and the rest of the delegation to fight like hell to make this right. Fettermans fellow Democrat Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) agreed. The United States marquee steel company should remain under American ownership, said Casey. From initial reports, this deal appears to be a bad deal for Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania workers. Im concerned for what this means for the steelworkers and the good union jobs that have supported Pennsylvania families for generations, for the long-term investment in the commonwealth, and for American industrial leadership. U.S. Steel agreed to a $14.1 billion deal with Nippon, which is offering to buy the steel giants shares for $55 each. Although Nippon claims it will honor all collective bargaining agreements and keep the company in Pittsburgh, the union, United Steelworkers International, is crying foul. Union President David McCall said, To say were disappointed in the announced deal between U.S. Steel and Nippon is an understatement, as it demonstrates the same greedy, shortsighted attitude that has guided U.S. Steel for far too long. We remained open throughout this process to working with U.S. Steel to keep this iconic American company domestically owned and operated, but instead, it chose to push aside the concerns of its dedicated workforce and sell to a foreign-owned company. Neither U.S. Steel nor Nippon reached out to our union regarding the deal, which is in itself a violation of our partnership agreement that requires U.S. Steel to notify us of a change in control or business conditions, McCall said. Based on this alone, the USW does not believe that Nippon understands the full breadth of the obligations of all our agreements, and we do not know whether it has the capacity to live up to our existing contract. This includes not just the day-to-day commitments of our labor agreement but also significant obligations to fund pension and retiree insurance benefits that are the most extensive in the domestic steel industry. He called on government regulators to carefully scrutinize this acquisition and determine if the proposed transaction serves the national security interests of the United States and benefits workers. The USW represents 850,000 workers. President and Chief Executive Officer of U. S. Steel, David B. Burritt, told investors the purchase offer is a good deal. I couldnt be happier with the outcome of our strategic review process, because it delivers on what is best for each of our stakeholders. And importantly, this is the best value with certainty and timeliness to close, Burritt said. Following the closing of the transaction, U. S. Steel will retain its iconic name, brand, and headquarters in Pittsburgh. NSC is committed to continuity in strong relationships with U. S. Steels suppliers, customers, the surrounding communities, and people that support U. S. Steels operations and is committed to being a productive member of these communities, the company said in a press release. In an October press release, the company said, United States Steel Corporations operations in Pennsylvania, which include U. S. Steels corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh and sites in Braddock, Clairton, Fairless Hills, Munhall, and West Mifflin, contributed $3.6 billion to the local and state economy in Fiscal Year 2022, according to an economic impact report released today. The report further concludes that the U. S. Steels economic activity supported or sustained 11,417 jobs. Bob Casey and Joe Biden have weakened Americas national security and economic standing in the world. We need to be a manufacturing country, with Americans working for American companies, Dave McCormick, the Republican running against Casey, said on social media. While Biden and Casey have spent most of their lives in Washington working for the government, McCormick has been in the business world as CEO of a Pittsburgh software company and, most recently, the CEO of Bridgewater, a hedge fund, as well as serving having served in the George W. Bush administration. (c)2023 Delaware Valley Journal, West Chester, Pa. Visit Delaware Valley Journal, West Chester, Pa. at https://delawarevalleyjournal.com/ Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. On Monday night at First Methodist Church of Trussville, Hank the camel starred in the live Nativity scene, then drank some hot chocolate. That is the nicest camel in the world, and he drinks hot chocolate and eats marshmallows, said the Rev. Steve Strange, pastor of First Methodist Church. My daughter gave him hot chocolate, Strange said. I got to feed him a marshmallow. Thats kind of what they give him as a treat. Hank is a six-year-old Bactrian camel who weighs 860 pounds. He may eat more than a dozen times a day, usually more nutritious food than marshmallows. But he does like a good marshmallow. Hes nothing but a spoiled brat, said Wally Kornegay, who owns Lickskillet Acres in Adger, where he raises camels, miniature donkeys, fainting goats, sheep, turkeys, peacocks and emus. A little bit of everything, just because were stupid, Kornegay said. Hank earns his yearly keep in this one month. A Bactrian (two-hump) camel can live to be 40 to 50 years old, Kornegay said. Hank, turn your head, Kornegay said, as visitors approach. This lady wants a picture. Hank seems to like the attention. Children come up and rub their hands in his fur. Hank doesnt seem to mind. After Hank kneeled for awhile and let kids pet his shaggy forehead, Kornegay coaxed Hank to stand up for his admirers. Hes a very well-behaved camel, despite a somewhat bumpy reputation for the species. Hes had his attitude adjusted properly, Kornegay said. Hank rose to his feet and towered over the children. You can see how tall he is, Kornegay said. After his gig at First Methodist in Trussville, Hank got a day off Tuesday. He was back to work on hump day, though. He worked the living Nativity at Mountain Brook Baptist Church on Wednesday through Friday. Hank the camel helps put the Christmas story in perspective for the 150 to 200 people who stopped by the church for the live Nativity thats been an annual event in Trussville for more than 25 years, Strange said. Everything is so commercialized in todays world, Strange said. It brings you back to the simplicity. You got the animals there, theyre eating, theyre just kind of hanging out. Everybody comes up and it gives them a visual of whats going on. Christmas is a lot more simple than what weve made it. See also: Christmas giving symbolizes a greater gift, clergy say For the second time in little more than a week, an Army drill sergeant from Alabama has been found dead on base at Fort Jackson, S.C. Base officials said 30-year-old Staff Sgt. Zachary L. Melton, a native of Huntsville, was found dead in his vehicle Saturday after he failed to report for work. Melton was attached to the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, stationed at Fort Jackson. Emergency medical service personnel were summoned to the scene, but Melton was pronounced dead shortly after they arrived. We are extremely saddened by the loss of Staff Sgt. Melton, said Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson commanding general, in a statement. Our thoughts are with his family and the soldiers of the Always Forward battalion during this very emotional time. Meltons had served in the Army for a decade, with the last three as a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson. His awards and commendations include the Army Commendation Medal with C (combat) device; three Army Commendation Medals; two Army Achievement Medals; the National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ribbon. Meltons unit had just completed its final cycle of basic training last Thursday and he was on a break, according to the Army. No cause of manner of death has been announced, but the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division is investigating. Eight days earlier, Staff Sgt. Allen Burtram, 34, was found dead on base after he also failed to report for work that day. Criminal Investigations said they are still investigating Burtrams death, but foul play is not suspected, according to Army officials. Burtram was from Cleveland, about 40 miles northeast of Birmingham. He had served in the Army for 12 years, with the last 18 months at Fort Jackson. Included in his service were eight months deployed to Kuwait and a year in Korea, according to the Army. Fort Jackson is near Columbia, S.C., and home to over 3,500 active duty personnel. It is the Armys largest basic training center, with an estimated 50 percent of all soldiers entering the Army receiving their training at Fort Jackson. A 2021 study by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, researchers surveying 856 drill sergeants found 19% of them suffered from depression, 27% had symptoms of moderate to severe insomnia, and 35% reported abusing alcohol, according to Military.com. A drill sergeants workday is nearly 15 hours long, and they work an average of 6.4 days per week. With drill sergeants serving a minimum of two years in the role, that level of intensity is extreme, even within the Army, the study found. An Alabama couple has been sentenced to life in prison for abusing their foster child, who was hospitalized with a skull fracture and a brain bleed three years ago. April Elizabeth McDowell, 32, and John Michael McDowell, 32, were convicted in October of aggravated child abuse and faced anywhere from 10 years to life prison. Russell County District Attorney Rick Chancey said the life sentence was handed down Tuesday morning. On Aug. 22, 2022, the McDowells 18-month-old foster daughter was going in and out of consciousness and an ambulance was needed, April McDowell told a 911 dispatcher. The child was taken to Piedmont Medical Center and later transported to Childrens of Alabama. Deputies went to the hospital and determined that the child had injuries that were not consistent with the guardians story of what happened to the child. It was determined that the child had a fractured skull and a brain bleed. Authorities said the McDowells had been the foster parents of the child since May 2020. Initial medical reports indicated that the child had multiple injuries in different stages of healing that were not consistent with normal injuries to a toddler but were consistent with injuries related to abuse. The McDowells were taken into custody a short time later. John McDowell was arrested at Ft. Benning by the Military Police Criminal Investigations Division where he was stationed at the time. His wife was arrested at their residence in Ft. Mitchell. The child was removed from the McDowells home. This child is now with a very loving family, and we appreciate their great support and help in this case, Chancey told television station WRBL after the conviction. It was very emotional for them [the girls new family] as well, and everyone is glad that this can be behind us, he said. Our hopes and prayers are with this child as she grows and puts this chapter of her life behind her. Chick-fil-A open on Sundays? Two New York State lawmakers have introduced just such a bill. According to WGRZ, the bill will require Chick-fil-A eateries at New York State Thruway service plazas to be open seven days a week. All Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Sundays. State Assembly member Tony Simone and State Senator Michelle Hinchey, per the report, introduced the legislation. Chick-fil-A is in 10 of the 27 new plazas, but frustrated has grown over the Sunday policy. Chick-Fil-A, as a matter of company policy, is closed on Sundays to allow Operators and their team members to enjoy a day of rest, be with their families and loved ones, and worship if they choose. In a statement provided to Capital Tonight, per Spectrum Local News, a spokesperson for the Thruway Authority said as part of the new 33-year contract to manage these facilities, Applegreen is required to have at least one hot and cold food option available 24 hours a day at all locations. Chick-fil-As Sunday closure is a brand requirement which Applegreen factored into their tenant plan. When the project is complete, Chick-fil-A will operate in less than half of the service areas on the Thruway all of which have at least one other food concept and a convenience store open seven days a week with up to three additional concepts and a convenience store at the largest and highest volume locations. The legislation must pass both houses of the Legislature, both controlled by Democratic supermajorities, before it can head to the governors desk for a signature or veto. While there is nothing objectionable about a fast-food restaurant closing on a particular day of the week, service areas dedicated to travelers is an inappropriate location for such a restaurant, the legislation states. Publicly owned service areas should use their space to maximally benefit the public. Allowing for retail space to go unused one-seventh of the week or more is a disservice and unnecessary inconvenience to travelers who rely on these service areas. Decatur City Councilman Hunter Pepper isnt shy about expressing his opinions. But now some of those opinions are drawing the ire of at least some of the people protesting the Sept. 29 police shooting death of Steve Perkins. The anger is palpable at City Council meetings, with Pepper now taking most of the heat because of his support for the police officers involved. Sometimes almost yelling, the protesters demand Peppers resignation or for the City Council to remove him, which it cannot do. Pepper has had conflicts, mainly verbal, with the protesters at City Hall before and after council meetings. Protesters are showing up outside his home and business. Mayor Tab Bowling expressed hopes last week that the city would start healing and return to normal, but he said Pepper doesnt seem to want to cooperate. When asked about Peppers actions and their impact on the city, Bowling replied, Theyre certainly not helping any. Councilman Kyle Pike said Peppers comments in recent days stirred up the conflict with the protesters. Im not sure if thats his motive or not, if thats the reason for him kind of amplifying his stance, Pike said. Hes made his stance clear. Obviously, people will react to him. I hope hes not looking for a reaction. But the citys youngest-ever councilman isnt concerned. He admitted hes having a negative impact on protesters. However, he doesnt think this conflict is having any impact on the city as a whole. The loud few arent making up for the silent majority, Pepper said. Ive had hundreds, if not close to 1,000, calls, texts, emails, from all over the city, which say, We stand with you. Were the silent majority. Pepper said the silent majority that he believes supports him arent coming out because of the expected reaction they might get from the protesters. When someone speaks out with opinions contrary to the protesters stance, Pepper said, the protesters hassle you; they harass you; and they terrorize you. If I were them, I wouldnt speak out neither. Pepper said the same 50 or 60 people, including a large number who dont live in Decatur, show up at every council meeting. These protesters are trying to make this all about themselves, Pepper said. The people who actually care arent out here screaming and yelling to get their opinions across. The people who actually care are working behind the scenes trying to get information to solve this. Theyre not coming to every meeting to bash one another, bash me, bash (Council President) Jacob (Ladner) or bash someone else. Theyre actually doing what they can to get things done. Pepper said the protesters know the City Council cant do anything about their complaints related to the Perkins case, yet they continue to protest, which he said is very annoying. The councilman stayed quiet for about a month and a half after the shooting, but then came out loudly at the Nov. 13 meeting. At the Nov. 27 meeting, protesters several times yelled down the councilman. Defending officers Pepper said he broke his silence to defend the four police officers: Bailey Marquette, Christopher Mukaddam, Joey Williams and Vance Summers. Three have been fired and a fourth received a 10-day suspension without pay. The four appealed their punishments last week to the Personnel Board, which will hold hearings for each officer in January. I believe the officers are being done wrong, especially when you have council members who are calling for their termination and their arrest, prosecution and conviction, Pepper said. Protester Craig Johnson said he believes Pepper is trying to influence the citys legally mandated personnel process. I think he is doing his best to try to nullify the legitimacy of the investigation because one of his buddies got fired, Johnson said. That shows right there what the problem is. Pepper said he isnt a boot-licker who just trying to get in good with the Police Department. People need to understand that this is about what is right and what is wrong, Pepper said. ... I am stating my opinion, and you are stating your opinion. You are choosing to tear me down to the best of your ability and trying to ruin my name. Pepper said the protesters actions show there are childish individuals in this world who do not know how to grow up. He said the parents failed in protesters upbringing. They dont know how to raise children so they can grow up and become productive members of society. Instead, they want somebody to blame for everything. Councilman Carlton McMasters said he has been unhappy in recent weeks with Pepper, especially since Pepper sent an email Nov. 28 to the mayor, council and apparently to the entire Police Department. Peppers email expresses displeasure with the purported disciplinary punishments and calls the mayors decision, which Pepper claims was influenced by immense public pressure, unjust and unfair. Its frustrating that an elected official has brought a negative perception to our city, McMasters said. Weve heard calls for council to do something to have him removed. We dont have that authority or power. I dont know what to say. Am I frustrated with Hunters behavior the last two weeks? One hundred percent, absolutely, he said. Rodney Gordon, one of the protesters, said he thinks Pepper has been unethical in the ways hes handle the Perkins controversy. First of all, he (Pepper) gave a ruling to the public, Gordon said. He shouldnt have done that. Then he holds his own press conference and publicly states the mayor was wrong and the chief was wrong because they didnt give them (police officers) their due process. He said it took this long because they gave the officers due process. Get rid of Pepper Gordon said the first thing the city needs to do to get past the controversy is get rid of Hunter Pepper. However, Ladner has said several times in council meetings that the council cant remove Pepper from office. The only options are going to Morgan County Circuit Court, filing an ethics complaint with the Alabama Ethics Commission or vote him out in the 2025 municipal elections. Pike said Peppers comments could be ethical or unethical, but theyre disrespectful and disruptive at the least. Its OK if Pepper has a different opinions, but its not right to be argumentative just to be argumentative in this situation, Pike said. Pike said a problem is the conflicts between Pepper and the protesters are being seen on the citys YouTube feed of the City Council meetings. That gets attention from the media, social media, Pike said. That becomes what some people see as a reflection of the city. Councilman Billy Jackson said the things Pepper is doing now arent surprising because he called for the young councilman to resign in 2020. I am no more concerned about Pepper than the day we were sworn in, Jackson said. This is something we should have seen coming as voters in our city. Jackson said this shows the voters need to make conscientious decisions and vote for people who are qualified. We have to know more about them than one sign they put out or having just one conversation, Jackson said. Bowling said he and the council members have talked with him for three years. He just seems to go solo sometimes. With this movement, I know they (protesters) are really put out with him. bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2432. Twitter @DD_BayneHughes. ___ (c)2023 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A former Alabama Department of Correction lieutenant has been sentenced to federal prison for using excessive force on an inmate and then lying to cover it up. Mohammad Shahid Jenkins, 52, was sentenced Tuesday 87 months just over seven years followed by three years of supervised released. He pleaded guilty in September to use of excessive force and obstruction. Jenkins was a former 20-year law enforcement veteran who was a lieutenant and shift commander at William Donaldson Correctional Facility in western Jefferson County. Jenkins admitted to using excessive force on an inmate identified only as V.R. On Feb. 16, 2022, Jenkins willfully deprived inmate V.R. of his right to be free from excessive force by kicking him, hitting him, spraying him with chemical spray, striking him with a can of chemical spray and striking him with a shoe while V.R. was restrained inside of a holding cell and not posing a threat. Over the course of about five minutes, and outside the presence of other officers and inmates, Jenkins repeatedly re-entered the holding cell that V.R. was in and re-assaulted him numerous times. Jenkins used a dangerous weapon chemical spray and the can of chemical spray on V.R., and his attacks on V.R. caused injury, authorities said. After the assault, Jenkins authored a false incident report and later Jenkins lied to investigators by denying using any force on V.R. As part of the plea agreement, Jenkins also admitted that he used unlawful force on another inmate on a separate occasion at Donaldson. On Nov. 29, 2021, Jenkins used chemical spray on another inmate, identified only as D.H., while the inmate was handcuffed behind his back and compliant. He hit D.H. in the head with the can of chemical spray and slapped him in the head while he was suffering from the effects of chemical spray. Jenkins faced up to 30 years in prison - 20 years on the obstruction charge and 10 years on the excessive force charge. This defendant was a lieutenant with more than 20 years of experience and a supervisor who was supposed to set an example of what proper law enforcement looks like for the less experienced officers he oversaw, said U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. Instead, the defendant abused his position of power to repeatedly and viciously assault a restrained inmate, returning to the inmates cell several times to renew the assault, Clarke said. Corrections officers have the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of those incarcerated in our nations prisons, said Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. The physical abuse of prisoners in violation of the Constitution threatens the safety of the entire institution, officers and inmates alike. This sentence sends a strong message that the FBI remains committed to protecting the civil rights of all people, including those in prison custody, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples of the FBI Birmingham Field Office. This individuals conduct is not reflective of the honor and professionalism with which the men and women of law enforcement exemplify. " The FBI Birmingham Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of ADOCs Law Enforcement Services Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Divisions Criminal Section prosecuted the case. Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail pleaded guilty to 15 counts of using city employees and inmates to private work for him while they were on duty and in custody. The mayor, first elected to the position in 2008, entered his plea Tuesday morning in Cullman County to use of office for personal gain. As part of his plea, Nail had to resign his position and issue a public apology. Hanceville is a city of about 3,200 people between Birmingham and Huntsville. Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker announced the multi-count indictment against Nail last month. The initial charges were felony crimes but reduced to misdemeanors in the plea deal. The crimes happened between Sept. 30, 2019, and Sept. 29, 2023, records state. The indictment stated that Nail, over that four-year period, routinely used city employees and city jail inmates to do work for him at his home and for his private benefit. Nail routinely solicited former Police Chief Bob Long to perform work at Nails home while the chief was on duty. Records state he had another employee, Joshua Howell, drive to Georgia in a city vehicle while on duty to perform work on a trailer owned by Nail and his wife. Nail also used three former jail inmates to do work at his home while they were in custody. Today, I am pleading guilty to fifteen misdemeanor ethics violations, Nail wrote in the apology, which is part of the court record. I am truly sorry for the harm and inconvenience brought about by this. I never wanted to bring any negativity to Hanceville, he wrote. I love Hanceville and the people of Hanceville. I would never do anything to intentionally harm the city, Nail wrote. Again, I am truly sorry. Crocker said Nail was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution, a $2,500 fine, perform 120 hours of community service and will be on probation for 15 years which prohibits working for any public or governmental entity during probation. The trust between the people and their government must remain strong. Mr. Nail pleaded guilty, admitted to his misconduct, and also apologized to the citizens of Hanceville for his actions, Crocker said. I believe this swift resolution is balanced and shows both consideration for admitting guilt and that elected officials who violate the public trust will be held accountable. Nail was represented by attorneys Michael Whisonant and Richard Jaffe of Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant and Knight. The attorneys said they were pleased with the resolution of the case. Mayor Nail cares deeply for the citizens Hanceville, and has given most of his adult life to the service of the citizens of Cullman County,' according to a statement from the lawyers. He also greatly appreciates all the people that have reached out and supported him through this difficult process, and is happy this is behind him. " The shooting death of a Huntsville man at an Alabama Waffle House remains under investigation. Cristall Terrell Hereford, 26, was killed early Sunday at the restaurant on Center Point Parkway. Jefferson County sheriffs Lt. Joni Money said deputies were dispatched at 1:30 a.m. to the restaurant on a report a person was threatening to shoot patrons. Before deputies got on the scene, Money said, Hereford got into an altercation with another patron. The patron then shot Hereford and left the location. Hereford was pronounced dead on the scene at 1:48 a.m. Video posted to social media showed Hereford unresponsive on the ground just feet from the building after he was shot, with at least one bystander trying to help him and calling 911. Another bystander could be heard saying, Out here trying to be tough and he got killed. Money said no weapon was recovered from Hereford at the scene. In the hours leading up to the deadly shooting, Hereford had posted this on Facebook: Omw to Birmingham with that drac on me, Yall pray for me. Money said investigators were able to track down the shooter on Monday. He was detained briefly for questioning and then released pending the course of action to be determined by the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office. The District Attorney has not yet determined the charging decision, according to a press release. The president of the Mobile City Council said Tuesday he has concerns about forwarding two policing ordinances to Attorney General Steve Marshall, citing the states top law enforcement officers potential future political aspirations as an issue. I am pro-policing and pro-blue, but from my understanding and from several calls I got this past week, the AG is very pro-blue and has political aspirations for the future and is looking for police departments to back him, Council President C.J. Small told AL.com after Tuesdays council meeting. He added that questions over whether the council has the authority to pass ordinances addressing police policy probably needs to go to court. Marshall, the 59-year-old Republican Attorney General who has embraced a tough-on-crime stance since taking over the office in 2017, is term limited and has been hinted as a possible candidate for other offices in 2026, including governor or Congress. His office did not respond to an immediate request for comment. Im scared of setting a precedence for future council members based on someone playing the possibility of politics, Small said. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall speaks during a luncheon hosted by the Eastern Shore Republican Women on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the Fairhope Yacht Club in Fairhope, Ala. In the background is John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama State GOP. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). If a lawsuit is filed, it could be potentially the second time in five years in which the citys administration and council squares off against each other over a question of authority pertaining to the 39-year-old Zoghby Act -- the Alabama state law that established Mobiles current council-mayor form of government. Small said, I want to talk to my colleagues to see what the next steps should be, but I do have concerns sending this up to the Attorney General. City Attorney Ricardo Woods and the councils attorney Michael Linder are scheduled to meet later in the week to discuss the next steps. Small and other council members including Councilman William Carroll have expressed concerns over how a letter to Marshalls office would be worded over the question about the legality of the ordinances. Anyone can send stuff to the AG, he said. But we didnt want the administration to send anything without the council seeing exactly what it will say. Candace Cooksey, a spokeswoman to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, said its very important that council members are comfortable with the phrasing of the request forward to the Attorney Generals office. She said the city is not asking Marshall to to weigh in on the policies outlined in the ordinances. We are seeking clarification on whether the council has the authority under state law to direct these polices via a city ordinance, Cooksey said. A large contingent of Mobile police attend the Mobile City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com The council voted 5-2 last week to postpone for 30 days a decision on what to do with two separate ordinances related to policing during a meeting that was attended by approximately 50 uniformed police officers. The two ordinances do not go above and beyond establish Alabama state law or city policy, but they do the following: Ban no-knock search warrants and pre-dawn raids, something which is already being done as a result of an order by Mayor Sandy Stimpson last month after a tragic Nov. 13 pre-dawn raid in which a 16-year-old who was not the person police were looking for was shot and killed. The bans include limited exceptions. A requirement for authorities who deny the release of police-worn body cam footage to provide a legal reason for the denial under Alabama law, similar to the provisions that are currently in place through a new state law enacted on Sept. 1. The councils decision was to wait until Jan. 11, before reconsidering each ordinance that surfaced in November amid a rash of complaints over policing in Mobile during the past several months. Chief of Staff James Barber said it is up to the council to decide if the ordinances should be forwarded to Marshall for consideration on whether the violate the 1985 Zoghby Act, the Alabama state law that established Mobiles current form of government. Mayor Stimpson supports the end goal of both proposed ordinances and has already taken steps to implement similar policies int he Mobile Police Departments regular operations, Cooksey said. We fully support the councils objectives; we just want to ensure that the City of Mobile is following the letter of the law. She added, Providing clarity on a constitutional issue is one of the many responsibilities of the AGs office, and getting guidance on this matter will help us navigate similar questions about state law in the future. The Zoghby Act, on its surface, gives the council legislative ability to set policy, but also limits how much authority elected officials have over subordinates of the mayors administration. The police department falls under the mayors oversight. Smalls comments puts the Zoghby Act back in the spotlight again. The last time there was a legal dispute over the 1985 law was in 2018, when Stimpsons administration sued the council over the handling of a personnel matter, accusing the citys legislative branch of illegal hiring practices under the Zoghby Act. Pyongyang confirms successful test-launch of solid-fuel ICBM By Lee Hyo-jin South Korea, the United States and Japan jointly initiated a real-time data-sharing system for North Korean missile warnings, Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in strengthening trilateral security cooperation against Pyongyang's nuclear threats. The newly established system is anticipated to elevate the overall capabilities of the three countries in detecting and tracking missiles launched by North Korea, the South's Ministry of National Defense said, adding that the latest development shows the "unprecedented depth, scale and scope of South Korea-U.S.-Japan security ties." "The operational capability of the real-time sharing system for North Korean missile warning data has been fully verified through recent pre-checks and is currently in normal operation," the ministry said in a statement. Defense ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu said during a media briefing, "Previously, North Korean missile warning information was shared on a partial and temporary basis. Now, with the new system in place, South Korea, the U.S. and Japan can initiate a 24/7 basis system on information sharing." Until now, South Korea and Japan were linked separately to data from U.S. radar systems concerning the detection of North Korean missiles, with no systems connecting the two Asian nations directly. However, the need for three-way intelligence-sharing capabilities has become more apparent due to North Korea's growing nuclear capabilities. Tuesday's announcement comes slightly over a year after the leaders of the three nations President Yoon Suk Yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to make joint efforts on sharing missile launch data during a summit in Phnom Penh in November last year. Subsequently, during their meeting held in the U.S. at Camp David in August this year, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment and aimed to operationalize the system by the end of this year. Along with the establishment of the data-sharing system, Seoul, Washington and Tokyo approved a multiyear plan for trilateral military drills, also on Tuesday, to better counter Pyongyang's military threats. "So far, the three countries have irregularly conducted joint missile alert exercises, anti-submarine warfare drills, maritime interdiction exercises and anti-piracy drills. The multiyear joint exercise is aimed at institutionalizing these activities on a regular basis," Jeon said. President Yoon said the missile data sharing system will be able to better protect people's daily lives from North Korea's escalating missile threats. "In the last couple of days, North Korea has launched short-range missiles and an ICBM. This poses a significant and serious challenge to the security of the Korean Peninsula and the world," he said during a Cabinet meeting held shortly after the defense ministry's announcement. "The North Korean regime will eventually realize that such provocations will bring greater suffering upon themselves," the president added. Beginning on Monday, South Korea and the U.S. kicked off a two-week-long special operations joint exercise involving U.S. Army Special Forces Green Berets and a U.S. Navy Seal Team, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and the U.S. Forces Korea. Video footage released by the JCS on Tuesday featured several soldiers engaging in a live-fire exercise on human silhouette targets. But the JCS said the ongoing drill is not related to the so-called "decapitation operation" of eliminating the North Korean leader. South Korea's rare disclosure of the special operations exercise came amid escalating tensions on the peninsula, fueled by North Korea's ICBM launch on Monday morning. The latest provocation marked its fifth ICBM launch this year, the highest figure recorded in a single year. "Through the drill, the combat capability of ICBM unit was highly estimated," read the Tuesday edition of the Korea Central News Agency (KCNA), the North's official mouthpiece, verifying the test-launch of its Hwasong-18 solid-fuel ICBM conducted the previous day. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the launch, according to the newspaper. The ICBM launch was "an occasion to clearly show what action the DPRK has been prepared and what option the DPRK would take when Washington makes a wrong decision against it," Kim was quoted as saying by the KCNA. DPRK stands for Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea. Following the widespread leak of a sex tape filmed in a hearing room last week, a legislative aide to U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin has left his job as a Senate staffer. According to a Saturday report from Politico, portions of a cellphone video published by The Daily Caller on Friday show two men engaging in sexual activity in Hart Senate Office Building Room 216, the room used by the Senate Judiciary Committee. While the American Spectator previously identified one of the men as a staffer for Cardin, neither the American Spectator nor the Daily Caller identified the staffer. Cardins office released a statement Saturday saying that aide Aidan Maese-Czeropski has left his job. Aidan Maese-Czeropski is no longer employed by the U.S. Senate. We will have no further comment on this personnel matter, Cardins office said in a statement Saturday. In an email Monday, the senators office emphasized that they had no further comment. The room has served as the backdrop of a series of historical happenings, including U.S. Supreme Court nomination hearings. According to Politico, Maese-Czeropski posted a statement to his LinkedIn account Friday alleging that he was attacked for being gay to pursue a political agenda, and that he planned to look into what legal recourse is available to him. As of Monday afternoon, Maese-Czeropskis post was deleted and his account appeared to be deactivated. Maese-Czeropski could not be reached for comment. According to a congressional staff handbook on the U.S. Senate employment office website, a legislative aide meets with constituents and agency staff, and assists lawmakers in preparation for hearings and other legislative meetings. Cardin, who has a career spanning more than 60 years in Maryland politics, announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection in 2024. _____ 2023 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said Tuesday that Donald Trumps remarks about immigrants poisoning the blood of our country werent tough enough. Comments Trump made during a rally last week in New Hampshire were widely criticized, drawing comparisons to Nazi rhetoric. Theyre poisoning the blood of our country, Trump said during the rally. 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... Trump had used similar language in an interview with The National Pulse, a right-leaning website, according to Reuters. Sen. Tuberville was just asked what he thought of Trumps poisoning the blood comments. Im mad he wasnt tougher than that. Because have you seen whats happening at the border? Were being overrun. Theyre taking us over. So a little bit disappointed it wasnt tougher. Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) December 19, 2023 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, according to Forbes. But Tuberville wishes Trump would have gone further in his remarks, according to Washington, D.C. reporter Andrew Desiderio. Im mad he wasnt tougher than that, Tuberville said when asked about Trumps comments. Because have you seen whats happening at the border? Were being overrun. Theyre taking us over. So a little bit disappointed it wasnt tougher. Trump on Tuesday defended his comments and he reinforced the message while denying any similarities to fascist writings others had noted, The Associated Press reported. I never read Mein Kampf, Trump said at a campaign rally in Waterloo, Iowa, referencing Adolf Hitlers fascist manifesto. This is an opinion column. Theres a reason they didnt want us to read. Sidebar: When anyone around me wants to blame anything on they (or them) as in, They dont want us to (fill in the blank) I always ask, They who? So, Ill turn my mirror on me: Whos they? Oh, Im sure you know: The folks who enslaved Black people. Who tortured and dehumanized Black people. Who ripped Black people from their families without a shred of shame or regret. They. They didnt want us to read because they knew. They knew reading led to learning and learning led to thinking and thinking led to believing and believing led to thoughts of freedom. Theres a reason, now, they dont want us to read. Dont even want their own children to read. Who are they? Oh, their numbers are copious, so Ill pluck one from the pile: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. Last week, Stitt stunted my home state by signing an executive order seeking to eliminate offices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from state agencies and institutions from colleges and universities. Signing it with a smug expression that didnt even try to belie his ignorance about DEI. His fear of it. We are going to stop using state officers for DEI officers, he blared at the signing, before wielding that oh-so-opaque move of conflating the matter with something totally irrelevant. [Lets] use those monies to educate kids... Man, please. Last May, the state legislature in Oklahoma approved a $12.8 billion state budget that included $1 billion for state colleges and universities, a $130 million increase from the previous year, a 14.9% increase that was the largest in years. Thats plenty to educate kids. Then Stitt - lets call him Gov. of the fear-right - deployed that lame, tired weaponized word they wield to stoke fear among the easily misled: Preferences. Or some misused version of it. instead of trying to preferential treat people based on their race. Maybe some of the states funds should be spent on teaching its governor adverbs. On obliterating ignorance his and that of those who stood behind him grinning during the signing. And the so many others seeking to eliminate DEI. Stitts obtuseness on DEI was trumped by State Superintendant Ryan Walters, another racial Troglodyte. DEI rightfully should be known as discrimination, exclusion, and indoctrination, Walters told the Tulsa World. It does not represent American values. Gov. Stitt is right for taking a strong step to protect Oklahomans from these discriminatory programs. Let me make this as plain as possible. There is nothing about diversity (recognizing that America is a mosaic of dynamic cultures that continuously shape us and the world), equity (ensuring all cultures have a fair and balanced opportunity to avail themselves of the best this nation offers, to sit at the table) or inclusion (see: all cultures, even those who may hyperventilate when most in the room do not look like them) that is preferential. Nothing that is discriminatory. Nothing. This is why they dont want us to read. Dont want you to read. Because they know. Check that because they fear. They fear reading leads to learning and learning leads to thinking and thinking leads to believing and believing leads to the truth. The truth about us. About our nation, about its florescent journey through darkness and light, through moments of great pride and instances of ignominy. Truth about them. That they didnt build this nation by themselves, that they werent the only game-changing, history-making scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, writers, physicians, inventors, architects, conquerors, filmmakers, thinkers, leaders. Werent the only heroes. That today, this nation aint just white. Never was, in truth, and wont ever be. Not even majority white. That scares they. Scares they so much they go to absurd stretches to deter us us all from reading, from learning, from thinking, from believing, from the truth. They attack libraries libraries for goodness sake. They attack curriculums, distorting them with their virus of ignorance, from which they refuse to become vaccinated. They attack women. (See Texas. See Alabama.) They attack anything or anyone who lives in a way they dont understand. (See: above) Next month, Alabama lawmakers will begin preparing to convene for their annual legislative session. Their annual opportunity to make lives better for Alabamians. Better after the session than they were prior. To improve education, healthcare, access to capital for entrepreneurs, childcare, infant mortality, economic opportunity. To address poverty. To expand Medicaid. To give a damn. Instead of wielding fear. Oh, there will be knucklehead bills introduced bills created to feed fear not people. Dont even think about it, Alabama. Dont comfort the library predators, history wimps, the DEI ignorant. Dont become Oklahoma. Instead, empower Alabamians to read, to learn, to think, to believe, and to embrace the truth about us all. Which makes us better. Despite what they think. Im a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary and a member of the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame. My column appears on AL.com, as well as the Lede. Check out my podcast series Panther: Blueprint for Black Power, which I co-host with Eunice Elliott. Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter, The Barbershop, here. Reach me at rjohnson@al.com, follow me at twitter.com/roysj, or on Instagram @roysj As a sidelight to the December 5, 2023, House Committee on Education testimony of several presidents of elite universities, the media is currently feasting on a debate over plagiarism. Here, I argue that there is a difference between intentionally stealing anothers ideas and simply lazy, borderline-incompetent scholarship. I find that the allegation of plagiarism in this case is unfounded, while the blatantly incompetent scholarship that has led to the allegation is shocking. The congressional testimony of Claudine Gay of Harvard, Elizabeth Magill of Penn, and Sally Kornbluth of MIT reeked of hypocrisy. Many have noted how substituting the word Jew on the protest signs and slogans with any other protected class would result in immediate expulsion from their institutions. That the presidents of some of the most prestigious universities cannot state the obviousnamely that the attacks of October 7 constituted cold-blooded, premeditated murder (and sexual violence against women and children)is itself a crime against the human intellect. Instead, these glittering jewels of diversity-hiring spouted talking points laid down by their lawyers, a cowardly bid to avoid the truth. But I will not dwell on this vile manifestation of what passes for public discourse in our country today. I want to focus on another aspect: the allegations of plagiarism that have also been leveled against Gay, who appears to have cut and pasted passages from other authors into her dissertation and in publications. Scholars in her field are lining up on both sides, neatly forming a circular firing squad. So, its worth addressing the general issues of plagiarism, attribution, and citation vis-a-vis the almost insane obsession that academic societies maintain on this issue, mostly for show. Image: Claudine Gay (edited). YouTube screen grab. I repeat, so my position is clear: most of the screeching done by learned societies regarding plagiarism is a nonsensical sideshow meant to fool outsiders. Its nothing more than self-glorification. Look at us, were so virtuous, pure, and superior. But you probably suspected that already. Now, dont get me wrong, stealing the ideas and writings of another and passing them off as your own is reprehensible and should rightly be disqualifying. At the extreme, intellectual property theft for profit is, in fact, a criminal act that should be more vigorously pursued by DOJ. I have written about my own experiences in this regard. But honestly, overt and intentional plagiarism is rare, especially in recent years. During my 40 years as a research scientist, I published (with my students) over 270 peer-reviewed journal papers and nine books. About 15 years ago, I submitted a research article to a fuel science journal. It was reviewed, revised, and then accepted by the editor. A few days later, the editor (a friend and colleague) sent an email saying: Tom, Im sorry, but I have to reject your paper, call me. WTF?! On the phone, he said that a new computer program found that the technique I used on a novel fuel was the same that I used on a previous fuel. Didnt matter that the fuels were entirely different. Didnt matter that the USAF needed results published before a flight test. Didnt matter that I, in fact, invented the method and that many labs were then using it. Didnt matter that I properly cited my previous paper describing the invention. I was accused of plagiarizing myself! Ridiculous as this might sound, the tizzy over self-plagiarism was caused by a (very small) few researchers who would send nearly the same work to several journals to pad their resume. Not good. But using a method you invented (and used previously) on a new fuel is different, right? Nooooo! Equally ridiculously, the fix was to simply put the entire discussion of the method into quotes. Voila! The program ignored the entire section, and my paper was off to publication! Later on, I became a journal editor myself, and I now have the same program on my computer. If this program (seemingly carried down the mountain by Moses) finds 20% similarity with anything, the paper is sent back to the author, and by now, we all know how to deal with it. Only once in about 12 years as editor did I catch blatant dishonesty. A Nigerian author pirated not only the method but figures of an Asian author. In fact, he used the exact same photographs and much of the same prose! For his trouble, this author was debarred from future publication, effectively ending his career. As I mentioned, this is extremely rare. So what are we to make of the Claudine Gay plagiarism allegation? Since I have the plagiarism program, I figured I would download some of her public domain works and take a look. No-Go. They have been sanitized (just like my fuel paper, by inserting quotes). Fortunately, Rufo and Brunet of Substack, not being as lazy as I am, did by hand what I couldnt with my program: they analyzed passages from her publications. Indeed, there are passages that are alarmingly like the works of others. Should she have done better work? Absolutely. Did she blatantly steal the ideas of others and claim originality? Im not so sure. However, her work is extremely sloppy. She is indeed guilty of intellectual indolence, which means her scholarship is not even close to what Harvard should demand. If Harvard is content to harbor scholars whose work is as sloppy as Gays, the reputation developed (since George Washington was in diapers) will ultimately crater. But what she did does not approach the deceit of the Nigerian paper I mentioned. All too often, we conservatives jump on a horse we think is a thoroughbred only to find it is a dobbin (look it up, I had to). Fixating on Gays plagiarism is a horse that aint getting us to the bank. Instead, focus on two real issues: her blatantly substandard scholarship and the vile antisemitism that she and her ilk willingly protect. Dr. Bruno, a scientist retired after more than 40 years in research, amuses himself writing books and editing scientific journals, along with wood and metal working. Courage is assumed when one joins the US Marines. After all, the Marines are known for fostering and appreciating physical courage, but theyre also taught to always look for moral, ethical, and intellectual courage. Those are cherished attributes in a service built on meritocracy. I continue to honor those qualities when I see them and, recently, Cornells president showed them. When I left active duty in 1975 after having served as a Marine pilot during the Vietnam War, I did not know what to expect when I began as a graduate student at Cornell University. During the Vietnam War, Cornell had been noted for having a very large cadre of anti-war activists. To my surprise, I was totally accepted into the student body without any rancor or negative judgment. It was a remarkable place for learning. In the summer of 1976, we wanted to have a 4th of July party on campus to celebrate Americas bicentennial. The specific Fourth was a double celebration at Cornell for that was when Israel conducted Operation Thunderbolt to rescue the hostages held at Entebbe, its remembered as the most successful commando raid in history. Everyone was awed by how Israels leadership, backed up by one of the most professional militaries in the world, was so successful in saving so many lives. Sadly, though, its leader, Yonatan Yoni Netanyahu, was the only military casualty, killed as he led his team from the front. Yonis death meant that, for the Israeli students on campus, Israels victory was bittersweet. Thats because Yonis father, Benzion Netanyahu, had been a distinguished history Professor at Cornell. Image: Sage Hall at Cornell University in 1985 by Upsilon Andromedae. CC BY 2.0. Israels fate and its connection to Cornell made the news again after Hamass October 7 attack on Israel. This time, though, Cornells students werent proud of Israel. Instead, vicious, potentially deadly antisemitism reared its ugly head. Russell Rickford, an associate history professor, stated that he was exhilarated by the Hamas attack. He later apologized: I am sorry for the pain that my reckless remarks have caused my family, my students, my colleagues and many others in this time of suffering. Derron Borders, who was the colleges diversity and inclusion director at the Johnson Graduate School of Management, was even more vicious: Fk your fake outrage at Palestine when youve literally been silent about the violence perpetuated by Israel against Palestine every day, Borders wrote on the day of the Hamas invasion. He has since continued his invective against Israel, although he is on a leave of absence from Cornell. Meanwhile, a Cornell student, 21-year-old Patrick Dai, went beyond expressing ugly opinions. Instead, he directly threatened the lives and well-being of Jewish students at Cornell. Justice was direct and swift as he was identified and arrested. Antisemitism in academia has been so bad that the House summoned the presidents of Harvard, UPenn, MIT to testify. The three women showed America that they lacked any moral compass. Instead, they offered the rote claim that blatantly antisemitic words and actions needed to be understood in context. Only the UPenn president has been forced to resign. With the spotlight on, Americans also learned that Harvards president, Claudine Gay, is a plagiarist. Her plagiarism was petty and lazy, the product of a slovenly academic. The response is best left to the community of scholars, especially those who had their academic intellectual property stolen and exploitedbut Harvard should be ashamed. Things were different when Congress asked for a statement from Cornells president, Martha E. Pollack, She addressed the issue of genocide forcefully and directly: Statement on university policy--- Dec. 9, 2023 Over the past few days, a number of universities, including Cornell, have been asked by members of Congress to make clear their policies around genocide. Genocide is abhorrent, and Cornell condemns calls for the genocide of any people. An explicit call for genocide, to kill all members of a group of people, would be a violation of our policies. Martha E. Pollack President This was not Pollacks first clear statement on the subject. After one of her faculty members, an administrator, and a student displayed raging and threatening antisemitism, Pollack wrote a letter to the Cornell community about Standing against antisemitism and all forms of hate. I believe this clear, unambiguous statement reflects her intellectual, moral, and ethical courage destined to ring down for the ages from High Above Cayugas Waters Nov. 1, 2023 Dear Cornell community, The past two and a half days have been difficult ones for our university. In addition to the vile anti-Semitic posts that threatened our Jewish community on Sunday, today we had a concerning crime alert. Even though it was unsubstantiated, it adds to the stress we are all feeling. Cornell Police continue to have an increased presence on campus, and especially in high-priority areas. While we take some measure of relief in knowing that the alleged author of the vile antisemitic posts that threatened our Jewish community is in custody, it was disturbing to learn that he was a Cornell student. I want to express my sincere thanks to the FBI for their diligent, effective and efficient work on this case. And I want to thank CUPD both for assisting the FBI and for providing such strong security to our campus while treating our students with compassion and care. On Sunday night, shortly after we learned of the threats, I went to sit with our Jewish students at the Center for Jewish Living and I returned the next morning with Governor Hochul, and for dinner that evening. It was so heartening to spend time with our students, who expressed strength and resilience even in the face of these awful threats. Let me say again clearly. We will not tolerate antisemitism at Cornell; indeed we will not tolerate hatred of any form, including racism or Islamophobia. What does this mean? It means, first and foremost, that when there are threats or incitement to violence, we will respond rapidly and forcefully, as we did in this case. It also means enhancing the prominence of our attention to antisemitism in our diversity and equity programing, both in online materials and in the programs that we require of and offer to our community. It means continuing to bring to campus speakers with expertise in antisemitism, its causes and strategies to intervene, as well as speakers with expertise in the history of the Jewish people. It means developing new policies that prohibit doxxing, and strengthening our support services to those who are doxxed. And it means creating a small group of trustees who will focus on these issues from a governance perspective, and a group of external advisors to suggest, with fresh eyes, additional steps that we should consider to counter antisemitism and all forms of hatred on our campus. The steps mentioned above are just the start of the next phase of our work to fulfill the promise of our founding principle of being a university for any person We will be thoughtful and thorough in carrying on this difficult but critical effort. I want to conclude by reminding everyone that we have more than 27,000 students, 4,000 faculty and 13,000 staff across our campuses. We cannot let ourselves be defined by the acts of one person, or even ten. While we denounce hatred loudly, we must also remember to cherish and celebrate all the good that so many members of our Cornell community do and live every day. Sincerely, Martha E. Pollack President I suspect the late Professor Netanyahu would be very proud to have such a Cornell President. Ed Timperlake is US Naval Academy 1969, Cornell University MBA 1977. In 2020, following George Floyds drug-induced death and the resulting riots, Congress passed a law requiring that the Pentagon remove all Confederate names, monuments, and symbols from military bases. The Pentagon has carried out this mandate with enthusiasm. Most recently, Bidens Pentagon announced that it was planning to remove a monument honoring the Confederacy from Arlington, a move that threatens the eternal peace promised for those resting there. For the time being, at least, a judge has stopped the effort to do so. If you read the leftwing media, the statue is evil in intent and appearance: A monument to Confederate soldiers is scheduled to be removed from Arlington National Cemetery by the end of the week. [snip] Arlingtons Confederate Memorial offers a mythologized vision of the Confederacy, including highly sanitized depictions of slavery, according to a report prepared by a commission set up in response to that legislation. The report notes that an inscription promotes the Lost Cause myth, which romanticized the pre-Civil War South and denied the horrors of slavery. As with anything from the left, its a little more complex than that. First, the monuments history wasnt about war but about binding a riven country together. Scott Powell, at Townhall, offers the larger history: President William McKinley conceived of a Reconciliation Monument as a way of celebrating the success of a reunified nation that fielded an Army and Navy of enlisted men and officers from both the Southern and the Northern states who fought so effectively together that they delivered a surprisingly swift U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War of 1898. This theme of respect and reconciliation between the northern and southern states was also supported by the next three presidentsTeddy Roosevelt, Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. They all believed in the importance of celebrating the reunification and reconciliation of America even though it was many years after the bloody and divisive Civil War. Since Woodrow Wilson unveiled the Reconciliation Monument in Arlington Cemetery in 1914 proclaiming that, the monument represented the best of Americaa spirit reconciliation, democracy, freedom, heroism and patriotismhardly anyone voiced any criticism of this grand monument In fact, most observers viewed the monument with reverence and awe. It captured the e pluribus unum first conceived in 1776 at the time of the writing of the Declaration of Independence and incorporated as a motto in the Great Seal of the United States better than any other monument in Arlington or elsewhere. It's noteworthy that the woman who crowns the sculpture stands upon a pedestal bearing the Biblical verse, And they shall beat their swords into plow shares and their spears into pruning hooks. One can obsess about slaverywhich was overor recognize that the monument is about the end of a cataclysmic Civil War that almost destroyed a nation. At a level both more prosaic and symbolic, the Pentagons rush to remove the statue risks disturbing the peace of those who, having served their country, earned their rest at Arlington. Despite the Pentagons assurances that it can remove the massive memorial without disturbing the surrounding graves, those who dont wish to see Americas history (both good and bad) erased piece by piece apparently had compelling evidence that the Pentagon was misrepresenting the facts: But the lawsuit [to stop the removal] accused the Army, which runs the cemetery, of violating regulations in seeking a hasty removal of the memorial. The removal will desecrate, damage, and likely destroy the Memorial longstanding at ANC as a grave marker and impede the Memorials eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the lawsuit accuses. Thats why U.S. District Judge Rossie Alston issued a temporary restraining order against the Biden administrations frenzied rush to remove a statue that represents a significant epoch in American history: BREAKING: Trump appointed U.S. District Judge Rossie Alston has issued a restraining order halting the removal of a Confederate memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. The memorial removal began on Monday but was halted after Alston's order was issued. Alston explained that pic.twitter.com/FKQS2aEVPe Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 18, 2023 At a very fundamental level, Im opposed to the lefts Maoist impulse to erase American history. Our nation, like all nations, has its good and bad. These should be remembered, as Oliver Cromwell said of his portrait, warts and all. A placard discussing slavery (a worldwide institution throughout human history), the American Civil War, and the binding together of our broken nation would educate people and warn them against repeating the sins of the past. Instead, were still playing the leftist game of memory-holing the past and replacing it with its ever-changing roster of shibboleths, beliefs, felonious heroes, and anything else that it needs to bring to its knees a nation that, despite the sins it shared with the rest of the world, raised more people up from poverty than any other nation on earth, throughout history. Image: The Confederate Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery by Tim1965. CC BY-SA 3.0. An NPR journalist gave it the old college try and produced an exceptionally mock-worthy essay published last week at the outlet. According to Manuela Lopez Restrepo, housecats are murderous creatures, and when given a carte blanche check to roam at will, they are a big threat to biodiversity. Lets just get the obvious one out of the way: murder is a legal term that exclusively applies to human beings. Cats hunting fieldmice, birds, squirrels, or any other little outdoor critter cannot be murder and their predator behavior is not murderous because theyre all animals. Now, as you probably could have guessed, Restrepo fits the leftist stereotype of women who fill their childless voids with pets to which they refer as their children. (Ironically, its likely that a number of these childless leftists are that way because of real murder.) Restrepo calls her own cat her son but it has no bearing on reality, and neither cats nor their prey are people. A person might love an animal like a human, or treat them as though they were a child, but at the end of the day, animals are pets. Secondly, this girls concern over biodiversity is exactly why so many people have kept catswhere have Restrepo and these scientists been?theyre exceptional hunters that categorically threaten the biodiversity of nasty little creatures like rats and mice, that destroy human property and food, and spread diseases. Cats threatening biodiversity is a net positive, not a net negative. But, the crux of Restrepos piece was that free-ranging cats are a serious threat to a thriving environment buzzing with lifeand I laughed, thinking how the assertion was the perfect parable for Democrats. Without Democrats, who would champion the death to babies cause? Without Democrats, who would open the borders for millions of migrants to pour across, trampling fragile desert flora and killing endangered desert fauna? Without Democrats, who would promote nihilism? Without Democrats, who would dismantle law and order, and facilitate anarchy? Without Democrats, who would erase God from every facet of the public and civic sectors? Without Democrats, who would sign America on to globalist agendas of communism and tyranny? Without Democrats, who would force a transition to E.V.s at the overwhelming expense of the environment? Without Democrats, who would declare cross-sex hormones and mutilation of sexual organs healthcare? Without Democrats, who would suggest that lobotomizing pharmaceutical drugs are medicine? Without Democrats, who would demand Satans representation during Christmasoops, I mean the holidays? Apparently, unsupervised cats can cause a lot of trouble, and obviously, so can Democrats. Image generated by AI. A Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for Song Young-gil, a former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Monday over a cash-for-votes scandal surrounding the party's 2021 leadership election. The Seoul Central District Court granted the warrant sought by prosecutors following a court hearing attended by Song on charges that included illegal political funding. "I exercised my rights to silence during a prosecution questioning, but I will explain myself humbly and sincerely at the court," Song told reporters before entering the court building for the hearing. Prosecutors launched the investigation in April into allegations that Song's campaign distributed cash envelopes totaling 66 million won ($50,613) to 20 sitting DPK lawmakers and other party members in the run-up to the party's leadership election in May 2021, which he ultimately won. Prosecutors suspect Song sourced the money through illegal political funds he received from a businessman and a former DPK lawmaker. Suspicions against Song also include him taking 763 million won in illegal political funds and bribes around that time via his support group, the Research Institute for Peace & Livelihood, from seven people, including a former chief of the Yeosu arm of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Including these, prosecutors suspect Song took a total of 820 million won in illegal political funds between 2020 and 2021. Song has squarely denied the allegations, accusing prosecutors of "a politically orchestrated investigation" targeting him. Song's arrest is expected to deal a blow to the political career of the former five-term lawmaker and expedite prosecutors' expansion of the investigation. (Yonhap) According to news reports, President Biden is increasingly frustrated with dismal poll numbers: For months, the president and first lady Jill Biden have told aides and friends they are frustrated by the presidents low approval rating and the polls that show him trailing former president Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination -- and in recent weeks, they have grown upset that they are not making more progress. I feel your pain, Mr. President, but you made some bad decisions and the polls are just how voters express their concerns. Is the President's team talking Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. seriously? Maybe they should, because he could be the biggest story of Election Day 2024. Kennedy could be the Wallace of 2024 -- the candidate who elected Nixon in 1968. According to the RCP average, this is what election day could look like: Trump -- 40.6 Biden -- 35.4 Kennedy -- 13.2 What does that mean in the Electoral College? It probably means that Trump wins over 300 electoral votes and competes in places like New York, Minnesota, and other blue states. So can Kennedy keep up these numbers? Time will tell, but these numbers have been consistent for a couple of months. Another consideration is whether Kennedy runs against Biden or Trump. My guess is that he goes after Biden and looks for disenchanted Democrats. So it's all a big guess today, but the Democrats made a big mistake when they threw Kennedy under the bus. Kennedy will come back to bite them on election day. Mr. President, its Robert Kennedy who will spoil your election night party. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: Jerry "Woody" Who says laws preventing entry by migrants likely to become public charges have any meaning? According to a new study from the Center for Immigration Studies, citing the U.S. Census's 2022 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), such laws are a joke. Migrants are America's most prodigious consumers of government welfare programs. CIS's Steven A. Camarota and Karen Ziegler write: Among the findings: The 2022 SIPP indicates that 54 percent of households headed by immigrants naturalized citizens, legal residents, and illegal immigrants used one or more major welfare program. This compares to 39 percent for U.S.-born households. The rate is 59 percent for non-citizen households (e.g. green card holders and illegal immigrants). Compared to households headed by the U.S.-born, immigrant-headed households have especially high use of food programs (36 percent vs. 25 percent for the U.S.-born), Medicaid (37 percent vs. 25 percent for the U.S.-born), and the Earned In come Tax Credit (16 percent vs. 12 percent for the U.S.-born). Our best estimate is that 59 percent of households headed by illegal immigrants, also called the undocumented, use at least one major program. We have no evidence this is due to fraud. Among legal immigrants we estimate the rate is 52 percent. Illegal immigrants can receive welfare on behalf of U.S.-born children, and illegal immigrant children can receive school lunch/breakfast and WIC directly. A number of states provide Medicaid to some illegal adults and children, and a few provide SNAP. Several million illegal immigrants also have work authorization (e.g. DACA, TPS, and some asylum applicants) allowing receipt of the EITC. Which tells us a lot about why the migrant crisis is so expensive. The current figures cover the period before the most recent border surge, which is the highest in history. What that means is that the costs are going to go significantly higher as migrants have children here to secure their status here and then draw welfare benefits on behalf of their U.S.-born children. They will then bring in equally situated family members of comparable education, skills and social capital into the country once they are permitted to stay. These costs will extend for decades. What that adds up to is a huge welfare cost to U.S. taxpayers, and a big benefit bonanza to foreign nationals who've never paid a penny into the system they're mining for a better life, while more often than not, do not have a right to be here. There are laws on the books against admitting migrants likely to become public charges. It's pretty obvious here that these laws are being ignored. Who knew that Joe Biden's open borders would import the welfare classes of more than a hundred-fifty countries into the U.S. and then tell taxpayers that immigrants enrich our country and anyone looking at the data is a xenophobe? It's one of the biggest myths out there that migrants aren't a drain on the public fisc. It's not just the cost of feeding and transporting and "processing" them at the border itself and in the sanctuary cities they travel to -- it's a lifetime of costs that go well beyond the billions that are bankrupting New York City just from the illegal entries. Something's got to give here. The great libertarian economist Milton Friedman once noted that one can have open borders, one can have a welfare state, but one cannot have both; the one is incompatible with the other. At the rate Joe's open border is going, the welfare state is going to be the one that goes as the U.S. is bankrupted from giving a free ride to every foreign national who can cross the U.S. border without papers. Image: Video screen shot from Jorge Ventura Media on Twitter. So, the Biden Crime Family took tens of millions of dollars from foreign entities. To what purpose they wont say, but none of them are even registered under the Foreign Agent Reporting Act (FARA). None of them even have a business activity to report related to these payments other than Hunters time as a Burisma Director. But wait! the D.C. establishment exclaims, House Oversight Chairman James Comer bought a half interest in six acres of land in Monroe County, Ky, then put it in an LLC with his wife in 2017. Oh, this could be bigger than Watergate! The guy who sold him the land had given him $1,000 back in 2010 and apparently never again, until 2023. Comer truthfully said, he was not a contributor during the time he sold him the land. Oh, the shame! Sorry -- even for Washington Democrats, this is really pathetic. Ive known James Comer for 25 years, going back to his time as a state legislator. He was hands down the most likeable guy in Frankfort among his colleagues, and now in D.C., pretty much the same -- thats why he was a full committee chair after just three terms. I have not spoken to him lately, but its no mystery at all about his finances or his politics. Monroe County is a small place, less than 12,000 people, but one of the bedrock Republican counties in our state, going back to the Civil War. The Comers were long established there, and as a teenager, James got involved with his grandfather in GOP politics and cattle farming on family land. Like most American farmers, he started small with leased or mortgage-acquired land from relatives and neighbors, then if profitable, acquired more. James was, over 40 years, quite successful, becoming a millionaire farmer/land owner with something like 1,600 acres. Everything he owns and how he got it is public record, in the county clerk's office. This includes land he and his brother inherited from their father when he died without a will. They then swapped some of the parcels. All this is public record and not a taxable event. Still, the Dems are complaining that Farm Team Properties LLC should have disclosed every parcel of land it owned, in Comers annual House financial statement. Only they didnt read the fine print. Very clearly, under the Ethics Committee Instruction Guide, Page 21, for an active business, one need not itemize all business holdings, just state the overall value. Before he was elected to Congress, the Comers lived in Monroe County, and actively ran their farm operations. Thats important, because active rather than passive farm income carries substantial tax consequences. Once in Congress, the Comers made their residence in Frankfort, KY, close enough to the Louisville Airport, but they could no longer claim to be active farmers. Instead, they now rent out their lands, and his wife, TJ, I assume, claims tax status as what is called an active real-estate professional. That's why they consider the LLC an "active" not passive business. For the Comers to put their investment money into more real estate through the LLC would be absolutely legal and, as a tax professional, I would say a no-brainer smart move to make. Nothing sinister at all here. Anyone who spends at least half their working days and 750 hours a year actively running a real-estate related business can claim this tax status. Millions of other Americans have done the same thing. James Comer has worked and carefully saved his money since he was in high school, making a success as a farmer and businessman and then as elected official. There he stands at the very opposite end of probity and honesty from the Biden Crime Family. Hunter Biden owes millions in likely fraudulent tax evasions involving trading on his fathers offices. Several of the bribery statutes the Bidens have violated like the Hobbs Act do not even require the big guy to be directly paid; a family member will do. Rest assured, there is already too much evidence and it is building into a mountain against Crooked Joe and his family. I expect in the end, on the way out of the White House, he will issue himself and all his relatives the mother of all pardons. But for now, we will hear the nonstop stupidity that "Biden has a brother, and Comer has a brother, so that makes it even." Somehow. Frank Friday is an attorney in Louisville KY. Image: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sevice In western Abruzzo, in central Italy, about 80 kilometers east of Rome, lies one of Italy's most fertile plains. The vegetables that are grown here are highly appreciated across Italy for their distinguishing quality and taste. Particularly popular is the Fucino potato which was awarded the Protected Geographical Indication in 2014a quality label awarded by the European Union to agricultural products of excellence closely tied to a particular territory. Surrounded by low hills, this wide and shallow valley was not always occupied by farmlands. On the contrary, there was a lake here, and it was the third largest lake in Italy until it was drained in 1878. Fucine Lake, or Lago Fucino in Italian, was the source of misery since ancient times. The lake had no natural outlet, causing the lakes water to spill over and frequently flood the surrounding villages. The local inhabitants pressed Julius Caesar to drain the lake and reclaim the valley, but before Caesar could draw up a plan, he was assassinated. A century later, in 41 AD, Emperor Claudius took up the ambitious plan of regulating the flow of the Fucine Lake. To achieve that, Claudius dug a 6-kilometer-long tunnel through the hills near Avezzano to divert the lake waters into the Liri River. Over thirty thousand workers, mostly slaves, toiled for eleven years digging, levelling and tunneling through the hills. Such a grandiose project had never been attempted before. Landslides and collapsed tunnels claimed untold number of lives. The work almost proved to be a disaster when a miscalculation by the engineers caused the lake waters to come rushing out too soon nearly drowning Claudius and his party, who had gathered on a floating platform on the channel. Eventually, the tunnel was completed. At that time it was the longest tunnel ever built, and remained so for eighteen centuries until the inauguration of the Frejus Rail Tunnel under the Alps in 1871. To celebrate the completion of the drainage works, Claudius organized a massive naval battle, called naumachia, on Fucine Lake. The combatants were prisoners who had been condemned to death. The spectacle on Fucine Lake was a carnage, as Roman naumachia usually were. After the battle, the locks were opened and the bloody waters of Fucine Lake flowed out, reducing the size of the lake from 140 sq. kilometers to under 60 sq. kilometers. The tunnel today. Photo: Claudio Parente/Wikimedia Commons The tunnel today. Photo: Claudio Parente/Wikimedia Commons After the fall of the Roman Empire and the Barbarian invasions, maintenance of the tunnel failed causing it to clog up. In the early 6th century, there was a serious earthquake that shifted the lake bed relative to the tunnel entrance, and as a consequence the lake returned to its former levels. After several unsuccessful attempts to restore the Roman drainage system in the 13th and the 15th centuries, Italian nobleman and banker Alessandro Torlonia engaged Swiss engineer Jean Francois Mayor de Montricher with the complicated task. After more than a decade of work, Montricher was able to restore the original tunnels enlarging sections of it wherever required. Other canals and connecting wells were also added. The work was concluded in 1870, and in 1873 the gradual draining of the Fucine Lake began. In five years, the lake was completely drained leaving behind 140 square kilometers of fertile land. Fucines fishermen discarded their fishing nets and took up farming instead, cultivating the former lakebed with cereals, vegetables and sugar beets. In 1942, a second tunnel or emissary was dug to compensate the functions of the original. These tunnels continue to drain runoff and excess water from the cultivated fields, so that there is a continuous flow of water at roughly 9 cubic meters per second through the emissary. In 1876, Roman architect Carlo Nicola Carnevali, built a couple of switch gates and a three-arched bridge on the head of the main emissary. A 23-feet-high statue of the Immaculate Conception decorates the structure. The sluice gates regulates the flow of the waters coming from the numerous Fucine canals which then pour into the outer drainage canal. From there, the water flows through the tunnel under Mount Salviano and exits on the opposite side of the hill to merge with the Liri River. Entrances to the major tunnel. Photo: Claudio Parente/Wikimedia Commons The outlet of the tunnel. Photo: F.angelo/Wikimedia Commons References: # Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnels_of_Claudius # NASA, https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/8572/lake-fucine-italy # http://www.aercalor.altervista.org/index_file/Lago_Fucino.pdf # Hughes, Robert. Rome: A Cultural, Visual, and Personal History In the Wannsee district of Berlin, Germany, there is a brief bridge spanning the Havel River, connecting the German capital to Potsdam. Historically, this bridge served as a border between East and West Berlin, marked by a white line in its center. Its secluded location made it a strategic point for exchanging high-ranking spies between the Eastern and Western powers, earning it the moniker 'Bridge of Spies.' Photo credit: Andreas Levers/Flickr Originally, a wooded bridge from the 17th century stood at this spot, facilitating access to the hunting grounds around Stolpe. In the early 1800s, a new bridge with a combination of brick and wood was constructed to handle the growing traffic. However, as the 20th century dawned, the demands exceeded even this bridge's capacity. Consequently, in 1907, it was replaced with a modern iron bridge. Throughout the Cold War era, the East German authorities named the bridge the "Bridge of Unity" because the border demarcation between East Germany and Western Allied-occupied West Berlin ran directly through its center. Paradoxically, despite this symbolic unity, every effort was made to hinder any actual reunification between East and West Germany. In 1952, the East German authorities even took a decisive step by closing the bridge to citizens of West Berlin and West Germany. Subsequently, after the erection of the Berlin Wall in 1961, the bridge became off-limits to East German citizens as well. Exclusive access was granted solely to allied military personnel and foreign diplomats. A photograph of Glienicke Bridge taken in 1987. Photo credit: David Stanley/Flickr Among all the checkpoints linking West Berlin to East Berlin and East Germany, the Bridge of Unity held a distinctive status. It was not only characterized by a Soviet presence but was also under full Soviet control, setting it apart from other checkpoints that were under East German authority and lacked a direct Soviet influence. The bridge soon became the site for several high-profile prisoner exchanges, starting with the exchange between Soviet spy, Colonel Rudolf Abel, and U.S. spy-plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers, who was shot down in the USSR in his U2 spy plane in 1960. The exchange, which took place on 10 February 1962, would live on in American memory with James Donovans 1964 book about the trial, negotiations, and exchange titled Strangers on a Bridge: The Case of Colonel Abel and Francis Gary Powers. This event also provided the basis for Stephen Spielbergs thriller Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks as James Donovan. Glienicke Bridge after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Photo credit: Gavin Stewart/Wikimedia Commons The next exchange took place in April 1964 when Soviet intelligence officer Konon Molody was exchanged for British MI6 agent Greville Wynne. On 12 June 1985, 23 American agents held in eastern Europe were exchanged for top Polish industrial spy, Marian Zacharski, and three other Soviet agents. The final exchange took place on 11 February 1986, when the human rights campaigner and political prisoner Anatoly Shcharansky and three Western agents were exchanged for Karl Koecher, the Czech mole in the CIA, and four other Eastern agents. In 1980, the West Berlin government took steps to repair its portion of the bridge, and in 1985, it financed the repair of the East German side in return for officially renaming the bridge "Glienicke Bridge," in reference to the nearby Glienicke Palace. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Glienicke Bridge was reopened for pedestrians, marking a symbolic end to the division. As part of the German reunification process in 1990, the border fortifications and barricades that once separated East and West Germany were dismantled, ushering in a new era of unity. Plaque across the bridge to remember the division of Germany until 1989. Photo credit: Roland.h.bueb/Wikimedia Commons Photo credit: Uwca/Wikimedia Commons Photo credit: Loewenflausch/Wikimedia Commons Samsungs Galaxy S24 series may use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve low-light photography, at least the Ultra model. The phone can reportedly identify a dozen different kinds of objects in Night Mode images captured with the 200MP primary camera and optimize them for better quality. It is unclear whether the company will offer the same AI optimization capabilities on the other two Galaxy S24 models. Galaxy S24 Ultra uses AI to improve low-light images The Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the best camera phones you can buy today. It delivers excellent overall camera performance, including low-light photography. Samsung is keeping the 200MP camera unchanged on the 2024 model. Coupled with improved software processing, the new Ultra flagship is already expected to go up a notch over its predecessor with its image quality. Advertisement Advertisement It appears the Korean firm will add AI to the mix. Noted Samsung insider Ice Universe says the Galaxy S24 Ultra will use AI to detect 12 kinds of objects in a scene when capturing photos in low-light environments. It will then optimize the scene to add more details and make the image look better. The phone will likely enhance colors, tone, and dynamic range to improve the overall quality of the photo. The source didnt specify what objects the Galaxy S24 Ultras camera AI can identify. However, we should be talking about stuff like humans, animals, vehicles, buildings, nature, food, etc. If the phone also reduces the noise in dark areas, it will address one of the few complaints about the current Ultra models low-light images. Hopefully, Samsung will lend some of these improvements to the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ too. The new Ultra may capture 24MP images by default Samsungs 200MP cameras capture 12MP photos by default. They use pixel binning to merge neighboring pixels and capture more light. If the conditions are bright enough, you can manually switch to 50MP or 200MP modes for that extra bit of detail in photos. This has worked perfectly on the Galaxy S23 Ultra but the company will seemingly improve the implementation of pixel binning next year. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is said to capture photos in a 24MP resolution by default. The information comes from X tipster Ahmed Qwaider. If true, the new Ultra will give you more details in images. Rumors say Samsung will unveil its 2024 flagship lineup on January 17. The launch event, which the company calls Galaxy Unpacked, will take place in San Jose, USA. The phones may arrive in stores at the end of January 2024. ASUS has some new ROG-branded gaming hardware in the works. Allegedly called the ROG Tessen Mobile Controller, it can transform a smartphone into a handheld gaming device. The company plans to launch it sometime in 2024, possibly as an optional companion for the ROG Phone 8. ASUS readies ROG Tessen Mobile Controller Taiwan-based ASUS is one of the popular names when it comes to gaming Android smartphones. Its ROG-series phones are the favorite of many avid mobile gamers worldwide. The company is currently readying the ROG Phone 8 series with plans to launch it in January, at least in China. A global release may follow shortly after the Chinese launch. Advertisement Advertisement Alongside the new phones, ASUS has new handheld gaming hardware in the pipeline. Sources have shared photos of the so-called ROG Tessen Mobile Controller with WindowsReport. It appears to be a compact companion device that will connect to your ROG Phone to transform it into a gaming handheld like the ROG Ally. As the publication notes, the device is seemingly an upgraded version of the ROG Kunai 3 Gamepad from a few years back. ASUS has added RGB lights to it and made the handheld more sturdy and compact while retaining a rigid handgrip. It can be folded when not in use, allowing for greater portability. The leaked photos reveal that the ROG Tessen Mobile Controller connects to the phone via a USB Type-C port. This should ensure little to no latency, enabling a seamless mobile gaming experience with zero lag and interruptions. The device should be compatible with ROG gaming phones and devices from other brands. When used wirelessly, it can run for up to six hours on a single charge. As far as controls are concerned, the upcoming ASUS mobile gaming companion offers a full set of control keys, including analog triggers and ALPS joysticks. It supports a handheld mode, an all-in-one mode, and a mobility mode. Overall, the ROG Tessen Mobile Controller can handle diverse gaming situations and is suitable for all kinds of mobile gamers out there. The device will arrive in 2024 The new report says ASUS plans to launch the ROG Tessen Mobile Controller in 2024. We dont have a precise launch date but the company may bring it to the market alongside or shortly after the ROG Phone 8 release. The product is expected to cost between $139 and $159, so it is fairly affordable for what it offers to mobile gaming buffs. We will let you know when we have more details about the device. Googles parent company, Alphabet Inc., is will pay $700 million to settle antitrust claims related to the dominance of its Google Play store in the Android mobile applications market. This settlement resolves legal complaints brought by attorneys general from about three dozen states and consumers. A federal court in California consolidated the lawsuits and posed a significant threat to Googles revenue generated through the sale and distribution of apps on the Google Play platform. The settlement, disclosed in a court filing, outlines that Alphabet will modify its Google Play policies to address concerns of unlawfully dominating the Android mobile applications market. The changes are designed to allow choices and bring openness to Google Play regarding app distribution and payment processing. Advertisement Advertisement The legal battles centered on allegations that Google used anticompetitive tactics to block competition, ensuring that developers had no alternative but to use the Google Play store to reach users. State attorneys general accused Google of inflating Android app prices by taking up to 30% cut, from Google Play transactions. Earlier this month, a federal jury in San Francisco ruled in favor of Epic Games Inc. in a case that challenged Google Plays app distribution, payment, and fee policies. The jury sided with Epic Games, affirming that Googles practices were unlawful. As part of the settlement, Google will contribute $630 million to a fund that benefits consumers and an additional $70 million to resolve state claims for penalties, restitution, disgorgement, and fees. The lawsuit aims to address the funds to the grievances of consumers and the states involved in the legal action. Apart from the financial settlement, Google has agreed to make changes to its Android platform, introducing a simplified sideloading process and updated language to inform users about potential risks when downloading apps directly from the web. Additionally, the company will clarify that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can provide users with options to use either the Google Play store or another app store out of the box. These changes will take effect after formal court approval of the settlement. Its important to note that this settlement is separate from the ongoing jury trial involving Epic Games, where the court found Google to have an illegal monopoly. China is intensifying its ban on foreign smartphones in government offices. Several Chinese agencies and state-backed firms have ordered employees to stop bringing Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and other non-Chinese devices to the workplace. These verbal directives were issued in at least eight provinces over the past month or so, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. China bans Samsung and Apple phones from government offices The ties between the US and China, the worlds two largest economies, have worsened in recent years. The two countries are fighting a trade war that escalated in 2019 after the Donald Trump-led US government placed the Chinese electronics giant Huawei in its Entity List. The sanctions cut off the firms access to the latest foreign technologies, limiting its business scope and competitiveness. Advertisement Advertisement The US has continued to tighten its sanctions on Huawei and is also exploring a ban on TikTok. The Chinese-origin video app is already banned from government devices in most states. China, meanwhile, is increasingly becoming self-sufficient in the field of technology. A robust domestic supply chain has enabled Huawei to stand up and fight its way back into the global smartphone scene. While it is still far from where it was before the 2019 US sanctions, the Chinese government is helping its cause. Xi Jinpings administration has long banned foreign devices from sensitive government departments. Other official agencies and firms are now following suit. Bloombergs sources have confirmed such directives in provinces along the prosperous coastal region and other parts of the country. The scale of this ban is unknown, i.e., how many agencies have ordered their employees against bringing Apple and Samsung phones to the office is unclear. However, China hasnt passed any written law to ban foreign devices from government offices. China has not issued laws and regulations to ban the purchase of Apple or foreign brands phones, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said in September. iPhone sales are already declining in China This ban will affect Apple more than Samsung. Despite being the worlds biggest smartphone company, the latter has a negligible presence in the worlds largest smartphone market (less than a two percent market share). On the other hand, Apple generates about a fifth of its smartphone revenue from China. It produces the majority of iPhones in the worlds largest country, though it is gradually shifting away. As the US-China trade war intensifies, Apple is becoming collateral damage. Studies have shown that iPhone sales in China are dropping. The iPhone 15 series is selling worse than the previous generation. The more China pushes for self-sufficiency, the bigger will be the impact on Apple. The companys CEO Tim Cook is trying to maintain a healthy relationship with Beijing but those efforts may not help. OnePlus has confirmed that the upcoming OnePlus 12R handset will launch in both Europe and North America. The company confirmed as much during the fireside chat on YouTube. Before we continue, do note that the OnePlus R series was exclusive to India thus far. That same series launched in China under the Ace brand, though. Those are the only two markets the devices were made available. Advertisement Advertisement The OnePlus 12R will launch in Europe and North America, its official That will be changing, however, on January 23. That is the global launch date for the OnePlus 12 series, as confirmed recently. OnePlus President, Kinder Liu, flat-out said: Yes, in addition to India, this time we will launch the OnePlus 12R in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world as well. The OnePlus 12R will be quite powerful in its own right, at least based on the rumored specs. Previous OnePlus R phones were rather powerful as well, so this is not surprising. It will, however, be inferior to the OnePlus 12, of course. The phone is expected to include a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will likely fuel the device, while a 5,500mAh battery is also rumored. 100W wired charging is also expected, and the charger will be included in the package. The OnePlus 12R will include three cameras on the back, and Android 14 out of the box A 50-megapixel main camera will be backed by a 32-megapixel telephoto camera, and an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. Android 14 will come pre-installed on the phone, along with OxygenOS 14. The OnePlus 12 will include a more powerful processor, a slightly larger display, a more powerful camera setup, and so on. It will still clearly be the flagship smartphone, but the OnePlus 12R could attract some people. If OnePlus manages to get the price tag right for the OnePlus 12R, that phone could prove to be quite popular. The price tag will be extremely important. By Kim Se-jeong An online video clip featuring a man who appears to be hanging onto a moving KTX bullet train at a station while at the same time demanding it stop, has gone viral. In the clip, recorded at Gwangmyeong Station in Gyeonggi Province and uploaded to YouTube on Friday by an unidentified person, a man hanging from a departing train is heard shouting at a member of staff that the train should stop in order to take him. The staff member shouts back at him to get off. The situation was resolved as the train finally stopped and he got off, still shouting at the member of staff. Following a short delay in train operations, they allowed the man to get on the train but he was later handed over to the train police at Gwangju Songjeong Station in South Jeolla Province and fined for violating train safety rules, according to Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL), the operator of the KTX bullet trains. "The passenger appeared to have arrived at the train station late. But, we can't wait for every single passenger. What he did was extremely dangerous," a KORAIL official said. Yesterday, Samsung released the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update for the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3, and Galaxy Z Flip 3 in the US. The big Android update for the 2022 and 2021 Galaxy foldables is now available in more markets. We have confirmation that One UI 6.0 for these devices is rolling out at least in Asia. Additionally, the Galaxy F54 has picked up the update. Samsung updates its older foldables to Android 14 Samsung took longer than expected to release Android 14 for its older foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 picked it up almost a month back but the 2022 and 2021 lineups had to wait until this week. The US versions of the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3, and Galaxy Z Flip 3 received it yesterday. The update is available for both carrier-locked and unlocked units stateside. Advertisement Advertisement Now, One UI 6.0 is rolling out to the four foldables in Asian markets, including India and South Korea. In India, the update for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 bears the firmware build number F936BXXU4EWL1. It is F936NKSU2EWL1 in Samsungs homeland. Those for the Galaxy Z Flip 4 are F721BXXU4EWL1 and F721NKSU2EWL1, respectively. The phones are receiving the December security patch in both regions. As of this writing, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 appear to be receiving this update in Korea only. The new build numbers for the two devices are F926NKSU3HWL1 and F711NKSU3HWL1, respectively. The December SMR (Security Maintenance Release) is part of the package for these foldables too. It shouldnt be long before Samsung updates the phones to Android 14 and One UI 6.0 globally. This update brings UI changes, smoother system animations, new features, and functional improvements to your Samsung foldable. Additionally, it introduces the December security release that patches more than 60 vulnerabilities, including at least seven critical ones. Like before, you can check for updates from the Settings app. You may also get a notification when the update is available for your phone. Galaxy F54 is also receiving this update Along with its older foldables, Samsung has released Android 14 for the Galaxy F54. The F-series phone is only sold in India and a few neighboring countries such as Nepal. The update comes with firmware version E546BXXU3BWL1 and bundles the November security patch. The Korean firm will soon release One UI 6.0 for the remaining eligible budget and mid-range phones. It has pushed the update to all flagship models. In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial technology, smart contracts have emerged as a pivotal element, revolutionizing the way agreements are executed in the digital realm. This article delves into the intricacies of smart contracts and explores their redefinition through the lens of Chinas groundbreaking initiative the Digital Yuan. Among these developments, investigating businesses such as Yuan Global might provide vital insights into navigating this changing financial world. Understanding Smart Contracts Smart contracts, self-executing digital contracts with coded terms and conditions, have transcended the confines of traditional agreements. Their programmable nature allows for automation, transparency, and efficiency. Originating from the blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrencies, smart contracts have found applications in various industries, from supply chain management to decentralized finance. Advertisement Advertisement A historical exploration reveals the gradual integration of smart contracts into diverse sectors, highlighting their adaptability and transformative potential. This section also conducts a comparative analysis, elucidating the distinctions between smart contracts and traditional contractual frameworks. Digital Yuan: A Revolutionary Step Chinas Digital Yuan, officially known as the Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP), marks a significant leap in the global financial landscape. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, Digital Yuan is issued and regulated by the central bank, providing a government-backed digital currency. Its development aligns with Chinas commitment to fostering financial innovation and achieving greater control over its monetary system. Key features differentiating Digital Yuan from other cryptocurrencies include its legal status as legal tender, the absence of anonymity, and its centralized issuance. These features contribute to its stability and wider acceptance, setting it apart from decentralized alternatives like Bitcoin. Integration of Smart Contracts with Digital Yuan The convergence of smart contracts with Digital Yuan unveils a new paradigm in digital finance. The symbiotic relationship between these two technologies enhances the efficiency and security of financial transactions. Smart contracts enable self-executing agreements on the Digital Yuan blockchain, automating processes that traditionally required intermediaries. Advantages of this integration include faster transaction settlements, reduced costs, and increased transparency. Real-world applications range from decentralized lending and asset tokenization to automated regulatory compliance. The marriage of smart contracts and Digital Yuan creates a fertile ground for innovative financial services. Advertisement Security and Privacy Considerations As smart contracts and Digital Yuan intertwine, addressing security and privacy concerns becomes paramount. Smart contracts, while immutable and transparent, are not immune to vulnerabilities. This section examines the security challenges inherent in smart contracts and proposes strategies to mitigate risks. Digital Yuan, on the other hand, incorporates features to safeguard user privacy while adhering to regulatory requirements. Balancing transparency and privacy in financial transactions becomes a delicate yet crucial aspect of the Digital Yuan ecosystem. The discussion delves into the cryptographic techniques employed to secure transactions and protect user identities. Regulatory Landscape The regulatory landscape plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of smart contracts and digital currencies. Globally, governments are grappling with the task of formulating frameworks that encourage innovation while mitigating potential risks. This section provides an overview of existing regulatory frameworks for smart contracts and explores Chinas approach to regulating Digital Yuan. Chinas regulatory stance on digital currencies reflects a nuanced strategy that aims to foster innovation while maintaining control. Understanding these regulatory dynamics is essential for anticipating the global adoption of smart contracts and digital currencies. Future Prospects and Challenges Looking ahead, the integration of smart contracts with Digital Yuan presents exciting possibilities and formidable challenges. Innovations in smart contract technology, such as the evolution of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and self-amending contracts, could redefine the landscape further. However, challenges related to scalability, interoperability, and regulatory uncertainties pose potential roadblocks. Advertisement International collaboration emerges as a key factor in shaping the future of smart contracts and digital currencies. Standardizing protocols and regulatory approaches can facilitate seamless cross-border transactions and foster a more inclusive global financial ecosystem. Conclusion In conclusion, the amalgamation of smart contracts with Chinas Digital Yuan signals a paradigm shift in the world of finance. The transformative potential of this integration is evident in the streamlined, secure, and efficient nature of transactions. As the landscape continues to evolve, a collaborative and adaptive approach is essential to harness the full spectrum of opportunities presented by smart contracts and digital currencies. The journey towards a decentralized and digitized financial future is underway, with the Digital Yuan leading the way. Xiaomi introduced HyperOS, its next-generation proprietary operating system, in October this year. It replaced MIUI, which the Chinese brand has been using on all its smartphones for over a decade. HyperOS is already available in the companys home market since its release. Now, Xiaomi has announced the global rollout timeline of HyperOS for eligible devices. Xiaomi reveals global release timeline of HyperOS It took nearly two months for Xiaomi to reveal the details of the HyperOS custom skin for eligible devices in the global market. The company confirmed the details through its official Xiaomi HyperOS account on X (formerly Twitter). Additionally, Xiaomis sub-brand POCO Global on its X handle also revealed eligible POCO devices to receive the HyperOS update Advertisement Advertisement Xiaomi added that the HyperOS update for the eligible devices will be rolled out over-the-air in a phased manner. The brand will reveal the release plan for other models gradually. Hence, owners of older Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones will have to wait a little longer to experience HyperOS on their devices. List of eligible Xiaomi and POCO devices for HyperOS In total, eight Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones along with a tablet are set to receive the HyperOS update in the first quarter of 2024 i,e, between January to March. These include: Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13T, Xiaomi 13T Pro, Redmi Note 12, Redmi Note 12S, and the Xiaomi Pad 6. The POCO F5 will be the first device from the Xiaomi sub-brand to get the HyperOS update. However, POCO did not explicitly reveal the specific rollout window. The brand has promised to share for other devices at a later date. No HyperOS updates if you unlock Xiaomis bootloader The company announced last month that it is tightening bootloader unlocking restrictions. It will be disabled by default on HyperOS phones citing reasons such as security, data protection, and overall experience. Users who unlock the bootloader will lose access to HyperOS updates and it can only be regained by relocking their devices. Posted on: December 18, 2023 2:05 PM The Archbishop of the Province of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, the Most Revd Ezekiel Kondo, appealed for peace in his Christmas letter recently. He said: I appeal to the two warring parties, Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces and their supporters on this special occasion to consider putting the guns beyond use and silence them for peace as a matter of urgency. Continuing using guns, there will be no people left to rule over nor will there be a country called Sudan to live in. Enough is enough to the suffering of innocent people. Enough is enough to death. Archbishop Ezekiels Christmas message describes how communities in the country have been adversely affected since the start of the war, particularly Khartoum, Darfur, El Obeid and Kadugli. He also writes about communities in other states affected by flooding. Many people lost their lives and no one is burying them, while many got injured and still many missing. People live in fear because of bullets, hunger and health reasons. People lost their properties while they live as displaced in their homeland and still others as refugees in foreign countries. Peoples lives are like living in darkness and they see no future. I salute the Bishops who are with their people in the Dioceses of El Obeid, Kadugli, Port Sudan, Wad Medani and particularly the Clergy in the Diocese of Khartoum. I thank God for each of them, for their faith and courage at this difficult time, he said. He quotes the Old Testament prophet Isaiah and likens what the prophet says to the current situation in Sudan. But he gives a message of hope and courage. In the darkness, the light is shown. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Every warriors boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. (Isa. 9:1-2; 4-9) He speaks about a son who is a King and who comes with great power whose government will last forever and he will rule with justice, righteousness, and people will live in peace, explains Archbishop Ezekiel. He concludes his message with thanking God for his faithfulness and appealing to the countrys leaders for peace, "Despite the instability, we thank God for His faithfulness, believing that he will intervene at his own time. We wish to express our thanks and gratitude to our friends and partners abroad and within Sudan for standing in solidarity, support, encouragement and prayer for the Sudanese people in general and Christians in particular. Contentious repatriation feared to tarnish Korea's image By Lee Hyo-jin, Jung Da-hyun On Nov. 24, about 30 Uzbek students enrolled at a Korean language course at Hanshin University in Gyeonggi Province received a notice from school officials that their dormitory will undergo disinfection three days later. The students were told to keep their valuables with them on the designated sanitization day. The timing of the disinfection seemed unusual and abrupt, considering that the days of strict COVID-19 quarantine measures were seemingly over. But the students did as they were told. Among them, 23 students were asked to gather at a hallway and board a bus parked near the dormitory building at around 1:00 p.m on Nov. 27, which they were told was disinfection day. As we got on the bus, professors and officials told us that we are going to the immigration office to make ID cards for foreign students, Abdulhamidov, who was among the 23 students, told The Korea Times, asking to be identified only by his surname. Approximately 20 minutes into the journey, the bus made an unexpected stop where 16 men, all dressed in black attire, boarded. Abdulhamidov and his friends felt something was wrong. "A cameraman was recording everything happening on the bus, while the 16 men, who looked like security guards, stood near us and asked for our phones," he recalled. "They took my phone, so I don't have any photos or videos from the bus." University officials told the students, through a senior Uzbek undergraduate serving as an interpretor, that they must immediately return to Uzbekistan or face jail sentences here for violating immigration laws. Shock and fear filled the bus as the students were handed documents explaining tuition refund procedures. "They told us to sign it. I paid a full tuition fee for one year, and the document said that a quarter will be deducted for the two months I attended . They also deducted about 600,000 won ($460) more for the plane ticket back to Tashkent which they had booked," Abdulhamidov said. After signing the document, the panic-stricken students sat in silence, unable to call their families or friends at home, as the bus made its way to Incheon International Airport. At the airport, the students were escorted by security guards to board a pre-booked Asiana Airlines flight bound for Tashkent at 4:40 p.m, with most of their belongings left behind at the dormitory. One student could not board the scheduled flight after she fainted at the airport and was taken to a hospital. The other 22 students left for Uzbekistan. According to Hanshin University, the students allegedly violated an immigration law mandating foreign students to maintain a balance of 10 million won in their bank deposit accounts for at least three months before their visa approval. However, the Uzbek students claim that they were not properly notified about this rule by the university officials prior to obtaining the visa. The students, who entered Korea in September, were granted a six-month study visa valid until March 2024. "The students were not well aware of the rule, so they took out some of the money from their bank accounts," said Choi Jeong-gyu, an attorney at the law firm, Wongok. He represents 11 students who plan to take legal action against the university. "As far as I know, this clause about having to maintain their balance for three months was introduced in June. Prior to this, there were no specific rules about having to keep the balance for a certain period," Choi said. After being criticized by the public for repatriating the Uzbek students, Hanshin University issued a statement on Dec. 12, apologizing for what it said were "inappropriate methods and process" in sending the students back home. "The students were denied visa extensions, leaving them with no choice but to leave the country. The measure was taken under the pretext of offering them tuition refunds and opportunities for re-entry," the statement read. The university also claimed that the Uzbek students were unwilling to cooperate and were frequently absent from class due to illegal part-time jobs as additional reasons for their expulsion. Hanshin University did not respond to multiple phone calls and text messages sent by The Korea Times for further explanations. "This case showed me that human rights issues in Korea need to be examined more properly and it would be nice if they show some respect for other nations. Their actions have negatively changed my view about Korea," said Abdulhamidov. Bungled handling by justice ministry The forced repatriations of the Uzbek students is a serious human rights violation, said Choi, the attorney, who also pointed out that this may also constitute a crime such as confinement (on the bus) or extraterritorial abduction. But from a broader perspective, this incident shows the failure of the Ministry of Justice to effectively manage its visa programs in the first place. If it is true that the students had failed to maintain their bank balance requirments prior to the visa screening, their entry permits should have been denied from the beginning, according to Choi. "Their visas were approved. This means that the immigration office either did a poor job of screening their applications or, in some way, bent the rules. There should be a thorough investigation," Choi said. The lawyer also raised the possibility that the immigration authorities may have been involved or were at least aware of the repatriation process. In an official letter sent to an Uzbek study agency through which the 23 students enrolled Hanshin University said the departure process was "legally carried out" in collaboration with the Incheon Immigration Office as well as the investigation and foreign affairs divisions of Incheon Airport Police. The letter, viewed by The Korea Times, also promised students, who agree not to file legal objections to the repatriation, an opportunity to reapply for visas next year. The Ministry of Justice, however, denied any involvement in the repatriations of the students. "There is no reason for the immigration office to assist the departure of students who were legally allowed to stay until March next year," said an official at the ministry, adding that it will cooperate with an ongoing police investigation. Investigation launched Osan Police Station has officially launched a probe into the matter based on a report filed on Dec. 1 by the students' families. University officials are scheduled to be summoned for questioning this week, and the scope of the investigation could be expanded depending on the situation. "We are looking at charges of confinement, as the victims' main complaint is that they were forcibly loaded onto the bus," a police officer said, noting that the investigation is still in its preliminary stage. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHCRK), for its part, has also opened an investigation to examine possible human rights violations in the repatriation procedures. A new tax band of 45p in the pound will be created in Scotland, the Deputy First Minister has announced. Shona Robison said in her Budget statement at Holyrood on Tuesday that the advanced band will apply to those earning between 75,000 and 125,140. The top rate of tax, levied against those earning above this figure, will rise by 1% next year to 48p in the pound. In other areas of tax, the three lowest rates will see no increase to their rates while the starter and basic rate bands will increase by the level of inflation. Deputy First Minister @ShonaRobisonMSP presents #ScotBudget to @ScotParl today. This budget prioritises: protecting public services funding key missions on equality, opportunity, community investing in services and infrastructure Watch at https://t.co/zWDxp2N6pM pic.twitter.com/sH8RJHBniN Scottish Government (@scotgov) December 19, 2023 The changes will bring in another 1.5 billion to Scotlands finances next year, Ms Robison said. She also said the Scottish Government will fully fund its proposed council tax freeze, providing local government with the equivalent of a 5% rise. Ms Robison told MSPs the Office for Budget Responsibility projection for inflation next year is 3%, but she wants to go further than that. She said: Thats why I will fund an above inflation 5% council tax freeze delivering over 140 million of additional investment for local services. Combined with the other support being provided to local government, this will increase their overall funding by 6% since the last budget, taking local government funding to a new record high of over 14 billion. Councils will be provided with 1.5 million to wipe out school meal debt incurred by pupils across Scotland. Due to Westminster mismanagement of our economy, too many households are worrying about debt, Ms Robison said. With our limited powers there is only so much we can do. However, where we can step in, we will. That is why I am pleased to confirm we will provide local authorities with 1.5 million to cancel school meal debt, removing a worry hanging over families up and down the country who are struggling to make ends meet. Tory finance spokeswoman Liz Smith condemned the SNP tax plans (PA) Other announcements include freezing business rates for premises valued at less than 51,000 and giving 100% rates relief to hospitality businesses in Scotlands islands. Funding for NHS boards will rise by 550 million or 4.3% and amounts to 13.2 billion. Liz Smith, the Scottish Conservative finance spokeswoman, accused Ms Robison of a discourtesy to Parliament through a late delivery of the Budget document to MSPs. Ms Smith said: I cant see any acknowledgement anywhere none whatsoever that the Scottish Government takes any responsibility for the current fiscal circumstances. She criticised Government waste on failed projects which sparked an angry exchange among seated MSPs and said the SNP is pandering to the Greens rather than improving services. On tax, she asked: Do you really think that you are sending out the right message that Scotland is open for business? It was Humza Yousafs first Budget since taking over as the head of the Scottish Government (PA) For economic growth, for investment, innovation and job creation? Because its abundantly clear that business and industry doesnt think so. Ms Smith said local government is getting perhaps less than half of what it has asked for. Scottish Labour finance spokesman Michael Marra said it was a chaotic Budget from an incompetent Government that will leave ordinary Scots paying much more and getting much less in return. He said the fiscal shortfall is an SNP waste gap, saying if economic growth had kept pace with the rest of the UK, it would have been 8.5 billion larger. Mr Marra said Humza Yousaf had panic-spent public money following the Rutherglen by-election. He said: Tax cannot and should not be used as a substitute for economic growth. While Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the decision to increase taxes on the highest paid would be bad for our economy. In a statement released after the budget, Mr Jack said the announcement would deter business investment and punish Scots. The Scottish Government has a record block grant yet wastes hundreds of millions of pounds, he said. It needs to take responsibility for its spending choices and the resultant, self-inflicted, budget black hole, rather than blaming the UK Government and penalising Scottish taxpayers. The UK Government is cutting tax for individuals and for businesses. The Scottish Government should do the same. Irelands deputy premier has said that Brexit is a lesson on pursuing knee-jerk policies in response to a surge in migration that can be damaging and ultimately not have any impact. Tanaiste Micheal Martin was responding to questions on how to deal with the increase in asylum seekers from Ukraine and elsewhere in the world amid a post-recession housing shortage. The Foreign Affairs minister said that the government needed to do better to address peoples fears, but added that there are no reports of increases in crime in areas where there are direct provision centres housing asylum seekers. He said that Irelands broader story of migration had been a very positive one, adding that the richness and diversity in schools in particular should be cherished. I do think we have to create a better narrative around the entire situation in terms of communicating the issue, Mr Martin said on Tuesday. He said that the word unvetted had been thrown around in the Irish parliament Dail Eireann more frequently, and that there was an obligation to ease concerns where people are genuinely afraid. I think we do need to challenge that narrative much more robustly than perhaps it has been challenged. There has to be rules and there are rules, and thats not probably understood widely, and there is a legal framework here and weve got to continue to see if we can we improve that legal framework. But whats interesting also, if you look at other countries and jurisdictions where the narrative has got stronger, say in terms of a more moderate, right-wing view on things, Brexit happened because of migration, or I would argue the tipping point in terms of how that debate was conducted was somehow well take back control and that well reduce migration if we leave the European Union. After Brexit, if you look at the figures most recently, migration continues to go up in the United Kingdom. Brexit has had no appreciable impact on it. So I think thats a lesson to us, that we can get into knee-jerk policy responses because of the migration challenge, which could be dangerous and damaging to the country and will not have any impact anyway in terms of what, in my view, is ultimately a function of how the world is working or not working in many respects. The British Museum has extended its partnership with oil giant BP by another decade after striking a 50 million deal to help fund its renovations plans. The museum said the money from the 10-year deal will be used to redevelop the Bloomsbury site in central London and ensure its collection will be available to the public for generations to come. Environmental campaigners have urged the museum to end its sponsorship deal with BP over the years, with a further backlash mounting after the details of the museums masterplan were revealed on Tuesday. A Drop BP sign is displayed at the British Museum in central London during a protest by Extinction Rebellion protesters over the museums sponsorship deal with BP in 2022 (James Manning/PA) The first phase of the plan will see the opening of a new archaeological research facility in June next year. It will house items from rare Peruvian fabrics to ancient fingerprints preserved on 5,000-year-old antler picks in a bid to offer a radically different approach to museum storage by also facilitating research and study by academics and members of the public. Proposals for a new energy centre have been also submitted with the intention of phasing out of the use of fossil fuels within the museums estate and replacing them with low carbon technologies. Applications are also set to open in spring 2024 for an international architectural competition to redevelop more than 7,000 square metres of gallery space. The competition will focus on the Western Range, which currently houses collections including Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Charlie Mayfield, chair of the British Museums masterplan committee, said: The British Museum is one of the largest and most visited cultural institutions in the world but some of its buildings are over 200 years old and in urgent need of refurbishment. Thats why the masterplan is so essential and its exciting to be moving forward with our plans. Next year we will begin the process of completely overhauling our outdated energy infrastructure and replacing it with state-of-the-art facilities that will dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, and we will begin a global search amongst leading architects to find a partner to help us reimagine the famous Western Range. Theres so much to look forward to in 2024 and we are grateful to all our partners for their support. Hartwig Fischer stepped down as director of the British Museum (Benedict Johnson/The British Museum/PA) Louise Kingham, senior vice president of Europe and UK country chair for BP, said: The British Museum offers a window to the world for the millions of people that pass through its doors every year. As a business that has made Britain its home for over a century, we are proud to be a long-term partner to this important British institution and play our part in its future transformation whilst helping to ensure that this iconic cultural venue remains freely accessible to all. Co-director of campaign group Culture Unstained Chris Garrard said the decision to renew the contract with BP was astonishingly out-of-touch and completely indefensible. He added: We believe this decision is illegitimate and in breach of the museums own climate commitments and sector-wide codes and will be seeking legal advice in order to mount a formal challenge to it. The masterplan announcement comes after the museums director Hartwig Fischer resigned earlier this year in the wake of the stolen artefacts scandal which prompted a police investigation. Mr Fischer admitted that it was evident that the British Museum did not respond as comprehensively as it should have in response to the warnings in 2021 about the missing items. Last week, it was announced that the deputy director Jonathan Williams would also be leaving the institution. The announcement came a day after an independent review was published into the estimated 2,000 items from the collection, worth millions of pounds, which were found to be missing, stolen or damaged. A diplomatic row over the contested Elgin Marbles within the museum was also fuelled further last month by Rishi Sunak refusing to meet Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, when he compared the artefacts removal with cutting the Mona Lisa in half. Part of friezes that adorned the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple on the Acropolis, the Elgin Marbles have been displayed at the British Museum in London for more than 200 years. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron will visit Paris and Rome in a diplomatic blitz as he lobbies for unity in the European approach to the Israel-Hamas war, Ukraine and efforts to tackle unauthorised migration. The former premier will meet with the leaders of France and Italy, Emmanuel Macron and Giorgia Meloni, as well as his foreign ministerial counterparts, during the trip on Tuesday. It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with Italian premier Giorgia Meloni on Saturday, with the Conservative Party leader warning that the threat of migration could overwhelm European states. Ahead of his trip, Lord Cameron who resigned as prime minister after the UK electorate voted to leave the European Union during the 2016 Brexit referendum said Britain needed to strengthen our alliances in the face of global crises. He said: As we face some of the greatest challenges to international security in a lifetime, our response must be one of strength and resilience with our European allies. From the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza, to Putins brutality in Ukraine, it is more important than ever to strengthen our alliances and make sure our voice is heard. The Foreign Office said Lord Cameron, who made a shock return to frontline politics last month, would use the trip to reiterate his call for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. He will also push for there to be increased co-ordination by European allies to ensure aid can get into the besieged strip. Before he travelled, a group of Conservative MPs, including three former Cabinet ministers, wrote to the Foreign Secretary stating that the case for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict is unanswerable. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on Saturday (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) The Western approach to how Tel Aviv is conducting its military offensive against Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza and that carried out the October 7 assault on Israel, appears to be hardening. Mr Sunak last week shifted his language to call for a sustainable ceasefire, calling for Hamas to stop firing rockets in Israel and release its hostages in exchange for aid. The 10-week-old war has killed more than 19,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. During his first stop in Paris, Lord Cameron will meet President Macron and foreign minister Catherine Colonna to discuss, according to officials, maintaining support for Ukraine and finding a long-term political solution in the Middle East. They will also broach how the UK and France can continue to co-ordinate their humanitarian responses in Gaza. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the visit will also look ahead to a milestone year for UK-France relations in 2024. Lord Cameron will meet with French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris (Carl Court/PA) Next year marks 120 years since the signing of the Entente Cordiale and 80 years since the D-Day landings that helped liberate Europe during the Second World War. In Rome, Lord Cameron will hold talks with his counterpart, foreign minister Antonio Tajani, and address Italian ambassadors gathered at the Italian foreign ministry for their annual heads of mission conference. The Cabinet minister will also meet with Ms Meloni, with efforts to tackle unauthorised migration at the top of the agenda for their discussions. Officials said the pair will welcome a new agreement between the two countries, announced during Mr Sunaks trip to the Italian capital on Saturday, to contribute 4 million to the International Organisation for Migrations assisted voluntary returns project in Tunisia. The FCDO said the joint funding will go towards providing humanitarian assistance and support for vulnerable and stranded migrants to return home safely. Mr Sunak has made putting a stop to boats of migrants crossing the English Channel one of his top priorities ahead of an expected general election next year. The Prime Minister is currently looking to pass an emergency law that seeks to prevent asylum seekers from legally contesting the Governments plan of deporting some migrants to Rwanda in east Africa. The failure to restore the Stormont powersharing institutions is a denial of democracy, Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin has said. Mr Martin said he was disappointed after talks between the UK Government and Northern Ireland parties finished on Tuesday with no return of the Assembly before Christmas. The Tanaiste said he could not see a reason why the Stormont Executive could not return this week. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris following a meeting with Northern Ireland party leaders at Hillsborough Castle (Liam McBurney/PA) Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said talks with the parties over a financial package, and with the DUP over the Windsor Framework, have concluded. But DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said there was still no agreement which addressed his concerns over post-Brexit trading arrangements. Mr Martin said: First of all, Im very disappointed with how this has transpired. I think a lot of progress was made and there was a lot of discussion going on between the British Government and the DUP in respect of the working out of the Windsor Agreement and the additional reassurances that the British Government had given the DUP in respect of unfettered trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and vice versa. So, its very difficult to come to any conclusion as to why we dont have the restoration of the executive and institutions this week, because it seems to me Im not clear whats left to negotiate in respect of those issues. Fairly detailed discussions did take place between the UK Government and the DUP, and then the financial package was revealed by the UK Government, and the Northern parties were engaged in talks all week. Mr Martin said the lack of powersharing in Northern Ireland was a denial of democracy. He said: Its 18 months now since the election and the people of Northern Ireland deserve a government, and the situation is becoming very challenging fiscally, its becoming very challenging for the civil servants and the departments to manage health, education, housing, and so on because of the funding issues, and its very, very serious. Now, whether or not this can be brought to a conclusion in the first week of January or the second week in January remains to be seen. But we will be having discussions with the Secretary of State before the week is out, in the next day or two, and in that context we will be discussing next steps. Because the Irish government is very concerned that because of the failure of strand one, strand two is not operating, which is the north-south bodies, which is an integral part of the Good Friday Agreement, and thats simply not sustainable. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson speaks to the media outside Hillsborough Castle (Liam McBurney/PA) He added: My view is that the results of the election should be honoured ie, there should be a Sinn Fein first minister, DUP deputy first minister. Ive a difficulty in voiding, if you like, the election result. On the other hand, we do need to look at the reform agenda. My ideal would have been to have the executive restored, the assembly restored, and then look at reforming it in such a way that no party could ever again have a veto on the restoration of the assembly and the restoration of an executive. Because in a normal situation, when an election happens, a parliament is convened and a government gets formed. Its not acceptable that in this day and age we have a situation in Northern Ireland where you dont have a parliament and you dont have a government. A gang of robbers are facing years in jail for killing a music manager for a fake designer watch. Emmanuel Odunlami, 32, was set up by a member of security at an exclusive 1,400 a table event in the City of London, where he had been celebrating his birthday with friends. Jurors were told that Kavindu Hettiarachichi had spotted that Mr Odunlami was wearing a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch which, if real, was worth between 90,000 and 300,000. Hettiarachichi then tipped off a team of robbers who attacked Mr Odunlami after he left Haz restaurant near St Pauls Cathedral in the City of London on May 1 last year. Jordell Menzies stabbed Emmanuel Odunlami (City of London Police/PA) One of the robbers, Jordell Menzies, 27, stabbed the victim before they made off in a Mercedes car with the victims watch. At his retrial, prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC told jurors that the Patek Philippe Nautilus wristwatch worn by the victim would, if genuine, have been worth around 125,000. But he told jurors: The grim and tragic irony of all this is that there is a good reason to think that the Patek Philippe watch wasnt even genuine. The defendant although of course he wasnt to know that at the time had killed Emmanuel Odunlami for a fake watch. On Tuesday, Menzies was found guilty of murder. Menzies along with co-defendants Louis Vandrose, 28, and Quincy Ffrench, 28 had admitted robbery, but denied murder. Earlier this year, Vandrose and Ffrench were found guilty of the lesser offence of manslaughter, which Menzies had admitted. Hettiarachichi, 31, had admitted theft and was convicted by the earlier jury of robbery and manslaughter. Kavindu Hettiarachichi tipped off a team of robbers (City of London Police/PA) His colleague Antonios Kfoury, 22, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice. The verdicts can only now be reported at the conclusion of Menzies retrial after legal restrictions were lifted. The court was told how the victim, known to friends as Jay, worked in the music industry managing a number of performing artists. On the day of his death, he had driven to the City in his grey hatchback Mercedes. As well as the fake designer watch, he was wearing a Dior jacket and carried a Goyard bag while others sported Rolex watches, jurors were told. As the party drew to a close at around 11pm, Hettiarachichi was caught on camera filming his target outside Haz bar and summoning Vandrose in a phone call. After Mr Odunlami left the restaurant with a friend, the robbers ran at him, the court had heard. Mr Odunlami was on the ground and all three defendants kicked him as he lay defenceless, jurors heard. Quincy Ffrench had admitted robbery, but denied murder (City of London/PA) During the attack, Ffrench, bent down and took Mr Odunlamis watch and was heard to say got it. The defendants then ran off, leaving the victim with a fatal stab wound to the chest. A flick knife was recovered nearby and linked by scientific analysis to the victim and Menzies. Afterwards, the killers travelled to Bloomsbury where they changed their clothes before parting company. Hettiarachichi, who was employed as security operator for Supreme Security, had fake versions of high-value watches at his home, suggesting an interest in and knowledge of expensive timepieces. He had been hired by the events organiser Playhxuse for the private ticketed brunch and afterparty with a DJ. After the killing, his colleague Kfoury tried to obscure his role in the security arrangement for the event at Haz and made a false statement to the police. Ffrench, of Tottenham; Menzies, of Brent; Vandrose, of Islington; Hettiarachichi, of Harrow; and Kfoury, of Ealing, had denied the charges alleged against them by the prosecution. Antonios Kfoury was found guilty of perverting the course of justice (City of London Police/PA) Following Menzies conviction, Judge Patrick Field KC remanded him in custody to be sentenced at a later date. Speaking outside of court, Detective Chief Inspector Edelle Michaels, from the City of London Police major crime team, said: This was a callous and co-ordinated murder of a young man, that has left his children without a father and devastated his family and friends. Emmanuel should have been able to celebrate his birthday without fear of being attacked because of the watch he wore on his wrist. If you carry a knife and murder a man who was running away, it is not a mugging gone wrong, it is murder and we will do our utmost to bring you to justice. What makes this crime even more startling, is that a man employed to protect people on a night out as a security guard, was looking for victims for his accomplices to attack and rob. Emmanuels family have now seen all the men responsible for his death brought to justice, but I know their loss will be with them forever and our thoughts remain with them. Crimes such as these are rare in the City, but should they occur we will use our powers and the professionalism of our officers to pursue those responsible and remove them from our streets. Google has launched an upgrade to its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Bard, in the UK as part of the global roll-out of its next-generation model designed to rival OpenAIs ChatGPT. The US tech giant and its London-based Deepmind division unveiled its long-promised new foundation model, Gemini, in Bard across the US and in more than 170 countries earlier this month, but had initially delayed the launch in the UK. It will now be available across Bard in Britain, with other countries and languages set to follow in the near future. Googles Gemini model was launched initially in the US and other countries earlier this month (Google/PA) Google and Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai hailed Gemini as its most capable generative AI model yet and the biggest upgrade to Bard since it launched earlier this year. It will initially power text-based prompts, but Google said Gemini will expand to be multi-modal in the coming months, meaning it will be able to operate and combine different types of information across words, pictures, video and sound. Debbie Weinstein, Google UK managing director and vice president, said: From Shakespeares sonnets to Bowies ballads, the UK has a long and rich history of artistic and creative achievement; and the improved capabilities of Bard, powered by Gemini Pro, will supercharge that imagination. I cant wait to see the results of a combination of the UKs brilliant minds and Bards boundless possibilities. It comes as rapid advances in AI pick up pace, following ChatGPTs latest release in March, with Google following suit amid a wave of next-generation generative AI models, which experts predict will be significantly more advanced. Google claims Gemini is the first AI model to beat human experts in its range of intelligence tests. The firm confirmed on launch earlier this month that it was granting the UK AI safety institute unveiled at the Governments recent AI Summit with access to its most powerful AI models. Google has fine-tuned Gemini Pro one of three levels of the model to be more capable in areas such as understanding, summarising, reasoning, coding and planning. It is also working hard to further extend its capabilities for future versions, including advances in planning and memory and giving better responses. Gemini will also be built into its Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, powering new features such as summarise in its recorder app, as well as smart reply in Google keyboard, starting with WhatsApp messaging. The model will also be available across more products and services in the coming months, such as Search, Ads, Chrome and Duet AI, which is Googles AI-powered cloud assistant, according to the group. The group said it will be building in safeguards while working collaboratively with governments and experts to help head off the mounting risks from AI. Gemini is the result of a large scale collaboration effort between teams across Google, including Deepmind and Google Research, according to the group. Strikes by junior doctors in England are going to put the NHS on the back foot as it enters its most challenging time of year, the services top doctor has said. Professor Sir Stephen Powis said that the walkouts set to begin at 7am on Wednesday morning will cause huge disruption. The industrial action comes as the NHS is already seeing pressure from winter viruses, Sir Stephen warned. Junior doctors from the British Medical Association (BMA) are to take to picket lines from 7am on December 20 to 7am on December 23 in a major escalation in the bitter dispute over pay. Doctors in training are also planning to stage the longest strike in NHS history in January for six whole days starting on January 3. The NHS has said emergency and urgent care will be prioritised during the strikes and that almost all routine care will be affected. Speaking ahead of the walkout on Wednesday, Sir Stephen, national medical director for the NHS in England, said: These strikes come at a time that will cause huge disruption to the NHS, with services already feeling the strain of winter pressure. When you factor in the Christmas and New Year break, these strikes will prolong that period of reduced activity and it also puts the health service on the back foot into the new year, which is a time where we see demand start to rise significantly. Over the holiday period, I would encourage anyone who needs medical help to continue to come forward in a life-threatening emergency call 999 and use A&E in the usual way. For everything else, use 111 online. It comes after the Government and BMA reached a deal over pay reforms for specialist, associate specialist and speciality (SAS) doctors after weeks of negotiations. As part of the deal, which will be put to members, pay scales will changed, with uplifts of between 6.10% and 9.22% for staff on 2021 contracts. This is in addition to the increase provided to staff as part of the 2023/24 pay review process. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has also committed to a 5 million funding pot to help NHS employers create more specialist roles. Consultants are currently voting on whether or not to accept a deal struck by the BMA consultants committee and the government earlier this month. Senior European official says mechanism to be designed collaboratively during transition period By Jung Da-hyun Climate issues are a global problem and a new carbon tariff to be imposed by the European Union in 2026 will serve as an effective environmental measure, especially for countries like Korea with an existing carbon pricing system, a senior European official said. In a recent group interview participated in by The Korea Times, Gerassimos Thomas, director-general for taxation and customs at the European Commission, addressed concerns and criticisms regarding the new carbon tariff, called the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will be imposed on certain imports, including steel, cement, fertilizer and aluminum. The climate issues we face are global problems that require collective action, he said. The EU's proactive stance is driven by varying levels of carbon-related regulations across countries. The EU, sensitive to climate change, attributes events like heat waves and droughts to carbon emissions and has implemented diverse environmental regulations. While the CBAM has raised concerns among trading partners about potential burdens on companies and nations, Thomas assured that the European Commission is actively addressing these issues. During his visit to Korea in November, he engaged in discussions with government and business officials to address concerns and incorporate their suggestions. He explained that the EU is taking steps to address business concerns, including the potential leaking of confidential information during the filing process of CBAM. According to Thomas, the European Commission committed to modifying its IT system so as to restrict access to confidential information to relevant authorities only. To address concerns about reporting frequency, the commission agreed to shift from quarterly to annual reporting after the transition period concludes in 2026. Quarterly reporting is necessary during the transition period to gather information for the final design of the mechanism, he said. Also on Nov. 14, Thomas held a meeting with First Vice Finance Minister Kim Byoung-hwan to discuss related issues. During the meeting, Thomas acknowledged Korea's credit certification system and committed to considering opinions to avoid burdening Korean companies unnecessarily. We have also invited the Korean government to be an observer in our expert team that develops all the rules and regulations for CBAM, he said. He also discussed the varying impacts of CBAM on large and small companies. Regarding major producers such as POSCO or Hyundai Steel, he observed that they are already well prepared for the new mechanism. Consequently, during the meetings in Korea, the focus of discussions was on reducing the administrative burden for these industry giants. I think what is crucial from these meetings is to fine-tune our guidance concerning smaller companies, he noted. Regarding criticisms that countries that contributed significantly to past carbon emissions are now calling for developing nations to act more responsibly, Thomas emphasized that CBAM addresses a common problem shared by nations worldwide. He also underscored the significance of the transition period as an opportunity to address the concerns that CBAM currently faces. We have been very open and transparent about the development of the instrument, he added. With a lengthy transition period of two and a half years, Thomas explained that they will design the instrument collaboratively with third countries to achieve their environmental objectives. A fraud trial date in autumn 2025 has been fixed for former Co-op Bank boss Paul Flowers. Flowers, 73, has yet to enter a plea to a charge that he committed a 68,000 fraud by abusing his position between June 2016 and October 2017. It is alleged he committed the offence while acting as a power of attorney for a woman named Margaret Mary Jarvis and following her death when he acted as an executor. Flowers a former Methodist minister, Labour councillor in both Rochdale and Bradford and chairman of Co-op Bank between 2010 and 2013 is expected to be arraigned at a further plea and trial preparation hearing on January 31. A trial, estimated to last five days, will take place at Manchester Crown Court on September 1, 2025. Judge Tom Gilbart told Flowers: I recognise there will be frustration for you as well as for witnesses and other parties in this case, but that is the earliest date I can offer. Flowers was further granted bail, on condition of residence, to return to Manchester Crown Court next month for the plea hearing. Small businesses in Scotland have been betrayed after the Scottish Government failed to replicate business rates relief pledged south of the border, campaigners have warned. Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison announced in her Budget on Tuesday that business rates for premises valued under 51,000 would be frozen, while island hospitality businesses would be given a 100% relief moves which were welcomed by industry. But the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) Scotland said the measures do not go far enough and prove that earlier Scottish Government pledges to turn the dial on its relationship with business were little more than a talking shop. Ms Robisons failure to outline a 75% business rates relief on hospitality, leisure and retail premises was described as a missed opportunity after campaigners issued an SOS alert to ministers ahead of the Budget. Speaking in Holyrood, Ms Robison said the Scottish Government was prioritising health funding instead of business tax cuts. Deputy First Minister Shona Robison outline her Budget plans on Tuesday (Andrew Milligan/PA) However, a spokesperson for NTIA Scotland expressed profound disappointment, saying Scottish business closures are now running at double the rate of those in England. It is now clear that the Scottish Governments so-called New Deal for Scottish Business is little more than a talking ship for big business to lobby for maintenance of the poundage rate, while Scotlands small businesses are betrayed and left up to 100,000 a year worse off for the third year in a row compared to their colleagues south of the border, the NTIA said. The group added that long-term business rates reform will likely be too little, too late for many premises, with those which do survive facing inevitable job cuts. Leading tourism and hospitality bodies, including the Scottish Tourism Alliance and UKHospitality Scotland, said: The Scottish Government has squandered a golden opportunity to support one of the countrys most important sectors for the second year in a row. The 100% rates relief which has been announced for hospitality businesses in our island communities is welcomed, given the economic disruption these businesses have experienced from years of under-investment in our ferry infrastructure. However, this measure falls very short of what has been expected. It is an extreme disappointment for tourism and hospitality businesses across Scotland. The lack of business support measures will see many thousands of tourism and hospitality businesses facing acute financial challenges in the next year, tipping many into crisis. Meanwhile, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) welcomed the protection of the Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS). However, FSB Scotland policy chair Andrew McRae said: The big missed opportunity is the decision not to replicate the same targeted relief afforded to those in retail, hospitality and leisure in England to small traders north of the border. The organisation went on to predict business closures could be on a par with the numbers lost during the Covid-19 pandemic without additional support. Ms Robison fired back at Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser who raised the difference in business support compared to England. He said: Doesnt this just leave the much vaunted new deal for business in taters, and leave the position of the Economy Secretary in this Cabinet utterly untenable. She replied: Lets be clear Murdo Fraser has just put on the record that the Tories wanted us to follow the UK Tory Government spending plans which would have meant that out of the 320 million available in consequentials (funding provided by the UK Government to devolved nations) this year, 260 million of that would have gone on tax cuts for business not the NHS. Business tax cuts over NHS funding. That is not the priorities of the Scottish Government. Earlier in her statement, Ms Robison recognised the unique challenges facing by the hospitality sector, particularly in island communities. People who have been tricked into transferring money to fraudsters will be able to receive up to 415,000 back per claim under new requirements coming into force next year, a regulator has confirmed. The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) outlined the new consumer protections against authorised push payment (APP) fraud, which will come into force from October 7 2024. At present, many banks have signed up to a voluntary reimbursement code, but there have been concerns that this has been applied inconsistently meaning the chances of getting a refund may, to an extent, depend on who someone banks with. The regulator said its new reimbursement requirement will prompt a step-change in fraud prevention and see the vast majority of money lost to APP frauds reimbursed to victims. Its policy statement confirms that the maximum level of reimbursement per claim will be set at 415,000. A claim excess of no more than 100 may be applied. The 415,000 limit is in line with the maximum award the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) can make when considering complaints. The PSR said this is an important decision for both consumers and industry and it involves difficult trade-offs. The regulator will monitor the incidence and impact of high-value APP scams before the reimbursement requirement start date. Alongside the new requirement to reimburse victims, the PSR is significantly increasing the incentives on all payment firms to do more to detect and prevent APP fraud from happening in the first place. This includes splitting the cost of reimbursement 50/50 between sending and receiving firms putting incentives in at the receiving end of payments for the first time. The PSR also confirmed that firms which have sent the payments can but do not have to apply a claim excess of up to 100 if they choose to. This does not include claims made by vulnerable consumers. Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: Which? has led the campaign for a mandatory system of scam reimbursement since launching a landmark super-complaint seven years ago. Consumers are in desperate need of stronger protections, so it is very positive that the Payment Systems Regulator is progressing with its plans for implementing mandatory reimbursement. She added: However, an excess of 100 would mean almost a third of APP scams would not be eligible for reimbursement, unless the victim is vulnerable. The PSR must be prepared to change the level of the excess if, as a result of the decision, fraudsters start to focus their attention on lower-value fraud. The PSR said consumers still need to take care when making payments. It set out the circumstances when a bank might reasonably consider a person has not been sufficiently careful. For example, the regulator said consumers should: Have regard to warning messages from their bank; Promptly notify their bank of suspected fraud; Share information with their bank to help them assess a claim; Consent to fraud details being reported to the police. However, the onus will still be on banks to prove that a customer has acted with gross negligence. The PSR said this is a very high bar and it expects that only a small minority of cases will be subject to this exception. The exception does not apply to vulnerable consumers. The industry must comply with the obligations from October 7 2024, the PSR said. PSR managing director Chris Hemsley said: The action were taking significantly increases the level of protection for people and puts the UK at the forefront of APP fraud protections globally. Our approach incentivises banks and other payment firms to prevent APP fraud from happening in the first place, while ensuring victims are protected in a consistent way. Payment firms are already getting ready by improving fraud controls and more people are getting their money back. We now expect the momentum to implement the full protections to increase. Well be working closely with Pay.UK and payment firms to make sure theyre fully prepared to implement the new requirement next year. The PSR has published legal instruments which require payments processor Pay.UK and all payment firms that use the Faster Payments Scheme (FPS) to implement the requirements of the reimbursement policy. While the PSR cannot introduce a financial incentive on fraud origination, it said social media and telecoms firms can and should do much more to prevent APP fraud. The regulator said it welcomes the publication of the UKs Online Fraud Charter, saying this takes an important step towards raising standards of protection against fraud on social media and telecoms platforms. A spokesman for Pay.UK said: We welcome the publication of the PSRs finalised legal instruments for the APP reimbursement regime which place requirements on payment service providers to reimburse victims of APP fraud. We are playing our part, as directed by the PSR, in implementing the regime next year. We will continue our engagement with industry, regulators, and other stakeholders, including sharing our latest implementation plans as soon as possible. Emma Lovell, chief executive of the Lending Standards Board, which oversees the Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) code that is currently in place, said: While mandatory reimbursement for authorised push payment fraud is welcome, we cannot lose focus on the importance of fraud prevention the only way to truly prevent customer harm from occurring. She said the existing code requires signatory firms to take steps to prevent APP fraud from happening in the first place, adding: It is vital that progress made in these areas does not fall away after October 2024. Paul Davis, director of fraud prevention at TSB, which has its own fraud reimbursement guarantee, said: Having long campaigned for a higher level of fraud protection for consumers, these new rules will make a huge difference to the many innocent scam victims of other banks, who currently face a lottery when trying to get their money back. However, its vital that both social media and telecoms companies introduce much-needed anti-fraud measures to stop fraud from happening in the first place. Scotlands Deputy First Minister is set to publish the countrys tax and spending plans for next year. Shona Robison will address MSPs on Tuesday at Holyrood against the backdrop of a 1.5 billion black hole in the countrys finances. Ms Robison who also sits as the countrys Finance Secretary said at the weekend her Budget will seek to protect people and public services despite the difficult financial situation. During a visit to RAF Lossiemouth in Moray on Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it would be very disappointing if the Scottish Government chose to increase the tax divergence with the rest of the UK. The Prime Minister visited RAF Lossiemouth on Monday (Jeff J Mitchell/PA) He told journalists: Ultimately, its the Scottish Government that are responsible for their own finances its already the highest-taxed part of the UK and obviously it would be very disappointing to see that tax burden continue to rise in Scotland. Reports in recent weeks have suggested Ms Robison is to announce a new tax band for higher earners something First Minister Humza Yousaf said during the SNP leadership election he would be open to exploring. Business leaders and opposition politicians, however, have warned against the move. Asked about the Prime Ministers comments, Ms Robison said: What I would say to Rishi Sunak is he has got a bit of a cheek, pitching up in Scotland to say anything given his autumn statement is deprioritising public spending. To have a real-terms cut to the NHS in England is an astonishing position at a time when services are still recovering from Covid. Clearly thats not something we can follow and wouldnt want to follow. According to the Scottish Conservatives, changes already made to the tax system in Scotland mean the majority of people are paying more tax than elsewhere in the UK. The partys finance spokeswoman Liz Smith said: The median annual Scottish salary is almost 2,000 above the threshold at which Scots workers pay more tax than they would south of the border. A council tax freeze has already been pledged, with the First Minister using his inaugural speech to the SNP conference to announce the plans. The Scottish Government has pledged to fully fund the freeze but there have been concerns raised about potential cuts to council services as a result. Steven Heddle, the vice-president of local authority body Cosla, said on Monday: Unless it is funded with additional money for each council that allows them to fund their planned council tax increases, then it is not fully funded, and it will be our service users who will suffer as a consequence. The Scottish Government will also have a decision to make on benefits, with Mr Yousaf having said in his run for the top job he would like to increase the Scottish child payment from 25 per child per week to 30. The Child Poverty Action Group urged the Government to take the step, with director John Dickie saying: Increasing the Scottish child payment to 30 is a cost-effective investment that would provide much-needed financial support to the lower-income families who get little if any benefit from the proposed council tax freeze. It would make a substantive impact and demonstrate the First Minister is genuine in his desire to shift the dial on child poverty. Reports have also suggested the Scottish Government will wipe debt accrued by some of Scotlands poorest pupils on school meals. The Budget will be Humza Yousafs first as First Minister (Pete Summers/PA) Responding to a Government-inspired question at Holyrood, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said a one-off fund would be created to tackle the issue, with the Scottish Sun reporting the cash would wipe all such debt in Scotland. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, the First Minister later said: Access to healthy and nutritious meals is vital to support childrens learning. Families should not be punished for struggling during a cost-of-living crisis caused by Westminster and Brexit. Thats why @ScotGov will provide funding to councils to help remove school meal debt. The Scottish Government has also been urged to take action for businesses, with Scottish Retail Consortium director David Lonsdale calling for a rise in business rates to be avoided, adding: The First Minister has taken several positive steps over the last six months to improve the relationship with Scotlands business community. This Budget will give businesses the opportunity to assess exactly how deep that commitment will run. We hope the Scottish Government will take the pragmatic decisions needed to protect private sector jobs and commercial investment, and prioritise economic growth. The Scottish Greens the SNPs Government partners said the Budget is one for people and planet. Our Budget reflects core Green values, said the partys finance spokesman Ross Greer. We are protecting people and planet from Westminster and asking those with the deepest pockets to pay more than those on lower incomes, allowing us to fund key services like our NHS. Britain is set to join an international coalition to protect ships sailing through the Red Sea after tankers came under attack from militants in Yemen. The announcement comes after oil giant BP paused all of its tanker journeys over safety concerns after Iranian-backed Houthi soldiers stepped up attacks on vessels in the Red Sea in recent days. US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said the UK was one of a host of countries that would be joining forces as part of the Washington-led alliance to ensure vessels could navigate safely. It is understood the Royal Navys HMS Diamond, which was deployed to the Middle East last month and saw action in the Red Sea on the weekend, is likely to be part of the patrols. (PA Graphics) Mr Austin said in a statement: This is an international challenge that demands collective action. Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative. As well as London, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain will join the US in the new mission, Mr Austin announced. Many of those linking up with Washington are thought to already have a presence in the Middle East, where Israel is at war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the rulers of the Gaza Strip. Ahead of the announcement, Downing Street said the UK Government was in talks with international partners about how it could strengthen maritime security. US defence secretary Lloyd Austin (Cliff Owen/AP) The Houthi rebels are understood to be targeting ships using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with the pro-Hamas group seeking to disrupt ships set for Israel. On Monday, BP said: In light of the deteriorating security situation for shipping in the Red Sea, BP has decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea. We will keep this precautionary pause under ongoing review, subject to circumstances as they evolve in the region. A number of shipping firms, such as Danish company Maersk, had already paused container shipments through the area due to the surge in attacks. HMS Diamond has shot down a suspected attack drone targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea destroying the target with a Sea Viper missile. pic.twitter.com/x68zX4WtWi Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) December 16, 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks official spokesman said the Government was providing security advice to the shipping sector as necessary but that it was for individual companies to decide whether to continuing using the Red Sea route. The No 10 official told reporters: We are speaking to the sector, were speaking to our partners, both internationally and in the region about how we can further strengthen maritime security, particularly in the context of the recent attacks. Youll understand I cant get into the detail of what that will or will not entail. The UK has already bolstered its naval presence in the region, with the deployment of HMS Diamond. On Saturday, it was revealed the Type 45 destroyer shot down a suspected attack drone which was targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea. The Ministry of Defence, when asked about what resources the UK was providing to the international shipping mission in the Middle East, pointed to HMS Diamond being sent to the region last month. The shipping route is a key area for global trade, particularly for the transport of oil, grain and consumer goods from east Asia. Statement from the International Chamber of Shipping on the Red Sea ship attacks To read the full statement https://t.co/hxVMsaVos7 International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) (@shippingics) December 15, 2023 Guy Platten, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping, said a large number of companies were actively considering rerouting due to the unstable conditions in the region, with global supply chains likely to be hit with disruption as a result. He said shipping lines were likely to have to take a detour of around 5,500 miles around the southern tip of Africa to avoid the trouble spot. Mr Platten told BBC Radio 4s PM programme: It does add delay to the supply chain. You will see some implications of that as the weeks go on, as we did when the Ever Given ran aground in the Suez Canal in March 2021. He added: I think there is every potential for it to be disruptive. This (situation) is due to security implications by the Houthis in the Red Sea but it has the same effect in that ships are going to have to divert elsewhere, so you will see this disruption. Oil and gas prices increased on Monday due to the potential disruption caused by shipping issues. The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil was up by 3% to 78.88 US dollars (62.33) as markets were closing in London. A Royal Navy destroyer has joined international efforts to deter attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea that threaten to undermine regional security. HMS Diamond arrived in the region over the weekend and joins American and French warships in an US-led task force dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian. The vessels deployment follows a series of attacks against commercial vessels attributed to rebels belonging to the Houthi group, a Yemen-based faction supported by Iran. The group is understood to be targeting ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between Yemen and Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa. Major shipping operator Maersk has suspended sailing through the Red Sea due to the deteriorating security situation (Andrew Matthews/PA) The strait, whose name means Gate of Tears, is a significant shipping route between Asia and Europe accounting for between 10% and 12% of global maritime trade. The Houthis, a pro-Hamas group, are believed to be attempting to disrupt ships bound for Israel. On Tuesday, Downing Street said the deployment would send a clear message to Tehran about Iranian efforts to undermine security in the Middle East. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: These are Iran-backed rebels and we know that Iran is actively seeking to undermine stability in the region. We are clear eyed about that and thats why we are acting alongside our allies to provide the necessary deterrence to protect commercial shipping. (PA Graphics) Earlier, Rishi Sunak had told the Cabinet that malign actors were seeking to exploit the situation in the Middle East for their own ends. Downing Street also called on China to support efforts to protect shipping in the region, saying it was in everyones interests to protect trade routes. The deteriorating security situation in the southern Red Sea has led oil giant BP and major shipping operator Maersk to pause sailing through the region, increasing costs and journey times and potentially pushing up fuel prices. Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, said: These illegal attacks are an unacceptable threat to the global economy, undermining regional security and are threatening to drive up fuel prices. This is an international problem that requires an international solution. That is why HMS Diamond has joined Operation Prosperity Guardian. This new task force will protect shipping and vital trade routes in the Red Sea, where large amounts of goods and oil transit through to Europe and on to the UK. Our Royal Navy personnel are protecting British interests in an increasingly contested part of the world. Their valuable contribution to upholding peace and security should not be underestimated and we thank them for their service, especially during this festive period. HMS Diamond firing Sea Viper missile to engage and shoot down a drone over the Red Sea at the weekend (MoD/Crown copyright) On Tuesday morning, Mr Shapps joined a virtual meeting with about 20 other defence ministers to discuss the situation in the Red Sea at which ministers agreed to work together on an international solution. HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer with a crew of about 190, will operate alongside allied vessels to protect shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb. The ship shot down a suspected attack drone on Saturday. Commander Pete Evans, captain of HMS Diamond, said: The Royal Navy has always been committed to the protection of maritime trade and ensuring that both people and shipping remain safe in international waters. HMS Diamond and her ships company stand ready to work alongside our allies to protect peace and security. Operation Prosperity Guardian was announced by US defence secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday and includes contributions from Bahrain, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the Seychelles, alongside the warships from the UK, US and France. The task force forms part of the existing international Coalition Maritime Force, which is based in the Middle East and includes the Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster, three mine-hunting vessels: HMS Bangor, HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Middleton; and the support ship RFA Cardigan Bay. The Scottish Government is expected to drop any further legal challenge to recent rulings on the controversial gender recognition reform act. The PA news agency understands the government will drop any further legal challenge after the Court of Session dismissed an appeal against Westminsters decision to override MSPs and axe the Gender Self-Identification Bill last week. Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville will deliver a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. The legislation had attempted to simplify the process for transgender people to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC) and officially change their legally-recognised sex. Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville is expected to deliver a statement outlining their decision to the Scottish Parliament (Jane Barlow/PA) But the UK Government ruled it could have an adverse impact on equalities legislation across the UK. For the first time in the history of devolution, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack evoked a section 35 order of the Scotland act to prevent the Bill gaining royal assent. The debate around gender reform in Scotland has been controversial with opponents claiming it could endanger the safety and rights of women and girls, while its supporters including the Scottish Government said it was a minor clerical change that would affect a small number of trans people in Scotland. Last week, First Minister Humza Yousaf said the Scottish Government was still to come to a decision on appealing the legislation and would be considering legal advice. Speaking to the PA news agency, the First Minister said: We will consider legal advice, well consider, of course, other factors with urgency and with pace. Theres a very narrow window, as you know, to make a decision on any appeal. Weve not come to a decision yet because we have to consider, as I say, important issues like the legal advice. And as soon as we have an update to give Parliament, well make sure theyre informed in due course. Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said he was minded to recoup costs of the gender recognition act legal battle from the Scottish Government (James Manning/PA) Mr Jack said he was minded to pursue the Scottish Government for around 150,000 in costs relating to the court battle over controversial gender reforms. He made the comments at the Scottish Affairs Committee on December 11. Mr Jack said: I am minded to seek costs from the Scottish Government and I am having those discussions with our law officers. A statement is expected in the Scottish Parliament at 3.20pm on Wednesday. Strikes by junior doctors are very disappointing, the Prime Minister said as he asked why doctors in training are refusing to accept something that everyone else is now accepting. Rishi Sunak said junior doctors in England are the only remaining people yet to settle their pay dispute. Junior doctors from the British Medical Association (BMA) will take to picket lines from 7am on December 20 to 7am on December 23 in a major escalation of the dispute over pay. Doctors in training are also planning to stage the longest strike in NHS history in January for six whole days starting on January 3. Mr Sunak told the Commons Liaison Committee the walk outs are very disappointing. We have now reached a resolution with every other part of the public sector and every other part of the NHS, so over a million workers through the Agenda for Change deal that we did several months ago, including all our nurses, and then most recently with consultants and the other doctor grades, he said. So the only remaining people who have not settled are the junior doctors. Our next strike action in England starts on Wednesday from 7am until 7am on Saturday 23 December. Junior doctors should not attend any shifts starting after 6.59am on Wednesday up until shifts starting after 6.59am on Saturday. Read the full guidance https://t.co/nwKjuEb3eA pic.twitter.com/eD8VgzRNJM Junior Doctors (@BMA_JuniorDocs) December 18, 2023 Mr Sunak said the Government has demonstrated its considerable reasonableness in reaching resolutions with other public sector workers. The question more is for the junior doctors, as to why they are refusing to accept something that everyone else is now accepting, on top of having a pay increase which is more generous than anyone elses set by the independent body going into this. The NHS said that in the coming three weeks only two weekdays in the NHS are unaffected by holidays or industrial action. It comes at one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS as it grapples with increased pressure from winter viruses including flu, Covid-19 and norovirus. The NHS has said emergency and urgent care will be prioritised during the strikes and almost all routine care will be affected. But one A&E will temporarily shut because of strikes. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said Cheltenham A&E will temporarily shut at various points in the coming weeks because of the strikes. It said in a statement that emergency care services (A&E) will be centralised at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital because of the substantial challenges posed by the industrial action. The local NHS has today warned that the latest round of strikes scheduled for December (three days) and early January (six days) will pose substantial challenges to hospital services at the busiest time of the year and the impact will be felt well into the New Year, the trust said. After careful consideration, health leaders have set out the temporary service arrangements that will be put in place for the coming weeks. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for the NHS in England, said earlier on Tuesday: These strikes come at a time that will cause huge disruption to the NHS, with services already feeling the strain of winter pressure. When you factor in the Christmas and New Year break, these strikes will prolong that period of reduced activity and it also puts the health service on the back foot into the new year, which is a time where we see demand start to rise significantly. Over the holiday period, I would encourage anyone who needs medical help to continue to come forward in a life-threatening emergency call 999 and use A&E in the usual way. For everything else, use 111 online. Mr Sunaks official spokesman said: We would encourage junior doctors to consider carefully the extremely significant impact striking at such a challenging time will have, both on the NHS and for individual patients, and to return to talks. I know the Health and Care Secretary is very open to continuing discussion. BMA junior doctors committee co-chairmen Dr Rob Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi said in a statement on Tuesday: The Government can still avoid the need for these strikes: we will be ready and willing any time they want to talk. If a credible offer can be presented the day before, or even during any action, these strikes can be cancelled. Every winter we raise the alarm about the NHS and every winter the Government fails to put the necessary investment into staff to prevent the crisis now is the time to break the trend. Consultants in England are voting on a deal struck between the BMA and the government, but in case the deal falls through, they have renewed their industrial action mandate. On Monday, the BMA said it has also come to a deal with the Government on pay for specialist, associate specialist and speciality (SAS) doctors, but it also announced that SAS have voted to take industrial action if the offer is rejected. Rishi Sunak hit out at the malign actions of Iran-backed militants targeting shipping in the Red Sea as a Royal Navy destroyer joined an international coalition to protect vessels. Downing Street said the UK had a clear-eyed view of Tehrans activities in the region as Houthi rebels in Yemen disrupted the flow of merchant shipping through the vital trade route. The Prime Minister addressed Cabinet on the situation and told MPs it was deeply concerning. Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond arrived in the region over the weekend and is now joining American and French warships in an US-led task force dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian. The Houthi group is understood to be targeting ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between Yemen and Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, adding to instability in the Middle East caused by the Israel-Hamas war. Major shipping operator Maersk has suspended sailing through the Red Sea due to the deteriorating security situation (Andrew Matthews/PA) The strait, whose name means Gate of Tears, is a significant shipping route between Asia and Europe accounting for between 10% and 12% of global maritime trade. It is a pinch point on the route leading to and from the Suez Canal. Mr Sunak told MPs at the Liaison Committee: As a maritime nation, weve always believed very strongly in free and open shipping lanes, that is now being threatened by malign actors. And its just further evidence that the international picture is both complex and more challenging and previously we, I think may have taken many of these things for granted. Its clear that we cant and we need to invest in our defence capability and strengthen our alliances to keep everyone at home safe and protect our economy too. The Houthis back Hamas in its war with Israel, but Mr Sunak suggested the activities in the Red Sea were part of a wider campaign by malign forces likely to be a reference to Tehrans activities in the region. This is not about actually the situation in Israel and Gaza, Mr Sunak said. This is about malign forces and the Houthis in particular taking advantage of the situation to try and escalate it. And that is having a real impact on the global economy and we are playing our part as part of a broader international coalition. Downing Street said the deployment would send a clear message to Tehran about Iranian efforts to undermine security in the Middle East. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: These are Iran-backed rebels and we know that Iran is actively seeking to undermine stability in the region. We are clear-eyed about that and thats why we are acting alongside our allies to provide the necessary deterrence to protect commercial shipping. (PA Graphics) Downing Street also called on China to support efforts to protect shipping in the region, saying it was in everyones interests to protect trade routes. The deteriorating security situation in the southern Red Sea has led oil giant BP and major shipping operator Maersk to pause sailing through the region, increasing costs and journey times and potentially pushing up fuel prices. The US has claimed the Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks using kamikaze drones and ballistic missiles, targeting 10 merchant vessels involving more than 35 different nations in recent weeks. Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, said: These illegal attacks are an unacceptable threat to the global economy, undermining regional security, and are threatening to drive up fuel prices. This is an international problem that requires an international solution. That is why HMS Diamond has joined Operation Prosperity Guardian. This new task force will protect shipping and vital trade routes in the Red Sea, where large amounts of goods and oil transit through to Europe and on to the UK. Our Royal Navy personnel are protecting British interests in an increasingly contested part of the world. Their valuable contribution to upholding peace and security should not be underestimated and we thank them for their service, especially during this festive period. HMS Diamond firing Sea Viper missile to engage and shoot down a drone over the Red Sea at the weekend (MoD/PA) On Tuesday morning, Mr Shapps joined a virtual meeting with dozens of counterparts to discuss the situation in the Red Sea at which ministers agreed to work together on an international solution. HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer with a crew of about 190, will operate alongside allied vessels to protect shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb. The ship shot down a suspected attack drone on Saturday. Commander Pete Evans, captain of HMS Diamond, said: The Royal Navy has always been committed to the protection of maritime trade and ensuring that both people and shipping remain safe in international waters. HMS Diamond and her ships company stand ready to work alongside our allies to protect peace and security. Operation Prosperity Guardian was announced by US defence secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday and includes contributions from Bahrain, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the Seychelles, alongside the warships from the UK, US and France. The task force forms part of the existing international Coalition Maritime Force, which is based in the Middle East and includes the Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster, three mine-hunting vessels: HMS Bangor, HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Middleton; and the support ship RFA Cardigan Bay. Politicians from across the spectrum came together to remember the life of former chancellor Alistair Darling, at a service which contained both personal and political tributes. Former Labour prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown both attended the packed memorial service in Edinburgh, along with ex-Conservative chancellor George Osborne and Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf. Mourners at St Marys Episcopal Cathedral also included Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, shadow energy secretary Ed Miliband, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, and some of those who served in government with Mr Darling, including Lord Mandelson and Lord Robertson. Former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson, who campaigned for Scotland to stay in the UK in the 2014 independence referendum as part of the Better Together campaign led by Mr Darling, journalist Andrew Marr, writer Ian Rankin and Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who donated money to Better Together, were also present. The service took place after a private cremation on Monday following Mr Darlings death aged 70 on November 30 from cancer. He was a Labour MP in Edinburgh between 1987 and 2015, and was one of only three politicians to serve continuously in government between 1997 and 2010 serving under both Sir Tony and Mr Brown. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, right, and Scottish leader Anas Sarwar were both at the service (Andrew Milligan/PA) As chancellor under Mr Brown, Mr Darling was at the centre of the governments response to the 2008 financial crisis, and was widely credited for his calmness in a crisis. His son Calum recalled at the service how at the very peak of the financial crisis, he broke out of Downing Street to take him to a Leonard Cohen concert It was a welcome break at a difficult time and it was time well spent, he added. He also recalled how his mother Maggie hired a small tractor for his father for his 60th birthday, so he could spend the day on a friends farm digging small holes and then filling them in again. Calum Darling recalled attending a Leonard Cohen concert with his father during the financial crisis (Andrew Milligan/PA) Speaking about his father, he said: We did know him best, and what we know is that however interested he was in politics and economics, what he really loved, apart from his family and the countryside, was tractors. Mr Darlings daughter Anna said she was one of only three people to whom he showed physical affection. She told the congregation: We held hands, he would squeeze me tightly and kiss me on the head. Rest assured we held his hand till the very end. Author JK Rowling was among the congregation at the service (Andrew Milligan/PA) While she said the family feel overwhelming grief after his death, she added they will remember that to feel such unimaginable grief, love had to come first. She continued: My dad had many important jobs. But the two he took most seriously were being husband to our mum and being our dad. We will love and miss him forever. Friend and former Labour minister Brian Wilson described Mr Darling as a straightforward good guy who cared enough to make a difference. Former Labour minister Brian Wilson paid tribute to Mr Darlings clear, calm decisions (Andrew Milligan/PA) He said that during the financial crisis, the then chancellor had made clear, calm decisions, and having saved the British economy from the recklessness of the banks, Mr Darling was later pressed into service one more time to prevent the break up of the United Kingdom by heading the Better Together campaign. Mr Wilson added: Suffice to say, nobody could have done it more effectively, or in the end more successfully. Ms Reeves described Mr Darling as her good friend and wise mentor. Adding he was a man of great integrity, she said it was a privilege to speak at Tuesdays memorial service. Mr Darling served in the governments of Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown (Andrew Milligan/PA) She told mourners: Alistair, through his decency and his honesty and shrewd judgment, represented the very best of our politics. She said he had acted quickly and boldly in the financial crisis, in ways which were unimaginable beforehand by recapitalising and nationalising banks and introducing quantitative easing. It was in that situation that the values that defined Alistair as a man and as a leader came to the fore, Ms Reeves added. A model of calm, careful deliberation and strong instincts, when all around him was so uncertain. Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf was at the service (Andrew Milligan/PA) We can all be grateful we had someone with his extraordinary qualities in the Treasury when that particular crisis struck. And grateful too that when called upon, Alistair returned to the political front line in 2014, forcefully, painstakingly making the economic case for the future of the United Kingdom and preserving the union. If Labour has the privilege to form the next government, if I have the privilege of being the next chancellor of the Exchequer, I hope I will not face the challenges that Alistair did. But if I do, I hope I would respond with the clarity, the courage and the calm that he did. Reverend Canon Marion Chatterley told the congregation Mr Darling will be deeply missed, but he will never be forgotten. She described the former chancellor as a man who loved his family first and foremost, loved his country, and dedicated his life to public service. New service, originally scheduled for Jan. 1, delayed to include subway lines operated by KORAIL By Jung Da-hyun The Seoul Metropolitan Government will launch an unlimited transit pass, dubbed the Climate Card, on a pilot basis on Jan. 27 next year to enhance commuter convenience, the city government said Tuesday. The unlimited transit card will provide access to all bus routes and subway lines in Seoul for a monthly fee of 62,000 won ($47). Access to the city's public bike-sharing service, Ttareungyi, can be added too, bringing the total monthly fee to 65,000 won. The city government originally planned to begin the pilot service on Jan. 1. The delay is attributed to the slower-than-expected development of the transportation pass system by the Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL). The expanded card will now include not only Seoul Metro lines 1 to 9 but also the lines operated by KORAIL, covering certain areas of Line 1, the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, the Suin-Bundang Line and the Gyeongchun Line, which collectively constitute 20 percent of Seoul Metro's lines. This decision addresses the concerns of citizens who might have to check station by station for the availability of the unlimited transit card service. However, the Shinbundang Line remains excluded, even within the Seoul section, due to a different basic fare structure. Buses can be used without limit with the pass throughout the capital. However, express buses with a different fare system and those licensed in cities outside Seoul, as well as late-night buses will be excluded. "The fare system for night buses is different, at 2,150 won, and therefore, it is not included," said Yoon Jong-jang, who heads the City Transportation Office at the Seoul Metropolitan Government. "However, efforts are being made to incorporate it during the pilot project starting on Jan. 27." In addition, addressing concerns that the initial plan only benefited Seoul residents, the city government entered into a business agreement with Incheon in November, with Incheon committing to the Climate Card system as well. Subsequently, on Dec. 7, Gimpo also signed an agreement on the inclusion of the Gimpo Goldline and Gimpo express buses. Gimpo, located in Gyeonggi Province, aspires to eventually merge with the capital city. The Seoul city government said it will carry out active consultations with these two local governments during the pilot period to expand the scope of the card's use to further accommodate citizens commuting from Gyeonggi Province and Incheon. Mobile cards can be downloaded starting Jan. 23, five days before implementation. Android users can download the Tmoney app and transfer the card's monthly fee to use the service. The date of use should be designated within five days. However, iOS users will need to use a physical card, as iOS-based smartphones are not equipped with a mobile transportation card function. Physical cards will be available for purchase at 3,000 won from customer safety centers in subway stations of lines 1 to 8. Efforts are underway to make them available at convenience stores in Seoul for those who don't take those lines, according to the city government. The news media has not gotten great PR lately. Sure, there have been a few notable Hollywood depictions over the years, with films like The Post, Spotlight, and All the President's Men celebrating the doggedness of reporters exposing wrongdoing. But the glow of these portrayals has quickly faded in an age of fragmented media, polarized politics, and do your own research on social media. The proof is that the American public's trust in traditional media remains at record lows. That erosion in trust extends beyond U.S. borders as well, with recent declines in press freedom on nearly every continent. Around the world, journalism has faced serious setbacks in the face of hostile governments and skeptical voters in democracies such as India, Hungary, and Mexico. This is a tragic development on many levelseven for those who dont buy into the standard civic arguments for the Fourth Estate. A free press is vital for one very practical reason: It helps the economy. Here in the U.S., there is a real connection between our resilient economy, growing GDP, and a press that has both the power and obligation to hold companies accountable for wrongdoing. To understand why a free press has fueled Americas success, lets first go back to the Constitution. Incredibly, the press is the only industry that the founders explicitly mention, right up in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press The emerging United States of the 1780s was a very different polity and place compared to today. But the founders understood that much of the dynamism of our economynot to mention the efficacy of our governmentwould boil down to one thing: accountability. And the press is a highly effective instrument for accountability. To see how accountability adds dynamism to the economy, we need only look at the U.S. stock market. Each quarter, companies present a report card to investors in the form of earnings reports, outlining the previous three months' sales and profits, and providing updates on forecasts and strategies. Over time, effective companies get rewarded with better access to capital and talent. Their stock prices rise, making money for shareholders while attracting more resources to plow back into the company. Ineffective companies get punished in reverse. When this system works as planned, it culls the sluggish and corrupt, elevates the nimble, and leads to the productivity gains that result in all of the luxuries of modern life. But the financial markets, and consumers, can only do so much. Even in the most honest societies, individuals and companies often do their best to avoid accountability. In other words, they lie. Left unchecked, this kind of lying has serious negative consequences for a society's economyand for the well-being of all of those within it. If investors are constantly tricked into diverting capital towards ineffective companies, and customers are routinely deceived into buying shoddy products, the whole economic engine breaks down. Investors take their capital out of the country and divert it to places with stronger institutions and more accurate information. Customers lose faith in domestic products and stop buying them. Tax revenues plummet. Jobs are lost and never return. Buying power erodes, GDP declines, and standards of living fall. This is exactly what happens in countries without the accountability of a free press. Researchers in Australia recently examined the paths of 97 countries over a 40-year period and found that a decrease in press freedom correlates with up to a 2% drop in real GDP growth. Even more striking, a map of press freedom correlates pretty well with places where you would actually want to be born. Countries with high per-capita GDP, relative gender parity, long lifespans, and high levels of self-reported happiness are almost certain to have a robust, free press. In practice, its important to note that our society does have other mechanisms for providing accountability in the economy. Short-sellers, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement can detect and punish business fraud on their own. But its the media that often first uncover wrongdoing. Recent history is full of striking examples. Enron, for instance, wowed investors with misleading accounting and outright deception for years until an enterprising Wall Street Journal reporter started asking questions. A Fortune investigation then set in motion the investigation that ultimately resulted in bankruptcy and criminal charges. It was The Los Angeles Times that spearheaded an investigation into Wells Fargo, which was found to have created millions of fake customer accounts. And in July, The Wall Street Journal uncovered a network of toxic lead pipes owned by wireless companies in a story with serious implications for investors and for public health. For private companies, which lack the natural check of quarterly earnings and public market oversight, media scrutiny is even more important. The mess at crypto firm FTX was uncovered by CoinDesk, the fraud at Theranos by The Wall Street Journal, and the brazen deception of Ozy Media by The New York Times. If the media hadnt probed these companies, investors and customers would have been duped, with their funds lining fraudulent business leaders pockets rather than fueling productive economic activity. In contrast, we see the impact of an absence of free press at play just next door in Mexico, where journalists are routinely killed to eliminate the possibility of accountability for those in power. Corruption can siphon off billions of dollars in public funds while drug cartels embed themselves deeper into the countrys business and political fabric. In Russia, where GDP growth has languished compared to its freer neighbors, the media has been increasingly consolidated under the control of the state and related interests. There, the press largely acts as a rubber stamp on behalf of oligarchs who run some of the least competitive companies in the world. Free markets and free speech are messy. Open societies are often contentious and uncomfortable, and democracies are eternally imperfect. But time and time again, they prove to be far better places to liveand to get richthan the alternatives. Ours has survived nearly 250 years because our founders were clear-sighted enough to develop a flexible, interrelated system of checks and balances that keeps our country and its economy on track. The press is a key part of that system. So the next time you get a raise, or see a healthy bump in your 401k, remember to thank a reporter. J.J. Colao is the founder of Haymaker Group, a communications firm that works with leading technology and CPG companies. He previously worked as a staff reporter at Forbes. More must-read commentary published by Fortune: Economic pessimists bet on a 2023 recession failed. Why are they doubling down in 2024? COVID-19 v. Flu: A much more serious threat, new study into long-term risks concludes Access to modern stoves could be a game-changer for Africas economic developmentand help cut the equivalent of the carbon dioxide emitted by the worlds planes and ships The U.S.-led digital trade world order is under attackby the U.S. The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Members of the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection stand at the Arizona border. In recent months, thousands of migrants have crossed from Mexico into Arizona, overwhelming U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and now, Arizona's governor is taking matter into her own hands. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has signed an executive order to mobilize National Guard members in the Tucson sector to the Arizona border, posting on X, "I'm taking action to fix the migrant crisis where the federal government will not." Im taking action to fix the migrant crisis where the federal government will not. As the next step in Operation SECURE, I just signed an executive order to mobilize Arizonas National Guard to our Southern Border effective immediately. pic.twitter.com/U7TbVxW9vJ Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) December 15, 2023 She released a statement targeting the Biden administration after she said a letter requesting desperately needed resources went unfulfilled. It read in part, "Yet again, the federal government is refusing to do its job to secure our border and keep our communities safe." A chief patrol agent with the U.S. Border Patrol shared in a post on X indicating that migrant apprehensions in the Tucson sector from Nov. 3 through the end of the month reached a record 61,000 migrant encounters. So far in December, there have been 37,000 migrant encounters. Alejandro Mayorkas, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, earlier this month doubled down on previous comments calling the immigration system broken and underfunded for years. He also added that President Biden has addressed the issue with his request for supplemental funding and pushing for Congress to act. "It is a humanitarian crisis for those migrants as well as disastrous for Arizona's border communities, particularly small communities in Lukeville," Arizona Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said. SEE MORE: Border Patrol suspends rail operations into 2 Texas cities Arizona's National Guard will now be stationed at multiple locations along Arizona's border with Mexico, but additional manpower is needed to help reopen the Lukeville port of entry and help manage the flow of migrants into the state. U.S. Customs and Border Protection shut down the port on Dec. 4, adding hours to cross-border commutes and impacting the local economy and across the border while officers at ports of entry are reassigned to help the CBP. On Monday, CBP suspended operations at the international railway crossing bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas, while closures continue in Eagle Pass at International Bridge One and at a pedestrian bridge in San Diego, California. CBP says they're also now imposing consequences on transportation companies used by smuggling networks preying on vulnerable migrants. By Renju Jose SYDNEY (Reuters) - Residents in Australia's northeast on Tuesday took stock of flood damages from former Tropical Cyclone Jasper and authorities accelerated efforts to rescue people stranded in remote towns as rivers stayed above dangerous levels. Jasper made landfall last week as a category 2 storm, three rungs below the most dangerous wind speed level, in the far north of Queensland state, home to several resorts along the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. It was soon downgraded to a tropical low but the system moved slowly, dumping months worth of rain over four days, cutting off entire towns, and inundating homes, roads and farms. Conditions have since eased with military personnel joining the state's emergency crews on evacuations and relief efforts. Search continued for an 85-year-old man missing in flood waters. Flights from Cairns Airport, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, will resume on Tuesday, officials said. "Today, we will really see the beginning of the recovery effort across much of Far North Queensland. So, there'll be a big focus on recovery work," Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "We're going to see a very large amount of property damage ... so, I think we're up for a pretty expensive repair bill," Watt said. The Insurance Council of Australia said the flooding could be escalated to an insurance catastrophe if there was a spike in claims, though it was too early to determine the full impact. Television footage showed residents walking through homes strewn with debris and sludge after water levels receded in some towns during a pause in rains. Authorities said most of the 300 residents from the flooded remote Indigenous town of Wujal Wujal will be evacuated soon. Some residents there had to wade through crocodile-infested waters to get to higher ground, according to media reports. A 2.8-meter (9-foot) long crocodile was captured on Monday in a storm drain in Ingham, a town of about 5,000. Crocodile sightings in north Queensland are more common in rivers, lagoons and swamps in rural areas. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Dame Esther smiles, dressed up with a feathered blue fascinator The broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen says she has joined the Dignitas assisted dying clinic in Switzerland. The 83-year-old told the BBC she is currently undergoing a "miracle" treatment for stage four lung cancer. If it does not work, "I might buzz off to Zurich", where assisted dying is legal, she told Radio 4's The Today Podcast. But she said she was looking forward to this "precious" Christmas, which she hadn't thought she would live to see. Assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. While there is no specific offence of assisted suicide in Scotland, euthanasia is illegal and can be prosecuted as murder or manslaughter. Dignitas is a not-for-profit organisation that provides physician-assisted dying to members who, in its words, have illnesses "that will lead inevitably to death, unendurable pain or an unendurable disability" and who have made a "reasoned request" with medical proof. Speaking about her decision to join Dignitas, Dame Esther said it was driven in part by her wish that her family's "last memories of me" are not "painful because if you watch someone you love having a bad death, that memory obliterates all the happy times". The broadcaster said if she did decide to have an assisted death at Dignitas that would put "my family and friends in a difficult position because they would want to go with me, and that means that the police might prosecute them". Listen to the full conversation with Dame Esther here. Dame Esther, who is best known for presenting the BBC Show That's Life! for 21 years and launching the charity ChildLine, said she believed people should be given the choice about "how you want to go and when you want to go". "I get all the arguments about... not wanting to be a burden and pressure being applied and all that. But... you can come to the wrong conclusion. "If you just base everything on the worst case scenario, you've got to have a look at the advantages as well." Campaigners for assisted dying say a change in the law would give people with terminal illnesses or who are suffering greater control over how and when they die. But opponents argue a change in the law would threaten vulnerable people. Dame Esther's daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, told the BBC that there was a "legal murkiness surrounding assisting dying". "I support mum's decision," she said, but added: "I'm not legally allowed to say I'd go with her, that I would hold her hand - and that is absolutely ridiculous. "I should be able to sit with my mother in her last moments. "I can't go to prison, I can't go through a court case at the worst point of my life, when I've lost my person and I'm suddenly being prosecuted with her death. "It's unfathomable. I can't believe this is the situation we're in." In response to Dame Esther's interview, Levelling-up Secretary Michael Gove said he thought it would be "appropriate" for the Commons to "revisit" the issue of assisted dying. "I have great respect and affection for Dame Esther," he said. "I take a slightly different view - I am not yet persuaded of the case for assisted dying but I do think it's appropriate for the Commons to revisit this." Baroness Ilora Findlay, a crossbench member of the Lords and former president of the Royal Society of Medicine, told the Today programme the evidence from countries where the law had changed on assisted dying showed "that you just cannot regulate this really properly". Baroness Findlay said in Canada, where assisted dying became legal for those with terminal illnesses in 2016 and was expanded to those with serious and chronic physical conditions in 2021, the situation was "out of control". Instead, she said better access to end-of-life care was needed. "We're still relying on voluntary donations to make sure that people can live well for as long as they have," Baroness Findlay added. Euthanasia - the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve suffering - is legal in Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Helping another person to kill themselves - assisted suicide - is permitted in Switzerland, while some form of assisted dying for terminally ill adults is legal in a number of US states, including Washington, California and Oregon. Dame Esther with fellow That's Life! presenters Howard Leader, Kevin Devine, and Gavin Campbell in 1993 Almost a year on from her diagnosis, Dame Esther told Today she had not expected to live with cancer for so long. "I thought I'd fall off my perch within a couple of months, if not weeks. I certainly didn't think I'd make my birthday in June, which I did, and I definitely didn't think I'd make this Christmas, which I am. It appears, although anything can happen," she said. Asked which moment in her life she would want to relive, Dame Esther said it was one that had not happened yet: "I think I would like to relive this Christmas - the Christmas that I didn't expect to have with my family is going to be so precious." "And I think that once it's over, I would like to be able to relive it," she said. In May, Dame Esther announced her lung cancer was in stage four, the most advanced stage, which means the cancer has spread beyond the lungs or from one lung to the other. She enjoyed a successful TV presenting career which included hosting BBC consumer show That's Life! for 21 years. She is also known for launching ChildLine in 1986, the first national helpline for children in danger or distress. In 2013, she launched the Silver Line, a charity to help elderly people suffering from isolation and loneliness. The Health and Social Care Committee is due to publish its report into assisted dying and assisted suicide in England and Wales, having launched an inquiry in December 2022 to examine different perspectives in the debate. In Scotland, a private member's bill on assisted dying is expected to be debated in the Scottish Parliament next year. If you've been affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line Banner saying 'Get in touch' If you are affected by the issues raised in this story and would like to share your experiences, you can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways: If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. By Liz Lee, Qiaoyi Li and Ryan Woo BEIJING (Reuters) -A magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck one of China's poorest regions just before midnight on Monday, killing at least 126 people, injuring hundreds and bringing down mud houses in remote villages that never stood a chance. Chinese state media arriving at the sixth commune of Dahe village, one of the worst-hit areas in China's northwestern Gansu province, found many houses were either at risk of collapse, or had already crumbled to the ground, especially homes built from earth and clay. "I've lived for more than 80 years and had never seen such a big earthquake," said an old man who was being carried out of his damaged home by rescuers. More than 155,000 homes in Gansu were either damaged or destroyed. At 11:59 p.m. (1559 GMT) on Monday, the quake rocked Gansu's Jishishan county, at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The epicentre was 5 km from the provincial border straddling Gansu and Qinghai, where strong tremors were also felt. Authorities have mobilised an array of emergency responses after the quake wrecked roads and infrastructure, triggered landslides, and half buried a village in silt. But rescue work has proved challenging in sub-zero temperatures, after a powerful cold snap swept across the country. Earthquakes are common in provinces such as Gansu, lying on the northeastern boundary of the tectonically active Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. China's deadliest quake in recent decades was in 2008 when one of magnitude-8.0 struck Sichuan, killing nearly 70,000 people. In Gansu, 113 were killed as of 1:00 p.m. Tuesday (0500 GMT), and 536 injured, authorities said. The death tally in Qinghai rose to at least 13 with 182 injured. Officially, 20 people remained missing. About 2,200 personnel from the Gansu provincial fire department and 900 from the forest brigade, as well as 260 professional emergency rescue workers, were dispatched to the disaster zone, the Xinhua news agency reported, adding that hundreds from the military and police were also deployed. The province, which has allocated 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) to the local government for the emergency response, also sent supplies that included 2,600 cotton tents, 10,400 folding beds, 10,400 quilts, 10,400 cotton mattresses, and 1,000 sets of stoves. County officials from Jishishan, with a population of about 260,000 people spread across numerous villages and townships, said the local government, lacking resources, had to rely on the provincial government. Gansu is among the poorest provinces in China. RACE AGAINST THE COLD As the disaster area is in a high-altitude region where the weather is cold, rescue efforts are working to prevent secondary disasters caused by factors beyond the quake, Xinhua said. The temperature in Linxia, Gansu, near where the quake occurred, was about minus 14 degrees Celsius (6.8 Fahrenheit) on Tuesday morning. Although the 72 hours after a quake are the most likely time to rescue survivors, that will be shortened by the harsh weather, with trapped victims facing higher risk, it said. Some water, electricity, transportation, communications and other infrastructure have been damaged. Dozens of highways and rural roads were damaged amid multiple landslides, although no casualties were reported. However, a major hydropower dam 50 km from the epicentre was unaffected by the quake. CCTV reported that the dam, on the upper Yellow River, was operating normally. In a village in Qinghai, the quake triggered a mudslide that left many houses half-covered in brown silt. Rescuers have deployed drones, excavators and bulldozers to find and rescue survivors, local media reported. Tremors were felt as far as 1,000 km away in central Henan province, where local media outlets shared videos of furniture swaying in people's homes. Woken up by the quake, residents left their buildings and drove to open areas for safety, local media outlet Jimu reported, showing a photo of people huddled in thick blankets outdoors. Preliminary analysis shows that the quake was a thrust-type rupture, one of three above magnitude 6 to have struck within 200 km of the epicentre since 1900. The state media reported at least 32 aftershocks in the hour after the quake hit. Gansu officials told reporters that the last strong quake of at least magnitude 5.0 to hit within 100 km of the epicentre was in 2019. A total of nine aftershocks at magnitude 3.0 and above were recorded by Tuesday morning, two of which were at least 4.0 in magnitude. About 3,000 km from Jishishan in Xinjiang region, another earthquake struck at 9:46 a.m. (0146 GMT) Tuesday, with a magnitude of about 5.5 and at a depth of 10 km. ($1 = 7.1424 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Liz Lee, Qiaoyi Li, Ryan Woo, Beijing and Shanghai newsrooms, Baranjot Kaur and Anirudh Saligrama in Bengaluru; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Alison Williams) Wisconsin is a foodie state. Most notably, we are known for the Dairy State trio of beer, brats and cheese. But around the holiday season, it's a particular dessert that takes center stage at many gatherings: Kringle, Wisconsin's state pastry. But what the heck is kringle, and why is it so popular here and seemingly unknown in other areas of the country? We're answering that question as part of What the Wisconsin, a series where reporters take on questions about our state, our communities and the people in them. Here's what you should know about the iconic oval-shaped treat. What is kringle? Baker Meister in Elkhorn offers a kringle in a variety of flavors. Kringle is a Danish pastry, or Danish, that has a flaky, buttery dough with a filling at its center and topped with frosting or sugar. Most U.S. bakeries produce kringle in a long, flat oval shape, with a hole in the center. They're meant to be shared, so most are around 10 to 15 inches long. It is often served as a treat at family and friend gatherings and office events (including at the Journal Sentinel). It's most often eaten around breakfast, though it is good any time of day. What is the history of kringle, and how did it come to Wisconsin? Racine has a large Danish community, dating back to the 1840s. Back then, 10 percent of all Danes that immigrated to the U.S. lived in Racine, according to Eric Olesen, president of the popular O&H Danish Bakery in Racine which opened in 1949. Cooking is a large part of Danish culture, which can be best explained by the Danish term "Hygge." Pronounced "hoo-ga," it means taking time away from the daily rush to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures, either with people you care about or by yourself, according to the country of Denmark's website. 2019: Carter Miller (from left), Cashton Miller, Cameron Miller and Carson Miller, all of Brillion, dive into the kringle and other treats during opening day tailgating before the Milwaukee Brewers' home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 28, 2019, at Miller Park. More: What the Wisconsin? Ask us your questions about the weird and wonderful sides of our state. Danish baking prominence was born around 1850, Olesen said. At the time, Danish bakers went on strike, so bakers from Austria were brought to Denmark to fill in. New techniques were introduced like dough folding. This led to the creation of new types of pastries, and the process of adding fruits and fillings. It's estimated that Danish settlers first brought kringle to Racine around 1900. Which bakery made kringle famous in Racine? It wasn't one bakery. In the early 1900s and throughout the century, there were, to use a baking measurement, dozens of Danish bakeries in Racine. While some have come and gone over the years, many longtime bakeries still stand. There are bigger operations like Racine Danish Kringle and O&H Danish Bakery that ship internationally and local shops like Bendtsen's Bakery and Larsen Bakery that have been staples for decades. How has kringle changed over the decades in Racine? Kringle today doesnt look like the kringle that was first baked in Racine bakeries. Kringle was originally made in a pretzel shape, according to Olesen. The oval shape we know today is a Danish-American innovation from Racine in the 1900s. You can still find both today, but you'll find the oval shape primarily in the U.S. If you have a pretzel shape, youve got all these overlapping knots and a lot of different spaces where theres less filling and less topping, he said. An oval shape allows for almost every piece to be the same. There also werent as many flavors originally. The predominant OG fillings were almond, dried currants and raisins. These were topped with a dusting of sugar instead of frosting, too. Olesen said that frosting began to be requested more than sugar starting around the 1960s. O&H still offers sugar-topped kringle, but they sell about one of those for every 200 or 300 with frosting. Christmas cookie kringle is one of the holiday offerings from O&H Danish Bakery, a tradition in Racine since 1949. Today, there are seemingly endless flavors, from cheesecake, apple, pecan and raspberry to seasonal flavors like Wisconsin Old-Fashioned and Christmas Fudge. Is there an official kringle-making process? Travelers stop in Racine for armfuls of kringle at O&H Danish Bakery, according to Eric Olesen, third-generation bakery owner. If you give 10 bakers one recipe, theyre all going to have a little different product, Olesen said. O&H and Racine Danish Kringle use different methods, but both describe it as a three-day, labor-intensive process. The basics include butter being rolled into dough and refrigerated overnight. The dough is rolled again on day two before being returned to the refrigerators. On the third day, the dough is rolled out thinly, fillings are added and then the flakiness is created via the baking process. Other kringle makers add more butter on day two. Some shape the dough into an oval by hand or fill the pastries by hand. Others automate the process. More: Why does Wisconsin drink so much brandy? Our love affair with the spirit and fruity Old-Fashioneds isn't as old as you might think. Just how big a deal is kringle in Wisconsin? Kringle became the official state pastry in 2013 as part of the state's budget. Pasty proponents urged former Gov. Scott Walker not to veto that part of the budget, saying that the kringle designation would boost Racine's economy and put southeast Wisconsin "on the culinary map," according to the Associated Press. That happened about two years after the state Senate passed a proposal to make the cream puff the state dessert. That title is still on the table, since the proposal didn't make it through the Assembly. Racine is considered the kringle capital of the U.S., according to Visit Racine County. Can you find kringle outside of Wisconsin? You can find kringle from Racine on all seven continents, according to Olesen who has shipped kringle as far as Antartica. Bakeries like Racine Danish Kringle and O&H began mailing kringle around the 1950s. That business has only boomed with the internet and has led to the oval kringles being shipped all over the world. Yet, kringle is still a mostly Wisconsin delicacy. While you can find it around the country if you truly seek it out, it's not quite as well-known outside of the state...yet. Its still relatively unknown, Olesen said. Its a big country. ... A lot of foodies might know it, but I dont think its quite up there with brats and cheese. Marie Heyer, director of marketing for Racine Danish Kringle, said "nobody knew what it was" when she lived in California. When my parents shipped it out to us, everyone was always excited. Should kringle be served hot or cold? According to Olesen, kringle can be served at room temperature. However, he also recommends trying it warmed up. Heat the oven up to 350 degrees and put the kringle for three to five minutes. Ice cream is optional. How many kringles are sold during the holiday season? Olesen didnt have exact numbers but he said that just in store, O&H locations will sell around 10,000 to 15,000 kringles per week! That does not include mail orders or kringles made for wholesale customers like Trader Joes. We have people coming to our stores with their suitcases on the way to the airport and stuffing them with kringle for their holiday celebrations, Olesen said. Heyer said Racine Danish Kringle makes 10,000 to 12,000 kringle a day during the holiday season. They sell many through retailers like Pick 'n Save, Meier, Aldi and Costco and also do mail orders online around the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What is kringle, and why is it a Wisconsin thing? A strong earthquake hit a mountainous region of northwest China overnight, authorities said Tuesday. The most powerful quake to hit China in nine years killed at least 126 people and left many others out in the freezing night air as it crumbled homes in the neighboring Gansu and Qinghai provinces. The magnitude 6.2 temblor struck just before midnight and left more than 700 people injured. Roads in the region were damaged and power and communication lines cut, according to local officials cited by Chinese state media. "I just feel anxious, what other feelings could there be?" resident Ma Dongdong told The Associated Press over the phone. He said three bedrooms in his house along with his tea shop were destroyed by the quake. Residents warm themselves around a fire after an earthquake in Jishishan County, in northwest China's Gansu province, Dec. 19, 2023. / Credit: STR/CNS/AFP/Getty Ma told the AP he spent the rest of the bitter cold night in a field with his wife, two children and neighbors, with nowhere else to go and fearing aftershocks. In the morning they headed for a tent settlement where Ma said about 700 people were seeking shelter. He said they were still waiting for blankets and warm clothing to arrive by Monday afternoon. The AFP news agency quoted Chinese state media outlets reporting from the quake zone as saying more than 155,000 homes in Gansu were damaged or destroyed. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck China's northwest Gansu and Qinghai provinces on Dec. 19, 2023, killing and injuring hundreds of people according to state media. / Credit: Getty Security video from inside a Gansu restaurant shows diners enjoying their meals until, at one minute to midnight, the quake struck. Customers and staff ran for their lives. Rescue workers combed through the wreckage of collapsed buildings through the night, pulling those they could reach to safety and handing out coats and blankets to survivors stranded in the bitter cold. In the poor, rural area of northwest China, many buildings collapsed completely, killing or injuring people as they slept inside. A man walks past a collapsed building after an earthquake in Dahejia, Jishishan County in northwest China's Gansu province, Dec. 19, 2023. / Credit: PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty China mobilized its military to aid in the disaster response and soldiers joined the search for survivors on Tuesday, helping also to clear rubble and hand out tents and food, while heavy equipment was brought in to clear mudslides triggered by the quake. It was the deadliest earthquake in China since 2014, when a magnitude 6.1 temblor hit the southern Yunnan province, killing about 600 people. As rescue and cleanup operations continued in Gansu, the number of dead and injured was expected to rise. Israeli hostage Yarden Roman-Gat shares details of her captivity in Gaza | 60 Minutes Gnawa music, legacy of enslaved Black Africans, surges in popularity | 60 Minutes Stanford research shows tech-savvy teens are still falling for fake videos Wim Wenders describes himself as a man of habits, which helps to explain the respect he shows the routine-driven lead character of his latest narrative feature, Perfect Days. The gentle drama, which takes place in Japan (it was selected as the countrys official Oscar submission this year), focuses on a Tokyo craftsman who spends his days cleaning the citys public toilets. Routine is central to Wenders life as well, and its thanks to one of Wenders rituals that he found the subject for a second feature film he premiered at Cannes last May: Anselm, a 3D portrait of the controversial German artist Anselm Kiefer more than 30 years in the making. More from Variety Wenders first met Kiefer back in 1991, as the unconventional sculptor was preparing his biggest exhibition to date at the National Gallery in Berlin. The show appears in the film: Its the one featuring giant jet planes made of lead. Wenders was editing his film Until the End of the World not far from the museum, and as was his habit, he ate dinner at the same restaurant every night. One day, this guy comes in with a big cigar, Wenders recalls. He saw that there was a space at my table, and he came over and sat down. Though they had never met, the two men recognized one another and struck up a conversation. We were the last people to leave the restaurant. He had invited me to his cigar, and we talked for four hours. Both artists were born in 1945, albeit at different spots along the Rhine River. I have exactly the same memories, Wenders says. While he grew up in a small town in the country, I grew up in Dusseldorf, which was almost 90% destroyed. Like Anselm, I was born in the rubble, and when I went to school, I was taught by Nazi teachers, so I lived in the same country that didnt exist anymore and wanted to reinvent itself on the basis that it had no past. Anselm As that first encounter drew to a close, Kiefer asked the director what he was doing the next day. Im gonna be here, Wenders replied, to which Kiefer said, Well, then well see each other again. We dined there and spoke every night and really got to know each other very closely. I spoke more to Anselm in those three weeks than to all of my other friends together, Wenders says. He knew at the end that I always had wanted to be a painter, and he revealed how much he would have liked to make movies, so we shook hands on the idea that the two of us were bound to do something together. When Kiefers show opened, the reviews were cruel. He was ripped to pieces so much, he left Germany a few months later and moved to France, Wenders says. And so their collaboration didnt happen for almost three decades. Meanwhile, during that time, the scale of Kiefers work kept expanding, to the point that he transformed a 200-acre estate near Barjac, in the south of France, into a massive art project. In 2019, Kiefer called Wenders. Youve never been to Barjac, right? the artist asked. Its about time. He had the good sense to just leave me alone there, Wenders says. I spent the whole day on my own in Barjac, blown away by the proportions and seeing it all for the first time, and I remembered our promise to each other. Three decades earlier, Wenders didnt have much experience with documentaries, but by this time, hed made several and also experimented with 3D, which he felt could be an essential tool to communicate the scale and ambition of Kiefers work. Though many of the art-house theaters that played his 2011 modern dance documentary Pina still have the technology, Theres almost a resistance to use it because it had been completely abused, or used only for one purpose, for these big action movies, Wenders says. So the studios have really ruined a beautiful language. While Hollywoods interest in 3D has proven largely to be a fad a way to upcharge theatergoers for an often-gimmicky experience Wenders never gave up on the format, continuing to experiment on its potential. In my opinion, 3D was completely misunderstood, but it still has great value to become a poetic language to decipher reality or art, he says. It was something that filmmakers really dreamt of from the beginning. I mean, the Lumieres had a patent on 3D, but were not able to use it because technology was difficult. Now the cameras are so small and light, and for the first time, you can do 3D handheld. It has become so versatile. Wenders considers 3D an essential tool in communicating to audiences the full impact of Kiefers work, which he was determined to convey visually. I dont like it in movies when artists reveal their secrets or explain them, says Wenders, who didnt want to make a talking-head documentary. I felt his work should speak for itself. So he sat and spoke with Kiefer for seven to eight hours a day for an entire week before shooting began, aiming to reveal all he could about the artist and his worldview. We spoke about childhood in Germany. We spoke about science and mythology and all the subjects that his work opens up, and we had it transcribed. It was more than 1,000 pages. I had asked him everything I could possibly have asked, and in the end, I felt I knew enough to make the film, explains the director, who found himself able to say certain things about his country and its past through Kiefer that hed never committed to film before. I respected him a lot for doing what he did, for having the courage to dig deep into the past to make [German] people recognize their act of forgetting and expose their hypocrisy, Wenders says. Whereas Kiefer had dedicated his career to confronting Germanys distorted self-image, In many ways, I did the opposite of what Anselm did, the director admits. I mean, I fought the Vietnam War, but I didnt fight the neo-Nazism in Germany. In hindsight, maybe I should have. Instead, Wenders reaction had been to leave Germany. While Kiefer was breaking the law, taking scandalous self-portraits of himself making the Hitler salute in spaces still tainted by the Fuhrers legacy, Wenders notes, I just went out, and I became a filmmaker all over the world. I shot in America and Australia and Japan, but I didnt shoot much in my own country. By Wenders own estimation, The only effort I made was Wings of Desire when I was already much older. I had lived in America for 15 years, so it was my homecoming. In shooting that film, Wenders started to come to terms with Germanys legacy. It was also an effort to see the history of Berlin vertically, back to the Hour Zero, he explains. If you look at the film, it is facing fascism and the war period in Berlin as the root of the entire evil that invaded the world. But of course, when I did this, it was in the late 80s, shortly before the wall fell, the world was a different place than when Anselm did it. With Anselm, Wenders breaks his own silence. Though his own discussions with Kiefer cant be heard in the film, the director samples from other interviews, amplifying Kiefers critiques of the Germany they both knew and which Wenders had made an almost-lifelong habit of keeping silent. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Police on Tuesday arrested two teenagers for drawing 44-meter-long graffiti on the walls of a historic palace in central Seoul last weekend, officials said. Police caught a 17-year-old male at his home in Suwon, 30 kilometers south of Seoul, on Tuesday evening before arresting his 16-year-old female accomplice nearby minutes later, according to the Seoul Jongno Police Station. On Saturday, the suspects repeatedly sprayed the phrase "free movie" in Korean with red and blue paint on both sides of the western gate to Gyeongbok Palace and palace walls near the National Palace Museum of Korea. Also sprayed were the names of illegal video-sharing and streaming platforms, with similar graffiti also found on the walls of the nearby Seoul Metropolitan Agency. The duo are accused of violating the Cultural Heritage Protection Act. The police said they are looking into the motive of the crime and whether there are any accomplices. The vandals are known to have carefully dodged the many surveillance cameras nearby, making it harder to detect them. Based on the analysis of the cameras, the police had identified the suspects as a man and a woman and had been tracking them with search and arrest warrants. Another suspect, who is accused of vandalizing the western gate to the main palace Sunday in an alleged copycat crime, turned himself in to police the following day. Gyeongbok Palace, which was a main palace of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), is a state-designated historic site, with the affected gate and the walls all recognized as cultural heritage. (Yonhap) TEL AVIV The fatal shooting of a mother and daughter in Gazas only Catholic church over the weekend highlights the pressure Christians in the enclave are under, with fears mounting that their tiny population could be wiped out during the war. In the weeks since Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza after Hamas Oct. 7 terror attack, many members of the enclaves ancient Christian community of some 1,000 sought refuge in two church complexes in the north: the St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church and the nearby Catholic Holy Family Church. On Saturday, a mother and her adult daughter were shot dead while walking inside the grounds of the Holy Family Church, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Catholic regional body whose territory formally includes Cyprus, Jordan, Israel and Palestinian territories, said in a statement. They were shot in cold blood, the patriarchate said of Nahida Anton and her daughter, Samar Anton, blaming an Israel Defense Forces sniper. One was killed as she tried to carry the other to safety, while at least seven others were shot and wounded as they tried to protect others inside the church compound, it said. Nahida Boulos Anton and her daughter Samar Antoun were shot dead by an Israeli sniper at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Gaza on Dec. 16, 2023. (Photo via X) The patriarchate later shared photos on X showing what they told NBC News showed a heavily damaged part of the church complex. Fire can be seen still burning, while much of the area is burned out. NBC News was not immediately able to independently verify the images. Efforts to reach the Holy Family Church and its members were not immediately successful. One member identified himself as Nahida Antons son, but did not provide further details about the deaths of his mother and sister. Israel has denied responsibility for the incident, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office saying that according to an IDF investigation, this claim is not true. It said that in that specific area Saturday, there was no fighting. It said there was fighting in the vicinity of a different church, adding that the IDF has proven once again that it is loyal to truth and transparency. Asked by NBC News Gabe Gutierrez to comment on the incident, John Kirby, the National Security Councils coordinator for strategic communications, said the U.S. had raised our concerns about this particular incident with the Israeli government about the need for those who have injuries or who have been wounded, to be able to be safely evacuated so that they can receive appropriate medical treatment. As Ive said before, every civilian death is a tragedy. Weve been very clear that we believe every effort possible must be made to prevent civilian casualties, he said. Unfortunately, it appears in this case, a mother and a daughter lost their lives and our prayers go out to the families who are grieving their loved ones. Palestinian Christians did not accept Israels denials. Its heartbreaking, said the Rev. Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian Lutheran leader based in Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus was born in what is now the occupied West Bank. But, also, you know ... it makes people very angry, he told NBC News in a phone interview Monday. Raheb, who is in regular communication with the Gazan churchs community, said Nahida Anton had simply been trying to make her way to the restroom when she was fatally shot. Samar Anton, he said, was also shot dead while trying to help her mother. He also noted that this was not the first time that a church in Gaza had been affected by the war. Destruction at the Latin convent of Gaza. (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem via X) On Oct. 21, the nearby St. Porphyrius, Gazas oldest Greek Orthodox church, was rocked by a deafening explosion, which killed at least 18 people, according to Palestinian health authorities in the enclave. The IDF said at the time that its fighter jets had targeted a command and control center belonging to Hamas, but it said the church was not the target of the strike. It is war. It is terrorism Saturdays incident drew swift condemnation from Pope Francis the following day. Unarmed civilians are the objects of bombings and shootings. And this happened even inside the Holy Family parish complex, where there are no terrorists, but families, children, people who are sick or disabled, nuns, he said. Some would say It is war. It is terrorism. Yes, it is war. It is terrorism, he added. In a statement Sunday, the IDF said it had communicated with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem early Saturday. The IDF added that it only targets terrorists and terror infrastructure and does not target civilians, no matter their religion, and accused Hamas of doing everything to put civilians at risk including by using civilians and holy sites as human shields for its terror activities. NBC News has not independently verified the IDF's claims. In a statement, Hamas said accused the IDF of targeting "defenseless civilians," saying it "does not differentiate between old or young, wounded or sick, Muslim or Christian." It referenced the deaths of two Christian women in its statement. Christian leaders in the region, meanwhile, said they did not accept the IDFs denials. They can say whatever they want, said the Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of the Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. The fact remains that two women, two harmless women, were shot dead in front of the church with many eyewitnesses. If Israel, you know, shot their own hostages who were raising white flags, then why should we be surprised? he said, referring to the IDFs announcement that it had mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages. The Israelis are willing to shoot any moving target, even if that target was carrying white flags, he said. Soldiers at the gates The deadly shooting of Nahida and Samar Anton came after warnings of an increasingly desperate situation in the church, where hundreds of people have sought refuge amid Israels bombardment. British member of Parliament Layla Moran said in a post on X on Friday that some of her relatives were among some 300 people trapped on the churchs grounds. They are beyond desperate and terrified, she wrote. On Saturday, she said that her family had reported soldiers at the gates of the church and she said that a fire had broken out when they hit one of the (already dysfunctional) generators. Morans office did not immediately respond to a request for further comment. Asked to respond to Morans claims, the IDF referred NBC News to its initial statement. We dont know why this is happening, Moran wrote at the time. Are they going to be expelled from a church just days before Christmas??! Palestinian Christians attend a Christmas Eve mass at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza on December 24, 2016. (NurPhoto via Getty Images) Fear of being erased Christians in Gaza represent a tiny fraction of the population, with just around 1,000 living in the enclave. The vast majority of their population is Greek Orthodox, while a much smaller share is Roman Catholic, Baptist and other Protestant denominations, according to a 2014 survey by the YMCA. Still, they are among the oldest Christian communities in the world, dating back almost to the time of Christ, Raheb said. And he said he fears the small community is at risk of being wiped out under Israels offensive. I believe the Christian community will not survive this atrocity, he said. Even those who will survive, who might survive, Im not sure that they can live in Gaza in a place where life is unlivable. Palestinian Christians arrive to attend the Palm Sunday mass at the Holy Family Catholic church in Gaza City, on March 28, 2021. (Mohammed Abed / AFP via Getty Images) So far, the conflict has seen more than 18,700 people killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities in the enclave, with around 90% of the population of roughly 2.2 million displaced, according to United Nations estimates. Around 1,200 people were killed in Israel in Hamas Oct. 7 attack, while around 240 people were taken hostage, according to Israeli officials, who say dozens remain in captivity. Israel has vowed to continue its offensive until they are returned and Hamas is eliminated. With at least 20 Palestinian Christians killed in the conflict, Michael Azar, an associate professor of theology and religious studies at the University of Scranton, a private Jesuit university in Scranton, Pennsylvania, said he shared Rahebs concerns. The Christian population in Gaza has already seen declines over ... previous moments of difficulty or turmoil or war, he said. And now, 20 people in a community of just 1,000 is actually a pretty high percentage, he said. The fear of being erased is very real, Azar said. And justifiably real. The hunt to find rare car photos of early prototypes, hidden for decades, just got a little easier. Merry Christmas. But be cautious about spreading the word. In January, when Ford Motor Co. did a photo dump of vintage F-Series pickup truck photos, fans crashed the computer system. The tech team immediately fixed the issue and took action to keep a shutdown from happening again by doubling capacity. This time, Ford is revealing 100 new concept car images, including 45 new vehicles, to total 378 unique concept vehicles online. It looks like a study in futuristic automotive car design executed decades ago. Overall, the Ford Heritage Vault now hosts 1,844 concept car images from 1896 to 2021. Plus, the site includes all the old news releases and brochures for the concepts. "Those are what you can't find anywhere," Ford archivist Ted Ryan told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. Wild ideas presented in some of these vehicles would one day become commonplace. This 1962 Ford Seattle is among 100 concept car images that Ford Motor Co. just added to its online archive site. Images are now available to the public for free downloading. "The designers were given free rein to imagine what 'could be' rather than what was current. Many of the innovations that were showcased often did come to be," Ryan said. "The X-100 (in 1953) had 100 different innovations, and many, like the rain-sensing windshield wipers, telephone in the car, auto-sensing high and low beam headlights and the navigation systems, all worked their way into our everyday life. These all sprang from the imagination of the designers who created the concepts." Concept cars have long been the way for automakers to showcase new technologies, designs or flights of creative fantasy for the automotive designers, Ryan said. "Concepts were also often the centerpiece of the auto shows circuit and would travel the country (and sometimes world) showcasing the best of Detroit," Ryan said. "The Lincoln Futura was a working concept that wowed the country at the shows before we sold it to George Barris for $1 and he turned it into the Batmobile!" But those images have rarely been seen as years pass, Ryan said. "We changed that by loading more than 1,600 photos and brochures of over 300 different concept cars from Ford, Lincoln and Mercury into the Ford Heritage Vault. The unveiling of the brochures and images offers a major snapshot of avant-garde automotive creativity Ford Motor Co. has offered since the quadricycle rolled down the road in 1896." Looking back to the future The site includes one-of-a-kind vehicles including the: 1967 Comuta, an early electric vehicle prototype. This 1967 Ford Comuta is among 100 concept car images that Ford Motor Co. just added to its online archive site. Images are now available to the public for free downloading. 1958 Nucleon a car designed to run on nuclear power. This 1958 Ford Nucleon is among 100 concept car images that Ford Motor Co. just added to its online archive site. Images are now available to the public for free downloading. 1961 Gyron Designed by Syd Mead, who later went on to be the set designer for the movie Bladerunner. This 1961 Ford Gyron, which reminds some auto enthusiasts of u0022The Jetsonsu0022 cartoon that aired in 1962-63, is among 100 concept vehicle images that Ford Motor Co. just added to its online archive site. Images are now available to the public for free downloading. 1964 Aurora A station wagon concept with an L-shaped sofa and an early navigation system. The 1964 Ford Aurora station wagon is among 100 concept vehicle images that Ford Motor Co. just added to its online archive site. Images are now available to the public for free downloading. The 1964 Ford Aurora station wagon is among 100 concept vehicle images that Ford Motor Co. just added to its online archive site. Images are now available to the public for free downloading. "They are all from the glory period of the concepts," Ryan said. Don't blame us Excitement for accessing vintage car images started in June 2022, when the Ford Heritage Archive first granted free access to images of classic Ford, Lincoln and Edsel vehicles and old sales brochures (including for Mustang, Bronco and F-150). The site wowed collectors, gearheads and nostalgia junkies. During the first two weeks, 64,000 users generated 750,000 online searches of the Ford Heritage Vault. 2024 MotorTrend Truck of the Year: The Chevrolet Colorado takes top honors Top Gear, Britain's bestselling car magazine, ran a story on Dec. 8, 2022, that warned: "Dont blame us if you end up wasting your day trawling through a trove of classic Fords." This 1960 Ford Typhoon II (Goliath) tractor is among 100 concept vehicle images that Ford Motor Co. just added to its online archive site. Images are now available to the public for free downloading. Public response has only heated up since then. Ryan noted: In November alone, Ford tracked 1,548,937 public searches and 356,239 image downloads. To date, more than 300,000 users from 180 countries have conducted 18.823 million searches and downloaded 4.777 million items. The site now has more than 15,000 items including more than 9,000 images and 5,000 documents dating from 1896-2022. Product brochures are written in French, English, Korean and Chinese. This 1956 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser and van, a showcase on wheels using a Mercury truck to haul a Mercury concept car, is among 100 concept car images that Ford Motor Co. added to its online archive site. Images are now available to the public for free downloading. A vault that unlocks memories too Ryan said, "I also got a very sweet note from a user who really brought home the impact cars have on our lives and why a site like the vault not only serves as a mechanism to see cool things or do research, but also, at its core, allows people to unlock memories." 2024 Ford Mustang GT California Special: A first look at an updated classic with retro appeal He shared contents of the note from Christine Le Couilliard, of London, England, (with her permission) that said, "I have just searched Ford Mondeo blue in the Ford Heritage Vault site and up popped a trip down memory lane for me. That car was one of the best cars my husband and I had in our early years which we spent living in Sydney in Australia. We loved it so much that we bought the same car when we moved back to the UK a few years later!" Ford has rolled out access and new vehicle images for various countries, with the U.S. being first in June 2022. After the site launched in Britain, Ryan said the company saw 500,000 searches and 125,000 downloads. Go online to fordheritagevault.com to find images of prototypes and vintage cars, trucks, news releases and product material found nowhere else. Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on X @phoebesaid. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford Heritage Vault online archive adds concept car photos Certainly, Young Liu has heard the auto industry cliche that modern vehicles are iPhones on wheels. Cars and SUVs are packed with computer chips, sophisticated sensors, touchscreens and data connections. Liu knows a lot about iPhones. As a manufacturer for Apple, the company he runs as CEO, Hon Hai Technology Group, better known as Foxconn, makes most of the iPhones in the world. But now the company wants to try something new, designing and building electric cars. The shift comes with significant risks. By Lius own estimates, cars have 20 times the components of phones. Many of them, from suspension components to windshield wipers and high-powered motors, smartphones dont even have. And cars are far more regulated than smartphones, with rules that vary from market to market. For Liu and for Foxconn, its a bold move. He has said that, for this plan to work, Foxconn needs to have about 5% of the global EV market by 2025. But theres more than money on the line, although theres plenty of that. There is also Lius and Foxconns reputation. And, of course, Foxconn has a history of labor issues in China, with workers at one point squaring off against police, that it will need to overcome to expand its business, as well. But Liu needs to grow the company and cars, as different as they might be from phones, are a huge part of that plan. Our revenue is as big as the GDP of some countries, Liu said in response to questions emailed by CNN Business. I had to think about what industries would drive growth in the future. The PC and smartphone business were quite mature. From mahjong to CEO Based in Taiwan, Foxconn is already among the worlds largest companies. It has more than 1 million employees and operations in 24 different countries. It makes a wide and growing variety of tech products from touchpads to TVs for a variety of customers. Its largest and best known customer, though, is Apple. Liu evidently knows how to take a calculated gamble. To make some extra cash when he was very young, Liu has told associates, he played mahjong, a complex game involving elements of strategy and luck. He could win game after game, he has said. Foxconn Chairman Young Liu speaks at an event presenting the company's new technologies in Taipei, Taiwan, on October 16, 2020. - Yimou Lee/Reuters After earning a masters in computer engineering from the University of Southern California in 1986, Liu went on to found three different California tech firms. He retired in 2001 but, he said, he felt a little out of place. All my friends were older than me, he said. My youngest friend was 60 some years old. Liu is well over 60 himself now, but, with dark hair and a slender build, he looks far younger. His affably nerdy smile seems at odds with the business style of a man who has founded several companies. He joined Foxconn in 2007 as a special assistant to founder Terry Gou. Over just a dozen years, he rose to became chairman and CEO in 2019. The company was already huge, but Liu immediately started looking for ways to make it even bigger. Triple play Electric vehicles seem especially surprising for a technology company like Foxconn. Despite a few notable exceptions that have managed to break through globally particularly Tesla its not an easy industry to get into. But Liu sees the auto industry as deeply in need of what Foxconn can offer. When we studied the EV market, we find it is not vertically integrated enough, Liu said. The business model isnt optimal compared to what we learned in the 30 to 40 years of experience in the [information technology] industry. We think the EV business model should be reinvented. Various EV models during Hon Hai Technology Day (HHTD23) in Taipei, Taiwan, on October 18, 2023. Foxconn showcased their EV line up, including their new Model N cargo van, and signaled mass production plans for Model B, a 'sporty and intelligent crossover.' - Ritchie B Tongo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Foxconn is approaching the auto industry in essentially the same way that it does smartphone manufacturing. It has no plans to sell vehicles under the Foxconn name, or under that of Foxtron, an electric-vehicle joint venture Foxconn formed with the Taiwanese automaker Yulon. (Liu is also the chairman of Foxtron.) Instead, its first EV model, just now entering production with sales to start in early 2024, is sold in Asia under Yulons Luxgen brand. The Luxgen N7 electric SUV will sell at prices starting around 999,000 New Taiwan dollars or about $31,000 US dollars. Liu said he already gave up his his Mercedes and is now driving an N7. The N7 is a branded version of a crossover SUV Foxonn had previously unveiled as the Model C. Foxconn has also revealed several other vehicles that show the sorts of products the company could make for others. The Model B is a smaller crossover SUV. The Model E is a luxury sedan styled in cooperation with the Italian auto design firm Pininfarina. Foxconn also boasts that its Model V is the first Taiwan-made pickup truck while its Model T electric buses are already operating in Taiwan. Then theres the Model N, a cargo van similar to GMs BrightDrop vans or Rivians Amazon delivery vans. The Luxgen N7 EV at the 2023 edition of the Hon Hai Tech Day (HHTD2023) in Taipei, Taiwan, on October 18, 2023. - Walid Berrazeg/SOPA Images/Shutterstock Rather than rely entirely on its own learning about the industry, Foxconn hired former Nissan chief operating officer Jun Seki to help strategize the companys EV efforts. His connections are broad and deep, Liu said of Seki. Because of him, we have already hired industry experts in procurement and product areas, and we are hiring more. A robust global supply chain Other tech companies have also talked about getting into cars. Apple, Foxconns most famous customer, has had a barely acknowledged EV development program for years. Sony partnered with Honda to create an electric vehicle that will be built in Ohio in 2026. Chinese electronics company Xiaomi, best known for smartphone handsets, also plans to start producing EVs in a couple of years. Foxconn is unique, though, in its aggressive pitch to the wider industry. Liu offers a value proposition directly to automakers, saying Foxconn can provide a range of services including designing, engineering and building vehicles. A man takes photos of the Model B car at the Foxconn booth at 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan, an annual electric and autonomous vehicle trade show in Taipei, Taiwan on April 13, 2023. - Ann Wang/Reuters Given the struggles the global auto industry faced in 2021 trying to build cars as supplies of computer chips dried up, Foxconn could find a receptive audience, said auto industry analyst Bill Russo of Automobility Ltd. If theres one thing Foxconn knows how to do, its how to source the sort of modern electronics automakers increasingly need. That was a major factor for Monarch Tractor. Foxconn has been manufacturing self-driving electric farm tractors on a small scale for this startup company at a factory in Ohio. Foxconn was one of 16 companies Monarch had considered as a manufacturing partner, said Mark Schwager, president of Monarch. We cast a wide net because its a novel product that nobodys really ever built before, Schwager said. We wanted a few elements that were really, really important to us. One was access to a robust global supply chain, and Foxconn is second to none with respect to electronics and their position [in that industry.] First customers For now, besides Yulon, start-up companies, some formed in partnership with Foxconn itself, have been the outlet for Foxconns EV designs. For instance, theres Ceer, a joint venture founded last year by Foxconn and the Saudi Public Investment Fund. This new automaker plans to begin selling electric vehicles in the Middle East beginning in 2025. The vehicles will be based on Foxconns engineering but will be sold under the Ceer brand. Foxconn has made some publicly announced deals with truly major players in the auto industry. Foxconn and Stellantis recently announced a joint venture, SiliconAuto, to design and build computer chips specifically for electric vehicles. And Foxconn is finalizing an agreement to purchase half of ZF Chassis Systems, part of the German global auto parts supplier ZF. Not all of Foxconns business relationships have gone smoothly. Last year, Foxconn purchased a factory in Lordstown, Ohio, from a startup EV pickup maker, Lordstown Motors. (Lordstown Motors itself had purchased the plant from General Motors in 2019.) But in June 2023, not long after starting production of its trucks, Lordstown Motors declared bankruptcy. While there were several factors involved, Lordstown also filed a scathing lawsuit against Foxconn. This case arises from, and is based on, the fraudulent conduct of one of the worlds largest multinational manufacturing companies, which, over time, had the intended effect of destroying the business of an American start-up, read the lawsuits opening sentence. An unfinished Lordstown Motors Endurance electric pick-up truck is seen on the assembly line at Foxconn's electric vehicle production facility in Lordstown, Ohio, U.S. November 30, 2022. - Quinn Glabicki/Reuters In the lawsuit and in public statements, Lordstown accused Foxconn of ignoring their agreements and not following through on promised investments. The suit is still ongoing. Foxconn denied the accusations at the time, calling them false comments and malicious attacks. Foxconn said it had been trying to have constructive negotiations with Lordstown to help in finding a solution to its financial difficulties. Foxconn is now in discussions with Fisker Automotive to build a small, relatively inexpensive hatchback EV called the PEAR an acronym for Personal Electric Automotive Revolution at the Lordstown plant, where the tractor is being built. Fisker founder and chief executive Henrik Fisker has made outsourced manufacturing a key part of the business plan. The Fisker Ocean SUV is already being made in Austria by the contract manufacturer Magna. Foxconn is now building EVs in Taiwan and, besides Lordstown, has plans for EV manufacturing in other countries, as well. Unlike small, easily shippable items like smartphones, automobiles are mostly built close to where they are sold to reduce shipping costs. Thats why companies like Toyota, Kia, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have large factories in the United States. The Lordstown plant gives Foxconn a huge advantage in the North American EV market, said analyst Sam Fiorani of Auto Forecast Solutions. Companies like Magna have toyed with the idea of building a factory in North America for this purpose, he said, and Foxconn just happened to run into a plant that had that space. Labor struggles As Foxconn moves into the EV market and adds new manufacturing capabilities, Liu has to ensure that the companys well-known labor issues remain in the rearview mirror. Just last year, hundreds of workers at a Foxconn facility in China faced off against police. The workers at the plant, which had recently been the site of a covid outbreak that forced thousands to flee, complained about health conditions in the plant and about promised pay they said was not distributed. Foxconn later offered to pay workers to quit and leave the site. Foxconn had also been the target of earlier accusations of worker abuse in some of its Chinese factories. Its something Liu appears weary of being asked about. For every proactive work and improvements we are doing in this area, we still get criticism about past issues, Liu said in an emailed response. The company has published on its website lengthy lists of employee welfare initiatives it has undertaken, it says, to ensure that workers are cared for. Also, to bolster its own efforts to improve worker relations, Foxconn has engaged third-party auditors to review the manufacturers treatment of its employees, said Liu. But if Liu can lead his company through all of these challenges, in a few years you may be able to drive your car listening to music from a smartphone that were both made by Foxconn. And, in both cases, you probably wont even know. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com You cant get here from there. Thats the increasing problem facing around 60 million people who depend on intercity buses. Intercity bus lines like Greyhound, Trailways and Megabus, an overlooked but essential part of Americas transportation system, carry twice the number of people who take Amtrak every year. But the whole network faces a growing crisis: Greyhound and other private companies bus terminals are rapidly closing around the country. Houston, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Tampa, Louisville, Charlottesville, Portland, Oregon, and other downtown bus depots have shuttered in recent years. Bus terminals in major hubs like Chicago and Dallas are also set to close. Greyhound and other companies have relocated their stops far away from city centers, which are often inaccessible by public transit, switched to curbside service or eliminated routes altogether. These stations built decades ago are shuttering because of high operating costs, government underfunding and, surprisingly, the entrance of an investment firm buying up Greyhounds real estate for lucrative resale. Greyhound terminal closures in one state can unravel service in others, and the closures threaten to break the comprehensive web of national bus routes. Greyhound suspended service for a year in Jackson, Mississippi, after the terminal closed and also left Little Rock, Arkansas, after a closure. A bus sits at the Greyhound station, in El Paso, Texas, in 2021. Greyhound stations are closing across the country, threatening the intercity bus system. - Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters All this happening at once is really startling, said Joseph Schwieterman, a DePaul University professor who researches intercity bus travel and directs the universitys Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development. Youre taking mobility away from disproportionately low-income and mobility-challenged citizens who dont have other options. Roughly three-quarters of intercity bus riders have annual incomes of less than $40,000. More than a quarter would not make their trip if bus service was not available, according to surveys by Midwestern governments reviewed by DePaul University. Intercity bus riders are also disproportionately minorities, people with disabilities, and unemployed travelers. A spokesperson for Greyhound, which is now owned by German company FlixMobility, said it strives to offer customers the most options for connections, but has encountered challenges in some instances. The spokesperson also said they actively engage with local stakeholders to emphasize the importance of supporting affordable and equitable intercity bus travel. The terminal closures have been accelerating as Greyhound, the largest carrier, sells its valuable terminals to investors, including investment firm Alden Global Capital. Last year, Alden subsidiary Twenty Lake Holdings purchased 33 Greyhound stations for $140 million. Alden is best known for buying up local newspapers like The Chicago Tribune, New York Daily News and The Baltimore Sun, cutting staff, and selling some of the iconic downtown buildings. Alden has started to sell the Greyhound depots to real estate developers, speeding up the timetable for closures. I dont know the specific details of each building, but it is clear what is happening here: an important piece of transit infrastructure is being sacrificed in the name of higher profits, said Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh, a professor of real estate at Columbia Business School. Twenty Lake Holdings did not respond to requests for comment. Attempts to reach Alden were unsuccessful. Greyhound selling stations The closures are the latest pressure point for intercity bus travel, which has been neglected for decades. Local, state and the federal agencies have underinvested in intercity bus travel and relied on private companies to provide an essential public service for mostly low-income passengers. Some cities have been hostile to intercity buses and blocked efforts to relocate terminals. Outside the Greyhound Bus terminal in Portland, Maine, in 2021. The retro mural is coming down. - Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald/Getty Images The public sector has turned a cold shoulder to buses, DePauls Schwieterman said. We subsidize public transit abundantly, but we dont see this as an extension of our transit system. Few governments view it as their mandate. Bus terminals are costly for companies to operate, maintain and pay property taxes on. Many have deteriorated over the years, becoming blighted properties struggling with homelessness, crime and other issues. But terminal closures cause a ripple effect of problems. Travelers cant use the bathroom, stay out of the harsh weather or get something to eat while they wait. People transferring late at night or early in the morning, sometimes with long layovers, have no place to safely wait or sleep. Its worse in the cold, rain, snow or extreme heat. Bus carriers often try to switch to curbside service when a terminal closes, but curbside bus service can clog up city streets with passengers and their luggage, snarl traffic, increase pollution, and frustrate local business owners. In Philadelphia, a Greyhound terminal closure and switch to curbside service after its lease ended turned into a humanitarian disaster and municipal disgrace with people waiting on street corners. In Cincinnati, the Greyhound terminal downtown closed last year after a sale and relocated to a suburban area far from public transportation. People wait outside a makeshift Greyhound bus stop in a trailer in Arlington Heights, Cincinnati, in 2023. The downtown terminal closed. - Stephanie Scarbrough/The Enquirer/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn A trailer in a parking lot became the new Greyhound stop, with limited seating inside, two restrooms and no food. Its open 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It was plopped in the middle of nowhere, said Cam Hardy, president of Better Bus Coalition, a transit advocacy group in the Cincinnati area. Hardy himself takes the Greyhound bus to Indianapolis frequently. Its suffering big time. Im really concerned, Hardy said. I think about my elders and people waiting in inclement weather. People need a secure, safe place to wait and clear instructions if theres a delay. Rise and fall of intercity buses Although intercity bus travel is an afterthought to many people today, it has been an important part of American transportation since the early 20th century, delivering both rich and poor families across the country. Greyhound, which was started in Hibbing, Minnesota in 1914, became the largest intercity bus company in the United States. Beginning in the 1930s, Greyhound built hundreds of modern bus terminals, often in the Streamline Moderne architectural style in the largest cities to match its streamline buses. The former Greyhound terminal in Evansville, Indiana, was built in 1938 and today is preserved as a hamburger restaurant. - Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post/Getty Images In many cities, bus terminals were the only business open 24 hours a day. The terminals and intercity buses were sometimes symbols of Americana and adventure, used as scenes in numerous films ranging from Midnight Cowboy to Forest Gump. But demand for intercity buses weakened as the interstate highway system grew, car ownership increased, air travel expanded, and city centers deteriorated. Companies cut service and closed terminals starting around the 1960s. Cities lost nearly one-third of intercity bus service between 1960 and 1980 and more than half of the remaining service between 1980 and 2006, according to DePaul University research. Federal deregulation of the intercity bus industry in the 1980s sped up service cuts. Deregulation allowed carriers to abandon their unprofitable routes, resulting in a wave of service reductions in smaller cities. Ridership dropped from 140 million passengers in 1960 to 40 million by 1990. Traditionally, buses operated from their own private terminals or from city-owned facilities. But beginning in the late 1990s, buses going from Chinatown to Chinatown in different cities along the Northeast Corridor emerged. These discount carriers avoided terminals and operated from the curb. The success of the so-called Chinatown bus model led to a boom in curbside carriers, offering slightly more perks (free internet!) and newer buses with sleek branding and lower prices than Greyhound buses. Passengers line up to board Megabus buses in New York City in 2014. Curbside carries have drawn new riders but do not usually have facilities. - Eduardo Munoz/Reuters In 2006, Megabus debuted, followed by BoltBus a year later. Companies found that operating curbside saved money by reducing labor costs and eliminating high costs of running their own terminals. The industry has been increasingly leaving the terminal to operate on the curb, said Nicholas Klein, an assistant professor in Cornell Universitys department of city and regional planning who studies intercity bus travel. While the growth of curbside carriers like Megabus has helped the intercity bus industry draw new riders, curbside carriers usually only operate in major cities and typically do not offer routes that require transfers. Losing out on terminals means that cities are going to have to regulate curbside service, Klein said. Someone has to deal with the consequences of lots of people waiting for buses where theres not sufficient services. New solutions As Greyhound terminals close, transit advocates say the public sector needs to step in to play a larger role in supporting intercity bus travel. Intercity buses should no longer be an invisible mode to city governments, said Joseph Schwieterman. The era of privately-run stations is rapidly ending, so governments need to figure out how to assure that service continues without pushing people out into the rain and cold. One promising model is in Atlanta, where Greyhound opened a new 14,000 square-foot dedicated terminal this year with financial support from the federal government. The station is used by other intercity bus operators and is near public transit. Some public transit advocates note than train stations are more anchored and less movable than bus stations. And, in many cases, they can serve as dual train and bus stations. Milwaukee and Boston, for example, also have municipal intercity bus terminals located next to train stations. A passenger at a Greyhound bus terminal waits for a mechanic to fix a bus's flat tire in Harrisburg, PA, in July 2021. - Stephen Zenner/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images Access to publicly owned intermodal facilities is crucial for providing communities across the U.S. with intercity bus service, the Greyhound spokesperson said. We strongly urge local and regional governments to support intercity bus access to these centers. In Houston, Greyhound last month closed its centrally-located terminal and moved to a smaller stop with less access to public transit. Gabe Cazares, the executive director of transportation advocacy group Link Houston, wants to see a publicly-owned, centralized transportation hub in Houston as a permanent replacement for the Greyhound terminal. As long as public sector takes a hands-off approach, were going to continue to see the cascading problems every time a bus operator closes, Cazares said. Were going to have to come up with creative solutions to tackle this. Correction: A previous version of this article mischaracterized Alden Global Capital. It is an investment manager. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com What happens to letters addressed to Santa? AP The United States Postal Service has two ways of responding to letters to Santa. Through Operation Santa, people can "adopt" letters and either respond or grant the child's wish. Letters From Santa allows response letters to get stamped with a North Pole postmark. Every year, millions of children (and some adults) send letters to Santa Claus asking for Christmas presents. But what actually happens to letters addressed to Santa in the North Pole? There are two ways that the United States Postal Service responds to these letters. Through Operation Santa, members of the public and organizations can reply A volunteer walks past letters to Santa from children with gifts as she participates in the USPS' Operation Santa program in Chicago. M. Spencer Green/AP The United States Postal Service began receiving letters to Santa over 100 years ago, a spokesperson for the USPS told Business Insider. In 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized postal workers and everyday citizens to respond to these letters. When the amount of mail became too much for them to handle alone, the Postal Service enlisted charitable organizations and corporations to write replies and even opt to send gifts that children had asked for. In 2017, Operation Santa went digital in seven cities, and it went nationwide for the first time in 2020. Aspiring Santas anywhere in the US can now browse people's letters on the official USPS website, select one they want to respond to with a note or a gift, and bring their response to a post office for delivery at a participating post office. Through Letters From Santa, someone in a child's life can include a response and send both letters to get a North Pole postmark Letters to Santa get a special postmark. Al Grillo/AP If you know a child who is sending a letter to Santa, you can write a response as Santa yourself and have the USPS deliver it as if it came from the North Pole, complete with a special North Pole postmark. A USPS spokesperson provided the following guidelines: Have the child write a letter to Santa and place it in an envelope addressed to: Santa Claus, North Pole. Write a personalized response to the child's letter and sign it "From Santa." Insert both letters into an envelope, and address it to the child. Add the return address: SANTA, NORTH POLE, to the envelope. Ensure a first-class mail stamp is affixed to the envelope. Place the complete envelope into a larger envelope with appropriate postage, and address it to: NORTH POLE POSTMARK POSTMASTER 4141 POSTMARK DR ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998 A letter simply addressed to "Santa, North Pole" will not go to the postmaster in Anchorage, Alaska. It will end up in a default area for mail without a complete address and then be sorted back into the Operation Santa program, where a postal worker or member of the public can respond. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, making a child feel special is a wonderful way to finish out the year. Read the original article on Insider When you live in Louisville, its easy to forget about restaurants that are just a hop, skip, and jump away in Indiana. Theres something about driving over a bridge that makes it feel further away. In reality at least for me, living in Irish Hill it takes less time to get to Jeffersonville than it does to Churchill Downs. But regardless of where you reside in Louisville, theres an eatery on the other side of the Ohio River that might be worth the drive: Mais Thai Restaurant, which has been serving authentic Thai cuisine for 24 years. This week, I caught up with Samai Morris daughter of Mais Thai owner Pissmai Meyers to talk about the restaurants roots, which dishes are on the must-try list, and whats in store for the business once Meyers retires. Heres what I learned. Mai's Thai credits its restaurant start to The Courier Journal Po pia toad, crispy spring rolls stuffed with minced chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and cabbage and served with sweet and sour sauce, at Mais Thai Restaurant in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Morris explained that in the 1980s, her parents opened Addisons Grocery in Old Louisville. My mom had a deli that was located inside of the grocery store, she told The Courier Journal. We used to sell deli sandwiches, fried chicken, (and) stuff like that. Meyers who grew up in Bangkok eventually decided to add a few Thai dishes to the deli selections. We had no idea that so many people wanted to taste Thai food, Morris recalled. After a Courier Journal reporter wrote a story about it, even more Louisvillians were eager to sample some authentic Thai cuisine. Crab rangoons, crispy wontons filled with imitation crab meat, cream cheese and onions, at Mais Thai Restaurant in Jeffersonville, Indiana. After the article (was published), we had people lining up at the door, Morris said. But Addisons Grocery was exactly that a grocery store and it wasnt equipped to accommodate so many customers. Meyers, however, always wanted a restaurant and the response she was getting at the deli was a clear indication that Derby City and its surrounding areas were ready for more Thai flavors. By 1999, her dream came true, and she opened the doors of Mais Thai Restaurant in Jeffersonville. The pad Thai is good but dont sleep on the curries Panang (red curry) at Mais Thai Restaurant in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Morris said the pad Thai is, unsurprisingly, one of the restaurants most popular picks. Guests are also fond of the Gua Teow Pad Se-ew, which features Thai rice noodles that are stir-fried in bean sauce with eggs and broccoli. Customers like the Thai fried rice, too but Morris said her moms specialty dishes are her curries. (Shes) my mom, (so) of course Im going to give her all the praise, Morris said, but Ive tried a lot of Thai food in the area, (and) nobody can beat her curry. The Mais Thai menu boasts eight types of curry; each is served with steamed rice and a choice of chicken, pork, or tofu. Guests also have the option of swapping the steamed rice for fried rice and/or adding shrimp or beef. Morriss favorite is the Gaeng Keow Wan, or green curry. Made with coconut milk, it includes green beans and eggplant. (Like) our customers tell it, Morris added with a laugh, cant nobody do it like Mai do it. The reason the food is so flavorful is all about the spices Mango and sticky rice at Mais Thai Restaurant in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Morris attributes the restaurants longevity to the fact that the dishes have remained consistent from day one. Meyers developed her menu based on the foods she grew up with, and she doesnt cut corners. When she says (its) authentic, Morris said, that means shes cooking it just like she (did) in the country, in Bangkok. Meyers also works to keep her dishes as close to what one would find in Thailand by incorporating ingredients, like dry peppers, that she hand-selects during her annual trips home. She likes to bring back products to use in the kitchen, Morris said. She doesnt like to use the imported stuff. She likes the real deal, (and brings) back enough to last for the whole year. Check out Mai Mondays and Mini Mai's Thai Kathiew (Thai pho) with sliced beef, meatballs, beansprouts, and green onions at Mais Thai Restaurant in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Morriss daughter, Alexis Addison, works at her grandmothers restaurant and is responsible for bringing various specials to Mais Thai customers. One of the current specials, dubbed Mai Mondays, is offered every Monday from 4-6 p.m. With each purchase of a regular-priced entree, guests can get a salad or an appetizer for half-off. During warmer months, Addison also runs the restaurants food truck, Mini Mais Thai. She graduated (from culinary school) in 2015, Morris explained, and (her) passion was to open up a food truck. The family debuted the new wheels this past April and plan to have it back on the streets in March 2024. Addison recently invested in new wok stations, which will help her offer dishes to customers completely fresh, similar to the way street food is served in Thailand. Restaurant, food truck will be around for at least a few more years Satay, skewers of marinated grilled chicken, served with peanut sauce and cucumber sauce, at Mais Thai Restaurant in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Meyers, now 72 years old, is looking forward to retirement. She was going to retire during COVID-19, but we talked her out of it, Morris recalled, adding that the family now has a plan in place for when her mom does retire in two-and-a-half years. We do plan to keep her name alive, she said, but were not looking at a restaurant. Not wanting to give too much away, Morris added, I really do think people will be very excited to see what we have planned. It (will) continue the legacy that my mom has already created for us. Know a restaurant that would make a great feature? Email writer Lennie Omalza at aloha@lennieomalza.com or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at kgregory@gannett.com. WHAT: This is a locally owned and authentic homestyle Thai restaurant. WHERE: 1411 E. 10th St., Jeffersonville, Indiana SERVICES: Indoor dining, carryout, and catering; 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday CONTACT: maisthai.com, minimaisthai@gmail.com, 812-282-0198 This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What to order at Mai's Thai Restaurant in Jeffersonville, Indiana By Frank Jack Daniel PALMACHIM AIRBASE, Israel (Reuters) -Heavy civilian casualties are the cost of Israel's intense campaign to destroy Hamas in Gaza and the militants' urban warfare strategy, Israeli military officials said, in the face of global alarm at the staggering toll from the bombing. Israel has dropped thousands of tonnes of munitions over the past 10 weeks, leaving the narrow Mediterranean strip in ruins and killing nearly 20,000, with more believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings, Gazan officials say. More than 50,000 are injured, with minimal healthcare services working. Speaking at the Palmachim Air Force Base, 45 km (28 miles)from Gaza, on Monday, two officials said Israel acknowledged that before each strike, the cost in civilian lives was balanced against an evaluation of the military advantage. One of the officials, a legal advisor to the Israeli Defence Forces, said the air force was carrying out "thousands and thousands of attacks and often attacks that require heavy firepower" to break through Hamas' tunnels under Gaza. "Really tragically that results in a large number of civilian casualties," said the official, in a briefing with journalists at the coastal base, from where grey military drones depart on daily bombing runs. The Israeli military asked that the officials not be named for security reasons. Israel's top war aim is to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities to prevent further attacks after the Islamist militants' Oct. 7 killings of 1,200 mainly civilian people and mass hostage-taking. It was the worst day of violence in Israel's 75-year history, and the ferocity of attacks and the multiple accounts of rape and mutilation shook the Jewish state to its core. But the loss of life in the Palestinian enclave has eroded global support after 10 weeks of bloodshed and Israel faces escalating pressure to scale-back the offensive. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Monday urged his Israeli counterpart Israel to reduce harm to civilians. Protecting civilians in Gaza was both "a moral duty and a strategic imperative", Austin said, warning excessive violence bred resentment that would benefit Hamas and make peaceful coexistence even harder in the long-term. France, Britain and Germany on Sunday added their voices to calls for a ceasefire, while U.S. President Joe Biden last week called the bombing "indiscriminate". In an example of the civilian toll in Gaza, a strike killed 19 people from two local families as they slept at home in the town of Rafah in southern Gaza on Tuesday, including women, children and two babies, Gazan health authorities said. The bomb left a deep crater and rubble where a large building had stood. "We have never seen such weapons. I was born in 1950, I have never seen anything like this," said Mohammed Zurub, whose family lost 11 people in the strike. He called it "a barbarian act". Asked for comment on the strike, the IDF said it took feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm under international law. Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad on Sunday said Israel was "indiscriminately bombing schools and tents that house hundreds of thousands of displaced people and hospitals protected by international humanitarian law". The legal advisor said hospitals can become a legitimate military target when they are being used by combatants. Hamas denies operating from civilian infrastructure like hospitals or schools. CASUALTY RATE Speaking alongside Austin at a news conference, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israeli forces operated legally and "to minimize the harm to the civilian population". Yagil Levy, an expert in civil military relations at the Israel Open University, calculated the civilian casualty rate in the war was around 61% in October, almost double that in previous conflicts in Gaza. He said that could indicate rules of engagement being interpreted more flexibly to minimize the risk to Israeli ground forces "by inflicting more death on the other side". The officials said the government's war goal of destroying Hamas meant the campaign was more intense than in previous conflicts where the goal was to deter the group from attacks. Whatever the reason, Israel was "not winning hearts and minds", Levy said, arguing that a political alternative was the only long-term solution. Because of the sheer number of bombs, Israel could not always warn before a strike, which was why it had turned to mass evacuations of conflict zones, the legal advisor said. Many of Gaza's 2.3 million people have left their homes multiple times under Israeli instructions to avoid strikes, broadcast by leaflets, on radio and social media. Another senior Israeli military official said Israel pre-plans 90% of its daily bombing raids over Gaza. The officials said pre-planning involved a 10-step process to assess whether a target had military value, and the proportionality of the response, among other things. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israeli military spokesperson, said the military aborted attacks when it saw an unexpected civilian presence and chose which munition to use for each target to avoid unnecessary damage. Gazan authorities estimate 60% of houses have been damaged by the offensive. "We know this is hard, but we are trying to save lives," Hagari said. (Reporting by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by James Mackenzie, Ed Osmond and Diane Craft) There's a lot of talk about milk legislation lately in Madison, Washington and now late-night television sets in New York. "Saturday Night Live" poked fun at a bill approved by the U.S. House last week, which has yet to be passed in the Senate, that seeks to bring 2% and whole milk back to school cafeterias. During the Weekend Update segment, Colin Jost referenced Rep. Derrick Van Orden's comments that "milk comes from a mammal." He joked that the Republican from Prairie du Chien "looks like if Santa stormed the Capitol." Van Orden responded on X (formerly Twitter) that he rated the skit "3.25 out of 10. Coincidently, that is the milkfat content of whole milk. And you both just signed up for coal in your stockings. Merry Christmas." I rate the @SNLUpdate skit about the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids act a 3.25 out of 10. Coincidently, that is the milkfat content of whole milk. And - you both just signed up for coal in your stockings. Merry Christmas -DVO pic.twitter.com/5GL2kGODoF Derrick Van Orden (@derrickvanorden) December 17, 2023 Other Republicans in Wisconsin's delegation spoke on the House floor in support of bringing back the options, which were removed in 2012 as part of former First Lady Michelle Obama's push to combat childhood obesity. "With these restrictions, (students) might choose to forgo milk entirely, if you have to drink the less tasty 1%, or even worse, fat-free milk," said Rep. Glenn Grothman, a Republican from Glenbeulah. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican from Minocqua, also pushed through an amendment to the bill that prevents a ban on chocolate milk in schools. Other milk legislation hasn't gone as far in Congress, including Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin's DAIRY PRIDE Act, which would prevent the "milk" label from being used on non-dairy yogurt, milk and cheese. The bipartisan measure is cosponsored by all six Republicans who represent Wisconsin in the U.S. House. But it hasn't gotten past the introduction stage to get hearings in committees. But the idea could again pick up steam in Madison, after a similar "truth-in-labeling" proposal was reintroduced by lawmakers Friday amid challenges for the industry that gives the state its nickname. The Republican-led proposal passed the Assembly twice in 2020 and 2021, with some support from Democrats, but the Senate never voted to send it to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. More: Say goodbye to 'soy milk' and 'walnut burgers' if Wisconsin lawmakers get their way Under the bill, only products that come from a "cow or other hooved or camelid mammal" such as a goat could be labeled as milk. Plant-based products would be required to have a "drink" or "beverage" label. "Ask any dairy farmer in Wisconsin and they will tell you that milk comes from a cow," Rep. Peter Schmidt, R-Bonduel, and Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green, wrote in a memo to lawmakers seeking support. "Dairy farmers are frustrated that these mislabeled beverages continue to appear in stores and misuse dairy names." More: Americans love soda, fancy water and fake milk. Can the dairy industry keep up? The idea has been supported by industry groups like the Dairy Business Association, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, who say dairy has important nutritional differences. Among the opponents: The Alliance for Plant-Based Inclusion, which previously argued the change would "only serve to confuse rather than inform" consumers. The bill has a catch it would only go into effect if at least 10 states pass a similar bill by 2031, due to interstate commerce concerns. North Carolina and Maryland have so far enacted the law. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Holy cow: What's the deal with all the milk legislation? In 1999, two fishermen in Kentucky found human remains wrapped in heavy tire chains and anchored with a hydraulic jack in a lake. With the aid of advanced DNA technology, state police on Monday identified the remains as those of Roger D. Parham, an FBI fugitive who was 53 when he fled a federal arrest warrant in Arkansas in connection with the alleged rape of a minor in 1998, according to bureau records. Kentucky State Police said Parham's death is being investigated as a homicide. Roger Parham. (Kentucky State Police ) Authorities believe Parham fled Arkansas and was possibly headed for Mexico after he was released on bond with conditions to appear in court at a later date on the rape charge, according to the FBI. The bond was revoked when he failed to appear, and a federal arrest warrant was issued on a charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Kentucky State Police said multiple attempts were made over the years to identify the remains found in Lake Barkley, about 200 miles southwest of Louisville. Traditional investigative techniques were used when the remains were discovered in 1999, and the body parts were exhumed in 2016 for further examination. "Despite extensive efforts using DNA technology, dental examinations, forensic pathology, and other advanced forensic testing, the victim remained unidentified," Kentucky State Police said in a news release. A 3-D model of unidentified person. (Kentucky State Police) Kentucky State Police said it began working earlier this year with a private laboratory specializing in forensic genealogy. The lab, Othram Inc., gained notoriety for helping to identify "the girl with the scorpion tattoo," who washed up beaten and strangled on a beach in Staten Island, a borough of New York City, 30 years ago, and a pair of human legs found on the side of a road in Montana, among numerous other cold cases. Genealogy testing examines people's genomes to find their ancestral roots and link them to relatives, according to Othram's website. Testing of the Lake Barkley remains led to a person who was related to Parham, Kentucky State Police said. "A relative had submitted their DNA in one of those store-bought kits," Dean Patterson, an investigative lieutenant with the state police post in Mayfield, said. "The crazy thing is you may do genealogy testing today and not get anything, then six months from now if somebody submits one of those kits on their own, you might get a hit. It's really by chance." Patterson said Parham's DNA was entered in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMUS) in 2016, which helped Othram labs find the match. Parham's relatives in Oklahoma have since been notified that his body was found. By Terje Solsvik OSLO (Reuters) -A volcano erupted late on Monday in southwest Iceland, spewing lava and smoke across a wide area after weeks of intense earthquake activity, the country's Meteorological Office said, threatening a nearby town. Fearing a significant eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula, authorities last month evacuated the nearly 4,000 inhabitants of the fishing town of Grindavik and closed the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. "Warning: Eruption has started north of Grindavik by Hagafell," the Met Office said on its website, noting that the eruption began only a few kilometres from the town and cracks in the ground stretched toward the village located about 40 km (25 miles) south-west of Iceland's capital city Reykjavik. Reykjavik's nearby Keflavik International Airport remained open, albeit with numerous delays listed for both arrivals and departures. Images and livestreams of the eruption shown by Reuters and others showed molten rock spewing spectacularly from fissures in the ground, their bright-yellow and orange colours set in sharp contrast against the dark night sky. "Seismic activity together with measurements from GPS devices indicate that the magma is moving to the southwest and the eruption may continue in the direction of Grindavik," the Met Office said. The crack in the earth's surface was around 3.5 km long and had grown rapidly, it added. Some 100 to 200 cubic metres (3,530 to 7,060 cubic feet) of lava emerged per second, several times more than in previous eruptions in the area, the Met Office said. Local police said they had raised their alert level as a result of the outbreak and the country's civil defence warned the public not to approach the area while emergency personnel assessed the situation. Located between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates, among the largest on the planet, Iceland is a seismic and volcanic hot spot as the two plates move in opposite directions. But eruptions are still hard to predict. In mid-November, Grindavik inhabitants were whisked from their homes in the middle of the night as the ground shook, roads cracked and buildings suffered structural damage. Seismologists believed at the time an eruption was imminent, but the geological activity later eased. The Reykjanes peninsula in recent years saw several eruptions in unpopulated areas. In March 2021, lava fountains erupted from a fissure in the ground measuring between 500 to 750 metres (1,640 to 2,460 feet) long in the region's Fagradalsfjall volcanic system. Volcanic activity in the area continued for six months that year, prompting thousands of Icelanders and tourists to visit the scene. In August 2022, a three-week eruption happened in the same area, followed by another in July of this year. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik in Oslo and Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler, Sandra Maler and Jamie Freed) By Nam Hyun-woo Song Young-gil, former chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), now sees his 24-year political career hanging in the balance, after he was arrested over a cash-for-votes scandal related to the party's 2021 leadership election. Song was arrested late on Monday after the Seoul Central District Court approved an arrest warrant on charges that included illegal political funding. The court said it has been verified that Song has received a substantial amount of illegal political funds and was partially involved in bribery related to the partys leadership election. Song has been under investigation by prosecutors since April following allegations that envelopes full of cash totaling 66 million won ($50,600) were distributed to 20 DPK lawmakers and other party members during to the partys chairman election in May 2021, which Song won. Prosecutors suspect Song sourced the money through illegal political funds he received from a businessman and Rep. Lee Sung-man, a former DPK member who has left the party but still holds an Assembly seat as an independent. Song is also facing charges of receiving illegal funds worth 763 million won through the Research Institute for Peace & Livelihood. The arrest deals a critical blow to Song, who has been seeking to return to politics before the general elections, which are scheduled to take place in April next year. Song is a five-term lawmaker and a former Incheon mayor who established himself as one of the frontrunners of a group of pro-democracy activists-turned-lawmakers, commonly described in Korea as the 86 group. His political presence became bigger after he was elected chairman of the DPK in 2021, which was a position of some importance due to the presidential election held on March 9, 2022. Two days before the presidential election, he was attacked by a liberal extremist, who struck him on the head with a hammer during street canvassing for then-DPK presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung in Seodaemun District, Seoul. After undergoing surgery, he returned to the campaign trail a day later, still visibly injured. However, as the presidential election ended with President Yoon Suk Yeols victory, he stepped down from the party's leadership to take responsibility for the defeat. He then abandoned his lawmaker status and ran for Seoul mayor in local elections in the same year, but suffered a crushing defeat to Oh Se-hoon by 19.82 percentage points. After the mayoral election, he stayed in France as a visiting scholar at ESCP Business School in Paris, until returning to Korea in April this year in the wake of the prosecutions investigation of the cash-for-votes scandal. Song had been denying the allegations, accusing prosecutors of conducting a politically motivated investigation targeting him. By publicly criticizing the investigation, it appears that Song sought to gain political attention once more in order to boost his return to politics at some point in the future. Last month, he slammed Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, who is expected to become the interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), calling him an arrogant youngster, and flip-flopped on his earlier promise of giving up hopes on his reelection bid by creating a party to run in the general elections. With these recent revelations, the outlook for his political career remains bleak as the court noted that some of the charges against him have been verified, meaning the prosecutions investigations were justifiable. In recent months, Song created various controversies, deepening the public's distrust and disappointment concerning politics, PPP floor leader Rep. Yun Jae-ok said Tuesday. In Songs actions and remarks, we could witness the moral downfall of the 86 group. Palestinians living in Ireland have made emotional appeals to the Government to do more to secure the safe passage of their loved ones from Gaza. Several families gathered in Dublin on Tuesday to implore the authorities to help their relatives flee the ongoing Israeli bombardment of the enclave. The cases highlighted included Irish citizens who have still not managed to get out of Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Others involved Palestinians who have made Ireland home and who are desperately trying to get their loved ones to safety. Batoul Hania managed to escape Gaza in recent weeks with her four children but her husband, Zak, an Irish passport holder, remains in the region unable to leave. Her relative, Isra, whom she travelled with and who is an Irish citizen, is in the same situation, with her husband Muhamed also being prevented from leaving. I came from there, I came from hell and I know every little thing about that, said Batoul Hania. Her family were originally evacuated from north to south Gaza, a journey they had to make on foot. It was like going through hell, shattered pieces, blood here and there, the smell of the dead bodies, shooting, queuing us for 45 minutes in the hot sun, she said. Just having the horrifying scenarios that they (Israeli Defence Forces) will grab anyone from us, while queuing in front of their tanks and in front of the horrifying soldiers, who were pointing their rifles against our kids faces. Ms Hania said the Irish embassy in Cairo helped secure the family a route out via the Rafah crossing. We were surprised on the day we had to leave Zak and Muhamed, the men, and just go with the kids, she said. And this was very heart-breaking for us because its really splitting families, I know that the Israelis are very, very excellent at this, at splitting families apart. She added: Zak is an Irish citizen, he has the privilege and he has the right to go out so we still wonder why his name was not on the list. Ms Hania is also trying to secure the passage of her parents, Fatima and Abdul Raouf, and her brother, Ahmed. Akram Samour and his wife Hanan ask for help to get their daughter Saja out of Gaza (David Young/PA) Fatin Al Tamimi, who has lived in Ireland for 35 years, is trying to get her sister, Heba, and her family out of Gaza. Hebas home has already been destroyed in the Israeli bombing. Because of the destruction and the misery they are living in, she is begging me to leave, said Ms Al Tamimi. I know my sister is not Irish, but Im Irish and I want her safety. I want to see her safe. I want to see my nieces and nephews safe. I want them out. So, please, they (Irish Government) dont have to bring them to Ireland, they dont have to accommodate them in any way, just give them the right, safe way to leave Gaza desperately for a better life or to survive. Among other cases highlighted at the event were Akram and Hanan Samour whose daughter, Saja, is trapped in Gaza; Nada Musleh whose husband, Abdallah, remains in the enclave; and Nour Ashour who has a number of relatives still in Gaza, including her sister, Aya Al Muhtadi, and their father, Mohammed. People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett, said the Government must initiate an emergency response to help get Palestinians with Irish links out of the enclave. I think everybody can understand just how serious the situation is and how terrified the families are, he told reporters at the close of the event at Buswells Hotel, Dublin. So, I just want to reiterate the plea that the Government would respond to the families, respond to us and understand that this is not a normal situation. And that, you know, talk of long visa processes or any of that, this is totally different. Richard Boyd Barrett called on for an emergency response from the Government (David Young/PA) The people who have talked to you (at the event) dont know if their family members will be alive tomorrow and were asking for an emergency response from the Government to help them get their family members to safety. Thats what we hope will come out of it. Irelands deputy premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said the Government had not been given reasons why some Irish citizens had not yet been allowed to leave via the Rafah crossing. He said the Government continued to work to secure the safe passage of Irish citizens and their dependants from Gaza. We dont take these issues lightly, he said. But the bottom line is Israel does have a very strong determining say as to who leaves. The Egyptians also play a role, their role is more on the receiving side of those who are allowed out of Gaza. Were not in control of who eventually gets out. We can make representations, we do everything we can to get Irish citizens out, along with their dependants as well. And its a very tragic situation for the families. Tanaiste Mr Martin also criticised Mr Boyd Barretts stance, claiming he was trying to turn the situation into a wedge issue and make it about which party is more pro-Palestinian than the others. A spokesman for the Tanaistes department said: A small number of Irish citizens remain in Gaza. The Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing 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. Exit from Gaza is subject to the final decision of the relevant local authorities. The relevant authorities have made clear to all countries with citizens in Gaza that the current focus for facilitated departures from Gaza is on foreign and dual nationals and immediate dependants accompanying them. Jennifer Love Hewitt discussed stigma around aging in Hollywood and the use of filters. Jennifer Love Hewitt hit back at fans claiming she looks "unrecognizable" after using a filter. Hewitt, 44, appeared on the Dec. 5 episode of the "Inside of You" podcast where she discussed the challenges of how age is perceived in her industry. "Aging is Hollywood is really hard. You can't do anything right," the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" star said. Hewitt recalled sharing a video of her getting her hair done in August that led to criticism. "I had not a stitch of makeup on. So, I threw on a filter. I really gave it no thought," she explained, adding that soon, "a bunch of people were like, Jennifer Love Hewitt is unrecognizable.' 'She's unrecognizable, so she's gone to filters because she doesn't want us to know how bad she actually looks now in her 40s.'" At the time, the "Heartbreakers" star tried "to make fun" of the responses to her photo by posting photos on her Instagram Story with exaggerated cartoon filters including one that made her look like a child. "So many people said I look different," she captioned the photos, which she posted in September. "I look the same as always. Couldn't look more natural Filters don't change you that much." 'I think I look rad': Justine Bateman reacts to internet's fascination over her 'old' face She also denied that she had a brow lift. "Hi. I don't usually do this, but I've had a lot of people lately say that I've had a brow-lifting procedure. I didn't even know you could lift your brows like that," Hewitt said in a video on her Instagram Story. "The only thing that I've done is microblading with Audrey, who I love," referring to her technician Audrey Glass. Hewitt added on the "Inside of You" podcast that the "over the top" filters only led to more backlash from fans claiming she was condoning unrealistic beauty standards. The actress said that while she does her best to ignore trolls, they still get to her. "To pretend that we don't (engage) is a lie," she said. Pamela Anderson's bold no-makeup look and the 'natural beauty revolution' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jennifer Love Hewitt on aging, claims she looks 'unrecognizable' On the very same day the Pentagon announced in September it was taking steps to help LGBTQ veterans, Marine Corps vet Donnie Ray Allen was taking a major step of his own: registering for his first-ever college course. At 47 years old, Allen is pursuing his bachelor's degree, a dream he gave up decades ago when he was discharged from the military, denied an honorable discharge, and thus deprived of the crucial GI bill he needed to pay for college. He's among thousands of veterans who were kicked out of the Armed Forces because of their sexual orientation before the military overturned its policy banning gay and lesbian troops from serving openly, known as "don't ask, don't tell." When CBS News first spoke with Allen a year ago, he was still carrying what's known as an other than honorable discharge and still ineligible to access the full spectrum of benefits afforded to honorably discharged vets including healthcare, tuition assistance, VA loans and even some federal jobs. With the help of a lawyer, Allen was granted his honorable discharge earlier this year and this month finished his first semester of college using his GI bill. The results, he told CBS News' Jim Axelrod, have been life-changing. "I'm a completely different person than I was a year ago, for the better," Allen said. "If I get sick, if I get cancer or something like that, it will all be covered under the VA now. So that is a huge weight off my shoulders." Like so many others, Allen saw the military as a way out of his tough life in a tiny, close-minded South Carolina town. He dropped out of high school and enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he soon thrived. He was meritoriously promoted out of boot camp as a lance corporal, received a National Defense Service Medal, an Expert Rifleman Badge and in three years, he reached an E-4 rank. His service record was impeccable. But serving under "don't ask, don't tell," says Allen, meant he had to be careful about how he carried himself. "The witch hunt was always around, no matter what, during those times in the military." Marine Corps veteran Donnie Ray Allen / Credit: CBS News The day before he was set to be honorably discharged, Donnie decided to come out to his sergeant major, hoping his reputation as an exceptional Marine would change his command's perceptions of gay service members. He was wrong. An investigation was launched and he says months of harassment followed before he was finally allowed to leave without his honorable discharge. In September, after a CBS News investigation documented the impact of a less than honorable discharge and exposed flaws in the military's system for reviewing discharges, the Pentagon announced that it would for the first time begin proactively reviewing veterans' records for a possible recommendation of a discharge upgrade. This means that these veterans would not have to apply for the upgrade themselves, a process that both veterans and experts told CBS News is often unsuccessful without the help of a lawyer. The department also launched a website with resources dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ veterans who believe they were wrongfully discharged for their sexuality. A Defense Department official told CBS News that it has already begun the process of reviewing records of some 2,000 veterans for potential discharge upgrade eligibility. The CBS News investigation found the population of LGBTQ service members who were denied an honorable discharge numbers more than 29,000. Christie Bhageloe is the director of a nonprofit that helps veterans, including Allen, seeking discharge upgrades. She's "cautiously optimistic" about the military's new efforts. "I would say just stating that there's a problem is a great step forward," Bhageloe said. "A lot of veterans were still discharged for misconduct, not specifically for homosexual conduct, so it is going to take a lot of records, reviews by someone who understands." After the CBS News reports began to air, Bhageloe took up the case of Allen's friend Amy Lambre, a Navy veteran who was also denied an honorable discharge. She told CBS News the snub always made her feel "less than honorable." Just last month, Lambre got word her honorable discharge had also come through. Lambre says she no longer feels "less than." As for Allen, he's finally proud to be an American again a feeling he hasn't had since 1994 when he graduated boot camp. "It made me proud to be like an American in a sense that actually, finally our government is looking at us and being like, you are a valid reason for us to do this." Israeli hostage Yarden Roman-Gat shares details of her captivity in Gaza | 60 Minutes Gnawa music, legacy of enslaved Black Africans, surges in popularity | 60 Minutes Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's son shares her final message: "Help others along the way" Matthew Hatcher/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images People completing sentences for felony convictions will automatically be registered to vote as they prepare to leave prison, according to Votebeat, the result of first-of-its-kind legislation signed on Nov. 30, by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. House Bill 4983 expands the state's automatic voter registration system which currently registers voters when they get a driver's license to other state agencies such as the Department of Corrections and the Department of Health and Human Services. As part of the law, which goes into effect in June 2025, the secretary of state and the Department of Corrections must coordinate to issue a state identification or driver's license when individuals are released, which will also automatically register them to vote unless they opt out. The new law will codify and expand a voter registration effort the Department of Corrections has had since 2020 as part of its program to provide vital documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and state ID cards or driver's licenses, said Michigan Department of Corrections spokesman Kyle Kaminski. The new law will ensure the voter registration effort is permanent, "even when those who helped develop this system are no longer in their roles," Kaminski said. "Being engaged members of their communities, including voting, is an important element of reentry for all returning citizens." Currently, incarcerated individuals can choose to have the prison submit their personal information to the Department of State, which then uses it to finalize the person's registration once they have exited prison and officially regained the right to vote, Kaminski said. Under the new law, the Department of State will automatically process their voter registration, and the returning citizens, like other Michigan residents, can opt out later by responding to a notice from the Michigan secretary of state or through a written request to their city or township clerk, according to Cheri Hardmon, a spokeswoman for the secretary of state. The current opt-out rate, added Hardmon, is quite low: From March 2021 to November 2023, 6,072 formerly incarcerated individuals were eligible to be automatically registered to vote, and only 12% did not. State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), chair of the House Elections Committee and author of House Bill 4983, said the new law will greatly benefit those leaving prison and trying to reintegrate back into their communities. Democrats passed the bill on Nov. 8 in the House on a party-line vote, 56-53. In the Senate, the bill passed with four votes from Republicans, 24-14. "I think not only being able to vote but being registered and encouraged is really important," Tsernoglou said in the wake of Gov. Whitmer's signing of the bill into law. Tsernoglou said activists and groups met with her a year ago, advocating changing the law to ensure automatic voter registration for formerly incarcerated individuals. The automatic voter registration bill was included in a larger package of 23 election and democracy bills Whitmer, a Democrat, signed the same day, ranging from laws regulating the use of artificial intelligence in campaign ads to pre-registering 16-year-olds so they automatically become voters at 18. The package was part of Democratic lawmakers' ambitious agenda to expand voting access for the 2024 elections, when they will again be trying to keep the state under Democratic control and deliver the state's electoral votes to President Biden after a narrow victory in 2020. "Today, we are expanding voting rights and strengthening our democracy," Whitmer said in a press statement. HB 4983 goes further than a piece of legislation introduced earlier in 2023 by former Michigan Rep. Lori Stone, a Democrat who left the House after she was elected mayor of Warren. Stone introduced House Bill 4534, which would require the Michigan Department of Corrections to provide voting information to returning citizens, including details about how to find their assigned polling place in their local community and the election schedule. That bill has stalled in the state House but could be revived, Tsernoglou said. She added that it would complement the automatic voter registration for formerly incarcerated individuals by educating them on their right to vote and the how-tos of voting. Detroit Pastor Terrence Devezin, who heads the United Kingdom Church on the city's west side, applauds the new law, saying it will play a huge role in helping men and women re-entering their communities from prison. "It's absolutely great," Devezin said. "It takes away the bitterness of being locked up. To have both [an ID and a voter registration] makes them feel 'I'm a citizen now. I'm considered one of you all now.'" Vince King, who was formerly incarcerated and works with others coming out of prison to get established back into their communities, said the new law "solves two big challenges," referring to obtaining identification and the right to vote. King said being behind bars presented many barriers to political participation, and restoring voting rights means returning citizens can support candidates that address issues that might affect their daily lives, especially for Black men, such as economics, racial equality, and justice. Registering to vote will prompt many formerly incarcerated individuals to begin viewing voting differently, said King, and regain "a sense of normalcy" and feeling of belonging to their communities. "They're getting involved in this system that they would not have been involved in before," said King. "I'll never forget the first time I cast that ballot." This story was produced by Votebeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. In the week since a deadly tornado devastated a swathe of Madison, Nashville officials, nonprofits and volunteers have been working around the clock to help those impacted start the road to recovery. But the disaster, which killed three Madison residents, laid bare a shortcoming in the city's emergency response, Mayor Freddie O'Connell and Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition Executive Director Lisa Sherman Luna said Friday. Recovery assistance, they said, needs to be available in multiple language and must be tailored to serve multiple cultural communities. When the storms arrived Saturday, TIRRC immediately began to push out messages through social media in Spanish, warning community members of the coming dangers. On Sunday, the coalition deployed alongside Metro government to assist survivors. "We knew that it was going to be imperative that nobody was left out and that we were going to need bilingual boots on the ground who could reach these communities," Sherman Luna said. "We have learned since the 2010 flood how important it is to have systems, policies and practices that reach non-English speakers, because they're often the first hit, the worst hit and they are left behind in the relief and recovery process." On Nesbitt Lane, three neighbors were killed. Joseph Dalton, 37, died using his body to protect his mother and son as the tornado lifted their mobile home off of its foundation, hurling it into the mobile home of 31-year-old Floridalma Gabriel Perez. Perez and her son, 2-year-old Antony Elmer Mendez, also died in the storm. A community memorial will be held for Perez and Mendez on Monday, Dec. 18, according to TIRRC's social media. O'Connell said Nashville has seen "dramatic improvements" in the response of Nashville's Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster program, which is leading the recovery effort. Those who need assistance or want to offer assistance can find opportunities at nashvilleresponds.com. O'Connell said TIRRC has been "incredibly supportive" on "how to be effective in reaching our immigrant and new American neighbors." Metro will also work on ensuring outreach efforts are trauma-informed at the suggestion of state Sen. Charlane Oliver, whose district includes the Madison communities impacted by the tornado. Perez and her husband, Felipe Mendez, arrived to the United States with their family from Guatemala five months ago. Amid the devastating loss, Felipe must arrange transportation of his wife and son back to Guatemala for funeral services. The Guatemalan Consulate office in Nashville has also been helpful in assisting the Mendez family, O'Connell said. The impacts of lost loved ones, destroyed property and trauma has "generational" effects on low-income families, Sherman Luna said. TIRRC has partnered with Conexion Americas, the Hispanic Family Foundation, Nashville VOAD and community leaders like Cathy Carrillo to provide recovery assistance and translation in the wake of the storm, but it's clear more work needs to be done to improve Nashville's systems as the city will continue to face natural disasters, Sherman Luna said. Disaster response should be tailored to the community impacted Metro must consider language access, cultural sensitivity, immigration status and its barriers, and education when crafting assistance for Spanish-speaking communities, she said. "This moment is a painful reminder, but it's also an opportunity for us to grow and improve and meet the needs," Sherman Luna said. "The Hispanic population is the fastest-growing in Tennessee. It is certainly growing very quickly in Nashville, and we know that in order for our city to recover, we can't leave anybody behind. We have to include all of our neighbors, no matter where they come from or how they got here." Resources Resources to assist those impacted in applying for federal aid will be available at the Madison Public Library. A shelter is available at Madison Church of Christ at 106 Gallatin Pike N. The Community Resource Center at 218 Omohundro Place is accepting donated goods for impacted families. More information on available resources and opportunities to help can be found at nashvilleresponds.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville mayor: Tornado help must be available in more languages Georgias two U.S. senators have asked a Senate committee to extend federal funding for two more years for Georgia hospitals that serve a high number of low-income patients. Without the funding, they say, the facilities are in danger of failing. Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, both Democrats, on Friday asked a committee to extend a waiver that gives Georgia hospitals status as Disproportionate Share Hospitals. These are facilities that serve a higher number of Medicaid and similar patients. Several of the DSHs are at risk of losing eligibility and, with it, government funding. Georgia is home to 51 hospitals that qualify as DSHs, 23 of which are at risk, or within a 2% margin of not qualifying for DSH status. Of the 23 at-risk hospitals, two are in the Macon area Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins. Also on the list in Middle Georgia are Navicent Health Baldwin; R.J. Taylor Memorial Hospital in Hawkinsville, and Emanuel Medical Center in Swainsboro, according to the Georgia Hospital Association. Spokespersons for the Macon area facilities were not immediately available for comment. The 23 hospitals are at risk of not qualifying because Social Security applications are behind and the hospitals cant claim the low-income patients on their cost reports as a result, the senators letter states. The hospitals could lose their funding if the extension requested by Warnock and Ossoff does not pass. The senators expressed concerns in the letter that those hospitals could fail entirely if their federal funding stopped. Warnock and Ossoff cited that three of the larger DSHs in Georgia estimated more than $150 million in unpaid claims due to the backlog of Social Security Administration applications, according to the letter. The delay means 1,600 low-income patients would be unaccounted for when the hospitals were considered for DSH status. Compounded by Georgias refusal to expand Medicaid, with 23 hospitals at risk of losing such eligibility, Georgia has the most hospitals in the country in jeopardy of losing status, the senators letter states. If these hospitals no longer qualify, we are deeply concerned about their ability to continue to operate. The waiver Warnock and Ossoff wished to extend was originally passed in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, the letter said. It would give Social Security the chance to catch up and let the hospitals keep their DSH status. If the waiver granting the hospitals DSH status does not go through, the 23 at-risk hospitals would have funding until July when they file their cost reports to Medicare at which point they would be at risk of losing money depending on their updated patient reports. DUBLIN, Calif. - Two people were killed, and several others were injured after a crash on Monday, when a vehicle went off Interstate 680 near Pleasanton, authorities said. The solo-vehicle collision happened at 2:36 p.m. on southbound I-680 near the Sunol-Castlewood exit, according to the Alameda County Fire Department. The California Highway Patrol issued a sig alert for the crash around 3:08 p.m. The fire department said that a vehicle carrying six adults and two children was traveling on the interstate when it left the road, and went about 20 feet down an embankment. Two victims died at the scene. First responders transported two other victims to a local hospital and two children with minor injuries were taken to Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland. Although a helicopter was initially dispatched, it was called off due to weather conditions. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether wet weather conditions played a role in the crash. Erma Wilson | Institute for Justice More than two decades ago, Erma Wilson, then a certified nursing assistant in her mid-20s, was convicted of cocaine possession after police in Midland, Texas, claimed a bag of crack they said they had found on the ground belonged to her. To this day, Wilson denies that the crack was hers. But her felony conviction resulted in an eight-year suspended sentence and prevented her from becoming a registered nurseher dream since childhood. And although Wilson continued to work as a certified nursing assistant and, after further training, as a medical assistant, her criminal record often made employers leery of hiring her, with the result that she sometimes struggled to support herself and her family. Twenty years after that 2001 conviction imposed lifelong professional and financial penalties on Wilson, she learned that Ralph Petty, who worked for the Midland County District Attorney's Office as a prosecutor at the time of her trial, was simultaneously working as a law clerk for local judgesincluding John G. Hyde, the judge who had presided over her case. Although that blatant conflict of interest was clearly inconsistent with due process, three judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit unanimously but reluctantly ruled last week, Wilson cannot sue Petty, the district attorney who hired him, or Midland County under 42 USC 1983, the federal statute that authorizes people to seek damages from state and local officials who have violated their constitutional rights. "Today's result is difficult to explain," Judge Don Willett writes for the 5th Circuit panel. "What allegedly happened here (and in hundreds of other criminal cases in Midland County) is utterly bonkers: the presiding judge employed a member of the prosecution team as a right-hand adviser." But because of a binding 5th Circuit precedent that restricts use of Section 1983, Willett says, Wilson's lawsuit cannot proceed. "The judges recognize that what happened to me was unfair, unconstitutional, and ruined my dreams," Wilson said in a press release from the Institute for Justice, which represented her in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas and in her appeal to the 5th Circuit. "I'm hopeful that the full court will hear my case and reverse the rule that keeps me and so many other people from vindicating our constitutional rights." That rule is based on the 5th Circuit's interpretation of Heck v. Humphrey, a 1994 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court said a plaintiff cannot seek damages under Section 1983 for an unconstitutional conviction or sentence without a "favorable termination" of his criminal case. As Willett explains, that means the plaintiff has to show "the conviction or sentence has been reversed on appeal or otherwise declared invalid, such as by federal habeas relief"a process through which "a person in custody" can challenge his detention. But in this case, Willett notes, "Petty's conflicted dual-hat arrangement came to light only after Wilson had served her whole sentence, making federal habeas a non-option." Since "Heck aims to avoid a collision between 1983 and federal habeas," Willett says, Wilson has "a solid argument" that it does not apply "where federal habeas is unavailable," as most federal appeals courts addressing the issue have ruled. But the 5th Circuit concluded otherwise in the 2000 case Randell v. Johnson. "Under our precedent's expansive reading of Heck, noncustodial plaintiffs must meet the favorable-termination requirement, tooeven if it's practically impossible for them to do so," Willett writes. "Put simply, our rule of orderliness bars relief for the disorderliness that Wilson suffered." Willett does not pretend that outcome makes sense. "This result is unseemly," he says. "Absent 1983, noncustodial individuals on the receiving end of violative conduct, however egregious, will have no federal forum to vindicate their federal constitutional rights. But as a three-judge panel bound by controlling circuit precedent, our hands are tied. Only the en banc court, or the United States Supreme Court, can deliver a different result that better aligns with Congress' broad textual command in 1983." In addition to highlighting the unjust implications of Randell, the panel's ruling in Wilson v. Midland County underlines the appalling lapses that created the "utterly bonkers" situation that Willett describes. Petty began working as a law clerk for Midland County judges in March 2000. As Wilson's April 2022 lawsuit notes, that job included "advising them on legal matters and drafting the judges' orders and opinions." In early 2001, thenDistrict Attorney Albert Schorre Jr., another defendant named in the lawsuit, hired Petty as an assistant district attorney, "knowing Petty would have a dual role as a prosecutor and a law clerk to the same judges he would be practicing before." On February 12, 2001, Petty signed an employment contract with Schorre's office. It explicitly noted that Petty "shall be permitted to continue the performance of legal services for the District Judges of Midland County, Texas and perform such work for the said District Judges as they shall desire and be paid for the same as ordered by the District Judges." Yet Schorre "never disclosed this relationship to defendants or their counsel." Midland County Attorney Russell Malm also signed off on Petty's "conflicted dual-hat arrangement." In 2002, Judge Hyde asked Malm "whether or not Mr. Petty could receive additional pay in addition to his district attorney salary for doing work for the District Judges on habeas corpus cases." Yes, Malm said: Petty could "be paid for this additional work." Teresa Clingman, who began working as a Midland County prosecutor in 1991 and served as district attorney from 2007 to 2015, also was aware of Petty's side job. During a 2008 audit, the IRS asked why Petty was receiving both a W-2 and a 1099 from the county. According to Wilson's complaint, Clingman "explained that the County paid Petty for both his role as a prosecutor and his role as a law clerk to the District Judges." She noted that when "a writ of habeas corpus is filed, post-conviction, [Petty] responds to it for the judges, at their discretion or assignment." She "did not disclose that Petty opposed those same habeas petitions on behalf of the prosecution." According to county records, Petty served as a de facto adjudicator as well as an advocate from 2001 to 2014, then again in 2017 and 2018. During this time, the lawsuit says, he "advised, performed legal research for, and wrote orders and opinions for District Judges at all stages of the criminal process." He simultaneously "was involved in almost every case prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office in some capacity, often as an advisor on prosecution strategies and arguments." In total, he earned more than $250,000 as a law clerk, in addition to his salary as a prosecutor. All of this came to light after Laura Nodolf, Midland County's current district attorney, discovered the dual payments to Petty while reviewing accounting records in August 2019. "In addition to having regular ex parte communications with District Judges on cases prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office," Wilson's lawsuit notes, "Petty surreptitiously drafted hundreds of orders and opinions for District Judges, resolving countless consequential disputes in the prosecution's (i.e., his employer's) favor." Nodolf's investigation "also revealed that Petty used unique formatting and styling when drafting documents for District Judges," which made it possible to identify orders he not only influenced but actually wrote. Petty, who resigned in 2019, asked the Texas Supreme Court to accept that outcome "in lieu of disciplinary action." In April 2021, the court concluded that Petty had engaged in professional misconduct. Agreeing that his resignation was "in the best interest of the public, the profession and Weldon Ralph Petty, Jr.," the court canceled his law license and prohibited him from practicing law in Texas. All told, Petty is believed to have served as both the lead prosecutor and the law clerk in over 300 cases. Nodolf sent letters to many of the affected defendants, noting "a potential violation of the rules of ethics for attorneys." One of those cases involved Clinton Lee Young, who was convicted of capital murder in 2003. After Young learned about Petty's dual role in his case as a prosecutor and as a law clerk for Hyde, the presiding judge, he successfully challenged his conviction, which the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals vacated in September 2021. The court said "the evidence presented in this case supports only one legal conclusion: that Applicant was deprived of his due process rights to a fair trial and an impartial judge." Unlike Young, Wilson did not receive a letter from Nodolf. But Wilson became aware of Petty's conflict in April 2021, after Young's case attracted national press coverage. According to Wilson's lawsuit, "Petty communicated with and advised fellow prosecutors in the District Attorney's Office" regarding her drug case and her appeal. Meanwhile, he was advising and assisting Hyde, the judge presiding over Wilson's case. County records "show that Petty invoiced Judge Hyde for work he performed on Erma's case while he was employed by the DA's office," her complaint says. That work gave him "access to documents and information generally unavailable to prosecutors." And judging from "Petty's unique formatting and style," he drafted "documents affirming the jury's verdict and imposing the terms of Erma's sentence." Here is how Wilson's lawsuit sums up the significance of Petty's double duty in her criminal case: Because of Petty's role as a law clerk in Erma's case, little confidence can be placed in the outcome of her criminal proceedings. Principally, Petty was serving as a law clerk on a case where his employer was a party.Further undermining confidence in Erma's criminal proceedings, Petty and Judge Hyde engaged in ex parte communications concerning Erma's case. Petty was given access to information from both Judge Hyde and the District Attorney's Office that the defense did not have access to. Consequential motions, such as Erma's motion to suppress, were resolved in the prosecution's favor throughout trial. And despite the weak evidence against her, Erma's motion for a new trial was not granted. Any of these facts by itself undermines the integrity of Erma's trial. Together, these facts eviscerate it. Thanks to the 5th Circuit's reading of Heck, however, Wilson will not have a chance to seek "accountability for unconstitutional wrongdoing that upended her life" (as Willett puts it) unless the appeals court reconsiders its precedent. "Three judges here unanimously agreed that what happened to Ms. Wilson was an egregious constitutional violation," said Institute for Justice attorney Jaba Tsitsuashvili. "We understand they felt their hands were tied by precedent, but we look forward to the full Fifth Circuit taking up the issue and ensuring that Ms. Wilson and other victims of prosecutorial misconduct can have their day in court." The post 5th Circuit Reluctantly Rules Against Victim of a Prosecutor Who Was Also a Law Clerk appeared first on Reason.com. China allocates 200 million yuan in disaster relief funds after earthquake in northwest China's Gansu Global Times) 13:39, December 19, 2023 This aerial photo taken on Dec. 19, 2023 shows rescuers in operation at Caotan Village of Minhe Hui and Tu Autonomous County in Haidong City, northwest China's Qinghai Province. Eleven people have been confirmed dead in northwest China's Qinghai Province, after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake jolted the neighboring Gansu Province late Monday evening, according to local authorities. (Photo: Xinhua) The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management on Tuesday have urgently allocated 200 million yuan ($28 million) in disaster relief funds to northwest Chinas Gansu and Qinghai provinces. This funding will support local earthquake relief efforts and ensure the safety of people's lives and property, minimizing the impact and losses caused by the disaster, China Media Group (CMG) reported. China is stepping up rescue and relief efforts to ensure the safety of people's lives and property after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook Jishishan County in northwest China's Gansu Province at midnight Monday. The State Council has sent a working group to the stricken regions to help guide relief work. Gansu and Qinghai provinces have organized relief support with immediate allocation of relief supplies such as camps and folding beds to impacted areas. Relief supplies were immediately redeployed from nearby areas, with supplies gradually arriving to impacted communities, Chinas National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) told a press conference on Tuesday. The NDRC has activated emergency response mechanism to ensure energy, electricity, and essential supplies. Efforts are being made to repair damaged power facilities and provide emergency power supply. Food and material reserves are being allocated for disaster relief, a spokesperson from the NDRC said. The first shipment of 46,100 emergency relief supplies from central and provincial level have been dispatched to the disaster-stricken areas, including cotton tents, quilts, mattresses, folding beds, cotton shoes, and stoves, according to Gansu provincial disaster relief material reserve management center and the provincial grain and material reserve bureau. The bureau has also obtained 15 tons of flour for emergency supply in Jishishan. The State Council's earthquake relief headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management have upgraded the national earthquake emergency response to Level II. At present, the earthquake has led 105 deaths in Gansu and 11 deaths in Qinghai, with damaging basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, transportation, and communications, Xinhua News Agency reported. Rescue and relief efforts are progressing in an orderly manner, including hazard inspections, evacuation and resettlement of residents, and repair of damaged facilities, China Media Group reported. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday tapped his national security adviser to become the new spy chief and a former ambassador to the United Nations as the new foreign minister, his office said. National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong was named to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Kim Kyou-hyun last month, presidential chief of staff Kim Dae-ki said during a press briefing. Cho Tae-yul, a former second vice foreign minister and ambassador to the U.N., was tapped to replace Foreign Minister Park Jin, he said. "(Cho Tae-yong) is a foreign policy strategist who has served in various key roles from first vice foreign minister and principal deputy national security adviser to ambassador to the United States," Kim told reporters at the presidential office. "In particular, he is well-versed, with abundant experience, in relations with the U.S. and on the North Korea security issue." Kim said Foreign Minister nominee Cho is a seasoned diplomat with a wealth of experience in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy and extensive knowledge on economic and trade issues. The nominations come as part of a broader Cabinet reshuffle prompted by the expected departures of ministers planning to run in next April's parliamentary elections. Yoon is also apparently looking to start afresh with a new lineup of aides in his upcoming third year in office and recently replaced seven Cabinet ministers, including those for finance and industry. All Cabinet nominees are subject to a parliamentary confirmation process. Speaking at the same press briefing, Cho, the NIS chief nominee, said if confirmed he will strive to unite the hearts of the agency's workforce and develop it into one of the world's leading intelligence institutions. Cho Tae-yul, the foreign minister nominee, told reporters he would do his best to strengthen the nation's diplomatic position and widen its "strategic space." A presidential official said the new national security adviser will be announced at a later time. He also said the presidential office will establish a new position of third deputy national security adviser to handle economic security issues. Currently, the first deputy handles foreign policy, while the second deputy is in charge of national defense. (Yonhap) In Louisiana, parents spent eight months searching for their 34-year-old son, only to discover this summer that his body had been identified soon after his disappearance and cremated without their permission. Siblings in Michigan filed a missing person report when they couldnt reach their 59-year-old brother, but they say nobody contacted them after police found him dead from an overdose. His body sat in a county morgue for 514 days, decomposing to the point of being unrecognizable. After a man in California died from complications of Covid-19 and drug use, it took a coroner in California more than three months to notify his family. The coroner investigators explanation, the mans brother says: We dropped the ball. Death investigation experts say these mistakes are preventable. Coroners and medical examiners, they say, should adopt detailed written protocols for identifying and contacting next of kin. And when exhaustive efforts to find families fall short, experts say officials should post the names of the unclaimed dead to a government database where families can search for loved ones. But some coroners and medical examiners have no written next-of-kin notification policies, and the vast majority do not post the names of unclaimed dead to the federal database, an NBC News investigation has found. The combined effect of these shortcomings: Each year across America, untold numbers of families are needlessly left in the dark after a loved one dies. In some cases, anguished family members spend months or years actively searching in vain for loved ones whove already been buried or cremated. The tools exist to solve many or even most of these cases, said Erin Kimmerle, a forensic anthropologist at the University of South Florida. Its a matter of having the will to do it. Tens of thousands of bodies go unclaimed nationally every year, experts estimate, either because families cannot afford burials, the dead have no living relatives or because officials have failed to identify or reach next of kin. In many cases, the unclaimed dead were homeless or suffered from relationship-shattering addictions, making it difficult for officials to locate families a challenge that has only grown in an era of widespread opioid addiction, surging homelessness and increasingly fractured families. But in other instances, authorities simply fail to take basic measures to reach family members. Officials in Jackson, Mississippi, have come under fire this year for a string of cases, revealed by NBC News, in which the Hinds County coroner buried people in a paupers cemetery without notifying their families. Bettersten Wade spent months searching for her 37-year-old son, Dexter Wade, only to learn this summer that hed been struck and killed by a police cruiser less than an hour after he left home and later buried without her knowledge at a county penal farm. Marrio Moore, 40, was beaten to death in Jackson in February and buried in a paupers grave on the same day as Dexter Wade. Moores family learned of his death eight months after he was killed, when they saw his name on a local news website. For the mother of 39-year-old Jonathan Hankins, whod spent more than 18 months searching for him, news of his death and burial in Hinds County was delivered by an NBC News reporter this month after the news outlet obtained a list of unclaimed bodies buried in the paupers cemetery and cross-checked the names with a database of missing persons. These problems span the country. NBC News identified cases in a dozen states from small towns to major cities in which families waited months or even years to learn about the death of a loved one. Theres a free federal program the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, or NamUs that can help alert families when a loved ones body has gone unclaimed. Unlike other federal databases, such as the National Crime Information Center, which is accessible only to law enforcement, anyone can view postings of missing and unclaimed people on NamUs, and each listing is searchable on Google. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office in Louisiana, left, does not publish the names of the unclaimed dead, making it more difficult for families to learn about the death of a loved one. That included Benjamin Pfantz, who died under a New Orleans overpass in September 2022. (Craig Mulcahy for NBC News) The system has proven effective. According to data provided by NamUs, of the roughly 20,000 unclaimed person reports added to the system over the past decade, about 3,800 were later archived indicating that in nearly 1 in 5 cases someone came forward to claim the remains. The implication is clear, experts said: The simple act of posting the names of the unclaimed dead has the potential to deliver answers to thousands of families nationwide every year. But in huge swaths of the country including Mississippi these names arent shared publicly. Its very sad that a lot of other medical examiner offices arent using it, said Michelle Clark, a death investigator in Connecticuts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which has a policy of listing every unclaimed body in NamUs. Even if we dont find family here in Connecticut, we all have family from out of state. So sometimes someone from out of state will notice, Oh, my gosh, thats my cousin whos passed away. Posting to the database of unclaimed bodies is voluntary. Although at least 16 states have adopted laws requiring police and coroners to list cases of missing persons and unidentified bodies in NamUs, none explicitly require the posting of unclaimed persons who have been identified, according to an NBC News review of state laws. In 90% of counties nationally including a majority of those with populations above 200,000 not a single active unclaimed person case was listed in NamUs over the past five years, according to an NBC News analysis of federal data. In a few places, including Oregon and the suburbs of Philadelphia, local journalists have attempted to fill in these gaps by obtaining the names of the unclaimed dead held by local coroners and publishing their own searchable databases leading dozens of families to come forward to claim the remains of estranged loved ones. In Rhode Island, which has zero cases listed in NamUs, it took 46 days for the family of 57-year-old William Swanton to learn he died and was buried in a city cemetery last year even though Swantons public housing manager, local police and the county medical examiner all had access to family members names and contact information. Image: William Swanton (Courtesy Swanton Family) Afterward, the medical examiners office said the responsibility for contacting next of kin belonged to law enforcement. A police official, however, said the department had nothing in policy about finding and notifying families. Every step that it could go wrong, it did go wrong, said Catherine Swanton, William Swantons ex-wife and the mother of his two daughters. Such miscommunications and finger-pointing between police and coroners are disturbingly common in death notifications and are another reason posting the names of unclaimed persons to NamUs is an important backstop, said Kimmerle, the University of South Florida anthropologist. One group assumes the other is doing everything, she said, and then no ones really doing anything. 'We would have found him' On May 12, Sherry Pfantz was in her car, driving home from work in southwestern Louisiana, when she decided to once again call the Orleans Parish Coroners Office in New Orleans to ask if they had her son. She knew these calls which had become a grim part of her weekly routine were a shot in the dark. But she had to try. Benjamin Pfantz, 34, had walked away from a drug rehab facility near New Orleans more than eight months earlier. Even when he was using, hed never gone more than two weeks without calling. Fearing the worst, she and her husband had started calling area morgues. Image: Sherry and Theron Pfantz (Craig Mulcahy for NBC News) With each call came a rush of relief. Her son wasnt there and might still be alive. But that afternoon, after Pfantz again spelled out his name and provided his date of birth, she recalled, the voice on the other end gave a different response: We have him. The tears came so fast and so fierce, Pfantz had to pull off to the side of the road to avoid crashing. Through her sobs, she said she heard the coroners office worker give two details that she thought couldnt possibly be true. First, the woman said that the coroner had received and identified her sons body back in September, only a few weeks after hed gone missing and days after New Orleans police found him unresponsive from an overdose beneath an overpass. And second, there would be no need to call a funeral home; the woman said the coroner had cremated her sons body months earlier. We never would have had him cremated, Pfantz said later. They took that choice away from us. She and her husband, Theron Pfantz, couldnt fathom how this had happened. Theyd done everything in their power to find their son. Theyd filed missing person reports with multiple jurisdictions in Louisiana, including in Beauregard Parish, where they live. Theyd made the four-hour drive to New Orleans to search homeless encampments and put up posters with Benjamins photo and their contact information. For months, they cold-called hospitals and jails and coroners offices, hoping for a lead. The Orleans Parish Coroner identified Benjamin Pfantz based on his fingerprints soon after his body was found under a New Orleans overpass. (Craig Mulcahy for NBC News) Sherry Pfantz says she adopted the same mentality in searching for her son as shed taken during his years of addiction: I told him I was never going to give up on him. And we never did. The months of not knowing took a toll on their health. Pfantz, an educator, said she usually kept it together during the school day. But as soon as she walked out the door day after day, for months the tears would start flowing again. Calling the coroner and others on her drive home gave her purpose and distracted from the pain. Now she wonders: If she hadnt kept calling, would she and her husband have ever learned of their sons death? An investigator from the Orleans Parish Coroners Office later told the Pfantz family the agency didnt tell them about their sons death because of a clerical error; Benjamins last name, he said, according to the family, was misspelled in the coroners computer system. The couple wasnt satisfied with that response. They say any reasonable person would have realized that Benjamin L. Pfantz and the misspelled Benjamin L. Peantz both with the same birthday were the same person. And why had the coroner said yes in May after repeatedly saying no the previous eight months? In August, they filed a lawsuit against Orleans Parish Coroner Dwight McKenna, alleging that the pain of losing their son was compounded by his offices gross negligence. The coroner had everything they needed to find us, Theron Pfantz said. They just didnt do it. McKennas office did not respond to interview requests or written questions from NBC News. In a court filing, the coroners office denied negligence in the Pfantz case. When a member of the New Orleans City Council asked McKenna about the case at a meeting in August, McKenna said his team works diligently to identify bodies and notify families in a timely manner. I know everybody wants us to be able to identify their loved ones lickety-split, McKenna said, snapping his fingers in the air. Its not going to happen. While declining to speak in detail about the Pfantz case, McKenna told members of the City Council that sometimes his office simply has bad information. But in the end, we want to get it right, and as far as I know, we get it right, maybe not as quickly as we would like, McKenna said. I would like to offer my condolences to anybodys family where we didnt get it right quick enough. In response to a request for information by the Pfantz familys lawyer, an attorney representing the Orleans Parish coroner wrote that the office has no written policies or procedures for identifying bodies or notifying next of kin, according to documents reviewed by NBC News. And the coroner, like every other coroners office in Louisiana, does not post the names of unclaimed people to NamUs, according to an analysis of federal data. The coroner also refused in response to a records request by NBC News to release the names of unclaimed people buried or cremated by Orleans Parish since 2020, saying there was no way to produce such a list with the agencys data management system and that it would require extensive, overly burdensome segregation of non-public records. This, experts say, makes it impossible for the public to learn whether anyone else with an active missing person case might be listed among the unclaimed dead in New Orleans. Richard Trahant, the Pfantz familys lawyer, is representing two other families who say the Orleans Parish coroner also failed to notify them this year after a loved one died. The cases, he said, along with the coroners failure to adopt a policy for locating next of kin, reveals a stunning level of disregard for grieving families. Irrespective of religious beliefs, the way that you handle the dead is sacrosanct to everybody, Trahant said. People spend years trying to track down and bring home the bodies of missing loved ones, and these people are handling it like its a used burrito wrapper. Throughout their months of searching, Sherry and Theron Pfantz said nobody mentioned NamUs to them. But they are confident that if the Orleans Parish coroner had posted Benjamins name to the system even with the spelling error they would have brought him home months earlier. If his name was on that site, we would have found him, Theron Pfantz said of NamUs. Because we never stopped looking. I told him I was never going to give up on him, Coroners slow to adopt For the first decade after it was created in 2007 by the National Institute of Justice, the NamUs database consisted of only two datasets: missing persons and unidentified bodies. The goal was to create a public-facing system that would allow authorities and families to connect the dots between missing person investigations and cases in which coroners were unable to identify a body. But officials at the National Institute of Justice eventually realized they were missing a major piece of the puzzle needed to solve many of these cases. In tens of thousands of cases each year, coroners and medical examiners were successfully identifying bodies but failing to find their family members. A small number of coroners had begun posting the names of these unclaimed persons to the NamUs database reserved for unidentified bodies as early as 2009. To encourage more jurisdictions to list these cases, NamUs launched the third dataset designated specifically for unclaimed bodies that have been identified about five years ago, said Chuck Heurich, a senior physical scientist at the National Institute of Justice and program manager for NamUs. In the years since, Heurich said, his team has traveled the country, speaking at state coroners associations and national medical examiners conferences to raise awareness about the free system. Although the database of unclaimed bodies has proven effective, Heurich acknowledged that without a nationwide mandate or the implementation of unified best practices among coroners, adoption has been slow. It amazes me all the time when we ask the first question at every presentation Who has heard of NamUs? and when so few hands go up year after year, you scratch your head, and youre like, Well, whats going on? Heurich said. Because I really believe were doing a really good job of outreach and training. Leford LJ Williams' family learned of his death after New York Citys Office of Chief Medical Examiner posted his name as an unclaimed person on NamUs. (Dawit N.M. for NBC News / Courtesy Leford Williams) Despite the widespread failure to use the program, the power of NamUs to deliver answers to worried family members is spelled out in numerous case examples, Heurich said. In one such instance from last year, the family of Leford LJ Williams grew alarmed after two weeks passed with no word from him. Williams, 55, who lived in New York City, struggled with drug addiction but always kept in regular touch with his three siblings. They visited hospitals, rehab centers and police precincts. They searched parks and scoured his old haunts. Family members of LJ Williams said nobody contacted them after he was found unresponsive at a Starbucks in New York. (Dawit N.M. for NBC News) But it wasnt until one of his nieces looked up Williams in the NamUs database in late April 2022 that they learned the truth: He had died 53 days earlier. Oh, my God, his sister Geneva Gee remembers saying after her daughter showed her the listing and photo of Williams body on the website. Williams had fatally overdosed inside a Starbucks bathroom in the East Village on March 1. Even though he had his license on him listing his familys address, Gee said none of his relatives were contacted by city officials or the hospital where he was declared dead. The inhumanity of it is beyond words, Gee said. A portrait of Geneva Gee (Dawit N.M. for NBC News) Williams family is now suing the city and the hospital that handled his case, alleging that they broke the law by stripping them, as his next of kin, of the right to immediate possession of his body. The city and the hospital, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, denied the allegations in court filings. The hospital declined to comment. New York Citys Office of Chief Medical Examiner said in a statement that it had followed protocols in this case including multiple attempts to contact next of kin. The office is by far the most prolific user of the NamUs unclaimed persons database, with nearly 6,000 active cases in the system accounting for more than a third of entries. Despite what she sees as blatant failures to proactively notify family about her brothers death, Gee said she was grateful she had the ability to find him in the end. Thank god for NamUs.gov, she said. It should be mandatory. Geneva Gee searched city parks for her brother. (Dawit N.M. for NBC News) 'I want everybody's help' Bill Yates, the chief deputy coroner in Jefferson County, Alabama, said that without state or federal mandates, its up to individual coroners offices to decide how much effort to put into finding the families of unclaimed persons. His office in Birmingham follows an exhaustive process to track down next of kin after someone dies, he said, searching state drivers license records, police reports and medical records to find emergency contact information. Yates said he also scours ancestry websites to re-create the dead persons family tree and uses paid people-finder services to track down phone numbers and addresses. And when they still cant find family, Yates and his team post the names of the unclaimed to NamUs and share them with local media. When I post on NamUs, I am saying the Jefferson County Coroners Office has failed, and I need your help, Yates said. Thats the mentality of this office. No, I dont want to hide these names. I want everybodys help. Out of 180 names his office has posted to NamUs and shared with reporters in recent years, Yates said 18 have had family members come forward. He and his staff do this, he said, because he believes coroners have a moral responsibility to bring closure to families and avoid adding to their suffering. Usually, if somebody is involved with our office, its an unexpected death, and it usually has to do with trauma, or maybe some sort of overdose, Yates said. We want to do whatever we can to lessen that burden for the family. Theres nothing stopping other coroners from adopting this mentality, Yates said. Yet, in case after case, families spend months or years searching for loved ones who are already dead and identified. On the day after Christmas last year, Malong Pendar received a call from an unfamiliar number. It was an investigator with the Office of the Medical Examiner-Coroner in Santa Clara, California, with devastating news. His youngest brother, Njawa, was dead. Pendars shock turned to disbelief and then rage when the employee told him that Njawa had died 108 days earlier. Why was he left in the coroners office for three and a half months to just rot? Pendar said in an interview. When he later asked another investigator in the medical examiners office why it took so long to notify the family, Pendar said, he received a muted apology. Were sorry, the man said, according to a lawsuit filed by Pendars family against the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroners Office. Somewhere along the line we dropped the ball. Njawa Pendar, 45, died of a drug overdose complicated by Covid-19, according to the medical examiners office. He had been struggling with substance use since the death of his father and had isolated himself from his family. A Google search would have turned up the names of several relatives, Malong Pendar said. By the time Njawas family finally received his body, it was so badly decomposed they could not embalm him and hold a public viewing. He ultimately had to be cremated, his brothers said, instead of buried as they would have preferred. Weve tried to swallow the pill, Malong Pendar said, but its been horrific. A spokesperson for the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroners Office declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. The county agency, like most of Californias coroners offices, does not post the names of unclaimed dead to NamUs. A 38-year-old East St. Louis man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a man at a nightclub in East St. Louis in July, Illinois State Police announced Monday. Robert L. Palmer Jr. was arrested on Friday in Hazelwood, Missouri, by the U.S. Marshals Service, according to an Illinois State Police news release and St. Clair County court records. Palmer is charged in St. Clair County with first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon in the death of 43-year-old Ryan Morton of Cahokia Heights, the news release said. Police said Morton was shot on July 24 at a nightclub in the 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard in East St. Louis. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. Other details about the shooting were not released. St. Clair County records show the charges against Palmer were filed on Aug. 18 by the St. Clair County States Attorneys Office. A defense attorney is not listed in the court records for Palmer. Palmer is being held in St. Louis County pending extradition. The East St. Louis Police Department requested assistance from Illinois State Police in the homicide investigation. Like many from Thailand's poor north-east, Wichian Temthong left for Israel to find better-paid work "Am I lucky or unlucky?" Wichian Temthong pondered the question. "I guess I'm lucky, because I'm still here, still alive." The 37-year-old farm worker is one of 23 Thai hostages who were released by Hamas last month. Now Wichian is back in Thailand, living in a small room in an industrial suburb south of Bangkok with his wife Malai. While he survived, three young Israeli men he met in captivity did not. They were mistakenly shot dead by Israeli soldiers. Wichian had gone to Israel only in late September, driven like so many Thais from the poor north-east of the country to find better-paid work on Israeli farms. After nine days he was moved to an avocado orchard on the Kfar Aza kibbutz. He woke up on 7 October, his first morning there, to the sound of gunfire. His fellow Thai workers assured him it was normal. But as the shooting got louder towards midday, they decided to lock themselves in one of the buildings. Before they could do that gunmen burst in, one holding a hand grenade. They started beating the Thais with their rifle butts. "I crouched down like this and shouted 'Thailand, Thailand, Thailand', he said, showing how he pulled his arms over his head. "But they kept beating me. All I could do was keep my face down. One guy stamped on me with his feet. I crawled under the bed to hide. I tried to text my wife to say I was being taken, but they dragged me out by my leg." Wichian was eventually taken down into tunnels deep under Gaza, and would be kept there for 51 days. His was a lonely ordeal, because he was the only Thai, and he speaks no English, so could only communicate through drawings and hand gestures. Conditions were grim. The hostages were fed just once a day; sometimes this was no more than a piece of bread and a dried date. "When I was distressed they would come and talk to me, to calm me down, but I could not understand them. The only way I got by was by thinking of the faces of my children, my wife and my mother. "When there was nothing else to do, I'd just sit against the wall and meditate. I kept thinking about the same thing over and over, which was that I had to survive." He remembers the other hostages who were with him in the tunnels; three young Israeli men - Yotam, Sammy and Alon - who remained in captivity after his release, only to be shot dead by nervous Israeli soldiers as they came out, waving a white cloth, last Friday. Left to right: Alon Shamriz, Yotam Haim and Samer Talalka He had just seen the news, with their photographs, when we arrived to interview him. "Every day my foreign friends and I tried to support each other. We would shake hands and do fist bumps. They would cheer me up by hugging me and clapping my shoulder. But we could only communicate by using our hands." He found out that Yotam was a drummer, and Sammy loved riding his motorbike, and worked in a chicken farm. Wichian tried to teach them some Thai words. Wichian said two of the Israelis were in the tunnel with him from day one. The third joined them on 9 October. He says he was treated leniently by his captors, but that in their first weeks underground two of the Israelis were sometimes beaten with electric cables. "We were always hungry. We could only sip our water. A large bottle had to last four to five days, a smaller bottler for two days." He really suffered from not being able to wash. They were allowed to sleep in the day, not at night. They were always damp - nothing dried in the tunnels. He kept himself busy by trying to clean their living area. He even helped the Hamas guards move rubble that came into the tunnel after it was struck by a bomb. Wichian, seen in these pictures with his wife and two children, says he would go back to Israel just for the chance to earn, and save, a little more After a month the four hostages were moved to a new tunnel. "At around 7pm they brought us up. But as soon as I saw it, my heart wanted to run back down to the tunnel. "You could see bright lights everywhere from the aerial fighting. I heard drones flying all over the place, and the sound of gunfire. We had to run for 20 minutes, trying to avoid the drones." Wichian says his captors encouraged him to count the days on a calendar, and even brought him a clock, because he kept asking them the time. The end of his ordeal came suddenly. "They came pointing to me and saying 'you, you go home, Thailand'." He saw daylight for the first time in 51 days, and was handed over to the Red Cross and driven over the border to Egypt. "All the time I was down there I never shed a tear. But once I came up, and saw the two other released Thais, I hugged them and cried. We had a group hug and sat down with tears filling our eyes, asking ourselves how we could have survived. "When I got back to Thailand they gave me a new name. They called me 'the survivor' and 'Mr Plenty of Fortune'." However, he still needs to pay back the substantial debt he incurred - around 230,000 Thai baht ($6,570; 5,180) - to cover the cost of his trip to Israel. He never had the chance to earn any money there. So, like his wife, Wichian is taking a job in a factory. The salary is low - just 800 baht a day. They cannot save much. Their two children are living with their grandparents in their home province of Buri Ram. Wichian sometimes has trouble sleeping, and wakes up calling for his mother. But, he says, he would go back to Israel, just for the chance to earn, and save, a little more. By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Bassam Masoud CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) -Israel kept pounding the shattered Gaza Strip on Tuesday while Yemen's pro-Palestinian Houthi movement vowed to defy a U.S.-led naval mission and keep hitting Israeli targets in the Red Sea. Israel's campaign to eradicate Hamas militants behind an Oct. 7 massacre has left the coastal enclave in ruins, brought widespread hunger and homelessness, and killed nearly 20,000 Gazans, according to the Palestinian enclave's health ministry. Under foreign pressure to avoid killing innocents, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war will not stop until a remaining 129 hostages are freed and Hamas is obliterated after its fighters' slaying of 1,200 Israelis. The conflict has spread beyond Hamas-ruled Gaza, including into the Red Sea where Iran-aligned Houthi forces have been attacking vessels with missiles and drones. That has prompted the creation of a multinational naval operation to protect commerce in the area, but the Houthis said they would carry on anyway, possibly with a sea operation every 12 hours. "Our position will not change in the direction of the Palestinian issue, whether a naval alliance is established or not," Houthi official Mohammed Abdulsalam told Reuters, saying only Israeli ships or those going to Israel would be targeted. "Our position in support of Palestine and the Gaza Strip will remain until the end of the siege, the entry of food and medicine, and our support for the oppressed Palestinian people will remain continuous." Announcing the naval operation, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in Bahrain that joint patrols would be held in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which encompass a major East-West global shipping route. "This is an international challenge that demands collective action," he said. British maritime security firm Ambrey said on Tuesday it received information of a potential boarding attempt west of Yemen's Aden port city, adding that the attack was unsuccessful and all crew were safe. Some shippers are re-routing around Africa. DEATHS MOUNT In Gaza, Israel's latest missiles hit the southern Rafah area, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees have amassed in recent weeks, killing at least 20 people and wounding dozens of others, according to local health officials. Residents said they had to dig in the rubble with bare hands. "This is a barbarian act," said Mohammed Zurub. Among the dead was Palestinian journalist Adel Zurub and several members of his family, medics said. That raised the number of Palestinian journalists killed to 97, according to the Hamas-run government media office. In the north, another strike killed 13 people and wounded about 75 in the Jabalia refugee camp, the health ministry said. Israel says it warns of strikes in advance so civilians can escape, and it accuses Hamas of hiding in residential areas. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA said more than 60% of Gaza's infrastructure was destroyed or damaged, with more than 90% of the 2.3 million population uprooted. "This is a staggering and unprecedented level of destruction and forced displacement, taking place in front of our eyes," it said. In the ground war, where Israel has lost 132 soldiers, tanks advanced further into the southern city of Khan Younis and shelled a market area but met heavy resistance, residents said. Thousands of Hamas fighters, based in tunnel networks, are waging guerrilla-style war against Israeli forces. "The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is continuing to operate against Hamas terrorist infrastructure and operatives in the Gaza Strip," the military said in a statement. Israeli President Isaac Herzog signalled readiness on the part of the country on Tuesday to enter another foreign-mediated "humanitarian pause" in fighting to recover more hostages held by Hamas and enable more aid to reach besieged Gaza. A truce in late November mediated by Qatari and U.S. diplomats lasted for a week before collapsing and yielded the release of 110 hostages by Hamas in exchange for 240 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons. Basem Naem, a senior Hamas official based outside Gaza, ruled out further negotiations on exchanging prisoners while the war continued, but said Hamas was open to any initiative to end it and bring relief to Gaza Palestinians. A source briefed on diplomatic efforts told Reuters on Tuesday that Qatar's prime minister and the heads of the U.S. and Israeli intelligence services had held "positive" talks in Warsaw, Poland to explore ways of reviving negotiations. But a deal was not expected imminently, the source added. CHILD AMPUTEES KILLED IN HOSPITALS, UN SAYS The Gaza health ministry said on Tuesday that 19,667 Palestinians had been killed and 52,586 wounded since Oct. 7. U.N. officials voiced outrage about the plight of Gaza's hospitals, which lack supplies and safety. "I'm furious that children who are recovering from amputations in hospitals are then killed in those hospitals," said James Elder, spokesperson for the U.N. children's agency UNICEF, saying Nasser Hospital, the largest operational one left in the enclave, had been shelled twice in the past 48 hours. One of the dead in the paediatric ward was a 13-year-old amputee named Dina who had survived a strike on her home that killed her family. "The only thing I could think as I stood there in this room with a massive hole in the wall was - if a child in a paediatric ward, recovering from a double amputation, cannot be safe, who can be safe and where can be safe in Gaza? Nowhere is safe for anybody," said Gemma Connell, a U.N. aid worker who visited Nasser Hospital in the aftermath. "This should not be allowed to happen, the world should not allow it to happen," she told Reuters on Tuesday. Despite 11 weeks of attacks against it, Hamas said it had still been able on Tuesday to fire a salvo of rockets towards Israel's commercial capital Tel Aviv, where sirens sounded. There was no word of any casualties or serious damage. (Reporting by Bassam Masoud, Ibraheem Abu Mustafa and Saleh Salem in Gaza; Nidal al-Mughrabi, Moaz Abd Alaziz and Adam Makary in Cairo; Maggie Fick in London; Phil Stewart in Manama; James Mackenzie, Ari Rabinovitch and Dan Williams in Jerusalem; Mohammed Ghobari in Aden; Clauda Tanios and Ahmed Elimam in Dubai; Emma Farge and Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber in Geneva; Writing by Andrew Cawthorne and Mark Heinrich; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Ed Osmond) The Kentucky Attorney Generals office on Monday notified a Montgomery County Schools board member that he was ineligible to serve on the board because his brother works for the school district. The Office regrets that this unfortunate situation occurred, said a letter to representative Josh Oney from Jeremy J. Sylvester, assistant attorney general. But Sylvesters letter said the office of the attorney general has a duty to enforce the law, which in this case is unambiguous. The attorney general could remove Oney from office if necessary, Sylvester said. Oney won the November election over incumbent Bill R. Morgan. Accordingly, you must refrain from taking the oath of Office for your position as a Board member and forward a copy of your resignation letter to the Office no later than December 29, 2023, Sylvester said in the letter. Such an ineligibility ruling from the attorney generals office is uncommon, according to a Kentucky School Boards Association official. Neither Oney nor Montgomery County Superintendent Matthew Thompson immediately commented to the Herald-Leader. The letter said under state law, no person shall be eligible for membership on a board of education if they have a relative employed by the school district. A final judgment was entered by the Montgomery Circuit Court on Nov. 2 in an action filed by Oneys opponent for the seat. The judgment found that Oney was ineligible to serve because of his brothers employment with the school district. His named still appeared on the ballot and he received more votes than his opponent, the AG letter said. While not a frequent occurrence, its not uncommon for school board members to vacate their seats due to family members seeking employment with the district or to otherwise avoid a potential conflict of interest that arises while they are in office, said KSBA spokesperson Josh Shoulta. Generally speaking, however, ineligibility would potentially come up with the county clerk when someone attempts to file to run for a board seat, or when someone applies for appointment to fill an unscheduled school board vacancy. A finding of ineligibility by the (Office of the Attorney General) is far less common simply by nature of the process, Shoulta said. The attorney generals office has asked the assistant secretary of state and the Montgomery county clerk what effect, if any, the judgment has on the validity of the election between Oney and Morgan and what next steps must be taken, the letter said. This is a developing story and may be updated. Lets say a friend or family member who lives in California gives you an ounce of marijuana for a holiday present. It is legal there to buy weed and to give it as a gift, a fairly expensive one, by the way. Green Flower News says an ounce can cost anywhere from $160 to $350. Can you legally bring it back to South Carolina? You didnt actually buy it. In a word, no. South Carolina law says no matter how you obtain it, it is illegal to have any parts of a marijuana plant except mature stalks or plant fibers, marijuana oil or cakes made from the seeds, according to the Deaton law firm in North Charleston. You also cant have paraphernalia like pipes and roach clips. Ten states allow giving marijuana as a gift. In most states its limited to one ounce except in Michigan and Maine where its 2.5 ounces. South Carolina is not one that allows gifts. The states that do have strict rules about gifting the people have to know each other and no money can change hands. South Carolina is something of an outlier on relaxation of marijuana laws, which have steadily fallen away since Alaska allowed recreational use in 2014. Legislators there approved medical marijuana use in 1998, two years after California allowed it. (California passed recreational use in 2016.) In all, 25 states and Washington, D.C. allow recreational use 40 states allow medical use. The states that dont are largely in the South and Midwest. A bill to make medical use legal in South Carolina passed the state Senate this year and is expected to be taken up again in the new year. There could be further complications of bringing marijuana into South Carolina from a state where its legal if you are flying. TSA doesnt screen for weed but if officers find it, they will call in law enforcement. Could be you and your gift pot end up missing a flight at least and at worst you could be charged with a crime because despite the trend in the states, marijuana is still a violation of federal law. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota has a new state flag and seal. The State Emblems Redesign Commission, which was tasked with adopting a new state flag and state seal by Jan. 1, 2024, finalized the new state flag and state seal on Tuesday. Unless the Minnesota Legislature rejects the designs, the new emblems will automatically become official on May 11, 2024, which Minnesota observes as Statehood Day. The commission still needs to put together its report for the Minnesota Legislature. The commission will meet virtually at 9 a.m. next Wednesday, Dec. 27 to discuss its final report to the Legislature. Minnesota's new state flag The final design for the new Minnesota state flag, as approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (State Emblems Redesign Commission) Last week, the commission settled on a base design for the flag, choosing the submission designed by Andrew Prekker, of Luverne, Minnesota, with the white, green and blue stripes and an eight-point star on the left. The commission on Tuesday discussed changes to the original design, including the colors of the stripes, whether the Minnesota shape should be centered (the commission said yes, unanimously), and the shape and orientation of the star. The final design of the flag (pictured above) includes the conceptual shape of Minnesota in dark blue with a white, eight-pointed star pointing to the top of the flag. The rest of the flag is in light blue. The commission voted 11-1 to approve the final flag design. "Minnesotas new flag captures the imagination while standing apart from all other state flags with its unique design that depicts the shape of our state. Minnesotans have so much to be proud of from the beauty of our land, to our rivers and lakes, to our recognition as the North Star State all of which are reflected in this flag. I hope Minnesotans will find commonality in this flag and unite around it for generations to come," Secretary of State Steve Simon said in a statement. However, Rep. Bjorn Olson, R-Fairmont, and Sen. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa, the only Republicans on the commission and are nonvoting members, said they'll prepare their own report for the Legislature with Olson noting there wasn't enough time to make an informed decision, and they should put the new emblems up for a vote by Minnesotans. "We believe that there has not been enough time available to us to create an informed decision, a flag that represents all Minnesotans," Olson said at the end of Tuesday's meeting. "I'm not saying the flag that was chosen is a bad flag. What I'm saying is this process should have taken a lot longer. We should have taken more public testimony. We should have heard from more Minnesotans. And on top of that, I hope that in the commission's report we will include that we advise the state Legislature to put this to a vote of the people." Minnesotas current flag includes the current 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. The commission narrowed down the flags from a field of more than 2,000 options that were submitted by the public. Minnesota's new state seal The new Minnesota seal design, as of Dec. 15, 2023. The design could undergo additional changes before the State Emblems Redesign Commission finalizes the new state seal. (Supplied) The commission had already made its final selection for the new state seal, choosing the design featuring a loon. The commission did agree on some changes from the original design during its Dec. 12 meeting, including removing the state motto and year of statehood that were in the original design and adding the Dakota name for Minnesota: Mni Sota Makoce, which can be translated as "where the water meets the sky." There was some debate during Tuesday's meeting about altering the design further, including turning the blue dotted circle into a solid line. In the end, the commission on Tuesday also voted for a modification to the state seal design, approving changing the number of yellow bars around the outer ring of the seal to 98, representing Minnesotas 87 counties and 11 federally recognized tribal nations. They got it in about 5 minutes The blue circle inside the first circle of writing is now continuous. Wittnebel suggested this, but hes also not happy theyre reconsidering the seal since they already approved it and came today to finalize the flag. pic.twitter.com/a8yGfBIabn Corin Hoggard (@corinhoggard) December 19, 2023 Meanwhile, Sen. Olson insisted during Tuesday's meeting that the new seal is illegal and violates state statute (referencing the Dakota language on the seal). Olson promised this would be controversial and challenged. "One of the issues we'll be citing is there is absolutely an issue with our state seal," Olson told the commission at the end of Tuesday's meeting. "The seal that this commission has approved is not legal according to statute, and if that is not addressed at the last meeting, that is something that must be addressed. It is against the state statute. It is clearly in violation of the state statute, of what this law was created to do." In response, Rep. Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley, said, "There already was a Dakota word on the old state seal. And there will continue to be on this state seal. And that word is Minnesota." Comparisons to flags in Somalia The base design of flag F1953 was compared to flags in Somalia, specifically flags from the Puntland and Jubaland regions, which sparked criticism online leading up to Tuesday's meeting. However, some on the commission noted many flags are similar to flags from other countries. During the meeting, Secretary of State Simon addressed the commission, saying the Iowa flag is similar to the French flag, but he doesn't hear people saying the French are taking over Iowa. He also compared the Texas flag to the Chile flag. He added that if through hours of work to come up with a state flag, it may resemble a flag from another part of the world, then "I think that's OK." They appear prepared to respond as I saw @TheSotaSwede respond here on the twitters. pic.twitter.com/cU9BhJwgiV Corin Hoggard (@corinhoggard) December 19, 2023 This is a developing story. Check back for updates. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Chris Heaton-Harris says talks have now concluded Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said talks aimed at restoring devolved government at Stormont are now over. He said it was "now time for decisions" and that more than 3.3bn was available for the return of the executive. He was speaking after financial talks and separate negotiations with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over the Windsor Framework. The tanaiste said the DUP's Stormont boycott was a "denial of democracy". Micheal Martin, the Irish deputy prime minister, added that the stance of DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's party was "disappointing". The Irish government is due to meet Mr Heaton-Harris this week, Mr Martin said. Mr Heaton-Harris said it was the final offer, at a press conference at Hillsborough Castle. The talks have been taking place in a background of rising hospital waiting lists and ongoing strikes by public transport workers, teachers and NHS staff. 'Disappointing' Mr Heaton-Harris said the financial package includes 584m to address public sector pay issues and "reasonably and generously" responds to the Northern Ireland parties' concerns. "It is disappointing that there will not be a new executive up and running to take up this offer and deliver it for the people of Northern Ireland before Christmas," he told reporters. "However, this package is on the table and will remain there, available on day one of an incoming Northern Ireland Executive to take up." He said by raising the offer of additional cash he was "not trying to put undue pressure on anyone or any party in any way". Mr Heaton-Harris said there was "no deadline" regarding the deal and that he would be in NI over Christmas if parties wished to speak to him. On Monday, a pre-Christmas deal to restore Stormont was ruled out by the DUP. Northern Ireland's largest unionist party has been boycotting devolved government at Stormont for 22 months, in protest against post-Brexit trade arrangements.. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said there was still not a "basis to deliver the financial stability Northern Ireland needs". He said he was "very clear" there was no agreement with the government over the post-Brexit deal known as the Windsor Framework. Despite Mr Heaton-Harris saying the talks were over, Sir Jeffrey said he had not been told this. He told BBC Newsline on Tuesday evening that after the roundtable discussion his party "had a separate meeting with the secretary of state where we continued to engage with him on outstanding issues in relation to the Windsor Framework". "The talks continue and will continue," he said. What's the political reaction been? Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said it was "very regrettable" that no decision has been made by the DUP to restore Stormont and the public will be "bitterly disappointed". "The work is done. The decision has to be taken to recall the Assembly," she added. Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said the meeting with Mr Heaton-Harris on Tuesday morning was "useful" and that the new financial package was "much better". Mrs Long added that now that the Northern Ireland secretary said the Windsor Framework talks had concluded, the ball was "vey firmly in the DUP's court". Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said the 3.3bn offer from the government was a "good financial package" and now it was "up to the DUP to make a decision". Mr Beattie added that pay deals for public sector workers "should be taken out of this process" and delivered before Christmas. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said that now is the time for parties to close a deal to restore devolution to deal with issues including public sector pay and public services. He said people are "worried about their wages, they're worried about family members still waiting for hospital treatment and they're worried about the collapse of public services that we all rely on". Micheal Martin, who is also Irish minister for foreign affairs, said it was a "denial of democracy" because it has been "18 months now since the election" and that it has become difficult financially for the civil service to manage in areas like health and education. "It's very serious, and whether it actually does come around in the first or second week in January remains to be seen," he added. Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister has called on the details of the deal between the DUP and the government on the Windsor Framework to be published. Asked on the BBC's Evening Extra programme if it was right that the government's financial package was dependant on the return of an executive, Shadow Secretary of State Hilary Benn said it was "perfectly reasonable to expect all politicians in Northern Ireland to go and do their job". "I hope the DUP having reflected on everything that's be put on the table in the round do that and I hope it's very early in the new year," the Labour MP added. Analysis: 'Lights on at Stormont but nobody home' To end or not to end; that's really the question we're left asking now. The government, Sinn Fein and other parties say talks are over and that it's solely over to the DUP now. The DUP maintains it's not ready to finish talking yet though it's obvious the substantive negotiations are at an end. It was clear from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's press conference that he wasn't happy with the secretary of state's declaration at the podium. The government has upped the ante by improving its financial offer though with no deadline things are set to drift into the new year. The year 2023 will end as it began with the lights on at Stormont but nobody home. Remember, 18 January is the date by which the government is obliged to call another election if things aren't sorted by then. Chris Heaton-Harris's New Year's resolution will surely be to avoid that. But will it match the DUP's? What are business leaders saying? A consortium of business organisations has expressed support for the political parties' demand that a new funding arrangement for Stormont should be backdated. The government has offered to implement a new "fiscal floor" from 2024 which would guarantee funding per head would be set at 124% of the level in England. The Northern Ireland Business Alliance has told the government that should be backdated to the start of the current spending review period which began in 2021. It is also calling for a "short, sharp independent of review public spending". The alliance includes the Northern Ireland Chamber, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Institute of Directors. What has the DUP asked for? The DUP pulled its first minister out of Stormont's power-sharing executive in February 2022 in protest over the Northern Ireland Protocol. The protocol was introduced post-Brexit to prevent the need for goods checks along the border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, which is an EU member state. Earlier this year, the trade rules contained in the protocol were eased by the Windsor Framework - a new deal negotiated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with the EU. The DUP said it did not go far enough and has been in closed talks with the government for months over further changes it wants to the framework. The party believes the current rules, which include additional checks on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, are damaging to the economy and undermine Northern Ireland's place in the UK. Sir Jeffrey has also asked for new legislation to "safeguard and protect Northern Ireland's ability to trade within the United Kingdom". Last week, Mr Sunak said the government stood ready to legislate to "protect" Northern Ireland's place in the UK internal market. What about Stormont's overspend? Stormont's overspend will be written off if devolution returns and the executive produces a fiscal sustainability plan. The overspend over the past two financial years has amounted to almost 560m. Repayment will initially be deferred for two years to give an executive time to prepare a plan. It is part of the 3.3bn "final offer" from the government. The package also includes 584m to settle public sector pay claims, 34m for tackling hospital waiting lists and 15m to help the Police Service of Northern Ireland with the impact of a major data breach. You can read more about Stormont's overspend here. By Jack Kim SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea said on Tuesday it had tested the isolated state's newest ICBM on Monday to gauge the war readiness of its nuclear force against mounting U.S. hostility, as Washington and its allies began operating a real-time missile data sharing system. North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un watched Monday's launch of the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a site east of the capital, Pyongyang. The missile reached an altitude of 6,518 km (4,050 miles), flying 1,002 km and accurately hitting the intended target, an empty patch of sea, state media said. Kim said the launch sends "a clear signal to the hostile forces, who have fanned up their reckless military confrontation hysteria" against the North, state news agency KCNA reported. Kim said the drill "displayed the DPRK's will for toughest counteraction and its overwhelming strength". DPRK is short for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. He presented "some new important tasks for accelerating the development of the DPRK's nuclear strategic forces", KCNA said, without elaborating. "The U.S. imperialists and their vassal forces' vicious ambition for confrontation will not abate of its own accord, he said, stressing the need for the DPRK to never overlook all the reckless and irresponsible military threats of the enemies." South Korea and Japan said that based on the flight data on Monday, the North had fired an ICBM with the range to hit anywhere in the United States. The launch was condemned by South Korea, Japan and the United States as a flagrant violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. On the same day, China, a Security Council permanent member that has previously approved sanctions against Pyongyang, held a high-level meeting with North Korea in Beijing, discussing cooperation and issues of "common concern" in "a friendly atmosphere," the countries' state media said. The U.N. Security Council is due to meet on Tuesday at the request of the United States and other countries to discuss the launch. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has taken a hard line against Pyongyang since taking office last year, said Kim Jong Un's regime "will come to realise provocative actions will only bring greater pain to itself". MISSILE DETECTION SYSTEM In a joint announcement on Tuesday, South Korea, Japan and the United States said they had activated a system to detect and assess North Korea's missile launches in real-time and established a multi-year trilateral military exercise plan. On Sunday, the North condemned a U.S. military show of force, including the arrival of an aircraft carrier and nuclear-powered submarine in South Korea, as "war" moves, and fired a short-range ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast. South Korea said Monday's missile launch was a solid-fuel Hwasong-18. It flew in a sharply lofted trajectory and landed in the sea west of Japan's Hokkaido island. North Korea's state media published what it said were photographs of the launch, showing the missile blasting off from a snow-covered field trailing a plume of smoke. The ICBM's lofted trajectory and 74-minute flight time are compatible with an operational range of up to 15,000 km (9,300 miles) if launched at a flatter, standard trajectory, which puts all of the mainland United States within reach, Japanese defence officials said. North Korea also criticised a high-level meeting between U.S. and South Korean officials last week where upgraded responses to nuclear threats and joint military drills were discussed. The United States continued to demonstrate a confrontational attitude by bringing in nuclear-powered submarines, strategic bombers and an aircraft carrier near the Korean peninsula, it said. The U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Missouri arrived in the South Korean port of Busan on Sunday, the latest U.S. strategic military asset to be deployed as part of Washington's pact with Seoul to boost defence readiness. The United States and South Korea have increased the intensity of joint military drills against threats from the North, which has tested a range of ballistic missiles and in November launched its first military spy satellite. (Reporting by Jack Kim, Josh Smith in Seoul, Phil Stewart in Washington; Editing by Stephen Coates, Ed Davies and Gerry Doyle) Drew Harris' comments followed a fire which broke out at a hotel County Galway, on Saturday night There is "growing concern" about political extremism in the Republic of Ireland, the country's top police officer has said. Drew Harris's comments followed a fire at a hotel in Rosscahill, County Galway, on Saturday night. The Ross Lake House hotel had been due to accommodate 70 asylum seekers. Following the fire, Tanaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Micheal Martin said comments made by two Fianna Fail councillors who criticised the Irish government's policy on migration as "absolutely unacceptable". Appearing at the Policing Authority on Tuesday, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris described a "gutting" of the premises on Saturday evening, and said a full investigation is under way. "We've had similar incidences, and we've had individuals charged with criminal damage in respect of such incidents as well," he said. "There is a perhaps growing concern, and this is a concern seen across Europe, in terms of the rise of political extremism, and protests and violence that follow and obviously, the far right are an element in that," he said. According to the commissioner, there were 585 protests in the Dublin metropolitan area this year so far, 227 of which related to immigration and refugees. Mr Harris said there was no evidence to suggest attacks such as the one in Galway were a "co-ordinated effort". "The premises were very remote, very difficult to find, and regrettably, the suspects in respect of that are most probably living quite close in that area," he said. "We'll pursue the evidence but obviously we want to identify those who carried out such damaging attack, as we've done in other cases." 'Deeply sinister' Micheal Martin's criticism of two councillors from his political party came after they made comments about immigration policy. Irish broadcaster RTE reported that councillor Seamus Walsh said if the fire was criminal damage then it was prompted by the "senseless policy" of the Irish government on migrants. Councillor Noel Thomas told RTE that the "inn is full" and Ireland should not accept any more refugees. The comments by the councillors have been referred to rules and procedures committee of Fianna Fail, one of the three parties in Ireland's coalition government. Mr Micheal Martin said he did not agree with the comments and that there was "room at the inn". He said the building in County Galway was empty and could be used to house people. Mr Martin said that accommodating migrants had been the Irish government's policy for a number of decades under European Union rules and the Geneva Convention. He also said there was no link between migrants and bad behaviour. When he was asked if the two councillors should be expelled from the party, Mr Martin said he could not pre-empt the process. On Monday, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar said there must be clearer communication with the public about immigration into the Republic of Ireland and the asylum system in the country. It was also announced that that stronger incapacitant spray would be made available to all gardai (police) next month. An Garda Siochana said 20,000 units had been initially ordered with more brought in if necessary. It is one of a number of enhanced personal protection measures introduced for gardai following the riots in Dublin last month. The stronger type of pepper spray had only been previously available to the public order and armed units but is now to be issued to all frontline gardai. National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong, who has been tapped as director of the National Intelligence Service, is a veteran diplomat also known as a balanced strategist in the field of security. Born in Seoul, Cho, 67, graduated from Seoul National University in 1979 and joined the foreign ministry after passing the state foreign service exam in 1980. His career has primarily focused on U.S. affairs and North Korea's denuclearization. Cho became the first chief of the ministry's North Korean Nuclear Affairs Bureau in 2004 and served as the country's deputy chief of the six-party talks on the North's nuclear program when a landmark denuclearization deal was struck on Sept. 19, 2005. In 2013, Cho became Seoul's top nuclear envoy. In 2014, he became the first vice foreign minister in the Park Geun-hye administration and served as the first deputy chief of the presidential National Security Office the following year. Cho's career also spans the National Assembly. In 2020, he was elected as a lawmaker for a proportional representation seat of the then opposition Future Korea Party, which was later merged with what is now the ruling People Power Party. Cho was named South Korea's ambassador to the U.S. in June 2022 by President Yoon Suk Yeol and was subsequently named the national security adviser in March this year ahead of Yoon's state visit to the U.S. Cho is widely considered a security expert who has extensive experience in both U.S. and North Korean affairs. (Yonhap) President Zelensky sought to strike a confident note during his two-hour long press-conference Ukraine's military wants to mobilise up to 500,000 extra people, President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed, as the war with Russia nears a two-year mark. At a news conference in Kyiv, he said his commanders were seeking "450,000-500,000 individuals", admitting this was a "sensitive" and costly issue. He said he needed more details before backing the move, hinting that 500,000 soldiers were already on the front. His comments come in the wake of aid setbacks from the US and the EU. Republicans in the US Congress first blocked a $60bn (47bn) military package for Ukraine earlier this month. This week, representatives of both the White House and the State Department said the US was planning one more military aid package to Ukraine - but that it had limited ability to send more help after that unless Congress acted. The US setback was followed by Hungary's blocking of the EU's 50bn ($55bn; 43bn) financial aid deal last week. EU leaders, however, said Ukraine would not be left without support. Ukraine is facing an ammunition shortage as it continues to fight occupying Russian forces, following Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Kyiv's counter-offensive ground to a halt at the start of winter and there are fears that the Russians could simply outgun Ukraine. Olena Zelenska, Ukraine's first lady, warned in a BBC interview earlier this month that Ukrainians were in "mortal danger" of being left to die without further Western support. Russia President Vladimir Putin said this week that Moscow would continue its invasion, vowing that all his goals would be achieved. The Kremlin leader also said that 617,000 Russian soldiers were currently taking part in what Moscow describes as its "special military operation". But he admitted that the armed forces had problems with air defence systems and communication, and needed to increase the production of drones. President Zelensky's end-of-year news conference was held in the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday, with the time and venue being kept secret from the general public. Invited Ukrainian and foreign media had been given the details in their confirmation letters. Appearing in his trademark military-style clothes, the Ukrainian leader was asked a wide range of questions during the two-hour event. He revealed that Ukraine's top military commanders had "proposed to mobilise an additional 450,000-500,000 individuals" for the country's war effort. He said this was a "very serious number" and he needed more in-depth discussion before committing to the plan. "I need specifics: what will happen to the million-strong army of Ukraine, what will happen to those guys who have been defending our state for two years? We have issues of rotation and holidays. It should be a comprehensive plan." But he ruled out any proposals to mobilise women. Ukraine's military has admitted it is facing an ammunition shortage When asked by the BBC's Jessica Parker about whether Ukraine could be on the cusp of starting to lose the war, Mr Zelensky was firm. "No," was the answer. It's the answer you would expect, but he's not alone in expressing this kind of determination, our correspondent in Kyiv says. Many people she has met will not countenance anything other than beating back their Russian invaders, she adds. During the briefing, Mr Zelensky also said that: Ukraine would be able to produce a million drones in 2024 He had "working relations" with Ukraine's top military commander Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, playing down reports of a rift between the pair Peace talks with Russia were not currently feasible, stressing that he would seek to restore in full Ukraine's internationally recognised borders, including Crimea During the whole event, the Ukrainian president sought to strike a confident note - but sometimes he appeared to be tense and tetchy when pressed over reports of corruption among Ukrainian government officials and lawmakers. Willem Dafoe describes moviemaking as "these people coming together to tell a story or express a world or express a hope. And I'm down with that." (Paul Yem / For The Times) Willem Dafoe knew the script for Yorgos Lanthimos Poor Things was different the moment he read it. It was teeming with big themes identity, social convention, hubris and human attachment. It was also fantastical and often funny. But Dafoe, a four-time Oscar nominee known for his soulful, cerebral presence, has been doing this long enough to know the page is just the starting block. Scripts have to be put on their feet, he says in a video interview from his home in Rome. And Dafoe was ready to help Poor Things stand up on the screen. It's about collaboration, he says. It's about melting into the thing, becoming the thing, not having it be about you, but also having it be intensely personal. I think it's a chance to lose yourself in something bigger. That means these people coming together to tell a story or express a world or express a hope. And I'm down with that. That's what makes it fun to get up in the morning. Dafoe is primed to score his fifth nomination for his performance as Dr. Godwin Baxter, a Victorian scientist and surgeon bearing scars inside and out. Baxters favorite creation is Bella (Emma Stone), a young woman who survived a suicide attempt only to begin a new life in the strangest of ways: Baxter, called God by those around him, has given her the brain of her unborn child. Paternal, protective, by turns gruff and caring, and more or less insane, the good doctor is the latest take on Victor Frankenstein, the mad scientist of Mary Shelleys archetypal horror novel. When Bella leaves to sow some wild oats with a caddish lawyer (Mark Ruffalo), Baxter pines for his creation even as he knows she must become her own human being. NEW YORK, NY - NOV 28: Willem Dafoe photographed in New York, NY on November 28, 2023. (Paul Yem / For The Times) When Dafoe told an actor friend he would be working with Lanthimos, a master of deadpan absurdity, he was warned: "Oh, God, he's going to not want you to act at all." The Greek filmmaker built a name for a sort of anti-acting style, an almost Brechtian distancing. But his more recent films, including The Favourite (the 2018 drama for which Olivia Colman won a lead actress Oscar), have expanded the performance palette. Read more:Review: Trapped and alone, Willem Dafoe transcends art in psychological thriller 'Inside' The actor saw the potential for fun in the Poor Things script by Tony McNamara. It's such a complex world, he says. The relationships are on paper, but you don't know the depth of them until you play those scenes. With a director like Yorgos, it's about being ready for anything and being game and taking on the world, taking on what's around you from watching. Dafoe, a Wisconsin native, has made a career from being watchful and game, starting with his days on stage as a founding member of the groundbreaking experimental New York theater company the Wooster Group. He was drawn to avant-garde playwrights and such directors as Richard Foreman and Robert Wilson, who taught him the importance of being present for whatever might happen. All the theater work really made me who I am as a film actor, he says. I think the principal thing is the idea of doing. Its about the quality of being there. Receptivity to what is around you is so important. His roots also taught him that the work comes first, before making a buck or earning fame (though he isnt averse to hitching himself to a quality franchise; his Green Goblin added considerable color to Sam Raimis Spider-Man movies). When you see a Dafoe performance, youre seeing pure dedication to and joy in craft. The accolades come, but theyre never the guiding force. He traces these priorities directly back to his Wooster days. We felt like a bunch of kids that were doing this for now; we'd do something else later, he says. That was a luxury, because it taught you the beauty of really doing this for this, not doing this to get that. It wasn't about career. It wasn't about you. It was about making something with people. When you're with good people and you're in that collaborative spirit, that's when the best things happen. But his commitment to honesty also keeps him from downplaying the importance of awards. He knows he can give the work precedence and still savor recognition, especially when the recognition draws viewers to projects he felt passionate enough to make in the first place. He knows what business hes in. And he knows it is, indeed, a business. NEW YORK, NY - NOV 28: Willem Dafoe photographed in New York, NY on November 28, 2023. (Paul Yem / For The Times) Awards help those films get seen, he says. And when you make a movie that you think is worthwhile and you feel deeply about it, maybe it's silly, but it breaks your heart when it doesn't get good distribution. So I like anything that helps a movie get seen and also helps you. What does he feel most proud of in his long career? Dafoe initially demurs. You don't want to be proud of anything, because then you have to protect it, he says. But this I don't have to protect: I still love doing what I do, because it's always different. For me, it always gets deeper. It teaches me things. It's a beautiful job to have. I'm very lucky. You don't want to lean on that too much, because then it's like someone talking about having a religion or something I have this, you don't. But I'm proud of the fact that I still get very excited when I go to work. Read more:The 2024 Oscars BuzzMeter predicts the nominees - who and what makes the inner circle? Get the Envelope newsletter, sent three times a week during awards season, for exclusive reporting, insights and commentary. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Maine police are searching for two people who went missing after their car was swept away in floodwaters during the powerful storm that pummeled the Northeast on Monday. PHOTO: A car and a fire truck are submerged in flood water on Lamont Street after a large rainstorm, Dec. 18, 2023, in Elmsford, N.Y. (Kena Betancur/Getty Images) The incident unfolded just before 5 p.m. Monday on Route 2 in Mexico, which is about 75 miles north of Portland, the Maine State Police said. Four people were in the car when it was swept into the Swift River's rising floodwaters, police said. PHOTO: Joe Stanhope and Tori Grasse carry furniture from the flooded outdoor patio of the Quarry Tap Room, Dec. 19, 2023, in Hallowell, Maine. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP) Three people escaped from the car, and two of them were rescued, police said. The third person who escaped the car, as well as the fourth person who remained in the car, are missing, police said. The two rescued people were hospitalized to be treated for hypothermia, police said. Their conditions were not immediately clear. PHOTO: Flooding in Mexico, Maine, Dec. 19, 2023. (WMTW) MORE: 3 lifesaving tactics to use if in a car during a flash flood Police said multiple roads in Mexico remain closed and some residential areas are completely closed off. Police said boats have been deployed to help trapped residents. Police urged the public "to respect road closures and to avoid entering into flooded roadways." PHOTO: A man photographs the flooded Kennebec River, Dec. 19, 2023, in Hallowell, Maine. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP) PHOTO: A sign is seen in the parking lot behind the Quarry Tap Room, Dec. 19, 2023, in Hallowell, Maine. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP) Maine Gov. Janet Mills declared a state of emergency for 14 counties in the wake of the flooding. At least five people died on Monday when the massive storm hammered the Northeast. PHOTO: A car drives through a flooded street after a large rainstorm, Dec. 18, 2023, in Paterson, N.J. (Kena Betancur/Getty Images) In upstate Greene County, New York, a driver died after their car was swept away in floodwaters, according to the Greene County Sheriffs Office. In Windham, Maine, a man was struck and killed by a tree while he was on his roof trying to remove debris, Windham police said. In Plymouth County, Massachusetts, an 89-year-old man was killed by a fallen tree that trapped him in a trailer, according to the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office. Two other deaths were reported in Fairfield, Maine, and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, according to The Associated Press. The storm first hit the South on Sunday, and a sixth death was attributed to the storm in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, near Charleston, according to the AP. Click here for what you need to know if you're in a car during a flash flood. Northeast storm: Maine police searching for 2 missing people swept away in floodwaters originally appeared on abcnews.go.com PITTSBURGH (AP) Andrew McCutchen isn't going anywhere. The Pittsburgh Pirates star is remaining in his adopted hometown after agreeing to a one-year contract worth $5 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because it was not yet finalized. The 37-year-old McCutchen returned to the Pirates last winter, reuniting with the club he starred from 2009-17, making five All-Star teams and winning the 2013 NL Most Valuable Player award. His arrival gave the rebuilding franchise a needed jolt even as McCutchen promised it wasn't a farewell tour. It was not. McCutchen hit .256 with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs in 112 games while serving primarily as a designated hitter. He got his 2,000th hit in June and was sitting on 299 home runs in September when he partially tore his left Achilles tendon while legging out a double against Milwaukee. McCutchen made it clear he intended to play in 2024 shortly after getting hurt, saying its not going to feel right anywhere else. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington agreed. (His approach) has helped our lineup, Cherington said in September. Its helped us and I dont see any particular reason why that cant continue. McCutchen's days in the outfield are likely over. He played in right field for a handful of games early in 2023 before exclusively moving to the designated hitter spot. The Pirates benefited on the field and at the gate with McCutchens familiar No. 22 back in the fold during a season in which they went 76-86, a 15-game improvement over 2021. Pittsburgh averaged 20,131 fans at PNC Park last season, more than 4,500 more than the club averaged in 2022. Every time he came up to the plate it was kind of a different sound than (when) some other guys come up to the plate, Cherington said in September. So I think in that sense its obvious to all of us that it means something and hopefully theres a lot more good moments out there with him. The Pirates believe they are nearing the end of the franchise-wide overhaul Cherington began when he took over four years ago. Pittsburgh has used the offseason to add several established players in recent days, bringing in veteran left-handed starting pitchers Martin Perez and Marco Gonzales and signing first baseman Rowdy Tellez. Theyre just a couple pieces away, Tellez said Monday. I just want to be over there and help out in any way I can and just be a veteran guy that they can look to and talk to and be around and help them win as many games as I can. Tellez and company will join a group that includes Gold Glove third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, outfielder Bryan Reynolds and shortstop Oneil Cruz, who missed almost all of last season with a left leg injury. The top overall pick in the 2023 draft, pitcher Paul Skenes could also get a long look during spring training and could be in the majors sooner rather than later. McCutchen, the guiding force of Pittsburgh's run to three straight playoff berths from 2013-15, knows better than any active player what it takes to win in a Pirates uniform. When he came back a year ago he stressed it wasn't out of sentiment but something more basic. I want to win, he said in January. "Specifically, I want to win here. McCutchen will get another chance when his 16th season begins in the same place as his first. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb At least 127 people were killed and hundreds of others injured in a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in northwest China, the country's state news agency reported Tuesday morning. The earthquake struck the province of Gansu late Monday, severely damaging infrastructure in the province and the neighboring province of Qinghai, the Chinese state media Xinhua News Agency said. More than 500 people were injured, according to media reports. Han Shujun, a spokesperson for the provincial emergency management department, said at a news conference Tuesday that 105 people were killed in Gansu and 397 were injured. Xinhua News Agency said 11 others were confirmed dead and at least 140 injured in Qinghai. The U.S. Geological Survey said it was a "notable quake" and gave a preliminary magnitude of 5.9. But Chinese authorities gave a higher reading, putting the earthquake at a 6.2-magnitude, according to Xinhua News Agency. The earthquake had jolted Jishishan county in Gansu, about 3 miles from the provincial boundary with Qinghai, Xinhua News Agency said. The USGS said the earthquake struck about 23 miles west-northwest of Linxia Chengguanzhen with a shallow depth of just over 6 miles. The earthquake was also felt in Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu, which is approximately 60 miles northeast of the epicenter and about 900 miles southwest of the Chinese capital, Beijing. Nine aftershocks were felt by 10 a.m., about 10 hours after the first earthquake. The aftershocks were at least magnitude 3.0 or higher, with the largest at magnitude 4.1, officials said. Nebraska earthquake: This Midwest state rarely has earthquakes. Then a 4.2 quake rumbled through. 'All-out search and rescue efforts' Videos posted on X, formerly Twitter, by Xinhua News Agency showed emergency responders frantically searching through the rubble. State broadcaster CCTV reported that there was damage to water and electricity lines, as well as transportation and communications infrastructure. Tents, folding beds, and quilts were being sent to the disaster area, CCTV said. Xinhua News Agency reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "all-out search and rescue efforts" in the area. The overnight low in the area was 5 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit, the China Meteorological Administration said. Latest earthquake to shake China Earthquakes are not uncommon in China. In August, CNN reported that a magnitude 5.5 earthquake hit Pingyuan County in the eastern Shandong province and injured over 20 people. In September 2022, at least 74 people were killed in a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the southwestern province of Sichuan. The earthquake caused landslides and shook buildings in the provincial capital of Chengdu, where 21 million residents were under a COVID-19 lockdown, the Associated Press reported. The country's deadliest earthquake in recent years was a 7.9 earthquake in 2008 which struck the Sichuan province in China where almost 90,000 people were killed or went missing. Iceland volcano eruption: Iceland volcano erupts on Reykjanes Peninsula after earthquakes, evacuations Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: China earthquake kills over 127 as rescuers face freezing temperatures (Reuters) - Russia's diplomatic mission to the European Union said on Monday that new sanctions imposed by the EU showed that punitive measures against Moscow had failed. The new sanctions package, adopted by the European Council on Monday, focuses on a ban on Russian-origin diamonds, imposes additional import and export bans on Russia, and seeks to combat sanctions circumvention and closing loopholes, the EU said. "The Russian economy is not 'torn to shreds', attempts to isolate us on the international stage, including the Brussels platform, have failed miserably, the goal of 'inflicting a strategic defeat' has not been achieved," the mission said in a statement posted online. The statement said the "vast majority of the measures" contained in the package were "absolutely not needed" and officials in Brussels do not even "bother to explain to anyone the meaning of the sanctions". The sanctions, the diplomats said, "include extraterritorial illegitimate restrictions, political backmail, neo-colonial approaches". Russia's Foreign Ministry in Moscow issued no statement, saying only that a response to the sanctions would be forthcoming. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to the EU for imposing the new measures, saying they would "truly help reduce the economic foundation" or Russia's war against his country. (Reporting by Oleksandr Kozhukhar and Ronald Popeski; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sandra Maler) Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland, speaking during a Senate hearing earlier this month. Alex Brandon/AP Sen. Ben Cardin said he was angry after an aide was accused of filming a sex tape in a hearing room. The staffer was identified by conservative media as 24-year-old Aidan Maese-Czeropski. Maese-Czeropski, who no longer works for Sen. Cardin, said he felt "attacked for who I love." Sen. Ben Cardin said he felt betrayed and angry after his legislative aide was accused of filming himself having sex in a congressional hearing room. "I was angry, disappointed. It's a breach of trust," The Hill quoted the Maryland Democrat as saying. "It's a tragic situation, and it's presented a lot of anger and frustration. I'm concerned about our staff and the way that they feel about this." He was referring to a video published by the Daily Caller on Friday, showing what it described as a congressional staffer having sex with an unknown man. The staffer was later identified by conservative media as 24-year-old Aidan Maese-Czeropski. Cardin's office released a statement saying: "Aidan Maese-Czeropski is no longer employed by the US Senate." It did not explain who instigated his departure or why. Business Insider has not independently verified the video or confirmed the identity of the individuals involved. In a now deleted statement on his LinkedIn account, Maese-Czeropski said: "This has been a difficult time for me, as I have been 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." Hart 216, the judiciary room where the footage appears to have been filmed, has been the setting for several notable moments, including the former FBI director James Comey's testimony about Donald Trump in 2016 and the 9/11 commission hearings. US Capitol Police told The Hill it was investigating the tape but had "nothing new to report" as of Monday night. The former congressman George Santos, who's also gay, commented on Maese-Czeropski's statement in a post on X . "Having sex in a United States government building and filming it is the reason you got heat," he wrote. "You being gay and having gay sex NO BODY gives a rats ass." No charges have been filed. BI contacted US Capitol Police and Sen. Cardin for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider The prospect of military support for Ukraine and Israel making it through the US Senate looks as uncertain as ever as lawmakers returned on Monday for last-minute negotiations. Despite broad bipartisan support in the upper chamber for legislation to bolster the fighting capabilities of those two countries, the Senate remains deadlocked thanks to Republican demands for immigration and border security to be addressed alongside any foreign military funding packages. Even an emergency visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week didnt convince the GOP to budge. Members of the presidents party continue to project optimism as the chamber convenes for at least the next few days; Joe Manchin, a centrist who often bucks the Democratic majority, predicted that a deal was within reach. I think were gonna see something next week, he said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. [W]ell stay there until we get it done. He added, Well, let me just say this: that I have been communicating with the negotiators, my colleagues and friends on the Democrat and Republican side, also with the White House too, and Im very encouraged. And Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer claimed that progress was being made as he called members back to work this week on Thursday: Over the last few days, negotiations on a path forward to getting national security supplemental done have made good progress. The Democratic leader has promised a vote this week. But members of both parties are publicly doubting that timeline. Republicans seemed extremely doubtful about getting legislation across the finish line, as some on the left questioned the sincerity of their efforts. Senator Lindsey Graham told NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday that he expected negotiations to be pushed into January. "We feel like were being jammed. Were not anywhere close to a deal. Itll go into next year," the South Carolina Republican predicted. WATCH: "I've never been more worried about a 9/11 than I am right now," Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) says.@LindseyGrahamSC: "Our border has been obliterated and we're not going to give in on some Band-Aid fix." pic.twitter.com/xLW43KZuRV Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) December 17, 2023 E&E News reported Monday that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had agreed, and described the two sides as far apart in a letter to his caucus. It was co-signed by James Lankford, the GOPs lead negotiator. Mr Lankford and Mr McConnells #2 John Thune later told reporters Monday afternoon that lawmakers did not expect to even receive legislative text or the framework of an agreement by the end of this week. The House remains in recess for the holidays. Speaker Mike Johnson could, theoretically, call back lawmakers to Washington for a vote but risks the prospect of another rebellion from the far right; that prospect may be unavoidable given that any legislation which would win bipartisan support in the Senate would likely be unpalatable for the GOPs hardliners who are calling for more drastic action at the border and in many cases oppose any further funding for Ukraine. Last Thursday, he threw the idea of calling back his members into doubt and claimed that any legislation produced by the Senate this week to fund border security or foreign military aid would be a rushed product. Since I became Speaker in late October, I have clearly and consistently told the White House and Leader Schumer that we must secure our own border before we secure another countrys. For some reason, the Biden Administration waited until this week to even begin negotiations Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) December 14, 2023 President Joe Biden also faces his own minefield as talks around the issue of immigration reform continue. Beset by brutal poll numbers and crumbling support for his handling of Israels military assault against the Gaza Strip and Hamas, Mr Biden is also seeing resistance from Latinos in his party towards concessions to the GOP on issues like tightening asylum eligibility and changes to humanitarian parole. Complicating that issue for the president: No Latino Democrats are directly involved in the negotiations with Republicans on the issue. That exclusion has drawn rebukes from senators including Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Alex Padilla of California and Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico. Mr Menendez specifically told reporters last week that he had no faith in Senator Chris Murphy as the lead Democratic negotiator. A return to Trump-era policies is not the fix, Mr Padilla told The Associated Press. In fact, it will make the problem worse. Reports detailing the presidents thinking of late have described Mr Biden as increasingly worried about his standing in the polls against Donald Trump, the four-times-indicted ex-president currently facing 92 felony counts and clearly leading the race for the Republican nomination. Those concerns could lead him to listen to members of his base on the issue, but realistically are more likely to spur him to encourage common ground to be struck with Republicans so that his campaign can tout the passage of another significant piece of legislation this coming year. Biden White House officials denied to Politico last week that the president was putting his thumb on the scale in support of any particular policy. The White House has not signed off on any particular policy proposals or final agreements, and reporting that ascribes determined policy positions to the White House is inaccurate, said a spokesperson. Cho Tae-yul, former Korean ambassador to the United Nations and the nominee for foreign minister, is a retired veteran diplomat known for his expertise in trade and multilateral affairs. Yoon's pick of Cho as the top diplomat demonstrates the importance of economic security that the Yoon government places in diplomacy to deal with growing global supply chain risks amid the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. Cho's "diplomatic acumen and extensive experience" in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, particularly in the fields of economy and trade, "greatly contribute to resolving various pending diplomatic issues that our country faces amid an international environment where economy and security are complexly intertwined," the presidential office said. "I feel the pressure of being nominated as a foreign minister at a time of such a geopolitical fissure," Cho said following the announcement. "I wanted to avoid it if I could, but a public post is not something you can choose for yourself, and when you are called upon by your country, following the calling is the right thing to do," Cho said. "If officially appointed, I will dedicate myself to strengthening the foundation of national security and prosperity by expanding our diplomatic presence, strategic space and area of activities," Cho added. Cho, 68, entered the foreign service in 1979. He served in various posts in Thailand, the United States and Saudi Arabia in the 1990s before spending a considerable part of his career in trade affairs in the later years. Cho served as the ambassador to Spain in 2008 and served as the second vice foreign minister from 2013 to 2016 under the government of President Park Geun-hye. A second vice foreign minister in Korea handles economy and multilateral affairs. Cho then served as the top envoy to the United Nations from 2016 to 2019 until his retirement. He later held a number of chair positions at the United Nations bodies, including the U.N. Peace Building Commission and the U.N. Development Program. Until recently, Cho was a member of the private committee for Korea's campaign to host the 2025 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in Gyeongju. Cho, a Seoul native, graduated from Seoul National University with a law degree. (Yonhap) A pair of storm systems poised to move through New Mexico this weekend will provide some areas with a significant chance for a white Christmas this year, but most areas are more likely to just see a wet Christmas, forecasters say. Clay Anderson, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, said an upper-level low that was gathering in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast earlier in the week should be moving through New Mexico by Friday. Precipitation is almost a guarantee, he said. The problem is, its not going to be particularly cold. That means most of that moisture is likely to fall as rain, not snow, except for higher elevations, he said. Anderson said Farmington is almost certain to see rain from the storm system, but communities as close by as Aztec, with its slightly higher elevation, could begin to see powder. By the time the disturbance has moved eastward through Chama, Taos, Red River, Angel Fire, Los Alamos and Santa Fe, he said, it almost certainly will be dropping snow instead of rain. I would say the odds of Farmington proper seeing a white Christmas are low, Anderson said. While the chances of the Farmington area experiencing a white Christmas this year are not high, the odds are better for higher-elevation locations in San Juan County, according to National Weather Service forecasters. But a second, colder system rolling in from the Pacific Northwest on Christmas Eve could change that, he acknowledged. That system will cause temperatures to plummet. That one has a higher probability of producing snow in Farmington, but, right now, the track is not favorable, he said, though he added the storms direction could change as it draws closer. Anderson said the first system could yield snow for a few locations in southern New Mexico, including such high-elevation communities as Ruidoso and Cloudcroft. But towns such Socorro almost certainly will experience rain instead, he said. One ingredient that were missing that we often get this time of year is a back-door cold front that comes down the plains and comes in from the north and east, he said. We dont have that, unfortunately. The Farmington area hasn't seen a white Christmas since 2015, but two storm systems poised to move through the Four Corners region this weekend could end that streak. The low probability of snow for most parts of New Mexico is good news for those who plan to travel for the holidays, Anderson noted. He said he expected that the only parts of the state where travel could be hazardous this weekend will be on Interstate 40 west of Albuquerque and on U.S. Highway 550 at the continental divide west of Cuba. Those two spots could be problematic Friday night into Saturday, he said. White Christmases through the years A graphics presentation on the website operated by the National Weather Services Albuquerque office demonstrates that white Christmases have been a not-uncommon occurrence for many parts of the state over the past few decades. Using data collected between 1981 and 2010, meteorologists produced a map of New Mexico showing the historical probability of a given location in the state having more than 1 inch of snow on the ground on Dec. 25. Not surprisingly, the states higher-elevation communities had a greater probability, with Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Raton leading the way. A second graphic, based on data from a much longer period, presents the chances of six communities across the state having at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on Dec. 25. Red River (79%) and Chama (73%) were at the top of the list, followed by Gallup (27%), Clayton (9%), Roswell (5%) and Albuquerque (3%). A wet Christmas is more likely than a white Christmas for many residents of New Mexico this year, forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque say. A series of other charts depicts snow cover on the ground on Dec. 25 every year since 2004 across the state. Surprisingly, Farmington has experienced several white Christmases in that time, though the citys residents havent awakened to snow-covered ground on Dec. 25 since 2015. Farmington also experienced white Christmases in 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008 and 2006. At the other corner of New Mexico, Roswell has experienced only three white Christmases in that time 2011, 2009 and 2004. Bosque del Apache lays claim to the snowiest Christmas Day on record in New Mexico, as it saw a whopping 16.7 inches of powder on Dec. 25, 1987. Clayton received 7.4 inches in 1939, while Raton and Santa Fe drew 5 inches in 1973 and 1962, respectively. Folks in Roswell saw 4.3 inches of snow on Christmas in 1987. The snowiest Christmas in Farmington history came in 1997 when the city saw 2 inches of powder. According to the weather service presentation, temperatures across the state can vary wildly on Christmas. Clovis set New Mexicos Christmas Day high record in 1919 with a scorching 91 degrees, while Dulce posted a record-setting low of minus 42 degrees in 1924. Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com.Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e. This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: New Mexico's higher elevations likely to see Christmas snow this year More than 2.4m migrants were detained at the US-Mexico border in the 2022 fiscal year Texas has enacted a law that will make border crossings illegal and punishable with jail time, one of the toughest immigration laws passed by any US state in modern times. Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, said it would "stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas". Immigrants rights groups have sued Texas to stop the law's enforcement. It comes amid rising illegal migration and public concern over US President Joe Biden's handling of the border. In practice, the law allows local and state police officers to stop and arrest anyone suspected of having crossed the border illegally, except in schools and hospitals. Punishments range from misdemeanours to felonies that can lead to jail time or fines of up to $2,000 (1,580). A judge can also order that those arrested be sent back across the border into Mexico, although it is unclear how Texas authorities plan to enforce that provision. Penalties for illegal re-entry could go up to 20 years in jail, depending on a migrant's immigration and criminal history. Crossing the border illegally is already a federal crime, but violations are currently handled as civil cases by the immigration court system. One of the key debates over the law is whether state governments can create such measures. US courts have previously ruled that only the federal government can enforce immigration laws. This measure has received heavy criticism from Democratic lawmakers and Mexico's government, and it was a near certainty that it would face legal challenges from immigration advocates. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas and Texas Civil Rights Project filed a lawsuit against the state on behalf of El Paso County and two immigrants rights organisations that operate in Texas the day after the law was signed by Governor Abbott. The ACLU argues in its lawsuit that the legislation is unconstitutional and burdensome to local governments. The lawsuit estimates that SB4 could result in 8,000 arrests each year in El Paso county alone - a potentially costly strain on the local court and jail system. The groups involved are asking for a federal judge to intervene, declare it unlawful and stop it from being enforced. "SB4 lets police arrest people over 'suspicions' about immigration status and judges deport people without due process," the ACLU of Texas wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "This is unconstitutional and will harm black and brown Texans the most." On Tuesday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed his government would also challenge the law, characterising it as a misguided ploy for Governor Abbott to "win popularity". White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said that "generally speaking, the federal government - not individual states - is charged with determining how and when to remove noncitizens for violating immigration laws". The BBC has contacted the justice department - which would be responsible for filing any federal legal action against Texas - for comment. Border and immigration issues have become a political headache for President Biden. During the 2022 fiscal year that ended in September, a total of 2.4 million migrant "encounters" were registered at the border, a record high. Republicans lawmakers have sought to use US military aid to Ukraine as leverage to secure policies to crack down on illegal immigration. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas on Monday signed one of the harshest state immigration laws in modern U.S. history, authorizing state officials to arrest and seek the deportation of migrants suspected of crossing the border with Mexico illegally. The law, known as SB4, gives Texas law enforcement authorities the power to stop, arrest and jail migrants on new, state-level illegal entry charges. It also allows state judges to issue de facto deportation orders against suspected violators of the law, though it's unclear how this provision could be enforced. Passed by Texas' legislature earlier this year, SB4 is an extraordinary attempt by the state to inject itself into immigration and border enforcement, both longstanding federal prerogatives. It will almost certainly trigger a high-stakes legal and political clash with civil rights groups and potentially the Biden administration. "The goal of Senate Bill 4 is to stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas," Abbott said at a signing ceremony along the border in Brownsville. "Senate Bill 4 is now law in the state of Texas." When does SB4 take effect? The law is set to take effect in March 2024, though that could change depending on the outcome of one or more legal challenges, the first of which was filed just hours after Abbott's ceremony. Before it was signed into law, SB4 garnered strong criticism from Democratic lawmakers, the Mexican government and advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing civil rights groups in a lawsuit challenging the law. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, alleges the state is "grasping control over immigration from the federal government and depriving people subject to that system of all of the federal rights and due process that Congress provided to them, including the rights to contest removal and seek asylum." Texas Department of Public Safety highway patrol troopers look over the Rio Grande as migrants walk by a string of buoys placed on the water in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 15, 2023. / Credit: SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images Asked about SB4, White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez said, "This is an extreme law that will make communities in Texas less safe. Generally speaking, the federal government not individual states is charged with determining how and when to remove noncitizens for violating immigration laws." The Justice Department, which would lead the charge in filing any legal action against Texas, declined to comment. The law is also the latest effort by Texas to challenge President Biden, a Democrat, on immigration. At the direction of Abbott, Texas has bused tens of thousands of migrants to Chicago, New York and other Democratic-led cities. He has also instructed National Guard units and state troopers to repel migrants with razor wire, floating barriers and trespassing arrests. Stephen Yale-Loehr, a Cornell University professor and immigration expert, called SB4 "unprecedented." He said the Texas law is more sweeping in nature than SB 1070, a controversial Arizona law in 2010 that penalized unauthorized immigrants in different ways, including by empowering state police to stop those believed to be in the country unlawfully. The Supreme Court partially struck down that Arizona law in 2012, concluding that states could not undermine federal immigration law. "It's by far the most anti-immigrant bill that I have seen," Yale-Loehr said of SB4. What does SB4 do? Crossing into the U.S. outside of an official port of entry is already a federal crime, though most migrants' violations are treated as civil cases in the immigration court system. SB4 would make illegal immigration a state crime, ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. While Texas troopers have already been arresting some migrant adults on state trespassing charges, that effort has required the consent of private property owners. The new law would not. Under SB4, crossing into Texas illegally from Mexico would be treated as a misdemeanor crime, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Illegal reentry into Texas would be a felony offense, punishable with up to 2, 10 or 20 years in jail, depending on whether the migrant in question had been previously deported or convicted of certain crimes. SB4 includes a provision that bars state officials from arresting migrants in certain locations, including schools, places of worship and health care facilities. The law would also allow Texas magistrates to order migrants suspected of committing the new illegal entry or reentry crimes to return to Mexico as an alternative to continuing their prosecution. Those found to violate those orders could be charged with a second-degree felony. How Texas would enforce these de facto deportation orders remains unclear, as only the federal government has the facilities, agents and international agreements needed to deport migrants to foreign countries. Mexico's government has said it would reject efforts by Texas to return migrants to its territory. Abbott and other proponents of SB4 have argued the law is needed to deter illegal border crossings and address what they see as a lackluster effort by the Biden administration to deal with the crisis. More than 2 million migrants were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents along the southern border in both fiscal years 2022 and 2023, the highest levels on record. But opponents of the measure have denounced SB4 as needlessly punitive, expressing concerns that that the law could lead to racial profiling and sow fear in immigrant communities across the state, not just among new arrivals. They've also argued it will overwhelm state jails and officials, diverting resources away from efforts to arrest serious criminals. Israeli hostage Yarden Roman-Gat shares details of her captivity in Gaza | 60 Minutes Gnawa music, legacy of enslaved Black Africans, surges in popularity | 60 Minutes 10,000 migrants crossed the southern border with Mexico in one day Donald Trump campaigning in Waterloo, Iowa, on Tuesday. (Charlie Neibergall/AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) The U.S. Supreme Court rejects special counsel Jack Smiths request to fast-track a ruling on whether presidential immunity protects former President Donald Trump from being prosecuted for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, likely delaying the federal trial. One day after Donald Trumps former lawyer Rudy Giuliani filed for bankruptcy in an effort to shield himself from a jurys verdict that he must pay two Georgia election workers $148 million for his false claims about them, other lawsuits against the former New York mayor continue to push forward. Heres the latest on the legal cases facing those who sought to overturn the election. Jan. 6 election interference Supreme Court rejects Jack Smiths request to quickly rule on presidential immunity question Key players: United States Supreme Court, special counsel Jack Smith, Judge Tanya Chutkan On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a request by Smith to fast-track a decision on whether presidential immunity protected Trump from prosecution in the case that alleges he defrauded the United States with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, the Associated Press reported. The courts decision not to immediately rule on that question puts the March 4 start date for Trumps federal trial in jeopardy. The justices did not offer reasons for rejecting Smiths request. Judge Chutkan, who ruled Trump was not protected by presidential immunity in the case, had paused the trial proceedings until the appeals process played out. The issue is already being reviewed by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, with oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 9, but Smith sought to speed things along by making his risky request to the high court. In his request, Smith noted that an appeal of the D.C. Circuits ruling might not reach the Supreme Court before its summer recess. Trumps lawyers had asked the court to slow down the process. Why it matters: Trump has been working to delay the start of the criminal and civil trials he faces until after the 2024 presidential elections. A Yahoo News/YouGov poll released this week offers one reason why: If convicted of a serious crime, Trumps support with voters would plummet. Dominion, Smartmatic and others press ahead with lawsuits against Giuliani Key players: Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, voting machine manufacturer Dominion, voting technology company Smartmatic, Hunter Biden, attorney Robert Costello, bankruptcy expert Eric Snyder When Giuliani filed for bankruptcy Wednesday in the wake of a jurys verdict that he was required to pay Freeman and Moss $148 million for his false claims that they had manipulated votes in the 2020 election in Georgia, he listed up to $500 million in liabilities and only between $1 and $10 in assets. As Business Insider notes, those liabilities include the amounts being sought from the former New York mayor in lawsuits brought by Smartmatic, Dominion, the presidents son Hunter and others. Dominions effort to hold Rudy Giuliani accountable will move forward, a company spokesperson told Business Insider regarding the lawsuit that seeks damages of more than $1.3 billion. Smartmatic is suing Giuliani and Fox News for $2.7 billion for their false election claims. Hunter Biden is suing Giuliani for an unspecified amount for allegedly hacking into his digital devices. Costello is suing Giuliani for $1.4 million in unpaid legal bills. After Giuliani repeated his false claims against Moss and Freeman, the pair filed a second suit Monday against the former mayor. While Giuliani may not have the financial resources to pay those who have sued him, bankruptcy will not shield him from paying what he does have, experts say, because he purposefully broke civil laws. If you owe somebody money and you get a judgment, you can get rid of that in the bankruptcy, Snyder, chairman of the bankruptcy practice at Wilk Auslander, told Business Insider. But if the judgment comes from certain things like fraud, breach of your duties, intentional torts then you cant get rid of them. Why it matters: As he heads into bankruptcy proceedings amid multiple civil lawsuits and a forthcoming criminal trial in Fulton County, Ga., Giulianis answers about his financial condition and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election will be under scrutiny even more than they already have been. Recommended reading ________________ Thursday, Dec. 21 ________________ A recording of a Nov. 17, 2020, telephone call surfaces in which former President Donald Trump is heard pressuring two Michigan officials not to certify his election loss to Joe Biden. Trumps former lawyer Rudy Giuliani files for bankruptcy one day after a federal judge ruled he must immediately pay two Georgia election workers the $148 million defamation judgment determined by a Washington jury. In paperwork filed Thursday with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York, Giuliani lists assets between $1 million and $10 million, and debts between $100 million and $500 million. Jan. 6 election interference Captured on tape: Trump pressured Wayne County canvassers to withhold certification of 2020 election Key players: RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, Michigan Republican canvassers Monica Palmer and William Hartman, special counsel Jack Smith, former Michigan Democratic canvasser Jonathan Kinloch The Detroit News obtained an audio recording of a Nov. 17, 2020, phone call in which Trump pressured Palmer and Hartman to withhold their signatures to an official document so as to block the certification of Bidens victory in the swing state. Trump, according to the News, told the two they would look terrible if they signed the documents, despite the fact that they had already voted to certify the legitimate results. McDaniel, a native of Michigan, told the two canvassers: If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. We will get you attorneys. Trump added: Well take care of that. Audio recordings of the conversation were made by someone present for the conversation between Trump, McDaniel, Palmer and Hartman, the News reported. Neither Palmer nor Hartman went on to sign the document certifying Bidens victory. As part of his case against Trump, Smith has focused on the former presidents efforts to erase his 154,000-vote defeat in Michigan. Its just shocking that the president of the United States was at the most minute level trying to stop the election process from happening, Kinloch said when asked about the call. Why it matters: Along with Trumps infamous phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, during which the former president asked Raffensperger to find enough votes to overturn his loss to Biden, the newly revealed recording with Michigan officials will help Smith establish Trumps direct involvement in what he alleges was a plot to defraud the United States. Georgia election interference Giuliani files for bankruptcy after judge orders immediate payment of $148 million defamation judgment Key players: Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, District Judge Beryl Howell, Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss One day after Howell ordered Giuliani to immediately pay Moss and Freeman a $148 million defamation judgment stemming from his assertions that the two women had helped rig the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia, Giuliani filed for bankruptcy in New York, Reuters reported. In paperwork submitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, Giuliani said he had assets of between $1 million and $10 million, but that he owed between $100 and $500 million, including the $148 million owed to Moss and Freeman. Giulianis filing also lists Hunter Biden as a creditor, but did not specify the amount of money he owed the presidents son. Hunter Biden sued Giuliani in September for violating his privacy. In Wednesdays ruling, Howell suggested Giuliani was not being truthful about his finances in an effort to avoid paying out the two election workers. Such claims of Giuliani's financial difficulties no matter how many times repeated or publicly disseminated and duly reported in the media are difficult to square with the fact that Giuliani affords a spokesperson, who accompanied him daily to trial, Howell wrote. On Monday, Moss and Freeman filed another lawsuit against Giuliani to keep him from repeating his election lies. Why it matters: Giuliani still faces steep legal bills in Georgia, where he is charged with 11 felonies in the plot to overturn the 2020 election results. The jurys verdict, awarding Freeman and Moss $148 million after being defamed by Giuliani, is also one more example of the courts dismissing Trumps election falsehoods. Trump continues to promote those baseless claims and, in at least one case against him, plans to push them as a defense strategy. ________________ Tuesday, Dec. 19 ________________ Setting up an appeal before the highest court in the land, the Colorado Supreme Court issues a landmark ruling to remove former President Donald Trumps name from state ballots based on its reading of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Lawyers for Trump seek to block Northwestern University marketing professor Ashlee Humphreys from testifying in the second defamation lawsuit brought by columnist E. Jean Carroll. Days after winning a $148 million civil judgment against former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Shaye Moss file another lawsuit against him to keep him from repeating his false claims against them. Here is the latest legal news involving the man who hopes to win reelection to the White House in 2024. Jan. 6 election interference Colorado Supreme Court blocks Trump from appearing on ballot Key players: Colorado Supreme Court, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) In a 4-3 ruling Tuesday, the court voted to remove Trump from presidential primary ballots, the Associated Press reported. The decision was based on its reading of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which bars those who have engaged in insurrection from holding office. A majority of the court holds that Trump is disqualified from holding the office of president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, the ruling states. But the court also stayed its ruling until Jan. 4, giving Trumps lawyers time to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme court in the case brought by CREW on behalf of Colorado voters. A lower court judge had ruled that while Trump had engaged in an insurrection stemming from his actions to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss to Joe Biden, it was not clear that Section 3 applied to the presidency. The Colorado Supreme court ruled that it did. Other state courts are also hearing 14th Amendment challenges to Trumps inclusion on ballots. Why it matters: The U.S. Supreme Courts ruling will ultimately settle the question of whether Trump is entitled to seek the presidency again following his actions leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol building. E. Jean Carroll defamation Trump looks to block key witness from testifying Key players: Former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll, Judge Lewis Kaplan, Trump lawyer Michael Madaio, Northwestern University marketing professor Ashlee Humphreys, former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Shaye Moss In a court filing last week, Trumps lawyers asked Kaplan to exclude Humphreyss testimony from the second defamation case brought by Carroll, the Daily Beast reported. In May, during the first civil case brought by Carroll, Humphreys testified about the financial damage Trumps alleged sexual assault and defamation had done to the writers reputation. A jury concluded that Trump had indeed sexually assaulted Carroll and awarded her $5 million. Humphreys was also a witness in the defamation trial of Giuliani brought by Georgia election workers Freeman and Moss, testifying last week regarding damages. The jury in that case ordered Giuliani to pay Freeman and Moss $148 million. In their filing last week, Trumps lawyers faulted the methodology used by Humphreys to calculate financial damages. The damages estimations in her initial report are egregiously inflated (to the tune of millions of dollars), utilize methods which ascribe harm in an unreliable and incorrect manner; and do not accurately reflect the actual harm to plaintiffs reputation, Madaio wrote in the filing. Following the first judgment, Trump again attacked Carrolls credibility, leading her to file another lawsuit. The second defamation trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 15. Why it matters: In two high-profile cases involving Trump, juries have been persuaded that Humphreyss estimates on damages are sound, and largely adhered to them in reaching the $5 million judgment against the former president. Georgia election interference Giuliani sued again by Georgia poll workers following $148 million judgment Key players: Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss Days after a Washington jury ordered Giuliani to pay Freeman and Moss $148 million in damages for defaming them with false claims about their role in the 2020 presidential election, the pair filed a new lawsuit Monday against the former New York mayor, Bloomberg reported, to keep him from repeating his false assertions. Defendant Giulianis statements, coupled with his refusal to agree to refrain from continuing to make such statements, make clear that he intends to persist in his campaign of targeted defamation and harassment, the new lawsuit states. It must stop. On Monday, Giuliani was interviewed on Newsmax, and was asked if he still believed his allegations that the two women manipulated votes that contributed to Trumps loss in Georgia. If I showed you the evidence right now, and I think youve played it on your air, people would see that what I said was absolutely true, Giuliani responded. Giuliani declined to testify during the case, despite earlier claims that he would present evidence that proved his claims. He has vowed to appeal last weeks verdict. Why it matters: Like Trump in the E. Jean Carroll case, Giuliani has stood by his claims despite losing a defamation judgment, setting up follow-up lawsuits. ________________ Monday, Dec. 18 ________________ Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows in his booking photo from Aug. 24 in Atlanta. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office via Getty Images) (Handout via Getty Images) An appeals court on Monday rejects a bid by former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to have his Georgia election interference case moved to federal court. Lawyers for former President Donald Trump go on the offensive Monday, issuing a filing with Georgia Judge Scott McAfee asking that the charges against the former president be dropped because they violate his core political speech. In the federal election interference case, meanwhile, Trumps lawyers ask an appeals court to reconsider their ruling last month that let stand a gag order that prohibits Trump from speaking about witnesses, prosecutors and courtroom staff, saying the ruling conflicts with decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court. Here are the latest legal developments involving the man who hopes to return to the White House in 2024. Georgia election interference Appeals court rejects Meadowss bid to move case to federal court Key players: Former Trump chief of staffMark Meadows, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis On Monday, a three-judge appeals court panel rejected an attempt by Meadows to have his case in Georgia moved to federal court, Reuters reported. In their ruling the judges wrote that the events giving rise to this criminal action were not related to Meadows official duties. Meadows, who had appealed a ruling by a district court that refused to allow him to move his case to federal court, has argued that he could not be tried in state court because the actions he undertook to overturn the 2020 election results were part of his official federal duties. Willis has charged Meadows with two felonies: violation of the Georgia RICO Act and solicitation of violation of oath by public officer. Why it matters: Mondays ruling affirms the lower courts decision and makes Meadowss chances of a successful appeal less likely. Trump asks judge to dismiss invalid charges Key players: Judge Scott McAfee, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Trump attorneys Steve Sadow and Jennifer Little In a filing on Monday, Trumps lawyers asked McAfee to dismiss the election interference charges against him because they violated his core political speech, the Guardian reported. "Because the claim the 2020 election was rigged and stolen is protected by First Amendment when it is made in a public speech, it is equally protected by the First Amendment when it is made to government officials in an act of petitioning or advocacy," Sadown and Little wrote in the filing. The First Amendment not only embraces but encourages Trumps request to Raffensberger to find enough votes to overcome President Bidens margin of victory, the filing states. Willis has charged Trump with 13 felony counts for his role in a scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Why it matters: As with the attempt to have federal election interference charges dropped on grounds of presidential immunity, Trumps lawyers are seeking to use the First Amendment as a blanket protection from prosecution. McAfee will have to decide whether Trumps words in the Georgia case were simply expressing an opinion or were directing a conspiracy that violated state laws. Jan. 6 election interference Trump asks federal appeals court to reconsider gag order decision Key players: Judge Tanya Chutkan, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals On Monday, Trumps lawyers asked a court of appeals panel to reconsider its decision to leave in place a partial gag order on the former president issued by Chutkan, or to allow arguments on the issue to be heard by the full court, CNN reported. The 22-page filing states that the gag order imposed on Trump conflicts with decisions of the Supreme Court and other Circuits and therefore requires consideration from the full court. Trumps lawyers also requested that the gag order be lifted until the court decides on the matter. Last month, a three-judge court of appeals panel ruled unanimously that the bulk of Chutkans order barring Trump from talking about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and their family members could stand. Why it matters: As Mondays filing shows, if at first Trumps lawyers dont succeed, they will try, try again. They have been successful in forcing Chutkan to pause the proceedings in the case while they pursue an appeal that argues that presidential immunity protects Trump from being prosecuted for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. The super PAC backing former President Donald Trump is preparing to target Nikki Haley in upcoming ads in New Hampshire, according to new TV ad-buying paperwork the first time the group will go negative against Trump's former UN ambassador, in a sign of her continuing surge in the early primary state. The group, Make America Great Again Inc., sent information to the CBS station in Boston indicating an upcoming ad, titled Really, would mention Haley. The ad is set to begin running on Tuesday, according to the station's ad contract. The Boston media market covers most of New Hampshire. A TV ad contract for the pro-Donald Trump super PAC shows it is preparing to air an ad targeting Nikki Haley. (Federal Communications Commission) The ad first aired early Tuesday morning. Haley responded in a post on X. Two days ago, Donald Trump denied our surge in New Hampshire existed," she wrote. "Now, hes running a negative ad against me. Someones getting nervous. #BringIt" Multiple recent polls show Haley pushing away from the GOP pack in New Hampshire in second place and getting closer to Trump there as the primary looms next month. She also recently secured the endorsement of New Hampshire's popular Republican governor, Chris Sununu. The former president still leads by double digits in every recent public survey of New Hampshire, though. MAGA Inc. has not been active on the New Hampshire airwaves since late June, according to AdImpact, an ad tracking firm. MAGA Inc. remains committed to exposing the career politicians who are undeserving of the Republican nomination, Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for MAGA Inc., said in a statement Monday. Nikki Haley has lied to increase taxes, she has lied to get in the race, and she will try to lie to win it. We wont let another tax-and-spend politician try to fool the voters. When reached for comment, Haley's campaign pointed to her earlier tweet. The super PAC has spent $2 million on ads in the Granite State so far, a small fraction of the $45.9 million GOP candidates and outside groups have spent on ads in New Hampshire. The top-spending Republican group in New Hampshire has been the pro-Haley super PAC, SFA Fund Inc, which has spent $13.9 million on ads, per AdImpact. But MAGA Inc. is ramping up its New Hampshire ad spending, reserving more than $2.1 million in airtime over the next three weeks. The Trump super PAC will be the latest, but hardly the first, Republican to target Haley. At this months GOP debate, all candidates on the Trump-less stage lobbed attacks against Haley. And a pro-Ron DeSantis super PAC, Fight Right, has been tasked with the job of discrediting her to voters. Earlier this year, MAGA Inc. had launched an attack ad against DeSantis, knocking the Florida governor for his past support of a national sales tax. By Ted Hesson and Mica Rosenberg WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration launched a new refugee program on Tuesday that will let U.S. sponsors nominate specific people they want to bring to the United States, an effort intended to help families reunite and involve more everyday Americans. The program, under an initiative known as the Welcome Corps, will allow groups of five or more U.S. citizens or permanent residents to recommend a person or family to sponsor if they meet certain criteria and pass background checks, officials told Reuters. Relatives of refugees, religious groups, LGBT organizations and veterans are among those expected to participate. Previously, most refugees entering the United States have been referred to the U.S. government by the United Nations. U.S. President Joe Biden, a Democrat seeking reelection in 2024, has launched a range of programs to allow migrants and people fleeing their home countries to enter the United States lawfully. The Biden administration aims to bring in 10,000 refugees through sponsorships as part of an overall goal of 125,000 refugee admissions in fiscal year 2024. Under U.S. law, refugee status is reserved for people who apply from abroad while migrants already in the U.S. can apply for asylum. Although refugees are vetted and enter legally, some Republicans have called for tighter restrictions. Republican former President Donald Trump, the leading candidate for his party's presidential nomination, slashed refugee admissions while in office and is vowing another immigration crackdown if reelected. Sarah Cross, a State Department deputy assistant secretary, said in an interview that Americans want to aid refugees and that sponsorships make that easier. "This program taps into the tremendous capacity and willingness of our communities to help people arrive in safe, orderly and legal ways with the support that they need, which should appeal to any administration," Cross said. REUNITING FAMILIES Mangok Bol, a 45-year-old Sudanese refugee who arrived in the U.S. more than two decades ago, already plans to apply to bring over family members through the new program. Bol fled Sudan as a child during a civil war in the 1980s and was among some 20,000 children who were separated from their families and walked across several countries, a group known as the "Lost Boys." He eventually resettled in the U.S. in 2001, attended college, and now works as a program administrator at Brandeis University in Massachusetts. But Sudan's troubles continue to haunt him. Bol learned in 2014 that his brother and his brother's pregnant wife had been killed when conflict erupted in their hometown. After their parents were killed in front of them, a rival tribe abducted four of their seven children, he said, an incident that drew media attention and assistance from then-U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power. One niece is still missing. The remaining six - some of whom are now adults - live in Kenya and Uganda and receive support from Bol, who spoke with Reuters from Kenya on a recent visit. Together with colleagues and friends who formed a sponsorship group, he is hoping to bring his brother's children into the U.S. through the new program. "I am their father now," he said. RAMPING UP The Biden administration first launched a private sponsorship program in January 2023, but those refugees were assigned to sponsors rather than chosen. Only 85 refugees have entered through that program to date, State Department officials said, far below the goal of processing 5,000 refugees in fiscal year 2023. State Department officials said numbers have been increasing and that they expect more applicants now that sponsors can choose who they want to bring into the country. The timeline for refugees to arrive in the U.S. could be six months to several years, according to the Welcome Corps, and it remains unclear how many applications are pending. To qualify under the new program, potential refugees must have been registered with the U.N. by Sept. 30, 2023, a cutoff meant to discourage people from leaving home just to participate. Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans may apply if they qualify for refugee status and had pending sponsorship applications through a separate Biden "parole" program. Luwam Abraham, a 30-year-old who came to the U.S. from Eritrea as a child, hopes to use the new program to bring over six Eritrean family members currently in refugee camps in Ethiopia, she said. Abraham, a director at a long-term care facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said she and her coworkers raised enough to cover the required sponsorship minimum of $2,425 per person. Abraham said there are entry-level jobs available in Grand Rapids but it helps for new immigrants to have a personal contact to help navigate the language and culture. "It's definitely a difficult transition," she said. "But you do see a bigger difference when it's somebody who has family or has somebody here to support them." (Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington and Mica Rosenberg in New York; Editing by Mary Milliken, Josie Kao and Rosalba O'Brien) US Steel was once the pride and joy of the United States and the most valuable company in the entire world. The 122-year-old company has agreed to be bought by Japanese firm Nippon Steel in a $14.1 billion deal. But this isnt the first instance of an international company snapping up a classic American brand. All-American companies like Jeep and Budweiser have some international flair, as do many other classic US brands. Here are some of the most notable examples: GE appliances Perhaps no company better embodies Americas trailblazing spirit than General Electric. The company was founded by legendary American inventor Thomas Edison. But Americans with a GE microwave or washing machine in their homes may not realize that General Electrics century-old appliance division is owned by Haier Group, based in Qingdao, China. Haier bought the division from General Electric for $5.6 billion in 2016, as General Electrics business stalled and it looked to raise cash to chip away at a mountain of debt. Haier is itself a major appliance seller in the United States, with its own products offered at US stores such as Home Depot and Lowes. Budweiser Budweisers red and white cans and Bud Lights blue cans are instantly recognizable to many Americans. Budweisers brewer, named Anheuser-Busch after the companys founders, was created in the United States in 1879 and helped pioneer pasteurization technology that allowed beers to be shipped across the country without spoiling, according to its website. But Budweisers parent company was acquired by European alcohol conglomerate InBev in 2008, forming a new company: AB InBev, based in Leuven, Belgium. AB InBev also owns other well-known beer brands like Corona and Stella Artois. Burger King The current home of the Whopper is Toronto, Canada kind of. The seminal fast food chain, founded in Miami in 1954, has been part of Canadian conglomerate Restaurant Brands International for nearly a decade. RBI was formed in 2014 with a $12.5 billion merger between Burger King and Canada-based coffeehouse Tim Hortons. While RBIs headquarters is in Toronto, Burger Kings functional headquarters remains in Miami. Since RBIs creation, it has snapped up two more popular food brands: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Firehouse Subs. 7-Eleven With its classic Slurpee and Big Gulp beverages, 7-Eleven is one of Americas most recognizable convenience store chains. More than 13,000 7-Eleven stores operate in the US, making it one of the largest convenience store chains in the country. But there are even more 7-Eleven stores in Japan, according to the company. Thats because the corner store, founded in 1927 in Texas, is owned by Seven & I Holdings, a Japanese retailer based in Tokyo. Seven & I officially became the sole owner of 7-Eleven in 2005, after Ito-Yokado, a unit of Seven & I, first bought a stake in the convenience store in 1991. Trader Joes California-based Trader Joes brands itself as a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores. But the grocery chain known for its private label goods and competitive prices is owned by the same German family that founded another well-known grocery store: Aldi. Aldi, which was founded by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht in 1946, was cleaved in half in the 1960s. One half of the Albrecht family owns Aldi Nord, while the other half owns Aldi Sud. Trader Joes has been under Aldi Nords ownership since 1979, while Aldi-branded grocery stores in the US are owned by Aldi Sud, meaning the two chains have no business relationship. Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge cars The Jeep Wrangler was first introduced at the 1986 Chicago Auto Show, but its roots date back to World War II, when the US Army used an earlier version as a reconnaissance vehicle around battlefields, according to Jeep. The famed model, with its rugged design and off-road capabilities, has had enduring appeal in America. But Jeep and its siblings Chrysler and Dodge have belonged to European companies since 2014, when Italian company Fiat Group acquired 100% ownership of Chrysler Group. In 2021, Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group, as it was then called, merged with French manufacturer PSA Group, creating Stellantis. The Amsterdam-based auto giant is now the fourth-largest automaker in the world by volume and part of the Detroit Big Three automakers in the US. Frigidaire Refrigerator appliance company Frigidaire is responsible for a lot of firsts in America: According to the company, it is the inventor of the first self-contained refrigerator and the first-ever home freezer, which it originally called the ice cream cabinet. Frigidaire joins GE Appliances as a brand once owned by General Electric. The refrigerator maker was part of the Edison-founded conglomerate from 1919 to 1979. After brief ownership by White Consolidated Industries, Frigidaire was bought by Swedish multinational home appliance manufacturer Electrolux AB in 1986 and it has remained in its ownership ever since. Ben & Jerrys Ben & Jerrys is best known for its quirky ice cream flavors with pun-filled names like Cherry Garcia and Phish Food. The ice cream company, which was founded in 1978 by school friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in a converted Vermont gas station, was acquired by British conglomerate Unilever in 2000. That means the sweet treat shares a home with consumer goods like Axe Body Spray and Vaseline. One company that is American While many brands with international owners may seek to highlight their American roots, at least one of Ben & Jerrys competitors decided on a different route. Haagen-Dazs was cooked up by Polish immigrants Reuben and Rose Mattus in 1960 in the Bronx, New York. The couple invented a made-up Danish-sounding name for the brand, likely adding an air of mystery to the ice cream makers origins in the decades since. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com "My advice to anyone wedding planning: if theres something you want to incorporate, traditional or non-traditional, do it!" Lindsey Harris tells PEOPLE Ciaran Mae Photo Lindsey Harris and Rhett Harris got married Northern Utah on Aug. 31, 2019 When Lindsey Harris and her now-husband Rhett Harris, were searching for a wedding venue Lindsey hoped to find a place that had a pool. She tells PEOPLE she had a vision where at the end of the reception party she, her husband and all the guests would jump in together as a final send-off. But after looking around the couple couldn't find a venue that struck them, so they decided to have their reception in Rhett's childhood homes backyard. The only catch? It had no pool. That's when Lindsey came up with a new idea a slip and slide. In August 2022, Lindsey, 25, posted a video on TikTok of her and Rhett, 27, running down onto the slip and slide from their wedding on Aug. 31, 2019, in South Weber, UT. Since then, it's gone viral with 1.6 million views. Looking back on the moment now she says she has "zero regrets." "I always knew I wanted my wedding to be fun and enjoyable more than anything," Lindsey, 25, says. "I hated when people told me 'Your wedding is just about pleasantries with extended family youve never met before' or anything along the lines that insinuated that weddings were often boring or stressful, etc." She continues: "My priority was to have the best day of my life with the love of my life, my family, friends, and anyone else who wanted to celebrate! I wanted to have a massive party in simple terms hahaha." "I also had been trying to brainstorm creative send-off ideas other than the ones you often see," she adds. "After I knew our reception wouldnt have a pool, I thought a slip-and-slide would be the next best thing little did I know it would turn out even better. It exceeded my expectations, and I would recommend it to anyone seeking a unique and memorable send-off!" Before her wedding day, Lindsey says that she told her close family and friends about the slip-and-slide send-off. "My mom was probably the most hesitant when initially hearing the idea, but it only took her about 5 minutes to get on board with the plan," she says. "She said something along the lines of, 'It's your wedding - whatever you and Rhett want to do, well support you' and that was that. " "My in-laws were equally supportive and excited for us," she continues. "I dont think anyone knew 100% what to expect or how it would actually turn out, but they all agreed after the fact that it was the highlight of the day! The whole day was incredible, but the send-off was the cherry on top in my opinion." Ciaran Mae Photo Lindsey Harris and Rhett Harris leave their wedding in August 2019 on a slip and slide Lindsey also says that the slip and slide was easy to execute. She explains how she and her dad went to Home Depot and purchased a 10-ft x 100-ft clear plastic sheeting, and baby soap at Walmart. The night before the wedding, she shares how she thought it would be extra fun if all of her guests had squirt guns too. Her parents found some at local party stores to help her vision come to life. "It was probably 9 p.m. the night before my wedding when I realized I also still didnt have a white swimsuit to go down the slip-and-slide in," she says. "So while my parents were out shopping for the last-minute water guns, two of my best friends took me to Target. We ended up finding a white one-piece and sarong for me to wear." Ciaran Mae Photo Lindsey Harris and Rhett Harris announcing that they will be making a grand exit on a slip and slide After going down the slide a few times, by themselves, and then with their guests, the couple left to go stay one night in Salt Lake City at the Grand America Hotel before heading on to the rest of their honeymoon the following day. "The energy was incredible, vibes were high, everyone was laughing and supportive. We went down multiple times before actually leaving! Our wedding party and a few guests ended up going down the slide as well - dresses, suits, and all!" she says. "I look back on my wedding and seriously loved every second," Lindsey continues. "My advice to anyone wedding planning: if theres something you want to incorporate, traditional or non-traditional, do it! Its your day, and anyone who truly cares about you will support your ideas. The slip-and-slide has become a core memory for me and Im so happy we went for it!" For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The Prince of Wales has flown to Kuwait to pay his condolences to the nations new leader following the death of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, its former ruling emir. William is making a brief trip to the Middle East country to express his sympathy, on behalf of the King, to Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber who was named emir on Saturday after it was announced that day his half-brother Sheikh Nawaf had died. The prince is expected to return later after meeting the emir who has visited the UK three times this year, to attend the coronation, hold discussion with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and meet the King. The former emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah (Jaber Abdulkhaleg/AP) The British monarchy has long-standing ties with the Kuwaiti royal family as it does with many of the Gulf State ruling royals, with William visiting Kuwait in 2019. Kuwait state television broke into programming with Koranic verses just before a sombre official made the announcement on Saturday. Authorities gave no cause of death. 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. Sheikh Meshal, Kuwaits former deputy ruler 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. BEER SHEVA, Israel The video of her kidnapping has been seen around the world. A hand outstretched, terror etched on her face, screaming as she is carried away on the back of a motorcycle, the roughly 10-second clip became an instant symbol of Israels hostage crisis. But more than two months after Noa Argamani was abducted from the Supernova, or Nova, music festival during the Oct. 7 terrorist attack, she remains a captive in Gaza. Even as other young civilian women were released during a weeklong ceasefire in November, there has been no sign of Argamani. NBC News has uncovered information indicating she may not have been kidnapped by Hamas, but was instead most likely abducted by a mob of Gazans that swept into Israel hours after the initial attack. That may explain why she was not released during the November cease-fire: Hamas may not be holding her, or even know where she is. Argamani is among 14 female civilians who have yet to be released by their captors. More than two months after she was taken hostage, friends and family are growing more desperate to know her fate, and why she hasnt been freed alongside about 100 others. Noa Argamani is pictured with her friend Noa Stern in one of Argamani's favorite places in Be'er Sheva before she was taken hostage. (Supplied to NBC News) When you see someone you love so much and a person that is so close to you in this situation, you just get crazy, Amir Moadi, 29, a roommate and friend of Argamanis, said in an interview. Because theres nothing you can do. While its known Hamas terrorists took hostages during the attack, who took Argamani is less clear, according to text messages, phone records, satellite images and human sources, as well as an NBC News analysis of the suns position during her abduction. The information indicates that she may not have been seized by Hamas militants at all, and instead may have been taken by another group of men who followed trained Hamas fighters out of the blockaded Palestinian enclave into Israel. Moadi realized Argamani had been taken from the Nova music festival near Reim when he saw the video that sent shockwaves around the world. He watched the footage of his close friend being driven away and reaching out toward her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, as their assailants marched him behind her. Israeli officials say that as many as 350 people were killed at the festival. Noa Argamani. (via Facebook) A second video posted to social media on Oct. 7 showed Argamani, who turned 26 in captivity, sitting on a sofa drinking from a water bottle. Two people with bare feet could be seen walking behind her. It gave some of her friends hope she was OK. Its crazy to say, but I was thankful that shes not dead because I saw other videos and I saw what happened to other people, Moadi said. For Argamanis loved ones, efforts to free her feel like a race against time because her mother, Liora, has terminal brain cancer, Moadi said. They are desperate to know why she wasnt among those exchanged in an extended hostage-prisoner swap before talks between Israel and Hamas collapsed on Dec. 1. Cant get out As news of Hamas attack in which 1,200 people were killed and 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials spread throughout Israel early on Oct. 7, Argamani and Ors loved ones began to worry for their safety. They knew they were around 3 miles from the border with Gaza. A flurry of text messages reviewed by NBC News reveals the couples and their friends mounting panic. In a photo sent to a friend at 7:46 a.m., about an hour after Hamas began its attack, Argamani, a data science engineering student, can be seen smiling and making a peace sign, reassuring worried friends. The photo was sent by another friend who had attended the festival Ori Tchernichovsky, 29, who would later be killed. At some point before his death, friends said Tchernichovskys phone history revealed he had a roughly 7-minute call with Argamani, but it is unclear what was said. Tchernichovskys friends learned about the call when his phone was returned to his family after he was found dead. Avinatan Or takes a photo as he and Noa Argamani hide from attackers at the Nova festival on Oct. 7. (Supplied to NBC News) At 8:10 a.m., Argamani messaged a different friend, saying she was in a parking lot and cant get out. Her friend warned her to hide, adding: Let me know that everything is o.k. At 9:08 a.m., Argamani sent that friend a live location, saying she hoped somebody will come and save us. Or, Argamanis boyfriend, sent a selfie to another friend at 9:24 a.m., fear written on his face. Argamani lies huddled in the fetal position in front of him as they hide from their attackers. Its crazy here, he messaged. At 9:32 a.m., Or told his friend there were around 20 people looking for anyone hiding so they could lynch them. Later, he said the attackers were finding people and killing them one by one. The last message he sent his friend was delivered at 10:19 a.m., thanking them for letting him know that authorities were either at the festival site or on the way. The last message NBC News has seen sent by Argamani was delivered at 10:27 a.m., after a friend told her she heard others had been able to escape the festival site in a vehicle. We dont have a car, Argamani said. Ors friend, Dolev Kikos, 27, said his messages were going through as of 10:43 a.m. But they appeared undelivered shortly after, suggesting Ors phone was either dead or turned off. A still from video shows Avinatan Or as he appears to be captured In Israel by a group of men on Oct. 7, 2023. (via Telegram) The analysis of the sun and shadows that appear in the video of the couples capture suggests that Or and Argamani were most likely kidnapped several hours into the attack and closer to midday than sunrise, when the attack began. Holding out hope Argamanis friends said they felt hopeful last month when a deal to free hostages in Gaza amid a cease-fire was repeatedly extended. More than 100 people were released over seven days. But on Dec. 1, their hopes were shattered when the truce fell apart. She just slipped from the fingers, Yan Gorjaltsan, a close friend of Argamanis told NBC News. Every one of us imagined her back home, Gorjaltsan, 27, told NBC News as he sat with a group of friends in one of Argamanis favorite places in her hometown of Beer Sheva a sandy hill overlooking the Negev desert where she would often go alone to find peace or unwind. We saw her with us again, he said. The cease-fire also brought hope to Argamanis mother and father, Yaacov Argamani, who were desperate to see their only child reunited with Liora, whose condition continues to deteriorate. By the time the cease-fire fell apart, the number of hostages held in Gaza had fallen from 240 to less than 140. Of those, the majority are men who were never part of the hostage deal, as well as at least 19 women, 14 of whom are civilians. Image: An Israeli soldier patrols on Oct. 12, 2023 near Kibbutz Beeri (Aris Messinis / AFP - Getty Images file) The U.S. and Israel have said it was Hamas refusal to release those women that led to the collapse of the cease-fire. Hamas has, in turn, blamed Israel, saying it refused to accept all offers to release other detainees. NBC News asked Mark Regev, senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, why Hamas may have reneged on the deal. He suggested one reason could have to do with the ages of some of the women who were expected to be released. Military service is mandatory for most Israelis when they turn 18. I think Hamas has a position, yes, that anyone whos in the age, young, that theyre automatically soldiers even though they were clearly civilians when they were taken hostage, Regev said. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller suggested a more bleak possibility on Dec. 4, days after the truce collapsed, saying Hamas doesnt want those women to be able to talk about what happened to them during their time in custody. Every day theres more evidence of what Hamas did, he said, referring to recent reports of mounting evidence of sexual violence and rape during the groups Oct. 7 attack. No one can have any illusions about who were dealing with. Hamas has denied accusations of sexual violence. A third possibility is that Hamas does not have Argamani in its captivity at all. NBC News gathered information indicating that she may have been taken by a group who crossed the border into Israel after Hamas stormed through. Two Israeli military officials said that the first wave of the attack that morning on the festival appeared to have been carried out by members of the Nukhba Force, an elite Hamas commando unit. But as the hours passed, the sources said, other people, possibly including criminal elements, also entered the festival site. One of the officials pointed out that none of the captors seen in the video of Argamani and Ors kidnapping appear to be armed or wearing tactical vests, suggesting they are unlikely to be Nukhba members. At least one member of the group also appears to be young. Noa Argamani pictured with friends. (Supplied to NBC News) The analysis of the sun and shadow appearing in the images of the kidnapping also suggests it occurred in the late morning, hours after the Nukhba Force launched the attack. A fourth possibility is one that Argamanis friends and family dont want to imagine. Hamas has claimed throughout the war that hostages have been killed amid Israels offensive in Gaza. On Friday, Israel announced it had mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages who were carrying a white flag, with at least one person shouting out in Hebrew. Some of the hostages who have been released by Hamas have described hearing the sounds of heavy bombardment around them amid Israels offensive. On Dec. 10, the Israeli government released a list of 20 hostages it said had died while being held captive by Hamas, including Shani Louk, a 23-year-old who attended the Supernova music festival. Noa Argamani. (Supplied to NBC News) In the days since, other names have been added to the list of those who have died in Gaza, including Alon Shamriz, Yotam Haim and Samer Talalka, who the IDF said were mistakenly killed by its own forces during their Gaza offensive. With Argamani and Or absent from that list, their friends say they are still holding out hope for their safe return. This is very difficult, Noa Stern, one of Aragamanis friends, told NBC News. Because you want to stay with hope. But you dont know anything. Seafood safety will remain top priority among 2024 maritime policies By Park Jae-hyuk The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has unintentionally drawn huge public attention throughout this year as it was tasked with promoting the safety of domestic seafood after Japan began to release treated radioactive wastewater into the ocean in August from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. With a promise to continue pan-governmental efforts next year to dispel worries among consumers, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Cho Seung-hwan told The Korea Times in a recent interview that one of the ministrys biggest achievements so far was the successful prevention of a decrease in seafood consumption. However, the treated wastewater from Fukushima was not the ministrys only concern this year. Amid a worsening shortage of young Korean workers in various sectors, the ministry has also gone all out to solve the problem of crew shortages in the domestic shipping and fishing industries. Immediately after I took office in May last year, our ministry prioritized taking countermeasures against a shortage of sailors, said Cho, who is supposed to hand over his position to a successor before the end of the year. Just like employers in other industries, shipowners in Korea have increased their dependence on foreign workers to counter the labor shortage. The ministrys data showed that the number of foreign sailors rose to 28,281 in 2022 from 17,558 in 2010 and 9,916 in 2007. Cho admitted the necessity of foreign sailors and fishermen, as well as measures to protect their basic human rights, but emphasized at the same time that the Korean shipping industry cannot rely entirely on migrant workers. Given that ships transport 99.7 percent of Koreas trading volume, it is important to nurture sailors of Korean nationality from the perspective of the economy and national security, he said. From that standpoint, the government announced in July that it would improve the working conditions of Korean sailors by allowing more holidays and offering tax benefits. For the first time in 15 years, the government enabled employers to allow sailors to work on ships for shorter periods of time and take longer paid holidays, the minister said. As a result of our ministrys constant efforts to convince the finance ministry, sailors on ships going abroad will be able to enjoy larger tax benefits for the first time in 10 years. For foreign sailors, he vowed continuous discussions with human rights activists, labor and management and other relevant institutions, saying that the government took various measures to protect their basic human rights, such as raising the minimum wage and banning employers from confiscating foreign workers' identification documents. Plans to rebuild Busan Although the 57-year-old will soon leave the ministry he has worked for since 2003, he stressed that efforts to stabilize seafood consumption and boost exports will be the top priorities in next years maritime policies, regardless of an ongoing Cabinet reshuffle. Our ministry will push ahead with policies for all consumers to enjoy domestic seafood without safety concerns, Cho said. We will also build the worlds leading logistics and port infrastructure to increase trade-reliant Koreas exports. In particular, 12 large container ships will start operations next year for exports to the Americas and Europe. In addition, a terminal featuring Koreas first fully automated logistics service will open in Busan New Port in March, as part of the governments plan to establish smart mega-ports nationwide. The minister, who is expected to run for a National Assembly seat representing his birthplace of Busan, also said the redevelopment of Busan North Port will proceed as planned, despite the citys failure to win the honor of hosting World Expo 2030. The projects first stage is intended to transform the old pier into a marine tourist attraction that includes an international gateway and waterfront spaces, he said. The second stage will be a project to revitalize the old downtown area by promoting international exchanges, financial services and R&D. International cooperation Under Cho's leadership, the ministry enabled Korea to join the International Maritime Organizations (IMO) top council for the 12th consecutive time in November and contributed to the organizations adoption of a revised strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping in July. The IMOs main concern at this moment is a paradigm shift caused by decarbonization and digitalization, so our ministry will try to lead international discussions on major topics and make the organization accept our requests when revising its conventions, the minister said. In contrast to concerns over Koreas diplomatic relations with China, he said that maritime cooperation between the two countries showed progress. After China lifted restrictions on group tours in August, cruise ships from China made over 40 entries to Korean ports and the number is expected to exceed 150 next year, said Cho, who attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in October. We have also reinforced our support for the export of seafood for the Chinese market by establishing cold chain infrastructure in the countrys inland areas and developing new products that suit the tastes of Chinese consumers. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. YEREVAN, DECEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a condolence message to the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, in connection with the devastating earthquake that occurred in the northwestern provinces of Gansu and Qinghai, the PM's Office said. "It is with deep sadness that I learned about the devastating earthquake that occurred in the northwestern provinces of Gansu and Qinghai in China, which has caused a lot of human casualties and destruction. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and myself, I express my sincere condolences and solidarity to the relatives and friends of the victims, wishing them patience and strength of spirit, and speedy recovery to all the injured," reads the message. It was a matter of time before the Taliban government in Kabul would withdraw support to Kabuls embassy in New Delhi A nation projects its diverse strategic interests by a plethora of measures in which carefully conceived diplomatic initiatives play a pre-eminent role. Diplomacy should take a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities confronting the nation, weigh the various options and then help formulate a nation's policies in the desired dose of realism, pragmatism and flexibility as required. In dealing with its strategically significant neighbour, Afghanistan, otherwise dubbed as "the graveyard of empires", New Delhis outreach towards Kabul will require a fresh appraisal considering newer ground realities emerging in that fratricidal violence-driven nation. As most hard-nosed diplomats and policy makers will acknowledge, a changing political landscape does require the shedding of old inhibitions, if they exist, in ones relationship with nations that were considered inimical earlier. For decades, Pakistan has been endeavouring, with dubious intent, to enhance its influence in neighbouring Afghanistan. Even while the United States and Nato and international forces were positioned there from late 2001 till August 2021, the wily Pakistanis were running with the hare and hunting with the hound. They deceitfully supported the extremist Taliban while also officially supporting the democratically elected governments of Hamid Karzai and later Ashraf Ghani. Pakistan paid lip service to the United States by allowing American and other allied forces stationed in Afghanistan, by permitting them the use of their airbases and passage through Pakistani territory into Afghanistan of their logistical convoys. This step enabled them to obtain US largesse in not only military aid but direly needed financial handouts for their collapsing economy. After the shoddy and inglorious exit of US forces from Afghanistan in August 2021, Pakistan dreamt of exercising direct control and power in Afghanistan. However, soon enough, the fiercely independent Taliban managed to gauge the double-faced intent of Pakistan, and notably its sinister Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) network, and thus did not fall into their trap. Nevertheless, Pakistan still has a few proxies within the Taliban, including some smaller terrorist outfits it had supported earlier, and importantly, with the dreaded Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), which is discreetly enlarging its evil footprint in the region. However, Pakistan too has been at the receiving end of terrorist acts from the Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which though a separate outfit from the Afghan Taliban, does maintain contacts with the latter. The Pakistanis have been subjected to frequent gruesome terror acts by the TTP on their border outposts, Army and police installations, Shia mosques and the like. One other contentious issue existing is that like the rest of the Afghans, the Taliban and the TTP do not recognise the Durand Line, which is the official border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, delineated in 1883 between then British government in India and the Emir of Afghanistan. The ongoing policy enunciated by the Pakistani government to deport around 1.5 million Afghan refugees (those without official documents or visas) living in Pakistan for years has irked the Taliban government and will deepen the growing chasm between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Since the last decade or so, China has been earnestly endeavouring to enlarge its footprint in Afghanistan. It not only eyes Afghanistans billion dollars worth of mineral deposits, including copper mines, but also the proximity of Chinas restive Xinjiang province to Afghanistan makes it a vital border state. A friendly Afghanistan ensures that its territory is not used by Islamic terrorists to help their gravely suffering Uyghur brethren in Xinjiang. In addition, with Beijing facing new security problems along the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor, it wants a new alignment of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative to now pass through Afghanistan and Iran. Among Afghanistans neighbours, India occupies a pre-eminent and a respected place in Afghanistan owing to its well-established policy of non-interference in Kabuls internal affairs and providing generous humanitarian and development aid to that nation. That Pakistan has been zealously endeavouring to harm Indias interests in Afghanistan for long has been the cornerstone of Pakistans Afghan policy, including the use of the religion card. The Taliban, however, have not fallen prey to these Pakistani machinations. Just recently, Afghanistans almost-dormant embassy in New Delhi, which owed allegiance to successive elected governments, appears to have been wound up. It was a matter of time before the Taliban government in Kabul would withdraw support to Kabuls embassy in New Delhi, and even the Indian government would have supported this step. However, the Afghan consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad are still functioning. The fact now remains that though India has not yet formally recognised the Taliban regime, yet it has a functional diplomatic mission functioning in the Afghan capital. Notwithstanding its continuing soft power forays in Afghanistan, India, like many other nations, has expressed dismay at the Taliban administrations human rights record, especially their handling of both women and minorities. India, while opening up newer channels to Kabul, should be able to influence the Pashtuns and other tribes to shed their antiquated mindsets about women and allow them educational and employment opportunities. Overall, with some convergence in Indian and US interests in Afghanistan, it will be pragmatic for a joint strategy to be worked out between the two strategic partners, bearing in mind Chinas diverse initiatives in the region. Thus, a fresher out-of-the-box approach by India, considering the newer ground realities, might be warranted. Equally, India must analyse the new geopolitical churning across the entire South Asian region and factor these in its foreign policy edifice. PM wants cultural symbols rebuilt as reminder of rich heritage Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses during the foundation stone laying and inauguration of various projects, in Varanasi, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. (PTI Photo) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's largest meditation centre, Swarved Mahamandir, in Varanasi on Monday, while highlighting India's freedom from a slave mentality and its shift towards embracing pride in its rich heritage. The Prime Minister also put forth nine resolutions and urged people to work towards fulfilling them. He made these "aagrahas" (requests) at the inauguration ceremony. These resolutions include saving water, promoting digital transactions, enhancing cleanliness efforts, supporting Made in India products, exploring domestic travel, promoting natural farming, incorporating millets or Shri Ann in daily life, making sports, fitness, or yoga integral, and supporting at least one poor family to alleviate poverty in India. During his visit to Varanasi, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and dedicated development projects worth over Rs 19,150 crores in the region. Speaking at the inauguration of Swarved Mahamandir, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of rebuilding cultural symbols after gaining independence, overcoming an inferiority complex that lingered for decades. "In the era of slavery, the oppressors who made an effort to weaken India first targeted our symbols. After Independence, re-building these cultural symbols was essential," he said. Modi reflected on the transformative journey that began with the reconstruction of the Somnath temple, evolving into a nationwide campaign. He noted the resurgence of India's glory with Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Mahakaal Mahalok exemplifying the country's indestructible heritage. "After seven decades of Independence, the wheel of time has turned once again. The country has declared from the Red Fort freedom from a slave mentality and is taking pride in its heritage," he said. Highlighting India's strides in developing pilgrimage sites and infrastructure, Modi highlighted the importance of assimilating social truths and cultural identity for holistic development. He commended the progress in Varanasi since the development of the Kashi Vishwanath Dhaam, citing increased employment, trade, and business. He noted that by developing the Buddha circuit, India has invited the world to visit the sites of Lord Buddha's meditation. "The development of the Ram circuit is going at a fast pace. In the next few weeks, the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed, he said. During the event, the Prime Minister congratulated Varanasi for setting a Guinness World Record for lighting the most earthen lamps during Dev Deepavali. He also praised the city for its commitment to the resolution of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), with the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra reaching thousands of villages and cities. Referring to the VBSY vans as "Modi Ki Guarantee Ki Gadi," the Prime Minister affirmed the government's dedication to reaching all eligible citizens entitled to government schemes. Modi Ki Guarantee Ki Gadi is a super hit, he said observing that thousands of beneficiaries who remained deprived earlier, have been connected with VBSY in Varanasi. The cops have also approached Google Pay and Paytm to find out if there were any digital transactions on the bank accounts of the accused A visitor jumps in the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Two persons on Wednesday jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery, with Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury saying they were carrying tear gas canisters. (PTI Photo) New Delhi: The Delhi police sleuths probing the Parliament security breach have written to Meta to access the social media accounts of the six accused arrested and details of the now-deleted Facebook page Bhagat Singh Fan Club, where they met each other. They will also check digital footprints and the e-mail accounts attached with WhatsApp numbers to get chat backup to know with whom else they were in contact just before their alleged involvement in the case. Further, the investigators have also collected bank account details of all the accused to see if they received money from someone for executing the December 13 incident. The cops have also approached Google Pay and Paytm to find out if there were any digital transactions on the bank accounts of the accused. Another team of the Delhi police managed to identify the shoe shop in Lucknows Alam Bagh from where Sagar had bought two pairs of shoes, for Rs 600 each, in which he hid the smoke canisters. The shop is just a kilometre from his house in Lucknow and the police is now looking for the cobbler who made the cavities in his shoes. The teams are in six statesKarnataka, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan as a part of the probe. The team stayed for seven hours at Manoranjans residence in Mysuru and recorded the statements of his parents and relatives. Various teams approached family members of the accused and collected details of their bank accounts. Bank passbooks of accused Neelam Devi and Sagar Sharma were seized from their residences in Haryanas Jind and Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow, respectively. Meta has been requested to share details about the accuseds Facebook and Instagram accounts apart from the information on the FB page Bhagat Singh Fan Page. Meta has also been requested to share the WhatsApp chats of the accused as their mobile phones have been damaged. WhatsApp users need to attach an application with an e-mail address. This e-mail account is used to take backups of chats every 24 hours, said a source. Sources said that they are collecting all the data related to the accuseds e-mail accounts, bank details, and family details. These e-mail addresses of the accused will help the police extract data from their chats. We are investigating the entire case from every possible angle. We have also requested Meta to share WhatsApp chats of the accused as their mobilae phones have been damaged, the sources said. The Congress party is encouraging donations in multiples of 138 to commemorate the Congresss 138th anniversary 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 `138, `1,380, `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 `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. Korea expressed regret to France on Tuesday over the exclusion of a locally produced electric vehicle (EV) of Kia from the list of automobiles eligible for subsidies in France, the industry ministry said. First Vice Industry Minister Jang Young-jin delivered the concern to French Trade Minister Olivier Becht in Seoul earlier in the day, as Paris decided to exclude the Niro EV of Kia from the list of the French government's subsidy program, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Hyundai Motor's Kona SUV, manufactured in Europe, was the only Korean model to be included in the list released last week. Jang urged France to expedite the complaint procedures for the Korean government and businesses, the ministry said. (Yonhap) The UAPA, under which many Indians have been charged and are in jail, does not define terrorist or terrorism A rational nation, a reasonable State, should be able to distinguish between a peaceful protest, however spirited, and an act of terrorism. That we no longer can is a reflection of two things. One is that Indias laws, which have always been bad, have now become demented. The other is our inability to separate the State from the nation. Recent events, whose details we do not need to go into here, shine a light on both. We need to see how, and this is not limited to the events in our Parliament. Cattle slaughter is an economic offence in India, and not a religious crime. This is because the Constitutions directive principle on this issue advises us that cattle are important for the economy. The Constituent Assembly debates are filled with earnest Congressmen telling the nation that one reason India was malnourished was because there was insufficient milk for our children. And to reverse this, it was necessary that cow slaughter be banned. No evidence was given from elsewhere in the world because none existed. In one of its early manifestoes, the Jan Sangh had opposed the use of tractors because that would mean that bullocks would have no work. All this has changed over the years, of course. India is now a milk surplus nation that exports its produce. And tractors have long eclipsed bullocks. But the cattle slaughter laws not only remain, but have been tightened. Gujarats punishment for cattle slaughter is now life imprisonment. No other economic crime attracts this, but we have accepted that we are so full of passion in this that we cannot turn back from this path. The law comes with reversal of the burden of proof. In 2019 a Gujarati Muslim was accused of slaughtering a cow to serve beef at his daughters wedding. The police told the court they could not prove that this had happened. The forensic sciences laboratory said the same thing. The judge sentenced the man to 10 years in jail nonetheless, saying that it was for him to prove that he was innocent and not for the State to prove his guilt. The Gujarat High Court suspended the sentence on the grounds of judicial discretion. Perhaps the court was embarrassed that we have such laws on the book in this era. But the interesting thing is that you could rationally argue both sides. The higher court was right to overturn the sentence. But the sentence was the result of a law and the judge was not out of place in convicting the man. Today saying that something is a security threat is sufficient to send to jail, possibly for years, if the present is any indication, a group of youngsters making a point. Whose security? What threat? These are waters too deep for us to venture into as it requires adults to consider such things and we are not adults. In 1919, Mahatma Gandhi led an all-India strike against the Rowlatt Act. In support, a crowd gathered in Amritsar to join the protest at Jallianwala Bagh. Punjabs governor Sir Michael ODwyer claimed that British rule was under threat and responded with violence, unleashing the Gurkha and Baloch Regiments on the civilians, killing over 300. The British passed the Rowlatt Act in the face of opposition from all of the Indian members of the Imperial Legislative Council. The British claimed the law would affect very few Indians. However, Gandhi called it an affront to the nation. So, what was so offensive about the Rowlatt Act (more properly, the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act 1919)? Why were Indians so angered by it that they were holding public demonstrations and opposing it in the Council? This legislation did away with fundamental principles of the rule of law. It could hold people without charge or trial and it did away with jury trials, in favour of in-camera trials by judges. This is called administrative detention, meaning the jailing of someone without a crime having been committed, merely on the suspicion that they will commit a crime in future. That anger which we had when it came to the British trampling over our rights appears to have vanished when it comes to oppression under a government run by our own people. The UAPA, under which many Indians have been charged and are in jail, does not define terrorist or terrorism. The law (readers would do well to read the latest version of it) is broad enough to name vast numbers of Indians as terrorists because it is so loosely framed. It has to be opposed, by all of us. At the age of 22, Bhagat Singh became a national celebrity in India. His act of rebellion, his desire to not cause harm to the enemy the bombs were only whiz-bangs that produced smoke and his ability to express himself clearly ensured that the media and the public were both riveted by him. What was the law that he was opposing? Bhagat Singh threw his smoke bombs to oppose the Public Safety Bill. It allowed the government to jail people without trial. Just like UAPA. Bhagat Singh was right to oppose it. He was right to oppose it in the manner he did. We call him a martyr because he was punished for doing what he did for the rest of us. We call the young people who did exactly the same thing and for the same reason terrorists. In India, we have been making cautious adjustments to our understanding of free speech by watching the goings-on all around us. To say that our world has become much more polarised than before after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine would be to state the obvious. With the Israel-Hamas conflict, the wedge is further in. What lies beneath these political binaries, how our new generations think and act, should be of interest, in particular to those of us who like to watch the interplay between change and constancy. In the United States, three university presidents have been under fire this month after they faced a congressional hearing as the Republican-controlled House Representatives probed and questioned them to understand where the universities stand on anti-Semitism. That is truly ironic: It is the right-wingers who decry the so-called cancel culture and hail free speech. Elizabeth Magill of the University of Pennsylvania, Claudine Gay of Harvard and Sally Kornbluth of MIT suffered through these hearings, stating it depends on the context. Contextualisation is precisely the destabilising factor in the discourse. If these presidents encourage academic freedom, they must make it about the context. Contextualisation often brings forth issue-based and informed views rather than culturally or otherwise affiliated opinions. To that extent, the uncertain-sounding replies by the presidents make sense. This is not to condone any sort of anti-Semitic speech. But the fact that the university presidents hold campuses accountable for conduct and not speech highlights both the fracture and the confusion between free and fair speech. In the United States, speech is not protected only if the talk about genocide poses a threat of harm to identifiable individuals. I asked Saint Louis-based media law professor and long-time US Supreme Court reporter William Freivogel what all this means. In his opinion, the presidents were right as a matter of law in saying that it depends on the context, but a legalistic answer wasnt going to pass muster at a congressional hearing. Free speech law stops at the gates of private spaces, although most private universities promise to follow the First Amendment to provide a safe learning environment. Of course, these developments may not go down in history as great flag-bearers of free speech or fair speech. A student leader tried hard in an interview to a television news channel to balance the views and both defend the universitys stand on free speech and critique her actions. Harvard student Jacob Miller, who spoke on CNN, struggled to walk that tightrope by stating, in effect, that while academic freedom should be a supreme feature of universities as safe spaces for speech, his university presidents refusal to condemn should also be critiqued. Typically, we use free and fair in tandem and it makes sense. But in terms of legal permission to express versus social acceptability, the wedge between the two is growing. Extreme examples that spotlight this wedge are people who stand for the problematic absolute free speech and those on the other extreme of that continuum, some of whom stood out during the MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements, for cancel culture. The consequences of both are often painful: One brings out the ugliest sides of our societies -- such as trolls and hatemongers -- while the other side can be easily appropriated by vested interests. But more importantly, they operate in tandem and in opposition. This poses a problem of security for one side of the voices. Politics seems to make it all acceptable and turn us into holders of binaries. The turn of events in American universities is not some situation that is locked in that geography. Nations have been quick to take sides. The police tried to quell the anti-Israel protests in the US -- they have been arresting pro-Palestine protesters or those seeking a cease-fire -- as they have in other prominent countries, including France and India. It gets particularly tricky when we consider that many of the donors at these universities are Jewish, and resigning might seem to be a hypocritical act of succumbing to commercial demands. The donor pressure shows the controversy in a particularly poor light when we consider it in ethical, not purely monetary, terms. In the face of all this political polarisation on campuses, it is heartening to see groups protesting together even though they represent opposite sides of the political divide. The faculty and students at Harvard have mixed and matched themselves to stand up for their president. Public spaces seem more vulnerable in this regard: In October, Jewish protesters voicing their anger against Israel were arrested in Washington DC. When Jewish and Muslim students speak in one voice, they send out the message of sanity while announcing to the world that the who does not matter as much as the what -- Unfair justice, whoever perpetrates it, should not be tolerated. In India, we have been making cautious adjustments to our understanding of free speech by watching the goings-on all around us. The arrival of troll-dependent politics, constantly baying for the blood of inconvenient voices, is both an extreme form of free speech and cancel culture. The chilling effect, or the spiral of silence, is palpable, and those who are bold enough to voice their opinion in as unfettered a manner as before do so at great peril. We are constantly reminded by political and even public rhetoric that the restrictions to free speech are far more important than speech itself. We should be heartened to see cultural groups on both sides of the divide protesting together in the face of the political instigation, risking discrediting, hatred and even ostracism. A limitation of free speech in the US is a specific call-to-action, but often this limitation is inadequate in instilling violence and fear. Desensitised behaviour is a result of a normalisation run contra to the invariable claim by societies to practise and promote harmonious living. The forced polarisation in the Israel-Hamas conflict in countries other than Israel and Palestine by political expediency followed by dominant majoritarian-cultural voices is a symbolic representation of a shrinking space for speech in general. Unless judicial and legislative systems take firm steps to curb hate speech, the intangible damage that we can all feel from such appropriation may only worsen, and yet in the current environment of democratic backsliding, that is unlikely to happen anytime soon. The incident involved a train that left the northern district of Netrokona for the capital. A 32-year-old woman and her three-year-old son were among the victims. Train tracks have been reportedly removed. The government blames the opposition for the violence. For protest leaders, the train attack was an attempt to sabotage their action. Dhaka (AsiaNews) The national strike called by the opposition, which is demanding the government resign ahead of general elections set for next month, has seen blood spilled. This morning, a group of protesters set fire to a train, killing four people, including a mother and a child. The incident is but the latest amid a wave of violence and rising tensions that have spread across the country recently, with anti-government protest resulting in buses and vehicles set on fire, with at least six people dead since 28 October. "Strike supporters set fire to three compartments of an express train," said fire service official Shahjahan Shikder. "Four bodies have been retrieved from a compartment." The dead include a 32-year-old woman and her three-year-old son. It is currently unclear how many people were on the train, which, at the time of the attack, was travelling from Netrokona, a district in northern Bangladesh, to Dhaka. "Apart from setting fire to trains, parts of the railway line are being removed at several places," said Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan. "It is difficult to provide adequate security on such a large railway line," he added; nonetheless, he vowed to deploy 2,700 paramilitary troops within a couple of days to guard against further sabotage. With its main leaders either in prison or exile, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign to let a caretaker government rule until the elections. In the meantime, the party is boycotting the poll, scheduled for 7 January. The outgoing prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, is seeking a fourth consecutive term and has repeatedly rejected opposition calls for her resignation, blaming the BNP for the protests and election bloodshed. As for today's incident, a senior opposition party representative called for an investigation, stressing that it represents an attempt to sabotage the protest and discredit the anti-government movement. "This kind of heinous and diabolical work is possible only with the help of illegal and anti-people forces," said the BNPs Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Out of 300 constituencies, Hasina's Awami League party shares 26 with its ally, the Jatiya Party, allowing the latter to field candidates in a total of 283 seats. Human rights groups have accused the government of targeting opposition leaders and supporters. While the government has denied such claims, it faces pressure from Western countries to hold free, fair and participatory elections. In line with its usual practice, the Bangladesh Election Commission has decided to deploy the army starting on 29 December to deter any violence. by Angeline Tan After the first three phases of the controlled release, no anomaly has been recorded in the ocean. But so far, the operation has only involved a very small amount of radioactive water. Incidents among cleanup workers are a reminder of the dangers associated with the decommissioning of the Fukushima reactors, which has not yet begun. Tokyo (AsiaNews) A high level of radiation found in the nose of a person working at the cleanup of the nuclear power plant has brought the media spotlight back onto the ongoing operations at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, hit by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011. The incident concerns the heart of the plant, an operation that will last decades, and not the water used to cool the reactors, which Japan has been discharging into the sea since 24 August after a treatment that does not completely eliminate tritium residues, but whose levels are not worrisome according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Radioactive materials may have touched the worker's face on Monday as he took off a full-face mask after finishing his work, plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (Tepco) said. The employee has not experienced any adverse health effects and a full-body scan showed no internal contamination, but a full analysis will only be available next month, the company explained. This is the second incident of its kind in a few weeks; workers were splashed with water containing radioactive materials in October and were hospitalised as a precaution. It should also be noted that the most dangerous part of the cleanup operation the removal of radioactive fuel and rubble from the three affected reactors has yet to begin. Meanwhile, the third stage of the release of cooling water, which began three months ago, ended on 20 November with a fourth set for next March. At the end of this first phase, about 31,200 tonnes will have been released into the ocean, out of more than 1.3 million cubic metres of water stored at the location in over 1,000 large tanks. The operation should take years. Despite reassurances about the waters safety, Japans move sparked a negative reaction from China, South Korea, and North Korea. Even though Chinees power plants dump large amounts of nuclear wastewater into the ocean every year without any control, Beijing continues to call Tokyo's decision "extremely selfish and irresponsible," and has banned Japanese seafood imports. Testing of the water around Fukushima has not so far yielded any anomalies. Some critics accuse the IAEA of relying solely on data provided by the Japanese government and Tepco. In fact, the IAEA is conducting its own testing together with other independent laboratories around the world and has promised to do so for thirty years. In addition, Russia's own veterinary and phytosanitary watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, has stated that fish caught in the seas off Russias Far East coast since Japan began releasing wastewater into the ocean does not have excessive levels of radiation. According to the Russian agency, specialists have analysed 443 samples of fish products with the level of radiation in them falling within the normal range. by Nirmala Carvalho The National United Christian Forum met in New Delhi to discuss the matter. Participants issued a joint appeal for an austere Christmas in solidarity with the victims of violence in Manipur. Likewise, the various Churches plan to express their concerns ahead of next years general election as well as study the state of Christian education in the country. New Delhi (AsiaNews) Every day in India, on average two attacks are reported against Christians, the National United Christian Forum (NCUF) reported at its latest meeting, on 14 December, at the headquarters of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in New Delhi. The NCUF includes Catholic bishops, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), which brings together Protestant and Orthodox Churches, and the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), made up of Pentecostal and Independent Churches. The meeting discussed the ongoing conflict in Manipur. The NCUF held consultations on this matter to explore ways to reach out to victims and work with them for rehabilitation and medical care as well as reconciliation and peace between ethnic and religious groups. The NUCF also resolved to issue a public appeal to have austere Christmas celebrations in view of the Manipur crisis and to raise funds for the cause with money thus saved, said Fr Anthoniraj Thumma, national secretary of the CBCI Office for Dialogue and Ecumenism, speaking to AsiaNews. Against the background of ongoing violence against Christians, the meeting also discussed how to disseminate and implement a joint ecumenical document: "Christian witness in the multireligious world. Recommendations for conduct". Along with the documents dissemination in local languages, participants expressed the desire to establish a national interfaith forum to promote mutual relations and dispel prejudices and misunderstandings. Regarding the upcoming general elections in 2024, the NUCF will urge Christians to actively take part as responsible and engaged citizens, by facilitating voter registration. It was also proposed to organise national consultations to talk with political parties regarding the concerns, issues, and demands of the Christian community. Lastly, the idea of a study on the state of Christian educational institutions in India was accepted, while an update was provided on initiatives to promote equality of status for Dalit Christians. In an interview with a popular Moscow anchorwoman, the oligarch Umar Dzabrailov, very powerful in the early 2000s, at the time of Putin's first enthronement, has reappeared on the scene. A ghost of a dark period, he seems to be reappearing to resume from scratch a 'refounding' of Russia linked once again to war and power plots. Moscow (AsiaNews) - The interview given on television by Chechen businessman Umar Dzabrailov to the popular presenter Ksenja Sobchak has sparked many reactions. The well-known oligarch of the 1990s had an as yet unclear role in the events that shook the Caucasus until the early 2000s, with the civil war in Chechnya, and would also have influenced the presidential elections in the region. Dzabrailov was then the president of the Plaza group, which controlled the large shopping center in Maneznaja ploshchad, the Manege square next to the Moscow Kremlin, and many hotels and important centers in the capital. In 2000 he presented himself as one of the candidates in the presidential election, where he obtained 0.08% of the votes, acting as a valet at the first enthronement of Vladimir Putin. Today he is 65 years old and presents himself as a "pensioner", as he said during the interview with Sobcak. Very little remained of his great wealth and personal charm, in his words, due to his drug addiction, from which he only recently recovered. Abandoned by relatives and friends, he lives alone with his kitten, and today he willingly talks about the events in which he took part in Russia and Chechnya. Many are wondering the reason for this return to the scene of the most "fashionable" oligarch of the past, just when Putin's "new beginning" elections are being prepared, perhaps precisely to recreate the scene of 2000: the billionaire valet, today redeemed, he returns to hold the train of the sovereign's robe. There has been no shortage of major scandals in Umar Dzabrailov's career, starting with the assassination in 1996 of the American businessman Paul Edward Tatum, his direct competitor in the hotel business, mowed down by a barrage of Kalashnikovs in the center of Moscow. Tatum had posted notices everywhere denouncing Umar as a member of the Chechen mafia, but the trial absolved him of any guilt, even though the Americans denied him entry to the USA and Canada. In 2002, Dzabrailov's name was associated with another attempt on the life of Moscow's deputy mayor Iosif Ordzonikidze, during which his cousin Salavat was left stranded, and Umar immediately left the capital. The mayor-godfather of Moscow, Yurij Luzkov, after this event broke the contracts with Dzabrailov's companies, which had put at risk the "pax mafia" on which the Moscow economy was based until 2010, when Putin managed to fix the his trusty Sergej Sobyanin, still mayor of Moscow. Even in Chechnya Dzabrailov attempted a political career, becoming a senator and supporter of the pro-Putin president Akhmat Kadyrov, father of the current head of Groznyj, Ramzan, and then disappearing from the scene in 2007 for unclear reasons. In the 2003 elections he supported Kadyrov against his own brother Husein Dzabrailov, who had a good chance of winning, and who was forced to withdraw from the competition together with two other candidates, thus turning the elections into a farce. From the stories of the fallen oligarch, we understand even better how the end of the war in Chechnya was a plan by Putin to obtain the necessary support in Russia too, with the great support of the mafia capital of the Chechen "families", still represented today by Ramzan Kadyrov. Dzabrailov was put aside and abandoned himself to narcotics, and today he reappears as a ghost of a dark period, to start from scratch a "refoundation" of Russia linked once again to war and power plots. The Risks of Hair Transplant Tourism Hair Transplant Tourism Is On the Rise But It Comes With Risks Around 1 million people traveled to Turkey to get hair transplants in 2022, according to the head of the Turkish Health Tourism Association. The rising popularity of hair transplant tourism can mainly be attributed to cost-effectiveness. The driving factors behind the increase in hair transplant tourism, primarily to Turkey, are low-price procedures and a lack of education about whats truly involved with a successful hair transplant. The cost for transplants abroad can be 75% less or more compared to qualified physicians here in the U.S, says Dr. Alan J. Bauman, founder, CEO and medical director at Bauman Medical Hair Transplant & Hair Loss Treatment Center. This significant price difference can make the procedure accessible to people who wouldnt be able to afford it at home. Its tempting, but at what cost? When treatments like hair transplants become more popular, it makes them seem like no big deal. In reality, a lot can go wrong. I have seen most (if not all) of what can go wrong with a poorly planned, poorly executed hair transplant procedure. I can also say, unfortunately, the demand for corrective, repair, and touch-up work has never been higher, says Bauman. RELATED: PRP Treatment for Hair Loss Despite many of the incredible advances in minimally-invasive hair transplant procedures worldwide, the amount of irreparable scalp damage I have been asked to assess and address has been astounding and oftentimes overwhelming, says Bauman. Not to mention life-threatening risks such as emergency complications related to anesthesia. Heres what you need to consider to make an informed decision about getting a hair transplant abroad. Standards of Care Can Vary First, standards of care can vary from one country to the next. What gives you the confidence that youre in good hands? For example, in the U.S., you can look for board-certified surgeons. When surgeons sit for board certification with the ABHRS American Board of Hair Restoration Surgerys written and oral examinations, the purpose is to set a high bar for safe and aesthetic surgery, says Bauman. According to Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, plastic surgeon, general surgeon and hair transplant specialist, potential complications to consider include improper hygiene practices, unqualified personnel, and limited access to advanced medical equipment in certain clinics. This can lead to infections, scarring, and other more serious issues. Additionally, a misdiagnosis of the cause of hair loss can lead to a failed procedure, warns Bauman. While hair loss is often hereditary, there are hundreds of other conditions that may lead to it. Misdiagnosis, a missed diagnosis, or non-identification of an underlying condition, is a serious problem for the untrained and inexperienced surgeon and their patient, according to Bauman. Finally, keep in mind that a highly skilled surgeon will have good aesthetic judgment and design your hairline carefully based on your face frame, adds Bauman. They will consider the size of the grafts as well as the angle, orientation and position of each graft. They will use proper graft-handling technique the grafts are extremely fragile and be careful not to over-harvest the hair follicles that are being implanted, as they are limited in supply. A successful hair transplant requires so much expertise and attention to detail. Thats not to say that there arent talented, experienced surgeons abroad, but that its critical to shop around and understand whats involved in the process. Post-Operative Care is Crucial Also, post-operative care is crucial to a successful hair transplant procedure. While recovery is usually comfortable and relatively quick, Bauman notes that implanted grafts remain fragile for several days and could be dislodged, requiring immediate attention. The most common cause of graft failure is damage to the area in the three days following the procedure. If this happens, the grafts need to be replaced right away to survive. As Bauman puts it, this kind of care would be difficult to obtain if you are already on a long international flight home. Severe or prolonged swelling, bruising or pain after the procedure can indicate a potential infection, which requires extra care and treatment as well. Furthermore, tracking your hair growth post-procedure and troubleshooting common issues such as prolonged numbness, dryness, itching, irritation and proper handling of ingrown hairs is also important to the success of the procedure, adds Bauman. Chekuri agrees: Hair transplant success relies heavily on proper post-operative care. Access to qualified professionals and readily available care in one's home country is essential. In other words, youll need to make sure you have access to continuous care once you get back home. Communication Barriers and Limited Legal Recourse If youre considering hair transplant tourism, keep in mind that there are sometimes potential communication barriers during consultations, says Chekuri: Language barriers and unclear communication can lead to misunderstandings regarding desired outcomes, potentially resulting in dissatisfaction with the final [result]. Make sure that expectations are communicated clearly and understood. What happens if you are unhappy with the results or experience complications? Legal action against foreign clinics in case of complications or dissatisfaction can be difficult and expensive, adds Chekuri. Plus, if anything goes sideways, you could be looking at unforeseen expenses such as added travel costs and medication. Read the fine print of your travel insurance policy. Hair Transplant Tourism Can End Up Being a Quick Fix Hair transplant tourism can unfortunately end up being a quick fix that doesnt lead to long-term satisfaction. Ignoring the progressive nature of hair loss in the non-transplanted hair is a common oversight when it comes to hair transplant clinics that focus only on procedures, but not ongoing care of their patients, says Bauman. Thats right to maximize your results, youll need to take preventative measures with the rest of your hair. If your hair transplant consult didnt include a deep discussion regarding non-invasive hair retention and hair regrowth, you should probably reconsider your decision. Consider this: In a clinic at home, your doctor would likely recommend treatments to help preserve non-transplanted hair, which would require in-person visits on a regular basis up to four times a year, according to Bauman. What seems like a better bang for your buck can translate into disappointment, unfortunate complications, and more time and money spent in the long run. Before embarking on a hair transplant tourism journey in an effort to save money, weigh the risks above carefully. You Might Also Dig: Can Age-Gap Relationships Work? Age-Gap Relationships Are Surprisingly Common But Heres What You Should Know Whether its high-profile celebrities or just regular people, age-gap relationships are pretty common. In fact, in Western countries, according to some data, around 8% of heterosexual relationships, 25% of gay relationships, and 15% of lesbian relationships feature an age gap of 10 years or more between the partners. Whatever their prevalence or appeal, though, these relationships come with their own unique challenges. So, what is the key to ensuring a healthy dynamic despite the age difference? And at what point is the age gap too big to overcome? Heres what the experts say about age-gap relationships and how to navigate them. RELATED: Celebrity Couples with Huge Age Gaps Does Age Matter in a Relationship? Across the board, experts agree that age is not the most important thing in a relationship. But to say age is just a number is a gross oversimplification it does indeed matter. Age can inform your values, priorities, level of emotional maturity, and life experience, all things that may impact your compatibility with someone. According to Kim Homan, a licensed marriage and family therapist and Clinical Director at Tennessee Behavioral Health, its more about how well your goals, values, and lifestyles align. For instance, a couple with a 10-year age gap might face different challenges if one is in their early 20s and the other in their 30s, as opposed to if one is in their 50s and the other is in their 60s, she explains. While a 22-year-old might still be in party mode, the 32-year-old might want to settle down and start a family. Whereas a 56-year-old and a 66-year-old might both be grandparents and looking for a similarly relaxed lifestyle. In other words, what matters more than the number of years between you and your partner is what stage of life youre in. The Gender Aspect of Age-Gap Relationships Research shows that over three-quarters of couples where younger women are partnered with older men report satisfying relationships. There are several possible explanations for this, according to experts. For one, Homan notes that relationships with younger women and older men tend to fall more in line with social expectations than the reverse. Facing social disapproval can certainly put a strain on your relationship. Not only that, but its also worth noting that cis women have more of a strict biological clock than men. A woman in her 30s or early 40s whos eager to get pregnant and start a family might have an easier time finding an older mate with the same priorities than a man in his 20s whos not ready to settle down yet. Interestingly, though, other studies have found that women tend to be more satisfied and committed in age-gap relationships where they're older than they are in relationships with partners who are older or the same age. Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a social psychologist and resident sex researcher for ASTROGLIDE, says this lines up with his own observations. Ive found that older women partnered with younger men were more content with their relationships than younger women partnered with older men, he tells AskMen. This isnt to say the younger women were dissatisfied just not quite as highly satisfied on average. One potential reason? According to Lehmiller, the older woman/younger man dynamic might be perceived as more equitable or empowering to women. The traditional evolutionary psychology perspective says that younger women are attractive to older men because of their fertility, while older men are attractive because of their money, career success, and social status, explains Suzannah Weiss, a certified sex educator, relationship coac, and sexologist at BedBible. However, more recent research calls this binary into question. For instance, many younger men are attracted to older womens success, social status, and confidence. RELATED: 5 Benefits of Dating an Older Woman What Challenges Do Age-Gap Couples Tend to Face? Being in an age-gap relationship does come with some unique obstacles. Those may include things like: Social Stigma Studies have found that partners with more than a ten-year gap in age tend to experience social disapproval. One of the biggest challenges is social acceptance, says Lehmiller. People in age-gap relationships frequently find their relationships subject to scrutiny and judgment from family, friends, and society at large. According to Lehmiller, this stigma usually stems from the perception that age-gap relationships are inherently exploitative or that theres a power imbalance. RELATED: What You Should Know About Daddy Issues There's often a presumption that these relationships are based on superficial factors like money or physical attraction, rather than genuine connection and love, explains Homan. Additionally, concerns about power imbalances can also contribute to this stigma. Differing Priorities When you and your partner are in different stages of life, you might not be focusing on the same things. For example, a guy in his 20s who values going out to bars with friends might find it difficult to sustain a happy relationship with a woman whos already past that phase and more interested in spending time with family. Similarly, it might prove problematic if a woman in her 30s whos eager to travel the world dates a man in his 50s whos trying to settle down. RELATED: How Age Difference Factors Into Online Dating Family Planning Speaking of mismatched priorities, Lehmiller notes that age-gap relationships can be tricky when one person wants to have kids and the other doesnt or cant say, because they already have children from a previous marriage, they already elected to have a sterilization procedure like a vasectomy or a hysterectomy, or theyre simply no longer fertile due to their age. Can Age-Gap Relationships Work? Despite the undeniable challenges, experts agree that age-gap relationships can definitely be successful. In fact, some research shows that age-gap couples report greater trust and commitment and lower jealousy than similar-age couples. However, studies have also found that age-gap relationships tend to decrease in satisfaction with age particularly when couples face financial hardships. One factor that appears to have a significant effect on the outcome of age-gap relationships is the couples perceptions of social disapproval. When people believe their friends, family, and community at large object to their age-gap relationship, theyre more likely to break up. Still, if you can overcome that disapproval, Weiss says your ability to ignore other peoples opinions may actually work to your advantage. After all, persisting in the face of social stigma requires being very devoted to your partner and facing this judgment together may even make your bond stronger. The bottom line? Age-gap couples can thrive just as well as couples of a similar age, provided they communicate openly and nurture their relationship through differing life stages, says Jessica Anne Engle, a licensed marriage and family therapist and director-owner at Relationship Center. What Is the Key to a Successful Age-Gap Relationship? Signs of a healthy age-gap relationship include mutual respect, shared values, effective communication, and a strong emotional connection, says Homan. Each partner should feel valued and understood, with their relationship based on genuine affection and mutual support. According to experts, some other factors that can contribute to a successful age-gap relationship include: Productive conflict resolution Supporting each others goals and dreams A mutually satisfying sex life A solid foundation of trust The ability to compromise as needed A healthy relationship takes the age gap into account without allowing it to limit the relationship, adds Weiss. For instance, both partners may be considerate by accommodating each others potentially different schedules, social lives, and even taste in things like movies and TV. But theyll also make the effort to explore each others interests even if theyre more typical of a different generation. Whats Too Big of an Age Gap in a Relationship? Experts agree to disagree here the point at which an age gap becomes problematic is pretty subjective. That said, one 2017 study found that couples with an age gap of 1-3 years had the greatest levels of satisfaction. Relationship satisfaction decreased for couples with an age gap of 4-6 years and was even lower for couples with an age gap of 7 or more years. This research suggests that relationships are more successful when the age gaps are smaller but of course, there are always exceptions to this. RELATED: Should You Follow the 'Half My Age Plus Seven' Rule? A couple with a 20-year age difference who excels at communicating may be much happier than a couple with a 5-year difference who lacks the skills needed to problem-solve their differences, explains Engle. Amira Williams, a sex therapist with a Ph.D. in gender and sexuality studies, puts it this way: If one partner remembers watching the moon landing live on TV while the other doesn't even know what dial-up internet is, there might be too many generational gaps to bridge. You Might Also Dig: I'm fine, as I'm very fortunate to own my home I own, but I'm feeling the pinch on my mortgage with other inflation costs I rent and it's expensive, but it could be worse I'm seriously considering leaving the valley if something doesn't give Vote View Results 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. Hyundai Motor, Korea's largest automaker, said Tuesday it decided to sell its Russian manufacturing plant, which has been suspended due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. The company said in a regulatory filing that the sale of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Rus in Saint Petersburg, Russia, was approved in an extraordinary board meeting held earlier in the day. The board also decided to sell General Motors Co.'s plant in Saint Petersburg with an annual capacity of 100,000 units, which Hyundai Motor acquired in 2020. The buyer was known as Russian firm Art-Finance, with the selling price coming to 10,000 rubles (around $111). Hyundai Motor said the deal carries a clause under which it can buy back the factory within two years after the sale. The automaker said it will continue to provide after-sales service to Russian buyers of its vehicles, despite the sale. The St. Petersburg plant, launched in 2010, suspended operations in March 2022 due to challenges related to component supplies amid the war between Russia and Ukraine. It had manufactured Hyundai Solaris, Hyundai Creta, Kia Rio and Kia Rio X-Line models with an annual capacity of over 200,000 units. The suspension of the Russian plant sent Hyundai Motor's sales in Russia plunging. According to the Association of European Businesses, Hyundai Motor's sales tumbled to just six units in August from 2,892 a year earlier. Hyundai Motor was once the third-largest seller of vehicles in Russia. In 2007, Hyundai Motor entered the Russian market by setting up a wholly owned subsidiary in the country. Three years later, it completed the Saint Petersburg plant and kicked off local production the next year. (Yonhap) Living proof is this story from Fond Du Lac County, where a 14-year-old boy looking for Internet fame stole not one but two different cars in 24 hours. He used the same old trick, hotwiring the vehicles using a USB cable.The Kia Boys saga started nearly two years ago when a TikTok challenge went viral, showing teenagers how to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models in seconds. The hack involves breaking into a car, removing the steering wheel column cover, and then using an exposed port to start the vehicle. It works in Kia and Hyundai models without immobilizers.The wannabe 14-year-old celebrity first broke into a vehicle on Saturday, but because he had no driver's license and didn't know how to drive, he quickly crashed the vehicle into a ditch. Hours later, he hotwired a Kia Soul for the views and drove away.It didn't take long for the police to spot the vehicle going erratically, so the officers engaged in a chase, asking the driver to pull over. The 14-year-old refused to stop, trying to escape from the cops by going on Highway 151. The high-speed chase ended without further incidents, as the boy eventually pulled over on the highway.The case is a reminder that Kia and Hyundai cars continue to be targeted by the Kia Boys despite the anti-theft software released by the carmakers. Hyundai and Kia urge owners to install the patch because "it works," with the two companies also setting up software update clinics across the United States to deploy it. The process takes about 30 minutes, and once installed, it prevents thieves from stealing the cars.If patching isn't possible, the best option is to install a steering wheel lock. It wouldn't prevent the thieves from breaking your window, but they won't be able to drive away. The Kia Boys don't seem to check their targets before trying to break in, as some Kia and Hyundai owners reported theft attempts even if their vehicles were equipped with steering wheel locks visible from the outside.In one case, the Kia Boys even left a message for the car owner , telling them to "get something else" because they couldn't steal their vehicle.Police tell Kia and Hyundai owners to install any available anti-theft systems and avoid leaving their keys inside. For Kia Boys, it doesn't make a difference, as an unpatched vehicle is a car that always has the keys in the ignition and waits for a thief to break in.The 14-year-old TikTok fanboy is now awaiting charges. Photo: Screenshot Youtube | Rcars kW CVT The ninth generation will soon turn nine years old, as it has been around since 2015. As a result, it is an aging product, yet one that is believed to stick around for at least one more year or perhaps two. Word on the street is that the redesigned iteration could arrive in 2025.It's been reported that the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu will no longer be made on the E2XX platform used by the Buick Regal and Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. Instead, it should switch to the VSS-F construction, which would mechanically tie it to the Buick Encore GX and Envista and the Chevy Trailblazer and Trax, with production taking place at the same facility in Kansas.If it turns out to be correct, then the rumor is good news for fans of traditional mid-size sedans, as this class is becoming a dying breed in our market. If you forgot, the Nissan Maxima and Kia Stinger recently left the segment for good, and GM's alleged decision to keep the Malibu around until early next decade might pay off, even if the current generation is not exactly a best seller anymore.The 2024 model year lineup comprises the base LS, the mid-spec RS and LT, and the range-topping 2LT. These trim levels have respective MSRPs of $25,100, $26,000, $28,100, and $31,500. All of them feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with four cylinders, which produces 163 hp (165 ps/122) at 5,700 rpm and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque from 2,500 to 3,000 rpm and is paired with aGiven that the next-gen will supposedly arrive sometime in 2025, presumably as a 2026 model, it is likely that the bowtie company has started working on its design. Mind you, there haven't been any leaks yet, so we cannot tell you what it will look like. But that doesn't mean that various rendering artists haven't tried to imagine it.These digital illustrations came from Rcars on YouTube, and they're on the unrealistic side of things. The hypothetical 2026 Chevrolet Malibu looks nothing like its predecessor, as it features softer lines all around, some sharp angles at the front and rear ends, ultra-slim LED headlamps, a small grille, a chunky lower side of the front bumper, a sporty rear bumper, and new LED taillights.Due to the sloping roofline, it also looks a bit sportier than its predecessor, and while this design may not be to everyone's liking, we think it is appealing . But do you feel the same? Currently, we are about to witness the end of an era across the American automotive market ICE-powered pony and muscle cars are almost extinct. SUV The Dodge Challenger is wrapping up its stint on planet Earth alongside the Hemi-powered Charger with the 2023 model year 'Last Call' farewell special editions. No one knows if it will survive to see another iteration all we are sure of is that the Charger is morphing back to a two-door lifestyle and is also adopting the zero emissions trend. According to the rumor mill, it could also gain access to Hurricane options though.Meanwhile, the S650 Ford Mustang is left alone in the EcoBoost and Coyote V8 power field because the Chevrolet Camaro just ended production with no successor in sight. Sure, General Motors isn't too worried about the potential loss of customers as it hopes they will pony up the MSRPs for C8 Corvettes instead. The reinvented C8 generation is now a mid-engine affair starting from at least $68k in Stingray, E-Ray, and Z06 form.More variants are coming the Corvette Team is currently testing the alleged ZR1 with around 850 horsepower on tap, and later on, there will be a Zora flagship that crosses into electrified hypercar territory with about 1,000 hybrid ponies. However, the rumor mill still thinks that's not the end. Instead, reports claim that Corvette might become a standalone brand with sedan andoptions and, naturally, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators loves stuff like that.For example, the good folks over at Auto Om TV have allowed their resident pixel master to go wild regarding AI-assisted design for their portrayal of the Corvette SUV because they have been enjoying a Chevrolet spree of new model designs. For example, they also have unofficial portrayals of the 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 and even a hypothetical 2025 Camaro form because no death is definitive in the parallel universes of vehicular CGI, just like it happens in superhero comic books.As far as the Chevrolet Corvette SUV is concerned, although the title suggests they will talk about an electric version, no such thing occurs. Instead, the channel's virtual artist presents the unofficial vision of an edgy three-door SUV, and the host speaks of potential battles with the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue super-SUVs. But how will they achieve something like that?Well, that's easy to envision at least outside of the OEM's reach: the Corvette Team could simply bring over the Cadillac Blackwing engine design, more precisely, the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine employed for the Cadillac Escalade-V series, which has an output of 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft (885 Nm) of torque. Obviously, if the Escalade-V behemoth can sprint to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, a Corvette SUV, which would be a lot lighter, could probably do it in 3.5 seconds or something like that! The startups ministry said Tuesday it will ask the antitrust regulator to file a complaint with the prosecution against Kakao Mobility Corp., the operator of the country's top taxi-hailing service, on charges of unfair business practices. Kakao Mobility is suspected of manipulating its algorithm to give more of the calls received on its mobile taxi application to cabs under its franchise. The app is open to both franchise and non-franchise taxis, but it allegedly allowed franchise taxis to receive ride requests even when other non-franchise taxis were located closer to clients. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said it made the decision considering that Kakao Mobility "hindered fair competition by breaking the law" and inflicted big financial damage on drivers who do not have its membership. Kakao Mobility is set to undergo a prosecution investigation, as the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) must report the case to the prosecution upon the startups ministry's request. Earlier this year, the FTC slapped 25.7 billion won ($20.7 million) in fines on the company, but did not file a complaint with the prosecution. Kakao Mobility said it will "faithfully cooperate" with the upcoming procedures and continue to improve its call distribution system to "increase convenience for consumers and drivers." (Yonhap) The experience with Google Maps keeps getting better, not necessarily thanks to the release of new features but following the expansion of new-generation capabilities to users worldwide. The search giant announced at Building for India in New Delhi that Google Maps will bring eco-friendly routing to users in the country.Eco-friendly routes launched in 2021 to provide users with an alternative to the fastest routes, offering convenient ways of reducing fuel consumption and cutting vehicle emissions. The eco-friendly routing takes more factors into account when looking for routes to a destination, including the road incline.Google said earlier this year that the eco-friendly routes helped cut emissions by the equivalent of taking 500,000 vehicles off the road.Another feature launching in India is support for live view walking directions. Google says it'll be available in 3,000 Indian cities, allowing users to open the live view mode in Google Maps and get walking directions to a destination by scanning their surroundings.Google Maps will also get improved public transportation support in India, as the company partnered with local companies to display live information for trains in Mumbai and Kolkata. With this feature, Google Maps users can see a train's location in real-time right within the app.The battle in the navigation space is getting fiercer, and Google wants Google Maps to remain at the forefront of the innovation push. However, competitors also invest in new-generation capabilities, with Apple Maps getting new capabilities that were until now missing from its offering.iOS 17 brought support for offline navigation, allowing users to receive step-by-step guidance without an Internet connection. Google Maps has been offering this feature for several years, but Apple ignored the request.The investments in the detailed city experience are also living proof that Apple is more committed to building a more advanced Google Maps rival. The detailed city experience includes in-house Apple maps (the previous version of the application used third-party maps) and rich details, including medians, sidewalks, crosswalks, trees, and 3D landmarks.Google is also working on subtle refinements for Google Maps, though the company doesn't always align the app updates with users' expectations. The new color palette enabled in Google Maps on mobile devices and the web caused controversy in the app's user base, making certain features, including navigation on CarPlay, more difficult.Users have requested Google to undo the change and restore the previous color palette, but the company ignored all complaints, possibly hoping that its user base would eventually get used to the updated interface.Meanwhile, the new capabilities, including the eco-friendly routing, keep expanding to more users, making the transition to an alternative solution less likely. The eco-friendly routes will start rolling out to users in India next month and will also support two-wheelers, thanks to the popularity of these vehicles in the country. The most ludicrous of G 63 versions out there has been recalled in the US market. An estimated 588 examples of the 4x4 Squared have been produced with rear axle differential housings that may develop cracks, therefore resulting in either differential fluid leaking onto the roadway or axle failure. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA As per documents published by the NHTSA , the German automaker started investigating said issue last month. Merc determined that something may be off with the rear axle's housing following an internal test, which showed traces of fracturing on the housing. Detailed analyses were subsequently started together with Oberaigner Powertrain, the Austrian supplier of the 4x4 Squared's rear axle.Although said analyses are still ongoing, Mercedes did initiate a campaign to address every single potentially affected vehicle still accessible to the Stuttgart-based manufacturer. In November 2023, the automaker also became aware of a customer complaint from outside the US market, which might be related to the aforementioned problem.Fast forward to December 2023, and Merc finally decided to recall the G 63 4x4 Squared due to the potential safety risks posed by the rear axle going kaput while driving. Prior to contacting theon December 15, the automaker became aware of a second customer complaint, this time from the US.As you might have guessed by now, there is no remedy available for said condition. Be that as it may, MBUSA customer assistance will instruct owners to park their off-road leviathans until a remedy becomes available. Dealers will be instructed to have the vehicles inspected for inspection. If available, loaner vehicles will be offered at no cost whatsoever.Dealers and owners will be notified no later than December 21 and get this February 13, respectively. That's a heck of a long time to wait for a Merc-branded envelope to arrive by first-class mail, and it's downright infuriating once you remember how much the G 63 4x4 Squared costs in comparison to the G 63 . More specifically, the recommended price used to be $350,050 for the 2022 model.Both 2022 and 2023 models are recalled, with their production dates ranging from March 5, 2021 (even though the G 63 4x4 Squared was revealed in June 2022) to December 1, 2023. It's nigh-on impossible to tell when a G 63 4x4 Squared was manufactured without the automaker's help, but fret not because you can determine whether your vehicle is affected or not by running the VIN on the's website.Assembled by Magna Steyr in Austria rather than Mercedes-Benz in Germany, the G 63 4x4 Squared is listed with no fewer than three part numbers for the rear axle in the report below. Said part numbers are A4633509301, A4633509401, and A4633509601.The most capable G intended for civilian use, the 4x4 Squared offers a whopping 13.8 inches of ground clearance, portal axles front and rear, independent suspension up front, and a solid axle out back. Under the hood, the G 63's twin-turbo V8 will have to suffice. In this application, it produces 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet (850 Nm) of twist. By mid-to-late 2000s standards, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is what you might call a perfect grand tourer. Back then, it was almost impossible to imagine improving upon such an amazing product. Nowadays? Well, things are a little different and people are a bit more creative. Photo: Bring a Trailer The 599 GTB Fiorano was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, enticing buyers and car journalists alike with its styling (courtesy of Pininfarina) and its incredible 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine. Some people werent particularly thrilled about the growth spurt, but they quickly got over it I'm talking about Ferrari making this a considerably larger grand tourer than its predecessor, the 575M Maranello.Still, just because it was bigger, it didnt mean it was also heavier, and it wasnt. Also, the 599 was designed at a time when carmakers tended to make everything a little bigger than before, mostly because of safety regulations and a drive to improve overall comfort.I can also tell you first-hand that the 599 GTB was a masterclass in how to engineer an exotic grand tourer, and that recipe hasnt changed much since its glory days. The F12berlinetta and 812 Superfast both follow a nearly identical blueprint. It only took the 599 a few minutes to win me over when I first drove one, and as you can imagine, the biggest ace up its sleeve is that naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine, which is in the conversation for best-sounding V12 engine ever made.More on the engine a little later, because I want to talk to you about the gearbox first. The vast majority of 599 GTBs were fitted with a six-speed automated manual featuring paddle shifters. It could change gears in roughly 100 milliseconds and it was epic. However, Ferrari did produce 30 examples with fully manual gearboxes, 20 of which went to the United States, whereas 10 remained in Europe.The Italian brand quickly understood that luxury GT buyers were no longer interested in changing gears themselves, at least not by using their left foot to operate the clutch.Well, guess what happened with this particular 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano? Its current owner decided to convert it from an automatic to a manual, making it one seriously rare beast, albeit also one that might not represent the very best configuration for this type of supercar.This car is finished in Rosso Corsa and features bi-xenon headlights, parking sensors, red-finished multi-piston calipers, and a set of 20-inch Challenge alloy wheels with Pirelli P Zero tires. Inside, youll find Beige Tradizione leather Daytona-style seats, which are also power-adjustable; plus carbon fiber accents, drilled metal pedals, a gated shifter, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Kenwood stereo with a Bose sound system, and the carbon fiber-accented steering wheel with LED shift lights.As for that V12 engine, it sends 612 horsepower and 448 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, getting you to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, before maxing you out at 205 mph. Lamborghini unveiled the Lanzador concept car that the Italian carmaker unveiled back in August. Now, the all-electric Ultra GT stars in the digital world on Roblox. Photo: Lamborghini The Lanzador joins the immersive virtual world on Roblox in the Lamborghini Lanzador Lab: The Official Design and Drive Experience. The global platform allows over 70 million daily active users from over 180 countries around the world to experience driving the high-performance model firsthand. The fastest growing age group on the Roblox platform is 17 to 24 years old.Visitors can discover the futuristic design and technology of the Lanzador years before it even hits the streets. They will be able to customize it and drive it in the virtual world as Lamborghini places it in the metaverse.It is, according to Christian Mastro, Marketing Director of Automobili Lamborghini, an unprecedented way of experiencing the concept car with more than one megawatt of peak power. By transferring the model into the digital world, the SantAgata Bolognese-based brand is trying to reach a whole new generation of fans.Users are not only going into a traditional 3D gaming space to find out what the Lanzador can do. They are also getting the chance to learn about the history of Lamborghini and explore a virtual replica of the Automobili Lamborghini museum.They will be able to design and customize their own digital Lanzador with the help of the Ad Personam customization program. They will also be able to compete in virtual racing time trials with the car that they digitally build themselves.In the metaverse, visitors will also be able to purchase digital items and accessories for their avatars. A racing helmet, a backpack, beanies, and hats are on the menu.The die-hard fans can get the limited-edition Automobili Lamborghini Bull Head. Only three are available for sale, each for the price of 1.5 million Roux, the Roblox digital currency. Those who buy it will also receive a custom In Real Life experience to visit the Lamborghini headquarters in SantAgata Bolognese in Italy.The visit will include a tour of the Museo Automobili Lamborghini and of the Ad Personam Studio. That is where they will see the Lanzador concept car with their own eyes, outside the digital world. Listing the production lines will also be included in the program of the VIP reward.The Lamborghini Lanzador, with the name carried over from a victorious fighting bull from Spain, is powered by two electric motors, one on each of the axles. The two of them combined generate a total output of one megawatt, translating into 1,341 horsepower or 1,360 metric horsepower.The concept car previews a production model, which is set to arrive sometime in 2028 as the brands first electric vehicle. The division's demise can be blamed on several factors. The cars looked quirky, rolled off the assembly line with poor fit and finish, and were a bit too expensive. The economic recession of late 1957 and Ford's failure to understand American buyers didn't help either.The company sold only 118,287 vehicles over three model years, less than half the total Ford Fairlane production output for the 1958 model year. Edsel rolled out seven nameplates, including four sedans and three station wagons.Unlike Ford, which had the F-Series truck and the car-based Ranchero pickup, Edsel didn't develop any haulers. And that's precisely why this two-door pickup is an exotic appearance.No, this pickup is not a factory experiment. The vehicle left the assembly line as a Villager station wagon and became a truck down the road. There's no info as to which company handled the conversion, but the people behind it did a good job. The bed cut is perfect, and the cabin was sealed off with the Villager's tailgate window for a raked and somewhat stylish appearance, especially compared to the 1959 Ranchero The paint has a few issues around the doors, but that's probably because this pickup was built quite a few years ago. Even so, the President Red paint still shines on most body panels, while the chrome trim looks solid. The two-tone interior is no longer 100 percent original, but it appears to be period-correct and looks the part overall.The engine, on the other hand, is a mystery. The seller says the pickup has a "354 with an FMX transmission," but Ford never offered this exact displacement. Unfortunately, there are no photos of the engine bay, so I'm forced to play the guessing game.Ford had a 352-cubic-inch (5.8-liter) FE-type V8 at the time, but it did not become available in Edsel automobiles until 1960. So we're either looking at a swap or incorrect displacement for the original Edsel powerplant.The Villager came with a choice of two V8 mills in 1959. The lineup included a 332-cubic-inch (5.4-liter) lump good for 225 horsepower and a 361-cubic-inch (5.9-liter) unit rated at 303 horses. The FMX was a three-speed automatic gearbox that was available only with the latter powerplant, so this pickup likely has the 361 V8. And that's good news as far as oomph goes.Both the engine and the transmission have been overhauled and run perfectly, while the replacement nine-inch rear end also got a refresh, according to the ad.If you're unfamiliar with the Villager, it was one of three wagons on Edsel's vehicle list. Available as a four-door rig with six- or nine-passenger capacity, the Villager slotted above the entry-level two-door Roundup and below the premium Bermuda . Both were discontinued after the 1958 model year, so the Villager remained the sole wagon option in 1959.Edsel sold 11,367 units through 1960, and this conversion was one of 7,820 examples delivered during the 1959 model year. And even though it's a relatively rare classic, this Villager is better off as a one-of-none pickup and an excellent alternative to the 1959 Ranchero.If it's something you'd park in your driveway, the hauler is being auctioned off from Hondo, Texas as we speak. The listing has 26 bids and has reached $12,000 as of this writing, with nearly five days to go. If youre in the market for a late first-gen Mustang and money is no issue, the best you can do is to find a 1969 Boss 429 in mint condition and take it from there. Your second-best option is the 1970 model year version of that same car, which is almost just as desirable. Photo: Bring a Trailer You might recall our All-Time Best Classic American Muscle Cars story , with a grand finale featuring the Dodge Charger Daytona and the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429. It was the latter that took home the win, becoming our no.1 choice for the perfect classic muscle car.However, during the Sweet Sixteen round, the 69 Boss 429 went up against the 70 Boss 429, and now I cant help but wonder how far the latter could have gone in this competition had it escaped that match-up with a victory. Well, its conceivable that it could have gone all the way, so in retrospect, calling the 70 Boss 429 Mustang "muscle car royalty" is as accurate as a Hawkeye shooting at the Chitauri army.Now, as luck would have it, we have just found a stunning example of one such vehicle, up for grabs to the highest bidder with just 52,000 miles on its Cobra Jet V8 52k miles on an original engine isnt all that much.According to the ad, this car was refinished in its factory-original Grabber Blue back in 2013, with further exterior highlights including the front spoiler, hood scoop, chrome bumpers and trim, dual side mirrors, Boss 429 badging, dual exhaust outlets, and a set of chrome-finished 15-inch Magnum 500-style wheels with black accents and Goodyear Polyglas GT rubber.The vehicle also packs power-assisted brakes, revised control arms, a rear anti-roll bar and a competition suspension with staggered rear shocks.Moving on to the interior, thats where youll find the white vinyl front bucket seats and rear bench combo, faux woodgrain trim on the dashboard, console and door panels, plus a Philco AM radio and a Hurst shifter, among other goodies. Fun fact, the 69 Boss 429 came with a more traditional-looking shifter, whereas the 70 model got the more appealing Hurst variant.As for performance, that previously mentioned 429 ci Cobra Jet-derived V8 packs a factory-standard four-barrel Holley 735-cfm carburetor, while the optional Drag Pack added the high-lift camshaft with mechanical lifters, plus a few other things. The output was rated at 375 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, with everything going to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. This is a beast , in absolutely every sense of the word.Oh, and one last thing. Since Ford built fewer Boss 429 cars for the 1970 model year than it did in 1969, one might conclude that Mustangs such as this one make for a truly rare breed. Its no wonder that with just one day left to go in the auctioning process, the highest bid has already reached $150,000, which is more than youd pay for a 2024 Corvette Z06 with every single box ticked on the specs sheet. Not all custom motorcycles are made equal, with some demanding a lot more labor and perseverance than others. Theres no doubt that adversity is commonplace in the bike-modding trade, but the chopped Honda CB900 shown below saw more than its fair share of trouble. It belongs to an Australian fellow named John, whod gotten his hands on the donor bike well over a decade ago. Photo: Made Social Photo: Made Social The CB900 was purchased by John in a pitiful state of disrepair, yet this would soon become the least of his concerns. An unnamed workshop from Sunshine Coast, Queensland was entrusted with reviving it as a custom chopper at first, yet literal years of waiting had only resulted in disappointment. When it was finally completed, the motorcycle looked just about as exciting as a pizza with no toppings, and were probably being too kind here.To add insult to injury, the CB900 chopper didnt even run properly when fired up, while its wiring and exhaust system were a complete mess. Now, such experiences might lead some people to give up and never think about customization again, yet John was determined to see his vision come to life. Hoping for better luck on the second go, he reached out to Purpose Built Moto (PBM) back in 2019.Of course, Tom Gilroy and his squad were more than happy to turn the old Honda s fortunes around. They dragged it into their shop and began analyzing what they were up against, which revealed that it wasnt all doom and gloom. Although the previous builder did a shoddy job overall, the machine had received a pretty solid custom frame during that makeover.PBM decided to keep the said skeleton, only revising its rear end to bring about tighter proportions. Then, they installed a 21-inch wheel at the front, while retaining the rear 17-inch unit that came with bike and wrapping both of them in Avon Cobra tires. The CB900s rebuilt rear framework features new shock mounts to suit the geometry that Toms specialists were after.Moreover, the Aussies shortened the swingarm by around 50 millimeters (two inches) with the same goal in mind, subsequently adding a pair of aftermarket shocks from Ride Dynamics. With the major structural changes out of the way, they turned their attention to the bodywork department. Youll spot a CB750 Four K2s fuel tank taking pride of place center-stage a much prettier choice than the previous chopper-style unit worn by this CB.At the back, one may find a bespoke fender whose accompanying struts do double duty as supports for an LED taillight. Theres also a minimalistic license plate bracket mounted on the left-hand side, but what really draws our attention is the handsome saddle placed a bit further ahead. Its been upholstered in nubuck leather by Jamo of Timeless Auto Trim and laid atop a custom seat pan shaped by PBM.Lower down, we see mid-mounted Tarozzi foot pegs, a tailor-made shift linkage, and a Brembo master cylinder for the rear brake. The party continues at the front end, as well, with a CNC-machined top clamp, twin LED headlights mounted vertically, and a chopper handlebar sporting some very stylish goodies. Inverted brass control levers and leather grips are among them, as are Purpose Built Motos proprietary switches.Seeking to maintain the cockpit clutter at a bare minimum, the guys fitted a tiny speedo on the left side of the fuel tank. In addition, they stashed the front brake master cylinder underneath, so as to keep the handlebar as clean as possible while retaining the hydraulic disc brakes. With all these items in place, PBMs next port of call was the CB900 s inline-four engine.Its internal workings were left pretty much unchanged, but the original carbs got swapped with fresh Keihin CR alternatives. They breathe through individual pod filters from DNAs catalog, and the questionable exhaust system installed by the previous workshop is now a thing of the past. In its stead, Purpose Built Moto placed a custom four-into-four setup with brass tips and no silencers or internal baffles.Dynomite Moto lent a helping hand with a comprehensive tune-up, ensuring the four-banger can make the most out of the new pipes and intake paraphernalia. For the paint job, Tom Gilroy turned to the talented Justin Holmes of Popbang Classics, whod collaborated with PBM on countless occasions and never failed to deliver. As you mightve already noticed, the motorcycles livery was clearly influenced by the Candy Ruby Red colorway of first-gen CB750s.A deep red hue made its way onto the fuel tank, rear fender, and headlight housings, joined by gold leaf detailing on the former. Black is the predominant color elsewhere, but snazzy brass plating is also present on various bits and pieces. All things considered, John finally had the custom CB900 chopper of his dreams following PBMs intervention, and he mustve been absolutely blown away by the result! Apple has been very committed to building a more powerful mapping platform to compete against Google Maps, but the company has so far lagged behind its rival, especially in terms of new feature availability. Photo: reddit user KickNo5073 The detailed city experience is Apple Maps' biggest update in history, comprising in-house maps with incredible details, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, medians, trees, 3D buildings, landmarks, and improved navigation.Look Around is one of the main components of the detailed city experience, providing users with an alternative to Google's Street View. Look Around has the same role as Street View, offering street-level imagery from locations worldwide.However, Look Around offers better-quality images, as Apple has been focusing specifically on image resolution when collecting data.The biggest problem is the slow Look Around release pace. Apple has never been in a rush to bring the detailed city experience and Look Around to users worldwide, so the new maps and features are currently available in a very limited number of regions.An image recently posted on reddit is living proof. Reddit user KickNo5073 created an image that comprises all European roads where Apple Maps' Look Around is available, showing that large countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Slovakia, and many Balkan countries, are currently not included.The support for European roads is frustratingly limited, often pushing users to Google Maps and Street View. Google offers much better support worldwide, including in Europe, as its street-level imagery is already available in all the countries where Look Around is missing.Apple doesn't seem to be in a hurry to improve the Look Around availability, keeping certain countries out of the supported lists for no reason. Ireland and the United Kingdom have already been surveyed, so Apple has the data to release Look Around here, but the feature is still unavailable for whatever reason. All users in these regions who want to explore a location with street-level imagery have no option but to switch to Google Street View.Apple does want to build a Google Maps killer, but the company can't keep up with its rival, especially from a must-have feature perspective. Leaving aside the Look Around availability in Europe (which makes Apple Maps a solid choice only in part of the United States), Apple has also been late to the offline maps party.Google Maps has been offering support for offline navigation for several years, but Apple introduced this feature earlier this year as part of the iOS 17 update. Apple Maps users can now navigate without an Internet connection if they download the required maps before beginning a journey, though given the lack of updated maps in most regions worldwide, Google Maps still serves as the preferred choice for the majority of users, including many iPhone and CarPlay adopters. Say hello to Margarita Salas, the newest vessel officially welcomed by Spanish ferry operator Balearia. It's the sister ship of the world-famous Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest high-speed ferry today, but it's even better in terms of power and onboard comfort for the passengers. kW Margarita Salas is ready to start operating in the Mediterranean on short-range domestic routes. It can carry up to 1200 passengers and 400 vehicles. At 123 meters (403.5 feet), it's the longest high-speed ferry in the world, built on the same platform as Eleanor Roosevelt, which first claimed this title for Baleria . But it's not these numbers that make it unique.At the beginning of this year, Balearia announced that the successful giant catamaran would be modified to become even better. The first one launched back in 2021, was undefeated in terms of length and speed (37 knots/68.5 kph). This second version would be more powerful and more comfortable for passengers.As a result, the Margarita Salas boasts four dual-fuel engines running on natural gas. It delivers 10% more power than its predecessor while still being able to hit 35 knots. Onboard comfort was upgraded through a state-of-the-art stabilization system that diminishes the unpleasant rolling motion and what the company describes as an "elastic floating superstructure" that reduces vibration and noise by acting as an insulator.The power upgrade is owed to the advanced drivetrain package from Wartsila, comprised of its 31DF dual-fuel engines, four WXJ steerable-reversible inboard hydraulic waterjets (coupled with a Protouch propulsion control system), and two LNG supply and storage systems.The 31DF (dual fuel) engine from Wartsila is considered the most powerful in its class (610/cylinder), with a low fuel consumption. Its compatibility with LNG makes it compliant with the IMO (International Maritime Organization) Tier III, which means it can be considered future-proof for maritime transportation. Knowing that the diesel version of the Wartsila 31 engine made it into the Guinness World Record as the world's most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine is enough to understand the huge potential of this green version.The Margarita Salas ferry was designed by the famous catamaran expert Incat Crowther and built at the Astilleros Armon Gijon shipyard. Its name is a tribute to one of the most important female scientists in Spain, who was one of the pioneers working at the Biological Research Center of the CSIC in Madrid.Balearia believes that natural gas, much like SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) for aircraft, is the most efficient and readily available solution for decarbonizing shipping. The Spanish company intends to operate an entirely green fleet one day and has already invested more than 500 million dollars in developing a new-generation fleet of 11 vessels with dual-fuel engines and one battery-electric ferry. We remain committed to our peace agenda within the framework of three principles already agreed upon and hope that recent events in the region and regional countries will not ultimately mean that the peace process is being artificially delayed, Pashinian said late on Monday. If there is more basis to this view, it must be cause for very deep concern, he added during a year-end reception held at the Armenian Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said late last month that Azerbaijan is not sincerely interested in peace and stability in our region. He pointed to Bakus threats of military action against Armenia and refusal to attend high-level peace talks organized by the European Union and the United States. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev twice cancelled talks with Pashinian which EU Council President Charles Michel planned to host in October. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov similarly withdrew from a November 20 meeting with Mirzoyan in Washington. Baku accused the Western powers of pro-Armenian bias and proposed direct negotiations with Yerevan. Meeting with Michel on Monday, Armenias new ambassador to the EU, Tigran Balayan, claimed that the Azerbaijani side cancelled the October summits as part of its continuous attempts to derail the peace process. Balayan was also reported to urge the EU to help ensure Bakus return to the negotiation table. James OBrien, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia, visited Baku earlier this month in a bid to convince the Azerbaijani leadership to reschedule the cancelled meeting of the foreign ministers. The conflicting sides have not yet announce any agreement to that effect. Armenian officials suggested earlier this year that Aliyev is reluctant to sign the kind of peace deal that would preclude Azerbaijani territorial claims to Armenia. The Azerbaijani leader said late last month that Yerevan itself is artificially dragging out the process. Pope Francis formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced Monday, a radical shift in policy that aimed at making the church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage. But while the Vatican statement was heralded by some as a step toward breaking down discrimination in the Catholic Church, some LGBTQ+ advocates warned it underscored the churchs idea that gay couples remain inferior to heterosexual partnerships. The document from the Vaticans doctrine office elaborates on a letter Francis sent to two conservative cardinals that was published in October. In that preliminary response, Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if the blessings werent confused with the ritual of marriage. The new document repeats that condition and elaborates on it, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman. And it stresses that blessings in question must not be tied to any specific Catholic celebration or religious service and should not be conferred at the same time as a civil union ceremony. Moreover, the blessings cannot use set rituals or even involve the clothing and gestures that belong in a wedding. But it says requests for such blessings for same-sex couples should not be denied. It offers an extensive and broad definition of the term blessing in Scripture to insist that people seeking a transcendent relationship with God and looking for his love and mercy shouldn't be held up to an impossible moral standard to receive it. For those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection, it said. There is no intention to legitimize anything, but rather to open ones life to God, to ask for his help to live better, and also to invoke the Holy Spirit so that the values of the Gospel may be lived with greater faithfulness, it added. The document marks the latest gesture of outreach from a pope who has made welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy. From his 2013 quip, Who am I to judge? about a purportedly gay priest, to his 2023 comment to The Associated Press that Being homosexual is not a crime, Francis has distinguished himself from all his predecessors with his message of welcome. The significance of this news cannot be overstated, said Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, which supports LGBTQ+ Catholics. It is one thing to formally approve same-gender blessings, which he had already pastorally permitted, but to say that people should not be subjected to an exhaustive moral analysis to receive Gods love and mercy is an even more significant step. The Vatican holds that marriage is an indissoluble union between man and woman. As a result, it has long opposed same-sex marriage and considers homosexual acts to be intrinsically disordered. Nothing in the new document changes that teaching. And in 2021, the Vaticans Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said flat-out that the church couldnt bless the unions of two men or two women because God cannot bless sin. That 2021 pronouncement created an outcry and appeared to have blindsided Francis, even though he had technically approved its publication. Soon after it was published, he removed the official responsible for it and set about laying the groundwork for a reversal. In the new document, the Vatican said the church must avoid doctrinal or disciplinary schemes especially when they lead to a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and classifies others." It said ultimately, a blessing is about helping people increase their trust in God. It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered, it said. It stressed that people in irregular unions of extramarital sex gay or straight are in a state of sin. But it said that shouldnt deprive them of Gods love or mercy. Even when a persons relationship with God is clouded by sin, he can always ask for a blessing, stretching out his hand to God, the document said. Thus, when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it, the document said. The Rev. James Martin, who advocates for a greater welcome for LGBTQ+ Catholics, praised the new document as a huge step forward and a dramatic shift from the Vatican's 2021 policy. Along with many Catholic priests, I will now be delighted to bless my friends in same-sex marriages, he said in an email. Traditionalists, however, were outraged. The traditionalist blogger Luigi Casalini of Messa in Latino (Latin Mass) blog wrote that the document appeared to be a form of heresy. The church is crumbling, he wrote. University of Notre Dame theologian Ulrich Lehner was also concerned, saying it would merely sow confusion and could lead to division in the church. The Vaticans statement is, in my view, the most unfortunate public announcement in decades, he said in a statement. Moreover, some bishops will use it as a pretext to do what the document explicitly forbids, especially since the Vatican has not stopped them before. It is and I hate to say it an invitation to schism. Ramon Gomez, in charge of human rights for the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation group in Chile, said the statement was a step toward breaking down discrimination in the church and could help LGBTQ+ people in countries where even civil unions aren't legal. But he said the document was belated and contradictory" in specifying a non-ritualized blessing that cannot be confused with marriage. Such a mixed message, he said, thus once again gives the signal that same-sex couples are inferior to heterosexual couples. The Vatican admonition to refrain from codifying any blessing or prayer appeared to be a response to Flemish-speaking bishops in Belgium, who last year proposed the text for a prayer for same-sex couples that included prayers, Scriptural readings and expressions of commitment. In Germany, individual priests have been blessing same-sex couples for years, as part of a progressive trend in the German church. In September, several Catholic priests held a ceremony blessing same-sex couples outside Cologne Cathedral to protest the citys conservative archbishop, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki. The head of the German Bishops Conference welcomed the document. This means that a blessing can be given to couples who do not have the opportunity to marry in church, for example due to divorce, and to same-sex couples, Bishop Georg Baetzing said in a statement. The practice of the church knows a variety of forms of blessing. It is good that this treasure for the diversity of lifestyles is now being raised. In the United States, the Rev. John Oesterle, a Catholic priest and hospital chaplain in Pittsburgh, said many priests would probably not be open to offering such a blessing, but he welcomed Francis action. I think the pope has learned to accept people as God made them, he said on Monday. When I was growing up, the assumption was that God made everyone straight. What we have learned is that is not true. In accepting people as God made them, and if Jesus primary teaching is we should love and serve one another in the community, I think thats what gives Pope Francis the openness to Gods presence in those relationships. The Church of England on Sunday announced a similar move allowing clergy to bless the unions of same-sex couples who have had civil weddings or partnerships, but it still bans church weddings for same-sex couples. (AP) The controversial lawmaker, Artur Hovannisian, attacked the Zhoghovurd newspaper and two other media outlets on December 7 as the National Assembly refused to reelect Haykuhi Harutiunian as head of an anti-corruption body scrutinizing the declared incomes of state officials. The parliament debate and an ensuing vote came several days after Zhoghovurd reported that several deputies from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians Civil Contract party held a confidential meeting with Harutiunian to complain about the bodys actions taken against them, their relatives or friends. For example, somebody may pay the Zhoghovurd daily to commission an article saying bad things about somebody else, which is a normal practice for Zhoghovurd or, for example, Asekose.am or Hraparak [daily,] Hovannisian declared on the parliament floor. Following the debate, the papers parliamentary correspondent, Knar Manukian, approached Hovannisian in the parliament lobby and challenged him to prove what you just said by submitting a crime report to law-enforcement authorities. The lawmaker, who is the number two figure in the ruling partys parliamentary group, refused to do that or answer questions from Manukian during the angry exchange. On December 15, Zhoghovurd posted on its news website, Armlur.am, a video of its interviews with journalists and media experts who condemned Hovannisians allegations and accused the Armenian authorities of seeking to silence independent media. A few hours later the paper received a letter from the National Assembly saying that Manukians press credentials have been revoked because she tried to interview Hovannisian in an unauthorized area before chasing him and making slanderous claims. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Zhoghovurd condemned the ban and said it is preparing a lawsuit against Hovannisian. Manukian was also unrepentant, saying that she defended the honor of my media outlet and did not break any rules set for parliamentary correspondents. She argued that security guards witnessed her conversation with the parliamentarian and did not intervene. Many deputies shun journalists who ask them tough questions, and you have no choice but to run after them with a microphone in your hand and try to get answers to your questions, the reporter told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. Pashinians party seriously restricted journalists freedom of movements inside the parliament building in 2021, drawing strong condemnation from Armenian media groups. A year later, it amended an Armenian law on mass media to allow the parliament, the prime ministers office and other government agencies to revoke journalists accreditations typically valid for one year. Incidentally, Hovannisian was one of the authors of those amendments. Also, Hovannisian was among pro-government lawmakers who shouted in April this year abuse and threats at an outspoken opposition candidate for the then vacant post of Armenias human rights ombudsman. He pledged to cut the tongues and ears of anyone who would make disparaging comments about the 2018 velvet revolution that brought Pashinian to power. 19 December 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Asim Aliyev Read more With its rich energy resources, Azerbaijan has long been recognized as a country with a sufficient amount of oil & natural gas. Thanks to the successful continuation of the development of the Shah Deniz field and the commissioning of the Southern Gas Corridor at the end of 2020, the country has become one of Europe's important gas suppliers and is forming a new energy map of the continent. For well-known geopolitical reasons, serious difficulties have arisen in supplying Europe with energy resources, including gas supplies. Against the background of the disruption of the traditional supply mechanism, the continent wants to purchase large volumes of gas through new pipelines. With its rich reserves and modern transportation network, Azerbaijan is a country that is ready and able to meet Europe's growing needs with certain volumes and always pursues a fair energy policy. Azerbaijan has achieved another important success in the oil and gas segment of its energy policy. This is the start of the development of the Absheron gas condensate field, located in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, about 100 kilometers southeast of Baku. "Shah Deniz" is the main gas field of Azerbaijan, but the potential of other fields is also quite large. For example, the Umid field has reserves of more than 200 billion cubic meters. On July 11, 2023, speaking at the meeting dedicated to the socio-economic results of the year chaired by President Ilham Aliyev, the head of state noted that with the start of the Absheron field exploitation, our country will exploit gas in a larger volume, perhaps SOCAR will soon start more active negotiations with its foreign partners on the development of the second phase of Absheron. Thus, from now on, our gas export plans will be realized faster and in greater volume. Now it is possible to ensure the volume of gas exports of Azerbaijan from a new source. Here is another point that needs to be noted: the production of the first gas at the Absheron gas condensate field is inscribed in the history of Azerbaijan as an important event. Because earlier our main gas resource related to export was the Shah Deniz gas condensate field. Today we already have two large gas condensate fields. Until now, Azerbaijan has been exporting gas produced at the Shah Deniz field to neighboring Georgia, brotherly Turkiye, and Europe. The first volumes of gas production at the Absheron field have shown that it will be used to export gas abroad. It is of note that on September 20, 2014, on the twenty-third anniversary of the Contract of the Century, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Southern Gas Corridor project was held in Sangachal with the participation of heads of state. Turkiye and Georgia were the first to join the initiative, followed by Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Albania. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro became new partners. On November 30, 2019, the TANAP section connecting Europe was officially opened in Ipsala (Edirne Province, Turkiye). At this point, its construction was completed. Since December 31, 2020, the transportation of marketable natural gas has been carried out. Thus, Azerbaijan's rich gas resources were delivered to the markets of Turkiye and Europe via a short and safe route. Furthermore, given that Azerbaijan's confirmed gas reserves amount to 2.6 trillion cubic meters, and the projected reserves are about 3 trillion cubic meters, this ensures Azerbaijan to be recognized as a reliable supplier of hydrocarbon resources in the next 100 years. Since 2023, gas production has started at the Absheron field, which has a gas potential of over 300 billion cubic meters and is operated by Total. This factor will encourage Azerbaijan to increase gas imports in the near future as well. Yerevan eyeing Azeri gas A three-decade-long Garabagh conflict is almost over, and there is only the issue of peace talks with Armenia that remains outstanding. Given the fact that Azerbaijan has become the main power in the region, this is going to draw much of Armenia's attention to benefit from the abundance of energy supply. Armenia realizes that long-lasting conflict gives no benefit to either side amidst gas production and exports from Azerbaijan are expected to increase next year. While Azerbaijan is becoming one of the main energy suppliers of Europe, the pro-Western Armenians remaining outside of this loop look gruesome for the South Caucasus country that needs more energy in this very tough time. Guided by this important factor, I would like to remind that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made an interesting statement in Sofia, where he said Azerbaijan is interested in exporting not only gas but also electricity to Europe and is interesting proposals in this regard. "We can directly sell electricity to Europe in addition to gas. So trade proposals change from time to time. This shows that Azerbaijan always has offers for buyers in several directions and spheres. We are interested in the diversification of trade relations. This in itself is a positive thing. It will have a strong impact on strengthening and further diversification of Azerbaijan's economy," the President said. After the signing of the peace treaty, restoration of communication between the countries, and trade relations, the sale of natural gas to Armenia may become a possible factor. If we recall, we will learn that during the Soviet period, Azerbaijan supplied gas to Armenia through two routes. Construction of the 1st route of the Hajigabul-Kazakhstan-Armenia gas pipeline launched in 1959. Thus, in February 1960 Azerbaijan supplied the first gas to Armenia. After that, in the second half of 1970, Azerbaijan supplied gas to Armenia through the Yevlakh-Barda-Askaran-Khankandi-Lachin-Gorus-Shahbuz gas pipeline. In the 1980s this gas pipeline was extended and connected to Yerevan. Gas supplies through these pipelines became an important factor in Armenia's energy security. The reason was that if one pipeline malfunctioned, the other continued to supply gas uninterruptedly. At the end of 1991, gas trade between Azerbaijan and Armenia stopped for geopolitical reasons. After the conflict with Azerbaijan, Armenia started buying gas from Russia. According to oil and gas expert Ilham Shaban, most of the gas imported to Armenia is supplied by the Russian company Gazprom. 88% of the gas consumed by Armenia comes from Russia and 12% from Iran. From a commercial point of view, Armenia can indeed buy natural gas from Azerbaijan. To do so, the tariff offered by Azerbaijan to Armenia should be lower than the tariffs offered by Russia and Iran. However, the possibility of this is doubtful. Nevertheless, after the signing of the peace treaty, Azerbaijan may sell gas to Armenia in small volumes, as an important factor for Azerbaijan at the moment is to increase gas imports to Europe. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 December 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00) By Muhammad Asif Noor In the intricate blend of global diplomacy and the geopolitical landscape, Kazakhstan has emerged as a central and influential player in the realm of multilateral diplomacy, notably through its prominent role as the current chair within the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). The tenure of Kazakhstan's chairmanship is a testament to the country's dedication to contributing to global peace and progress. Navigating the complexities of the global multilateral setting, Kazakhstan's diplomatic finesse, strategic vision, and proactive engagement have not only shaped the trajectory of CICA but have also positioned the nation as a key player in the broader landscape of international relations. The recent convening of the CICA Senior Officials Committee (SOC) in Astana provided a comprehensive review of CICA's achievements in 2023, offering valuable insights into the efficacy of Kazakhstan's diplomatic leadership. This also shows Kazakhstans multifaceted contributions, ranging from economic prowess to diplomatic leadership, underscore its pivotal position in shaping not only regional dynamics but also influencing the broader landscape of global cooperation and understanding. The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) stands as a testament to Kazakhstan's visionary leadership and commitment to fostering regional cooperation. Initiated by Kazakhstan's First President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, in 1992, CICA emerged as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among Asian nations. Rooted in the principles of inclusivity, consensus-based decision-making, and confidence-building measures, CICA aimed to address shared challenges and promote peace, security, and stability across the diverse Asian continent. With 28 member countries in the organisation, Kazakhstan's role as the driving force behind CICA's inception reflect the nation's dedication to building bridges and fostering understanding in a region characterized by diverse cultures, political systems, and economic structures. Since its inception, Kazakhstan has played a pivotal role in shaping CICA into a dynamic and influential multilateral forum. Kazakhstan's chairmanship of CICA from 2002 to 2004 marked a significant period of growth, where the nation actively worked to enhance the organization's visibility and effectiveness. The Kazakh leadership's emphasis on pragmatic and results-oriented diplomacy during this period contributed to the development of the Almaty Act, a landmark document that articulated the core principles and objectives of CICA. Kazakhstan's ongoing commitment to CICA is evident in its recent chairmanship from 2022 to 2024, where the nation continues to champion initiatives aimed at reinforcing regional connectivity, counter-terrorism cooperation, and sustainable development within the CICA framework. Kazakhstan's journey within CICA unfolds as a narrative of visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to fostering cooperative dialogue. The Sixth CICA Summit in Astana in 2022 stands as a watershed moment, where Kazakhstan, under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, proposed the Astana Statement, advocating for the transformation of CICA into a full-fledged international organization. This proposal, met with unanimous approval, signaled a paradigm shift in the organization's scope and influence. The subsequent chairmanship of Kazakhstan from 2022 to 2024 further solidified its role as a proactive architect of change within CICA. The outlined priorities during this tenure, ranging from the establishment of the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity to the transformation of the CICA Finance Summit. The nation's role in shepherding key planning documents during the recent SOC meeting in Astana underscores its meticulous approach to steering CICA's course in 2024 and beyond, setting the stage for a promising future of diplomatic collaboration and influence. Under the chairmanship of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan outlined a comprehensive roadmap for the transformation process, setting the stage for a new era in CICA's evolution. The strategic priorities encompassed a diverse array of initiatives, from the establishment of the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity to the transformation of the CICA Finance Summit into a permanent platform. These initiatives aimed at bolstering economic recovery, regional financial cooperation, and counter-terrorism efforts, reflecting Kazakhstan's commitment to addressing multifaceted challenges. A critical aspect of Kazakhstan's influence within CICA is its economic strength, driven by diversification efforts and a focus on key sectors such as oil and gas, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Kazakhstan's status as the world's largest producer of uranium and its substantial reserves in oil and natural gas have not only contributed to the nation's economic growth but have also positioned it as a key player in shaping regional dynamics through economic diplomacy. The recent CICA Senior Officials Committee (SOC) meeting in Astana in December 2023 further showcased Kazakhstan's impact on the organization. The approval of key planning documents for 2024, including the plan for implementing confidence-building measures and the budget of the CICA Secretariat, highlighted Kazakhstan's meticulous approach to shaping the forum's annual agenda. One of the important outcomes of the SOC meeting was the approval of two concept papers in priority areas of environment protection and natural disaster management, reflecting CICA's commitment to addressing contemporary challenges collaboratively. Additionally, the meeting welcomed a proposal from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to join CICA as an observer state, showcasing the organization's expanding influence and Kazakhstan's role in facilitating such collaborations. Furthermore, the SOC meeting acknowledged the breakthrough in ratifying the CICA Convention on Privileges and Immunities by Bangladesh, reinforcing the legal framework supporting CICA's operations. As Kazakhstan charts its course within CICA, its role extends beyond regional influence to international partnerships. The discussions at the SOC meeting included forging closer ties with international organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. This collaborative approach amplifies Kazakhstan's position as a bridge between regional and global diplomatic efforts. Looking ahead, Kazakhstan's role in CICA holds the promise of continued influence and proactive engagement. The nation's commitment to transforming CICA into a full-fledged international organization reflects its aspiration to contribute meaningfully to global diplomacy. The approval of key planning documents, collaboration on concept papers, and the potential expansion of observer states signal Kazakhstan's intent to shape CICA as a dynamic and influential player in addressing the complex challenges of the Asian continent. Kazakhstan's leadership within CICA has been marked by visionary initiatives, transformative proposals, and a commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation. The writer is the Director of the Center for Central Asia and Eurasian Studies - Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 December 2023 15:06 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more A delegation headed by Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Food Security under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Ran Karimzoda and representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) office in Azerbaijan visited the Food Security Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AQTA) and the Azerbaijan Food Security Institute (AFSI), Azernews reports. According to the Information Support and Innovative Solutions Department of the Food Safety Agency, the aim is to study the best practices of Azerbaijan in the field of food safety, apply the gained experience in Tajikistan, and get information on improving the transition to food safety systems. During the meeting at AQTA, Deputy Chairperson of the Agency Zakiya Mustafayeva informed the guests in detail about the directions of the agency's activities, set tasks, and measures to provide the population with healthy and safe food products. At the same time, the delegation was informed about the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Food Security" and the requirements for food safety and nutrition. These requirements were submitted to the relevant department of Tajikistan. Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the event. Then, at the meeting organised at AGTI, the guests were informed about the directions of the institute's activity as well as about the work carried out in our country in the field of the development of laboratory systems in the field of food security and the modernization of materials and technical bases. After the meeting, the guests toured the laboratories of the institute to study the principles of work. They followed the process of laboratory tests and examined the instruments and equipment. They also familiarised themselves with the methods of laboratory research on safety and quality indicators of food products of vegetable and animal origin and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. It should be noted that the delegation headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Food Security under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, Early Karimzoda, visited our country within the framework of the FAO project "Transition to Food Systems: Promoting Food Systems for People, Planet, and Common Progress". --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 December 2023 13:53 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on measures on capital repair of roads in the territory of Sabunchu district of Baku. For the purpose of capital repair of roads in Zabrat, Sabunchu and Ramana settlements of Sabunchu district of Baku from the amount specified in subparagraph 1.31.25 of "Distribution of funds provided in the state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2023 for state capital investments (investment expenditures)" approved by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 3720 dated January 23, 2023, the State Roads Agency of Azerbaijan has been allocated 450,000 manat ($264,705). In accordance with the decree, the Ministry of Finance is instructed to ensure financing in the amount specified in Part 1 of this decree, and the Cabinet of Ministers is instructed to solve issues arising from the decree. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 December 2023 16:46 (UTC+04:00) Nigar Hasanova Read more Azerbaijan joined the EBRD on September 25, 1992, after the country regained its independence. Besides, the bank helps Azerbaijan diversify its economy by supporting the development of the private sector in non-oil sectors and strengthening the governance of private and state-owned companies. Further expanding access to finance for local businesses by encouraging lending by banks and non-bank financial institutions as well as by helping develop local currency and capital markets, EBRD also supports the country in developing its green economy. Thus, the bank has implemented 177 projects in Azerbaijan, with investments totaling 3.108 billion. As a result of this investment, the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) has committed 100 million to the EBRD's Equity Participation Fund (EPF). The initial size of the EPF is 350 million. This year, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Azerbaijan examined the prospect of boosting renewable energy cooperation. Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, shared information about this on the "X" social network. "Within the framework of our visit to Great Britain, we met with the first vice president of the EBRD, Jurgen Rigterink. Our discussions included the perspective priorities of bilateral cooperation in the fields of renewable energy sources (BEM), the private sector, and information technologies. We considered the possibilities of expanding the activities of the EBRD in Azerbaijan," the minister said in the tweet. With this possible cooperation in the sphere of renewable energy, Azerbaijan not only contributes to the economy but also develops it in a sustainable manner. Besides, Azerbaijan decided to double the volume of gas it exports to Europe to 20 billion cubic metres a year through signing a new Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy. Recall that, during the event in 2022, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson met with President Ilham Aliyev and Azeri Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov to strengthen the existing cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan. Today, with this new Memorandum of Understanding, we are opening a new chapter in our energy cooperation with Azerbaijan, a key partner in our efforts to move away from Russian fossil fuels. Not only are we looking to strengthen our existing partnership, which guarantees stable and reliable gas supplies to the EU via the Southern Gas Corridor, but we are also laying the foundations of a long-term partnership on energy efficiency and clean energy as we both pursue the objectives of the Paris Agreement. But energy is only one of the areas where we can enhance our cooperation with Azerbaijan, and I look forward to tapping the full potential of our relationship, this was told by the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. It should be noted that, as stated in the President's comments, Azerbaijan's collaboration with the EU is not limited to only the energy sector for investment. This year, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has allocated a loan of 60 million USD to "Azerbaijan Caspian Sea Shipping" CJSC (ASCO). Additionally, Azerbaijan is a member of the European Neighbourhood's Eastern Partnership (EaP), and increasing the country's economic resilience is critical for the EU. The expansion in the number of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) has a substantial impact on a country's economic resilience. According to a European Commission report published in 2023 as part of the EU4Business initiative, between 2009 and 2017, the EU contributed 14 million euros, supported 11,300 businesses, and created 3 thousand new jobs, effectively increasing exports, expanding trade opportunities, and assisting businesses in growing. Only in 2021, the EU4Business initiative supported almost 13 thousand SMEs in Azerbaijan, generating 63 million euros in revenue and creating an additional 2 thousand jobs. The difference in the time-to-output ratio demonstrates the EU's growing interest in assisting SMEs and in creating new jobs in Azerbaijan. In terms of potential investment opportunities, a high-level working group on the EU's Economic Investment Plan was launched jointly by the European Union and Azerbaijan. In the spirit of Team Europe, the new coordination body will steer and identify priority investments to be delivered with EU support in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the EU Member States' development finance institutions. This will contribute to maximising the potential of Azerbaijan's Economic and Investment Plan, which aims to mobilise up to EUR 2 billion in investments in the nation through new financial instruments such as blending and guarantee. Such key investments would help the government diversify the Azerbaijani economy, provide quality jobs throughout the country, and encourage inclusive rural development. In a nutshell, EBRD is pleased to have a close partnership with Azerbaijan through the launch of the high-level working group on the economic and investment plan. The launch of the high-level working group on the Economic and Investment Plan is another clear sign of our close partnership with Azerbaijan. The Economic and Investment Plan is already delivering tangible benefits for the people of Azerbaijan, with almost EUR 90 million being committed and a significant pipeline of investment projects being built. This includes investments towards upgrading street lighting in Ganja and supporting access to finance for small businesses across the country. With the launch of our joint working group, we can ensure that Azerbaijan and its people will benefit even more from the investment potential provided by the Economic Investment Plan." The European Commissions Director for Neighbourhood East and Institution Building, Lawrence Meredith, said. In conclusion, the current policy and present circumstances, such as rising energy consumption, emphasise the necessity for the EU to address multidimensional energy concerns of the union, such as security, diversification, and supply sustainability. In this context, the EU has financed a number of projects aimed at diversifying the region's sources of revenue. Due to its geographical location as a producer, the continent seeks to collaborate with Azerbaijan, boosting relations through the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership Program. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, professes a willingness to engage in political and economic cooperation with the EU in order to get access to the global market and be acknowledged as a regional force. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 December 2023 14:46 (UTC+04:00) Nigar Hasanova Read more "Azerbaijani Film Night" was held for the first time in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane with the support of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Australia and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Azernews reports. The embassy said that from November 30 to December 15 in major cities in Australia and Azerbaijan, the film "Ali and Nino," symbolising the deep cultural bridge between the two countries, was screened. Vagif Jafarov, Azerbaijan's charge d'affaires in Australia, spoke at the opening of the Sydney premiere, which was actively attended by the local community, artists, diplomats, and our compatriots living in this country. "Ali and Nino," which was shown in several countries around the world and was executive produced by Heydar Aliyev Foundation's vice president Leyla Aliyeva said that his film earned a deserved place among the most valuable screen works that shed light on the national liberation struggle of the Azerbaijani people. The diplomat expressed his confidence that the screening of the film "Ali and Nino" has a special place in the cultural relations of the two countries and that the film will present interesting moments about the history and culture of Azerbaijan and create a broad impression on the audience about the past and cultural richness of our nation. V. Jafarov said that the close participation of our Azerbaijani compatriots living in Australia in the organisation of film nights is a remarkable event. Their determination to demonstrate the rich traditions and history of Azerbaijan in foreign countries is once again an indicator of how closely attached Azerbaijanis are to their national values, regardless of where they live. At the end of the event, the book "Ali and Nino" by Gurban Said was given as a gift to guests. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 December 2023 17:42 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more A panel session "Protection of intangible cultural heritage and modern challenges" has been held as part of the Cultural Heritage Forum. The forum is co-organized by Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Culture Ministry, Azernews reports. At the panel session, moderated by the head of the Department of Art and Intangible Cultural Heritage Sevil Karimova, Ph.D. in art history, architect Elchin Shamilli noted that Azerbaijan has a rich cultural heritage. He stressed that today it is necessary to present cultural heritage in a modern form: Speaking about Turkic fine arts, the architect underlined that this is one of the important branches of the Azerbaijani culture. He emphasized the need to describe this art in modern aspects. Creative Director of the Azerkhalcha Open Joint Stock Company Asmar Abdullayeva stressed that creative products are very important at all times. "Unemployed women can practice the art of carpet weaving and earn income. Women currently working in the carpet weaving industry are good professionals. However, we continue to provide training for them and support carpet weaving, which is considered our historical and cultural heritage. In general, young people are showing interest in this area," she said. A. Abdullayeva also spoke about the sale of carpets. She noted that each carpet has its own story and this story must be conveyed to the buyer during the sale. The head of the sector of the Culture Ministry Nuriya Mammadova touched upon the difficulty of preserving cultural heritage. "This forum is a call for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage in the modern era. Because examples of intangible cultural heritage are transmitted orally, and this can cause certain changes over time. The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was created to protect the authenticity of the world's heritage. Azerbaijan is the most active state among the countries participating in this convention," she added. Doctor of Philosophy in art history, associate professor Telman Ibrahimov said that most of the Azerbaijani cultural heritage was captured by the Armenians. "During the occupation, samples taken from the houses and museums in Garabagh were massively exported to Armenia and presented to the whole world as Armenian cultural heritage. In particular, illegal excavations have been carried out in Agdam for almost 30 years. As a result of these excavations, many examples of jewelry were discovered from these sites," said Telman Ibrahimov. T. Ibrahimov also proposed returning these samples in accordance with international legal standards. To do this, monitoring should be carried out in Garabagh and the return of stolen cultural samples should be demanded. At the end, the panel session continued with discussions. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz International Mugham Center has hosted a concert themed "Future Stars" dedicated to the memory of the founder of the jazz-mugham, Honored Artist Vagif Mustafazade (1940- 1979). The event was organized by the House Museum and the Vagif Mustafazade Charitable Foundation within the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Azernews reports. Director of the House-Museum and Chairman of the Vagif Mustafazadeh Charitable Foundation Afag Aliyeva welcomed the guests of the event. She spoke about the legacy of the outstanding musician and shared her memories about him. Vice-President of the Vagif Mustafazade Charitable Foundation, laureate of international competitions, Honored Artist Emil Afrasiyab also addressed the event. The concert program featured works by Vagif Mustafazade. An excellent opportunity was given to the children of celebrities, to demonstrate their talents at the concert. At spectacular concert, the son of People's Artist Azer Zeynalov Farid brilliantly performed the work "March", the son of People's Artist Anvar Sadigov-Hidayat thrilled the audience with the song "Stay in My Heart", the son of Honored Artist Emil Afrasiyab-Javad delighted music lovers with the song "Spring", the son of Honored Artist Shahin Novrsali - Mirsamad left audience in awe with the song "Will Power", great-grandson the great poet Samad Vurgun - Vurgun mesmerized the listeners with the song "Mother". Also, a student of music school No. 2 named after Vagif Mustafazade Isa Bagirov performed a composition "Fantasy", Vusal Aydamirov and Ibrahim Babayev - "Bayaty Shiraz", Muhammad Allahverdiyev - "Aziza", Javanshir Abdullayev - "Tallinn in May", Elkhan Niftiyev - "Melody", Emil Ahmadzade and Nazila Aliyeva - "Roads", Elmar Huseynov - "Pages of Life" while Sabah Choir presented "My Paradise - Garabagh". The young talents received a storm of applause from the audience. Born in 1940, outstanding composer, pianist, founder of the jazz-mugham style, Honored Artist of the Azerbaijani SSR, and laureate of the State Prize Vagif Mustafazade received his first musical education at music school, where his mother Zivar Aliyeva worked. From 1957 to 1963, he continued his education at the Asaf Zeynalli music school. In 1964, he entered the Uzeyir Hajibayli Azerbaijani State Conservatoire. In 1965, the musician was invited to Tbilisi as the musical director of the famous Orero ensemble, and in the same year, he created the Caucasus jazz trio at the Georgian Philharmonic. In 1967, he attended the International Jazz Festival in Tallinn. In 1970, Vagif Mustafazade created the Leyli vocal quartet, and in 1971 Sevil vocal-instrumental ensemble under the State Radio. Vagif Mustafazade became a laureate of the jazz festival in Donetsk in 1977. He was awarded the title of laureate and best pianist at the jazz festival (1978) in Tbilisi. He also took first place as the best composer at the International Competition of Jazz Composers in Monaco (1979) for his composition "Waiting for Aziza" and won the White Grand Piano award. In the same year, he was awarded the honorary title of Honored Artist of Azerbaijan. Mustafazade combined Azerbaijani mughams with traditional jazz techniques, creating a synthesis of mugham and jazz. Similar innovations made by him in Azerbaijani music are still relevant, and many musicians use the synthesis of jazz and mugham created by the composer. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 19 December 2023 12:43 (UTC+04:00) By Mazahir Afandiyev Climate change is a major hazard to biodiversity on the planet, in addition to posing a serious threat to civilization and sustainable development worldwide. Melting glaciers, early plant blossoming, rising air temperatures, droughts, fires, natural disasters, and crises in the economy and society that are made worse by climate change are all obvious signs of global climate change. The substantial amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere in most states with large industrial centres as a result of the alterations brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution makes the fight against climate change much more difficult. It is important to mention that this pressing issue first came up at the end of the past century. One of the most crucial actions in the battle against climate change for resolving such international political issues was to hold an eco-dialogue. With the passage of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992, governments and nations around the globe gave their approval to the adoption of more aggressive measures going forward. This Convention, which calls for the ongoing exchange of information, concepts, and discussions while considering improvements in political governance and scientific understanding, has made additional obligations possible. Azerbaijan has always been sensitive to these challenges. The area of environment, which President Ilham Aliyev has taken specific control over in the context of long-term reforms over the last 20 years, involves the country's readiness for new challenges in the context of climate change. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was ratified by Azerbaijan in 1995. Azerbaijan signed the Paris Agreement (addition to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) on April 22, 2016, and the Milli Majlis (the Azerbaijani Parliament) ratified it in October of the same year. Azerbaijan's sustainable development strategy includes both official policies targeted at improving the environmental condition and large-scale work to solve the nation's environmental concerns. 2010 was designated as the "Year of Ecology" in Azerbaijan as a result of the work completed; in 2013, several national and international events were held in our country in conjunction with the Year of Ecology, which was announced throughout the CIS region; additionally, one of the objectives stated in the document "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities of Socio-Economic Development," which was signed on February 2, 2021, was to transform the nation into one with a clean environment and "green growth". The fact that Azerbaijan has just had another significant success is not coincidental. Consequently, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP29, was scheduled for the next year in Baku, one of the world's most beautiful towns. Generally speaking, one of the main focuses of Azerbaijan's vast foreign policy has been to promote our nation, its natural resources, its demographic potential, its geopolitical location, and all areas of culture, the arts, and music worldwide. Thus far, Azerbaijan has successfully organised numerous international conferences and other noteworthy events, proving itself as a dependable partner in the global arena. In addition, Baku is now regarded as one of the greatest locations for the effective hosting of important international events and the welcoming of dignitaries visiting the nation, due to the infrastructural advancements that have been made. "We fully deserve that. As a result of our policy, we have secured very strong positions on a global scale. Respect for Azerbaijan in the international arena is growing by the day, and we have earned this respect with our actions, work, and policies." President Ilham Aliyev stated this at a meeting on December 15, dedicated to COP29, which will take place in our state the following year. The President's statements have already been validated in real life. Azerbaijan, which signed the "Contract of the Century" in 1994 and is well-known around the globe as a dependable oil and gas nation, is effectively changing its energy strategy into a policy of "green" energy and a "green" economy during the fourth industrial revolution. Specifically, in the aftermath of the Second Garabagh-Patriotic War, Azerbaijan has taken a leading role in improving global energy security by initiating many major megaprojects aimed at boosting the "green" economy and "green" energy production. From this vantage point, friendly nations are demonstrating a strong desire to strengthen current ties in the area of exporting domestically produced alternative energy in addition to oil and gas. Our main objective during COP29, which takes place in 2024, is to show the world that Azerbaijan's energy strategy presently prioritises the development of new forms of "green" energy and getting them to global markets. I am confident that in organising this event, along with states and non-governmental organisations, civil society, and international organisations, our youth and volunteers will make the greatest efforts. I believe that they will also display dedication and heroism on this platform, as they have demonstrated during the grandiose and extensive international events held in our country thus far. Speaking to attendees at the 6th solidarity forum of Azerbaijani volunteers on December 13 in Baku, President Ilham Aliyev said, "It is gratifying that today our volunteers enthusiastically join social initiatives and innovative projects across every corner of the country, aligning with the goals and principles of the state youth policy aimed at the continuous progress of Azerbaijan." Mazahir Afandiyev is the Member of the Milli Majlis (the Azerbaijani Parliament). --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Israel faced another round of global pressure on Tuesday for a ceasefire in Gaza with a new U.N. vote and fresh Western diplomatic efforts, although the United States vowed to continue arming its ally. The U.N. Security Council was set to convene Tuesday to weigh a call for a ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory, after a previous bid was vetoed by the United States. UK Foreign Minister David Cameron was also due to meet French and Italian leaders to push for a "sustainable ceasefire" in the conflict, his office said. The war in Gaza began when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on October 7, killing around 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and abducting 250, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israel's military response has killed more than 19,400 people, mostly women and children. The ministry said an Israeli strike killed at least 20 people on Tuesday in the southern city of Rafah, near the border with Egypt. On a visit to Israel, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed Monday to keep arming its ally, which Washington has already provided with billions of dollars in military aid. "We'll continue to provide Israel with the equipment that you need to defend your country... including critical munitions, tactical vehicles and air defense systems," Austin said. Austin was touring the Middle East as concerns grew over the war's spread around the region, with Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen attacking international shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Hamas. Austin announced the formation on Monday of a 10-nation coalition to quell the rising number of Huthi attacks on tankers, cargo ships and other vessels in the Red Sea. The coalition includes the United States, United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, Austin said. In the latest Red Sea incidents, Huthi rebels said Monday they had attacked two "Israeli-linked" vessels. Ceasefire push The U.N. Security Council had been scheduled to vote on a ceasefire resolution on Monday. A draft of the resolution called for an "urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities" in Gaza to allow "safe and unhindered humanitarian access". However the United Arab Emirates, which introduced the latest text, requested the vote be postponed to Tuesday to allow for complex negotiations to continue, diplomatic sources told AFP. Qatar, which helped mediate a week-long truce and hostage-prisoner exchange last month, has also said there are "ongoing diplomatic efforts to renew the humanitarian pause", outside of the U.N. process. "Hamas is ready for a prisoner exchange deal, but after a ceasefire," an official from the group said Tuesday. U.S. news platform Axios on Monday reported that Mossad chief David Barnea, CIA director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met in Warsaw. 'Starvation' International alarm has mounted over the plight of 2.4 million Gazans forced to endure daily bombardment, food and water shortages and mass displacement. The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell accused Israel on Monday of displaying an "appalling lack of distinction" in its campaign in Gaza, highlighting the deaths of Israeli hostages, worshipers and other Palestinian civilians. Human Rights Watch said on Monday Israel was "using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare". "Israeli forces are deliberately blocking the delivery of water, food and fuel, while willfully impeding humanitarian assistance, apparently razing agricultural areas," the New York-based group said. An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman said the organization "has no moral basis to talk about what's going on in Gaza," accusing Human Rights Watch of ignoring "the suffering and the human rights of Israelis." A report by Washington's Director of National Intelligence, quoted by U.S. media, said that nearly half of munitions dropped by Israeli aircraft on Gaza were "dumb" bombs unguided munitions with limited accuracy. Israeli air force officers on Monday defended their actions. "All the bombs we use are high-precision bombs," an officer told reporters during a military-organized visit of the Palmahim air base, on the Mediterranean coast south of Tel Aviv. The Israeli army said Tuesday two more soldiers had died, bringing the toll to 131 in the Gaza Strip since ground operations began in late October. Aid 'breakthrough' Israel has approved aid deliveries into Gaza via its Kerem Shalom crossing, aside from the Rafah crossing with Egypt, and dozens of trucks entered through Kerem Shalom on Monday, said an AFP journalist. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller hailed the opening of the crossing for humanitarian assistance and the arrival into Gaza of trucks carrying commercial goods as "important breakthroughs." At the Rafah crossing, previously the only point where aid had been allowed through, families gathered in the hopes of finally being allowed across to safety. "We've been here for about a month," said Safa Fathi Hamad. "We are going to die, food is very limited and we have no protection." Israeli protests Israelis protested Monday in central Tel Aviv, calling for swift action to release the remaining 129 hostages believed to be held in Gaza. The anger and fear of hostages' families has intensified after Israeli forces mistakenly shot dead three captives who had escaped their captors. Reports said the trio waved white flags and used food leftovers to write a Hebrew-language message on a white sheet before they were shot. Hamas's military wing released footage it claimed showed three of those still held captive. The video featured three bearded men sitting on chairs at an undisclosed location and asking to be released. The Gaza war has also seen violence spiral in the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces shot dead four Palestinians in a West Bank refugee camp Monday, the Palestinian health ministry said, taking the toll in the occupied territory to over 300 during the Gaza war. (AFP) 19 December 2023 15:39 (UTC+04:00) Nigar Hasanova Read more A seminar dedicated to the 78th anniversary of the establishment of the National Government of Azerbaijan was held in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, Azernews reports. The event was organized by the Editorial Board of the Swedish magazine "Tribune" and the Procurement Committee. At the seminar, editor-in-chief of "Tribun" magazine Alirza Ardabili, Suheyla Azizi introduced the agenda of the seminar to the participants. Dr. Yunis Lacy Derilu reported on the results of the research conducted based on new facts about the life and activities of Sayyid Jafar Peshawar in the period after the establishment, activity, and fall of the Azerbaijani National Government. Rafael Huseynov, deputy of Milli Mejlis (the Azerbaijani Parliament), professor, doctor of philology, and a full member of ANAS, who participated in the seminar as a guest, spoke about the history of the National Government of South Azerbaijan, its importance, and the impact on the national liberation movements of the peoples of the Near and Middle East. Tufan Gunduz, a Turkish professor and history teacher at Ankara Gazi University, spoke about the great role of Turks in Iranian society. Duman Radmehr, one of the leading members of the Azerbaijan Centre for Democracy and Development, spoke about the opportunities and problems of the national movement of South Azerbaijan. At the event, information was also provided about the articles published in "Tribune" magazine this year. It should be noted that the National Government of Azerbaijan was declared on December 12, 1945 (the 21st of Azar month according to the Iranian calendar), and on December 11, 1946, it was destroyed by foreign forces under the leadership of the Pahlavi regime of Mohammadrza Shah. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz On December 18, the Council of the European Union agreed on the twelfth package of sanctions against Russia, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency. More than 140 individuals and legal entities were subject to restrictions. Among them are Rosfinmonitoring, telecom operator MirTelecom, AlfaStrakhovanie group, Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant, Tupolev design bureau and the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan. The EU also imposed personal sanctions against the founder and CEO of Microtech, Andrei Khokhlun. A native of Uzbekistan is accused of helping the Russian military industry by re-exporting semiconductors from European countries. In September, the US Treasury included Khokhlun on the sanctions list. The EU Council has obliged European exporters to add a clause to their contracts prohibiting the re-export of certain sensitive goods to Russia or to another country for Russian use. Such goods include dual-use technologies and certain aviation products (tires, antenna reflectors, brake pads, including jet fuel). Such a clause must be introduced into new export contracts by March 20, 2024, and if the contract was concluded before December 19, 2023, then the corresponding clause is added by December 20, 2024. However, the restriction does not apply to the supply of sensitive goods to partner countries, which include the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland. In addition, the EU prohibits the import of Russian diamonds, cast iron, liquefied gas, ferroalloys, iron, copper and aluminum wire and foil from 2024. Exports to Russia of lithium batteries, thermostats, DC motors and servos for drones, some cars, construction products and lasers will be stopped. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/texas-aoy-121923.html Other Bass Tournament News Image In a state where it seems avid bass anglers are equal in number to Whataburger drive-thrus, few can rival the achievements of Russell Cecil and Stephen Johnston over the past two decades, and that includes yet another stellar year in 2023. Theyve competed against one another for years, share a friendship, and have a whole lot in common. Cecil lives near Lake Conroe, and Johnston guides on Toledo Bend and Rayburn, but both run a smooth riding Vexus Boat with a huge front deck, and their facial hair features a fair amount of salt and pepper. They also leaned very little on forward-facing sonar en route to sitting atop angler of the year points races in mega-tough trails such as the Brandon Belt Team Series, the Texas Team Trail, and the Toyota Series. The two recently met up at iconic Cassels-Boykin boat ramp on Lake Sam Rayburn where they offered not only their thoughts on forward facing sonar, but also the lures that brought them success this past season. Im definitely not the youngest guy in the tournament field anymore, so I guess my two top lure choices for the past season kind of reflect my reliance on something old and something new, grins Cecil, a highly successful tackle sales rep for brands like 6th Sense, Falcon Rods and Costa eyewear. There are still very few tournaments when I dont have an old school 10 worm tied on. Aside from the very heart of the spawn, Ill have a big 6th Sense Ridge Tail worm tied on to fish all kinds of habitat from 8 to 30 feet deep, he emphasizes. The uniquely designed worm features a flat tail, so it doesnt twist your line like traditional big ribbon tail worms often do, and its action proved plenty appealing to a 9-pounder at Choke Canyon during a Texas Team Trail event. Cecil typically ties it to 20-pound Sunline fluorocarbon with a 3/8-ounce weight and a 5/0 off-set Owner wide gap hook. Forward-facing sonar certainly became a bigger part of my fishing this year, but still only accounted for around 30% of what we weighed-in. When we did utilize it, a 3.8 Divine swimbait on a 3/16 Divine jig head featuring a shorter shank hook was my go-to lure for intercepting bass we were looking at on the screen, says Cecil. As for Johnston, who has declined more than one invitation to fish professionally on a national level in favor of guiding and competing closer to home, the latest sonar technology accounted for almost none of his success in 2023. Ninety-five percent of what I took to the scales this past year had nothing to do with forward-facing sonar. Relying on that technology just didnt line up with how we were catching them. I actually caught a ton of fish pretty darn shallow on a new prototype swim jig with a boot tail trailer that lure designer Tim Reneau gave me to use, says Johnston. He believes the swim jigs unique side-to-side hunting action, versus a typical straight back to the boat swimming action is what generated so many strikes for him at famous Texas fisheries like Ray Roberts and elsewhere this season. So perhaps the best take-away from these two Texas bass fishing legends is a willingness to try something new, whether its sonar technology or the wide wobble of a new jig head, without fully abandoning the baits that have proved equally as tasty as crispy fries dipped in Fancy Ketchup at one of those 700+ orange and white burger joints that dominate the Lonestar States landscape. To learn more about the Vexus Boats like the ones these two top anglers love, please visit https://vexusboats.com/. Bill Graham calls on UNC Board of Governors to investigate recent antisemitic, UNC-sponsored event Press Release: SALISBURY, NC Bill Graham, Republican contender for Governor, is calling for an investigation by the UNC Board of Governors into the recent antisemitic events at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). The incident, which took place during the event "No Peace Without Justice: A Round-Table Talk about Social Justice in Palestine," featured remarks by Dr. Rania Masri, who referred to Oct. 7 as a "beautiful day" and expressed admiration for violence against Israelis. During the event. Masri spoke in admiration of the Hamas terrorists. During the UNC event, Masri said, "That is what Oct. 7 means to many of us. And I just want to be very frank about it and not be in the least bit apologetic of the violence of the oppressed or the occupied." She later described Zionism as a "cancer." Bill Graham strongly denounced such language and called for an immediate investigation into the event by the Board of Governors, questioning the university's commitment to providing a safe environment for Jewish students. "UNC-Chapel Hill must take swift and decisive action to address the repugnant antisemitic behavior that occurred during this event," Bill Graham said. "It is unacceptable that this event was sponsored by the University and that UNC professors affirmed the antisemitic comments and went so far as to organize the event." "I guarantee that the citizens of North Carolina do not support their tax dollars being used to support such horrific rhetoric against Jews," Graham said. "This is starting to become a pattern at one of our state's most prestigious universities, and it must be addressed." "I stand firmly against antisemitism in all its forms, and I call on the UNC Board of Governors to thoroughly investigate this incident and take appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of students at UNC," Graham said. "Parents should always have confidence that universities are fostering appropriate campus environments for Jewish students, especially in times like these." The news of the antisemitic, UNC-sponsored event surfaces amid national controversy over Harvard President Claudine Gay's lack of support for Jewish students in her testimony before Congress as well as the ousting of the University of Pennsylvania's president over her refusal to address anti-semitism. Since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, there have been concerns across the country over anti-semitism on college campuses. This week, Greensboro Police found a swastika on a Holocaust memorial. The UNC story was reported by The Algemeiner, "a global news destination published online and in print, serves as an independent media voice covering the Middle East, Israel and matters of Jewish interest around the world." Contact: Alex Baltzegar Email: alex@billgrahamforgovernor.com 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. "Disruptor" can be a dividing term in the healthcare industry. While some physicians are excited about new disruptions that promise to add ease to the surgical workflow, others are nervous about the entrance of new companies and big box retailers into the space. Several healthcare specialists have spoken with Becker's about disruptors that they are both hopeful and nervous about headed into 2024. Artificial intelligence and new technology: "The biggest health disruptor in 2024 will be consumer wearables. Patients now have access to their data with devices such as Apple Watch, Karida and Oura Ring. The more information patients have, the better they will be able to manage their own healthcare. From a patient's perspective, it's only positive. From a physician's perspective, it can be overwhelming. I get daily reports from patients about abnormal recordings from their wearables. How do I respond when only the wearable is abnormal? Keeping up with this data and questions from patients has already become demanding." Sri Sundaram, MD. Electrophysiologist at South Denver Cardiology Associates. "The healthcare disruptor that I am eyeing is how health systems and hospitals will respond to healthcare becoming more consumer-based. How technology and utilization of AI is going to drive care outside of hospitals and into clinics, homes and virtual models." Vineet Sharma, MD. Emergency Medicine Physician in Los Angeles. "Orthopedics is so ripe for technologies and innovations. So there are certain disruptors that you sort of keep an eye on that serve the basic blocking and tackling of operating in a center and technologies or advances that help you to achieve efficiencies associated with time. Whether or not that is optimizing time or measuring time or anything that allows you to control some of the variables throughout the day. But from a true industry disruptor standpoint, when I think about the technology bucket, I think about virtual or mixed reality, whether or not those are headsets or some other technologies that have the opportunity to be embedded into the entire surgical process." Kyle Anderson. Vice President of Finance and ASC at Ortho Rhode Island in Warwick. "Progress in less invasive interventional technology, increasing attention to address burnout in healthcare workers, improving patient access to diagnostic tools, mobile access to virtual care for patients, steps to cover home care by insurers to avoid hospitalization, and the rise of physician executives in healthcare administration." Bhagwan Satiani, MD. Professor of Surgery Emeritus in the Department of Surgery at the Ohio State University in Columbus. "In the coming years, we will see an unprecedented technological evolution that will disrupt how we practice and deliver healthcare. This evolution will primarily revolve around the increase in artificial intelligence and its integration into every facet of patient care. AI can streamline care by reducing physician administrative burden, improving diagnostic accuracy, eliminating redundancy and minimizing physician errors. The introduction of AI into electronic medical records will occur piecemeal, with often undetectable change. However, in the coming decade, such technology will be commonplace and come to be expected by physicians and other providers." Sean Moroze, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon affiliated with Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart Bay Orthopedics in Panama City, Fla. "AI is the most exciting and most worrisome potential disruptor. AI can improve healthcare quality but can also cause disruption that will dramatically change the marketplace." Harel Deutsch, MD. Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago. "I've been a practicing orthopedic spine surgeon for 32 years and I am most excited about recent advancements in implant and biomaterial technology. For decades, the orthopedic world has concentrated on the strength and biomechanical properties of implants without adequately considering the cellular and physiologic response the body has to these implants. This is the reason that titanium and PEEK have remained the status quo in spinal surgery, despite shortcomings. Finally, new implants have been developed that not only retain desired biomechanical properties but additionally create a highly favorable cellular and immunologic response at the surgical site. This response controls inflammation and promotes healing, which translates into better clinical outcomes. The most exciting of these implants is ZFUZE from DiFusion Technologies." Daniel George, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon with the Center for Bone and Joint Care in Putnam, Conn. Prior authorization changes and denials: "The biggest disruptor in the healthcare industry now, and this will continue into 2024, is the ongoing problem with prior approval for procedures, labs and imaging studies by many of the insurance companies. This also carries over to prescription medication. This will continue to result in delayed diagnosis and potential treatment for multiple medical problems. I'm afraid this may lead to more and more physicians leaving the medical field because of the above problems." Sheldon Taub, MD. Gastroenterologist at Jupiter (Fla.) Medical Center. New ownership trends: "Im worried about the mass exodus of privately owned physician practices being incorporated into major healthcare systems. For those hospital systems that encourage a partnership with freestanding ASCs, I'm hopeful, but there are plenty of healthcare systems that knowingly remove affordable options in their community in order to sustain their bottom line." Marie Yarborough. Administrative Director of Sequoia Surgical Pavilion in Walnut Creek, Calif. "New fixed-profit pharmacy companies like Cost Plus drugs by Mark Cuban. I think this is the tip of a very large iceberg, and hopefully new startups will spring out of this. Pharmacies are places patients are being taken advantage of in broad daylight and, as Americans, we accept it as normal, and it is clearly not normal." Nadeem Goraya, MD. Chair of the Department of Medicine at Bakersfield (Calif.) Memorial Hospital. "Although consolidation within an industry has been happening for years, consolidation like this across multiple business sectors (inside and outside of healthcare) is very concerning. Although physicians can find themselves in jail for a variety of activities deemed to be an 'internal referral,' companies who acquire pharmacies, drug manufacturing, companies and clinics can refer only to themselves without fear of penalty. They can also deny coverage for medications made by other companies or simply deny their customers the ability to visit competing pharmacies, etc. Currently, some Cigna plans do not allow their customers to go to CVS pharmacies due to their agreement with a competing insurance company. At the end of the day, this type of consolidation will likely yield profits for large companies and their shareholders, but it will undoubtedly be bad for the patients and eventually the physicians as well." John Burleson, MD. Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics in Nashville, Tenn. "The issue with retailers entering the healthcare space is much the same story as corporate medicine we see practiced all over this country. Opinion-makers are obsessed with growth. This works well in retail and trade, but not with human lives. These companies can create megaclinics, where costs are initially low, patients don't see actual doctors, and when they close due to insolvency, the patients are left high and dry and/or with substandard care and no one held accountable." Brian Gantwerker, MD. The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles. "The more healthcare becomes transactional, the less patients will have the warm and fuzzy feelings about their treating provider. The less power MDs will have in the system, the human touch will be replaced by episodic algorithmic care. The outliers, contraindications and reliable transfer of information will take a back seat to overarching standards. I worry that the ability to innovate will be stifled by the one-size-fits-all mentality based on older data because it's proven, and newer treatments will not be approved. The constant scrutiny of the pre-approval process will cross the line for deciding treatments or indirectly, and de facto, become practicing medicine without a license." Alan Reznik, MD. Chief Medical Officer of Connecticut Orthopaedics in Hamden. The Great Falls (Mont.) Clinic and Hospital is moving several nonclinical departments into a former Centene facility. The building, which was purchased this summer by Great Falls Clinic partner Catalyst Realty, will be renamed Great Falls Clinic Health Center. The purchase will help Great Falls Hospital address parking and future growth needs, according to the release. Health system COO Bradley Weast said the purchase of the Centene property will provide improved patient access and expand several departments, including potentially primary care, therapies and behavioral health, the release said. Officials in Fresno County, Calif., are pleading with the public to avoid emergency rooms for nonemergency conditions as its hospitals face significant strain, operating over capacity by a minimum of 20% to 40%. Hospitals in the county are seeing a "historic number" of admitted patients amid a sharp rise in respiratory disease from COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus, the Fresno County Department of Public Health and Central California Emergency Medical Services said in a Dec. 18 news release. As hospitals exceed capacity, some patients waiting to be admitted are being held in the emergency department for up to four days. Non-patient areas including conference rooms are also being used to hold patients, officials said. Health officials are urging people to utilize urgent care centers, clincis, physicians' offices and telehealth for nonemergency care as ED waiting times regularly exceed 10 hours for patients with nonemergencies. "If conditions in the hospitals don't improve, hospitals may need to temporarily divert patients for a period until it is safe to re-open, which would place significant pressure on other local hospitals that remain open," the health department said, adding that the area currently has an "assess and refer policy" in which ambulances assess patients and give alternative recommendations when a patient is stable and does not require emergent transport. According to ABC affiliate KFSN, Valley Children's Hospital is among those experiencing significant strain, with videos showing beds lined up along a hallway on Dec. 16. Meanwhile, Fresno-based Community Regional Medical Center recently closed its 10-bed pediatric intensive care unit amid higher demand for adult patients. Children in need of ICU-level care will still be able to receive care in the adult unit. "With the continued high volume of patients seeking care in the region, it makes good sense to transition these underutilized beds to treat adult ICU patients without sacrificing specialty specialty services or bed capacity," Danny Davis, BSN, chief clinical and operations officer at Community Health System, which includes Community Regional, said in a statement to local news outlets. "The same high quality intensive care will continue for our pediatric patients at Community Regional, as it always has." Community Regional Medical Center and other Fresno County-area hospitals have faced significant strain since the closure of Madera (Calif.) Community Hospital in December of 2022. Connecticut health plans have decided to work with Manchester-based Eastern Connecticut Health Network to mitigate the effect of billing issues from a cyberattack in early August, according to CT Insider. Deborah Weymouth, CEO of ECHN, said in an October letter to Gov. Ned Lamont that health insurers declined to provide cash advances or pro-ration adjustments for rate increases or extend the time needed to submit bills while the system recovered from the ransomware attack, which forced the system's hospitals offline. The system's three hospitals were already experiencing financial challenges before the attack halted billing operations for six weeks. In the Dec. 18 CT Insider report, Susan Halpin, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Health Plans, said insurance carriers have "had discussions" with the hospitals and reported "good-faith initiatives offered and/or put in place." Prospect Medical owns ECHN but has been planning to sell the hospitals to Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health. The sale has been delayed until the state approves a certificate of need. Christmas came a week early for 29,000 former patients of Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. The hospital, part of Monterey, Calif.-based Montage Health, is forgiving more than $40.2 million in medical debt amassed by these patients between 2020 and 2022, CBS affiliate KION46 reported Dec. 18. Each of the patients will have 100% of their debt forgiven. "We sincerely hope this debt relief provides community members with peace of mind and brings an extra helping of joy to you and your families this holiday season," Matthew Morgan, the health system's vice president and CFO, told the news station. Interview: Manila's provocations in South China Sea harm regional stability, development -- Chinese researcher Xinhua) 13:52, December 19, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' provocations in the South China Sea undermine the cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and could have a spillover effect on the stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region, said a Chinese researcher. The South China Sea has emerged as one hotspot as the Philippines, incited by the United States, noticeably increased its provocations in the South China Sea, said Zhang Jie, a researcher from the National Institute of International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, in a recent interview with Xinhua. The United States has always wrongfully regarded China as the only country with the willingness and capability to challenge it, and in order to avoid a direct confrontation with China, it has chosen to shape the strategic environment around China, according to the researcher. "It is evident that the United States, by directly involving itself, may not have as much legitimacy as, for example, if countries like the Philippines act as its vanguards," she said. The United States aims to keep the South China Sea issue heated but does not desire a complete breakdown. Therefore, it has regarded the recent incidents as law enforcement actions, without invoking the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, according to the expert. "In terms of the situation on the diplomatic stage, it is evident that provocations such as those from the Philippines could indeed disrupt the overall progress of China-ASEAN cooperation," she said. The Asia-Pacific region contributed to over 60 percent of the global GDP growth during the last decade, making it a pivotal area for global economic advancement, she said, adding that ASEAN has concentrated on regional development with the aspiration to maintain its economic growth center. "Given the current economic challenges worldwide, any conflict or major escalation, such as in the South China Sea, could significantly disrupt the trajectory of regional and global economic development," she said. China and ASEAN countries share the consensus that the South China Sea issue is not a security concern, and currently, Southeast Asian countries are confronted with more pressing issues, including food security, energy security, and non-traditional security threats, such as cybersecurity, said the researcher. "So we can see that ASEAN countries refrained from outright endorsement of the Philippines' provocations as they are perceived as potentially jeopardizing the collaborative efforts between China and ASEAN in these pressing issues," Zhang said. It would be preferable for the Philippines to restore dialogue with China with sincerity to find crisis management measures, which should be based on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties, so as to stabilize the overall situation in the South China Sea, said the expert. "It is crucial to establish effective mechanisms for regional security governance and allow for collaborative responses to emerging challenges, so that the economic development momentum across the Asia-Pacific region can be sustained," she added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) An appeal will be heard by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court regarding Los Angeles-based Prospect Holdings' fall 2022 closure of acute care services to Delaware County (Pa.) Memorial Hospital, owned by Springfield, Pa.-based Crozer Health, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Dec. 14. Crozer Health, whose parent company is Prospect, attempted to end all services at DCMH by Nov. 20, 2022, with a goal of turning the hospital into an inpatient behavioral health center by spring 2023. The transition plan was then paused in October 2022 by a Pennsylvania judge after a petition was filed by the Foundation of Delaware County to block the closure. The foundation, which represents the legal interests of the nonprofit that sold Crozer to Prospect in 2016, argued that Prospect's asset purchase agreement requires that it receive the foundation's approval prior to any hospital closures, and that the agreement is in effect until July 1, 2026. Prospect, the foundation, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office then made an agreement in October to halt the legal argument regarding the hospital's closure to give Prospect a 270-day window to sell Crozer to a successor. However, in May 2023, a Pennsylvania appeals court reversed the lower court's ruling that blocked Prospect from closing DCMH's services, which is what the new appeal revokes, according to the publication. In the appeal, the state Supreme Court will consider whether the Commonwealth Court made a mistake by "substituting its judgment for that of the trial court" when the ruling was reversed "on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence of irreparable harm," according to the publication. "We're delighted with the action of the court," Rocco Imperatrice III, a lawyer for the foundation, said in a Dec.15 press release. "Hopefully, there will eventually be much needed emergency services for the DCMH residents in the future." The appeal comes as Crozer hospitals continue to face significant financial challenges like critical service loss, vendor payment struggles, funding for basic ambulance repairs, and worker layoffs. Additionally, due to a Prospect Medical Holdings' multistate cyberattack, Crozer's computer systems were offline for nearly three weeks in August. "The Pennsylvania Supreme Court merely asserted jurisdiction over the appeal but did not rule on anything substantively," Prospect shared with Becker's in a statement. "The decision by the Pa. Commonwealth Court denying the preliminary injunction remains in effect. The Supreme Court will render its decision on this appeal many months from now. We look forward to advancing our position before the Supreme Court as we did successfully before the Commonwealth Court." It is unclear if DCMH would return its acute care services should the Supreme Court act in the foundation's favor, the publication said. However, a company is reportedly willing to fully staff the hospital's emergency department, Mr. Imperatrice told the publication. Technology investment will be critical in the next 12 months for hospitals to redesign healthcare delivery. Most health systems are prioritizing IT and digital technology spend, but what specifically is on the CEO's mind for next year? Based on interviews with health system presidents and CEOs, here is the technology wishlist for the next three years: 1. Seamless care coordination applications. John Couris, CEO of Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital, said health systems will want to invest in developing robust ecosystems of care and building pathways for affordable and efficient access to care. "We will need to deploy new technology and leverage innovative approaches to making this happen," Mr. Couris told Becker's. "At the same time, we must effectively coordinate all of the care patients receive so that they move through the system without friction, can get the care they need promptly, and where potential health concerns are addressed early, leading to improved outcomes." Amy Perry, president of Banner Health in Phoenix, told Becker's successful health systems will build integrated care delivery networks beyond acute care to fill in gaps and make healthcare more accessible and affordable. "Coverage, or premium-based revenue, allows health systems to prioritize health outcomes and quality of life," she said. "All of this must be fueled and integrated by smart application of emerging technology. Health systems must accelerate their ability to transform." 2. Drivers of elite patient experience. Nancy Howell Agee, CEO of Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Va., sees successful health systems being hyer-focused on the patient journey, prioritizing easy access to care and a great experience. Digital technology has emerged to meet those needs and will become even more sophisticated over the next few years. "We will obsessively engage with patients and deliver care that goes beyond medical expertise and includes comfortable environments," Ms. Agee told Becker's. "We'll eliminate wait times and use technology that streamlines processes. As healthcare leaders, innovation is in the DNA of every one of us. A future in which care is convenient, easy to access, technologically enhanced and addresses patients' emotional and practical needs [is ahead]." Peter Banko, division president of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health, told Becker's the patient will be the "ultimate consumer" in the coming years and health systems need "uber friendly technology" for patients to stay competitive. "Consumers will access at their fingertips information, care processes, best practices, research, risks, benefits, costs and outcomes, to further their own understanding and ability to impact care," said Mr. Banko. "More technology and more information will drive different collaborative care models that are consistent and regularized, creating far better processes, hand-ffs and outcomes as well as greater opportunities for self-diagnosis and self-care." Lynne Fiscus, MD, president and CEO of UNC Physicians Network in Durham, N.C., told Becker's health systems desire more customization for consumer segments in the future. "As our patients sort themselves into those who are early and frequent adopters of technology, the more traditional patients and those skeptical of our services, the 'one size fits all' delivery will no longer serve our patient needs," she said. "Meeting patients where they are when and how they want to interact with us as a health system will be imperative for health systems to continue to be relevant amidst the consumer-focused new market entrants." 3. Automation everywhere. Mark Behl, president and CEO of NorthBay Health in Fairfield, Calif., is prioritizing automation to become more efficient and support the workforce. He said healthcare is at an inflection point, and leaders are searching for "imagination, bold ideas and the courage to think differently" in the next few years to redesign the healthcare system. "We should be asking our systems: what should we look like in 20-30 years? Because only then do we start building the right foundation to be successful in this next frontier," Mr. Behl told Becker's. "If we look that far into the future, how many of our legacy workflows will be automated, and if so, shouldn't we be pursuing automation with much greater intensity?" Automation is also at the top of the list for Michael Young, president and CEO of Philadelphia-based Temple University Health System. "We're going to see a lot more automation: mobile-friendly patient scheduling and check-in, more rapid triage and diagnosis of illness, real-time monitoring of treatment adherence, all of this will improve access, quality, and efficiency, leading to better health and business outcomes," he told Becker's. 4. Precision medicine capabilities. Hospital executives must plan today for the "hospital of the future," said David Verinder, president and CEO of Sarasota (Fla.) Memorial Health Care System, which will include more digital capabilities and efficient operating systems. Sarasota Memorial has invested $1 billion in the last three years in new facilities including a new hospital, cancer centers and a behavioral health hospital, and is planning more technology investments that are "expandable and flexible" to accommodate for new innovations affecting patient care. "It's not just about bricks and mortar. In the coming years, health systems must integrate not only the latest medical equipment and robust clinical programs for patients," Mr. Verinder told Becker's. "They also must harness the power of AI and innovative digital health advances to help predict, diagnose and treat diseases, add greater personalization and precision to medicine, expand patients' access to comprehensive care, and improve efficiencies within the workforce." That's certainly easier said than done. But AI-driven data platforms and EHR upgrades are beginning to make this future a reality. Patrick Frias, MD, president and CEO of Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, predicts more technology and data-driven decision-making in clinical care will become standard for the best institutions. "I think you will see a greater focus on precision medicine and technological innovation [in the next three years]," said Dr. Frias. "Over the next few years, health systems may turn more to genomic medicine to diagnose disease and develop treatment plans. At Rady Children's, we've launched an initiative to supplement traditional newborn screening with rapid whole genome sequencing in order to identify genetic diseases in newborns before they become ill." 5. AI-driven technology to support the workforce. Staffing shortages are projected to continue over the next 12 months and beyond, according to Fitch. Health system CEOs want technology platforms driven by artificial intelligence to support their clinical and non-clinical teams as the need for care grows. "Staffing shortages are not new by any means, however, they have been exacerbated by growing demand for healthcare availability largely driven by an aging population and an increasing need for healthcare at all levels," Joseph Webb, CEO of Nashville General Hospital, told Becker's. "In the presence of extreme workforce challenges and shortages, AI will continue to gain momentum in providing more aspects of healthcare delivery as an alternative to physical bodies." 6. Health equity and population health boosters. Hospitals and health systems refocused on closing the gaps in health disparities and delivering customized population health solutions to their communities during the pandemic. There is huge momentum to continue and grow these efforts as technology makes them easier and more affordable. Jill Hoggard Green, PhD, RN, president and CEO of The Queen's Health System in Honolulu, sees AI technologies revolutionizing healthcare and moving the needle with health equity. "At The Queen's Health System, we are evaluating data as a strategic asset so we can better understand the populations we serve and design the models of care that are best for them," she told Becker's. "This will be especially important for reducing health disparities, improving health outcomes for those who are most vulnerable, and reducing the overall cost of care so it remains affordable for everyone." Like what you see? All executives featured in this article will speak at the 14th Annual Meeting in Chicago! Hospital and health system leaders, click here to apply for a complementary badge. Interested in Exhibitor or Sponsorship opportunities to connect with 3,000+ hospital and health system leaders? Download the prospectus here. The role of the chief administrative officer has increasingly made its way into hospital and health system C-suites, and it can look different depending on how the position aligns with the organization's structure. "The biggest challenge with these roles is their evolving nature and that many of them are newly established within their system. Many of these positions have evolved from leaders who began in strategy, human resources, and/or general counsel roles," according to Donna Padilla, executive partner and market leader for healthcare at executive search and advisory firm WittKieffer. Leaders at University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, CommonSpirit Health, UAMS Health, Beth Israel Lahey Health and SSM Health among other hospitals and health systems fulfill the reportedly varying role. There is no one-size-fits-all in terms of what the position looks like at organizations, but the CAO is a key part of the senior leadership team. Duties are more expansive at some systems than others. For example, Rebecca Altman, RN, was selected this year as senior vice president and chief administrative officer for University of Maryland Medical Center's Midtown Campus in West Baltimore. In this inaugural role, among her top priorities are "build[ing] on the operational, clinical and functional integration between UMMC's downtown and midtown campuses, enhancing the medical center's community health initiatives and improving efficiency of its ambulatory services," according to an October hospital news release. John Nguyen, formerly chief strategy officer of St. Louis-based SSM Health, also moved to the newly mintly role of chief administrative officer. He will have accountability for advocacy, governance, marketing and communications and philanthropy efforts. Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health's new CAO, Michelle Johnson Tidjani, will have oversight of "the national budget, ensuring resource optimization across the organization, and implementing the healthcare ministry's new operating model." At some organizations, the CAO can be an alternative to a president or CEO title at a specific hospital, Ms. Padilla told Becker's. As systems continue to identify one CEO or president for the system, they are looking to differentiate the titles across the system to align with responsibilities or underline the operational responsibility of the role. The CAO title, for example, used at Marshfield (Wis.) Clinic Health System denotes the leader at each of their hospitals and regions, said Ms. Padilla. Although it looks different across organizations, the role appears to be growing in prevalence. Eighty-five health systems submitted data on CAOs for 2023 up from 69 in 2019 according to the 2023 Health Care Management and Executive Compensation Survey conducted by Chicago-based consulting firm SullivanCotter. "The use of a chief administrative officer position in leading healthcare organizations has increased in recent years," Bruce Greenblatt, executive workforce practice leader with SullivanCotter, told Becker's. "This is being driven by the greater complexity of operations and the need to 'do more with less' by expanding the span of control of senior leadership positions to oversee multiple areas." Across payers, higher education, life sciences, hospitals and other organizations, WittKieffer's database had about 100 organizations list a CAO in 2020. Now there are 240 of those titles in the database. In healthcare, the firm has seen the number of CAOs triple in the last three years. "We're clearly seeing more of these positions created throughout the industry," Ms. Padilla said. She attributed this, in part, to the ability for organizations to consolidate and create more streamlined C-suites. Hospital C-suites face tough decisions as they focus on key areas such as quality, growth and strategy to ensure long-term success. These decisions range from service cuts to streamlining leadership structures. And while it remains to be seen how many hospitals and health systems will bring on chief administrative officers in 2023, streamlining at the leadership level is sure to continue. Alex Nazarian is no longer president and CEO of Salem (Ill.) Township Hospital. Lisa Ambuehl, BSN, the hospital's chief nursing officer, is currently serving as its interim CEO, according to an update on its leadership page. The resignation took effect at the end of November, local radio station WJBD reported Dec. 19 following a hospital board meeting. Ms. Ambuehl "made it clear she is not interested in the position permanently," the radio station reported, noting it was a busy time for the hospital amid an Epic implementation and multiple construction projects. Salem Township Hospital did not immediately return Becker's request for comment. This article will be updated if more information becomes available. Fountain Valley (Calif.) Regional Hospital has appointed two executives to its leadership team. The hospital, part of Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare, named Richard "Rick" Wang CFO and Andrew Pete COO, according to Dec. 18 hospital news releases shared with Becker's. Mr. Wang previously served as CFO at Santa Ana, Calif.-based KPC Health and enterprise vice president of finance at Whittier, Calif.-based PIH Health. He also worked at public accounting firms including PwC. Mr. Pete most recently served as COO of St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, Calif., and St. John's Hospital Camarillo (Calif.), both part of San Francisco-based Dignity Health. He also held service line leadership responsibilities during his tenure at Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health. Smyrna, Tenn.-based TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center has named Steve Gray CFO, according to a hospital news release posted Dec. 18 by WGNS News. Mr. Gray joins the hospital with extensive experience with HCA Healthcare, which owns StoneCrest. He previously served as CFO at San Antonio-based Methodist Hospital Northeast. He began his career with HCA in 1996 in the corporate reimbursement department. In his new role, Mr. Gray will oversee all financial departments, including finance, patient access, health information management, case management, revenue integrity, information technology and supply chain. The number of hospital mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, affiliations or partnerships that were unwound or abandoned in 2023 sits in the double digits. In a number of cases, Federal Trade Commission intervention, state regulatory reviews and the financial and economic environment contributed to decisions to dissolve or walk away from transactions. The Justice Department and FTC have been active in challenging mergers and acquisitions under the Biden administration, and FTC involvement was an expected risk for systems pursuing deals this year. Industrywide, it also has been a year of slower M&A activity among healthcare organizations and a "grim" time for many big-ticket deals to materialize meaningful synergies or earnings growth. Here are 10 ties between health systems that were unwound or deals that were abandoned before completion in 2023, in reverse chronological order: 1. Walnut Creek, Calif.-based John Muir Health called off plans in December to acquire San Ramon (Calif.) Regional Medical Center from majority owner Tenet Healthcare, which is based in Dallas. The decision was announced one month after the FTC sued to block the deal; the health systems decided not to pursue the challenge "due to the cost and disruption of litigation." 2. Baton Rouge, La.-based Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and Ocean Springs, Miss.-based Singing River Health System mutually called off negotiations in October for a deal in which the former would acquire the latter. Talks between the organizations began in March. 3. Albuquerque, N.M.-based Presbyterian Healthcare Services and West Des Moines, Iowa-based UnityPoint Health called off a planned $11 billion merger in October. The systems said they had reached an agreement after "significant planning and consideration." No official reason was given immediately for the decision. The merger would have created a cross-regional system with nearly 50 hospitals. 3. Louisville, Ky.-based Norton Healthcare and Brentwood, Tenn.-based LifePoint ended a joint venture known as Regional Health Network of Kentucky and Southern Indiana in August. Norton Healthcare took on full ownership of two hospitals in Indiana upon the joint venture's unwinding. 4. Centennial, Colo.-based Centura Health folded into CommonSpirit Health in August, with the Chicago-based system now managing 20 Centura hospitals with plans to retire the Centura brand. CommonSpirit Health and Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth announced in February an end to their Centura Health joint venture, with AdventHealth now managing and operating five of the hospitals that were part of the Centura system. 5. Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health and Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services in July halted their merger efforts to form a 50-hospital after rolling out the plan to combine in November 2022. 6. Tewksbury, Mass.-based Covenant Health in March called off its plan to acquire Day Kimball Healthcare, a health system based in Putnam, Conn. The proposed deal faced opposition from a group of local residents concerned that Covenant, a Catholic health system, would limit services provided at independent Day Kimball, particularly reproductive services. 7. New Bern, N.C.-based CarolinaEast Health System ended its partnership with Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health in March. The affiliation was formed in May 2021. CarolinaEast CEO Michael Smith said in a news release that it is no longer in the best interests of both health systems to maintain the affiliation agreement. 8. State University of New York Upstate Medical University and Crouse Health abandoned in February 2023 their plans to merge, which were proposed in April 2022 by the Syracuse, N.Y.-based systems. The FTC had voiced opposition to the deal, claiming it would leave Syracuse with just two hospital systems Upstate and St. Joseph's Health and give the combined entity a 67 percent share of commercially insured inpatient services in Onondaga County. 9. West Reading, Pa.-based Tower Health and Philadelphia-based Penn Medicine announced in February their decision to no longer pursue a strategic alliance, which was unveiled in July 2021. The systems said they will continue to work together in "areas of mutual interest." 10. Worcester, Mass.-based UMass Memorial Health and Gardner, Mass.-based Heywood Healthcare called off affiliation plans in January. The systems had signed a nonbinding letter of intent in May 2022 to explore Heywood joining UMass Memorial Health, but UMass Memorial President and CEO Eric Dickson, MD, said "the difficult healthcare environment" makes it an inopportune time for the corporate affiliation. Milwaukee-based Froedtert and Neenah, Wis.-based ThedaCare have finalized their merger agreement and will launch as a combined 18-hospital system Jan. 1. The two Wisconsin systems announced their merger plans in April. Froedtert President and CEO Cathy Jacobson will initially serve as CEO of the combined organization, and ThedaCare President and CEO Imran Andrabi, MD, will serve as president. After a six-month transition, Ms. Jacobson will retire from the organization and Dr. Andrabi will assume the role of president and CEO of the combined health system. Dr. Andrabi told Becker's that the organizations' vision, missions and values are so similar that "the more we talked about how we can work together from a partnership perspective, the more it became evident there is more here that we can do together because of how similar we approach the healthcare landscape." He added that Froedtert and ThedaCare have the rare opportunity to have community health, rural health, urban health and academic health packaged in one system. "I think that's a tremendous opportunity, and we're looking forward to being able to put that to work for the people of Wisconsin," Dr. Andrabi said. The brand names of each organization will continue, according to a Dec. 19 news release from the health systems. Planning will continue throughout 2024 and beyond to "solidify how the combined organization will operate." The combined organization expects to name its board in January. The initial chair and vice chair roles of the board and committee will be equally shared between the parties. The initial board chair will be Jud Snyder, Froedtert Healths current board chair, and the initial vice chair will be Jim Kotek, ThedaCares current board chair. Here are the other leaders who will make up the combined executive leadership team: Amir Ghaferi, MD: President of the physician enterprise, south region Ian Schwartz, MD: Chief clinical officer Susan Campbell, BSN, RN: Chief ambulatory operations and service lines officer Eric Conley: President of the south region Thomas Arquilla: Chief growth officer David Olson: Chief business development officer Steve Basilotto: Chief experience officer Scott Hawig: Chief financial and administrative officer Mark Thompson: Chief transformational investments and value integration officer Caryn Esten: Chief transformation and integration officer Maggie Lund: Chief culture and integration officer Eric Humphrey: Chief human resources officer Paul Van Den Heuvel: Chief legal officer The COO position for the combined organization is currently open. Pennsylvania health systems Jefferson and Lehigh Valley Health Network have signed a non-binding letter of intent to combine. Philadelphia-based Jefferson and Allentown, Pa.-based LVHN announced the letter Dec. 19 in a news release, with expectations to close the transaction in 2024. Combined, Jefferson and LVHN would form a system with 30 hospitals, more than 700 sites of care and more than 62,000 employees. Jefferson CEO Joseph Cacchione, MD, will serve as CEO of the expanded system dubbed for now as Jefferson Enterprise and LVHN President and CEO Brian Nester, DO, will serve as its executive vice president and COO. Dr. Nester will also serve as president of the legacy LVHN, reporting directly to Dr. Cacchione. An integrated board of trustees and leadership team will be made up of members from both systems, specifics of which are expected in the definitive agreement. "The healthcare landscape and our communities' needs are changing; it is critical leading systems evolve and make investments in the future of care and wellness growing and protecting access to enhanced, affordable, high-quality and innovative care, particularly for historically underserved patients," Dr. Cacchione said in the release. The merger is another development out of Jefferson, which has seen a year of change. Dr. Cacchione assumed the CEO post in September 2022, and the system has since welcomed a new president, CFO, and dean of its medical school and physicians group. Earlier this year, Jefferson rolled out a reorganization plan to operate as three divisions instead of five, which involved layoffs affecting executives and a later workforce reduction of about 400 positions. Cost-cutting has been in effect at LVHN, too. The 13-hospital system, which includes nearly 3,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, eliminated approximately 240 positions as part of restructuring this fall. "In Jefferson, we have found an ideal partner that shares our culture and commitment to excellence in clinical care and a learning environment, and that has done a fabulous job in establishing a highly successful health plan with a sharp focus on the well-being of Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries," Dr. Nester said. "The expertise derived from these operations is becoming a crucial competency for health systems to deliver on their mission, and Jefferson Health Plans will help drive improvements in health outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations. We are also very excited about the opportunity to expand academic and talent development programs that will further bolster our provider pipeline and enhance our ability to attract and retain top talent to the benefit of the communities we both serve." Nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J., approved a new labor contract Dec. 15, two weeks after reaching a tentative agreement with the hospital following a strike that lasted more than 120 days. The agreement covers members of United Steelworkers Local 4-200, which represents about 1,700 nurses at the facility. "Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital has been notified by United Steel Workers Local 4-200, the union representing RWJUH nurses, that the members have voted to ratify a new, three-year collective bargaining agreement," Alan Lee, president of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, said in a statement shared with Becker's on Dec. 15. "We are pleased with the outcome of today's vote and look forward to welcoming our nurses back home." The hospital and union reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract on Dec. 1, about four months after union members began a strike Aug. 4. Staffing, among other things, has been among key sticking points at the bargaining table. The agreement includes enforcement mechanisms "to help ensure the hospital maintains safe staffing levels, as well as an infrastructure to facilitate greater communication between front-line nurses and the hospital's administration," according to the union. Under the deal, the hospital will also add an additional 70 registered nurse positions, effective May 1, 2024. USW Local 4-200 President Judy Danella, RN, said in a Dec. 15 news release: "This contract would not have been possible if the nurses hadn't stood together and demanded what our patients deserve. This campaign has always been about safety and quality care, and we are ready to get back to work doing what we love. We are particularly proud that this contract includes accountability and communication, which will ensure that staffing will remain a top priority moving forward." A representative for the hospital told Becker's Dec. 15 that a specific return date for nurses had not been announced. Mr. Lee said the new contract "provides for staffing standards that support the highest levels of care provided at academic medical centers, such as RWJUH, and offers a collaborative platform and process for nurses and leadership to address staffing issues and concerns together." He said the deal also provides pay "that reflects the value of the role of the RWJUH nurse on the care team, many of which hold the highest certifications and education levels in their field. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to providing the highest quality patient care and creating a safe and supportive working environment for our nurses and all team members." Indianapolis-based Community Health Network has agreed to a $345 million settlement to resolve allegations that, dating back to 2008, it violated the False Claims Act and Stark law. The settlement, announced Dec. 19, stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in 2014 by the nonprofit health system's former CFO and COO under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. The United States filed suit against CHN in 2020, alleging that the system violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting claims to Medicare for services that were referred in violation of the Stark law, which requires that the compensation of employed physicians be fair market value and cannot account for the volume of referrals. The U.S. complaint alleged that, starting in 2008, CHN's senior management engaged in a scheme to recruit physicians for employment with outsized pay in an effort to secure profitable referrals. The salaries offered to cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, neurosurgeons and breast surgeons for CHN employment were sometimes up to double what physicians earned in private practices, the complaint alleged. The government alleged that CHN provided false compensation information to a valuation firm, ignored the consultants' warnings about legal risks of overcompensation and awarded bonuses to physicians based on their referrals to providers within the CHN network. CHN said the $345 million settlement will be paid from its reserves, which reported operating revenue of $3.1 billion in 2022. The nonprofit system has more than 200 sites of care and affiliates throughout Central Indiana, including 10 hospitals. "This is completely unrelated to the quality and appropriateness of the care Community provided to patients," CHN Spokesperson Kris Kirschner said in a statement shared with Becker's. "This settlement, like those involving other health systems and hospitals, relates to the complex, highly regulated area of physician compensation. Community has consistently prioritized the highest regulatory and ethical standards in all our business processes." The system said it "has always sought to compensate employed physicians based on evolving industry best practices with the advice of independent third parties" and "has always sought to provide complete and accurate information to our third-party consultants." "When doctors refer patients for CT scans, mammograms or any other medical service, those patients should know the doctor is putting their medical interests first and not their profit margins," Zachary Myers, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, said in the Justice Department news release. "Community Health Network overpaid its doctors. It also paid doctors bonuses based on the amount of extra money the hospital was able to bill Medicare through doctor referrals," Mr. Myers said. "Such compensation arrangements erode patient trust and incentivize unnecessary medical services that waste taxpayer dollars." Under the settlement, CHN will enter into a five-year corporate integrity agreement with HHS in addition to its $345 million payment to the U.S. Warwick, R.I.-based Kent Hospital, an affiliate of Care New England Health System, has agreed to a $35,000 settlement under the Americans with Disabilities Act following a patient complaint. The patient, who is deaf and uses American Sign Language as her primary mode of communication, was hospitalized at Kent Hospital in December 2021. During that time, the patient alleged that although she and her family complained multiple times, the hospital waited until the seventh day of her hospitalization to provide effective communication, according to a Dec. 19 release from the Justice Department. The hospital's alleged delay of providing the patient with effective communication, like an interpreter, resulted in increased anxiety and confusion relating to the patient's medical diagnosis and treatment, the release said. Following the complaints, new ADA policies and practices are being adopted by the hospital under the agreement terms. The policies include ensuring that patients are provided with effective communication and a qualified interpreter should they need one. Staff must also be trained on these policies, report future complaints, and cooperate with the U.S. attorney's office to ensure agreement compliance. During the investigation, Kent Hospital cooperated fully, according to the release. The agreement also requires that Kent Hospital pay a $5,000 penalty and $30,000 to the patient. Becker's has reached out to Kent Hospital for comment on the agreement. Morphine is widely considered the "gold-standard treatment" for pain during cancer care, but a new study found the drug was not superior to other opiates. Researchers from the University of Sydney conducted the world's largest review on opioid medicines for cancer pain, according to a Dec. 19 news release from the Australian university. Despite multiple organizations recommending morphine for constant cancer pain and temporary flare-ups, the study failed to conclude the medicine is better than a placebo. The researchers evaluated more than 150 clinical trials, and they said "evidence is largely lacking" on placebo-controlled research of the most common opiates used for cancer pain. Those medications include morphine, methadone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, oxycodone and tramadol. Non-opiates, such as aspirin, could be as effective as opioids for cancer pain, the study suggested. The authors said more research is needed to fill the gaps of knowledge on effective cancer pain treatments. The study was published in CA: A Clinical Journal for Clinicians. A popular class of drugs for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes might help lower the prevalence of heart disease, according to a study published Dec. 18 in Cell Metabolism. In a study of glucagon-like peptide receptor-1 agonists which include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and about a dozen other drugs approved for diabetes or chronic weight management researchers found the medications suppressed heart inflammation in mice. The results lend clues to other possible treatment avenues for GLP-1s, including heart disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. "The anti-inflammatory actions of GLP-1 are likely in part organized through a subset of brain neurons," Daniel Drucker, MD, the study's lead author, who works at Mount Sinai Hospital-Toronto, told Bloomberg. A 45- to 59-minute telehealth urgent care visit from New York City-based Mount Sinai cost one patient $660, raising questions as the price was extremely high for a virtual visit and as the appointment was ruled out of network by an insurer, NPR reported Dec. 19. In September 2022, Elyse Greenblatt scheduled the virtual visits because she had persistent congestion. During the visit, a physician concluded Ms. Greenblatt was suffering from a sinus infection and prescribed fluticasone a nasal spray for congestion and the antibiotic Keflex. When Ms. Greenblatt received her bill from insurer Empire BlueCross BlueShield, it was $660 and labeled as an out-of-network service. Upon receiving the invoice, Ms. Greenblatt revisited Mount Sinai's app to retrace her actions, and captured a screenshot of a specific section the details. The app indicated an estimated wait time of 10 minutes at a cost of $60. It also mentioned, "cost may be less based on insurance," a detail clarified by Mount Sinai spokesperson to NPR as being "for the patient's benefit," with the note that the "cost may differ depending on the patient's insurance." According to the publication, Ms. Greenblatt's visit was deemed as moderately lengthy, and her physician billed her as a moderate level of care, causing the bill to be higher. Stephanie DuBois, a representative from Empire BlueCross BlueShield, also told NPR that the insurance provider extends coverage for virtual visits through two services or with in-network physicians. However, the Mount Sinai physician did not meet either of these criteria. This raised the question of why Mount Sinai would assign Ms. Greenblatt an out-of-network physician, even though the health system is her usual provider. NPR did a review of the physician's on Mount Sinai's profile page and found that the physician in question does not list any accepted insurance. A Mount Sinai spokesperson told the publication that the physician did take at least some insurance. Attempting to unravel the billing complications became a significant challenge for Ms. Greenblatt. Despite being told her case was marked as "urgent" in Mount Sinai's disputes department, there was a lack of response from the physician's office. The bill would then disappear and reappear on her patient portal. Ms. Greenblatt was then informed that she had consented to the out-of-network charge, but when requesting a copy of the form, the staffer suggested faxing it, which she declined. Despite granting permission to put the form in her patient portal, it never materialized. According to NPR, KFF Health News questioned Mount Sinai about the case in mid-October. Their spokesperson Lucia Lee forwarded a three-page form, claiming it was part of the check-in process. However, the time stamp indicated the visit concluded before Ms. Greenblatt signed it. Ms. Lee argued that signing forms after the visit is not standard, suggesting patients could reschedule with an in-network provider if they review the forms first. The timing and clarity of the forms are crucial in light of the No Surprises Act enacted in December 2020. The legislation, designed to address surprise medical bills, requires advance notice and consent, with exceptions for specific healthcare entities. The uncertainty about the entity charging Ms. Greenblatt complicates its status under the No Surprises Act, and Mount Sinai acknowledges the need for further research on whether the billing entity is the hospital or another entity. Currently, Ms. Greenblatt's bill is unpaid and unresolved. Trinity Pilkington, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Bayhealth in Dover, Del., died at the age of 49 while attending a conference in Florida, according to a Dec. 18 report from Milford Live. After completing his residency, Dr. Pilkington set up a practice in Dover that focused on patient-centric care. He played a crucial role in addressing various orthopedic challenges for patients in the region. While the cause of death has not been released, the loss was sudden, according to the report. "In a solemn moment for the medical community and the residents of Milford, DE, we mourn the passing of the esteemed orthopedic surgery specialist, Dr. Trinity Pilkington. At the age of 49, Dr. Pilkington left a lasting impact on the field of orthopedics, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, expertise, and dedicated patient care," Bayhealth said in a statement sent to Milford Live. "The news of Dr. Trinity Pilkington's passing has left both the medical community and his patients in shock. We will continue with Dr. Pilkington's passion for delivering exceptional care to his patients. In the coming days, Dr. Pilkington's patients will be contacted by our Bayhealth Orthopedics team to discuss options." Why Belfasts newest hotel is now looking south of border Rob Godwin of Lamington Group, owners of Belfasts newest long-stay accommodation, talks about performance so far and its sustainability credentials Room2 Belfast Margaret Canning Tue 19 Dec 2023 at 07:50 Just a short time after opening its room2 aparthotel in Belfast, parent company Lamington Group has set its sights across the border in Dublin. East Coast Bakehouse to pay 1,200 late fee to Companies Registration Office A biscuit maker owned and controlled by Enterprise Ireland chairman Michael Carey has failed to file its annual return and financial statements on time with the Republics Companies Registration Office, with the documents now months late. But Mr Carey who was formally named by Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Simon Coveney as Enterprise Ireland chairman in September this year has insisted the documents for Drogheda-based East Coast Bakehouse have now been signed off and will be filed in the coming week or so. He said the company, where he is a director, will incur a 1,200 late filing fee. Irish state-owned Enterprise Ireland is an investor in the business alongside a number of well-heeled individuals including Patrick Joy, the founder of Co Louth-based Suretank; Laurence Shields, the founder of LK Shields solicitors; Donard Gaynor, a former executive with US drinks firm Beam; and Stephen Twaddell, a former president of Kellogg Europe from Northern Ireland. Companies must file annual returns no later than 56 days after the date to which it is made up. According to CRO records as of yesterday, the last annual return filed by East Coast Bakehouse was on May 10, 2022. That was for the period to November 29, 2021. Companies that fail to file on time incur just a 100 penalty on the day after the expiry of the filing deadline and only a subsequent 3-a-day daily late fee. The maximum late filing fee that can be imposed is only 1,200 per return. More seriously, a company that is late filing its annual return can also be subject to an involuntary strike-off by the companies office. Mr Carey conceded the filings for East Coast Bakehouse are months late. He said this was due to a delay in finalising the accounts, but said the business is in rude health following major contract wins with UK retail multiples. Theres no problem, theyre being filed in the next week or so, Mr Carey told the Irish Independent. Theyre a good few months late. There was a finalising some details for last years year end that was a bit more complicated than normal. It was nothing fundamental, it was a finalising of funding. While the latest available set of accounts for East Coast Bakehouse whose other major shareholder is Mr Careys wife, Alison Cowser show that it had accumulated losses of 20.7m by early 2021, Mr Carey said the business is now where it originally expected to be, and its revenues have rapidly accelerated, with 65% of its sales being for export to markets including the UK, Scandinavia and Germany. It secured contracts with Aldi and Asda in the UK this year. It had faced challenges including Brexit, the Covid pandemic and Russias invasion of Ukraine, and will be profitable on an operating basis for the 2025 financial year, which ends in February that year, said Mr Carey. Its already profitable on an earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation basis. In the 12 months to the end of February 2022, revenue was just under 5m, said Mr Carey. But annualised revenue is now running at 24m, he added. He reckons the company is now the fastest-growing biscuit maker in Europe and as it reaches full capacity in early 2024 will look to add a major new production line in whats likely to be a 10m investment. Mr Carey said East Coast Bakehouse now employs 135 people and on some days is operating on a 24-hour basis, sometimes producing as many as 10,000 packets of biscuits an hour. It employed half that number a year ago. It makes own-brand and private label biscuits, as well as biscuits produced under contract for other biscuit suppliers. Demolition of the former home of UTV at Havelock House is to start on January 8 despite claims from a campaign group that parts of it should be preserved, it has emerged. Developer Lotus Property wants to transform the location where UTV was founded in 1959 into 100 units of social housing, with a 12-week community consultation on the plans to take place from January 18. Letters were received on Tuesday by nearby residents and campaign group Save Havelock House informing them that demolition of the landmark Ormeau Road building will begin on January 8. But campaign Save Havelock House accused Lotus of acting unreasonably in timetabling demolition for January 8 in advance of the consultation. It said Lotus should delay demolition until the public consultation process has been completed and planning permission has been obtained. However, Lotus Group said it was not legally obliged to consult on the demolition as the building is neither listed nor located in a conservation area. Its embarking on the social housing project with Clanmil Housing Association. But Save Havelock House has said that part of the building should be preserved as it was the first small television station opened in the UK and Ireland and had unique features which have not been properly documented and offer a crucial insight into early regional television. "We are very concerned that the ongoing works may lead to the loss of historic features and artefacts without proper documentation and/or recovery, the group said. Dr Ken Griffin, TV historian and chairperson of Save Havelock House, said: It is astonishing that Lotus and Clanmil have revealed plans to demolish Havelock House before they begin consulting with local community groups and the wider public. Their actions are simply unacceptable and show a lack of respect for built heritage and the local community. It is especially outrageous as previous consultations have shown that the community wants Havelock House to be retained in some form within any new development. But a spokesperson for Lotus said: Havelock House is not a listed building and is not within a Conservation Area or an Area of Townscape Character. As such, there is no requirement to seek planning permission/demolition consent as the demolition work is covered by permitted development rights set out by Article 3 and in Part 33, Class A of the Schedule of the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (NI) 2015. They said that the 12-week consultation was not intended to delve into the demolition, but instead to consult on the plans to add 100 much-needed homes to the site. Havelock Houses condition upon acquisition was such that it could not be repaired or repositioned and the only option to realise our future plans for the site was to demolish it. "There was nothing of any historic significance within the building as the building was fully stripped out by the time we acquired it. There has also been a number of attempted break-ins and increased anti-social behaviour on the site and as such, it presents a health and safety risk to neighbouring streets and local residents. "Internal demolition works have already begun and external demolition will commence on January 8. Lotus said it had held meetings in the last few months with elected representatives in the area, advising them of both the plans for demolition and the consultation on the social housing. The letter to residents from Lotus says that the work has been planned to ensure minimum disruption to residents and businesses. The demolition is to be carried out by contractor F McParland & Co by the end of March, Lotus said, with a plan to limit disruption through traffic management, noise management and dust suppression measures. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has approved a 10m business case for a new factory of the future at Global Point, outside Glengormley. Council planners have already given the go-ahead for the 10,500 sq metre Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), with construction expected to commence in the spring and the new flagship facility due to become operational in 2026. The proposed development is expected to result in almost 1,500 permanent jobs and support for 300 apprentices. In September, Queens University, Belfast announced Henry Brothers had won a 30m contract to construct the new facility. The councils 10m contribution will be directed towards the construction cost. AMIC is a 100m project which is being delivered and led by Queens University, alongside industry, Ulster University and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as part of the Belfast Region City Deal. The business case has already been approved by the AMIC Project Board, the Belfast Region City Deal Executive and QUB Senate and will be forwarded to the Department for Economy for approval. A report to councillors says: AMIC will provide high quality innovation support to manufacturing and advanced engineering industry by bringing together world class academic expertise, advanced industrial practice from commercial partners and the specialist facilities needed to execute innovation research and development projects to target industry sectors. The project includes three key elements: a new 10,500 sq metre build at Global Point in Newtownabbey; refurbishment and provision of new equipment at the Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE) and an AMIC campus at Queens University. Speaking at the council meeting, Ulster Unionist Alderman Mark Cosgrove welcomed the update and full business case. He noted the councils financial contribution is approximately 10% of the overall cost of the scheme, which he said was in excess of anything we have invested before. Our biggest challenge when we make this investment is to ensure we have the land available to maximise the opportunities out of this, he commented. Mr Cosgrove went on to say the development would further enhance Antrim and Newtownabbeys reputation as the economy powerhouse of Northern Ireland. It is a very very exciting time for the borough and I am very happy to move that the business case is approved, he said. DUP councillor Matthew Magill said: I am very happy to second the recommendation. It is hard to believe we are now at a business case stage. If all goes according to plan, this will be a transformative scheme. We are very much looking forward to seeing the benefits AMIC will bring over the next number of years and into the future as we continue to build up this economic development success. Sinn Feins Michael Goodman expressed hope the benefits will be seen across the borough. Antrim and Newtownabbey is not just one small corner of the borough, and I hope that the jobs and wider economic benefits it promises will be delivered from Crumlin to Toome and across Belfast Lough shore. I think it will be a failure if all we have are jobs centred at Global Point and benefits are distributed around that area. This needs to be an investment by this council for the whole borough. Alliances Billy Webb said: This is a classic example of this council being open for business. The benefits of this are massive for the borough. Retailer Kukoon Rugs, which is based in Newry, has said its continuing to offer flexibility to employees with a four-day week on offer for half the year. The family business, led by brother and sister c distributes 2,000 rugs per day from its headquarters and has recently opened a store in the citys Quays Shopping Centre. The firm introduced a four-day working week in April, which is said to have brought no reduction in pay for its 45 employees. It said the new way of working had been a great success, both for its employees and the business. To ensure Christmas demand is met, a five-day working week is in place between October and December, while a four-and-a-half-day week will be implemented from January through March. Managing director Clare Walsh said the new flexibility had been welcomed by staff and had brought no detriment to the business which remained focused on expansion. He has also opened up on the prank he used to scare The Tourist co-star Danielle MacDonald Jamie Dornan in a scene from the second series of The Tourist Jamie Dornan has opened up on how some of his fans have made him wary of social media. The Co Down actor told the Irish Times he receives some strange Instagram comments from fans that he prefers not to read. I get all kinds of mad stuff, which if Im honest Im quite fearful of, so I stay away from it, he said. The star of The Tourist said he had some scary experiences after a b*****it tabloid published photos of his home. At one point, we had a stalking, getting-the-authorities involved situation, he said. Dornan said his role in 50 Shades of Grey has given him some odd fans. The fandom of that franchise is still feverish, he said. Theyve got all kinds of mad theories, like that Dakota [Johnson] and I have a child together. I dont know who they think brings it up. In the same interview he opened up about a crazy prank he played on his The Tourist co-star, Danielle MacDonald. While filming a night-time action scene in a haunted house for the second season of the show about a car crash victim who has lost his memory, the Holywood actor played a both terrifying and hilarious prank on Macdonald, who was nicknamed Dani Mac on set. Jamie Dornan (Photo by Dave Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Netflix) While taking a break the cast noticed the word Dani scrawled on a wall. Within an hour, it had gone to be replaced by the word Mac. Then, one hour later, there was a new message: You die. The prank scared MacDonald so much that Dornan actually started to feel guilty. Dani was freaked out to the point where I actually really, sincerely felt bad about it for a second. But I kept up the joke for the rest of the day anyway, he said. The first season of The Tourist was the most-watched TV drama of 2022, with 11.4 million viewers tuning in to watch. It follows amnesia sufferer Elliot (Dornan) trying to discover his identity, before being pulled into a world of crime that saw him take police officer Helen (Macdonald) hostage only for the two to fall in love. The new series takes us to Ireland on the hunt for Elliotts past, resulting in kidnappings, Molotov cocktails and some ludicrous laugh-out-loud moments. Despite being most well known for his role in 50 Shades of Grey, Dornan admitted wanting to become a comedy writer at the beginning of his career. He even wrote a blog for Will Ferrells Funny Or Die website, and a series of comic scripts. Although, maybe they werent that funny because nobody made them, he said. Two men accused of holding elevated positions within the New IRA were both released on bail today after it emerged their trial may not be held until 2025. Kevin Barry Murphy, who was described as being the New IRAs Chief of Staff, appeared in court with the alleged Chief of the Army Council, David Jordan. As part of their bail conditions, both men have been banned from attending any dissident republican events or entering premises being used by Saoradh. The Co Tyrone duo attended the hearing at Belfast Crown Court via video link with HMP Maghaberry. They are two of 10 people facing trial following a covert surveillance operation conducted by the PSNI and MI5. The investigation centred on two meetings allegedly held by the dissident republican group in February and July 2020, which were bugged as part of Operation Arbacia. Jordan (52), from Cappagh Road in Dungannon, and Murphy (54), from Altowen Park in Coalisland, have been charged with a number of terrorist offences. These charges include directing the activities of a terrorist organisation, conspiring to direct terrorism and preparing terrorist acts. Mr Justice Fowler was told by a Crown prosecutor that both Murphy and Jordan had applied for bail before and that these applications has been unsuccessful. In these previous hearings, issues including the risks of re-offending were raised. Objecting to the pair being released on bail, the prosecutor said it was the Crowns view that both men held elevated positions within the group. Regarding bail, she said: The risks are there and they cant be managed. The senior judge enquired when a trial into the alleged offences was due to take place and was told this was not likely to happen until 2025. John Larkin KC, representing Murphy, noted that a co-defendant, Damien McLaughlin, was granted bail last week due to this timeframe. McLaughlin, who has spent three years on remand, was released after a judge ruled it was unacceptable to detain him further pending a trial. Saying there was no difference in the cases of McLaughlin and Murphy, Mr Larkin pointed out his client has already shown he can comply with any conditions imposed, as was evidenced when he was granted compassionate bail earlier this year. The barrister also revealed relatives of Murphy were prepared to place a total of 22,000 as a cash surety with the court. Jordans barrister, Michael Forde, also cited the recent release of McLaughlin and told Mr Justice Fowler a cash surety of 15,000 has been put forward by Jordans family. Mr Forde said, if granted bail, Jordan would comply with any conditions imposed. After listening to submissions from both the Crown and defence, Mr Justice Fowler said Murphy and Jordan were facing serious charges and there was a strong prima facie case against both. He also noted that as a trial may not be held until 2025, the period has come where bail has to be seriously considered in this case. Having looked at the length of time the accused have been in custody, I am of the view that bail is appropriate at this stage, he added. Saying prosecution concerns can be met with stringent bail conditions, the senior judge granted the application to release both men. Both Murphy and Jordan have been banned from attending any meetings, rallies or demonstrations related to dissident republican political activities. They were also banned from entering any premises being used or operated on behalf of the group known as Saoradh and from visiting detainees in Maghaberry or Hydebank Prisons. In addition, the pair are banned from recording or storing any images of police or prison officers on their mobile phones. The pair are also subject to a curfew and tagging and have been ordered to surrender their passports and to report to police on a daily basis. Suspected cannabis worth 1.7 million was seized in Co Tyrone A Co Tyrone-based haulier accused of having up to 1.7m worth of cannabis must remain in custody, a High Court judge ruled today. Peter OConnor, 41, was refused bail on charges connected to the drugs haul discovered hidden inside tyres. Lord Justice McCloskey said: Im afraid its too early, the passage of time will not suffice to address concerns. OConnor, of Loughdoo Road in Pomeroy, was arrested after police carried out searches near his home on October 8 this year. Examinations of a lorry and equipment led to the recovery of cannabis secreted within tyres, a previous court heard. The consignment had an estimated street value of 1.7m. OConnor faces charges of possessing and being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs. The lorry driver has denied suggestions of being associated with an organised crime group, stressing how he cooperated with detectives by handing over his mobile phone. It was claimed that he had been returning from Britain in an empty vehicle and advertised his availability in a WhatsApp group involving members of the haulage business. Opposing OConnors renewed bid for bail, prosecution barrister Mark Farrell argued that he allegedly has a lifestyle beyond his means. Defence counsel Craig Patton submitted there is now less risk of any interference with the investigation. However, Lord Justice McCloskey decided OConnor cannot be released on bail at this stage. He confirmed: I must refuse the application. A trade union that is supporting its members on strike this week has claimed that workers taking industrial action against low pay and safe staffing levels are being used as hostages in the recent political talks to get Stormont back up and running. NIPSA members who work in Business Services Organisation (BSO) in Health Social Care announced earlier this month that they would begin targeted strike action from Monday, December 18 to Friday, December 22. Approximately 50 members in BSO warehouse operations within the Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS) have walked out in response to the continuing failure of the government to settle the long running dispute over low pay and safe staffing. NIPSA Deputy General Secretary Patrick Mulholland said that these workers are among the lowest paid in the health service earning just 20,000 a year. We took action this time last year over issues on pay and we have had no resolution, he said on Tuesday mornings BBC Nolan Show. It is clear that health service workers are being used as hostages in this situation; they have been refused a pay rise as a pressure point in the political talks over getting Stormont back up and running. Yes, the talks need to move on, but this essential issue over a rise in pay for public service workers has to be resolved whether the talks progress or not. Mr Mulholland added that workers here are getting paid 3,000 less than their colleagues in Scotland. This is very low for skilled workers carrying out an essential service, he said. There is a pay border around Northern Ireland at the minute, it has become the low pay centre for these islands, and it has to stop, we need to move in another direction. Also speaking on the Nolan Show on Tuesday, businessman Frank Shivers has said that strike action is not the answer. Of course, there is a genuine grievance that people need to be paid a proper wage and 20,000 for a full-time worker is not a proper wage to live on, he said. The problem is that these strikes are disruptive and destroy the economy, they dont move anything on, and they impact heavily on lower paid workers. When asked what they should do instead, Mr Shivers suggested that pressure must be put on the government, the secretary of state and politicians to get back to work. The money is there, we know it is, but the strikes are not the pressure thats needed, its getting around the table to get a resolution. Patrick Mulholland pointed out that low-paid workers are paying the price for Stormont being in the position its in. The only weapon workers have is industrial action and we are exercising that, he said. We cant have public services collapsing around us and us do nothing about it. UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt explained that the public money which is currently unable to be used by the government because Stormont is not currently operating- should be ringfenced for paying public service workers. We are in this position because of a number of reasons a failure of communication, relationships and a failure of politics, he said. Any public sector worker is not taking industrial action because they want to but because its a last resort to highlight their plight. The situation is made worse because of this potential financial package the secretary of state made public, and within it there is a very large chunk of money which would be a non-repayable drawdown on the treasury reserve which should be used to address public sector pay, he added. While it wont add much, it would really significantly shift the dial because we have a convention of talks where nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. Everybody agrees we should use that non repayable money to pay public sector workers, but we are stuck because of that convention. A PSNI helicopter is at the scene (stock image) The PSNI have said no one was located during a search focusing on a stretch of the River Lagan in south Belfast. A police helicopter was among the emergency services that attended the incident on Tuesday evening. The fire, ambulance and community rescue services were also at the scene in the Stranmillis area as four boats searched the water. A spokesperson said the PSNI had carried out a thorough search of the area. "Police received a report that a person may have entered the water at the Lockview Road area of south Belfast on Tuesday December 19, they said. "A thorough search of the water was carried out by colleagues from the emergency services and at this stage, no one was located. Financial package being offered in bid to restore Stormont has been raised to 3.3bnUUP leader Doug Beattie believes there could be a "soft acceptance" of a deal before ChristmasAlliance leader Naomi Long said there are no barriers to Stormont being restored Sir Jeffrey Donaldson says no agreement has been finalised DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson says there has been no final agreement made on post-Brexit trading arrangements while Northern Ireland Secretary Chris-Heaton Harris has said talks aimed at restoring devolved government at Stormont are now over. Mr Heaton-Harris insists the government has made its final offer in a financial package of more than 3.3 billion in exchange for the return of the Executive. Financial talks and separate negotiations with the DUP over the Windsor Framework have concluded, he said. "It is now time for decisions to be made. This package is on the table for however long decision making takes. UK Government tables package of 3.3 billion to support the return of Stormont Executive But DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said that there had been no final agreement with the UK Government over his party's concerns over post-Brexit trading arrangements. "We are very clear there is not yet agreement finalised on the issues of substance and we will continue to engage with the government. We will measure any future agreement against the measures set out in our manifesto." "The Secretary of State has not told us inside that the talking is over. He said if parties have concerns he will continue to talk and we have concerns." Mr Heaton-Harris last week offered a 2.5 billion package but it was raised on Tuesday to 3.3 billion. The amount includes covering the costs of a number of areas, from public sector pay increases to tackling hospital waiting lists and covering any extra costs incurred by the PSNI data breach, to name a few. The Secretary of State said the government will have to make decisions on the future going forward including revenue raising measures. Sir Jeffrey said on Tuesday the Government should settle public sector pay disputes in Northern Ireland ahead of any return of the Stormont Executive. He said: "We continue to press the Government on issues such as public sector pay, we believe the Government has a duty to resolve that issue now. "There is no need for the Government to wait until an Executive is restored. "Our public sector workers deserve their pay award now, that is the duty of the UK Government. "It is about parity, it is about treating our public sector workers in the same way the Government treats public sector workers in other parts of the UK. "We want to see the Government using the money they've put on the table to make those pay awards now." For this year, a non-repayable reserve claim of up to 584m will be offered to cover public sector pay for 2023/2024 and to tackle hospital waiting lists, 34m of funding will be granted for next year. A reserve claim of 15m submitted by the PSNI to cover any costs incurred during the recent data breach has also been granted by the government. Stormonts overspend, which amounts to almost 560m, will be written off if devolution returns and if the Executive provides a fiscal sustainability plan. Alliance leader Naomi Long said the financial package, while good, was not enough. Nevertheless it should be accepted and the detail should be settled around the Executive table. "There are no barriers to the Executive being restored, it is up to the DUP to return to government and if they don't, it is up to the UK government to consider other options, she said. We now have a much better financial package on the table says Naomi Long Talks on the Windsor Framework have also concluded and there is no wiggle room on that front, she said. She likened the situation to a bad break-up with continued disagreement. "There is no reason why the Assembly and Executive couldn't be restored this week based on today's discussions, she said. Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald added: "We still believe that we are in a stronger position to make the argument for stronger finances from an executive." It will be a matter of deep disappointment for public sectors if Christmas arrives without an Executive, she said. "For the purposes of absolutely clarity the negotiations between the DUP and British government are over. "There isn't a doubt or question mark over that, she said. Mary Lou McDonald - its very very regrettable that no decision has been made UUP leader Doug Beattie said: "It is quite clear negotiations have ended, both in terms of the financial package and the Windsor framework, but that doesn't mean the process has ended." There will now be a process of discussion and questions over what he described as a good financial package and he said all stakeholders should be involved. The UUP asked the Secretary of State that public sector pay deals be taken out of the process and resolved in advance of Christmas, he said. The "legislation is drafted and ready to go", he added. The chair of the Loyalist Communities Council has said there can't be a return to Stormont until the DUP's issues around the Northern Ireland Protocol are resolved. It comes as the four parties with an ability to form an Executive are set to meet with Chris Heaton-Harris at Hillsborough Castle later although as pre-Christmas deal has been ruled out. The Secretary of State is expected to set out his next steps after offering a deal of 2.5 billion for Stormonts return. Speaking to the BBC's Good Morning Ulster radio programme, David Campbell said: "None of the issues are beyond the capability of politicians to resolve." But he added: "There has to be a realistic will in London, Dublin and Brussels to resolve them and go back to the priority guarantees of the Belfast Agreement. They can't just work with nationalism, they have to work for unionism as well." The Irish Sea border and public services budget are both important as the parties negotiate with the government, Campbell said. "But the representatives I work with are primarily focused on getting the politics right," he added. "The reason for the collapse of Stormont is primarily over the imposition of the Protocol and the breaches of the Belfast Agreement - that is the primary issue that needs to be resolved to get Stormont up and running. The budgetary issue is secondary but it is also very important. We should be mindful that the current impasse in spending is down to external factors such as the cost of living, the Ukraine war, the impact of the situation in the Middle East - none of these issues are something the Stormont Assembly can deal with." The government has a duty to deal with the "real financial need" in Northern Ireland, he added. No one is seeing the detail of any potential deal but he said: "We can't simply have such a distance between two parts of our own country." Mr Campbell said there are many issues which need to be addressed. "You see the replacement of meat products and fish products that were once sourced from Great Britain and are now being sourced from the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere in the EU. Those are practical issues that need to be addressed." He added: "I very firmly want Stormont up and running. The cause of unionism is best advanced and protected through full participation in Stormont but it has to be on a level playing field " Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he has spoken to one of the Fianna Fail councillors in Co Galway who had criticised Government policy on migration. The exchange took place after a suspected arson attack at the weekend on a disused hotel in Rosscahill, Co Galway, where 70 asylum seekers were to stay from Thursday. Fianna Fail councillor Noel Thomas said in the aftermath that he did not condone the suspected attack on the Ross Lake House Hotel, but said Ireland should stop accepting asylum seekers because the inn is full. Mr Martin cited the comments of Co Galway Fianna Fail TD Eamon O Cuiv, who argued there was room at the inn, in the form of an empty hotel that could have housed people before it was damaged. The Fianna Fail leader said he had spoken to Mr Thomas and had tried to get in touch with another councillor, Seamus Walsh, who had criticised the Government policy as senseless, to tell them that he disagreed with their views. I have spoken to one of the councillors and endeavoured to speak to the other, (but) didnt make contact, he said. I rang (Mr Walsh), in fairness, I made a call he may not have identified my number on his phone I may not be on his list. I rang councillor Noel Thomas, the party has subsequently spoken to councillor Walsh. He added: I do not agree with what those councillors have said, I take strong issue with the nuance and the implications of what they said. I spoke to councillor Noel Thomas and I made that very clear that there can be no implication, no nuance, around a criminal attack on a building, on a property. To be fair, he was clear to me that he was making no implication, but nonetheless he did make comments to the effect that the attack was as a result of Government policy. The Government plan had been the subject of local opposition and demonstrators blocked the entrance to the hotel on Saturday in protest. Those due to be housed in Rosscahill were among the approximately 200 applicants who are without an offer of state accommodation. The Irish Government has struggled to meet its international obligations to house asylum seekers, and said its plans to limit State supports for Ukrainian nationals arriving from February are expected to limit numbers arriving in Ireland. The suspected arson attack in Rosscahill also follows a clear pattern of attacks on other accommodation centres for asylum seekers this year, according to the Irish Refugee Council. Mr Martin said that the absolutely unacceptable comments of the councillors also follows a pattern of similar commentary in Dail Eireann. Those comments were absolutely unacceptable in my view, and the nuance and also the implication in both councillor Walshs and councillor Thomass commentary, which weve heard from other TDs in the Dail, that there is a link somewhere between migrants and bad behaviour or criminality. I think that has to be, in my view, completely knocked on the head and ruled out. Thats unacceptable kind of talk or language. Theres no evidence base for that at all and I really took issue with that implication. He added that Brexit had offered a lesson in pursuing knee-jerk policies in response to a surge in migration. He said that this attempt to control migration had not limited the numbers going to the UK, adding that the number of people moving between countries was ultimately a function of how the world is working or not working. Asked about repercussions for the councillors, Mr Martin said he wouldnt pre-empt the review process. There is a process in place and natural justice applies, but its a very rigorous process and it has been used in the past. We will continue to review the situation. The memorial service for Alistair Darling is taking place in Edinburgh (Andrew Milligan/PA) Former chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling will be remembered at a memorial service in Edinburgh on Tuesday. Mourners including former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the current shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will gather at St Marys Episcopal Cathedral in the Scottish capital at 11am. Mr Darling died on November 30, aged 70, following a stay in hospital where he was being treated for cancer. A private cremation took place on Monday. Alistair Darling, who died last month, chaired the campaign to keep Scotland in 2014 (PA Archive) Piper Finlay MacDonald will provide music before the service begins alongside pieces from classical composers Johannes Brahms and Johann Sebastian Bach. A choir will sing the hymns In The Bleak Midwinter, Love Divine and Jerusalem. Mr Darlings children, Anna and Calum, will read eulogies, as will friend and former Labour minister Brian Wilson and Rachel Reeves. Mr Darling served as a Labour MP between 1987 and 2015, first for Edinburgh Central and then for Edinburgh South West. Most notably, he was chancellor during the turbulent 2008 financial crisis and was widely credited for his calmness in a crisis. Former prime minister Gordon Brown described Mr Darling as a statesman of unimpeachable integrity whose life was defined by a strong sense of social justice. He added: I, like many, relied on his wisdom, calmness in a crisis and his humour. Alistair Darling and Gordon Brown worked closely together during the 2014 independence referendum (PA) Mr Darling also chaired the Better Together campaign to keep Scotland in the UK in the run-up to the 2014 independence referendum, again working closely with Mr Brown. He also served in Tony Blairs government, first as chief secretary to the Treasury before taking on the work and pensions brief in 1998. He was appointed as Transport Secretary in 2002 and as Scotland secretary in 2003 before being appointed as chancellor in 2007. His death last month prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to First Minister Humza Yousaf, who described him as a giant of Scottish politics. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to him, saying his loss to the party would be immeasurable. Alistair lived a life devoted to public service, Sir Keir said. He added: He will be remembered as the chancellor whose calm expertise and honesty helped to guide Britain through the tumult of the global financial crisis. He was a lifelong advocate for Scotland and the Scottish people and his greatest professional pride came from representing his constituents in Edinburgh. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have benefited from Alistairs counsel and friendship. He was always at hand to provide advice built on his decades of experience always with his trademark wry, good humour. Alistair will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. His loss to the Labour Party, his friends and his family is immeasurable. Mr Darling is survived by his wife, Maggie and his two children. Children questioning their gender identity could feel further isolated under new guidance for schools in England, parents have said (David Jones/PA) Young people questioning their gender identity could feel further isolated by new draft guidance for schools, according to two parents of transgender children. One of the parents, who is also a teacher, said schools never want to cut parents out of conversations and information around their child, but that the guidance means there will no longer be a guaranteed safe space for students. The guidance, which is non-statutory and will be subject to a 12-week consultation, states that teachers and pupils will not be compelled to use a childs preferred pronouns, and that schools and colleges should make parents aware if their child requests a change. An exception to the latter is the very rare situation where parental involvement may raise a significant risk of harm to the child. Rebecca Knights, a teacher of 12 years and mother to a transgender son, said she fears that pupils who desperately need somebody to talk to will have no-one. Ms Knights, who works in south London, is an LGBTQ+ district officer for the National Education Union (NEU). She said: The minute students get wind that we (teachers) are feeling under pressure to phone home or that we can deliberately misgender, then there is not a safe space, thats gone. Ms Knight said schools do not want to cut parents out and are generally desperate to work with parents. Of the new guidance, she said: If this means that a child doesnt tell anyone (they are questioning their gender identity) then I feel that is a worse situation to be in. Schools do not deliberately withhold from parents, schools work incredibly hard to work with parents and if we can gain the trust of a child to work with that child in linking up that relationship to telling the parents and support them through that I think that is where we can help young people. Heidi Mavir said the guidance makes it practically impossible for pupils questioning their gender to seek support in school (Heidi Mavir/PA) Heidi Mavir, whose son is transgender, previously gathered thousands of signatures on a Change.org petition expressing concern over the contents of the new guidance. The author, based in West Yorkshire, described the draft guidance as it stands as encouraging trans-exclusionary practice which she said will result in a far greater safeguarding risk for all children, furthering the isolation. She claimed the draft guidance makes it clear that social transition should be effectively blocked by schools and colleges in all but very rare circumstances. The guidance to schools states that there is no general duty to allow children to change their gender identity and they should take a cautious approach when considering social transition requests. Ms Mavir added: The guidance ignores the reality faced by LGBTQ children and young people that they feel under attack and unsafe. She said it cuts off a vital lifeline for support for children, making it practically impossible for trans, non-binary and gender-questioning children to seek support in school. She added: The impact will be bullying, isolation, and the removal of dignity for our children. Philip Wood, a specialist in education law at Browne Jacobson, said while the guidance will be helpful for schools in dealing with what is a complex issue, they might be disappointed with the lack of detail in some areas. He added: The draft guidance seeks to draw the line between not forcing other pupils to use a preferred pronoun and not tolerating bullying. In practice, it will be difficult line for schools to tread, largely coming down to intention on the part of other pupils. Shona Robison has said any further attempts to overturn Scottish Parliament by the UK government will not be tolerated after it was announced plans to appeal the recent gender reform rulings would be scrapped (Jane Barlow/PA) Deputy First Minister Shona Robison confirmed any further legal challenge to recent rulings on the controversial gender recognition reform will be scrapped, but pledged to robustly defend the Scottish Parliament. Speaking to BBC Scotlands The Nine, Ms Robison said the move to drop any further appeals was a difficult decision and that the Scottish Government had looked very carefully at the outcome. It comes after the Court of Session dismissed an appeal against Westminsters decision to override MSPs and axe the Gender Recognition Reform bill last week. Ms Robison told the BBC the UK Governments evocation of a section 35 order to overturn the bill and prevent it from becoming law was outrageous. The legislation had attempted to simplify the process for transgender people to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC) and officially change their legally-recognised sex. Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said it was a very difficult decision for Scottish Government to scrap any further appeals over gender recognition reforms (Andrew Milligan/PA) But the UK Government ruled it could have an adverse impact on equalities legislation across the UK. We took all of the factors in the round, around what the case and what the prospects of the case would be, as well as all the other considerations and the impact indeed on the trans community. So, weve made that decision for all of the reasons that we have set out, Ms Robison said. She added: The point here is that Scotlands democratic institution overwhelmingly supported a piece of legislation that is within devolved competence. And because the UK Government and the Secretary of State for Scotland didnt like it, he thought he could ride roughshod over the democratic wishes of this Parliament. The Deputy First Minister said the Scottish Government was concerned about a pattern of behaviour and said that any future attempts to block legislation would not be tolerated. She added: If we see this again, on a piece of legislation the Secretary of State for Scotland happens not to like, we will continue to robustly defend the wishes of this Parliament. (We will) make sure that we get the support of civic Scotland and other institutions in Scotland, to make sure that we send a loud message that this pattern of behaviour will not be tolerated. And we want to make sure if there is a change of government at UK level that we get a different understanding and a different relationship that is based on respect. Alba Party MSP Ash Regan, who left the Scottish Government and the SNP over her stance on GRR, said she welcomed the decision. She told The Nine: I think its welcome, Im disappointed that unfortunately the Scottish Government has got itself into this mess to begin with, it didnt have to do that. But what I will say, whilst this legislation, which is deeply unpopular with the Scottish public, is blocked for now, what I would like to see is that this legislation is withdrawn and I would like to see the Scottish Government say they will never implement this bill. Alba partys Ash Regan welcomed the Scottish Governments decision on Tuesday (Jane Barlow/PA) The debate around gender reform in Scotland has been controversial with opponents claiming it could endanger the safety and rights of women and girls, while its supporters including the Scottish Government said it was a minor clerical change that would affect a small number of trans people in Scotland. In statements given to the BBC, the Scottish Trans Alliance called the current system for gender recognition intrusive, stressful and difficult and said the bill that passed last year would have improved the lives of trans men and women. For Women Scotland, who have campaigned against changes in the law, urged the Scottish Government to draw a line under the issue. Palestinians view the destruction after Israeli bombardment outside a morgue in Rafah (Hatem Ali/AP) Israeli forces raided one of the last functioning hospitals in Gazas north and bombarded the south with airstrikes that killed at least 28 Palestinians, pressing ahead with their offensive with renewed backing from the US, despite rising international alarm. The air and ground war, launched in response to Hamass October 7 attack in Israel, has killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians, displaced some 1.9 million, demolished much of northern Gaza and sparked attacks on US and Israeli targets across the region. Attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels have led major shipping companies as well as the oil and gas giant BP to suspend trade through the vital waterway, prompting the US and its allies to launch a new mission to counter the threat. But after meeting Israeli officials on Monday, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said he was not here to dictate timelines or terms. Palestinians search for survivors after Israeli strikes (Hatem Ali/AP) His remarks signalled that the US would continue shielding Israel from growing international calls for a ceasefire as the United Nations Security Council was set to hold another vote on Tuesday, and that Washington would keep providing vital military aid for one of the 21st centurys deadliest military campaigns. A strike on a home in Rafah where displaced people were sheltering killed at least 25 people, including a two-year-old boy and his newborn sister, and another strike killed at least three people, according to Associated Press journalists who saw the bodies arrive at two local hospitals early on Tuesday. Rafah, which is in the southern part of Gaza where Israel has told Palestinians to seek shelter, has been repeatedly bombarded in recent days, as Israel has struck what it says are militant targets across the territory, often killing large numbers of civilians. The military said on Tuesday it had killed a prominent Hamas financier in an airstrike in Rafah, without specifying when it happened or if others were killed or hurt. Much of Gaza has been destroyed (Hatem Ali/AP) Meanwhile, fierce battles also raged in northern Gaza, where Hamas continues to put up stiff resistance across what is now a wasteland, seven weeks after Israeli tanks and troops stormed in. Israels bombardment of the urban Jabaliya refugee camp on Tuesday killed at least 27 people and wounded more than 100, according to Munir al-Boursh, a senior official at the Hamas-run Health Ministry. In central Gaza, at least 15 people were killed in strikes overnight, according to hospital records. Among the dead were a mother and her four children, who were killed as they sat around a fire, according to an Associated Press reporter who filmed the aftermath. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said 214 bodies were brought into the territorys hospitals over the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll since the start of the war to more than 19,600. It does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths. Hamas has continued to put up stiff resistance and lob rockets at Israel. The militants said they fired a barrage toward Tel Aviv on Tuesday and air raid sirens went off in central Israel. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The war began after Hamas and other militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in Israel and abducted 240 others. Israels military says 131 of its soldiers have been killed in the Gaza ground offensive. It says it has killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas, saying it uses them as human shields, but the military rarely comments on individual strikes. Israeli forces raided the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City overnight, according to the church that operates it, destroying a wall at its front entrance and detaining most of its staff. The facility was the scene of an explosion early in the war that killed dozens of Palestinians, and which an Associated Press investigation later determined was likely caused by a misfired Palestinian rocket. Don Binder, a pastor at St Georges Anglican Cathedral, which runs the hospital, said the raid left just two doctors, four nurses and two caretakers to tend to more than 100 seriously wounded patients, with no running water or electricity. Yoav Gallant, right, speaks during a joint statement with Lloyd Austin (Maya Alleruzzo/AP) It has been a great mercy for the many wounded in Gaza City that we were able to keep our Ahli Anglican Hospital open for so long, Mr Binder wrote in a Facebook post late on Monday. That ended today. He said an Israeli tank was parked on the rubble at the hospitals entrance, blocking anyone from entering or leaving. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Forces have raided other hospitals across Gaza, accusing Hamas of using them for military purposes. Hospital staff have denied the allegations and accused Israel of endangering critically ill and wounded civilians. The military said on Tuesday that soldiers found an explosive device inside a clinic in Shijaiyah, a Gaza City neighbourhood that has seen heavy fighting in recent days. It did not say whether the clinic was operational and in footage released by the military it appeared to have been abandoned. The UN Security Council has delayed to Tuesday a vote on an Arab-sponsored resolution calling for a halt to hostilities to allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid. Palestinians search for survivors after the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip outside a morgue in Rafah on Tuesday (Hatem Ali/AP) Diplomats said negotiations were taking place to get the US to abstain or vote for the resolution after it vetoed an earlier call for a ceasefire. France, the UK and Germany some of Israels closest allies joined global calls for a ceasefire over the weekend. In Israel, protesters have called for negotiations with Hamas to facilitate the release of scores of hostages still held by the group. CIA director William Burns met in Warsaw with the head of Israels Mossad intelligence agency and the prime minister of Qatar on Monday, the first known meeting of the three since the ceasefire and the release of some 100 hostages in a deal they helped broker. But US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the talks were not at a point where another deal is imminent. Hamas and other militants are still holding an estimated 129 captives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will keep fighting until it ends Hamas rule in Gaza, crushes its military capabilities and frees all the hostages taken during the October 7 attack. For now, at least, he seems to have full US support for a campaign that could last months or years. Later on Tuesday the Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem filed a petition with the Israeli Supreme Court seeking immediate access to the Gaza Strip for the international media. The association said multiple requests to the Israeli Government Press Office, the Israeli military and Defence Ministry received no substantive response. In previous wars, Israel has also limited access to Gaza for journalists, but never for so long. The Palestinian territory has been completely sealed off since Israel declared war on Hamas more than two months ago. Freedom of the press is a basic civil right in a democratic society, the FPA said in a statement. We also believe it is in the public interest to get a fuller picture of conditions inside Gaza after 10 weeks of extremely limited and highly controlled access. The Foreign Press Association represents 130 media outlets in more than 30 countries, including The Associated Press, that operate in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Armed police officers at the scene of a stabbing attack in a health club in Duisburg, Germany (Christoph Reichwein/dpa via AP) A Syrian man described as radicalised has been convicted of murder, attempted murder and bodily harm over two knife attacks in Germany this year, including an assault on visitors to a gym. The defendant, 27, identified only as Maan D in line with German privacy rules, was sentenced to life in prison. The Duesseldorf state court determined that he bears particularly severe guilt, meaning that he will not be eligible for release after 15 years as is usually the case in Germany. He was convicted of stabbing a 35-year-old man to death with a kitchen knife in the western city of Duisburg in April, and attacking four people at a gym in the city with the same knife nine days later. The victims in that stabbing survived, though some sustained life-threatening injuries. The court found that the man, who was arrested a few days after the gym attack and has been in custody since then, is still determined to kill people who are infidels from his point of view and that he is a danger to the public. The defendant arrived in Germany as a refugee in 2015 and, starting in 2020, became radicalised online by the ideology of the Islamic State group, the court said. It added that, without a direct link to IS or other terror organisations he was determined to kill arbitrarily chosen male residents of Germany. The man showed no reaction as the verdict was announced on Tuesday, German news agency dpa reported. The defendant has set out his terrorist attitude with an openness that the court is unused to, presiding judge Jan van Lessen said. He thinks he has seen the true religion in the militant ideology of jihadism. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during his end-of-the-year news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine on Tuesday (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) Ukraines military wants to mobilise up to 500,000 more troops to fight Russias invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that he has asked them to spell out their plans in detail on what is a very sensitive matter before deciding whether he grants their wish as the war approaches the two-year mark. Such a major mobilisation would cost Ukraine around 500 billion hryvnias (10.5 billion), Mr Zelensky said. Other aspects to be considered include whether troops currently on the front line would be rotated or allowed home leave after almost 22 months of full-scale war. Ukrainian Ministry of Defence statistics say the Ukrainian army had nearly 800,000 troops in October. That does not include National Guard or other units. In total, one million Ukrainians are in uniform. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Roman Mashovets, deputy head of the Presidential Office, during their visit to the front line city of Kupiansk, Kharkiv region (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the countrys military to increase the number of troops by nearly 170,000 to a total of 1.32 million. Russia outguns and outnumbers Kyivs forces. The around 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) front line has barely budged this year as a Ukrainian counteroffensive ran up against sturdy Russian defences. Now, with winter setting in, troop movements are being slowed by bad weather, placing grater emphasis on the use of artillery, missiles and drones. Mr Putin said earlier on Tuesday that the Kremlins forces have taken the initiative in Ukraine and are well positioned for the coming year. Mr Zelensky, speaking at a year-end news conference, insisted that the Kremlins forces had failed in their efforts to occupy more of Ukraine since their full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. It was not possible to independently verify battlefield claims by either side. Mr Zelensky said that Ukraine has received additional Patriot surface-to-air systems and advanced NASAMS anti-aircraft systems, providing medium to long-range defence against Russian missile attacks, but declined to provide more details. They will help fend off expected Russian attacks on Ukraines power grid over the winter. Amid signs of war fatigue among Ukraines Western allies, Mr Zelensky said he was confident that the US and European Union would make good on their promises of providing Ukraine with more crucial military and financial support next year. He bluntly replied No to a question about whether his country might lose the war. Crime Scene Unit members inspect a passenger train that was set on fire during a countrywide strike called by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, ahead of the general election, in Dhaka, Dec. 19, 2023. An arson attack on a train in Dhaka on Tuesday killed at least four people, including a mother and her child, during a transport strike called by the opposition to demand the government resign before next months general election, officials said. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called numerous nationwide strikes and transportation blockades and held several protest rallies since late October, some of which descended into deadly violence. The cause of the Monday night fire was not immediately clear, but police and the ruling Awami League accused the BNP and vice versa, with neither side offering any evidence for their claims. A train attendant detected the blaze, which was initially put out, said Anwar Hossain, a senior police official in Dhaka. While the fire was initially extinguished, it quickly reignited, spreading to nearby compartments, he said. Dhakas metropolitan police chief, Habibur Rahman, called the incident an act of arson. Among the four victims was a 35-year-old woman, Nadira Akhter Pop, and her son, Yasin, who was three years old, railway police told BenarNews, adding that the remaining two victims had yet to be identified. The fire service recovered the bodies from one of the train compartments, Parbat Ali, a railway official who witnessed the fire, told BenarNews. The mother was holding her baby to her chest, he said. The BNP called the transport strike to reiterate its months-long demand that the Sheikh Hasina administration make way for a neutral caretaker government ahead of the Jan. 7, 2024, general election to ensure it is carried out fairly. The government refused to accede to the demand, responding by arresting more than 20,000 opposition members, including many senior BNP leaders. Barbaric act Meanwhile, railway authorities told BenarNews they are investigating why the train traveled about 9 miles after the fire was first spotted, before it stopped. A.M. Saleh Uddin, a senior Bangladesh Railway official, said they were also looking into the reason the control room was not notified of the blaze as soon as it was detected. Dhakas metropolitan police chief Rahman insisted without providing evidence that opposition leaders living abroad had ordered their local members to set fire to the train. The arson attack was carried out hours ahead of the [oppositions] strikes and blockades, he said, according to the state-run news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. We are trying to identify and arrest those who torched the train. BNP spokesman Ruhul Kabir Rizvi denied any party members were involved in the incident and condemned it as a barbaric act. Those who set the passenger train on fire at Tejgaon in Dhaka today and killed four passengers are undoubtedly inhuman, he said in an online briefing. Referring to the government, he alleged the involvement of a special quarter in the deadly fire. We demand a neutral judicial inquiry into the incident, he said. Bangladeshis visit the Museum of Independence during celebrations to mark 50 years of victory over Pakistan at an event in Dhaka, Dec. 16, 2021. Bangladeshs birth as a nation in 1971 was violent, coming out of a war partly ignited by the then-Pakistani military governments refusal to honor the results of a democratic election. Fifty-two years after East Pakistan broke free and became Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the daughter of the countrys founding father and her party seem poised to clinch a lopsided victory for a fourth consecutive term through the ballot box. Government critics and the opposition, however, warn that next months general election will essentially be another undemocratic exercise in a nation with a long record of dubious polls. As its own nation, Bangladesh has failed to institute an independent election system thats credible enough to satisfy domestic and international observers, critics say. Even after 52 years of independence, we still lack an electoral system acceptable to all. This is extremely disappointing, Mujahidul Islam Selim, a Bangladeshi freedom fighter in the 1971 war and a veteran politician who heads the Bangladesh Communist Party, told BenarNews. Politics has morphed into merely a means of plundering public wealth. To sustain this plunderage, no one wants to risk going out of power. Hasina inherited the reins of the Awami League party years after her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was assassinated during a military coup in 1975. In the months leading up to the Jan. 7 election, she and Awami officials have refused to give in to the oppositions main demand that her government step aside to allow a neutral caretaker government to oversee the polls to guarantee that they be free and fair. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which leads the opposition, has staged mass street demonstrations and transportation strikes in 2023 to force Hasina to step aside. But Hasina and her party have not buckled under this pressure. The BNP has now opted to boycott the polls after the Awami League refused to budge on the caretaker government issue. On Dec. 16, Bangladesh celebrated the 52nd anniversary of its victory against the Pakistani military in the 1971 war for independence, but criticism about the state of democracy in the South Asian nation of 160 million persists. During Hasinas uninterrupted rule as PM for the past 14 years, Bangladeshs economy posted impressive growth, but that progress shrunk after the COVID-19 pandemic and through a steep rise in oil prices following the Russian invasion and war in Ukraine. Critics, including international human rights groups, have accused her government of becoming increasingly authoritarian and committing rights abuses and violations, such as jailing critics and carrying out extrajudicial killings and state-backed enforced disappearances. Government officials have adamantly rejected such accusations as false. Next months polls will be the 12th general election in Bangladeshs history as a free nation, but some observers are predicting that the polls will seal Hasinas autocratic rule. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (center on rostrum), leader of then-East Pakistan s powerful Awami League, addresses an election rally in Dhaka, Dec. 7, 1970. [Dennis Lee Royle/AP file photo] Out of the 11 previous general elections, only four were considered to be relatively free, fair and uncontroversial because they were shepherded under a non-partisan caretaker system. The rest of the elections were very controversial, domestically and internationally, M. Sakhawat Hossain, a former election commissioner, told BenarNews. All of the four elections that were overseen by a caretaker administration delivered a victory for the opposition, whereas the seven polls under a partisan government always resulted in a landslide for the incumbent. The Awami League government removed the provision for a caretaker government from the constitution in 2011 based on a partial reading of a Supreme Court ruling. The two elections held since then have been contentious. In 2014, the opposition led by the BNP boycotted the elections, allowing the Awami League to return to power virtually unopposed. The boycott was so widespread that the Awami League faced no rival candidates not even from independent ones in more than half of the parliamentary seats. In 2018, the opposition did take part in the vote, but the ruling party and its allied partners secured more than 95% of the seats amid reports of extensive fraud and intimidation. Citing this experience, the BNP refused to participate in the upcoming Jan. 7 election. The government responded to the BNPs protest rallies and escalating strikes and transportation blockades which often disintegrated into violence by arresting tens of thousands of its members, including senior figures. Pakistan President Yahya Khan makes his first grand tour of areas of East Pakistan that were devastated by a cyclone, Nov. 25, 1970. [AP file photo] In 1970, when Bangladesh was a geographically detached region of Pakistan, the Awami League headed by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman widely regarded as the leader of the Bangladeshi independence movement captured the majority of Pakistans federal legislature. However, the Pakistani junta, led by Gen. Yahya Khan, refused to recognize the Awami Leagues right to rule Pakistan. As negotiations to end the stalemate extended to March 1971, the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight in whats now Bangladesh, targeting mainly Bengali civilians. As many as 3 million people are believed to have been killed in the war, which ended in the defeat of the Pakistani military on Dec. 16, 1971. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who had been jailed by Pakistan early on during the war, returned from a Pakistani prison to take the helm of the newly independent country as its president in 1972. But the tenure in power of Bangladeshs founding father drifted into autocratic rule. The election in 1973 the first in independent Bangladeshs history saw Rahmans party win all but seven seats in the 300-seat parliament. In 1974, he formalized the country as a one-party state by banning all other political parties and most of the press. After his assassination in a coup the next year, a military government in various iterations ruled the country for the next 16 years. During those years, elections in Bangladesh lacked legitimacy and were widely seen as a rubber stamp to gain authority. Elections under the military rulers in the 1980s sowed deep-seated suspicion among the public about the electoral system, according to Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq, a retired professor of Dhaka University. But even during the military rule, the distrust was not as widespread as it is today, he told BenarNews. This proves that we are deteriorating gradually as a nation. Caretaker system In 1990, the Awami League and the BNP banded together to end the military rule of Gen. Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Both parties then agreed to take part in an election under an interim government headed by Shahabuddin Ahmed, a widely respected chief justice of the Supreme Court. The election returned a narrow victory for the BNP. But as the BNPs tenure neared an end, the Awami League began to call for a permanent non-partisan system of electoral government, citing alleged rigging in parliamentary by-elections. The BNP rejected the demands and went ahead with holding a one-sided election in February 1996 where its candidates won in all but 11 seats. Bangladesh President Shahabuddin Ahmed (right) shares a smile with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed (second from right) and main opposition leader Khaleda Zia (left) before a presidential dinner in Dhaka, June 11, 1996. [Handout/PID/AFP] However, amid violent protests from the Awami League-led opposition and under mounting pressure from a large swath of civil society, the BNP-led government gave in to pressure to codify the caretaker system into the constitution. The BNP should be credited for agreeing to launch the caretaker system in the face of demands from all opposition parties for an acceptable election process, said Nazrul Islam Khan, a member of BNPs top decision-making body and a veteran of the 1971 war. Within a month, the BNP resigned from the government so that the newly formalized caretaker government could hold another election. Sheikh Hasinas Awami League came to power through that election. Five years later, in 2001, under a similar caretaker government, the BNP-led opposition coalition returned to power with a landslide victory. But around 2006, the Awami League, which was then in the opposition, again raised accusations against the BNP government. It accused the BNP government of trying to manipulate the caretaker system by allegedly pushing for a loyal former chief justice to head the electoral government. The judge soon declined to lead the interim government, but violence and clashes persisted. In early 2007, the military intervened as parties failed to reach any consensus and helped install a technocratic government led by a former central bank governor. That caretaker government didnt limit itself to holding an election. Instead, it launched ambitious reform programs and even arrested major political leaders, including Sheikh Hasina and BNP leader Khaleda Zia on corruption charges. With its reform experiments largely failing after more than a year, the government decided to hold an election by releasing most political prisoners. In that election in 2008, the Awami League returned to power with a thumping supermajority. Three years later, the Supreme Court declared the unelected nature of the caretaker system unconstitutional, but carved out an exception for two more elections under the system. The Awami League ignored the exceptions and removed the caretaker system from the constitution. Both are to blame Today, many observers in Bangladesh view both parties as equally responsible for the credibility crisis facing the election system. The non-partisan caretaker government was introduced as an emergency measure, but because of the power-hungry mentality of the BNP and Awami League, this system became controversial, said Mujahidul Islam Selim, the communist party leader. The BNP tried to manipulate the caretaker system to cling on to power and failed. But the Awami League succeeded. With its wholesale elimination of the caretaker system, the Awami League de-legitimized the entire electoral arrangement. But the Awami League and the BNP have wildly different interpretations of todays crisis. After removing the caretaker system from the constitution, the Awami League has held the election process hostage, said Nazrul Islam Khan, the BNP leader. The upcoming elections will be the last nail in the coffin of our election system. Police personnel stand guard in front of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists during a rally demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the release of BNP leader Khaleda Zia, in Dhaka, Oct. 28, 2023. [Munir uz Zaman/AFP] Shahjahan Khan, another 1971 freedom fighter and a member of the Awami Leagues top political body, agreed that Bangladeshs election system still faced debates. But, he said, his party was trying to build a stronger electoral system by fighting against the BNP. The BNP is not a democratic political party, he told BenarNews, referring to its boycott of the election. Whatever they do does not matter to the people of this country. The three Indonesian presidential candidates, Anies Baswedan (right), Prabowo Subianto (center) and Ganjar Pranowo, pose for pictures after the first presidential debate at the General Elections Commission (KPU) office in Jakarta, Dec. 12, 2023. Prabowo Subianto, one of Indonesias three presidential candidates, has promised to provide free lunch for all schoolchildren, among other pledges, if he is elected to the top office on Feb. 14, 2024. One of his rivals, the ruling partys Ganjar Pranowo, has said he would review a contentious job creation law that was pushed by current President Joko Jokowi Widodo, while pledging to maintain many of the outgoing leaders policies. Meanwhile, the third contender, ex-Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan, has promised to shelve Jokowis U.S. $33 billion legacy project to build a new capital city and focus instead on alleviating poverty and inequality. To communicate these and other promises, the three candidates have been campaigning across the sprawling archipelago nation since Nov. 28, trying to woo the nearly 205 million eligible voters with their visions for the future. They have outlined their policy plans in documents that spell out eight missions in four broad areas: human capital development, economic advancement, environmental protection, and law enforcement with good governance. Dedi Kurnia Syah, the executive director of Indonesia Political Opinion, a polling agency, said that of the three, Anies, 54, stands out slightly because of his emphasis on equality and justice. Prabowo, 72, whos also the defense minister, and Ganjar, 55, presented broader plans on issues such as law enforcement and corruption eradication, which have been perennial challenges in Indonesia. On the economy, the three candidates have similar plans, Dedi told BenarNews. Jokowi, the two-time president who cannot run again due to constitutional term limits, focused on infrastructure development in the nine years he has led the country. He is due to leave office in October 2024. Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo (second from left) hosts lunch for the three presidential candidates in the 2024 election, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (second from right), former Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan (right), and former Central Java Gov. Ganjar Pranowo (left), at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Oct. 30, 2023. [Twitter via @Jokowi] Heres a look at what the three contenders envision achieving if they become the president of Indonesia for the period covering 2024-2029: Prabowo Subianto: Developed Indonesia by 2045 The front-runner and retired general has named his platform Asta Cita, which means eight goals. He aims for a Golden Indonesia by 2045, the centennial of the nations independence. The term refers to the aspiration to make the Southeast Asian nation a prosperous country that is respected around the world. Towards that end, Prabowos platform is centered on economic development, social welfare, and national security. His pledges include: - Providing free lunches and milk at schools, as well as nutritional assistance for toddlers and pregnant women. - Organizing free health screenings, reducing tuberculosis cases by 50% in five years, and building fully equipped hospitals in every regency. Prabowo Subianto, Indonesias defense minister and a presidential candidate, addresses a gathering as his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, looks on, at the General Elections Commission (KPU) office in Jakarta, Nov. 14, 2023. [Adek Berry/AFP] - Cutting the national debt by 50% in five years. - Beefing up the military and police to protect national sovereignty. - Raising the salaries of civil servants, especially teachers, university lecturers, and healthcare workers. - Achieving self-sufficiency in food, energy and water. Dedi, of Indonesia Political Opinion, criticized Prabowos promise of providing a free lunch for all school students in the country. Free lunches should not be given to all students, as not all of them are malnourished, he said. He believes it would be more rational to increase the national education budget and provide school facilities in rural areas. Ganjar Pranowo: Economic growth, maritime development The former governor of Central Java province aims to transform Indonesia into a leading maritime nation by boosting the countrys sea connectivity, marine industry and coastal tourism. Additionally, his platform focuses on job creation and economic growth. Ganjars pledges include: - Creating 17 million new jobs to ensure that all Indonesians find work. - Improving the quality of sea transportation, and ensuring the most effective use of sea lanes. - Strengthening the shipbuilding and fishing industries, conserving the sea and coral reefs, increasing the welfare of fishermen as well as the contribution of the maritime economy to the gross domestic product (GDP). Ganjar Pranowo, presidential candidate of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (right), and running mate Mohammad Mahfud MD, who is Indonesias chief security minister, react to supporters after taking their ballot number for next year's presidential elections, at the election commission headquarters in Jakarta, Nov. 14, 2023. [Willy Kurniawan/Reuters] - Achieving average economic growth of 7% to help Indonesia escape the middle-income trap and transition to a high-income economy. - Providing free healthcare at every community health center known as Puskesmas. - Making education free nationwide for 12 years. - Reducing poverty to 2.5% and ending extreme poverty. Ganjar is mostly looking to stay on Jokowis path, said Hendri Satrio, a political lecturer at Paramadina University in Jakarta. Ganjar is about improvement, so his platform is about how to improve the development that Jokowi has implemented, Hendri told BenarNews. Anies Baswedan: Just, prosperous society for all His electoral pledge says that he will create a just and prosperous society for all Indonesians. Anies aim is to eradicate poverty and inequality, ensuring that every Indonesian has access to quality public services, including healthcare, education, housing, and affordable living costs. Anies Baswedan (right), a former Jakarta governor and presidential candidate for the 2024 election, and running mate Muhaimin Iskandar, who is chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), react as they register themselves at the election commission headquarters in Jakarta, Oct. 19, 2023. [Willy Kurniawan/Reuters] His platform includes the following key pledges: - Achieving social justice and economic prosperity by lowering the poverty rate to 4%-5% by 2029, from 9.36% in March 2023, and eliminating extreme poverty by 2026. - Generating more than 15 million new jobs, including green jobs, from 2025 to 2029. - Strengthening democracy and human rights, ensuring good governance, and combating corruption. - Improving the quality of education and health, and promoting science and technology. - Safeguarding womens rights by preventing violence and discrimination against women; providing integrated crisis services, free health and psychological services for victims of violence. Paramadina University lecturer Hendri said that the goals Anies wants to achieve are far apart from that of the current administration. Anies Baswedan is carrying the banner of change, so his platform is about a departure from Jokowis government, he said. Voters who want serious change are likely to vote for Anies. Philippine House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro speaks to reporters at the Quezon City Hall of Justice in Metro Manila about her complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Dec. 4, 2023. Philippine regulators temporarily yanked off the air two television programs including one where ex-President Rodrigo Duterte allegedly made a death threat against a congresswoman, an official announced Tuesday. The programs, Gikan Sa Masa, Para sa Masa (From the Masses, for the Masses) and Laban Kasama and Bayan (Fight with the People), stopped airing on the Sonshine Media Network Inc. effective Monday, said Lala Sotto-Antonio, chairwoman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. Upon careful review and consideration of recent events and complaints received by the board, it was found that certain aspects of the abovementioned programs may have violated the established guidelines and standards, Sotto-Antonio said in a statement. The 14-day suspension is aligned with the boards mandate to ensure that television programs adhere to contemporary Filipino cultural values, she said. During a live broadcast of the From the Masses show in October, Duterte issued a threat against opposition Rep. France Castro. He questioned Castros comment that overblown intelligence funds were appropriated to the office of his daughter, Sara, who serves as vice president and education secretary in the Marcos administration. The former president urged his daughter to be straightforward with legislators and say that the funds were meant to fight the communist insurgency. But your first target there, using your intelligence funds, is you, France, you communists who I want to kill, Duterte said, according to transcripts made public. I asked her [Sara Duterte] to tell them that, but she refused, saying, You know Pa, if I did that, they might harass the PMTs [Philippine Military Training institutions]. Castro, the House deputy minority leader, filed a criminal complaint against Duterte shortly after the program aired. The regulators informed the Sonshine network about the October broadcast and warned operators that similar incidents would be dealt with more sternly. But the stations management apparently did not heed the warning and on Nov. 15 allegedly aired an episode of the program where guests used profanities. Supporters of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gather outside the Quezon City Hall of Justice in Metro Manila, Dec. 4, 2023. [Gerard Carreon/BenarNews] The classification board investigated the other program, Laban Kasama ang Bayan, over a late November report based on an unnamed source that House Speaker Martin Romualdez had allegedly spent over 1.8 billion pesos (U.S. $32.2 million) for international travel with his entourage, Philippine media Inquirer.net reported. The TV station is owned by Dutertes spiritual adviser Apollo Quiboloy, a megachurch pastor who is wanted by the United States for using his position to allegedly abuse and rape girls as young as 11. Quiboloy, a wealthy friend and benefactor of the Dutertes, has denied those accusations. Accountability Castro, who represents the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, a special-interest group that has a seat in the House, said the board could have acted sooner. I am happy with this development. This is long overdue, Castro told BenarNews. This action by the [board] hopefully will be the first step in bringing about accountability against [the Sonshine Media Network], which has taken on a disinformation and vilification campaign. The ruling is a political statement that sends a strong message that grave threats are not and will never be permitted, she said. Castro said Quiboloys TV station had a history of falsely accusing anyone who has a contrary opinion from the Dutertes of being communist rebels. The authorities should look into the pattern and consistent red-tagging, terrorist-labeling for longer and more decisive measures, she said. The TV station and Duterte did not immediately respond to BenarNews requests for comment. Duterte served as president from 2016 to 2022. His tough-on-crime platform led to an anti-narcotics campaign that left as many as 8,000 suspected drug dealers and addicts dead, according to government figures. Rodrigo Duterte faces murder complaints before the International Criminal Court. His successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., faces international pressure to allow ICC prosecutors into the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend the opening ceremony of the Year of Chinese Tourism in Russia, at the Kremlin in Moscow, March 22, 2013. Three weeks before Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine last year, President Vladimir Putin traveled to Beijing for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping an event shunned by Western leaders. In a 5,300-word joint statement issued the same day, Xi and Putin said their friendship had no limits a declaration that caused a wave of unease in the West. It signaled that the worlds two preeminent authoritarian powers were making common cause. Beijing was also Putins first overseas visit outside the former Soviet Union in October since an arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court against him for war crimes in Ukraine. In recent years, the China-Russia relationship has deepened as the two nations have sought a new world order against their common rival, the United States. However, since the war began, China has avoided providing direct military aid to Russia. Bilateral ties between the two powers are more complex and nuanced than meet the eye. Moscows association with China has a long and storied past that pre-dates the rise of the Chinese Communist Party to power in Beijing seven decades ago. Belarus-born Chiang Fang-liang poses with her husband, former Taiwan President Chiang Ching-kuo, March 15, 1985. [AFP] Kuomintangs Soviet bride In the early afternoon on Dec. 15, 2004, Chiang Fang-liang widow of former Taiwanese President Chiang Ching-kuo died of respiratory and cardiac failure at a hospital in Taipei at age 88. She had lived a quiet, lonely life as a member of Taiwans first family. Her husband and three sons all passed before her. Born Faina Vakhreva in the Russian Empire, she was a member of the Soviet Unions Communist Youth League and met her future husband when they both worked at a factory in Siberia. They married in 1935. A few years before that, Chiangs father, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, led the Chinese nationalist party Kuomintang to power in mainland China. Yet in 1949, the victory of the Communists drove the Chiang family and their government to retreat to the island of Taiwan, where Fang-liang lived and died. The Soviet Union, and Russia afterward, have had little contact with Taiwan, but the Chiang familys Russian connection served as a reminder of how much influence the Soviets once had over the politics across the Taiwan Strait. Chiang Ching-kuo arrived in the USSR aged 15 and spent 12 years there. He embraced the life of a Soviet Marxist, even adopted a Russian name Nikolai Vladimirovich after Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the first leader of the USSR. The Kuomintang, founded in 1912 by Sun Yat-sen, for a long time received support and aid from the Soviet Union. However, during the Chinese Civil War (1927-1949) the Soviets turned to support the Communists who defeated the Nationalists and established the Peoples Republic of China. Chiang Fang-liang is seen with her husband, former Taiwan President Chiang Ching-kuo, and their children in an undated photo. [AFP/KMT] In his memoir My Days in Soviet Russia, Chiang Ching-kuo recalled his time as being completely isolated from China, I was not even allowed to mail a letter, and those long years were the most difficult of his life. All his requests to return to the mainland were rejected by the authorities, according to Russian historians Alexander Larin and Alexander Lukin, as Chiang was virtually held hostage by Lenins successor as Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. Chiang and his small family were allowed to leave the USSR in 1937 when in China the Kuomintang and the Communists formed a new alliance to fight against a Japanese invasion that presaged World War II. That was a lucky escape for them as the Soviet country was undergoing a period of extreme political repression known as the Great Purge, during which hundreds of thousands of Stalins political opponents were removed and eliminated. From then until her final days, Chiangs Russian wife would never set foot in her motherland again. The years in the Soviet Union led Chiang Ching-kuo to examine socialism with a more critical eye, and contributed to his evolution towards anti-communism, argued Larin and Lukin, who said that the failure of the Soviet economic system played a part in Taiwans transition to market reforms under Chiangs premiership during the 1970s. And not only in Taiwan, eventually, the Chinese communists in mainland China arrived at the same conclusion about the Soviet economic model, according to the Russian authors. Deng Xiaoping, the architect of mainland Chinese economic reforms, was a classmate of Chiang and had a similar although much shorter experience in the USSR, they wrote. Good neighbors From the 1960s to the 1990s, the Sino-USSR relationship was marked by turbulence, including a seven-month border conflict in 1969. Mao Zedongs China condemned Moscow for betraying communism while the Soviet Union withdrew all economic assistance to Beijing. It only warmed up after Mikhail Gorbachev became the general secretary of the USSR Communist Party and initiated the political and social reform called perestroika. After the Soviet Union dissolved, China recognized the Russian Federation as its legal successor on Dec. 24, 1991. Moscow and Beijing signed a Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation 10 years later, paving the way for a new chapter in their special partnership. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev (right) gestures as he talks with Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping during a meeting in 1989 in Beijing. [Boris Yurchenko/AP] A joint statement on the 20th anniversary of the treaty in 2021 said that Russian-Chinese relations have reached the highest level in their history. The Russian-Chinese relations are based on equality, deep mutual trust, commitment to international law, support in defending each others core interests, the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, it said. Officially, Sino-Russia ties are described as a comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new era, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. China has been Russias largest trading partner since 2010, with two-way trade reaching U.S. $140.7 billion in 2021 and $134.1 billion in the first seven months of 2023. The target is $200 billion or more in 2023. Russia is the second-largest oil supplier to China, after Saudi Arabia, with 86.3 million tons sold in 2022. China also bought 68.1 million tons of coal from Russia last year. And China is one of the largest foreign investors in Russia. The head of the Russian government, Mikhail Mishutin, told Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a visit in May that there are 79 joint projects in both countries totaling more than $165 billion. Russia is interested in a stable and prosperous China, and China is interested in a strong and successful Russia, official documents from both sides said. The Chinese flag is displayed at the Russian booth during the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2018. [Ng Han Guan/AP] But mutual economic interests aside, shared threat perceptions lie at the core of their bilateral relations, according to Ian Storey, a scholar at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Moscow and Beijing view the United States primacy as contrary to their national interests and a threat to regime survival, Storey said. In his opinion, the Russian and Chinese leaderships believe the U.S. is pursuing a containment strategy against them and is determined to overthrow their authoritarian political systems by orchestrating color revolutions. Alliance or not? In response, Moscow and Beijing have been boosting their military cooperation, raising questions about whether it amounts to a kind of alliance. In 2020, Putin was asked at a meeting if such an alliance was conceivable. He responded that both Russia and China have always believed that our relations have reached such a level of cooperation and trust that it is not necessary. We have achieved a high level of cooperation in the defense industry I am not only talking about the exchange or the purchase and sale of military products, but the sharing of technologies, which is perhaps most important, Putin said. Russian, Chinese and Mongolian national flags fly on armored vehicles during the Vostok 2018 military exercises in Eastern Siberia, Russia, Sept. 13, 2018. [Sergei Grits/AP] Analysts said disparities in power between them may prevent the formation of an alliance. Alexander Gabuev, a Russian analyst from the Carnegie Endowment think tank, wrote that if for Russia, under sanctions from the West, China is becoming an increasingly important partner that would be hard to replace. But he added that for Beijing, Moscow could easily be supplanted, since most of what it supplies China with could be bought elsewhere. In addition, U.S. and EU sanctions are gradually making Russia depend on China for strategic civilian technology, such as 5G systems, the Russian analyst said, referring to a type of high-speed mobile internet network. Moscow and Beijing are well aware that their interests dont always coincide, Gabuev said. Neither side wishes to risk getting drawn into a major conflict over the interests of its partner. However, the joint statement on the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation in 2021 stated: While not being a military and political alliance, such as those formed during the Cold War, the Russian-Chinese relations exceed this form of interstate interaction. Even without a formal alliance, military and military-technical cooperation between the two countries have strengthened in recent years, although the limits of that cooperation have become apparent since Russias invasion of Ukraine. Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) gestures to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a welcoming ceremony ahead of a 2014 conference in Shanghai. [Carlos Barria/Pool via AP] Frequent visitors Putin and Xi have met a whopping 42 times in the last 10 years. Putin has visited China 22 times, more often than any other world leader. For his part, Xi has visited Russia nine times, more than any other country. The last time Xi was in Moscow was in March, on his first foreign trip since being reelected for a rare third term. A year before that and just before Russia invaded Ukraine, Xi and Putin announced the friendship without limits between the two countries. There would be no forbidden areas of bilateral cooperation. But since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, China has provided almost no material support to Russias military campaign. Beijing has, however, supported Moscow rhetorically, echoing its description of the invasion as a special military operation, provoked by NATO expansion. China also abstained from a United Nations resolution that condemned Russias action. Earlier this year, Beijing released a 12-point Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, which is said to aim at mediating a peace. The paper neither condemns Russias aggression against Ukraine nor regards Russias withdrawal as a precondition for peace, and has not brought any tangible success. Vassily Kashin, a Russian analyst on the Chinese military, said there were no signs that China wanted to change its long-standing position of not arming Russia during the Ukraine war. The U.S has warned China of severe sanctions if it were to supply weapons to Russia. If China sees that it will lose more than gain from some actions to support Russia, such actions are never taken, Kashin said. This is why China has refrained from selling Russia weapons, even in spite of the fact that Chinese weapons would likely be a complete game changer on the battlefield in Ukraine. Chinese troops stand at attention during Vostok 2018 military exercises in Eastern Siberia, Russia. [Sergei Grits/AP] Bedfellows While sitting on the fence about the war and claiming impartiality, Beijing seems to be in a unique position to benefit from the gap in the global arms market left by Russia, which has to divert its weapons production to the battlefield. Since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine in February 2022 fewer and fewer countries will be interested in buying Russian equipment, said Storey, who has studied the Russia-China military ties for many years. Chinas defense industry could stand to benefit. Six of the 15 largest defense companies in the world are from China, according to a list compiled by Defense News, a website focusing on the defense industry. Many sophisticated Chinese systems are derived from Russian counterparts, and mid- and long-range air defense systems are among the most sought-after capabilities by Russias customers, Defense News said. Ian Chong, a political scientist from the National University of Singapore, said there is a debate over Chinas strategic calculations. Some claim that Beijing wants a junior partner in Russia that can distract the United States and its allies while providing energy and key minerals. Others see a weak Russia as a potential liability to China, Chong said. Whichever claim proves to be true, it seems that the roles in the Moscow-Beijing tryst have now reversed. Putin may want to read a memorandum of a meeting at the White House in June 1980, where Thomas J. Watson Jr., the then-U.S. ambassador to the USSR, told President Jimmy Carter that in his opinion the Chinese have a tendency to jump around from bed to bed, warning him about Beijings propensity for strategic and political calculus. Russian President Vladimir Putin [center, right] and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during their meeting in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, March 22, 2013. [Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via AP] This report was produced by Radio Free Asia, a news service affiliated with BenarNews. BENNINGTON A nurse in Southwestern Vermont Medical Centers (SVMC) Medical-Surgical Unit was honored this month for her positive impact on both her patients and their families. Victoria Flynn, RN was presented with a DAISY Award, recognizing the comfort care, dedication and advocacy on behalf of her patients and their loved ones. The DAISY Award is an international recognition program honoring clinical excellence and outstanding compassionate care provided by nurses. SVMC, a member of Dartmouth Health, selects honorees through patient, family, and co-worker nominations. One of the most difficult jobs for a nurse is providing end-of-life care and helping a family who is experiencing that with a loved one, said Pamela Duchene, PhD, APRN, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President for Patient Care Services. Victorias compassion and guidance made an indelible impact on the family members that nominated her. Its a powerful reminder that a nurses impact goes far beyond the patient being treated. Flynn joined the SVMC Medical-Surgical Unit in 2014, where she has excelled in patient care over the past decade. She received her BSN from Russell Sage and MSN from UMASS Amherst. Flynn explained that taking care of patients and being part of their lives is a gift. Im just so grateful for the people I work with and the families and patients I care for, she said. Im also so proud to be among the wonderful nurses who have won this award in the past. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy skies with afternoon snow showers. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 32F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. BENNINGTON Despite recent court and regulatory setbacks, a solar developer continues to wage blitz offenses on multiple fronts, seeking to obtain permitting for two controversial projects on Apple Hill in Bennington. Thomas Melone, CEO of Allco Renewable Energy, LTD., also said hes considering a step he contends could end a decade of disputes involving residents of the Apple Hill area, the town and other parties entangled at various points in regulatory or legal proceedings. However, a version of that type of compromise moving the two solar proposals as is to another Bennington site would require approval from the Vermont Public Utility Commission, which rejected such a move to a parcel off Burgess Road in 2022. Re-argument denied Among setbacks for the developer in recent weeks was a Vermont Supreme Court decision posted Dec. 12 that denied a request to re-argue an earlier court decision upholding rejection of a permit for one of the two commercial-size solar arrays proposed. The Supreme Court in late October upheld the PUCs decision denying a required certificate of public good permit for the 2-megawatt Apple Hill Solar project. This month, the court denied the developers motion to reopen argument in the matter. The developers motion fails to identify points of law or fact presented in the briefs upon the original argument which were overlooked or misapprehended by the court, the Supreme Courts order concluded. In the case of Apple Hill Solar, the PUC had rejected a permit, based in part on the possible negative effects on a prominent scenic hillside north of downtown Bennington. Another attempt However, in a motion with the Supreme Court dated Dec. 15, the developer asks the Supreme Court to stay a final mandate notice that apparently would close the door on an Apple Hill Solar permit. The developer asks for a stay of 90 days from Dec. 12 to file a petition for certiorari in the United States Supreme Court, which refers to a request for a review of an issue by a higher court. Two projects Also proposed by the developer on Apple Hill is the 2-megawatt Chelsea Solar project, which also has failed to gain a permit since both were proposed a decade ago, and despite revisions made to the project designs. Late last year, the developer submitted a revised Chelsea design that the company said would allow it to qualify for preferred solar site status under a provision of the Bennington Energy Plan. The revision included added screening and other changes to the site on Apple Hill. However, the town rejected that interpretation of the Energy Plan requirements, prompting a suit by the developer in July in Chittenden Superior Court, which sought to force the select board to declare the proposed solar site a preferred location for solar under the towns Energy Plan guidelines something the select board had determined is not the case. That suit was later dismissed in the Chittenden Court, but the developer has since filed an appeal to the U.S. District in Vermont, seeking similar rulings by the court to advance the Chelsea project. Multiple suits Among other lawsuits or regulatory filings by the developer in the federal court include: Suits in U.S. District Court that allege violations of property ownership rights under the U.S. Constitution concerning the two proposed solar projects; an appeal to overturn an October decision by the PUC that denied extension of the Chelsea projects original contract to sell power to utilities, which was set at a higher per kilowatt amount than has been obtained in solar contracts in recent years; and motions in federal court challenging other aspects of the Vermont solar development regulatory process. An appeal to the state Supreme Court of a $5,000 fine approved by the PUC for tree cutting work on Apple Hill without a solar project permit in hand. Melone said this week in an email, Of course, most of this litigation would be mooted if the PUC agreed to the relocation of the Chelsea and Apple Hill projects to the site approved by the town. He added, Please keep that in mind because there is simply no good reason why the PUC shouldn't allow the relocation. It's a solution that is permitted under the rules, makes everyone in the town happy, and avoids the years of further litigation that lie ahead. Allco also has a 2.2-megawatt called Battle Creek Solar facility that was approved and is operating on a site off North Bennington Road, and has received a permit for a 2.2-megawatt project called Stark Solar and proposed for a site off Rice Lane. A proposed 2.2-megawatt project, Warner Solar, also proposed off Rice Lane is in the permitting process, but the developer has asked for a stay pending resolution of issues under review in federal court. BENNINGTON A presentation Sunday, "Inside the Battle of Bennington," focused on groups and stories that are frequently overlooked in historical accounts. Inclusion is a theme in every 250th mission statement for all of us who tell stories, write play, films, conduct parades us historians and commemorators, said Phil Holland, historian and author. That means stories that include people who haven't been included in past versions of the past. A full house attended the Bennington Historical Society presentation at the Bennington Museum. Looking at history more inclusively is not a new idea and was part of bicentennial celebrations, he said. But it has new urgency in this country and in this diversifying state of Vermont and a community like ours, Holland said. The time is right in other respects, too. Our knowledge of the Battle of Bennington has advanced significantly in the past 50 years. We know the names of six black soldiers who participated in the Battle of Bennington. One of these soldiers died during the battle. One of the scholars who have added to knowledge about the battle is Lion G. Miles, a longtime resident of Berkshire County, now deceased, with whom Holland gave a presentation to the society in 2019. In a letter to the Berkshire Eagle, Miles confirmed that a soldier named Sipp Ives, a private in Warners continental regiment, known as the Green Mountain Boys, was Black and was killed at the battle. Miles also identified him as the Black man lying mortally wounded on the ground, seen by captain Brown at the battlefield and remembered by Brown in his 90th year in a pension deposition for the widow of the man who enlisted Ives in what is now Cheshire, Massachusetts, on Feb. 14, 1777. Miles was able to read this deposition. Ives enlisted on that day along with two other Black men, the Grandison brothers, Simeon and Charles, who both survived the war," Holland said. "We can track his, and their, likely movements as members of Warners continental regiment in the summer of 77. They patrolled the area south of Otter Creek, and prepared to meet the British invasion at Ticonderoga, joining the evacuation on the night of July 5, and fighting the brave and bloody battle at Hubbardston, at which more than half of Warners regiment were casualties," he said. On Aug. 14, they were summoned to Bennington to stop the British detachment from reaching the Continental Storehouse here. There were just 99 men left in their regiment, plus about 30 to 40 Lees Rangers attached to them. But their arrival on the battlefield turned the second engagement to the Patriots favor. It is most likely that Sipp Ives died in action in that engagement," Holland said. "He was the only one of Warners men killed on the battlefield, though others were wounded. So far, Holland and others have found out very little about Ivess background, including why he enlisted and what was his legal status. Instead, he described the battle that was the likely scene of his death, "the second engagement, when the scattered American forces suddenly had to take on the German reinforcements 600 some strong with two six-pound cannons clearing the way late in the afternoon of the 16th. Holland said it would be fitting for Bennington to have a monument to a Black Green Mountain Boy who died for his country. Genealogists and others continue researching the Ives family and more information has become available recently about the Grandison brothers. Women on the home front Sarah Rudd was married to Lt. Joseph Rudd of the Bennington militia. In a pension application decades later, she described what it was like for herself and her four young children as the British swept down into the area and she fled on horseback to Williamstown, Massachusetts: It was an eventful year. I can never forget, while anything of memory lives. My flight on horseback, and in feeble health with my babe and two other small children and my eldest daughter running on foot by the side of me from Bennington to Williamstown under circumstances of great alarm and fear from Hessians, tory-enemies and Indians. And the absence of my husband at the time of this my trial for months before, and for months afterwards. Katie Brownell teaches fifth grade at Hoosick Falls Elementary School and, along with Holland, serves on the board of the Friends of the Bennington Battlefield. In elementary school everything she learned about history was about men. Visiting historical sites in the Hudson Valley, she later learned that girls and women were part of history, too. But often this required deep research to make their stories come alive. In the case of Sarah Rudd, information about her life came from the initial rejection of her application for a pension as the widow of a militia member. The Bennington Probate Court dismissively denied her application: That not being an actor in the public service, and a woman whose duties compelled her to tarry with the household, she can know but little of her own personal knowledge that is definite as to the particular period or station of her late husband, Joseph Rudds services. Sarah Rudds attorney, Orsamus C. Merrill, took depositions, provided documentation, and further elaborated on Sarah story. Rudd received a pension for the service of her husband at a rate of $106 per annum beginning on March 4 1838. Sarah and her husband Joseph Rudd, were early settlers here in Bennington. Joseph, a 25-year-old veteran of the French and Indian War, would settle and begin to farm here in 1765," Brownell said. "He married Sarah Story, at the humble homestead in 1768. Later, Sarah would describe their domestic life in Bennington as being settlers in a new region. With the onset of the Revolution, Joseph Rudd declared himself a patriot and took up arms once more. Sarah worked their farm during her husband's absence. At one point, Joseph Rudd sent his father to come and help on the farm. Then the father became ill and Sarah was left to care for her children, run the farm, and nurse her father in law. Joseph Rudd may have faced musket, sword and enemies on the battlefield, "but Sarah, on the home front, battled the old and ever-present enemies of illness, hunger, farm work, privation. And of course, we can't forget the laundry. Such was the glamorous life of a woman, a wife and a mother at home," Brownell said. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A storm barreling through the Northeastern U.S. has flooded roads and downed trees, knocked out power to hundreds of thousands, forced flight cancellations and school closures, and killed at least four people Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter PITTSFIELD Mayor Linda Tyer will join the staff of Berkshire Community College as the new executive director of workforce development and community education when her term ends at the close of the year. Tyers new role, which will start in early February, will give her a seat on BCC President Ellen Kennedys cabinet and the top role on the colleges workforce development and community education team. Tyer, a two-term mayor, announced in February that she would not seek reelection when her term concludes at the end of this year. That decision cleared the way for a mayoral election race between City Council President Peter Marchetti and former Council Vice President John Krol, which Marchetti won in November. Tyer said in a release about her new role that the college has a proud history in the training and retraining of local workers, especially those employed in the health care, hospitality and advanced manufacturing fields. She said shell bring a fresh approach to the colleges next chapter in this work. By expanding the network of partnerships to develop customized training and skills advancement in sectors such as nonprofit and government, career training and adult education, Berkshire Community College can be the premier destination for high-quality training programs, Tyer said in a statement. As executive director, Tyer will be responsible for setting the course and goals for a renewed approach to workforce training and community education at BCC, according to a job posting for the position. The job posting calls the executive director the primary driver of partnerships to advance access to economic and social mobility in the region, with a goal of becoming the customized training partner of choice for Berkshire County employers." During Tyers time in office, she launched the Red Carpet Team, which brought together the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority and Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corp. out of their silos and into a joint effort to attract and retain businesses in the city. Tyer called the creation of the team a highlight of her time in office during an interview with The Eagle earlier this year one that has had an important part in the success of companies like Interprint, Electro Magnetic Applications Inc. and the Hot Plate Brewing Co. Kennedy highlighted the Red Carpet Team, among Tyers other professional accomplishments, as part of the wealth of experience that she said will make Tyer an asset to the colleges workforce training efforts. Her extensive knowledge of Massachusetts government and quasi-public organizations supporting community and economic efforts will undoubtedly make her an invaluable partner in our mission to meet the education and training needs of our community, Kennedy said in a statement. Tyer has served nearly 20 years as an elected official in Pittsfield. Tyer served first as the Ward 3 city councilor from 2004 to 2009. She was one of the first three candidates endorsed by the Women Helping Empower Neighborhoods, a political action committee formed to support women and people of color seeking local elected office. In 2009, she was elected to the position of City Clerk, a role she held until her election as mayor in 2016. Tyer is a former president of the Massachusetts Mayors Association and is currently a member of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Samuel Harrison Society. Prior to her political career, she worked for Lenox Public Schools in a variety of positions including as the executive assistant to the superintendent and worked as a legal assistant for the law firms of Hill & Barlow and George, Degregorio & Massimiano. Tyer is a graduate of Bay Path Junior College in Longmeadow. You are the owner of this article. GREAT BARRINGTON They say the censors got it wrong just like they always do. Quote Banning one book is a pathway for other peoples rights to be banned. Ben, Monument Mountain Regional High School senior But this time it hurt. So on Friday, LGBTQIA + teens who have been beaten, or attacked with slurs and other indignities organized a walkout at Monument Mountain Regional High School to talk about it. More than 100 students and staff gathered outside the school to protest a police officers search for the illustrated novel, Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, in a eighth-grade middle school classroom this month after someone who remains anonymous complained that the book contains pornographic images. The book probe has outraged many in the community, including parents who say they want answers about how police got involved in the review of literature and why that was permitted. Gov. Maura Healey on Monday also expressed disapproval of the attempt to censor, and in a statement applauded the students for their walkout. "Book banning has no place in Massachusetts," Healey said. Full statment by Gov. Maura Healey Book banning has no place in Massachusetts. Our administration stands with educators who are committed to ensuring that their students have inclusive, comprehensive resources. Im proud to see these students stepping up to support their teacher, their peers and an inclusive learning environment. Gov. Maura Healey Great Barrington police had notified school officials they had to take a look at the book in a W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School classroom. The principal then escorted the officer to the classroom on Dec. 8 after school had let out surprising the English teacher who keeps Gender Queer in her resource library. They searched but could not find it. It is a book a coming-of-age memoir that resonates with, comforts and educates those of a certain age who struggle with gender identity, or possibly those simply hacking their way through the jungle that is adolescence. It is a book with some sexual content and illustration that is recommended for ages 14 and up but that age rating varies with different reviewers. Its also a book that has been challenged and banned more than any other in the U.S., according to PEN America. The hunt for the book felt like yet another attack on the LGBTQIA+ community, students said. And they dont buy that the problem is pornography they think the larger theme is the objection for some. They also pointed to the hypocrisy of the adults coming for a book in a world full of other exposures for youngsters including oft-barbaric social media and depravity on the internet. People are already learning hate, said Rosemary, who also goes by Ripley, noting that in sixth grade, they were called a homophobic slur by another student. Speaking to the crowd, Rosemary went on to describe riding the school bus and overhearing the gnarly-ist stuff from younger students. Ben, a senior who came out as transgender in eighth grade, said he has been harassed in the boys bathroom and now doesnt feel safe going in because of a video that had circulated in the last year of me going into the boys bathroom and using it. Banning one book, Ben said, is a pathway for other peoples rights to be banned. While the students demonstrated, school officials and law enforcement were still scrambling to respond to blowback from the incident. Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said he was bouncing the book probe back to the school where such issues are typically resolved. Great Barrington Police Chief Paul Storti said in a statement he had to follow through with the Dec. 8 complaint and notify the DA, and that he worked with school officials to do it in the least invasive way possible. Berkshire Hills Regional School District Superintendent Peter Dillon said he and other school officials found themselves caught off guard by this run-in with police about a book. It is something district policies did not anticipate. While rattled by the incident, student organizers said they were moved by the support from school administrators, and other students in some instances surprised, given some heartache over the years. Its really beautiful, said organizer Noelia Salinetti, 17, after the protest, speaking of the support as well as that of people that I wasnt necessarily expecting to show up. Salinetti said the students are also rallying for middle schoolers rights to a variety of literature but also want to protect and support the teacher who provides it. Organizer Nyx Tucci, 15, said the high turnout at the walkout was surprising and meant a lot. I was terrified that I was going to organize all this and then the next day, no one was going to show up, they said. Honestly, I love this school [and] I can only count maybe 20 people who I really thought [were] going to because people were kind of hateful even [at Monument]. No one saw this attempt at a book ban coming. Students Ben Gross, Ari Caine and Mia Cohen were already worried about bans elsewhere on Holocaust literature such as "Maus," by Art Spiegelman and "Night," by Elie Wiesel both of which are studied at the middle school. Gross, 17, said it appears that books about personal experience appear to be frequent targets of bans. Caine, one of the organizers, agreed. Because it humanizes," Caine said, "and they want so bad to dehumanize minorities that these personal narratives that really make you feel for the person are the greatest threat. An attendee wears a flag during a campaign rally Saturday for former President Donald Trump in Durham, N.H. Vengeance is among the autocratic themes the former president has been using as part of his rhetoric. "Nous allons avoir en France, malheureusement, un texte sur l'immigration plus dur que dans l'Italie de Giorgia Meloni" assure Fabien Roussel (PCF) Fabien Roussel, president du PCF, reagit a l'accord trouve sur la loi immigration en commission mixte paritaire. The commissioning of the facility represents the culmination of a 45 million investment Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS), a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and part of Piramal Pharma, celebrated the opening of its expanded antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing facility in Grangemouth, Scotland, UK. This expansion further enhances the site's capacity by approximately seventy to eighty percent, enabling scale-up of commercial ADC manufacturing batches. The capacity expansion, which has been completed for commercialisation within this fiscal year, features two new ADC manufacturing suites specifically designed to complement the existing three. The commissioning of the facility represents the culmination of a 45 million investment to address rapidly growing demand for ADC manufacturing, supported by a 2.4 million Scottish Enterprise grant. The site expansion includes a dedicated customer experience centre for clients who are visiting the site during development and/or manufacturing activities, along with new Quality Control laboratories, warehousing, office space, and supporting utilities. The building, which utilised modular construction technology to expedite its completion, has been designed to accommodate further expansion. Potential future enhancements may include a new sterile fill/finish suite dedicated to ADCs and two additional large-scale manufacturing suites capable of handling increased batch sizes. Impala Platinum (Implats) is currently monitoring an unauthorised underground protest that commenced this morning, 18 December 2023, at both the North and South shafts of the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine. The mine is part of Implats Impala Bafokeng operation in the North West province. Impala Bafokeng complex. Source: Implats In response to the protest, management has proactively suspended mining operations at the two shafts and recalled all employees from the underground working areas. As of 15h00, approximately 2,205 employees remained underground, with the motivations and demands of the protest yet to be determined. Impala Bafokeng alerted the relevant authorities and initiated emergency measures to ensure the health and safety of all participants, whether they are voluntarily involved or have been forced to remain underground against their will. The recent increase in illegal underground protests and similar unlawful actions at mining operations in South Africa have caused significant concern and disruption to the broader mining industry. "These coordinated protest actions pose serious safety risks for our employees, not only due to the provision of basic necessities such as nutrition, hydration, and ablution facilities, but also the potential risk to personal safety should the protest action escalate into hostage situations or result in physical violence," read the official company statement. Implats is closely monitoring an illegal underground protest, which began this morning at Impala Bafokeng. Please read the statement for more. pic.twitter.com/T3itXY1qaM Implats (@Implats) December 18, 2023 "As a Group, we prioritise and value open and constructive engagement and condemn acts that jeopardise the safety and security of our employees, particularly at a time when the financial sustainability of the entire industry is at risk," continued the company. The long-term impacts of these acts pose a threat to sustainable employment, especially given the current low metal price environment facing PGM producers. Impala Bafokeng has well-documented and recognised procedures for addressing any form of grievance, as well as established engagement platforms with trade union representatives to discuss issues concerning our employees. The health, safety, and security of our employees remain our foremost priority. Impala Bafokeng has urged its employees to avoid involvement in these illegal activities and, in line with our employee behavioural code, will address those employees who engage in illegal conduct and criminal acts decisively. Implats stated that it will provide further updates as and when new information becomes available. "A neighbour in my sectional title unit is very traditional and has been hinting that he wants to hold a sacrificial slaughter at his home as an offering to his ancestral spirits. Although I have no objection to this, I am concerned as to whether this is allowed in a sectional title scheme as I think that there may be objections from other owners in the complex if he continues. Can he do this on his property in the complex? Image source: Andreas Schnabl from Pexels This is a complex question and has also been the topic of some intense debate between animal anti-cruelty activists and traditional groups for which animal slaughter forms a part of their culture and is seen as essential to their identity. The South African Bill of Rights guarantees the right to freedom of religion. Included in this right has been recognised the right to slaughter animals as part of a religious ritual, with the Commission on the Rights of Culture and Religion confirming that communities may continue to slaughter animals as a religious and cultural practice, but under the guidelines of African ritual animal slaughter and that care be taken to consider the rights of other people who might be sensitive to the practice. Following this statement by the Commission on the Rights of Culture and Religion, most municipalities in South Africa proceeded to make provision for slaughtering in their by-laws, as well as the procedures that must be followed in obtaining consent to have a religious slaughter ritual in an urban area as well as how the remains of the animal after the ritual takes place, must be disposed of. The question now is, whether such ritual slaughters can happen in sectional title schemes where people live in close proximity to each other and whether this can be allowed or forbidden by body corporates. In terms of the Prescribed Management Rules of a sectional title scheme, sectional title schemes are subject to all national and local legislation and by-laws. A body corporate can therefore not ban the use of ritual slaughters within the scheme, as it is a Constitutional right, but they may change the rules of the scheme to provide for certain conditions that must be met before the ritual may take place within the scheme. These include but are not limited to: Prior notice to be given to the Trustees of the date and time of the slaughter as well as the type of the animal and the type of ritual to take place. Proof that the owner obtained prior consent from the local municipality in terms of its by-laws. Notice from the Health Department that the necessary hygiene will be followed during the slaughter of the animal as well as afterwards. Notice to all adjacent units of the date and time of the slaughter. These changes to the rules will have to be approved by all owners and submitted to the Community Schemes Ombud for approval before it may be implemented in the scheme and who will have to ensure that the new rules comply with the law and are not discriminatory to any of the other owners in the scheme. It would therefore be advisable for your neighbour to approach your body corporate to ascertain if there are any such rules in place for sacrificial slaughter and if necessary, request such rules to be put in place before just continuing with the ritual. The defense ministers of Japan, Britain and Italy signed an agreement on Thursday to establish a joint organization to develop a new advanced jet fighter, as the countries push to strengthen their cooperation in the face of growing threats from China, Russia and North Korea. The three countries had agreed last year to merge earlier individual plans for Japans Mitsubishi F-X to succeed the retiring F-2s developed with the United States and Britains Tempest to produce the new combat aircraft for deployment in 2035. Japan, which is rapidly building up its military, hopes to have a greater capability to counter Chinas rising assertiveness while welcoming Britains bigger presence in the Indo-Pacific region. We are living in a difficult period and it requires cooperation between nations, to exchange knowledge, technology, to make industrial agreements, explained Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto noting that these three great nations feel threatened by state actors that are becoming more aggressive. Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said at a joint news conference with his British and Italian counterparts, Grant Shapps and Guido Crosetto, that co-developing a high-performance fighter aircraft is indispensable to securing air superiority and enabling effective deterrence at a time that Japan faces an increasingly severe security environment. The initial phase assessment of pre-registration applications for Community Television Broadcasting Service and Radio Frequency Spectrum licenses on Multiplex 1 (Mux-1) frequencies has been completed by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa). Icasa regrets, to announce that, of the twenty (20) applications considered for Phase one of the licensing process, only one (1) applicant has successfully met all the pre-registration requirements and is therefore advancing to Phase two of the licensing process. Integral and vital Icasa views community TV services as an integral and vital part of the three-tier (public, commercial, community) broadcasting ecosystem in South Africa. Community TV is intended to provide audio-visual broadcasting services owned by, controlled by, and directly responsive to the values, needs and interests of the community they intend serving, which may be either a geographic community or a community of interest. As such, they must operate on a not-for-profit basis. Currently there are five holders of community TV licences in South Africa. The second phase of the licensing process will be undertaken in terms of section 17 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No 36 of 2005) and in line with the criteria set out in Schedule B of the Invitation to Pre-Register (ITP-R). The above-mentioned applicant will be required to submit Form B within thirty (30) days of receipt of the decision letter that has been communicated to them by Icasa Application requirements "It is unfortunate that nineteen (19) applicants were unable to meet the pre-registration requirements, despite a series of workshops that Icasa conducted across the country', said councillor Ntombiza Sithole, committee chairperson. The workshops were aimed at assisting interested applicants in unpacking and understanding the application requirements of the ITP-R, in order to enable potential applicants to lodge applications that were correct, compliant and successful," added Sithole. Icasa has provided reasons for disqualification to the impacted applicants. "Icasa remains committed to adhering to the stipulated requirements as set in the ITP-R, applicable legislation, and regulations in order to maintain the integrity of the licensing process. The decision to disqualify applicants is grounded in the necessity ensures compliance," concluded Sithole. Most of Ivory Coast's cocoa-growing regions saw no rainfall last week while the seasonal dry Harmattan wind began to blow, farmers said on Monday. Cocoa pods are pictured at a farm in Sinfra, Ivory Coast April 29, 2023. REUTERS/Luc Gnago/File Photo The world's top cocoa producer is in its dry season, which runs officially from mid-November to March when rains are poor and scarce. The soil moisture content was adequate for the October-to-March main crop, and farmers said harvesting continued to pick up. However, they said the country was hit by the Harmattan, which usually blows between December and March from the Sahara Desert. The winds were mild and farmers hoped they would remain so as they could damage the quality of beans from mid-February or March. In the centre-western region of Daloa and in the central regions of Bongouanou and Yamoussoukro, where no rain fell last week, farmers said the intensity of the wind would determine the size of the main crop's last stage. "We have lots of small pods on the trees. If the Harmattan becomes strong, many (small pods) will dry out and fall from the trees," said Armand Agnissan, who farms near Daloa, where no rain fell last week, which is 4.2 millimetres (mm) below the five-year average. Farmers from other regions said one good rainfall was needed before the end of the year to boost the crop. "We'll have a lot of cocoa in January. But if we get good rain before the end of the month, it will be good for the rest of the main crop," said Salame Kone, who farms near Soubre, where 0 mm of rain fell last week, 9.1 mm below the average. The southern region of Divo also saw no rainfall last week. At the same time, 0.1 mm of rain fell in the southern region of Agboville, 9.3 mm below the average, and 0.8 mm fell in the eastern region of Abengourou, 7.4 mm below the average. Ivory Coast's average temperature was 27.3 to 27.9 degrees Celsius last week. TotalEnergies reaffirmed its commitment to business interests in Nigeria, the French company said, adding that its head Patrick Pouyanne had met Nigeria President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Monday. The logo of French oil and gas company TotalEnergies is seen at the company's headquarters skyscraper in the financial and business district of La Defense, near Paris. Source: Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes TotalEnergies said it had signed a co-operation agreement with Nigeria's state oil firm NNPC Ltd to carry out methane detection and measurement campaigns using its advanced drone-based AUSEA technology on oil and gas facilities in Nigeria. TotalEnergies pledged to "invest $6 billion in the coming years," with focus on offshore oil projects and gas production across all terrain, Tinubu's office said in a statement, citing Pouyanne. Tinubu's meeting with Pouyanne follows similar talks with oil majors Shell and Exxon Mobil as part of moves to attract capital to Africa's top energy producer. Oil output from Nigeria, Africa's biggest economy, has been in decline for years, hobbled by large-scale theft and sabotage. It has picked up in recent months, helped by offshore production that is less prone to attacks. Tinubu pledged to remove "anti-investment impediments in the oil and gas industry" and provide incentives to producers to help boost gas output. ...and closes 2023 with the most Gold awards at Loeries, Pendorings and Top Students in AdFocus Awards The Red & Yellow Creative School of Business has been named Top School of the year by the Pendoring Awards for the third year in a row, closing the academic year with a series of wins across coveted industry award platforms. The Pendoring Awards celebrates South African indigenous language creative content. The awards showcase the immense power and continued growth of not only the South African creative industry, but also the global landscape that continues to grow and promote creative career progression in this lucrative industry. Winning Top School for the third year in a row at the Pendorings is a testament to the stellar performance of our lecturers and their continued commitment to our students demonstrating that great careers start with where you study, says Elizabeth Lee-Ming, director of marketing at the Red & Yellow Creative School of Business. The creative industry continues to surge Across the continent we continue to see, feel, and experience a surge of cultural and creative expression in music, art, literature, and the powerful and impactful work that our brand and the advertising industry is putting out into the world, she says. The financial strength, career opportunities, and economic impact of the creative industry continues to expand its scope, creating jobs and establishing our young creatives as global voices and industry leaders. This comes off the back of weforum.org reporting that creativity will be among the most sought-after skills in business by 2025, a statement entrenched in Red & Yellows ethos since their doors first opened. A year of awards and recognition Not only did the school take this years highest award at the 2023 Pendorings, but students also showcased incredible work that was recognised by the judges. A total of nine awards won in the Student category, including the much coveted Gold and Gold Certificate. In 2023 over 40 Red & Yellow students submitted entries to the Loeries, with 20 students listing as finalists and securing six awards for outstanding work - including the highly regarded Gold and Certificate in Craft. The school ranked highest for number of finalists in the student categories at the Financial Mail AdFocus Awards with 24 in total, placing three finalists in the Park Advertising sponsored Student of the Year category. We must remain focused on exceptional education standards The showing of our students during 2023 reinforces why we place such emphasis on the calibre of educators, our agile curriculum, and supporting the growth of the industry by intentionally driving a winning team mentality within our students, says Carmen Schaefer, head of academics at the Red & Yellow Creative School of Business. Our goal remains to future-fit our students with what is needed to excel in an industry that continues to show its financial strength and real-world influence, with student employability at the heart of what we do, she concludes. For more information on Red & Yellow and to view courses and accolades, visit www.redandyellow.co.za Since the launch of Al-Aqsa Flood on the 7th of October and the subsequent Israeli onslaught on the beleaguered Gaza Strip, what has perhaps been most notable is the response of Yemen to the ongoing slaughter. On the 31st of October, Yemens Ansar Allah movement launched a barrage of missiles towards the southern Israeli settlement of Eilat, with the group formally declaring the launch of a military operation in defence of Palestine shortly afterwards. In the following weeks, this military operation would expand to include further strikes against Israeli targets, and would culminate in the closure of the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait to all ships destined for Israel, with the group announcing that any vessel defying this order would become a target. In response, a number of global shipping giants announced that they would no longer be travelling through the Red Sea en route to Israel, and would be taking a far more costly route around Africa instead. A highly-impactful military operation by Ansar Allah it would seem, and one thats all the more significant considering that like Gaza, Yemen itself has been subjected to an almost nine-year long genocidal war and blockade. In March 2015, following Ansar Allahs seizure of the capital Sanaa, neighbouring Saudi Arabia would launch an air campaign in a bid to restore their favoured Presidential candidate, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, to power. Targeting mainly Yemens agricultural sector with US and British-supplied bombs, this air campaign would lead to widespread starvation and famine in what is already the poorest country in the Arab world. The subsequent collapse of Yemens health, water and sanitation infrastructure, would lead to the largest Cholera outbreak in recorded history, a situation exacerbated even further by a Saudi blockade preventing food and medical supplies from entering the country. A situation that bears a grim similarity to the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza in response to Al-Aqsa Flood. Thus, for Yemen to engage in a military operation on behalf of Gaza, in spite of the horrors that they themselves have faced, is an undeniably admirable stance. It also increases the likelihood that a direct US military intervention in Yemen, appears increasingly imminent. On Saturday, a report by the website The War Zone outlined how US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin would announce the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian on a visit to west Asia next week, an initiative intended to militarily counter Ansar Allahs ongoing operations in the Red Sea. A subsequent report by POLITICO also detailed how White House officials had mulled over options on military strikes against Ansar Allah, having being previously reluctant to do so out of possible escalations with Iran. The possibility of a deliberately-staged provocation, intended to precipitate a US military response in Yemen, now appears increasingly likely. Indeed, similar occurrences have a historical precedent. In 1915, amidst the first World War, Germany had announced that all ships travelling to Britain would be attacked, placing advertisements in US newspapers to inform would-be travellers of this situation, with Washington having been a neutral party in the conflict at this stage. On the 7th of May however, the British ocean liner Lusitania, sailing from New York to Liverpool, would be torpedoed by a German submarine off the southern coast of Ireland, resulting in the loss of almost 1,200 lives, with a significant number being US citizens. Conspicuously, the British Naval escort that was standard for ships such as the Lusitania at the time was absent on the day. The ensuing public revulsion in the United States at the sinking of the Lusitania would galvanise support for the subsequent entry of the US into WWI in 1917, despite the strong anti-interventionist sentiment that had been present beforehand. Now, more than a century later, the grim possibility that a similar situation may occur in the Red Sea, a popular cruise ship destination, appears increasingly likely, as well as the ensuing chaos that will inevitably follow. It's the Pentagons newest and 11th combat command. The U.S. Space Command, the Pentagons newest and 11th combatant command, has reached full operating capability, according to its commander, Army Gen. James Dickinson. Gen. Dickinson made the declaration during a headquarters town hall on Dec. 15, according to a statement. The U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) was created in 2019 at the direction of former President Donald Trump. 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, Gen. 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. He explained that the announcement followed an in-depth evaluation of the commands capabilities, including the ability to execute its mission on our worst day, when we are needed the most. The declaration of full operating capability met certain criteria, including having the appropriate numbers of skills across the human capital and having the necessary command processes and functions in place, according to Gen. Dickinson. He named China and Russia both as key adversaries whose space capabilities pose a threat to the United States. As the command has matured, challenges to a safe, secure, stable, and sustainable space domain have significantly increased, Gen. 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. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has said that it'll become a major space power sometime around 2030 and that it's planning to double the size of its space station in the next few years. Rick Fisher, a senior fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Center, in a commentary published by The Epoch Times last month, warned that China has no hesitation to arm its space stations and other large manned space platforms, including its bases on the moon and beyond, no matter what Chinas state-run media have stated. Until the CCP expires or abandons its ambitions for hegemony on Earth, the United States and its partners in space will need to achieve security, meaning they will require military capabilities in space to use against Beijings manned and unmanned space systems intended to attack the democracies, Mr. Fisher added. The command had completed its first training exercise with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which served as a major step in validating the headquarters staff as a ready, joint force, Gen. Dickinson said. Our work continues, he said. As the complexity of the domain grows, so must our capability to deliver operational and strategic effects to our nation and preserve the safety and stability of the domain. CBS News, December 12, 2023 Ahmad Mukhtar The U.S. Treasury announced new sanctions over the weekend against two Taliban regime officials in Afghanistan, accusing the men of roles in the systemic "repression of women and girls." The Treasury specifically noted the Taliban's ban on girls attending school beyond the sixth grade as "severe and pervasive discrimination." But while the impact on Afghan women and girls of the Taliban's draconian crackdown on education has been well documented, a report from the New York-based organization Human Rights Watch warns that the Islamic fundamentalists' approach to schooling is "causing irreversible damage to the Afghan education system for boys as well as girls." Afghan girls describe how they escaped the Taliban The policies, HRW warns, could create a "lost generation" of children, and "will haunt Afghanistan's future." "Harming the whole school system" HRW's Dec. 5 report includes first-hand accounts from educators and students who describe schools that, since the Taliban's Aug. 2021 return to power following the withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces, have adopted a far more religious-based curriculum, enforced by alleged abuse. The report includes accounts of a rise in corporal punishment, regressive changes in the curriculum and the removal of professional female teachers from boys' schools. "The Taliban are causing irreversible damage to the Afghan education system for boys as well as girls," said Sahar Fetrat, the HRW researcher who authored the report. "By harming the whole school system in the country, they risk creating a lost generation deprived of a quality education." HRW said students had reported "suffocating" new rules in schools under the Taliban that appear to reflect an education system rapidly returning to the conditions in the country before the conservative Islamic group was toppled by the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. "Currently, as a student, wearing anything colorful is treated like a sin. Wearing shorts, t-shirts, ties, and suits are all treated like crimes. Having a smartphone at school can have serious consequences. Listening to music or having music on one's phone can lead to severe physical punishment," one student was quoted as telling HRW in the report. "Every day, there are several cases where boys get punished during morning assembly or in classrooms for some of these reasons." Another student was quoted by the rights group as saying female teachers with "specializations in the subjects they taught" had been removed. "They were professionals. We are suffering from their absence now, and our four male teachers also fled the country after August 2021. Currently, we are taught by male teachers who previously taught grades four and five," the student said, according to the report. The Taliban-run Ministry of Education, in a statement posted on social media, rejected the HRW report and called on international institutions to visit and closely observe the situation in Afghanistan's schools. The statement said 245,000 teachers, including 95,000 women, were working for the Ministry of Education and that it did not fire any female teachers from their jobs. "Even if female teachers were transferred from boy's schools, they were not unemployed but recruited in girls' schools," the ministry said. 6th grade girls finish school, maybe forever The school year in Afghanistan ends in December, and girls finishing the sixth grade will no longer be permitted to enter classrooms in the Taliban's Afghanistan. Young women have also been barred by the Taliban from attending universities, and women excluded from many professions, including beauty salons. Afghan education activist Shafiqa Khpalwak, speaking over the weekend on the "Afghanistan International" television network, which is based outside the country, said one teacher had told her that as she sobbed along with her students on their last day, some girls told her they wanted to fail so they could repeat the sixth grade and keep coming to school. "The Taliban's impact on the education system is harming children today and will haunt Afghanistan's future," Fetrat said. "An immediate and effective international response is desperately needed to address Afghanistan's education crisis." U.S. sanctions 2 senior Taliban officials On Saturday, the United States Treasury imposed sanctions against 20 people worldwide, including two senior Taliban officials, over human rights abuses, marking International Human Rights Day. The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed financial sanctions on Fariduddin Mahmood and Khalid Hanafi "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 solely on the basis of gender. This gender-based restriction reflects severe and pervasive discrimination against women and girls and interferes with their enjoyment of equal protection." Hanafi is the Taliban's acting Minister of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, a powerful department within the Taliban administration that implements the group's harsh interpretation of Islamic law through "morality" policing on the streets and in government offices. The treasury said the ministry's enforcers "have engaged in serious human rights abuse, including killings, abductions, whippings, and beatings" and "assaulted people protesting the restrictions on women's activity, including access to education." Mahmood is the acting general director of the Afghanistan Academy of Sciences. Both Hanafi and Mahmood are believed to be close to the Taliban's supreme leader, and both are against girls' education. Chief Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the U.S. sanctions in a social media post, saying "pressure and restriction is not the solution to any problem." In his statement, written in English, Mujahid said previous efforts by the U.S. to change the Taliban's policies through sanctions had failed. He claimed hypocrisy on the part of the U.S. which he derided as "among the biggest violators of human rights due to its support for Israel." Lawsuits accusing top US universities of harboring antisemitism all originate from one source: a corporate law firm that fielded the pro-settler ex-US ambassador to Israel, and which was registered as a foreign agent of an Israeli principal as recently as 2021. The firm now represents professional Israel lobby activists posing as victimized Jewish students and seeking to crush the free speech rights of Palestine solidarity activists. The fallout from December 5 House Committe on Antisemitism hearings has already cost University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magill her job, while demands by billionaire pro-Israel donors and politicians for the firing of Harvards Claudine Gay have grown by the day. Both stand accused of refusing to condemn calls for the genocide of Jews, even though no such calls have taken place on their campuses. Meanwhile, little attention has been paid to the forces orchestrating the carefully choreographed, heavily-funded campaign to crush Palestine solidarity activism on campus. The law firm leading the assault on the universities has included David Friedman, the former ambassador to Israel under Donald Trump, among its partners. Until 2021, this firm, Kasowitz Benson Torres, was registered with the US Department of Justice as a foreign agent on behalf of an Israeli principal. The firms clients include associates of a jailed Ukrainian billionaire who bankrolled neo-Nazi militias, along with a whos who of corporations accused of defrauding and even killing consumers. Meanwhile, the Jewish student witnesses who set the stage for the attacks on Magill and her fellow university presidents at the House Antisemitism Committee were employed on at least a semi-professional basis by Israeli lobbying cutouts. They included Jonathan Frieden, a Harvard Law student who moonlights as president of Alliance for Israel; MIT graduate student Talia Khan, the president of MIT Israel Alliance; and Bella Ingber, co-president of NYUs Students Supporting Israel. Israel lobbyist moonlighting as UPenn student calls for Covid-style lockdowns on Palestine protests The most harrowing and clearly questionable claims furnished during the December 5 congressional hearings came courtesy of Eyal Yakoby, an Israeli-American senior at UPenn. Over the course of the last few weeks, Ive read the statement, Ninety-percent of pigs are gas chambered! on the pavement as I walked to class, Yakoby moaned. The most likely explanation for the appearance of this phrase on UPenns Locust Walk was not the presence of chalk-wielding neo-Nazis but rather, that of animal welfare advocates, who were presumably calling attention to the fact that most pigs are killed by slaughterhouses which employ a grotesque method of gas inhalation exposed by activists in late 2022. Youre a dirty little Jew and you deserve to die are not words said by Hamas, but by my classmates and my professors, Yakoby claimed during a December 5 press conference convened by the House GOP leadership. Oddly, he neglected to name a single student or UPenn employee responsible for such inflammatory remarks. Conjuring up images of a campus overwhelmed by Hamas-linked hatemongers, Yakoby seemed to call for imposing Covid-era lockdowns on students protesting Israels blood-drenched assault on the besieged Gaza Strip. During Covid, strict guidelines governed everything from class attendance and graduation walks, he said. But now, when students and faculty defy policies to intimidate Jewish students, where is the same resolute enforcement? "I should not be here todayI should be taking inmy senior year of collegeI am because 36 hours ago, I, along with most of campus, sought refuge in our rooms as classmates and professors chanted proudly for the genocide of Jews. " @Penn student Eyal Yakoby pic.twitter.com/fg4InUKj3Q House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 5, 2023 Lawsuits target top US campuses with flimsy, unprovable allegations Just hours after his appearance alongside members of Congress, Yakoby filed a lawsuit against UPenn, claiming the university violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by failing to respond to antisemitism. Yakobys lawsuit was filled with dubious, highly politicized accusations, including complaints about the chanting of antisemitic slurs such as Intifada revolution and from the river to the sea. A closer examination of other incidents described in the lawsuit against Penn reveals a great number of them appear to have been seriously exaggerated or manufactured out of whole cloth. The most threatening episode described by the Yakoby, for example, consists of a man who threateningly approached him and yelled fuck you. As a result of this experience and the agony apparently endured when the plaintiff observed other students removing posters showing Israeli captives the suit claims that Yakoby missed his next two classes because he was shaken by these escalating acts of hate. The vast majority of claims of overt antisemitism appear to consist of statements by students and professors who criticized the state of Israel but generally took pains to distinguish between the political ideology of Zionism and the religion of Judaism. Elsewhere, the lawsuit accuses professors of antisemitism because they questioned now-debunked Israeli atrocity propaganda about the October 7 attacks, including a demonstrably false claim by Yakoby that the killing of 40 [Israeli] babies by Palestinian militants had been confirmed. Many of the alleged incidents described as assaults fail to meet basic evidentiary standards, leaving the court with no option but to take the plaintiffs word that the contents of the complaint happened as described. Claims that a Jewish student was taunted with exhortations to keep walking you dirty little Jew, for instance, are typical of the highly suspect claims found throughout the lawsuit. Indeed, no proof of this alleged interaction was provided, nor did the plaintiffs provide even a vague sketch of the assailants identity. Instead, the entire emphasis is placed on the supposed lack of sympathy subsequently shown to the student by a professor who decided not to award her an extension on her class lecture note assignment. The plaintiffs also took aim at Palestinian academic and poet Refaat Alareer, who had been invited to a literary festival at Penn before being murdered in a December 6 Israeli strike described by human rights monitors as a targeted assassination. The demands of the pro-Israel activists include terminating deans, administrators, professors and other employees who they say are responsible for the antisemitic abuse permeating the school, whether because they engaged in it or permitted it; suspending or expelling students who engage in such conduct the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and compensatory, consequential, and punitive [financial] damages. Israel lobbyists are also targeting Americas most expensive campus, New York University, leveling a litany of flimsy and unprovable antisemitism allegations to extract heavy financial damages, including a full refund of tuition. Bella Ingber, who also featured prominently at the House Republican press conference, is a leading face of the NYU lawsuit. During the Republican presser, Ingber compared conditions at NYU to life under the German Nazi Reich. Since Oct. 7, Ingber said, the unmistakable anti-Semitism that I have experienced on campus is reminiscent of the Jew-hatred Ive heard about from my grandparents, Holocaust survivors who experienced first-hand the deafening silence of their neighbors in Poland and Germany when the Nazis first rose to power. The plaintiffs of the Israel lobby-led lawsuit request that a judgment be entered in each of their favor, and against NYU which would see the university terminating deans, administrators, professors and other employees responsible for the antisemitic abuse permeating the school, whether because they engaged in it or permitted it suspending or expelling students who engage in such conduct, and compensatory and punitive damages. In other words, the lawsuit seeks campus-wide regime change, replacing any and all administrators with those willing to take instructions from the Israel lobby. Bibi Netanyahus guys in the Trump White House lead legal assault on campus speech If the language of the NYU lawsuit sounds familiar, that is because it was brought by the same high-powered corporate legal firm presiding over the legal action against UPenn: Kasowitz Benson Torres, best known for its work on behalf of former President Donald Trump. The firms leadership has been aptly described as Bibi Netanyahus guys in the Trump White House. The law firm was known as Kasowitz Benson Torres & Friedman until 2017, when its partner, David Friedman left to become US Ambassador to Israel. Friedman has been credited with working alongside former presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner to pressure Trump into adopting more radically anti-Palestinian positions. The firm was founded in 1993 by attorney Marc Kasowitz, who gained national notoriety for his work representing Big Tobacco, describing himself as one of the most feared lawyers in the United States. Though reports describe him as a strong Trump ally and a go-to source for the former president, financial disclosures show Kasowitz and his wife have donated thousands of dollars to Democratic politicians as well, including former President Barack Obama, current President Joe Biden, and Sen. Chuck Schumer. Also employed by the firm is former Sen. Joe Lieberman, a hardcore neoconservative who now serves as chairman of the pro-war United Against a Nuclear Iran. While in Congress, Lieberman advocated for moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as far back as 1995. A quick glance at Kasowitz Benson Torres recent handiwork reveals a lengthy track record of defending Goliath from David. For example, its website boasts of successfully defending Comcast against a class-action lawsuit by angry customers. Other high-profile clients include Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva, best known for causing the ongoing worldwide shortage of a vincristine a crucial drug in treating most types of childhood cancers with no known substitute after it deemed production insufficiently profitable. In 2019, the firm signed on to represent the US-based co-defendants of notoriously-corrupt Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, who now languishes in a Kiev prison and is known for bankrolling current president Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian militarys neo-Nazi Azov Regiment. Ukrainian financial giant Privatbank maintains that Kolomoisky and his associates defrauded the bank out of billions of dollars. A year later, Kasowitz Benson Torres was required to register as a foreign agent with the US Justice Department after agreeing to represent an Israeli real estate developer specializing in building luxury condos for ulra-Orthodox Jews living in illegal settlements. This November, The Grayzone revealed a leaked letter signed by David Friedman and delivered to NYU administrators in advance of the lawsuit. The letter demanded NYU establish a position dedicated to combating antisemitism, and disband student clubs dedicated to Palestine activism. Now, the law firms crusade to crush the free speech rights of Palestine solidarity activists is spreading across the country. This November, two of the firms partners revealed that the legal team plans similar suits for Harvard, Cornell, Columbia, MIT, Stanford, and UC-Berkeley, accusing them all of deliberate indifference to the supposed plight of Jewish students. Thanks for being a paid subscriber to The Dissenter. The following is an exclusive article. But while billing is paused in December, exclusive articles published this month are available to everyone. Become a paid subscriber and support independent journalism on whistleblowing, government secrecy, and press freedom. The United Kingdoms High Court of Justice granted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange a final appeal hearing that will be held on Feb. 20-21, 2024. Stella Assange, who is married to Julian Assange, posted an announcement. Day X is here. It may be the final chance for the UK to stop Julians extradition. Gather outside the court at 8:30am on both days. Its now or never, Stella added. Julian Assange has been jailed at His Majestys Prison Belmarsh for the past four and a half years. Over the past year and a half, he has endured another difficult stretch of legal limbo. The same court that will hear Assanges appeal denied the WikiLeaks founder a hearing in early June of 2023. Assanges legal team submitted what is known as their grounds for appeal in mid-July 2022. The High Court waited nearly a year to simply refuse to give Assange a hearing. By denying Assange a hearing, he never had a chance to argue that extradition to the United States to face Espionage Act charges would violate his right to freedom of expression as a journalist. In 2021, the High Court ruled in favor of the U.S. government after they appealed a district judges decision that found extradition would be oppressive to Assanges mental health given the widespread inhuman treatment that has been documented in U.S. jails and prisons. (That ruling came on International Human Rights Day.) Assanges legal team will pursue their final appeal on much more narrow grounds. They were only allowed to submit a 20-page filing to the court for the February hearing. The High Court did not have to grant Assange a two-day hearing. They could have once again rejected the Assange legal teams effort to challenge extradition. It would have potentially given the U.S. government an opening to fly Assange to the U.S. and arraign him on Espionage Act charges before the year ended. If the U.K. appeals court does not block extradition, then Assange may have a chance to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. However, there are swirling questions about whether U.S. authorities would request that U.K. authorities transfer him to their custody before the Assange legal team could appeal to the human rights court. The February appeal hearing is additionally remarkable because it will come just a few weeks before Super Tuesday in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Former President Donald Trump, who faces criminal charges in multiple U.S. courts and was president when Assange was indicted on Espionage Act charges, is the heavy favorite to become the Republican Partys nominee. Trump has maintained his silence on Assange. Faced with a Senate impeachment trial in January 2021, he declined to pardon Assange (or NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden) because he was afraid it would give several Senate Republicans a reason to back his impeachment. As for President Joe Biden and Democrats, the Democratic Party has refused to hold a primary. Biden will be the partys nominee. The Israeli governments war on Gaza, which the Biden administration has wholeheartedly backed, has killed more than 70 journalists. The tacit support for a cruel military siege against over 2 million Palestinians has cost Biden in 2024 general election polls suggesting how he might perform against Trump (though that does not mean that Trump is any less supportive of the war). An unprecedented trial involving Espionage Act charges against a publisher, which have been openly condemned by nearly all reputable civil liberties, human rights, and press freedom organizations in the world, would likely undermine some of the Biden campaigns message. After all, it is hard for Biden to argue that he is the only candidate, who can prevent Trump from further destroying democracy and freedom, when his administration has steadfastly backed the extradition of a journalist. How can Biden speak about the way in which Trump and Republicans may undermine and take away Americans freedom of expression under the First Amendment when a trial against Assange could blow a massive hole in this core liberty? (Not to mention, it is now known that government agencies under Biden pressured social media platforms to censor posts expressing "alternative views.") Those who care about freedom of the press and the much more broader cause of human rights have a moment to force an outcome that could spare Assange. Political pressure may grow in Congress. But the slow grinding gears of the U.K. legal system might delay an outcomeagain. After the hearing in February, what stops the High Court from waiting until late 2024 to deny Assanges appeal and grant ultimate approval for extradition? It seems possible that Biden and Trump might not have to worry about Assange getting in the way of their presidential campaigns, and that would mean another year of detention at Belmarsh and still no end in sight for this political case. November 21 marked the 28th anniversary of the signing of the US-brokered Dayton Agreement, which brought an end to the proxy war in Bosnia after three years and eight months. It is an event few celebrate although there was much cheering in Sarajevo two days later when Stuart Seldowitz, the man who led negotiations on Washingtons side, was arrested for subjecting Muslim Americans to vile verbal abuse. The war in Bosnia encouraged, financed, armed, and prolonged at every step by the U.S. tore apart a previously harmonious, inclusive and prosperous republic of Socialist Yugoslavia. In all, 100,000 died, with many more injured. Croats, Muslims, and Serbs who had considered each other friends, neighbors and relatives were thrust into a hellish cycle of violence. Once fighting ended, much of the countrys industry and infrastructure were destroyed, many communities displaced and divided, and previously non-existent ethnic and religious hostility rife. Dayton imposed upon Bosnia a highly discriminatory constitution, the legality of significant portions of which has been successfully challenged in the European Court of Human Rights. Additionally, an overly bureaucratic political system is frequently described as the worlds most complex. The country is divided into Croat and Muslim-majority Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serb-majority Republika Srpska (RS). Both have their own governments and parliaments with their own powers. Croats, Muslims, and Serbs moreover elect lawmakers to the Bosnian assembly and Sarajevos three presidents. For legislation to be passed nationally, they all must agree, which seldom happens. It is a system that all but guarantees recurrent deadlock and political crisis while emboldening extremists and nationalists on all three sides. Laws and regulations are rarely implemented, and the national government has never effectively served the needs of its citizens in any tangible regard. Political inertia compelled by Dayton ultimately convinced Republika Srpska (RS) to seize policymaking power in several key areas forcibly. This has allowed RS to locally implement reforms, regulations, and legislation that couldnt plausibly be at a national level. RS is resultantly far riper for EU membership than the country at large or its Bosnia and Herzegovina counterpart. This is ironic, given Milorad Dodik favors BRICS over Brussels. The RS governments latest attempt to take matters into its own hands by implementing legislation compelling foreign NGOs operating on its territory to disclose their funding sources and register as foreign agents has produced a bitter showdown with the EU and U.S. Despite ominous threats, Western bete noire President Milorad Dodik has pushed ahead undeterred, ended all cooperation with Bosnias American and British embassies, and openly threatened secession. Seldowitzs monstrous spawn may not have much longer left. RS officials argue the law is necessary due to a wholly inadequate legal framework governing the operations of NGOs in Bosnia and a widespread lack of transparency around who or what is funding these entities and their true objectives. As we shall see, these concerns are wholly legitimate and in urgent need of address. Sarajevo is a uniquely palpable demonstration of the enfeebling impact and influence of Western NGOs abroad, which offers obvious and grave lessons for developing countries everywhere. MAKING LIBERALS BLUSH Sat atop Bosnias Byzantine Dayton-enforced political structure is the Office of the High Representative. They neither have fixed terms in office nor are nominated and elected by Bosnias population. Instead, they are chosen and appointed by an 11-member Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, comprised of representatives from NATO member states, the EU, Russia, and Turkey. Since the posts 1995 creation, High Representatives have always hailed from Europe and their deputies from the U.S. High Representatives have the unilateral ability to override Presidential vetoes, block and impose legislation, decide who can and cant run for office, remove public officials including judges and elected politicians from their posts without appeal, ban anyone they wish from holding office for life, freeze their bank accounts, and somehow, even more. Veteran British politician Paddy Ashdown, who could be considered an expert on the subject, once approvingly remarked that the office wields powers that ought to make any liberal blush. As the High Representative from May 2002 January 2006, he was known as Viceroy of Bosnia. Ashdown routinely dismissed state officials if they refused to follow a Western-sanctioned agenda in all matters, domestic and foreign, firing 58 in a single day in June 2004. That December, he defenestrated Republika Srpskas Prime Minister and most Serb representatives in Bosnias national government for refusing to back future NATO membership for Sarajevo. Contemporary media reports framed these autocratic excesses as overruling voters to save democracy. In many ways, Bosnia today resembles a traditional Global South colony. Accordingly, the High Representative isnt the only foreign-appointed official with enormous power. For example, Sarajevos first Central Bank Governor, who under Daytons terms could not be a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina or a neighboring state, was appointed by the IMF. While locals can now fill the post, they still require Western approval. As the Wall Street Journal recorded in August 1998: Thousands of international diplomats, human rights workers and soldiers now run this country-in-the-making as a virtual protectorate, with Americans by far the weightiest presence. Together, they write the laws, provide security, determine monetary policy and broker deals on everything from mosque construction to the colors of the national flagA New Zealander sits as chief of the central bank. An ex-cop from Los Angeles is deputy chief of Bosnias international police force. Fast forward 25 years and little has changed. Central to the construction and maintenance of independent Bosnias colonial system were tens of thousands of NATO peacekeepers. In the immediate aftermath of Dayton, they frequently imposed locally despised, Western-approved reforms upon the population at literal gunpoint, such as shutting down Sarajevos socialist police forces and news outlets critical of NATO occupation. A nameless foreign official openly described the situation as 32,000 foreign soldiers demanding a country do what we want. NATO peacekeepers patrol the streets of Sarajevo to this day. Their soft power counterparts are an enormous number of Western NGOs. Dayton allocated billions of U.S. dollars for reconstruction, specifically to be delivered by foreign nonprofits. Within months, hundreds set up shop locally, and the deluge only intensified after that. Today, there are approximately 25,600 in Bosnia, Republika Srpska being home to over 7,500. How many are funded from overseas is uncertain, but it is likely almost all of them. Foreign NGOs are active in every conceivable sphere of the Bosnian public, political and even daily life. They rebuild homes and construct new ones. They provide counseling to rape survivors and traumatized veterans. They oversee school curriculums and vocational programs. They distribute food, medicine and financial aid to senior citizens and marginalized groups. They run community bridge-building initiatives and youth summer camps. They promote religious tolerance and human rights. They do everything the Yugoslav state did, and the modern-day Bosnian government cannot. There can be little doubt that immediately following the war, some Bosnian NGOs made an extremely valuable contribution in crucial areas. Yet, at the time, local civil society actors were deeply concerned by the sudden influx of Western organizations with no experience and little knowledge of the countrys culture, history, or situation. The perception some were primarily interested in conducting high-profile, well-remunerated, politically expedient work was widespread. It is abundantly clear international actors bankrolling these NGOs at times didnt comprehend what Bosnia and its population actually needed and considered throwing vast sums at the country an end in itself. In April 1998, the EU unveiled plans to establish a pro-democracy foundation in Sarajevo at some cost. Among other Bosnian NGO sponsors, Open Society Foundations expressed dismay that its proposed initiatives would replicate work already being conducted and projects already being funded by other foreign entities. No lessons were learned from the debacle. A 2011 investigation by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) found that despite the existence of large numbers of NGOs created specifically to help those who suffered in the Bosnian war[they] are all too often failing to deliver meaningful long-term assistance to those who need it. So many NGOs doing roughly the same thing means widespread service overlap, leaving citizens confused over where to access help and organizations unsure of whom they should be helping. So much foreign cash flowing into Bosnian NGOs inevitably fosters corruption, too. Stories of aid sums being misallocated, embezzled, or awarded to organizations employing friends, relatives, and allies of state officials are common. IWPR quoted Sarajevos financial police chief as saying not a single NGO in the country was spending budget money in a transparent way. Of the great many probes his team had conducted into local NGO activities, they spotted irregularities on every occasion: When we investigated the financial transactions of some of these [NGOs], we found out they made per diem payments to their staff for field trips that never took place. Money was also paid for services that were never rendered. There were cases where conferences or other big events were organized and individuals were paid large sums of money without any description of the services they were supposed to have provided. FORGET ABOUT EXIT STRATEGY Collectively, these issues produce a profoundly toxic, self-perpetuating cycle. Citizens are forced to rely on foreign entities for almost everything, and in the process, they themselves do, learn to do, and can do almost nothing. Its a milieu directly recalling the imposed dependency of historic colonial systems. To say the least, Bosnians arent taught how to fish in fact, theyre often not even given fish in the first place. Strikingly, the inevitable, debilitating upshot of flooding Bosnia with foreign overlords, organizations, and structures was widely acknowledged and angsted over by Western sources when it commenced. A February 1998 Economist editorial despaired, the protectorate seems to know no limits, quoting an aide of then-High Representative Carlos Westendorp, a Spaniard, saying, We do not know what we cant do in Sarajevo. The publication cautioned this could mean locals forget how to rule themselves. Two months later, the New York Times profiled Westendorp. The outlet observed foreign actors dominating Bosnias governance at every level, which raised troubling questions about how the state will work without continued infusions of outside aid and direct international supervision. Along the way, a senior Office advisor lamented: We have become deeply involved in the functioning of the stateWe have an unprecedented amount of control on the legislative and executive branches of government. We do not know, however, how we will exit, how we will not perpetuate Bosnias culture of dependency. One neednt be a cynic to conclude enfeebling the local population via enforced reliance on foreign NGOs was a dedicated, deliberate strategy for Sarajevos Western colonizers. In November of that year, a U.S. official menacingly demanded Bosnian officials achieve much more progress on privatization and create a permissive climate for foreign investment: The time has come and, in fact, is overdue for the governments of Bosnia to be making the transition and [they] should be making it rapidly to a sustainable market economy. We are prepared to cut off projects, programs, anything to get their attention. In other words, should Sarajevo fail to prostrate itself to Western financial interests sufficiently, its panoply of nonprofits will vanish, leaving the country with a barely functioning national government, civil society, and economy, much-reduced healthcare and welfare system, and none of the essential building blocks, specialist knowledge, or experience required to reconstruct or replace what was lost. In effect, Bosnia would revert to its immediate post-war condition. Again, one could be forgiven for concluding the failure of Bosnias democratization efforts to produce anything approaching democracy is entirely by design. A high-ranking U.S. diplomat in Sarajevo once claimed he told American officials in the country and back home to forget about exit strategy, as there was none. Were not walking away from this, he explained, as we are the life-support system. This perspective endures today. Western officials have repeatedly claimed the RS legislation will discourage NGOs from operating in Bosnia to the enormous detriment of its population. Similar arguments were made earlier this year when Georgia attempted to implement an identical law. Open Society Foundations, the George Soros-created and financed backer of many NGOs in Tbilisi issued a statement cautioning foreign-funded entities would flee the country in response: This bill aims to leave defenseless the abused children and women; people with disabilities, minorities, scientists, workers, and the youth; to not provide assistance to socially vulnerable families, farmers, miners, internally displaced, homeless, illegally laid off, detained, and other people fighting for their rights; to mute the voice of the people living in the peripheries of the country that can only communicate their troubles through the independent media. The shocking implication of this threat that NGOs would rather cease vital, potentially lifesaving work and inflict enormous societal damage than disclose their funding sources publicly was apparently lost on the Western journalists who cited the statement in their reporting on the controversy. The conundrum of why foreign NGOs are fulfilling all these functions, rather than Georgians and their government, was likewise unexplored. Eventually, Tbilisi was convinced not to pass the law. Foreign-backed NGOs, directed by Western diplomats and foundations, staged fiery protests that threatened to turn insurrectionary before the government backed down. There is no sign of such unrest in Bosnia as yet, but Dodiks determination can only be considered unacceptable in the U.S. empires Mafia racket. After all, one colonial holding stepping out of line and failing to pay its protection money on time risks encouraging similar anarchic behavior elsewhere. NO TRANSPARENCY ALLOWED Western officials have framed the foreign agent legislation as wanton, authoritarian thuggery on par with the draconian excesses of Russias own. Yet, it is abundantly clear under the foreign-dictated terms of Bosnias political system that getting anything done requires taking decisive action, and NGOs are a significant barrier to doing so. They also enable and encourage the very corruption the EU and US claim to oppose in Sarajevo. In the Council of Europes legalistic drubbing of the RS foreign agent law, it is repeatedly labeled undemocratic on the extraordinary basis that transparency of public institutions and organizations is not an accepted Western norm and, therefore, illegitimate and unreasonable for foreign governments to demand or legislate for. Apparently, while the law is not compatible with democracy, unelected supreme rulers appointed from overseas, the presence of tens of thousands of NATO troops with a record of belligerence, and state institutions constructed and staffed by foreigners somehow are. Today, in many quarters, the perceived democratic credentials of states are often contingent on how many NGOs operate locally and on legislation and regulations or lack thereof governing their activities. Yet, Bosnia is living proof a profusion of NGOs, in particular those that are foreign-funded, is not only a poor indicator of democracy but actively hampers democratization and development. In no small part, this is because NGOs create a bureaucracy between citizens and their government, and most crucially, their ability to govern themselves. Once that bureaucracy is created, it is enormously difficult to circumvent, let alone decisively dislodge, not least because any attempt to regulate or curtail the operations of NGOs will be met with stiff resistance by these organizations sponsors and swirling accusations of authoritarianism and autocracy. From the Wests perspective, this is precisely the point of compelling governments to prostrate their sovereignty and competencies to foreign entities in the first place. Feature photo | Illustration by MintPress News Kit Klarenberg is an investigative journalist and MintPresss News contributor exploring the role of intelligence services in shaping politics and perceptions. His work has previously appeared in The Cradle, Declassified UK, and Grayzone. Follow him on Twitter @KitKlarenberg. Save the Children, December 14, 2023 Almost 8 million children in Afghanistan or one in three - will enter the new year facing crisis levels of hunger as increasingly freezing conditions threaten communities already reeling from drought, earthquakes, and economic hardship, said Save the Children. New figures[i] released today by the IPC, the global hunger monitoring system, predict an increase in the number of people experiencing crisis or emergency levels of hunger in Afghanistan during the winter months, although the situation has improved compared with the same period last year. An estimated 15.8 million people more than a third of the countrys population are expected to experience acute food insecurity before March 2024. Almost half of those - or 7.8 million - are children[ii]. During the winter, employment opportunities are reduced, and food and fuel prices usually rise, according to the IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification). Afghanistan is also having to cope with rising numbers of Afghans returning from Pakistan and Iran. About 460,000 people[iii] have crossed back into Afghanistan since September after Pakistan told undocumented foreigners to leave, with an additional 345,000 returning from Iran, according to the de facto authorities in Afghanistan[iv]. Afghanistan faced three consecutive cuts in food assistance this year[v]. Families who have lost their homes and food stocks due to consecutive earthquakes in Herat in the countrys northwest remain extremely vulnerable. Without an urgent injection of funding during winter, millions of Afghans are likely to go hungry. The international community must not take its eyes off Afghanistan and must urgently increase humanitarian assistance to save lives this winter, said Save the Children. Zeba* and her family are bearing the brunt of this crisis. She recently brought her 7-month-old daughter to a clinic in northern Afghanistan run by Save the Children. Zeba* said: Sometimes we dont have bread to eat, and we sleep hungry. Seeing my child getting weak day by day and crying for food is devasting. For people in Afghanistan already living in economic hardship, winter brings even more challenges. Last year, a brutally cold snap in January killed at least 160 people when temperatures plummeted to 34 degrees Celsius. Edris*, 30, has been living in a makeshift tent with his family since the devastating earthquakes that killed more than 2,000 people in Herat province in October. Like 48,000 others, his home was damaged. It snows heavily in Herat and Edris* is worried about his three children spending the bitterly cold months in a tent he would previously have used for his animals. Without shelter his animals are unlikely to survive the winter, leading to a massive loss of income for the family. Edris* said: Our homes are not usable, and we dont know how we can survive this winter. The winter is approaching and its too cold in these places. It will be covered with snow for weeks, the ways to travel will be blocked and these areas will be freezing. When children experience hunger, they are vulnerable to severe health conditions including malnutrition and weakened immune systems. Harsh winter weather threatens to compound these health risks, potentially leading to respiratory issues, hypothermia and pneumonia. Hunger can also have lasting effects on a child's physical and cognitive development as well as take a psychological toll. Arshad Malik, Save the Childrens Country Director in Afghanistan, said: An estimated 7.8 million children will enter 2024 not having enough to eat. Hunger combined with bitterly cold weather in large parts of Afghanistan will create a perilous situation for children. Their nutritional needs must be met. Insufficient funding is putting lives at risk each passing day. As well as immediate humanitarian funding to meet basic needs, we need to see concerted efforts to address the root causes of this hunger crisis, which is driven by a combination of climate change, economic instability, lack of jobs and high food prices. Afghanistan is experiencing disaster after disaster floods, earthquakes and droughts have uprooted childrens lives. The country is now facing the additional pressure of hundreds of thousands of people returning from Pakistan and Iran. 2024 must be a better year for Afghan children. We also need to see the international community resuming basic needs programming to support the recovery of the Afghan economy. Save the Children has been supporting communities and protecting children's rights across Afghanistan since 1976, including during periods of conflict and natural disasters. We have programmes in nine provinces and work with partners in an additional seven provinces. Peach blossoms bring wealth to villagers in Nyingchi, SW China's Xizang People's Daily Online) 14:59, December 19, 2023 In spring, Nyingchi city in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region transforms into a wondrous sea of peach blossoms. Peach blossoms have turned Nyingchi into a popular tourist destination, where tourists can simultaneously appreciate the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains and peach blossoms, bringing prosperity to villagers in the city. Photo shows the beautiful scenery of peach blossoms in Suosong village, Nyingchi city of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region and snow-capped Mount Namjagbarwa in the distance. (Photo/Ma Chunlin) Suosong village, sitting on the edge of the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon and facing the beautiful snow-capped Mount Namjagbarwa, is home to numerous wild peach trees. Despite the unique natural conditions, residents in the village once mainly made a living by farming and collecting matsutake and caterpillar fungi due to poor transportation, said Jigme Dorje, a 43-year-old villager in Suosong village. To improve the villagers' living and working conditions, the local government built a paved road and a bridge over the Yarlung Zangbo River. Since then, Suosong village has attracted throngs of visitors. Jigme Dorje sensed business opportunities from tourists and turned one room of his home into a B&B room about seven to eight years ago. As more tourists flocked to the village, his B&B room couldn't meet the demand. In 2017, he left the village and learned how to operate a B&B hotel. He then decided to build a B&B hotel, but lacked the money. Thanks to the local government's policies which support the development of rural tourism, including a loan for B&B hotels, Jigme Dorje built a B&B hotel with 33 rooms in the same year and hired a professional to manage the hotel. "My B&B hotel's business was brisk in the first half of this year, with revenues exceeding 700,000 yuan ($97,450)," he said. A village official shoots a video to showcase the new vitality of Gala village in Nyingchi city, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Xu Yuyao) Today, almost all more than 30 households in Suosong village run B&B businesses. In recent years, Nyingchi has prioritized the development of the culture and tourism sectors, and has made particular efforts to develop the B&B industry in Susong village. Many B&B brands have businesses in the village, driving the development of the local B&B industry and offering job opportunities to villagers. Gala village in Nyingchi, located near the National Highway 318 (G318) from southwest China's Sichuan Province to Xizang, is also renowned for its peach blossoms. Thanks to a logging ban, wild peach trees in the village have been well protected. But in the past, the locals didn't realize that the peach trees and flowers could be a resource to develop tourism and generate wealth. Gala village started holding a peach blossom culture festival in 2002. In recent years, the village has been hosting Nyingchi's peach blossom tourism and culture festival. Photo shows Cuogao village located near Basum Lake, a national 5A tourist attraction, in Nyingchi city, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of the villagers' committee of Cuogao village) During this year's peach blossom tourism and culture festival, the village's tourism revenue exceeded 4 million yuan, accounting for about half of its total income. Located near Basum Lake, a national 5A tourist attraction, Cuogao is a national historical and cultural village in Gongbo'Gyamda county of Nyingchi. Leveraging Cuogao village's rich tourism resources, the county decided to develop rural tourism in the village five years ago. The county built and upgraded roads to Cuogao village, relocated villagers to a resettlement community to protect its cultural and tourism resources, and rented villagers' idle rooms out to a tourism enterprise to run a B&B business. Tenzin Dargye, head of Cuogao village's resident working team, said the village has over 130 B&B rooms. Villagers can receive dividends from the tourism company, and some of them work at the company. Tourists pose for photos under peach blossoms in Gala village, Nyingchi city, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Xu Yuyao) Bazhen, a resident of Cuogao village, rents three rooms out to the tourism company and receives an annual rent of over 20,000 yuan. "I work at the company and earn a monthly salary of more than 4,000 yuan. And my total annual income reaches 70,000 yuan to 80,000 yuan," Bazhen said. According to Tenzin Dargye, the company's house rental increases the yearly income of each household in the village by an average of more than 30,000 yuan. In Nyingchi, more and more villages like Suosong, Gala, and Cuogao have protected the environment and developed rural tourism, attracting an increasing number of tourists. 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West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Marvel Studios and the Walt Disney company have reportedly dropped US actor Jonathan Majors from all future projects after the actor was convicted of assaulting his former girlfriend, British actress Grace Jabbari. Majors, 34, who played Kang The Conqueror in Loki season one and two as well as in Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, was found guilty of assault and harassment in New York on Monday after a two-week trial. Advertisement A lawyer for Majors said he looks forward to fully clearing his name, suggesting an appeal against his conviction will be lodged. NEW: Jonathan Majors was just found guilty by a Manhattan Criminal Court jury of Assault in the 3rd Degree and Harassment in the 2nd Degree. Read the statement from D.A. Bragg below pic.twitter.com/572r2qBzD8 Alvin Bragg (@ManhattanDA) December 18, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement The conviction has dealt a blow to Majors, who was once expected to lead the upcoming phase of the Marvel universe as the comic book supervillain. The actor, who also starred in Creed III opposite Michael B Jordan, has also lost endorsement deals and saw his drama, Magazine Dreams, pulled from its scheduled US release earlier this month. Advertisement Majors was on the verge of Hollywood stardom before his arrest in March on abuse charges, and is set to be sentenced on February 6th when he faces up to a year in prison. Following the verdict, Ms Jabbaris lawyer Brittany Henderson said justice has been served, adding that the British actress hopes that her actions will inspire other survivors to speak out and seek justice. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said: The evidence presented throughout the trial illustrated a cycle of psychological and emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of coercion far too common across the many intimate partner violence cases we see each and every day. Today, a jury determined that pattern of abuse and coercion culminated with Mr Majors assaulting and harassing his girlfriend. Advertisement We thank the jury for its service and the survivor for bravely telling her story despite having to relive her trauma on the stand. Advertisement Grace Jabbaris lawyer said she has showed irrefutable strength throughout the process. Photo: Bebeto Matthews/AP/PA. Ms Henderson said Ms Jabbari has shown irrefutable strength and poise while being forced to relive, both in court and very publicly, the abuse she was subjected to. Advertisement Her unwavering resolve to see this case through to the end is borne out of a desire to show other survivors and victims of domestic violence, that they too, can hold their abuser accountable, she said in a statement given to the PA news agency. Priya Chaudhry, who represented Majors throughout the New York trial, said the actor still has faith in the process, alluding to an appeal. It is clear that the jury did not believe Grace Jabbaris story of what happened in the SUV because they found that Mr Majors did not intentionally cause any injuries to her, we are grateful for that, she said in a statement given to PA. Jonathan Majors attending the gala screening of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, at the BFI Imax Waterloo, in London. Photo: PA. We are disappointed, however, that despite not believing Ms Jabbari, the jury nevertheless found that Mr Majors was somehow reckless while she was attacking him. Mr Majors is grateful to God, his family, his friends, and his fans for their love and support during these harrowing eight months. Marvel has been contacted for comment. The estate of Lord Of The Rings writer JRR Tolkien has won a lawsuit against US author Demetrious Polychron over his book The Fellowship Of The King. A US judge granted a permanent injunction against Mr Polychron, preventing him from distributing any further copies of the 2022 book which the author previously claimed was the sequel to The Lord Of The Rings. Advertisement Mr Polychron must also permanently destroy all physical and electronic copies of the book, and he is banned from any planned sequels or any other derivative work based on the books of JRR Tolkien, US district judge Stephen V Wilson ruled. A general view of fans at the global premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings Of Power in August (Yui Mok/PA) It comes after Mr Polychron filed a lawsuit against the Tolkien estate and Amazon in April 2023, claiming they had unlawfully based TV series The Rings Of Power on his book. Advertisement Advertisement A US court granted a motion to dismiss the case in August before the Tolkien estate filed a separate lawsuit requesting a permanent injunction against Mr Polychron which was granted on Thursday. The court also awarded lawyers fees totalling $134,637 to the Tolkien estate and Amazon. Steven Maier, of Maier Blackburn, the estates UK solicitor, said: This is an important success for the Tolkien estate, which will not permit unauthorised authors and publishers to monetise JRR Tolkiens much-loved works in this way. This case involved a serious infringement of The Lord Of The Rings copyright, undertaken on a commercial basis, and the estate hopes the award of a permanent injunction and attorneys fees will be sufficient to dissuade others who may have similar intentions. Advertisement Lance Koonce and Gili Karev, of Klaris Law in New York, represented the Tolkien estate in the case while Davis Wright Tremaine (DWT) represented Amazon. Mr Polychron has been contacted for comment. The failure to restore the Stormont powersharing institutions is a denial of democracy, Micheal Martin has said. Mr Martin said he was disappointed after talks between the British government and Northern parties finished on Tuesday with no return of the Assembly before Christmas. Advertisement The Tanaiste said he could not see a reason why the Stormont Executive could not return this week. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris following a meeting with Northern Ireland party leaders at Hillsborough Castle. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said talks with the parties over a financial package, and with the DUP over the Windsor Framework, have concluded. Advertisement But DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said there was still no agreement which addressed his concerns over post-Brexit trading arrangements. Mr Martin said: First of all, Im very disappointed with how this has transpired. I think a lot of progress was made and there was a lot of discussion going on between the British government and the DUP in respect of the working out of the Windsor Agreement and the additional reassurances that the British government had given the DUP in respect of unfettered trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and vice versa. Advertisement So, its very difficult to come to any conclusion as to why we dont have the restoration of the executive and institutions this week, because it seems to me Im not clear whats left to negotiate in respect of those issues. Fairly detailed discussions did take place between the UK government and the DUP, and then the financial package was revealed by the UK government, and the Northern parties were engaged in talks all week. Advertisement Mr Martin said the lack of powersharing in the North was a denial of democracy. Advertisement He said: Its 18 months now since the election and the people of Northern Ireland deserve a government, and the situation is becoming very challenging fiscally, its becoming very challenging for the civil servants and the departments to manage health, education, housing, and so on because of the funding issues, and its very, very serious. Now, whether or not this can be brought to a conclusion in the first week of January or the second week in January remains to be seen. But we will be having discussions with the Secretary of State before the week is out, in the next day or two, and in that context we will be discussing next steps. Advertisement Because the Irish Government is very concerned that because of the failure of strand one, strand two is not operating, which is the north-south bodies, which is an integral part of the Good Friday Agreement, and thats simply not sustainable. Advertisement DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson speaks to the media outside Hillsborough Castle (Liam McBurney/PA) He added: My view is that the results of the election should be honoured ie, there should be a Sinn Fein first minister, DUP deputy first minister. Ive a difficulty in voiding, if you like, the election result. On the other hand, we do need to look at the reform agenda. My ideal would have been to have the executive restored, the assembly restored, and then look at reforming it in such a way that no party could ever again have a veto on the restoration of the assembly and the restoration of an executive. Because in a normal situation, when an election happens, a parliament is convened and a government gets formed. Its not acceptable that in this day and age we have a situation in Northern Ireland where you dont have a parliament and you dont have a government. A protester who claimed to be using his right to free speech by calling gardai "scumbags" and interfering with an arrest at a contentious demonstration outside the Dail earlier this year has been spared jail. Father of five Philip Keogh (45), of Griffith Park, Finglas, faced Public Order Act charges for threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and obstructing gardai on September 20th at Molesworth Street. Advertisement About 200 protesters held a rally outside Leinster House as the Dail resumed following the summer recess, leading to several arrests. Keogh, who is out of work due to disability, denied the charges and faced a hearing at Dublin District Court. Judge Susan Fay convicted him and fined him 350, which must be paid within four months. Garda Sean Murphy told the court that he had been on duty outside Leinster House at about 9.55am on the day in question, where protesters had gathered at the junction of Molesworth Street and Kildare Street. Advertisement Advertisement The garda said his colleagues attempted to arrest another man, and one officer was trying to put him into the back of a patrol vehicle. Garda Murphy alleged Keogh was standing around gardai shouting verbal abuse. He claimed Keogh "called him and other gardai scumbags and was making various threats and shouting at the top of his voice". He said Keogh walked towards them and interfered with the arrest by placing himself between gardai and the arrested man. Garda Murphy immediately approached and pulled Keogh back to remove him from the situation, at which point the garda said Keogh "lashed out". Advertisement Garda Murphy said he took Keogh to the ground and tried to arrest him, but the accused held his hands to his chest to resist being handcuffed. The garda said he cautioned Keogh to release his hands, but he refused, and other gardai assisted. They lifted Keogh and placed him in the Garda vehicle, where he was informed of the reason for the arrest. Annoyance Under cross-examination, defence solicitor Donal Quigley put it to the garda that his client had been retrieving a phone from the arrested man, Darryl McMahon, claiming he did so in order to let Mr McMahon's family know about his arrest. Advertisement "That may be so, but he did interfere with the arrest," Garda Murphy replied. Advertisement The garda also agreed there was a right to protest, but in a peaceable manner, "not by breaching public order". Mr Quigley suggested his client was not in breach of public order, but simply directing annoyance about his friend's arrest. The garda replied that Keogh was threatening and calling them scumbags. A witness recorded the scene with her mobile phone, and the footage was shown in court. She said Keogh reached in for the phone and was manhandled. The accused took to the stand and maintained his friend had been arrested for no reason. Advertisement Keogh said he knew his friend had to collect children from the creche, and another woman present could not reach him to get his phone. Keogh said he reached in, but claimed he did not put up a fight or lash out at gardai. Keogh said that after being pulled back, he felt the garda's elbow on his back and tried to protect his face from being slammed into the ground. Asked about his behaviour being called threatening, he replied: "Have you heard of something called freedom of speech?" He accepted using the term scumbags. In closing submissions, Mr Quigley said his client had clearly tried to reach in for his friend's phone and was not resisting arrest but projecting his face. The solicitor contended his client was exercising his freedom of speech and was afraid to let his hands go, or his face would hit the ground, and he would be seriously injured. However, Judge Fay convicted Keogh, who had 10 previous convictions for public order, motoring, and a minor assault between 1995 and 2004. Thirteen people were arrested on September 20th over incidents near Government Buildings as the Dail returned from its summer recess. A man who downloaded depraved material, including 78 videos of child sexual abuse, has been handed a fully suspended sentence. Joao Silva Pinto (25), of Mabbot Lane, Dublin 1, appeared before Judge Martina Baxter in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday having pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography on a phone at the same address on June 18th, 2022. Advertisement Judge Baxter said Silva Pinto created a demand for such depraved material by accessing the images. Sentencing him, she said the aggravating factors included the nature of the material and that there is harm done in respect of the real child victims. Mitigating factors included the very early plea, that Silva Pinto took responsibility for his actions, and that he was fully cooperative with gardai, the judge said. She also noted that he has continued family support from his brother and that he expressed remorse and insight into his actions. Advertisement Advertisement She said rehabilitation must be encouraged and incentivised and that deterrence must be incorporated into the structure of his sentence. Judge Baxter sentenced Silva Pinto to 12 months' imprisonment but suspended the sentence in its entirety on strict conditions. At an earlier sentencing hearing, Detective Garda Tracy O'Reilly told Simon Matthews BL, prosecuting, that Google made a referral to the online child exploitation unit in relation to material on an account in the defendant's name. A mobile number associated with Silva Pinto was also used to upload a number of CGI images to Google. Gardai obtained a warrant in February 2022 for all details relating to the defendant and the account. The defendant's home was searched on June 18th, during which gardai seized his phone and a number of identification documents. Advertisement A total of 78 videos were found on his phone following analysis. Forty-three of these videos were classed as category one material, while the remaining 35 were category two. A total of 784 CGI anime images, classed as category four material, were also retrieved from the Google Drive. Admissions Silva Pinto attended his local Garda station voluntarily twice and was interviewed on two occasions. He made admissions and said Google had blocked his account due to the content. He said he downloaded the material from a file-sharing website. Advertisement Advertisement Det O'Reilly agreed with Seamus Clarke SC, defending, that the offending took place during the pandemic and Silva Pinto told gardai he acted out of curiosity. She agreed that there was a good chance the defendant would be detected as he had used his own email address and downloaded the material to a Google Drive, not a dark website. The garda confirmed there was no evidence that the defendant shared the images, and he handed over his phone during the search. The court heard Silva Pinto had worked for a contract cleaning company. He has no previous convictions and has not come to garda attention since this incident. Advertisement A number of testimonials were handed to the court on his behalf. Mr Clarke said his client's actions were unsophisticated and were always going to come to light when Google made a referral to gardai. He told the court his client came to Ireland at the age of 21 and has been living at his brother's house. Defence counsel told the court his client has been seeing a psychologist online and is anxious to return to Brazil to continue engaging with this therapy in person. Mr Clarke asked the court for as much leniency as possible for his client. The Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Liam Carroll, has said there was no difference between the riots in Dublin and the fire at a hotel in Oughterard which had been due to house international protection applicants. What's the difference between Garda cars and public service vehicles being targeted and set alight in the centre of our capital city and the flames, which the whole nation saw, in the hotel on Sunday, theres just no difference, in my view, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland. Advertisement The Fine Gael councillor said that he had condemned unreservedly the senseless act of criminal damage and the wanton destruction of the hotel when he first heard about the incident and at the councils monthly meeting on Monday. Members of the council passed a motion unanimously affirming support for the right of international applicants to seek asylum in Ireland. That right should be exercised without harassment or fear, he added. Advertisement The council had also condemned the alleged criminal damage of property" and called on "the Department of Children, Equality Disability, Integration and Youth to improve their message of engagement and conversation and communication with communities. Cllr Carroll said that the community should have been informed two weeks ago about the plans to accommodate international protection applicants in the hotel. There needed to be dialogue with communities, he said. Advertisement At the meeting on Monday, there was support for 64 modular homes in Ballinasloe to accommodate 256 Ukrainians, about which there had been communication in advance There was dialogue on it over a number of weeks and a reasonable solution was agreed straight, and I salute and commend the my fellow councillors in Ballinasloe who unanimously agreed in the municipal district. When asked if Galway could provide for more people seeking assistance, Cllr Carroll said: these asylum seekers are people who are fleeing from war. Yes, they are fleeing from climate action. They are fleeing from civil rights abuse. And I think we have the duty to take more of them. "It's an emergency situation. They're coming from war torn countries like Somalia and like Sudan and other places. And I think that certainly it's our duty to ensure that we give them solace and security and a roof over their heads. Dublin City Council has approved Richard Shakespeare as its new chief executive. Mr Shakespeare, who has been acting chief executive since Owen Keegans retirement in September, was selected following a recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service. Advertisement His appointment had to be ratified by councillors before he could officially take up the position. Speaking following the council meeting, which was held in private, Mr Shakespeare said he was delighted by his appointment. I am a proud Dubliner, so to be appointed to this important position for the city is a great honour. I look forward to the next seven years and to working with the councillors to deliver for the citizens of Dublin and the city. Mr Shakespeare is a qualified landscape horticulturalist and engineer with over 30 years experience in local government. Advertisement Before taking up the position of chief executive, he held the position of assistant chief executive with responsibility for the Planning and Property Development Department and Culture, Recreation and Economic Services. He also previously worked for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in a variety of senior roles. An Italian fashion blogger-turned-businesswoman has apologised after being fined 1 million by Italys anti-trust authority for improperly communicating a charitable contribution tied to sales of a traditional Christmas cake sold with her logo. In an Instagram post, Chiara Ferragni said she would donate 1 million to the Regina Margherita Hospital in Turin to give concreteness to her apology, but she said she would challenge the fine itself. Advertisement Ms Ferragni said she had not given sufficient oversight to the communication surrounding the sales of the Balocco-brand pandoro with her logo, and that she would no longer tie in charity with commercial activities. Ms Ferragni started as a fashion blogger and went on to sell clothing, accessories and makeup under her own brand in addition to doing promotional work as an influencer. She is also on the Tods luxury fashion group board of directors. Advertisement Italys anti-trust agency on Friday also fined Balocco 420,000 for giving consumers the impression that part of the earnings from sales of the Ferragni-branded pandoro would benefit the hospital. In reality, the agency said, Balocco had donated 50,000 prior to the campaign launched in November 2022 and no additional funds were sent afterwards. Advertisement The agency noted that the Ferragni-branded Pandoro Pink Christmas cakes sold for more than 9 each, compared with the usual 3.70 price tag. In her video, Ms Ferragni said she was challenging the agencys fine, calling it disproportionate. If the fine is lowered, Ms Ferragni said she would donate whatever the difference is to the same charity. Italian premier Giorgia Meloni in a speech over the weekend criticised Ms Ferragni without naming her, citing influencers who promote expensive panettone making believe that they are for charity, when the price only pays for millionaires fees. A new Biden administration refugee programme to be launched on Tuesday will let US sponsors nominate specific people they want to bring to the United States in an effort that could help families reunite and involve more everyday Americans in resettlement efforts. The programme, under an initiative known as the Welcome Corps, will allow groups of five or more US citizens or permanent residents to nominate a person or family to sponsor if they meet certain criteria and pass background checks, officials told Reuters. Relatives of refugees, religious groups, LGBT organisations and veterans are among those expected to participate. Advertisement Previously, most refugees entering the US have been selected by the United Nations and US State Department. US president Joe Biden, a Democrat seeking re-election in 2024, has launched a range of programmes to allow migrants and people fleeing their home countries to enter the US lawfully. The Biden administration aims to bring in 10,000 refugees through sponsorships as part of an overall goal of 125,000 refugee admissions in fiscal year 2024. Advertisement Under US law, refugee status is reserved for people who apply from abroad while migrants already in the US can apply for a separate status called asylum. Trump promises immigration crackdown Although refugees are vetted and enter legally, some Republicans have called for tighter restrictions. Republican former president Donald Trump, the leading candidate for his party's presidential nomination, slashed refugee admissions while in office and is vowing another immigration crackdown if re-elected. Advertisement Sarah Cross, a State Department deputy assistant secretary, said in an interview that Americans want to aid refugees and that sponsorships make that easier. "This programme taps into the tremendous capacity and willingness of our communities to help people arrive in safe, orderly and legal ways with the support that they need, which should appeal to any administration," Ms Cross said. Reuniting families Mangok Bol, a 45-year-old Sudanese refugee who arrived in the US more than two decades ago, already plans to apply to bring over his nieces and nephews through the new programme. Mr Bol was forced to flee Sudan as a child during a civil war in the 1980s and was among some 20,000 children who were separated from their families and walked across several countries, a group known as the "Lost Boys". Advertisement Advertisement He eventually resettled in the US in 2001, attended college and earned a masters degree and now works as a programme administrator at Brandeis University in Massachusetts. Despite those strides, Sudan's troubles continued to haunt him. Mr Bol learned in 2014 that his brother and his brother's pregnant wife had been killed when conflict erupted in their hometown. After their parents were killed in front of them, a rival tribe abducted four of their seven children, he said, an incident that drew media attention and assistance from then-US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power. While Mr Bol found three of the kidnapped children, one niece is still missing. Advertisement The remaining children now live in Kenya and Uganda and receive support from Mr Bol, who spoke with Reuters from Kenya on a recent visit. Together with colleagues and friends who formed a sponsorship group, he is hoping to bring in his brother's children through the new programme as violence continues in Sudan. "I am their father now," he said. Ramping up The Biden administration launched private sponsorships in January 2023, with the first refugees - who were assigned to sponsors rather than chosen - arriving in June. Only 85 refugees have entered through the sponsorship programme to date, but the numbers have been increasing, State Department officials said. Advertisement To qualify under the new programme, potential refugees must have been registered with the UN by September 30th, 2023, a cut-off meant to discourage people from leaving home just to participate. Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans may apply if they qualify for refugee status and had pending sponsorship applications through a separate Biden "parole" programme. Luwam Abraham, a 30-year-old who came to the US from Eritrea as a child, hopes to use the new programme to bring over six Eritrean family members currently in refugee camps in Ethiopia, she said. Ms Abraham, a director at a long-term care facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said she and her coworkers raised enough to cover the required sponsorship minimum of $2,425 per person. Ms Abraham said there are entry-level jobs available in Grand Rapids, but it helps for new immigrants to have a personal contact to help navigate the language and culture. "It's definitely a difficult transition," she said. "But you do see a bigger difference when it's somebody who has family or has somebody here to support them." The European Union has imposed its 12th package of sanctions against Russia, days after Russias central bank raised its key interest rate for the fifth time since July. Theres a connection between those events. The Bank of Russia lifted its policy rate to a staggering 16 per cent last Friday in response to inflation running at a rate of about 7.5 per cent. The West is putting the squeeze on Russias economy. Credit: AP Soaring prices for goods and services egg prices, for instance, are up 40 per cent this year and (despite capital controls and the forced repatriation of companies foreign exchange holdings) a 20 per cent depreciation of the rouble against the US dollar, reflect the strains that the war in Ukraine and the Wests sanctions are inflicting on Russias economy. While Vladimir Putin continues to describe the war as a special military operation, Russia is now operating a wartime economy. Breathtaking scenes: Rachel Weisz and Rachel Weisz In Dead Ringers. Credit: Prime Video Dead Ringers (Amazon Prime) With Rachel Weisz given the intertwined performance of the year as co-dependent twins in a downward spiral of illegal scientific research and hungry longing, this distaff reboot of David Cronenbergs 1988 psychological thriller went to some disturbing reaches. But what mattered most was that Alice Birchs menacing adaptation didnt bask in the confronting acts of the brilliant Beverly and Elliot Mantle, it showed how they made sense to the siblings and bestowed empathy on their wayward decisions. There were breathtaking scenes, but it was never merely spectacle. Madeleine Sami as Eddie (left) and Kate Box as Dulcie in Deadloch: not merely a satire. Deadloch (Amazon Prime) There was a serious body count in this murder procedural set in a Tasmanian town where the inaugural arts festival goes very poorly, but creators Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney made sure there were even more laugh-out-loud lines. Never merely a satire, Deadloch used the mismatched detectives genre kudos to Kate Box and Madeleine Sami as bickering cops to flay misogynistic wrongs and historic crimes. The plot and the jokes stripped back layers of assumption, somehow making for a hilariously gripping mystery. Claire Danes and Zazie Beetz in Full Circle: tension and unspoken answers. Full Circle (Binge) This six-part, noir-inflected crime drama set in contemporary New York had a labyrinthine reach, approaching a botched kidnapping from multiple perspectives including a wealthy Manhattan clan, Caribbean immigrants trapped by circumstances, and an unstable postal inspector. But it was directed with masterful inquiry by filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, whose camera draws tension from the set-pieces and unspoken answers from both the cover-up and the investigation. Not surprisingly, an ensemble cast that included Claire Danes, Zazie Beetz, Timothy Olyphant, and a raft of promising young newcomers flourished under his tutelage. Charlotte Spencer, Emun Elliott and Hugh Bonneville in The Gold: top-tier performances. Credit: Paramount+ The Gold (Paramount+) Based on the 1983 Brinks-Mat robbery in London, when armed robbers unexpectedly got away with three tonnes of gold bullion, this British crime drama had a remarkable sweep to it. Told without judgment from the competing viewpoints of both the criminals trying to launder the gold and the police trying to recover it, Neil Forsyths drama had a terrific momentum, vivid characters, and anthropological insight. With top-tier performances from Hugh Bonneville and Jack Lowden it could be bittersweet or thrilling. But above all it was entertaining. Idris Elba plays a corporate negotiator who finds himself on board a hijacked plane: ticking clock tension. Credit: Aidan Monaghan Hijack (Apple TV+) No show this year was a better display of pure storytelling craft than George Kays aviation thriller, which turned the nefarious takeover of a flight from Dubai to London into an irresistible countdown. With Idris Elba as a corporate negotiator in first class determined to make it out alive, these seven episodes had a thrilling mix of on-screen risk, ingenuity, and ticking clock tension; this is your captain freaking out. The show was determined to enthral the cliffhangers were outrageously perfect by the final instalments. Emma Corrin and Harris Dickinson in A Murder at the End of the World, a climate-crisis update of the country house murder mystery. Credit: Disney+ A Murder at the End of the World (Disney+) Obsessed with conspiratorial mysteries, the meeting point of nature and science, and inexplicable crimes, indie auteurs Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij followed up Netflixs The OA with this climate-crisis update of the country house murder mystery. Set at the Icelandic retreat of Clive Owens billionaire mogul, it stars Emma Corrin as a twentysomething true crime author and sleuth fighting not just for the truth but to stay alive. This was a baroque procedural that felt way too timely. Uzo Aduba with Jamaal Grant in Painkiller: ties all the contradictory strands together. Credit: Keri Anderson/Netflix Painkiller (Netflix) How do you encapsulate a national disaster so vast and ongoing that the numbers involved of tragic deaths, of brutal cost starts to register as abstract? In the case of this unnerving limited series about Americas opioid epidemic, you accentuate the lacerating satire, the human cost, and the institutional failing. Theres no simple, single way to articulate how a legal prescription drug with the strength of heroin tore through a nation, but Painkiller ties all the contradictory strands together. Some critics were offended by the approach, I was fascinated. Rashida Jones and David Oyelowo in Silo. Credit: Apple TV+ Silo (Apple TV+) Set in a vast and vertical self-contained underground community, this science-fiction mystery about a city with neither an origin story nor a safe outside environment got the balance between world-building and character studies just right. The show, which has a second season currently shooting, passed an existential thread down a line of characters, starting with those played by Rashida Jones and David Oyelowo and finding its ultimate seeker in Rebecca Ferguson, so that the obsession felt shared with the viewing audience. The 30 conditions include a curfew, living at a specific address that he cannot change without permission from authorities and answering the door when called upon by police. He must also continue receiving psychological treatment and continue to engage with de-radicalisation programs. His treating psychologists may also disclose any information that might concern the safety of people in the community, he must wear an electronic monitoring device, and he must not associate or communicate with people who live in certain countries, who are in prison or who have been convicted of terror offences. Abdul Nacer Benbrika was arrested in 2009. Benbrika can also only start working or volunteering with the permission of federal police, has strict rules around financial transactions and is prohibited from making public speeches about certain topics. He is also subject to strict conditions regarding the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices, and cannot possess weapons and other objects which could be used as weapons. Federal police can also perform searches to ensure Benbrikas compliance with the conditions. Benbrika, an Algerian grandfather who goes by Nacer, appeared from Barwon Prisons Piper Unit, a prison unit designed for dangerous offenders, in a blue robe to watch the hearing in the Supreme Court. He is expected to be released later on Tuesday. Following a federal police operation, Benbrika was convicted in 2009 of directing a terrorist organisation. A jury found him guilty of being the spiritual leader of a terror cell with members in Melbourne and Sydney that planned attacks on Australian soil. Benbrikas group discussed carrying out attacks because it wanted the Australian government to withdraw troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. No attacks were ever carried out. It is often reported that Benbrika was linked to plots to bomb iconic Melbourne targets, such as the MCG, Crown Casino and the NAB Cup. This evidence, provided by witness Izzydeen Atik, was rejected by the court in 2009, and Atik was found to be a liar, a cheat and a fraudster attempting to reduce his own sentence by supplying the information. Benbrikas ongoing detention has presented considerable political and legal complications for the government since 2020. The court heard that over the past few years, Benbrika has participated in de-radicalisation programs, engaged with prison psychologists and consistently spoke with an Islamic scholar who had successfully challenged his strict interpretation of Islamic doctrine. Grant Donaldson SC has finished his statutory role as the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. Last week, the former watchdog for Australias national security laws, Grant Donaldson, SC, labelled the Commonwealths treatment of Benbrika a disgrace and criticised his continued detention using the governments risk assessment tool, VERA-2R. In his final report, Donaldson said the government had failed to explain why it had concealed a secret report criticising the efficacy of VERA-2R. Donaldson also called for an inquiry to examine the governments withholding of crucial evidence about the VERA-2R. VERA-2R the Violent Extremism Risk Assessment 2 Revised is used to measure the threat posed by extremists, often when determining whether they should be subject to restrictions once they have completed their prison sentence. Hollingworth said on Tuesday that the government repeatedly failed to disclose the report to the court or Benbrikas lawyers in breach of obligations under national security legislation. Dreyfus said Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who had carriage of the case when he was home affairs minister, had been repeatedly criticised for his handling of the matter. Just this morning, the court noted that Mr Dutton engaged in a serious breach of the Criminal Code by withholding evidence from Mr Benbrika and the court in 2020. After this failure was exposed in late 2022, Mr Benbrika sought a review of his continuing detention order making this case much more complicated than it needed to be, he said. Dutton was contacted for comment. Loading The court also heard that the current government had consistently failed to comply with deadlines to provide documents to the court and had not disclosed several other relevant reports. Hollingworth labelled the governments conduct totally unacceptable, saying it does not reflect well on the government. She said she intended to report the instances of non-disclosure to the new national security watchdog to examine the governments breaches. Benbrikas lawyer, Doogue + George partner Isabelle Skaburskis, reiterated calls for an inquiry into the miscarriage of justice that Benbrika has been subject to over the VERA-2R controversy. She said that Benbrika intends to comply wholeheartedly with the onerous conditions that have been imposed and will continue to engage fully with therapeutic interventions. Warning: graphic content Four-and-a-half years after a Sydney mothers body was found in the garage of her own home, her husband has learnt hell spend at least the next decade in jail for stabbing her more than 80 times. Supreme Court Justice Nicholas Chen, SC, said Syeda Nirupamas last moments were filled with pain and terror when she was ferociously attacked by her husband, Altaf Hossain, during an argument on April 21, 2019. Altaf Hossain killed his wife, Syeda Nirupama, in their home. Credit: Facebook Chen sentenced Hossain to 19 years and six months in jail with a non-parole period of 14 years and seven months over the murder, which left two young children without a mother. Prosecutors argued at the trial that Duong planned to gain political influence by cultivating a relationship with former federal multicultural affairs minister Alan Tudge on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. He became the first person charged under federal laws created in 2018 that ban covert foreign interference in domestic politics. Di Sanh Duong outside court in Melbourne in May 2022. Credit: David Estcourt Victorian businessman Di Sanh Duong, 68, faced a month-long jury trial in Melbournes County Court, accused of preparing for or planning foreign interference. Australias first trial to test foreign interference laws has resulted in a guilty verdict over a $37,000 hospital donation. He did so by arranging for Tudge to receive a $37,450 donation on behalf of the Royal Melbourne Hospital, money he had raised as president of the Oceania Federation of Chinese Organisations, the jury was told. Duong started raising the money for COVID-19 supplies, including gloves and masks, to be exported from China, but he was unable to secure shipment and instead handed over a cheque. Duong appeared at a press conference held by then federal minister Alan Tudge and presented a $37,450 cheque to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Commonwealth prosecutor Patrick Doyle, SC, told the court the Communist Party would have seen Duong, a former Victorian Liberal Party candidate and Chinese community leader, as an ideal target to work as an agent for its United Front Work Department. A main goal of this system is to win over friends for the Chinese Communist Party; it involves generating sympathy for the party and its policies, Doyle said. A 49-year-old man caused more than $1 million in damage using a slingshot and marbles to smash the windows of Melbourne apartment buildings, gyms and restaurants, as well as the offices of two MPs, police say. Sam Chadwick, from Cheltenham, faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with more than 80 counts of vandalism allegedly committed over four months. Police say federal independent MP Zoe Daniels office was among the properties damaged. Glass at the Victoria and Vine Apartments in Collingwood was shattered on five occasions between October 15 and November 4. Chadwick and two teenage boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are accused of using a slingshot to fire marbles at buildings in Bentleigh, Collingwood, Cremorne, Docklands, Mentone, Richmond, South Yarra and St Kilda between September and December. The cost to replace shattered windows at an office building at 5 Queens Road was more than $150,000. Almost half of the affected properties are yet to submit damage bills to detectives from the Port Phillip crime investigation unit. Warning: This report contains details which some readers may find distressing. A Clarkson woman who threw her dog from the top of a two-storey shopping centre car park has been jailed. CCTV footage of the April 2022 incident shows Amy Lea Judge, 26, arguing with her partner, Scott Frost, who was in a car on the top storey of Westfield Whitford City shopping centres multi-level carpark. Princess was put down after being thrown off the roof of a Perth shopping centre car park by her owner. Credit: RSPCA During the eight-minute ordeal she repeatedly takes the dog to the ledge and threatens to push him over. The CCTV then captures her hurling the 10-year-old Maltese/shih-tzu cross, named Princess, into the air. When a former student then working for the ABC panel show The Drum asked me to go on as a panellist, I said Id rather plunge my hand into boiling oil. Anyhow, he said: you made me take risks when I was a student. He said: Julia [Baird] wants you to come on. Eventually, I said yes, filled with dread. Off the air: The Drum, which hosted by Ellen Fanning (left) and Julia Baird, has been cancelled. After the show, he gave me a C minus. Do better, he said. Interrupt. Be yourself. The cheek of the youngster who, from recollection, was a straight high distinction student. He says now he cant recall if he actually gave me a mark. But C minus would have been about right. Now The Drum is dead, a victim of the chaos the ABC now finds itself in. Audiences for the national broadcaster have shrunk. Weekly reach has dropped by nearly 8 per cent over nine years. Under the eye of Ita Buttrose, the budget for the ABC has withered and perished. Australians safety and economic prosperity will be secured by deepening ties with our Asian neighbours, Anthony Albanese said in a major foreign policy speech as his government opted against joining a US-led Middle East mission to defend against shipping attacks. In an address to the Lowy Institute on Tuesday night, the prime minister said Labor had made Australia relevant in global debates on issues such as climate change and helped bring about improved relations between the worlds two superpowers, the US and China. Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses last major speech of the year has concentrated on foreign policy. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Albanese, who has been under pressure from both his left and right flanks over his stance on the conflict in Gaza, repeated his call for an ongoing ceasefire, said Hamas could play no future governing role in Gaza, and mourned all civilian deaths. Australia this week declined to join a multinational task force to defend against Iranian-backed Houthi missile attacks in the Red Sea as the Israel-Hamas war threatened to widen a decision deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley branded weak. Dozens of high-profile Labor figures, including members of the Albanese, Minns and Allan governments, have signed an open letter declaring the human rights of Palestinians have been grossly violated and accusing Israel of policies aimed at the domination of one people over another. The letter, co-ordinated by the NSW Labor MP Anthony DAdam and Greens MP Jenny Leong, calls for a permanent ceasefire and a just and lasting peace in Gaza, and urges the Albanese government to recognise Palestine as a state entitled to be free of occupation and examine its relationship with Israel. Eleven members of the NSW government - including four assistant ministers - have broken ranks with Premier Chris Minns and his vocal support for Israel following the outbreak of the war in Gaza. Credit: Oscar Coleman, Jessica Hromas Signed by 11 members of Chris Minns government and three federal Labor MPs, Maria Vamvakinou from Victoria and WA senators Louise Pratt and Fatima Payman, as well as former NSW premier and foreign affairs minister Bob Carr, it accuses Israel of an ongoing military occupation, illegal settlement expansion, land theft, violence, discrimination, restrictions on movement and the subjugation of the Palestinian people. It is beyond dispute that Israel is committed to policies designed to entrench the domination of one people over another in the territories of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the letter states. The dust will barely have settled on the new year when a string of international acts descend on Brisbanes live music precinct over two huge days. The mini-festival on January 2 and 3 at Fortitude Music Hall will feature British indie-rock darlings Foals, Australian electronic dance duo The Avalanches, acclaimed musician and producer Sbtrkt, and British singer-songwriter Declan McKenna. Eighteen-year-old Brisbane artist FELONY will play Fortitude Music Hall on January 2 alongside international acts Foals and Declan McKenna. Credit: Darcy Goss - @darcygossmedia Eighteen-year-old Layla Borhani aka FELONY will also take to the stage, in what she describes as a full-circle moment. It wasnt long ago that the Brisbane local was performing Declan McKenna covers with her high school band. A fresh bid is afoot to sell the luxe barn-style coastal estate owned by the Aussie trainer to Hollywood. Thor actor Chris Hemsworth is among the clients of personal trainer James Duigan, who has listed his stylish property at 225 Broken Head Road, Newrybar, with a new and local agency. Duigan has also trained supermodels Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Elle MacPherson. The renewed campaign for the unique estate named Cedar Hill comes in time for summer holidays, when Byron Bay region properties shine. The trophy home market in the area, in particular, has been strong, with a record $34 million sale this year. Cairo/Gaza: Israeli troops and Hamas militants fought fierce gunbattles on the streets of Gazas second-biggest city as the United Nations delayed a vote on a bid to boost aid deliveries to the Palestinian enclave facing a humanitarian disaster. Israels campaign to eradicate Hamas militants behind an October 7 massacre has left the coastal enclave in ruins, brought widespread hunger and homelessness, and killed nearly 20,000 Gazans, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Smoke rises over northern Gaza, as viewed from the Israeli side of the border. Credit: Getty Under foreign pressure to avoid killing civilians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war will not stop until Iran-backed Hamas releases the remaining 129 hostages it is holding in Gaza and the Islamist group is obliterated. A United Nations Security Council vote to set up aid deliveries was delayed by another day on Tuesday (Wednesday) as talks continue to try and avoid a third US veto of action over the two-month-long Israel-Hamas war. Kirkpatrick brings to the role over 30 years of expertise in banking and financial services, both in Australia and internationally. He previously served in management positions at St George Bank and the Yellow Brick Road Group. He is currently the director of Bula Outsourcing Pty Ltd and deputy chair of the Finance Brokers Association of Australasia. Kirkpatrick was also previously appointed non-executive director of the Pepper Advantage Hubs, both Fiji and Indonesia, in November 2022, meaning he is already familiar with the operations of the company, according to a news release. With an annual growth rate of 6.6%, the 7579-year-old age group significantly outpaces all other demographics with an overall growth rate of 2.4%, Mr Gannon said. Over the next two decades, the number of Australians over 75 will increase from two million to 3.4 million people, which will have socio-economic impacts on the nation. The logos of Nippon Steel Corp are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2019. (Photo: REUTERS/Yuka Obayashi/File Photo) In a historic move, Nippon Steel, the world's fourth-largest steel manufacturer, announced on Monday its plan to acquire U.S. Steel for $14.9 billion in cash, offering $55 per share. This acquisition marks the largest deal in Japanese corporate history. The offer from Nippon Steel represents a 42% premium over the $35 per share bid in cash and stock proposed by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. in August. Cleveland-Cliffs had initiated the pursuit of U.S. Steel four months ago. According to sources, Cleveland-Cliffs later raised their bid to $40 per share, but it still fell short of Nippon Steel's $55 per share, which was more favored by the board. Other major steel manufacturers, including Nucor, the largest in the U.S., and ArcelorMittal from the Netherlands, had also shown interest in acquiring U.S. Steel. The acquisition is expected to propel Nippon Steel towards its goal of a global crude steel capacity of 100 million tons and significantly expand its production in the United States. With recent agreements between automakers and unions ending strikes and increasing production, steel prices in the U.S. are anticipated to rise. However, some analysts believe that Nippon Steel may have overpaid for U.S. Steel. According to LSEG data, the price paid by Nippon Steel is equivalent to 7.3 times the 12-month EBITDA of U.S. Steel, compared to the industry median of 7 times. Analysts note that U.S. Steel's acquisition of Big River Steel in Arkansas for $774 million in 2021 has yet to yield profitable returns, suggesting a lower value. Gordon Johnson, an analyst at GLJ Research, expressed concerns to the media: "We believe Nippon Steel has overpaid for these assets. This is not the tech industry. It's still the cyclical steel industry." Following the announcement, U.S. Steel's stock surged 26% to close at $49.59 on Monday. Cleveland-Cliffs' shares also jumped 10%, as shareholders rejoiced over the failed acquisition. The company announced it would continue with "aggressive stock buybacks" as previously authorized. ArcelorMittal's shares in Amsterdam rose by 5% to 26.28, with investors also feeling relieved. U.S. Steel stated that the transaction with Nippon Steel is expected to be completed in the second or third quarter of 2024, pending regulatory approval. Given the limited overlap between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, the deal is unlikely to attract significant antitrust scrutiny. Furchner, who now lived in a retirement home near Hamburg, worked as a secretary at the camp when she was just between 18 and 19 years old. (Photo: Annegret Hilse/Reuters) On December 18, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart Arvydas Anusauskas signed an agreement to permanently station 4,800 German soldiers and 200 civilian personnel in Lithuania. The troops will be stationed near Lithuania's second-largest city, Kaunas, and near the capital Vilnius in Rukla and Rudninkai, close to the Suwalki Corridor, a potential flashpoint for conflict between Russia and NATO. The area also includes Russia's only overseas exclave, Kaliningrad, making it strategically significant for both Russia and NATO. As a defeated nation in World War II, Germany was restricted by the Allies from possessing offensive weapons and could only form armed forces for defensive purposes. Pistorius described the deployment of troops in Lithuania as a "historic moment," marking the first time since World War II that Germany has permanently stationed troops abroad. Germany's prominent advancement of its military presence in Lithuania is seen as a highlight of its defense strategy transformation, with potential future military interventions in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region not ruled out. Nearly two years into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Lithuania, a NATO member, shares borders with Russia's exclave, Ukraine, and Belarus, and faces high risks from the conflict's spillover. Germany's military action is seen as a reassurance for Lithuania. Pistorius and Anusauskas emphasized during a press conference on December 18 that both countries are committed to defending each other and every inch of NATO territory, based on the Washington Treaty. Article 5 of the treaty states that an armed attack against one or more NATO members is considered an attack against the entire organization. The troops to be deployed to Lithuania belong to the 42nd Armored Brigade, including a portion from the 203rd Armored Battalion based in Augustdorf, northern Germany, equipped with Leopard 2 tanks. The Leopard 2 is renowned as the strongest Western main battle tank, capable of striking targets within 5 kilometers. However, since all Leopard 2 tanks have been provided to Ukraine, the battalion might be deployed to Lithuania without its main battle systems. Germany is currently accelerating the production of Leopard 2 tanks. The first batch of the 42nd Armored Brigade will begin deployment next year, with the entire brigade expected to be fully deployed by 2027. The brigade's monthly maintenance costs in Germany range between 25 to 30 million euros. Until 2027, the brigade will primarily rely on a special 100 billion euro defense fund from Germany. After the exhaustion of this fund by 2027, Germany will need to devise a new funding plan to maintain the brigade's expenses. According to the agreement announced by Germany and Lithuania on December 18, Lithuania will provide necessary military and civilian infrastructure for the 42nd Armored Brigade. Lithuania is expected to spend about 0.3% of its GDP to prepare for the brigade's arrival. Lithuania will also ensure that the stationed German military personnel and their families receive education, medical, and other services in their native language. Philippines President Seeks New Approach in South China Sea Disput (Photo: Rey Baniquet for Presidential Communications Operations Office / Public domain) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a "paradigm shift" in addressing the South China Sea disputes, highlighting the limited progress made through traditional diplomatic channels. During an interview with Mainichi Shimbun, shared with Philippine media, Marcos expressed his concern over the trajectory of diplomatic efforts with China, emphasizing the need for a new approach to resolve the territorial conflicts in the South China Sea. Marcos, who recently attended a summit in Tokyo with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), reiterated the Philippines' commitment to avoid violent conflict while pursuing dialogue with partners to establish a joint position regarding the West Philippines Sea, which refers to parts of the South China Sea within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. This statement comes amid escalating tensions following a recent ship collision near a disputed shoal, leading to a heated exchange of accusations between Manila and Beijing. China's response, articulated by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, acknowledged the tension but emphasized the broader context of the countries' relations. Wang stated that China remains open to dialogue and consultation to manage differences, despite the ongoing disputes. He highlighted China's willingness to continue discussions with the Philippines, keeping diplomatic channels open. In addition to the Philippines, several ASEAN members, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, have overlapping claims with China in the South China Sea, a critical maritime route for over $3 trillion in annual ship-borne trade. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration dismissed China's claims as lacking legal basis, a decision supported by the United States but rejected by Beijing. Further complicating the situation, China has issued a stern warning to the Philippines regarding its territorial claims. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin accused Manila of breaching agreements and heightening tensions, criticizing its efforts to involve external forces in the dispute. The Philippines' actions, such as regular supply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in the Spratly Islands, have been a particular point of contention, with China deeming the Philippines' 1999 grounding of the warship as illegal. As the Philippines strengthens its military ties with the U.S. and Japan, concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of escalating tensions. The Global Times, a Chinese nationalistic tabloid, warned of the risks involved for the Philippines in aligning too closely with major powers like the U.S. and Japan, suggesting that these alliances could backfire. President Marcos Jr.'s call for a new approach reflects the complexity of the geopolitical challenge posed by the South China Sea disputes. The situation requires careful navigation of international relations and territorial claims, balancing the need for regional stability with national interests. As the Philippines seeks to redefine its strategy, the international community watches closely, aware of the significant implications for regional peace and security. In a move likely to benefit Indian professionals, a pilot program allowing H-1B holders to renew visas without leaving the US, has cleared a review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. To begin with, 20,000 H-1B specialty occupation workers will be able to renew their visas in the US beginning from January 2024. However, the full details of eligibility and operation of the pilot will emerge when a notice is published in the Federal Register, Bloomberg Law reported. While the H1B employees can renew their visas without leaving the country, their spouses can't. The pilot cleared the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs review on December 15, the final regulatory hurdle before publication. 1B and L1 visas are popular visa categories for US employers and foreign professionals working in the US, but the discontinuation of stateside renewals two decades ago posed significant challenges. Visa holders when traveling outside the US, were forced to endure long processing times and disruptive international travel for renewals. The latest development comes months after the White House announced a pilot programme for domestic renewal of certain categories of H-1B visas during the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June this year. It would allow H-1B holders to renew their visas by mailing them to the State Department rather than travel outside the US and face uncertain wait times to secure an appointment at an American consular office before returning. In countries like India, the largest source of H-1B workers, high visa wait times have added uncertainty to travel plans for those workers and their employers. An estimated 75 per cent of the H-1B visa granted in a year are known to go to workers from India, hired by some of the largest US tech giant such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Facebook. In 2022, over 1.2 million Indians traveled to the US, representing over 10% of all visa applicants worldwide. This includes 20% of all student visa applicants and 65% of H and L employment-based visas. Due to heavy visa backlogs, some H-1B workers have pursued work-arounds such as traveling to nearby countries with fewer backlogs to secure appointments. The average wait time to secure a visa appointment for travel to the US fell to 130 days last year, a drop of 70 days from fiscal year 2022. Why this matters? The highly-anticipated roll-out of a stateside visa renewal program by the DOS could be pivotal for companies bringing workers into the US and individuals coming to work in the US., especially in light of the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath," said Kirsten Kelly, Partner, Immigration Law at KPMG Canada. The State Department considers acceptable wait times to be closer to 90 days. Currently, all visa applicants are required to exit the United States, and schedule interview appointments at U.S. consular posts abroad. Even if granted an interview waiver, the visa applicant must leave the US and be physically located in the consulates jurisdiction. "A stateside program will save certain H-1B visa applicants countless hours of travel and money spent on travel abroad, as they will no longer be required to exit the United States and visit a consular post for the renewal of an H-1B visa," added Kellly. There is also hope that this programme will alleviate consular backlogs and reduce delays that have resulted in prolonged visa appointment wait times and processing. "The understanding among the immigration community is that this programme is just the beginning of a much more expansive visa-renewal program that will involve additional visa types and be open to additional applicants. It is widely appreciated that the DOS will be offering a much more efficient and safer method of carrying out visa renewals as an alternative to required international travel," said Alexander Tonic, Associate at KPMG Canada. With inputs from IANS The last Opposition INDIA bloc meeting was held in Mumbai on August 31-September 1 (Photo: PTI) The INDIA bloc will convene its scheduled key meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss seat sharing, a joint campaign blueprint, and redrawing the joint strategy to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This comes a day after 78 members of Parliament (MPs) from Opposition parties across the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were suspended till at least the end of the winter session. With last week's suspension, there are now 92 Opposition MPs suspended till the end of the Parliament. Of these MPs, 14 will have to appear before the privileges committee, which may recommend a longer suspension. On Monday, a day before the Opposition alliance meeting, which will be held at the Ashoka Hotel, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee stated that the INDIA bloc's prime ministerial candidate would be decided after the 2024 general elections. She also expressed confidence that the alliance will resolve all concerns, including seat-sharing, in order to defeat the BJP. Here's a look at the top points on Opposition's INDIA bloc meeting today. 1. This will be the fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc. On June 23, Patna hosted the first gathering. The second conference was held in Bengaluru on July 17-18, and the third in Mumbai between August 31 and September 1, where the 27 Opposition parties adopted resolutions to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election unitedly. 2. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will skip today's INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi due to his busy schedule. He will be speaking at an event in Gumla. Hemant Soren's party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), will send three representatives to the meeting. Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, Lok Sabha MP Vijay Hansada and party general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya have been nominated to participate in the meeting. 3. INDIA bloc meeting was previously postponed to December 17 after top leaders in the alliance, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav decided to skip the meeting, which was first scheduled for December 6. The Congress called the meeting on December 6 on the day the election results of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Rajasthan were announced. While the grand old party was defeated in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, it triumphed in Telangana, ousting the K Chandrashekar Rao-led Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). 4. Several Opposition leaders, including Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackeray, Tejashwi Yadav, M K Stalin have already arrived in the national capital. 5. On Monday, Mamata Banerjee met with Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and discussed the political situation in the country. Following the meeting, the TMC chief stated that she was ready to campaign for alliance partners across the country. 6. Bihar deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said the committees that were formed earlier have been working behind the scenes, and preparations for the polls are being done. He added everyone in the Opposition ranks would play their part and that regional parties were very strong. "Wherever there are regional parties, the BJP is nowhere to be seen. Most of the regional parties are with INDIA bloc," the RJD leader said. 7. The key challenge before the leaders of several Opposition parties, who have joined forces to fight the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is also to come up with an alternative common programme as a counter to the ruling dispensation. The immediate challenge for the INDIA bloc is to reach an agreement on a convener, a spokesperson, and a common secretariat, which is a difficult issue due to differences amongst its constituents. 8. The position of the Congress, which was nearly wiped out in the Hindi heartland, has also weakened within the alliance. Equations within the INDIA bloc are set to change, as other Opposition parties would challenge its position as the fulcrum of the alliance. 9. The BJP's recent victories in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have increased pressure on Opposition parties to present a united front. A senior Congress leader told news agency PTI that the parties intend to use the unity theme 'Main Nahin, Hum' (We, Not Me) at the meeting as a counter to PM Modi and the BJP. 10. Undeterred by the recent defeats, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has stated that the party will move forward to take on the BJP with a positive agenda and will highlight people's issues. (With agency input) The sailor was evacuated by frontline ship INS Kochi. "The Indian Navy rendered assistance in evacuation of an injured crew member from the hijacked vessel MV Ruen in the early hours of Monday," said an official. The Indian Navy has evacuated one of the 18 crew members onboard a Malta-flagged hijacked cargo vessel off the coast of Somalia to provide medical care after he was injured by the pirates, officials said on Tuesday. It is learnt that the sailor, a Bulgarian national, was injured in firing by the pirates. The sailor was evacuated by frontline ship INS Kochi. "The Indian Navy rendered assistance in evacuation of an injured crew member from the hijacked vessel MV Ruen in the early hours of Monday," said an official. "The injured crew member had sustained injuries during the piracy incident but was reported to be stable. Towards ensuring his safety, the Indian Navy ship was successful in ensuring his release by the hijackers," he added. The official said the injured sailor has been taken to Oman. "The injured crew member was medically managed onboard the ship but due to urgent medical attention required, which was beyond the scope of the ship, he has been transferred ashore at Oman," the official said. Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said the naval force remains committed to rendering assistance to the mariners at sea. The Navy swiftly responded after receiving a call for help from vessel MV Ruen on December 14. The vessel had indicated that six 'pirates' had illegally boarded it. The Indian Navy's maritime patrol aircraft undertook surveillance missions in the area and its warship on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden were deployed to locate and assist MV Ruen. The Navy said that its aircraft flew over the hijacked vessel and its movement is being monitored, adding the vessel is now heading towards the coast of Somalia. India is negotiating free trade agreements with the European Union (EU), the UK, Sri Lanka, and Peru, according to a year-end review statement of the commerce ministry. India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement negotiations were formally re-launched on June 17 2022. "Negotiations cover 23 policy areas/chapters. Six rounds of negotiations have been held till October 2023," the ministry said. With the UK, 13 rounds of talks have been completed and the next round will take place in January 2024. "India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) negotiations are ongoing with the 12th round of negotiations conducted from 30th October to 1st November 2023 in Colombo," it said. It added that both sides also agreed to continue discussions on matters, including apparel quotas and pharmaceutical procurement. With Peru, it said discussions on various chapters, including rules of origin, trade in goods, trade facilitation, sanitary, and phytosanitary measures were undertaken during this special round of talks. With the telecommunications (telecom) Bill allowing satellite spectrum to be administratively allocated, satellite communication (satcom) providers will have to wait at least four to five months or more for the process to start. Having received all clearances, Reliance Jio and Airtel-backed OneWeb just require the necessary spectrum to start providing satcom services. Sources in the know said they expect the Bill to be fully debated and passed in Parliament only by the Budget session in February. Work on creating departmental rules for allocating satellite spectrum will begin afterwards and will take a few months, they added. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, An additional 49 Lok Sabha members were suspended on Tuesday for disrupting House proceedings. INDIA bloc MPs have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in Parliament on December 13 | (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) The "inappropriate behaviour" of some opposition MPs led to their suspension from Parliament and the country would not benefit from their "negative politics", Union minister Bhupender Yadav said Tuesday. Yadav urged the suspended members to reflect upon their actions. In an unprecedented move, 78 opposition MPs were suspended from Parliament on Monday, the highest number of suspensions in a single day, drawing sharp criticism from the Congress and other parties that accused the BJP government of trying to bulldoze key legislations in an "Opposition-less" Parliament. An additional 49 Lok Sabha members were suspended on Tuesday for disrupting House proceedings. INDIA bloc MPs have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in Parliament on December 13. "Their inappropriate behaviour led to their suspension. The new Parliament calls for new traditions and a clean way (of functioning). We aim to address questions from all members and seek everyone's support in the journey towards a developed India," Yadav said in response to a question during a press conference. Responding to another query, he added, "India is not going to benefit from such negative politics." "Having been part of the Rajya Sabha for 12 years, we have witnessed similar unruly scenes in the past. Members would climb atop tables and tear books. Should one expect such behaviour from MPs?" Yadav posed. The action taken on Tuesday has brought the total number of suspended opposition MPs from both houses to 141 since last Thursday. AAP member Sanjay Singh has been suspended as a Rajya Sabha member since July 24. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT), which is a constituent of the INDIA bloc, underlined that the results of the recent assembly polls in three states - Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh - do not indicate ultimate win for the BJP. The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday advised the Congress to take all allies together if it wants to strengthen the opposition INDIA bloc and pitched for appointing a "sarthi" (charioteer) to steer the alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. An editorial in the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana' also suggested the Congress, which is celebrating completion of its 138 years, to resolve to win minimum 150 seats (on its own) in the general elections due next year. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT), which is a constituent of the INDIA bloc, underlined that the results of the recent assembly polls in three states - Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh - do not indicate ultimate win for the BJP. The opposition INDIA bloc will hold a meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday to deliberate on a blueprint for a joint campaign, seat sharing and redrawing the strategy for taking on the BJP in the 2024 general elections after the setback in the recent assembly polls. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Monday said the INDIA bloc's prime ministerial candidate will be decided after the 2024 general elections. The editorial in 'Saamana' on Tuesday said, "The Congress should resolve to win at least 150 seats in the 2024 general elections and it is possible only when the INDIA alliance remains strong." It also targeted the Congress for not taking opposition parties along in polls to the three states. "The Congress wanted to taste win in the three states alone and that is why it kept the regional parties and alliances at bay. It is being said that wherever the Congress senses a possibility of winning elections on its own, it does not take anyone along and in this self pride, the Congress inflicted damage on itself and the INDIA alliance," it claimed. The importance of the INDIA alliance should be increased, it opined. "The chariot of the INDIA alliance has 27 horses (referring to 27 parties which are part of the opposition bloc) but it does not have a 'sarthi'. In the absence of the 'sarthi', the chariot is stuck in the ground. The INDIA alliance needs a convener," the editorial said. Those who say there is no need for a convener, they are damaging the INDIA bloc. A "sarthi" needs to be appointed, it said, adding that the decision needs to be made in the December 19 meeting and accordingly steps should to be taken. The INDIA alliance has many experienced and wise leaders, the Marathi daily pointed out. "It also needs to decide who will be the face of the INDIA Alliance in 2024. The decision will have to be taken who will be the face against Modi (Prime Minister Narendra Modi). Saying that we have several PM faces and there are plenty of choices is nothing but self-consolation," it added. The editorial quoted Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar's statement that the Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar group) should understand the importance of the alliance and noted that German dictator Adolf Hitler was defeated just because of the unity of several nations. "The goal of the opposition INDIA alliance should be to defeat Hitler and the victory of INDIA," it said. "The results in the three states do not indicate ultimate win for the BJP. Modi-Shah (referring to PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah) are not undefeatable, but for that the INDIA bloc should remain strong and undeterred," the editorial said. The fight in 2024 will be against Modi-Shah's new BJP, against the EVMs, money power and central agencies as the slogan of "Abki Baar Charsau Paar" is being given (by the ruling party) riding on these things, it claimed. "On this backdrop, the INDIA alliance has a meeting in Delhi today and it is good that the Congress has taken a lead, but it would be interesting to see how many parties come together," the editorial said. It claimed that Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party is fighting a lone battle against the BJP as some of the senior AAP leaders are in jail. "In such a case, the Congress, as a brig brother, should come forward and show a sense of unity," the Marathi publication said. Though results of recent assembly polls in three states are not very energetic for the INDIA alliance, the BJP should also not go overboard as the Congress received 40 per cent votes, it said. Can artificial rain dissipate toxins in the air? As the skies over several parts of north India turn blue again and pollution levels improve from 'severe' but continue to be 'very poor', the question of whether cloud seeding can really be a long-term solution gathers urgency. It is a tempting prospect and nothing more, say scientists, stressing on the need to tackle the problem at its root. Artificial rain is not just expensive - an estimated Rs 1 crore to induce rain in an approximate 100 square kilometre area - but also offers temporary respite. The respite artificial rain offers is short-lived... the return of polluted air swiftly restores hazardous levels, highlighting the need for more sustainable solutions, Sunil Dahiya, an analyst with the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, told PTI. Artificial rain can't be induced to last for days and over such large geography as NCR or north India which limits its usage as air pollution reduction technology for the region, he added. Cloud seeding involves dispersing particles of salt, such as silver iodide or chloride, onto clouds using aircraft. These salt particles serve as nuclei, promoting the formation of ice crystals within the clouds. Subsequently, the moisture present in the clouds adheres to these crystals, leading to rainfall. The long-discussed issue came under the spotlight again when the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur announced its success with cloud seeding tests to combat persistent air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, generating a mix of excitement and scepticism. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, a distinguished expert in sustainable energy engineering at IIT Kanpur, explained that the technique involves injecting salts into clouds to induce rain formation. IIT Kanpur has in its possession an aircraft equipped with a cloud seeding device. The aircraft can fly up to 10,000 feet for about four hours. The institute has also developed its novel seeding solution of salts which has been tried for cloud seeding to initiate artificial rains, Tripathi, the winner of the Infosys Prize 2023, for his research on large-scale sensor-based air quality network, told PTI. "Data from India and other countries show an enhancement of about 20 per cent in rainfall in seeded clouds compared to non-seeded ones, he said. The sustainable impact of this process is under scrutiny, Tripathi added. While the precise cost of cloud seeding experiments in India remains undisclosed, an estimated Rs 1 crore is believed to be required to induce rain in approximately a 100 sq km area. The tentative estimate came from an IIT Kanpur team headed by Manindra Agrawal, professor at the Computer Science and engineering department at the institute. For several weeks in November and early December, the air quality index (AQI), which measures the concentration of PM 2.5 or fine particulate matter in the air, consistently surpassed the 400 mark in Delh-NCR. This was nearly ten times the acceptable limit. According to the Air Quality Index report of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) the air quality in Delhi was in the Very Poor' category on December 18, with an index value of 330. Adding to the debate, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had disclosed that the government was contemplating the use of cloud seeding, a rain-making technique, to mitigate pollution levels. According to environmental researcher Krishna AchutaRao, cloud seeding relies on specific atmospheric conditions to be effective. It is not just going up in an aircraft and sprinkling something. The required conditions are very hard to achieve in the months when air pollution is high - precisely because the conditions are not right for rain, AchutaRao, head of the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at IIT Delhi, told PTI. I heard one person claim that these conditions would arise during Western Disturbances. But such disturbances would themselves bring rain or even if they didn't, would bring winds and change the mixing in such a way that air pollution will decrease not just over Delhi but over a large area that the disturbance flows through, he added. Western Disturbances are cyclonic storms that form over land, and they originate mostly in the Mediterranean region. AchutaRao noted that cloud seeding has been in practice for many decades. The first attempt to prove its efficacy in India was published recently by scientists from the Ministry of Earth Sciences and they found an increase of about 18 per cent due to seeding - that too in the month of July, he added. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, initial experiments with cloud seeding were conducted in 1946 by American chemist and meteorologist Vincent J. Schaefer. Since then, cloud seeding has been implemented using various methods, including aircraft, rockets, cannons, and ground generators. While cloud seeding has found applications in air quality management and dust suppression in several countries, these endeavours have been sporadic at best. China has invested significant sums to modify weather patterns, aiming to protect agricultural regions and enhance air quality, particularly in anticipation of large-scale events. Similar efforts have been observed in other countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. As the discourse on cloud seeding continues, experts stress the importance of addressing pollution at its source rather than relying solely on superficial solutions. In my opinion, these sorts of solutions are neither proven as a solution for washing out air pollution nor as effective compared to reducing emissions of pollutants and their precursors, Dahiya said. "In recent weeks, it has become evident that relying on sporadic rainfall is insufficient for achieving sustainable pollution control. The act of sprinkling water merely masks pollution temporarily without addressing its root cause, he added. The most efficient and cost-effective strategy for reducing air pollution lies in tackling emissions at their source, necessitating a concentrated effort in this direction, the scientists said. A comprehensive approach, including emission load caps and reduction targets, is crucial for meaningful change. Unfortunately, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) falls short by not establishing emission load caps and successive reduction targets for industries or regions contributing to pollution, Dahiya said. Without adopting a comprehensive approach to emission load reduction at the airshed level, our reliance on superficial solutions such as water sprinkling, anti-smog guns, smog towers, or artificial rains will persist. Only by embracing a proactive and systematic approach can we truly and aggressively purify the air, he added. AchutaRao said investing in ineffective measures is a misallocation of resources, hindering genuine initiatives aimed at addressing emissions at their source. Tripathi acknowledged the challenges, stating the geographical and temporal constraints of artificial rain become apparent, limiting its application as a broad-scale pollution reduction strategy. Seeding is one of the potential ways that can be tried in situ leading to rainfall that can reduce air pollution during severe pollution episodes by scavenging. Depending on cloud coverage and its nature seeding can initiate rain covering diverse regions, he added. Dahiya questioned the allocation of funds, emphasising the need to transition away from polluting technologies. "Only by embracing a proactive and systematic approach can we truly and aggressively purify the air, he added. Everyone knows that something should be done to fix our broken immigration system, he said in a Senate floor speech to start the week. But we can't do so by compromising our values. Finding the middle ground is exceptionally hard | (Photo: PTI) President Joe Biden's push to have Congress replenish wartime aid for Ukraine as part of a deal on border and immigration policy changes will almost certainly drag into next year. The Senate, which had postponed its holiday recess, returned to Washington on Monday after negotiators worked through the weekend on the border legislation, trying to reach an agreement that could unlock the Republican votes for Biden's $110 billion package of aid for Ukraine, Israel and other security priorities. But senators said they still had plenty of work ahead, and it remained uncertain how many more days the Senate will remain in session this week. Barely half of the senators returned for a Monday evening vote. Obviously we need time, said Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, the top Democratic negotiator. The delay heaps more uncertainty on the future of the Biden administration's priority of providing support against Russia's invasion. It also puts a potential pause on politically fraught negotiations over immigration and border security policy, though Senate negotiators planned to continue working on the package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the negotiations were among the most difficult things we've done in recent memory". Everyone knows that something should be done to fix our broken immigration system, he said in a Senate floor speech to start the week. But we can't do so by compromising our values. Finding the middle ground is exceptionally hard. The House has already departed for the year as Congress settles into a long winter's break. Lawmakers aren't scheduled to return until the second week of January, and they will then need to tend to other matters besides the Ukraine funding, including facing a partial shutdown in mid-January if Congress can't pass a government funding package. But as the Senate undertook the first substantial rewrite of immigration and border security law in decades, Republicans insisted they would not agree to rushing legislation. Getting this agreement right and producing legislative text is going to require some time, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor. Schumer had scheduled additional work days this week in hopes of pushing the Ukraine aid through the chamber, but made no mention of a vote on the package on Monday. He said both Republicans and Democrats would need to make more concessions and it would take some more time to get it done. Members of the core Senate negotiating group Murphy and Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent, and James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican met with White House staff on Monday and planned to continue meeting throughout the week. We're all going to be back in January, but it's going to take a while to be able to finish up all the text, Lankford said. The weeks-long wait comes as the Defence Department says it has nearly run out of available funds for supporting Ukraine's defence. In a letter to Congress, the Pentagon notified lawmakers last week that will soon be transferring more than $1 billion to replenish stockpiles sent to Ukraine, with no further funds available as it maintains the United States' own military readiness. Once these funds are obligated, the Department will have exhausted the funding available to us for security assistance to Ukraine, according to the letter obtained by The Associated Press. The department said it is essential that Congress act without delay on the pending supplemental request. Ukrainian forces tried to launch a counteroffensive this year, but faced dug-in Russian troops, minefields and other hazards. They struggled to make any significant gains. As the conflict grinds towards the end of a second year, US public support has waned for sending billions of dollars more in weapons and economic aid. The European Union, too, had to push into the new year a plan to supply Ukraine with $54.5 billion after a veto from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a right-wing leader who is on good terms with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Donald Trump, the former president and front-runner for the Republican nomination next year. As his country scrapes low on money to repel Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has travelled the world to ask for support. He elicited praise from Republicans after meeting with them in the Capitol last week, but the conservatives remained unmoved and in no hurry to approve Biden's emergency funding request. Republicans have said there is still time to redouble support before Ukraine's defense suffers. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said that since the European Union put off sending Kyiv more money until the new year, he thinks the US can as well. If it's OK for them, it's surely OK for us, he said. Dozens of Republican House members have signalled they won't support continued Ukraine aid, and even GOP senators who in the past have been stalwart advocates of the Ukraine war effort have insisted that Congress also pass new border restrictions. Biden has offered to compromise on border and immigration policy, and top White House officials have joined the Senate negotiations, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Negotiators have closed in on a list of immigration enforcement measures, including detaining people who claim asylum at the border and granting nationwide authority to quickly remove migrants who have been in the US for less than two years. They have also agreed on raising the initial threshold for people to enter an asylum claim in credible fear screenings. The White House has tried to preserve an immigration programme known as humanitarian parole. The Biden administration has leaned heavily on the use of humanitarian parole as part of its policy of providing legal pathways for some migrants to enter the country while beefing up consequences for those who don't use those pathways. But Republicans have objected and even sued to stop it saying that the administration is essentially bypassing Congress and improperly letting migrants into the country who normally wouldn't qualify. Still, Biden's willingness to make concessions in the negotiations has alarmed immigration advocates and drawn criticism from influential Hispanic Democrats. On a conference call with reporters Monday, advocates decried the policies under consideration as a return to the strategies pursued by Trump that left large numbers of migrants waiting in Mexico to apply for asylum in the US. If you have asylum seekers pushed back into Mexico, it's going to be extremely dangerous, said Kerri Talbot, executive director of The Immigration Hub. The senators have also described their work as a complex undertaking as they delve into laws that for years have been at the centre of intense legal and political fights. As we get into the text, it's really hard, said Murphy, but he added, I think as Ukraine's peril becomes more serious and more immediate, the urgency to get this done will rise. Israeli soldiers operate with a tank at the Shajaiya district of Gaza city LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Israeli president signals readiness on part of Israel to enter another foreign-mediated Gaza truce in order to recover hostages held by Hamas and enable more aid to reach the besieged Palestinian enclave. Hamas rejects holding negotiations over exchanging prisoners while the war continues, but is open to any initiative to end it, a senior official of the Palestinian Islamist movement says. -Israel kept pounding the shattered Gaza Strip on Tuesday while Yemen's pro-Palestinian Houthi movement vowed to defy a U.S.-led naval mission and keep hitting Israeli targets in the Red Sea. Israel's campaign to eradicate Hamas militants behind an Oct. 7 massacre has left the coastal enclave in ruins, brought widespread hunger and homelessness, and killed nearly 20,000 Gazans, according to the Palestinian enclave's health ministry. Under foreign pressure to avoid killing innocents, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war will not stop until a remaining 129 hostages are freed and Hamas is obliterated after its fighters' slaying of 1,200 Israelis. The conflict has spread beyond Hamas-ruled Gaza, including into the Red Sea where Iran-aligned Houthi forces have been attacking vessels with missiles and drones. That has prompted the creation of a multinational naval operation to protect commerce in the area, but the Houthis said they would carry on anyway, possibly with a sea operation every 12 hours. "Our position will not change in the direction of the Palestinian issue, whether a naval alliance is established or not," Houthi official Mohammed Abdulsalam told Reuters, saying only Israeli ships or those going to Israel would be targeted. "Our position in support of Palestine and the Gaza Strip will remain until the end of the siege, the entry of food and medicine, and our support for the oppressed Palestinian people will remain continuous." Announcing the naval operation, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in Bahrain that joint patrols would be held in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which encompass a major East-West global shipping route. "This is an international challenge that demands collective action," he said. British maritime security firm Ambrey said on Tuesday it received information of a potential boarding attempt west of Yemen's Aden port city, adding that the attack was unsuccessful and all crew were safe. Some shippers are re-routing around Africa. DEATHS MOUNT In Gaza, Israel's latest missiles hit the southern Rafah area, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees have amassed in recent weeks, killing at least 20 people and wounding dozens of others, according to local health officials. Residents said they had to dig in the rubble with bare hands. "This is a barbarian act," said Mohammed Zurub. Among the dead was Palestinian journalist Adel Zurub and several members of his family, medics said. That raised the number of Palestinian journalists killed to 97, according to the Hamas-run government media office. In the north, another strike killed 13 people and wounded about 75 in the Jabalia refugee camp, the health ministry said. Israel says it warns of strikes in advance so civilians can escape, and it accuses Hamas of hiding in residential areas. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA said more than 60% of Gaza's infrastructure was destroyed or damaged, with more than 90% of the 2.3 million population uprooted. "This is a staggering and unprecedented level of destruction and forced displacement, taking place in front of our eyes," it said. In the ground war, where Israel has lost 132 soldiers, tanks advanced further into the southern city of Khan Younis and shelled a market area but met heavy resistance, residents said. Thousands of Hamas fighters, based in tunnel networks, are waging guerrilla-style war against Israeli forces. "The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is continuing to operate against Hamas terrorist infrastructure and operatives in the Gaza Strip," the military said in a statement. Israeli President Isaac Herzogsignalled readiness on the part of the country on Tuesday to enter another foreign-mediated "humanitarian pause" in fighting to recover more hostages held by Hamas and enable more aid to reach besieged Gaza. A truce in late November mediated by Qatari and U.S. diplomats lasted for a week before collapsing and yielded the release of 110 hostages by Hamas in exchange for 240 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons. Basem Naem, a senior Hamas official based outside Gaza, ruled out further negotiations on exchanging prisoners while the war continued, but said Hamas was open to any initiative to end it and bring relief to Gaza Palestinians. A source briefed on diplomatic efforts told Reuters on Tuesday that Qatar's prime minister and the heads of the U.S. and Israeli intelligence services had held "positive" talks in Warsaw, Poland to explore ways of reviving negotiations. But a deal was not expected imminently, the source added. CHILD AMPUTEES KILLED IN HOSPITALS, UN SAYS The Gaza health ministry said on Tuesday that 19,667 Palestinians had been killed and 52,586 wounded since Oct. 7. U.N. officials voiced outrage about the plight of Gaza's hospitals, which lack supplies and safety. "I'm furious that children who are recovering from amputations in hospitals are then killed in those hospitals," said James Elder, spokesperson for the U.N. children's agency UNICEF, saying Nasser Hospital, the largest operational one left in the enclave, had been shelled twice in the past 48 hours. One of the dead in the paediatric ward was a 13-year-old amputee named Dina who had survived a strike on her home that killed her family. "The only thing I could think as I stood there in this room with a massive hole in the wall was - if a child in a paediatric ward, recovering from a double amputation, cannot be safe, who can be safe and where can be safe in Gaza? Nowhere is safe for anybody," said Gemma Connell, a U.N. aid worker who visited Nasser Hospital in the aftermath. "This should not be allowed to happen, the world should not allow it to happen," she told Reuters on Tuesday. Despite 11 weeks of attacks against it, Hamas said it had still been able on Tuesday to fire a salvo of rockets towards Israel's commercial capital Tel Aviv, where sirens sounded. There was no word of any casualties or serious damage. The sharp exchanges came at the Security Council's semi-annual meeting on the implementation of its resolution endorsing the 2015 nuclear deal. The Western powers in the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran accused Tehran on Monday of developing and testing ballistic missiles, transferring hundreds of drones to Russia, and enriching uranium to an unprecedented 60 per cent level for a country without a nuclear weapons programme all in violation of a UN resolution endorsing the deal. Iran and its ally, Russia, dismissed the charges by Britain, France and Germany, strongly supported by the United States, which pulled out of the agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018. The six-party agreement was aimed at ensuring that Iran could not develop atomic weapons. Under the accord, Tehran agreed to limit enrichment of uranium to levels necessary for the peaceful use of nuclear power in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. The sharp exchanges came at the Security Council's semi-annual meeting on the implementation of its resolution endorsing the 2015 nuclear deal. Both Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Iravani and Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia blamed the United States' withdrawal from the JCPOA, Western sanctions and an anti-Iran stance for the current standoff. Iravani said Iran is allowed to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and Nebenzia rejected alleged evidence that it was using Iranian drones in Ukraine. Then-President Donald Trump said when unilaterally pulling out of the accord in 2018 that he would negotiate a stronger deal, but that didn't happen. Iran began breaking the terms a year later and its 60 per cent enrichment is near weapons-grade levels, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog. Formal talks to try to find a roadmap to restart the JCPOA collapsed in August 2022. At Monday's council meeting, UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo stressed that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres still considers the JCPOA the best available option to ensure that the Iranian nuclear programme remains exclusively peaceful. She urged Iran to reverse course, as did the three European countries who issued a joint statement quoting the IAEA as saying Iran's stockpiles of enriched uranium now stand at 22 times the JCPOA limit. There is no credible civilian justification for the state of Iran's nuclear programme, the UK, France and Germany said. The current trajectory only brings Iran closer to weapons-related capabilities. The Europeans and US Minister Counselor John Kelley stressed that they would use all means to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. As for the future, Kelley told the council: Iran should take actions to build international confidence and de-escalate tensions and not continue nuclear provocations that pose grave proliferation risks. The United States is fully committed to resolving the international community's concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme through diplomacy, he said. Unfortunately, Iran's actions suggest this goal is not its priority. Iran's Iravani said Tehran has persistently worked toward the JCPOA revival and stands prepared to resume the full implementation of its commitment on the JCPOA once it is revived. That requires the US and all other parties to fully implement their obligations as well as genuine political attentiveness", he said. And Nebenzia said: The Russian Federation is firmly convinced that there is no alternative to the JCPOA. Recently, one of the largest events in the beauty industry took place the first Moscow Beauty Week. Over four days, more than 170,000 people visited the main exhibition at the Manege and other partner venues.More than 450 companies showcased cosmetics, perfumery, skincare products, and healthy food products. Among the participants were 359 Russian manufacturers, 90 distributors of foreign brands, and 12 international companies from 7 countries, including Kazakhstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and others.Among the local brands presented at the exhibition, 54 were participants in Sergey Sobyanin's Made in Moscow program. A collective stand included 19 companies, while the rest were represented at individual stands.The first Moscow Beauty Week became one of the key events for the beauty industry in 2023. The exhibition featured a buyer's program. Representatives from major trading platforms in India, Iran, and Kyrgyzstan familiarized themselves with the products of Russian companies and highly praised the level of event organization and the presented brands. As a result, products from Russian Beauty Guru (RBG), Prosto, and Climt cosmetics will appear in Indian storesand. Iranian cosmetics supplierwill hold negotiations with Russian companies Alpika, Geltek, Openface, Emi shop, and others.On the main stage of the event, experts discussed how to choose the best cosmetics, how modern medical gadgets help monitor health, and also conducted makeup masterclasses and highlighted industry trends. The business program included about 50 thematic sessions with over 100 Russian and 20 foreign experts. One of the headliners of the event was top makeup artist and founder of Krygina Studio,. In addition, the business program featured Lebanese makeup artist and owner of the cosmetics brand(Lebanon), owner of the beauty salon network KeepLooking, as well as the founder of the premium-class Korean cosmetics brand(South Korea), and the creator of the popular innovative platform for Korean beauty gadgets(South Korea).The event also featured Russian celebrities:, and others came to support domestic manufacturers and test the presented products. Motorola, Indias best 5G smartphone brand, has reduced the prices of its flagship devices bywith effect from. Customers can now grab the industrys most advanced flip-phone, theat a new offer price of of. The most stylish flip phone from Motorola, theRs. 10,000 price drop making the new offer priceswhich becomes the most affordable flip phone available in the market.Additionally, Motorola is offering limited-period flat discounts on both smartphones during the, from. 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This flip phone is super slim when folded and has a gapless design, thanks to its industrys 1st dual axis teardrop hinge design thus also ensuring the phone is also infinitely flexible at multiple flex angles. When opened, the phone has a nearly creaseless 6.9 polled display with upto 165Hz refresh rate and 1400nits of Peak brightness. This iconic flip phone is equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, ensuring a seamless experience. The device was earlier launched in Pantone colour of the year 2023 Viva Magenta and received tremendous response from the consumer. This most advanced flip smartphone was also announced to come in Pantone color of the year 2023, the Peach Fuzz edition and will be available soon in India.is a most stylish flip phone that offersand also stands as the. Its ultra-slim and pocketable design with amakes it extremely stylish, giving good in-hand grip and a soft touch and feel experience. The smartphone also features a nearly creaseless and ultra-smooth display, which has a vividscreen that supports a, ensuring a truly fluid and seamless viewing experience. This device also comes with the, which does not leave any visible crease on the display, unlike other flip phones in the market. Thescreen on the outside allows users to quickly check their messages or the time, making life on the go just a tad bit easier. It also comes with the, which reduces the size of the device, thus making razr40 and razr40 ultra. The razr40 comes withwhich offers new ways to interact, capture, and create and is powered by the, based on a 4nm platform has 8GB of LPDDR4X memory and a generous 256GB of built-in UFS 2.2 storage and runs on the latestoperating system. In terms of battery backup, theboasts a massivewith a, so users dont have to worry about running out of battery. Its spaciousis capacious to accommodate apps, media, and the users most treasured memories.Furthermore, Motorola introduces newsoftware experience to help users find a better balance with their smartphones. Backed by research and insights, Motorola is introducingto help consumers take a break from the distractions of their phones. This feature lets users create their own oasis without totally disconnecting, so they can relax and stay in control. With, users can enter a special mode, allowing them to tailor a break time to meet their individual needs. They can choose to access only necessary apps for a set timeframe and limit their overall app consumption. The user can select permitted apps and notifications, as well as require a password to end their session.is currently available on theand will soon be added to theas well.Launch Price : Rs. 89,999Price drop : Rs. 10,000New Price : Rs. 79,999Limited Period Flat discount : Rs. 7,000Net Effective Price : Rs. 72,999Launch Price : Rs. 59,999Price drop : Rs. 10,000New Price : Rs. 49,999Limited Period Flat discount : Rs. 5,000Net Effective Price : Rs. 44,999 Michael Cabanatuan is a general assignment and breaking news reporter whos covered everything from wildfires and sports fans to protests and COVID masking requirements. Hes also written extensively about transportation and covered Contra Costa County for The Chronicle. Hes ridden high-speed trains in Japan, walked in the Transbay Tube, been tear-gassed in Oakland and exposed to nude protesters in the Castro. Cabanatuan worked at the Paradise Post (long before anyone heard of the town), the former West County Times (in Richmond) and the Modesto Bee before joining The Chronicle. He is a two-time graduate of UC Berkeley. He can be reached at mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com. A car drives through the crosswalk behind pedestrians as they walk and push a stroller across King Street at Fourth Street. Vision Zero SF, a San Francisco initiative to reduce and eliminate traffic deaths, was inspired in part by the death of 6-year-old Sophie Liu who was killed while walking in a crosswalk with her family. Ten years later, San Francisco still has dozens of people dying in traffic each year. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle It was New Years Eve when 6-year-old Sofia Liu and her family were walking across a San Francisco crosswalk near Civic Center. Suddenly a car careened into the intersection, plowing into them and killing Sofia. Soon after that day in 2013, the city vowed to eliminate traffic deaths within a decade, signing on to an ambitious pledge first implemented in Sweden in the 1990s: Vision Zero. City officials vowed to direct millions of dollars to slow traffic and redesign intersections to maximize pedestrian safety. Nearly a decade later, another young girl was killed in a similar collision: A car making a right turn in an intersection near Oracle Park in August struck a 4-year-old in a stroller. Her name was not made public. The force of the crash crushed the stroller and sent the girls father flying into the roadway. He suffered critical injuries and police arrested the cars driver for manslaughter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As San Francisco prepares to mark 10 years of Vision Zero, the crash underscored the gap between the citys goal to eliminate pedestrian deaths in a decade and the reality. Instead of trending toward zero traffic fatalities by the start of 2024, San Francisco hit a near-record of 39 in 2022 and has already seen 25 traffic deaths this year. Longtime San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency employee Jonathan Benton was working at the intersection where the girl was killed near Oracle Park on that August day. Benton was in his truck when he heard a deafening crash and realized that the car had struck the girls stroller, pinning her beneath the car. He and several bystanders rushed over to lift the car off the girl as her mother screamed beside him. In the days after, Benton continued to work at the intersection, but he declined the therapy sessions that his bosses offered. It was the fifth time he had witnessed a death on San Francisco streets, he said. You see death all the time, he said. I dont think this will be my last. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Following an SFMTA audit, traffic officials removed one turning lane and adjusted traffic signals to better ensure that drivers yield to pedestrians in the intersection. They also increased the number of hours that officers are on hand directing traffic on game days at Oracle Park. Benton is uncertain that any changes will be enough to prevent future collisions between cars and pedestrians, especially at busy intersections designed to move cars through as quickly as possible. There are a lot of bad drivers out here, he said. People are impatient. The deaths of the young girls 10 years apart bookend a decade in which San Francisco and dozens of other cities across the country have attempted to make their streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. But its a goal that even Vision Zeros most enthusiastic supporters acknowledge will require major overhauls that have only just begun. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Franciscos quick-build approach Traffic is seen moving along King Street next to a sign on Fourth Street alerting pedestrians to wait for the pedestrian signal at a Muni stop. Despite the Vision Zero SF program, intended to cut traffic deaths to zero by 2024, San Francisco still has dozens of people dying in traffic each year, many of them pedestrians. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Adopted in 2014, Vision Zero sought to eliminate all traffic fatalities by 2024 through a combination of intensive data analysis, street engineering projects, public safety campaigns and smarter police enforcement of traffic crimes. The ambitious initiative continued under Mayor London Breed when the city ramped up efforts to install low-cost improvements in high-risk areas. Ample research indicates drivers become more alert when traveling in narrower lanes and instinctively slow down on mixed-use streets. To that end, the initiative has focused on cheap ways to protect bikers and pedestrians. In 2019, Breed oversaw SFMTAs adoption of quick-build Vision Zero projects high-visibility paint, metal signs and plastic posts to guide traffic and protect bikers. More than 60 miles of streets have received the quick-build treatment in recent years. Completely reconstructing a street is time consuming and it requires more capital, more effort, said Ricardo Olea, the citys head traffic engineer. Over time we found that we didnt have sufficient funds to do those improvements on a wide-scale basis so we pivoted to quick interventions that could be done with city crews. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Touting the success of recent projects that have carved out separate bike lanes, added speed bumps, upgraded crosswalk signals and reduced car lane widths, Olea said the city is making progress toward its Vision Zero goals. And while these local changes may not have reversed traffic deaths on their own, he believes that recent state and federal policies and auto industry trends are finally starting to coalesce around safer streets. We recognize that the road ahead of us is more complicated than perhaps we thought in 2014, he said. According to SFMTA spokesperson Erica Kato, the city has budgeted about $70 million to $80 million each year for the past five years for the initiatives traffic safety projects. Vision Zero is a collaboration between 15 city agencies, with much of the funding coming from a tax on Uber and Lyft rides. Yet deaths have not measurably decreased since the initiative started. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bike and pedestrian advocates in San Francisco said they feel disheartened by what they see as officials inconsistent and sometimes muted response to fatalities. Some, like that of the cyclist killed in the Presidio in April or the 4-year-old girl killed near Oracle Park in August, have spurred immediate safety improvements. But many others, like the actor killed while walking in Lower Nob Hill on his way to his stage debut in October, have received less attention. I dont see Vision Zero as being a main priority for our elected officials, said Claire Amable, director of advocacy for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Amable said watching city officials enthusiastically embrace the initiative was amazing, giving avid bikers like her hope that the city could evolve beyond its car-centric design. But a few years ago, the political will began to flag when the pandemic hit, she said. While some, including Tom Maguire, SFMTAs former streets division director, have pointed to excessive speeding as the main culprit for fatalities remaining steady, others point to a decline in traffic citations, which have dropped dramatically in recent years. As part of Vision Zero, the San Francisco Police Department vowed to crack down on the traffic violations that most contribute to collisions: speeding, violating crosswalk rules, running through red lights and stop signs and failing to yield to oncoming traffic. Yet police data shows traffic citations issued by the department fell 96% over the past eight years. They plummeted in 2020 as the pandemic hit but have stayed low since. Officers in 2014 often issued more than 10,000 traffic citations per month; since the pandemic, officers have issued fewer than 350 monthly on average. In 2014, for example, officers issued about 620 speeding tickets per month; in 2023, that average fell to 120. If it seems like there isnt any traffic enforcement in San Francisco, thats because there largely isnt, said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who has been a vocal critic of the decline. What progress has been made? Cars and pedestrians have to share the road in San Francisco, as in any city. The Vision Zero SF program was intended to make changes that would make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle SFMTA says its street safety improvements have shown promise. Agency officials tally these successes: Car collision rates decreased by 18% in 18 areas that underwent upgrades from 2017 to 2022. Bicycle-related collisions dropped 33% in those same areas, while those involving pedestrians fell by 32%. In areas that received the most funding, the gains were even higher. The $26 million Masonic Avenue Streetscape Project, which upgraded roughly nine city blocks north of the Panhandle, cut pedestrian collisions by about half, officials said. Marta Lindsey, a spokesperson for Walk San Francisco, said Vision Zero has notched some successes but that the street upgrades had not yet resulted in widespread changes in driving behavior. When you zoom in, there are success stories, but when you back up, youre like, Is this failing? Lindsey said. The city hasnt been doing enough and they havent been doing it fast enough. Lindsey also acknowledged that no one could have foreseen some of the changes since Vision Zero was adopted, such as the rise of ride-hailing apps, ever-greater cellphone distractions and rising anxiety associated with reckless driving. There are so many more threats we face now, so the approach has to dial up too, Lindsey said. Some city officials are quick to defend Vision Zero and say it may have staved off the explosion of pedestrian fatalities recorded elsewhere in the United States in recent years. Across the country, pedestrian deaths rose by 13% during the pandemic even as overall travel declined. By contrast, San Francisco is among the few cities that has seen pedestrian fatalities fall in recent years, said Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for Breed. What comes next? Adopted in 2014, Vision Zero SF sought to eliminate all traffic fatalities by 2024 through a combination of intensive data analysis, street engineering projects, public safety campaigns and smarter police enforcement of traffic crimes. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle City officials say they will continue to work toward traffic safety improvements. Many safety advocates have been heartened by recent changes to streets in the Tenderloin, where a group of residents and community organizations has been working with SFMTA to build support for slower speed limits and wider sidewalks. The neighborhood is located within the high-injury network, streets where more than two-thirds of all severe and fatal traffic crashes occur. In early December, the Tenderloin neighborhood was awarded an $8 million federal grant to increase the size of its traffic lights and pedestrian signals. With greater coordination and political will, advocates say they hope policies tested in the Tenderloin can be rolled out throughout the city. Some city officials have pinned their hopes on cameras that automatically catch and ticket speeding drivers. The first 33 cameras will hit San Francisco streets next year. In New York City, 24-hour speed cameras are one of the approaches that advocates and officials there have credited as making a meaningful difference. Michael Smith, a pedestrian advocate whose mother-in-law was killed in traffic, said he looks to Europe for inspiration whenever he feels pessimistic about the state of San Francisco streets. Oslo and Helsinki each recorded zero or close to zero pedestrian fatalities in recent years after officials there committed to making roads safer. While there is no utopia for pedestrians, Smith said the Vision Zero framework has proved effective in places where residents are serious about tackling traffic deaths in the long term. Its not to get down to zero, he said, but its to get towards zero. The JN.1 coronavirus variant has alarmed both health professionals and the general public. This sub-variant was discovered in Luxembourg and is a descendent of the Pirola variety (BA.2.86), which is a descendant of the Omicron sub-variant. A subvariant of Omicron, is believed to be the COVID JN.1 variant. This case was initially identified in the United States in September of this year. On December 15, Reuters reported the discovery of seven cases of this specific subvariant in China. The CDC noted in a recent update, "Even though BA.2.86 and JN.1 sound very different because of the way variants are named, there is only a single change between JN.1 and BA.2.86 in the spike protein." Following the identification of the JN.1 variety in India, the Central government issued a warning to states on Monday, encouraging them to "remain vigilant." On December 8, 2023, the first case of JN.1 was discovered in a positive RT-PCR sample in Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The bulk of instances have been documented in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. What is Covid virus JN.1? JN.1 is a new variant of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86, distinguished by an extra mutation in the spike protein. This variation has the ability to spread quickly and elude immunity, emphasising the importance of ongoing surveillance and prudence in India. How dangerous is the JN.1 variant Chief Dr. NK Arora of the Indian SARS-COV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a network of laboratories that monitors genomic variants of the COVID-19 virus, reassured, "There is no need for panic regarding the JN.1 subvariant. Although the number of samples is limited, they are being collected from all states. INSACOG is diligently overseeing the situation, conducting a thorough analysis of the epidemiology and clinical behavior of the virus." JN.1 symptoms JN.1 symptoms are comparable to previous strains of the virus, including fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and moderate gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea. According to reports, this newer variety may be more prone to gastrointestinal issues, though further research is needed to back up these claims. As per the CDC, the variety and intensity of symptoms an individual undergoes typically rely more on the individual's underlying health and immunity than on the specific variant causing the infection. Some medical professionals have observed that upper respiratory symptoms tend to manifest in a sequence, beginning with a sore throat and progressing to congestion and cough. Precautions JN.1 The reassuring news is that the same preventive measures that have proven effective against previous variants remain applicable for JN.1: Get vaccinated and boosted: Vaccination remains the most effective means to safeguard yourself from severe Covid-19 illness, hospitalization, and death. Wear a mask in crowded settings: Utilizing a well-fitting mask, particularly in crowded indoor spaces or while using public transportation, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Maintain social distancing: Keeping a safe distance from others, especially those who are unwell, can contribute to preventing the spread of the virus. Practice good hand hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is essential for averting the spread of germs. Are vaccines, tests, and treatments effective against JN.1? Currently, the indications are optimistic. According to the CDC, COVID-19 tests and treatments are anticipated to be efficacious against JN.1. Although the most recent COVID-19 booster shot was specifically formulated to target the XBB.1.5 variant, initial research suggests that it also stimulates the production of antibodies that function against JN.1, albeit in lower quantities. (As always, vaccines may not completely prevent JN.1 infections but are expected to decrease the likelihood of death and severe illness.) In a statement issued on December 13, the WHO's expert COVID-19 vaccine advisory group recommended adhering to the existing XBB.1.5 vaccines, as they appear to offer at least some cross-protection. According to the National Crime Records Bureau's (NCRB) most recent report, the overall number of crimes reported in India in 2023 was 445.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. Theft was the most common crime in India, followed by robbery and assault. Any society has always been concerned about crime rates, and recognising the places with the greatest crime rates is critical for successful law enforcement and social solutions. The nature of crime and violence varies by state in India, with some states having higher crime rates than others. The list of India's most hazardous states can be calculated based on the frequency of crime occurrences reported to police by citizens in a state. This article delves into the 10 Indian states with the highest amount of crimes in 2023. 10 Indian states with the highest amount of crimes in 2023 Uttar Pradesh Holding the unenviable position of having the highest crime rate in India, Uttar Pradesh records a remarkable 112.7 crimes per 100,000 people. This northern state also makes a substantial contribution to the national crime statistics, constituting 15.4% of all reported crimes in the country. Various interconnected factors contribute to this concerning trend. Firstly, the significant population of Uttar Pradesh plays a pivotal role in the prevalence of crime. Additionally, a low literacy rate can impede social development and contribute to criminal activities. Karnataka Karnataka, particularly in its highly urbanized cities like Bengaluru, encounters crime challenges linked to swift urbanization. Urban areas frequently experience increased occurrences of crimes such as theft, cybercrime, and white-collar offenses. It is imperative to enhance urban policing, invest in technology-driven surveillance, and cultivate community partnerships to effectively address these evolving crime patterns. Maharashtra Maharashtra highest crime rate in India, registering 88.4 crimes per 100,000 people. Notably, the state contributes significantly, accounting for 10.2% of the total reported crimes in the nation. Several factors contribute to this heightened crime rate. Firstly, rapid industrialization has brought about complex socio-economic changes. Secondly, the migration of people from rural to urban areas has posed challenges in terms of social integration and employment opportunities. Moreover, economic disparities persist, potentially fueling criminal activities. Additionally, organized crime syndicates play a role in shaping the state's crime landscape. Kerala Nestled in Southern India, Kerala stands out as a renowned tourist destination, attracting visitors with its numerous landmarks and temples. Despite its scenic beauty and tourist allure, the state grapples with a notable level of criminal activity. Registering 98.6 crimes per 100,000 people, Kerala holds the second-highest crime rate in the nation. The state is particularly susceptible to cybercrimes, with instances of phishing, hacking, and identity theft on the rise. Crimes against women, encompassing domestic abuse and sexual harassment, also prevail. Kerala boasts the highest charge-sheeting rate at 94.9%, indicating proactive police investigation and prosecution for the majority of cases. Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh is another state in India with a high crime rate. Andhra Pradesh has a crime rate of 951.7 per 100,000 people. Andhra Pradesh is one of the country's largest states, having a diversified population. This kind also leads to social tensions and criminal activity. However, other factors including unemployment and political instability contribute to Andhra Pradesh's high crime rate. Delhi Recording a crime rate of 87.2 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, Delhi holds the fourth-highest crime rate in India. Among all urban areas and union territories, Delhi claims the unfortunate distinction of having the highest crime rate. The state grapples with the prevalence of crimes against women, with instances of rape and sexual harassment becoming more commonplace. Additionally, Delhi faces a heightened rate of theft, break-ins, and robberies. Factors such as high population density, the influx of migrants from various states, a lack of social cohesion, and an insufficient police force significantly contribute to Delhi's elevated crime rate. Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh contends with significant law and order challenges, resulting in a notable crime incidence. Factors such as socio-economic disparities, low literacy rates, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to the state's elevated crime rates. Strengthening the police force, improving social infrastructure, and fostering educational opportunities can play a crucial role in mitigating crime in the region. Rajasthan Rajasthan grapples with substantial crime challenges, marked by prevalent issues like theft, robbery, and violence. Factors such as the presence of tourist destinations, socio-economic inequalities, and border-related concerns contribute to the state's crime rates. Implementing enhanced surveillance systems, community policing initiatives, and promoting tourism safety measures can effectively address these concerns. Tamil Nadu With a crime rate of 85.8 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, Tamil Nadu ranks as the sixth-highest in India. The state faces elevated rates of theft, robbery, and cybercrime. Additionally, Tamil Nadu boasts a substantial charge-sheeting rate of 91.7%, indicating active police involvement in handling the majority of cases. Key contributors to the state's high crime rate include its elevated literacy rate, public awareness, and a significant rate of crime reporting. West Bengal Claiming the second-highest crime rate in India due to political unrest, West Bengal registers a crime rate of 1242.5 per 100,000 people. As a large state with diverse demographics, West Bengal contends with social tensions and crime resulting from its varied population. Contributing factors to the state's high crime rate encompass poverty, unemployment, political instability, and a politics-of-appeasement approach. Saint-Gobain makes first move into Ecuador 19 December 2023 Saint-Gobain has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in IMPTEK Chova del Ecuador, a leading player in the construction chemicals market in Ecuador, providing differentiated and innovative waterproofing solutions. This will be Saint- Gobains first manufacturing presence in the country. With expected revenues of around EUR30m in 2023, operating one plant in the region of Quito and employing about 120 people, IMPTEK is a leader in the Ecuadorian construction market, offering a wide range of waterproofing solutions, sold locally but also exported to several Latin American countries. According to Saint-Gobain, this acquisition will enable the company to benefit from IMPTEKs leading position to promote its comprehensive range of light and sustainable construction solutions into Ecuador. The completion of the transaction is subject to approval by competition authorities and expected in the first half of 2024. Published under Cement consumption in Spain falls 5% in November ICR Newsroom By 19 December 2023 Demand for cement in Spain declined 4.6 per cent YoY to 1,276,910t in November from 1,338,036t, according to the countrys cement association, Oficemen. Cement and clinker exports were down 24.1 per cent YoY to 383,138t in November 2023 from 504,852t while imports plummeted by 68.1 per cent YoY to 53,020t from 166,050 over the same period. January-November 2023 In the first 11 months of 2023 demand slipped by 2.3 per cent YoY to 13,404,224t from 13,715,981t. Exports declined by 5.6 per cent YoY to 4,954,854t in the 11M23 from 5,250,470t in the 11M22. Imports fell by 38.7 per cent YoY to 866,189t in the January-November 2023 period from 1,413,614t in the equivalent period of the previous year. Published under The Fisher-Paulson family from left, Zane, Brian, Kevin and Aidan dressed as characters from the classic TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for their holiday greeting card. Courtesy of Kevin Fisher-Paulson On a recent Friday, Compass High hosted its holiday show. Its a tiny school, student body of 41. Youd think it impossible to put together a band, a drama society and a glee club, but Ms. Ballard convinced these young men and women who learn differently to get together and make something beautiful. My son Aidan does not perform. Last year, when enrolled in theater class, he told Ms. Ballard that he would take an F rather than step into the limelight. So, she made him the stage crew. Turns out he has a great dexterity for moving lights, microphones and props (theater shorthand for properties). This December, she voluntold him hed do it again. The theater on the Notre Dame de Namur campus seats maybe 40 people. As the band launched into Dont Stop Believin, I sat in the third row and maybe cried a little. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sometimes I just want to feel sad at Christmas. My husband, Brian, and I have watched our sons (Zane and Aidan) in holiday spectacles for 16 years: the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy Winter Festival and St. John School Christmas pageant, with the kindergartners playing out the nativity scene. But this would be the very last one. Aidan wasnt having any of my sentimentality. Dad, there will be a holiday show at the college I go to next year. Or the trade school. And if they dont, Im pretty sure Zanes gonna make you a grandfather sooner rather than later. Bite your tongue! I said. Aidan Fisher-Paulson steps briefly into the spotlight at his schools holiday show. Courtesy of Kevin Fisher-Paulson But Aidan was right. Why fret about endings when there are beginnings all around? And there are plenty of other events that have always been and will always be. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Like the ornament party. Its a pagan tradition that we Americans have adopted. Somewhere in what is now Germany, people decorated trees with apples to celebrate the solstice. Centuries later, Hans Greiner, a glassblower, figured it would be better to blow apples rather than grow them. They also lasted longer, and so an industry was born. In my youth in South Ozone Park, there were a lot of plastic and aluminum trees. The neighbors helped each other assemble their trees and enjoyed maybe a highball or Rheingold beer, while the boys traded candy canes and carved reindeer. We had the complicated kind of artificial tree, with branches that were color-coded and had to screw into matching holes on what looked like a green broomstick. And we were the neighbors last stop on the block, so ours was always a little crooked, with branches at the wrong angles and the tinsel hanging in clumps. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fifty years later, in the Outer, Outer, Outer, Outer Excelsior, that tradition translates to our friends and neighbors visiting us on the Sunday before Christmas Eve, each bringing an ornament to hang on the tree out on our porch. It's the one time of year we actually clean the Bedlam Blue Bungalow. Zane knows to be home. Aidan comes out of his room. Brian lights the Christmas village. We mull wine and cider with cloves and star anise. We serve cheese and crackers and Nurse Vivians famous pigs in blankets. Crazy Mike brings rumaki (water chestnuts wrapped in bacon, another San Francisco invention). At some point, Uncle Quentin sits down at the piano, and for a while it looks a whole lot like a Norman Rockwell illustration. And when the last carol is sung, as the guests leave, they each take a lace cherub or a CVS soldier off the tree, so that our holiday is part of their holiday, and their holiday is part of ours. Took me a few years to figure out how the market worked for this redistribution. Our extended family is pretty eclectic, so we find dreidels, red envelopes and kinaras on the tree. Some friends make origami swans or hand-painted snowflakes. But as is human nature, the nice crystal ballerinas and needlepoint stars go to their new homes quickly. What tends to remain are popsicle-stick sleds and ceramic piranhas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is what the solstice is about. Not so much the sublime as the humble. But we love the homeliest of trinkets because they were gifted out of kindness. Give me the bells made out of macaroni and the clothespin angels. A photo of the Fisher-Paulson family from left, Kevin, Aidan, Brian, Zane and their dogs from a Christmas past. Courtesy of Kevin Fisher-Paulson We humans are not perfect, least of all the Fisher-Paulsons. But it is our flaws that make us lovable. We sent out our holiday card (as the cast of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer), and in the photo, no ones hair was combed or cut. Because that is who we are. As we near the longest night of the year, we acknowledge that it is the shadows that define us. May your holidays be filled with Norman Rockwell moments. But also, may your tree be lopsided. Kevin Fisher-Paulsons book Secrets of the Blue Bungalow (Fearless Books, $25) is available at fearlessbooks.com and area bookstores. A UC Berkeley instructor disinvited Oakland City Council Member Dan Kalb, shown in May, from speaking to his environmental policy class in November after students objected to Kalbs social media posts in support of Israel. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle A UC Berkeley instructor disinvited Oakland City Council Member Dan Kalb from speaking to his environmental policy class in November after students objected to Kalbs social media posts in support of Israel. Kalb, a UC Berkeley alumnus with a bachelors degree in conservation of natural resources, was scheduled to deliver a talk on climate change on Nov. 21. The day before the lecture, instructor Kurt Spreyer sent Kalb an email asking him not to come after students submitted a letter to protest the council members appearance. J. first reported the story. Considering your active role in retweeting and spreading pro-Israeli propaganda, which often equates pro-Palestinian as anti-Semitic, on social media, questions arise regarding the validity, legitimacy, and authenticity of your views in regard to the advocation of our community, the letter read. It raised concerns about Kalbs endorsements from Jewish organizations that support U.S. military funding for Israel. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last month, Kalb and other Oakland City Council members unanimously approved a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. It was disappointing, Kalb said of the letter, adding that because he supports the existence of Israel as a Jewish homeland, he had been denied the opportunity to speak on an unrelated subject. One lesson that we have in politics is that you can disagree with somebody on something, but you have to work with them on other things, the council member added. The real question is not whether I and (the students) disagree on something regarding Israel; the real question is is that a legitimate reason to not let me come and talk about climate change? He accepted Spreyers decision to cancel the talk, acknowledging that the instructor was under pressure and had tried unsuccessfully to get the students to back down. I think he felt that if I showed up, I would never get a chance to talk about climate change, Kalb said. They would have pulled the discussion into the Middle East. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Spreyer did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. A spokesperson for UC Berkeley criticized the instructors handling of the situation in a statement. What happened in this class is not consistent with the universitys values, particularly because the class discussion had nothing to do with the war between Israel and Hamas, the statement from university spokesperson Dan Mogulof read. It went on to say that UC Berkeley Provost Benjamin Hermalin learned about the matter on Dec. 12 and wrote to Kalb to express regret on behalf of university leadership. Additionally, officials at the Rausser College of Natural Resources met with the instructor to ensure nothing like this will happen again, the statement continued. Hermalin will send a message to every dean and department head, reminding them of Berkeleys support for an open exchange of ideas, and our rejection of political litmus tests when it comes to who can speak in our classes, the statement concluded, characterizing the cancellation of Kalbs talk as a moment to discuss the dangers of censorship. Recognized as one of the Souths premier Antiques Shows, the Houston Museum Antiques Show and Sale is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and will run from Feb. 16-18 at the historic Read House Hotel. The Preview Party will be held Feb. 15 at 7 p.m., the night before the show opens to the public, and will include an evening of private viewing of the vast array of dealers from around the country. The Preview Party theme this year is All That Glitters is Gold so guests are invited to dress in sparkling cocktail attire, grab a glass of bubbly from the champagne tower, and shop the show before the crowds arrive on Friday. Tickets are $125 per person which includes show admission all weekend. Registration is required. The three day sale will be Friday and Saturday, Feb. 16-17, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Recognized as one of the Souths premier antiques shows, the 50th Annual Antiques Show & Sale benefits the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. This intimate museum in the Bluff View Art District houses the world-class decorative art collection amassed by Anna Safley Houston. The show will be held at the historic Read House and will feature over 20 dealers from around the country showcasing a diverse selection of merchandise from paintings to furniture to jewelry to glassware and beyond. Tickets are available here. An appraisal fair with Reid Dunavant from PBS' Antiques Roadshow will be Feb. 16. from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Read House. A native of Tennessee, Mr. Dunavant has a 25-year career in the auction industry and was featured on PBS' Antiques Roadshow as a decorative arts appraiser for over a decade. The appraisal fair will include both decorative arts and jewelry appraisals. Cost is $25 for one item which includes one ticket to the Antiques Show and Sale (good for three days). Price is $10 for each additional item. Tickets and reservations required. Once you get your ticket for your item(s) through Eventbrite, please email Hilary Pitts to reserve a time slot. Hilary.Pitts@doyle.com A champagne brunch is scheduled for Feb. 17 at 9:30 a.m. in the Green Room at the historic Read House with Mr. Dunavant, who will talk about his fascinating career in the auction and appraisal industry as well as his extensive travels throughout the U.S. lecturing on the Decorative Arts. It is titled 'In Search of Treasure - An Appraiser's Journey: From Rural Tennessee to Places Far & Wide'. Tickets are limited and available here for $65 per person which includes show admission all weekend. Registration is required. As new residents and businesses continue moving to Tennessee, it is essential that we have the necessary infrastructure in place to keep our state moving forward. The General Assembly helped to ensure that will happen when it approved the Transportation Modernization Act earlier this year. As chairman of the House Transportation Committee, I was proud to help guide passage of this landmark legislation, which includes a historic $3.3 billion in funding that will allow Tennessee to better accommodate its rapid growth and meet the transportation needs of rural and urban areas across our state. Each of our states four transportation regions will receive $750 million to address their needs. For residents in Bradley, Meigs and Polk counties, this investment will allow us to widen highways, repave more roads and replace aging bridges in our communities. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) recently released its first-ever road map of infrastructure projects and investments that will be made across our state within the next 10 years. This plan includes $275.4 million to widen I-75 from Exit 20 in Cleveland to Exit 11 in Ooltewah. This is the largest construction contract ever awarded by TDOT and I am glad it is happening in District 22. Other additional projects include $44.5 million to widen State Route 40 (US Hwy 64) in Polk County and $19.8 million for improvements at the intersection of State Route 60 and 25th Street in Bradley County. The Transportation Modernization Act also includes $300 million in additional funding for the State Aid Highway System. This program includes roughly 15,000 miles of county highways and roads that are not maintained by the state but are still important to the communities they are located in. Half of this additional money will be split evenly among Tennessees 95 counties while 25 percent will be distributed on the basis of area and the 25 p0ercent will be dispersed based on population. Bradley County will receive $3.6 million of these funds while Meigs County will receive $2.2 million and Polk County will receive $2.7 million. I am proud to help bring these investments to our community to improve our roads and make them safer for us all. Along with additional funding, the Transportation Moderation Act also gives TDOT more tools to solve our states current and future mobility challenges. This includes the ability to use public-private partnerships to preserve state funds, explore Choice Lanes to decrease congestion and expand the alternative delivery model to complete road projects more efficiently. Tennessee is one of only six states in the nation that does not borrow money to pay for road construction. In fact, it has been nearly 50 years since we issued bonds for transportation projects. This approach reduces the amount of debt our state has and can benefit our credit rating. The Transportation Modernization Act represents a generational shift in how we address infrastructure in Tennessee while limiting the burden on existing residents and businesses. This will help keep our state and economy moving in the right direction for years to come without the need to increase taxes. Whether you are raising a family, pursuing a career, furthering your education, starting a business or enjoying retirement, Tennessee is a remarkable place to call home. These significant investments in our transportation infrastructure will ensure the Volunteer State remains that way for years to come. * * * State Rep. Dan Howell represents House District 22, which includes Meigs, Polk and part of Bradley counties. He also serves as chairman of the House Transportation Committee. Mike Dorset went home to be with the Lord on December 17, 2023. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 13, 1942, to Clinton and Virginia Dorset. Mike graduated from Hillwood High School in Nashville in 1962 and then went on to get a B.S degree from Belmont University, where he was inducted into the Tower Society and was awarded National Science Foundation Grants to complete his master's degree and EDS degree from Peabody at Vanderbilt University. He began his teaching career at Cleveland State Community College in 1968 as a professor in the Science Department and later became head of that department. While there, he also taught part-time at Lee University as an Anatomy and Genetics instructor. At Cleveland State Mike was voted as the Outstanding Faculty Member by faculty and students and the Students Favorite Instructor by the students. He was chairman of the committee that formed the Faculty Senate and was a longtime member of the Senate as well as serving as president of that organization. He retired in 2008 from Cleveland State and went on to teach part-time at Lee University as a Human Anatomy instructor. He was named professor emeritus after his retirement from Cleveland State. Mike has taught many, many thousands of students over his 54 years of instruction. One of his most endearing qualities was his love of teaching and wanting his students to learn. He especially enjoyed running into his former students and finding out what they are doing. He met his wife, Sarah, while attending the University of Tennessee before transferring to Belmont University. They married shortly after graduating from college and were married for 57 years. Mike always maintained a positive outlook which was inspiring to all who knew him. He was known for his strong sense of humor and deep Christian faith. Those whom Mike touched throughout his life knew what a wonderful person he was inside and out. His faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was the source of his hope. He loved sharing his faith with others as a Sunday School teacher, in Bible study, in Bible School, as a director of mission trips to Costa Rica, and just in conversation. He was an active member of Westwood Baptist Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Sarah, three sons: David Dorset of Cleveland; John Dorset (Amy) of Knoxville; Dan Dorset(Petroula) of Signal Mountain, eight grandchildren: Rachel Dorset, Bryce Dorset, Charlie Dorset, Amelia Dorset, Irene Dorset, Claire Dorset, Luke Dorset and Adian Cook, all of whom he was so proud; brother-in-law, Charles Couric of Moraga, Ca., and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The Remembrance of Life service will be held on Dec. 20, at Westwood Baptist Church. The visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. with Pastor Steve Smartt officiating. Gifts in remembrance of Mike may be made to the missions program at Westwood Baptist Church. At the close of the year the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority thanked attorney Hugh Moore for 38 years of dedicated service. Mr. Moore announced his retirement from Chambliss Bahner & Stophel. During his tenure Mr. Moore facilitated the transfer of airport property from the city to the Authority in July 1985, and helped write the new airports charter. The airport will celebrate the grand opening of its terminal expansion March 2. Board Chairman Jim Hall said that the new terminal is the airports Christmas gift to the community, and that the community should use it. Popular airports win more air service, he said. We would consider that a great gift, he said. The expanded terminals three new gates and the airports 90 percent load factor reported in November will help there, too, he said. Airport President and CEO April Cameron said that Novembers high load factor is the best argument for these carriers to add more seat capacity. That sends a strong message to our air carriers, she said. She said Chattanooga will get a fourth daily flight to Dallas, a result of the American Airlines announcement that it will increase capacity at its Dallas hub. Ms. Cameron said that by April the Chattanooga airport will increase its total seat capacity by 14 percent, but this is largely due to more service to Atlanta and Detroit planned by Delta Air Lines. She said Delta has stated a 2024 goal to recover its 2019 service numbers throughout most of its network. In December Ms. Cameron, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Charles Wood visited the Delta network planning group in Atlanta to advocate for restored service to New York City. Theyre very optimistic about Chattanooga, Ms. Cameron said. They feel like it should be restored at some time in the future. But New Yorks air traffic controller shortage and construction at the LaGuardia Airport mean Delta and Chattanooga dont have total control over the matter. A study conducted this fall found that New York City is the top destination of air passengers living in 177 ZIP codes in and around Chattanooga. The study found that Chattanooga is losing 5 percent of its passengers to Nashville and a very small percentage to Knoxville, while loss to Atlanta has remained stagnant since the last study in 2019. Volaire Aviation Consulting will present a full report including pricing details at the January board meeting. South Florida and Orlando are the second- and third-place destinations. The ZIP codes included North Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina. Its so much data its really quite amazing, Ms. Cameron said. Ms. Cameron said that the airport is set to hit 480,000 enplanements at years end. Enplanements are up by 19 percent compared with last November, or up 13 percent year-over-year. Our seat capacities are increasing, she said. WEST STAR AVIATION The board voted to approve a three-year lease with West Star Aviation to occupy Hangar 5. Weve had some explosive growth, said Steve Goede, general manager of the Chattanooga location. Mr. Goede said West Star has gained 102 employees in 2023 to reach 425 total. He said West Star is working to build a strong second shift to keep its multi-million-dollar operations going full-tilt. Mr. Goede said West Star is in the process of acquiring Jet East, an 850-employee aviation maintenance company. Jet Easts retail work will be dispersed among West Stars four national locations, bringing a portion to Chattanooga. He said West Star will increase its training budget by $3 million in 2024. The lease stipulates that West Star's first six months will be rent-free to offset a capital investment of about $140,000 on the hangar. HALL AND JACOBSON RE-ELECTED The board voted to re-elect Mr. Hall to serve as chairman and Dan Jacobson to serve as vice chairman for another two-year term. Mr. Hall has served as a member of the board since 2003 and is former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. Mr. Jacobson joined the board in 1999 and is its longest-serving member. River City Company announced a new program in August for community artists to assist with the redesign of the downtown banners across their districts. Over 50 artists have applied for the first and second call for the Southside and Riverfront Districts. Today, River City Company is announcing the call for artists to submit their qualifications to be considered for the third district to receive a refresh - the Northshore District."Since 2009, River City Company operated the downtown banner program with the goal of welcoming downtown residents and visitors to the unique districts along with serving as an effective tool to accentuate city streetscapes," officials said.We were proud to celebrate with the community the new banners in the Southside district and look forward to another unveiling for the Riverfront district this coming Spring.The quality of work submitted to us has been incredible and we look forward to seeing what is created for the Northshore district, said Emily Mack, president and CEO of River City Company.The request for qualifications will be open for artists to submit until Jan. 15, with the top artists selected on Jan. 22. Final submissions will be reviewed on Feb. 8, with one artist selected for the project, receiving a $1,500 stipend for their artwork."Through the continuation of River City's banner design program, we are able to champion local artists, spark joy through design throughout our downtown neighborhoods and support the creative economy," said Carmen J. Davis, senior director with Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy with the City of Chattanooga.We are beyond grateful to the local businesses and organizations who have stepped up and shown support for the new banners through sponsorship. It is because of generous donors that we are able to pay the artist and have beautiful new banners for our downtown districts, said Ms. Mack.In conjunction with the request for qualifications, River City Company has also released an updated banner information guidebook. The deadline for requests for banner space is Feb. 15 for May October 2024 placement. Additional information about the banner program and how the community can donate to the program can be found at https://www.rivercitycompany.com/downtown-banner-program. Marsha Lynn Moseley Schoonover, 78, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, December 15, 2023. She was born on July 2, 1945, in Chattanooga, to her late parents, James Clyde and Elizabeth Harrison Betty Moseley. Marsha was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area and a 1963 graduate of Chattanooga Central High School. She attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and graduated in 1967 with a bachelors degree in Secondary Education. She continued her educational pursuits at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and gained a masters degree in Math Education in 1981. She was employed in several high schools in the area before she was hired as a math professor at Chattanooga State Community College. She also taught several adjunct classes at UTC. She was an educator for over 30 years when she retired from Chattanooga State in 2010. Marsha was married to David Schoonover and together they had two children, Greg and Beth. Marsha was raised in the Methodist Church and had attended several churches growing up and through her adult life. Most recently, she was a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and played handbells. Marsha had a bubbly personality, and her enthusiasm was infectious. She had the gift of hospitality and was a consummate host, often going out of her way to make others feel welcome, special, and loved. She will be missed greatly by all who know her, and her legacy continues in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Elizabeth Moseley, her brother James Stephen Moseley and one grandson, Evan Smith. Survivors include her children, Gregory Greg Harrison Schoonover (Joey) of McDonald, and Elizabeth Beth Lynn Smith (Chris) of Ooltewah; grandchildren, Brandon, Brody, and Tatum Schoonover and Aidan Smith; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jay Banasiak officiating. Interment will follow in Chattanooga Memorial Park The Duck Pond 501 Memorial Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415. Please visit www. www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share condolences and memories. Arrangements are entrusted to the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 7414 Old Lee Highway. Pope Francis officially announced Monday that same-sex couples can be blessed in the Catholic Church. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Same-sex couples take part in a public blessing ceremony in front of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany on Sept. 20. Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a document released Dec. 18 explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking Gods love and mercy shouldnt be subject to an exhaustive moral analysis to receive it. Martin Meissner/Associated Press Pope Francis will allow priests to bless same-sex unions, a sudden shift in Vatican policy that LGBTQ Catholics celebrated as historic on Monday, even as they recognized that much work remains to make the church a welcoming space. In a declaration released by the Vatican on Monday, the church makes clear that the sanctity of marriage applies only to straight couples. Blessing same-sex unions does not change in any way the Churchs perennial teaching on marriage, the declaration states. The church also maintains that sex within a same-sex relationship is a sin. But Catholics seeking a blessing need not endure an exhaustive moral analysis or be held to the standard of moral perfection to receive one, according to the declaration. Thats a significant step toward making LGBTQ Catholics feel less excluded from the church, even if it falls far short of equality, many queer Catholics said Monday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad LGBTQ people will not have justice in our church until we have access to all the sacraments of the church in this case, the sacrament of marriage, said Jamie Manson, president of Catholics for Choice, an abortion-rights group that weighs in on other social matters. But this is a first step into bringing the notion of Gods presence and blessing into same-sex relationships. Honestly, it sort of took my breath away. This is real change, not just something Francis is saying, Manson added. As someone who has been advocating for LGBTQ people, as someone who is a lesbian, its very affirming to see. It wasnt immediately clear how the declaration would be received by the Bay Areas Catholic leadership. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, famously far more conservative on social issues than Pope Francis, issued a statement essentially noting that he is allowed to disagree with the pope. The Bay Area is home to roughly 1.5 million Catholics, and about a quarter of adults in the greater San Francisco area identify as Catholic, including many LGBTQ people. Merging those identities often is challenging, but its encouraging to see that change is possible, several gay Catholics said. Its important to understand the Catholic church as an institution is very old and very slow-moving, said Matt Dorsey, a San Francisco supervisor who is also a practicing Catholic and a gay man. This is progress in the right direction. And Im hopeful that someday the sacrament of marriage will be extended to same-sex couples as well. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pope Francis is largely considered among the most liberal popes in recent history, and in his tenure he already made efforts to make the church more accessible for LGBTQ people, including speaking out against laws that criminalize homosexuality and allowing for transgender people to be baptized. Membership in the Catholic Church has been dropping, with only about 58% of U.S. Catholics belonging to a church, down from 76% two decades ago, according to a 2021 Gallup poll. The church has suffered too from image issues, largely stemming from clergy abuse scandals at a number of dioceses, including in the Bay Area. Vince Crisostomo said hes long struggled with his Catholic faith as a gay man for whom religion complicated his family relationships, especially with his parents. These institutions make us feel bad about ourselves, and to me thats not what my faith is all about, he said. Change might not come right away, maybe not even in our lifetime, but this is a start. Some priests already had been quietly offering blessings to same-sex couples for years. When Jim Laufenberg and Mike Daly married 10 years ago, it was a civil ceremony at a friends home in Guerneville. But Dalys family in Ireland hadnt been able to attend, so they invited them to witness a blessing of their union a few months later. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But we both already felt very blessed with or without that specific blessing, said Laufenberg, who met Daly at Most Holy Redeemer Church in the Castro. Hopefully, this means the church is actually coming around to reality, Laufenberg added, that it is a very good thing to have a life partner be it a man, be it a woman, be it marriage or just a blessed union. For many Catholics who have struggled to find a place in the church, this policy shift may help, Manson said. But she said much will depend on how local bishops respond and theres cause for concern there. The unfortunate thing is for a lot of us, the bishops have fomented a very transphobic and homophobic climate, Manson said. Whether or not they have successfully established a culture of trust to make (LGBTQ) Catholics come to their parishes remains to be seen. John Lennon wasn't always sure he would pursue a career in music. He shared why he had to reconsider his path in the early 1960s. After three members of The Beatles were deported from Germany, John Lennon made his way home, despondent and fed up with music. He felt that he needed to take a step back from performing. When he returned to Liverpool, he didnt contact his bandmates. Instead, he spent time wondering if he actually wanted to be a musician. John Lennon wasnt sure he should continue his music career after The Beatles were in Hamburg When most of his band left Germany, Lennon remained in the country. He continued to perform, but he found it depressing. They were all deported and I was left in Hamburg, playing alone with another group of musicians, he said in The Beatles Anthology. It was quite a shattering experience to be in a foreign country, pretty young, left there all on my own. Wed spent our money as we went along. I didnt have any to spare and being stuck in Hamburg with no food money was no joke especially just around Christmas. John Lennon | Max Scheler K & K/Redferns When he returned home, he wanted to take time away from his bandmates and career. When I did get home, I was so fed up I didnt bother to contact the others for a few weeks, he said. A month is a long time at eighteen or nineteen; I didnt know what they were doing. I just withdrew to think whether it was worth going on with. I thought, Is this what I want to do? I was always a sort of poet or painter and I thought, Is this it? Nightclubs and seedy scenes, being deported, and weird people in clubs? Nowadays they call it decadence but those days it was just in Hamburg, in clubs that groups played at, strip clubs. I thought hard about whether I should continue. Paul McCartney and George Harrison faced similar dilemmas Paul McCartney felt similarly. While he wanted to resume playing music, he didnt reach out to his bandmates either. After Hamburg it wasnt too good, he said. Everyone needed a rest. I expected everyone to be ringing me to discuss what we were doing, but it was all quiet on the Western front. None of us called each other, so I wasnt so much dejected as puzzled, wondering whether it was going to carry on or if that was the last of it. While he waited, McCartney got a job at a coil-winding factory. According to Cynthia Lennon, George Harrison also avoided his bandmates. He found his deportation so embarrassing that he didnt want to see them. John Lennon eventually encouraged the other Beatles to perform music again Eventually, Lennon decided that it was worth it to continue pursuing music. Anyway, after a while I got to thinking that we ought to cash in on the Liverpool beat scene, he said. Things were really thriving and it seemed a pity to waste the experience wed got, playing all those hours every night in Hamburg. George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney | Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Related George Harrison Shared Why He Felt Closer to John Lennon Than Paul McCartney or Ringo Starr He encouraged McCartney and Harrison to quit their jobs and play shows around Liverpool. Lennon believed that this was when they really came into their own. It was that evening that we really came out of our shell and let go, he said. We stood there being cheered for the first time. This was when we began to think that we were good. Up to Hamburg wed thought we were OK, but not good enough. It was only back in Liverpool that we realized the difference and saw what had happened to us while everyone else was playing Cliff Richards s***. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Manvir Vohra teaches world religions at seminaries in northern India and trains pastors and leaders in Punjab and other areas of North India. He also led the team that authored the first New Testament dictionary in the Punjabi language. In A History of the Sikhs, Vol. 1, the firebrand writer, lawyer, diplomat, journalist, and politician Khushwant Singh presents a well-researched work about the origins and early history of the faith. Written in easy-to-understand language, this book is of immense value for its non-hagiographic and pragmatic approach. The books early chapters address the religious, cultural, and political environment of India and include a discussion of the ten gurus who founded and developed the faith. Then Singh recounts the main developments of the religion, dedicating chapters to important characters in Sikh history like the warrior Banda Bahadur. The book investigates the early organization of the Sikhs into loosely organized armed units, their skirmishes with political powers and invaders of Punjab and North India, and the formation of the first Sikh empire under the leadership of Ranjit Singh. This particular volume serves as a great introduction for readers who want to learn about the Sikh religion and its development. It recounts the initial period of the origins of the faith, its transformation from a purely devotional religion to one that also bears arms, and its ascendancy into a kingdom under an able leader. Singhs second volume opens with the death of Ranjit Singh and the beginning of the Anglo-Sikh wars. It goes on to discuss the struggles faced by the community in preserving its identity in the colonial period. The author offers a Sikh perspective of World Wars I and II, Indias independence from the British, and the country's partition. Overall, this volume presents an account of the development of Sikh ideas up to recent times. It is a great resource for anyone interested in the historical development of the Sikh faith and the many contemporary issues that the Sikh diaspora faces. Exploring Sikhism is just one of the many significant contributions made by W. H. McLeod toward understanding the historical, religious, cultural, and political influences that gave birth to Sikhism and helped shape it into what it is today. His work ought to be studied beyond just the current volume. Article continues below McLeods overall contributions in bringing Sikhism to a Western audience have not only inspired other scholars to attempt to explain the origins of this unique religion but unfortunately also have generated criticism and opposition from within the Sikh community. McLeod asks pertinent questions about the inspirations of Sikhisms founder, Guru Nanak, while attempting to provide reasonable answers for those questions as well. He dismantles the common thought of seeing Sikhism as a mixture of Hinduism and Islam and instead proposes that Nanaks mission is an offshoot of the Sant tradition of North India. (The Sant tradition was an ongoing widespread revivalist and reformist religious movement that included important members like poet Sant Kabir.) McLeod convincingly defends Sikhism from the assumption of willful syncretism between Hinduism and Islam and tries to establish its foundations inside the Sant tradition. To someone interested in the origins and claims of Sikhism, these observations enrich ones understanding of the faith, although a section of Sikh scholarship has met McLeod with a trenchant response. The Christian Witness of Sadhu Sundar Singh: A Collection of His Writings, edited by T. Dayanandan Francis When it comes to Christian outreach to the Sikhs, the great Indian saint Sadhu Sundar Singh should to be mentioned. Known as the apostle with the bleeding feet, Singhs life and missionary expeditions have had a great impact on those who have either heard him preach or read his writing. Born in a Sikh family in Punjab during the late 19th century, Singh was raised by a religious mother in an Indian context. He encountered Jesus at the age of 15 and grew up to become a Christian sadhu (an ascetic holy man) who went around preaching Christ. His life, teachings, and ministry are still an inspiration for many. Instead of falling into the mold of Western Christianity, Sundar adopted a very traditional Indian approach to the gospel. This book is a collection of his writings. It starts with an introduction about the life and conversion of the sadhu. The first section contains short devotional books that were written by by him in English and Urdu. These books were translated into 40 languages and have had a wide impact around the world. There is also a chapter on his sermons and sayings, which he delivered during his various travels around the world. Article continues below It is a must-read for those who are ministering amongst the Sikhs. The Pastors of Punjab, article by Sunil Menon and Anilesh S. Mahajan In November 2022, India Today published a cover story on the surge of Pentecostal preachers in the state of Punjab. The majority of these pastors come from Sikh backgrounds and started an indigenous movement. Not only do these pastors hail from a variety of caste backgrounds in Punjab, they also include many high-caste Sikhs and Hindus. This counters the idea that Christian evangelism in India is a surreptitious agenda of the West to interfere in Indias affairs by influencing the underprivileged low castes. While it is undeniable that some of the more well-known Punjab pastors take on the style of Western evangelists, its also true that many of the pastors with smaller profiles are developing an indigenous expression of their newfound Christian faith. Because of the lack of well-researched material about the recent Christ-ward movements among Sikhs, this article stands out. The highlight of the article is the statement of a preacher who said that Sikhism taught him about the existence of God, but the Bible showed him how to find God. When I think about the night of Jesus birth, the first picture that comes to mind is straight from my childhood. Its like Im peering into a snow globe manger scene. Hallmark Channel perfect, its clean and serene. Everyone is in the correct place. Snow falls softly, blanketing the hillside in a carpet of quiet. All is calm. All is bright. Give it a good shake, and nothing falls out of place. The snow gently swirls, then settles over the pristine couple and silent baby once again. But that image is quickly crowded by another. Nearly 15 years ago, my husband and I lived in a dusty Chinese village on the outskirts of Beijing. We volunteered for four years at New Day Foster Home, a private, Christian nonprofit organization thatin those days, before the Chinese government limited the work of NGOs across the countryhelped fund surgeries and provided long-term foster care for medically fragile orphans. We lived in an apartment complex about a mile from the organizations campus, and most mornings we walked behind a flock of sheep and their shepherd on our way to work. I recently reread what I wrote in my journal at the time, a description of that shepherds stable. You could smell it before you saw it. Fetid and filthy, the sheep crowded in at the end of a day of foraging for food. In the summer, flies buzzed. In the winter, sludge froze solid. I didnt want to go near; it was too dirty. I would pass the sheep and their shepherd, pitying him a little, silently thankful that my own job didnt require me to mess around in muck. Around Christmas, I pictured my Savior born amid fresh, sweet hay in an inexplicably warm and comforting stable. The snow globe in my mind was just how I wanted to imagine Jesus entrance into the world. But the stable I walked past told the truth: Stables smell like dirty sheep. With eyes then freshly opened to all that is broken and fallen in the world, I could not stop thinking of that contrast. My arms were full of children who had no parents and were diagnosed with life-threatening conditions. In that light, the snow globe Nativity scene no longer looked precious and pristine; it looked irrelevant and irreverenta tawdry plastic approximation, likely made by forced laborers in China, no less, for the mass market of American Christian kitsch. I wanted to throw a snow globe against a brick wall. That clean Nativity was fraudulent and fake and unable to hold the pain I saw. And without room for that, what was the point? I felt angry at myself for all the ways Id cheapened and tamed the gospel. My own faith felt fake and plastic too. Article continues below The world I saw outside my windowindeed, the world I knew within my own heartneeded a God-become-flesh in circumstances far messier than those perfect little snow globes. And here was this shepherd and his sheep, upending my picture of the Incarnation and revealing that the lack was in my seeing, not in Christs coming. In the years since, Ive kept my eyes open for better pictures of the Incarnation. Like this migrant baby tucked into a suitcase, napping on the banks of the Rio Grande Rivera sleeping baby born to a family running away from a past that offers no future. Or this image of a baby being passed over barbed wire and barricades in the middle of the chaotic US evacuation from Afghanistan. (This child was reunited with his family after he received medical care from the American soldiers.) Image: Courtesy of Omar Haidiri / AFP / Getty Jesus entered the world as the son of a Middle Eastern father who would take his family on the run to save his sons life from King Herods murderous plans to preserve his own power (Matt. 2:13). And today Jesus enters a world where refugees still flee murderous tyrants. Jesus entered the world with a mother who didnt have the comforts of home or the care of her family upon his arrival. And today Jesus enters a world where some mothers still raise their kids on the streets. Theres no way around the fact that incarnation means coming to a filthy and fetid world, just like that stable in China. Jesus came into a world where some babies are beloved and nurtured, while some babies are left on street corners or next to dumpsters and, if they survive at all, end up in places like the orphanage where we worked. He came into a world where young girls and boys are sold into prostitution and refugees spend their lives waiting in squalid camps. Its a world where white picket fences hold together falling-apart marriages. Its a world with disease and mental illness. A fallen creation groans with earthquakes, floods, and fires. Weve made a mess of our lives and our families and this world. And we live with the fallout of other peoples messes too. Drugs. Death. Destruction. Sorrow, unending sorrow. Flies and vultures buzz over little ones with swollen bellies. Sludge freezes solid and becomes a playground for barefoot children. Article continues below It is all too dirty, and yet he came near. He came near to mess around in our muck. Jesus is God-made-flesh who doesnt ask us to clean up the mess before he comes. He enters into our messes, always, always with us. He put on human skin, turning seemingly God-forsaken places into his holy temple (1 Cor. 6:19). He willingly emptied himself (Phil. 2:7), becoming a shepherd for you and me, a bunch of dirty sheep (John 10:11). He lived and moved among people whose troubles he embraced. He wept when his friend died (John 11:35). He turned over tables when he saw vulnerable people being conned in the temple courts (Matt. 21:1217). He looked with compassion on the widow whose son had died (Luke 7:13), on two blind beggars (Matt. 20:34), and on harassed and helpless crowdsthe shepherdless sheep (Matt. 9:36). He didnt leave us in our squalor but led us to green pasturesto healing, rescue, and restoration of our souls (Ps. 23). I still remember the conviction I felt all those years ago as I tried to sidestep that Chinese man and his bedraggled flock. I saw the dirty sheep and pitied the shepherd. But I love a God who sees dirty sheep and tends them himself. Carrie McKean is a West Texas-based writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Texas Monthly Magazine. In this Close Reading series, biblical scholars reflect on a passage in their area of expertise that has been formational in their own discipleship and continues to speak to them today. I had just finished a class lecture on the theology of sin in the New Testament, and a student wanted to continue the conversation after class. Her pensive expression gave me some alarm. My mind began to race through all of the possible comments that may have offended her. After everyone had departed from the lecture hall, she confessed, My brother is gay. He told my family last week, and I want to know what you think. My heart is filled with compassion in situations like these. Conversations about human sexuality are not simple. You do not just give people a few Bible verses and send them on their way, expecting all their problems to be solved. You have to patiently talk through their questions, concerns, and doubts. These sorts of dialogues are often laced with heavy emotions such as fear, guilt, pain, or shame. As a New Testament scholar, I often find myself in off-the-record conversations about human sexuality. Whether it is in a discussion with a student, a former colleague whose son is dealing with gender dysphoria, or a pastor who is attempting to balance leading a welcoming church while upholding the teachings of Scripture, human sexuality increasingly comes up in conversations. I am asked questions as if I know of something new or different from what has been understood and affirmed throughout Christian history and tradition: that God created male and female, and that sex outside of the confines of marriage between a man and a woman is contrary to biblical values. Some gently start by testing me with hypothetical questions. What do you think about is an innocuous way to gauge how I would react. Others may bring up the sexual sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, and when they do, my mind does not rush to Genesis 19:128. Instead, I think first of Jude 1:7, where these cities are also mentioned. Jude is one of my favorite letters in the New Testament. I was initially drawn to it as a student because it is a short book but is filled with passages that provoked my curiosity. It compelled me to think about the literary world of Judaismbooks outside of the New Testament canon that were quoted and treated as Scripture. Jude cites the Book of Enoch, talks about dream divination, mentions a story about the angel Michael fighting with the Devil, and inspires me to contend for the faith that was entrusted to me from my first day of being a Christian (vv. 3, 8, 9, 1415). Prophets, angels, dreams it cannot get more supernatural! Article continues below But today I read Jude in a new manner as a result of our contemporary challenges with human sexuality. Why? Jude is firm in his convictions. There is no middle ground. He addresses a church that had become lax in its spirituality and morality. It had lost sight of the teachings of Scripture and failed to apply the stories of the Bible to its present life. This led the church to misuse the grace of God and deny the lordship of Christ. But although Jude is resolute and exhorts the recipients of his letter to contend for the faith, at the same time he also urges them to extend mercy to those who are struggling, including those dealing with sexual sin. This is why now, more than ever, this letter resonates with me as I navigate conversations about human sexuality and gender identity. Discussions about sexuality and identity are complicated, especially as we walk in relationship with loved ones, friends, and church members for whom the topic is personal. For me, this is not simply a topic of abstract ethics or hypothetical situations. It is a conversation about real life. My church brothers, sisters, friends, and fellow ministers have earnest questions and struggles about their sexuality or how to address this topic. And as Christians, it is our duty to passionately love all people, desire for everyone to know Jesus, and tirelessly preach and preserve the truth of the gospel that has been entrusted to us since the days of the apostles. I believe Jude would resonate with our challenges if he lived during our time. In fact, the letter was motivated in part by Judes concern about people who were creating confusion in the community over the role of human sexuality. Image: Illustration by Duncan Robertson In recent years, the Book of Jude has received much attention in some academic circles. Its sharp rhetoric, on a literal level, could be taken to an extreme and harm our witness as a gospel community of truth, grace, and love. As a result, some scholars are questioning how seriously (or literally) we should take the portrayals and problems he describes, such as calling the ungodly among his audience blemishes and wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever (vv. 1213). Is Jude really describing a situation that was occurring in that community? Or is this letter an example of vilification rhetoric that was also common during his time? For some, the letters language is too harsh and best ignored. Article continues below But as a person of faith who trusts and believes in the inspiration of all Scripture, I cannot ignore this letter. I keep coming back to it, and I know that it must have a place in our Christian formation and theological imagination. Lets imagine for a minute Judes pastoral situation. The recipients of his letter were Christians living in a context in which public expressions, legal protections, and opinions of human sexuality were very different from our society. There were a variety of common and accepted sexual relationships and activities that included pederasty (men with young boys), effeminacy, self-mutilation, and legalized sexual slavery. Even when laws were passed prohibiting adultery, they applied only to Roman citizens. A Roman male could legally do what he wished to his servants because they were his property. The wider Roman and Greek culture did not consider sexual activity outside of the boundaries of marriage as a sinful act in the Judeo-Christian sense. Additionally, there was no normalized sexuality in their society as we presume today. Differences existed among Greeks, Ethiopians, Scythians, Germans, and Jews. Every culture had its own views of sexual boundaries and taboos. For instance, Platos Symposium describes Greek men who marry and have children not because they believe it is morally right or natural, but because they are compelled to do so. In fact, in ancient Athenian society, love between two males was considered the highest form of heavenly love. Plutarchs Lycurgus notes that Spartan men were known for having multiple wives because they believed that having many children would benefit the state. Monogamous relationships were not the norm. The Roman poet Tibullus wrote poems that expressed his desire for young boys. Catullus, another Roman poet, echoed similar sentiments and explored the realities of men who become women. And the men who engaged in what we would today define as homosexuality did not believe that their actions would impugn their identity or were wrong in themselves. In their culture, these activities were part of their masculine identity, as scholar David Halperin describes. For the Greeks and Romans, many sexual desires or behaviors that wed consider immoral today were presumed to be a normal part of human nature. Article continues below Though the culture is different, in some ways the situation of the church Jude addresses is similar to ours as we too discern how to obey God and be set apart as Christs church amid changing sexual norms (Lev. 20:26). But I am drawn to another aspect in the letter of Jude that causes me to rethink its place and importance for the Christian life today. At the end of the letter, Jude seems to recognize that not all will agree with the assessment he gives for the community. He had already offered clear directions for the believers, including an exhortation to contend for the faith (v. 3) and to remember the words of the apostles (v. 17), as well as instructions on how to maintain a vibrant spirituality in the triune God. By building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, he writes, keep yourselves in Gods love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life (vv. 2021). Jude anticipates that some would be uncertain about whom to believe and follow. And those who were uncertain were also persuadable. Simply because they had not fully made up their minds did not mean they would never decide. So Jude exhorts his readers to have mercy toward these people who are doubting. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear, he writes (vv. 2223). The focus here is on what Judes hearers must do for those who are not fully persuaded of faith in Jesus. While he does not compromise on truth, Jude does not compel the readers of his letter to force those caught in the middle to agree with him. He does not authorize the community to punish those who are still wavering in their faith. Instead, they are to have mercy and do whatever they can to help those who are doubting to escape their situation. What does it mean to have mercy? In the Old Testament, Gods mercy is an expression of divine loving-kindness. It moves God to act toward humanity with salvation and love. It is the reason why God established a covenant with the Hebrew people (Ex. 33:19; Hos. 2:19). In fact, God describes himself as merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Ex. 34:6, ESV). This understanding of God as being merciful reverberates throughout the Bible. Mercy explains why God is so good to us (Isa. 63:7). It helps us understand why God does not immediately react toward us with judgment when we sin (Jonah 4:2; Zech. 1:1216). Article continues below In Jewish literature and the New Testament, mercy is a divine posture and a response to a humanity that is in dire need. Most certainly, God is just and invites us to live holy lives. But even when God disciplines his people, he always includes mercy. God is the merciful one (Ps. 145:8). God saves us, not because of our actions, but because of his mercy (Titus 3:5). As the apostle Paul states, because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions (Eph. 2:45). Yet mercy is not simply a divine activity. Mercy is also the response of the righteous. It is the righteous who are expected to be merciful to all people (Prov. 14:31; 21:26). Jesus teaches us, Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy (Matt. 5:7). And in Judes letter, being merciful is the most suitable response to those who are struggling. This letter teaches me that mercy is to be my response to those who are not yet convinced. It is the reaction we need to display, because it is how God treats us in our struggles and doubts. Throughout the entire letter, even amid Judes quite strong denunciation of immorality (v. 4), he also talks about mercy. He hopes that the readers would experience mercy, peace and love in abundance (v. 2); encourages them to wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that would bring them to eternal life (v. 21); and instructs them to be merciful to those who doubt (v. 22). Although conversations about gender identity and human sexuality may signal a new cultural shift today, this would not have been a strange conversation for the community that Jude addresses. Judes final exhortation to be merciful echoes within my soul every time pastors, students, and friends approach me with questions about what the Bible says about human sexuality. Jude teaches us that our responses to those who have sincere questions, struggles, and doubts should flow with both truth and mercy. To be clear, in conversations with those who are struggling, mercy does not ask us to neglect truth or to condone sexual behaviors or gender ideologies that are contrary to the teachings of Scripture. That is not the mercy Jude describes. Instead, mercy means that we provide space and time for people to have another opportunity to turn their lives around, to seek the Lord Jesus, and to experience the grace of God. Article continues below Mercy means that we do not neglect Scriptures teachings or forget the moral behavior required of us. Mercy provides the chance to acknowledge our failures. It gives us the opportunity to experience the salvation of God. Without mercy, how would we ever experience the grace of God? How can others also experience Gods grace and healing if we do not respond to them with mercy? Judes exhortation to be merciful reminds me to be patient and kind toward those who are questioning their identity or struggling with their sexuality. We already have the truth. Jude provides us with a plethora of Scriptures that support our convictions and understanding of human sexuality. But what good is the truth if we fail to also dialogue with and disciple people with mercy? Rodolfo Galvan Estrada III is assistant professor of New Testament at Vanguard University. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. I n this episode of Music and Meaning, Charlie tackles the headline topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on music. He kicks off with Elon Musks AI warnings and the tech industrys temporary pause on advancements like ChatGPT-4, then draws an intriguing parallel between AIs unchecked growth and the biblical Tower of Babel, posing sharp ethical questions. He reminisces about his early days of tech adoption as a young music producer, from Moog synthesizers to digital samplers and drum machines, emphasizing how he learned that these tools came with an ideology of their own. He got played before he played them. Charlie suggests AI is no different. Highlighting AIs involvement in a Beatles song revival, Charlie drops a C. S. Lewis quote and champions the irreplaceable human imagination in all creativity. The episode wraps with a call for wise AI governance, urging a humanity-first approach in technologys integration with creativity. Charlie Peacock is a Grammy Awardwinning, Billboard charttopping music producer, composer, and recording artist. He is a co-founder of the Art House, Wedgwood Circle, and founder/director emeritus of the commercial music program at Lipscomb University. Charlie has produced music for film and television, including A Walk to Remember, Chris Cornells Misery Chain from the soundtrack of 12 Years a Slave, and Hush, the title theme to the AMC drama Turn: Washingtons Spies. Named by Billboards The Encyclopedia of Record Producers as one of the 500 most important producers in music history, Charlie is also a three-time recipient of the Gospel Music Award for Producer of the Year. His books include Why Everything That Doesnt Matter, Matters So Much; New Way to Be Human; At the Crossroads; and a contribution to It Was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God. Charlie is the senior music editor for Christianity Today and host of the CT podcast Music and Meaning. He has been married to writer Andi Ashworth for nearly 50 years and they have two grown, married children and four grandchildren. Music and Meaning is a production of Christianity Today: Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Matt Stevens Produced and Written by Charlie Peacock and Mike Cosper Original Music and Editing by David LaChance and Charlie Peacock Mix Engineer: Mark Owens Show theme, Sound of the Room, composed by Charlie Peacock, featuring bassist John Patitucci Home U.S. Judge temporarily halts removal of Reconciliation Monument in Arlington National Cemetery A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting the imminent dismantling of a Confederate memorial in Arlington National Cemetery dedicated to the reconciliation of North and South after the Civil War. U.S. District Judge Rossie Alston, a Trump appointee, issued the order Monday in response to a lawsuit filed Sunday against the Department of Defense by Defend Arlington, which is associated with a group called Save Southern Heritage Florida, according to The Associated Press. A federal judge in the District of Columbia dismissed a similar lawsuit last week on behalf of the same plaintiffs as they tried to block the memorial's removal, but Save Southern Heritage Florida spokesperson David McCallister told the AP that the more recent lawsuit is different because it alleges removing the memorial will disturb grave sites. McCallister maintained that the memorial's removal, which began Monday morning, undermines the national reconciliation it was intended to symbolize. Dedicated by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 and funded by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the memorial features a bronze woman crowned with olive leaves while holding a laurel wreath, a plow stock and a pruning hook, according to Arlington National Cemetery. At her feet is an inscription that quotes Isaiah 2:4: "They have beat their swords into plough-shares and their spears into pruning hooks." The 32-foot pedestal features 14 shields engraved with the coats of arms of the 13 Confederate states and the border state of Maryland. Detractors of the memorial take issue with some of the reliefs on the pedestal, which they maintain sanitize slavery, depict a "mammy" and perpetuate the "Lost Cause" narrative prevalent in the South during the early 20th century, according to The New York Times. The statue was among the Confederate memorials slated for removal from military grounds by the independent 2021 Naming Commission that was formed to issue a report to Congress regarding renaming military bases and assets commemorating the Confederacy. Arlington National Cemetery told The Associated Press that it anticipated the memorial to be completely removed by Dec. 22. However, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army told NYT on Monday it is "complying with the restraining order and has ceased the work begun this morning." Another hearing is scheduled on Wednesday. On Dec. 11, 40 Republican members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding its removal be postponed until Congress completes the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process. They cited an amendment passed by the House of Representatives in September to "prohibit funds to implement or enforce recommendation of the Naming Commission in regards to the Reconciliation Monument in Arlington National Cemetery." The lawmakers said the historical context of the statue and how it was erected after the 1898 Spanish-American War when Americans from both North and South fought together again under one flag for the first time since the war. They also mentioned President William McKinley's commitment during the Peace Jubilee in Atlanta to properly honor Confederate remains when he said, "sectional feelings no longer holds back the love we feel for each other. The old flag waves over us in peace with new glories." The lawmakers' letter further noted how every president since has sent a wreath to the memorial each year as a symbol of national unity. Noting how Congress empowered the Naming Commission only to recommend the removal of symbols and monuments honoring the Confederacy, the members wrote that "the Reconciliation Monument does not honor nor commemorate the Confederacy; the memorial commemorates reconciliation and national unity." They argued that because of all the graves encircling the monument, it would be impossible to remove it without desecrating them, which was expressly forbidden regarding anything the commission was empowered to recommend for removal. The memorial is widely considered one of best works by sculptor Sir Moses Jacob Ezekiel, who is buried at the foot of it. The first Jewish graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, Ezekiel was roommates there with former President Thomas Jefferson's great-grandnephew, Thomas G. Jefferson, and the two fought together in the Battle of New Market in 1864. After Jefferson was mortally shot during the battle at the age of 17, Ezekiel cared for him as he succumbed to his wounds over the coming days, and recited John 14 to him as he was dying. Moses Ezekiel was close friends with Thomas Jeffersons great-grandnephew, Thomas G. Jefferson, as the two were roommates at VMI. After the Battle of New Market, Ezekiel held the 17-year-old Jefferson in his arms as the latter slowly died, reciting verses from John 14. https://t.co/7Qst9NaOQPpic.twitter.com/2oRgfEIieQ Lafayette Lee (@Partisan_O) December 17, 2023 Conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson addressed the planned removal of the memorial during a speech Monday at Turning Point USA's America Fest in Phoenix, during which he described the act as a symptom of a spiritual force actively destroying the country. "And I felt [that force] today as they announced they're going to tear down the monument commemorating the peace between North and South in the Civil War. What is that? [...] I read the news that it was stayed by a judge, thank Heaven, but no one showed up to protest it." "And I thought, where are the veterans? Where are the descendants of Civil War veterans like me, like many people in this crowd, who had ancestors who fought in that war on both sides they were all Americans to stand in front of that monument and say, 'It's not yours to destroy. That's my history, this is my country, I was born here, and you may not do that.'" "And their position will be, 'Oh, we're going to throw you in jail!' OK, go ahead!" Federal law prohibits demonstrations at Arlington National Cemetery unless they are approved by the cemetery director. Home Church & Ministries Pastor Steven Smith says hes willing to step down over handling of abuse case The pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, Steven Smith, told his congregation Sunday that he is willing to step down for failing to inform them that a former church official charged with guiding children had been credibly accused of abusing minors at the church. "If at any point now [or] in the future, this church believes God's anointing or call upon my service at Immanuel has been lifted, I will not resist the will of the church," Smith, with his wife, Ashley, by his side, told congregants at the end of the 9 a.m. service in a statement that was not broadcast online by the church, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Until then, we want to continue to press on in our mission to advance the kingdom." Smith told the congregation that a former member of the church staff, Patrick Stephen Miller, who served as the assistant director of children's ministry until he left the job in January 2016, was accused of child abuse hours after the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette published an article about the previously undisclosed allegations. Miller, now 37, and whose father-in-law is a deacon at Immanuel, 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 reported. 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." While Miller resigned a year before Smith became pastor of the Southern Baptist congregation which boasts some 2,386 members, Immanuel leaders were made aware of the allegations against Miller in March 2016. In 2018, the child also provided additional details of the allegations to church leaders and a police investigation was started. "I wish we would have told you about these crimes sooner," Smith told congregants a week ago after it was reported 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. 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, he said. In his comments on Sunday, Smith said Immanuel "has been diminished by recent public attention" but he insisted that he had been called by God to lead the church. "I realize emotions run high on this subject and for very good reason. I also realize that some within our church family may feel I should no longer be the pastor. I want you to know I'm not offended by such sentiments should they exist. I might feel the same way if I were sitting where you are and only recently learning about these events, he said. "I will do better; we will do better, and we will be safe." Home Politics Rev. Dean Nelson, prominent black pro-life leader, dies of cancer at 55 The Rev. Dean Nelson, an outspoken African American conservative and pro-life activist who headed the Frederick Douglass Foundation, died at the age of 55 following a brief battle with cancer. The foundation released a statement Monday morning announcing Nelson died at his home in Maryland on Saturday, peacefully and surrounded by loved ones. At the time of his death, Nelson served as both chairman of the foundation and the Douglass Leadership Institute, as well as vice president of government relations for the pro-life pregnancy center network Human Coalition. "Nelson's life, spirit and genuine love for others will leave a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of countless family members, friends and all those who knew him," the foundation's statement reads. "We take comfort in knowing that he lived each day to the fullest. His legacy of devoted service to others, generosity beyond measure and dedicated love for the Lord will continue to inspire the many lives he impacted." Funeral arrangements are still pending. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Human Coalition or the Frederick Douglass Foundation. Pro-life activist and author Ryan Bomberger, co-founder and chief creative officer of The Radiance Foundation, reacted to Nelson's death in a statement to The Christian Post. "I was shocked and heartbroken by the news of the passing of my friend, colleague, and brother in Christ. It was an honor to fight for Life, Faith, and Family with Dean over the past fourteen years," Bomberger said. "He was a humble man of God whose gentle, yet fiery, spirit deftly exposed the darkness," Bomberger added. "Dean genuinely loved people, especially his family, and was dearly loved by anyone blessed to work alongside him. He was a tireless champion for the Kingdom whom I will so deeply miss." Alveda King, a pro-life activist, best-selling author and niece of Martin Luther King Jr., tweeted her condolences. She referred to Nelson as "my dear friend and mentor." "A tireless advocate for the unborn and human dignity, Dean devoted his life to the Lord, his family and the world! Not mourning without hope, but celebrating Dean being in the presence of God," King, the chair of the Center for the American Dream, stated. The Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal nonprofit that has argued religious liberty cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, posted a statement to X in remembrance of Nelson. "Dean championed religious liberty and life. ADF has been honored to often collaborate with Dean to pursue freedom and Truth," the ADF tweeted. "We celebrate his life, are grateful for his work, and mourn with the Nelson family and all our allies at both critical organizations." Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women for America, tweeted that Nelson was "a sweet, joyful man who loved God and fought for respect and dignity for African Americans and particularly for black babies." "Well done, good and faithful servant," she added. U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., offered his condolences on X, saying, "Nelson's wisdom, leadership and friendship will be deeply missed." Lankford said Nelson "was a truly remarkable leader." According to the Human Coalition, Nelson graduated from the University of Virginia, earning a bachelor of arts in rhetoric and communication. He became an ordained pastor through Wellington Boone Ministries. Nelson is credited with helping plant WBM chapters in Richmond, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Washington, D.C. He also served as a licensed minister through Salem Baptist Church of Marshall, Virginia. Nelson leaves behind a wife and three children. Ryan Foley contributed to this report. China to take countermeasures against companies selling arms to Taiwan: foreign ministry (People's Daily App) 15:51, December 19, 2023 China will take countermeasures against companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in Beijing on Monday. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Rachel Swan is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. She joined the Chronicle in 2015 after stints at several alt weekly newspapers. Born in Berkeley, she graduated from Cal with a degree in rhetoric and is now raising two daughters in El Cerrito. She can be reached at rswan@sfchronicle.com. Home Education Superintendent clarifies memo telling school bus drivers to remove Christmas displays A Pennsylvania school district that sent out a memo telling bus drivers and other employees to "refrain" from playing Christmas music or wearing any Christmas-related clothing says it does not prohibit such displays. It all started with a Friday memo from an unidentified official from the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District in Delaware County, just east of Philadelphia, to the district's transportation departments in reference to complaints "from parents concerning District employees displaying 'Christmas' themed decorations and/or wearing clothing of the same nature." Disappointing Bah humbug We heard from school bus drivers in the Wallingford Swarthmore School District who got this warning about putting up Christmas decorations or wearing holiday themed clothing on busses. @FOX29phillypic.twitter.com/GHbMF7igIu Chris O'Connell (@CoconnellFox29) December 15, 2023 "If you have decorated your bus with anything specific to the Christmas Holiday or any other decorations relating to a specific religion, please remove them immediately," the memo stated. "In addition, employees are instructed not to wear clothing related to Christmas or any other religious holiday." The memo quickly went viral on social media days before the Christmas holiday. But according to WSSD Superintendent Wagner Marseille, the viral memo was followed by a second memo the same day, which said it was all in response to "concerns regarding religious neutrality." "The District did not and does not prohibit holiday displays, clothing, and celebrations" that comply with internal district policies, Marseille wrote. "To the extent that this reminder led to the communication that decorations and songs typically associated with the Christmas holiday were not permitted, this was not the intent, and efforts have been made internally to clarify this point to avoid any confusion moving forward," he added. Marseille told The Christian Post he "reminded the Supervisor of Transportation to find a balance of the district's attempts to be inclusive of a diverse range of holiday traditions and to ensure we are abiding by [district policy]." In his follow-up memo, he added, "We understand the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity within our community. We are committed to continuously improving our communication and fostering an inclusive environment for all." In response to the initial memo, some on social media pointed out other holidays and observances celebrated by WSSD, including pride month in June. The district published a poston social media that read, "Happy Pride Month." June is Pride Month! WSSD is committed to providing a safe, supportive & inclusive learning environment for all students & employees! This commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, & internationally. pic.twitter.com/VueLWAKwy2 WS School District (@WSSchools) June 12, 2023 Earlier this year, the school district also officially marked Eid Mubarak, a Muslim holiday observed in June. "Eid Mubarak! For those celebrating, we hope this sacred holiday brings you joy and peace!" read the June 28 tweet. According to Joseph Backholm, a senior fellow for biblical worldview at the Christian conservative activist organization Family Research Council, "[t]here's nothing illegal about employees who wear holiday clothing at work, which is why we see it all the time." "But in this case the school district decided to side with the complaints of the few against the joy and celebrations of the many," Backholm told FRC's news arm, The Washington Stand. "We now live in a world where some people are looking for reasons to be offended and they often find reason to be offended in the joy of others. The public square will once again be open once we stop pretending people have a right not to be offended by things." Home World 'She's a bright light': 4-year-old Hamas hostage reunited with family The family of Abigail Mor Edan, the 4-year-old American-Israeli girl who was held hostage by Hamas, is working to restore a sense of normalcy for the child after she spent over 50 days in captivity, her great-aunt told The Christian Post. Hamas took Abigail hostage during its surprise attack against Israel on Oct. 7, an assault that resulted in the slaughter of at least 1,200 people and the abduction of around 240 others. The terror group killed Abigail's parents and kidnapped her when it invaded the Kibbutz Kfar Azza. The child celebrated her fourth birthday while in captivity. She was released during a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and handed over to Red Cross officials on Nov. 26. The child was then taken to the Schneider Children's Medical Center in Israel for an evaluation following her release. In an interview, Abigail's great-aunt Liz Hirsh Naftali said they are trying to restore a sense of normalcy for the 4-year-old and her siblings so that they may have a "beautiful life." "But what I can tell you and what I want people to know is that [Abigail] is OK," Naftali said. "She has so much love and support, and she's a smart little girl. She's magical; she's a bright light, and she has lots of beautiful energy." At the time of the interview last Friday, Naftali told CP that Abigail had been out of the hospital for at least 18 days, adding that the child is now playing with her siblings. The three siblings are being cared for by an aunt, uncle and their grandparents. Naftali has shared Abigail's story with U.S. lawmakers and with the media following the child's abduction. She believes that sharing her great-niece's story, as well as the stories of the other hostages, will help humanize them. "These are real people," she said. "There are still [129] of them women, men, children, grandparents, sisters, brothers these are human beings who haven't been home for Thanksgiving; they're not home on Friday evening for dinner." Last Wednesday, Naftali met with President Joe Biden alongside other family members of American hostages held by Hamas. She told CP that the president and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken listened to each family's story. Naftali noted that, like most people whose family members were taken hostage by Hamas, she has spent a lot of time meeting with lawmakers from all sides of the political aisle. She has not noticed any signs of partisanship regarding this issue. "This is just about humanity and bringing back these hostages," she said. "And so that has been a really important message." While the individuals still in captivity were not returned to their families in time for Chanukah, Naftali prays the remaining hostages are released and can return to their families for Christmas. Recalling the details of her great-niece's abduction, Naftali shared that the family initially believed that Hamas killed the girl and her parents. Abigail's older sister and brother, who are 6 and 10, respectively, witnessed their parents' murder and hid for 14 hours to avoid the same fate. While the older pair of siblings were eventually rescued, the 4-year-old crawled out from underneath her father's dead body at some point and wandered over to a neighbor's house. The toddler was put in the safe room with her neighbors. The family later learned she was kidnapped through a witness who saw terrorists marching the neighbors and Abigail off the kibbutz. Naftali called Abigail's return to the family a "miracle," as the family had been praying to be reunited with the young child. Naftali said it's "heartbreaking" that her niece and siblings lost their parents and that Abigail was held hostage by Hamas. "If there's any little silver lining, it's the incredible outpouring of love and support and prayer from people all over the world, different religions, different races, that have reached out to us and different parts of our family, just to say, 'We're here for you, we're praying for Abigail, we're praying for all these hostages,'" Naftali said. "And that has been really nourishing, and that has been illuminating all of us in this dark, dark time," she added. Home World Chile rejects proposed constitution establishing rights to personhood, religious freedom Voters in Chile voted down a proposed constitution that would have established rights to personhood and religious freedom as well as replaced the charter imposed by a military dictatorship over four decades ago. In a Sunday referendum vote, Chile voters rejected a proposed constitution that would have replaced the existing Chilean Constitution. The Associated Press reports that with nearly all of the votes counted as of late Sunday, 55.8% of Chileans voted against establishing the new charter, while 44.2% supported it. Theproposed constitution spanned nearly 200 pages and contained more than 200 articles. The document was prepared by the Constitutional Council, which convened earlier this year. The vote came over a year after Chileans voted down a more left-leaning constitutional proposal in September 2022. The process of drafting a new constitution began earlier this year when the Chamber of Deputies, Chile's equivalent of the U.S. House of Representatives, established a "procedure for the preparation and approval" of a Constitutional Council. The constitutional reform approved by the Chilean legislature set the date for the election of members of a Constitutional Council on May 7. The Constitutional Council was set up for the "sole purpose of discussing and approving" text for a new constitution. It convened on June 7 and continued its work through Nov. 7. Article 1 of the proposed constitution declares in part that "the family is the fundamental nucleus of society" and "it is the duty of the State and society to protect families and promote their strengthening." The proposal featured a lengthy list of fundamental rights and freedoms, beginning with "the right to life." In addition to asserting that "the law protects the life of the unborn," Article 16 of the proposed document also prohibited the death penalty. Chile first began taking steps to repeal the nationwide ban on abortion in 2016. If approved, the proposal would have had the effect of overturning the repeal by establishing protections for unborn life. The list of rights and freedoms also declared that "the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion" is "guaranteed." "This right includes the freedom of everyone to adopt, live in accordance with, and transmit the religion or belief of his or her choice," the document clarified. The proposed constitution also protected the right to "conscientious objection." The document places a premium on parental rights, stating, "Parents, and where appropriate guardians, have the right to educate their children" and "to choose their religious, spiritual and moral education that is in accordance with their own convictions." Theexisting Constitution of 1980 will remain in place. The Constitution of the Republic of Chile has a section identifying the family as "the basic core of society" but does not include a statement highlighting the "duty of the State and society to protect families and promote their strengthening." The existing Constitution also guarantees "the right to life and to the physical and psychological integrity of the individual," stating "the law protects the life of those about to be born." Unlike the proposed constitution, the current Constitution does not explicitly mention the "unborn." While the proposed constitution prohibits the death penalty, the existing Constitution allows capital punishment in limited cases. The present Constitution provides a right to "freedom of conscience, manifestation of all creeds and the free exercise of all cults which are not opposed to morals, good customs or public order" but does not explicitly protect religious freedom. The existing Constitution grants parents "the preferential right and duty to educate their children" and "the right to choose the educational establishment for their children." It does not have a reference to "spiritual and moral education" like the rejected charter does. Home World Christians worry they'll be wiped out of Gaza after mother, daughter shot dead at church A church leader is worried that Gaza's Christian community will be wiped out in Israel's war with Hamas after Israeli soldiers were accused of fatally shooting two Christian women on the grounds of Gaza City's only Catholic church on Saturday. "I believe the Christian community will not survive this atrocity," Rev. Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian Lutheran leader based in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus was born, told NBC News. "Even those who will survive, who might survive, I'm not sure that they can live in Gaza in a place where life is unlivable." In a statement Saturday, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem claimed that a "sniper of the IDF murdered two Christian women inside the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, where the majority of Christian families have taken refuge since the start of the war." The women were identified as Nahida and her daughter Samar. The patriarchate stated that they were "shot in cold blood inside the premises of the Parish, where there are no belligerents." Seven others were wounded by gunfire. The patriarchate noted that another church building, the Convent of the Sisters of Mother Theresa (Missionaries of Charity), was struck by "a rocket from an IDF tank" even though it is signaled as a place of worship. The church is home to 54 disabled persons. "The building's generator (the only source of electricity) and the fuel resources were destroyed. The house was damaged by the resulting explosion and massive fire," the patriarchate said. "Two more rockets, fired by an IDF tank, targeted the same Convent and rendered the home uninhabitable. The 54 disabled persons are currently displaced and without access to the respirators that some of them need to survive." An estimated 1,000 Christians lived in Gaza before the war began on Oct. 7, spurred by the Hamas terror group's surprise attack in southern Israel that killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes and a ground offensive in hopes of eradicating Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, and securing the release of over 240 hostages. Since the war began, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says over 19,000 people have been killed. The majority of Christians in Gaza are Greek Orthodox, while others identify as Roman Catholic, Baptist and other denominations, a 2014 survey by the YMCA shows. Most of the Christian community in Gaza has sought shelter in the St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church and the Catholic Holy Family Church. Amid claims that IDF soldiers were responsible for the death of the two Israeli women, the office of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "an IDF investigation" found "this claim is not true." Netanyahu's office said there was a conflict in the vicinity of a different church that day. In a statement shared with media, the IDF said that it had been contacted on Saturday about an incident in the Holy Family Parish but stated that "no reports of a hit on the church, nor civilians being injured or killed, were raised." "A review of the IDF's operational findings support this," the IDF statement reads, according to All Isreal News. "The IDF takes claims regarding harm to sensitive sites with the utmost seriousness especially churches considering that Christian communities are a minority group in the Middle East." "The IDF only targets terrorists and terror infrastructure and does not target civilians, no matter their religion (and) takes vast measures to avoid harm to uninvolved civilians," the statement concluded. Raheb, who frequently communicates with the Gaza church community, said Israel's denial is "heartbreaking." "But, also, you know ... it makes people very angry," Raheb told NBC News. The Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of the Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, told NBC News that he did not accept the denials from Israeli officials. "They can say whatever they want," Isaac said. "The fact remains that two women, two harmless women, were shot dead in front of the church with many eyewitnesses." "If Israel, you know, shot their own hostages who were raising white flags, then why should we be surprised?" he added, pointing to the IDF's announcement that it had mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages. "The Israelis are willing to shoot any moving target, even if that target was carrying white flags." Earlier this month, the Holy Family Church was damaged by Israeli army strikes targeting nearby buildings. In November, an airstrike reportedly destroyed the Rosary Sisters School, which served 1,250 Christian and Muslim students, according to the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need. An ACN project partner in Gaza said that at least 53 Christian families' homes have been destroyed. In October, an Israeli airstrike struck the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrios, killing at least 18 people. At the time, IDF confirmed that a portion of the church was damaged in a strike targeting Hamas military compounds and said the church itself was not the intended target. Home U.S. Florida HOA leadership targeted Jews, said Nazis 'should have ended them': attorneys A Florida homeowners association campaigned to prevent an Orthodox Jewish family from building a synagogue within the community, with one board member saying that they didnt want Jews in the area, according to a letter written by the familys legal representation. Rabbi Naftaly Hertzel and his wife, Henya, have been residents of the Loggers Run Homeowners Association for 14 years, and the couple has five children. Hertzel is a rabbi at the Chabad Israeli Center, the only religious service for Orthodox Jews within a six-mile radius in West Boca Raton, Florida. In a Thursday statement provided to The Christian Post, Jeremy Dys, senior counsel for First Liberty Institute, a Christian conservative legal group, accused the HOAs leadership of antisemitism. This disparate treatment against the Hertzels and their family because of religion is unlawful and enjoys no support from any legitimate, non-discriminatory justification, he stated. This treatment not only violates basic decency but clearly violates the HOAs obligations under federal law. The Christian Post reached out to the Loggers Run Homeowners Association for comment on the claims. A response was not received by press time. According to a Thursday letter to the HOA from the Jones Day law firm and First Liberty Institute, the familys relationship with the HOA changed in 2015. Hertzel approached the HOA board about building a synagogue to provide the local Jewish community with a larger venue for worship. As the letter noted, the HOA gifted Christian churches or allowed them to purchase land in the past, so Hertzel expected a similar response. In 2017, the Hertzels submitted a proposal to build a synagogue near several churches within the community, but board members did not bring the proposal up for a vote. The letter also accused the HOA of trying to prevent Jewish candidates from being elected to its board. In 2018, HOA president Ron Harp sent a message through the HOA email, encouraging residents not to vote for Jewish candidates. In addition, the attorneys accused the HOA of singling out the Hertzels by selectively enforcing the rules against them but not other houses. The Hertzels maintain that they had never received notices of enforcement from the HOA until they had asked for a synagogue. At one point, during a meeting with an attorney, a HOA board member reportedly said that they didnt want Jews in Loggers Run. During the same meeting, a HOA president allegedly said that the Nazis should have ended the Jews. We demand that the Loggers Run HOA and its individual leaders cease and desist from discriminating against the Hertzels and their family, the letter stated. To protect the Hertzels from this unlawful harassment and discrimination, we are reaching out in hopes of finding an amicable course correction in lieu of seeking court intervention. The legal organizations warned that they intend to file a lawsuit on behalf of the Hertzels if the HOA does not comply with making the desired changes. Following Hamas Oct. 7 terrorist attack against Israel that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people, a majority of them civilians, the Hertzels allege that the HOA is aware of antisemitism in the community but has done nothing to stop it. Over the past few years, and again in the past months since the October 7th attack in Israel, Loggers Run residents have yelled heil Hitler at the Hertzels in the neighborhood near their Home and at the Chabad, the letter stated. The Chabad has been vandalized multiple times. A Hannukah menorah and a mezuzah at the Chabad have been broken. The attorneys concluded the letter by offering to arrange a mediation meeting with the Hertzels before taking any legal action, requesting that the HOA respond before Jan. 19, 2024. In addition, the attorneys requested that the HOA take steps to preserve all documents relevant to the issues raised in the letter. According to a November report from the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy group, following Hamas attack, antisemitic incidents in the United States have increased by 316% compared to last year. In the one-month period between Oct. 7 and Nov. 7, 2023, the ADL Center on Extremism documented 832 antisemitic incidents of assault, vandalism and harassment across the U.S., an average of nearly 28 incidents a day, the ADL reported. This represents a 316 percent increase from the 200 incidents reported during the same period in 2022. Home Politics Florida man pleads guilty to threatening Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts A Florida man has pleaded guilty to threatening the life of U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, facing a possible sentence of five years in a federal prison. Neal Brij Sidhwaney, a 43-year-old resident of Fernandina Beach, pleaded guilty to the charge of transmitting an interstate threat to kill, according to a statement released Monday from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida. Prosecutors say Sidhwaney called the U.S. Supreme Court on July 31 and left what authorities described as an expletive-laden, threatening voicemail message. On the voicemail message, Sidhwaney identified himself by name and repeatedly threatened to kill a specific Supreme Court Justice, stated the office. This case was investigated by the Supreme Court of the United States Police Protective Intelligence Unit with assistance from the United States Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section. A date for sentencing has not been set yet, according to authorities. Although the U.S. Attorneys Office did not name the threatened justice, a competency assessment of Sidhwaney filed in federal court by psychologist Alan J. Harris stated that the defendant was charged with threatening Roberts. The identified official is Chief Justice John Roberts, whom he allegedly contacted by phone call and threatened to kill, stated the competency assessment. Harris found Sidhwaney competent to stand trial but added that he suffers from delusional disorder with psychosis. In recent years, the Supreme Court has seen an apparent uptick in threats against its members, namely those who lean conservative in their judicial opinions. A contributing factor has reportedly been the high courts June 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 opinion that declared abortion a constitutional right. The 2022 ruling paved the way for several states to ban abortion in nearly all circumstances. Last year, in response to the leaking of a draft opinion in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned Roe, a man was arrested for plotting to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. In October 2022, Justice Samuel Alito told those gathered at a Heritage Foundation event that the leaking of the draft opinion made members of the high court targets for assassination. The leak also made those of us who were thought to be in the majority in support of overruling Roe and [Planned Parenthood v. Casey] targets for assassination, because it gave people a rational reason to think they could prevent that from happening by killing one of us, said Alito at the time. Alito also told the Heritage crowd that everyone, from the justices to their staff, just want things to get back to normal the way they were before all this last term. In March, the Supreme Court filed a request with Congress to allocate an additional $12.4 million for Fiscal Year 2024 to improve security. Home Church & Ministries Franklin Graham says Pope Francis doesn't have the right to bless 'what God calls sin' The Rev. Franklin Graham slammed Pope Francis for approving a measure that will allow Roman Catholic priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples, warning that such "blessings" will not "save you from the judgment of God." In a Facebook post on Monday, the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham responded to news that the Vatican will allow priests to bless same-sex couples, though not in a way that endorses their unions. "So-called 'blessings' from religious leaders won't save you from the judgment of God!" wrote Graham, the president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse. "Pope Francis has now approved Catholic priests' blessing' same-sex couples. But none of us, including the Pope, has the right to 'bless' what God calls sin. 'Woe to those who call evil good and good evil' (Isaiah 5:20)." "The Good News is that right now God will forgive sin, but we have to come to Him His way, on His terms by repenting of our sins and placing our faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Otherwise, the Bible says, 'The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together, and those who forsake the LORD shall be consumed' (Isaiah 1:28)." Graham's comments came hours after the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faithissued a declaration titled "Fiducia Supplicans," providing "a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings, which is closely linked to a liturgical perspective." "It is precisely in this context that one can understand the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church's perennial teaching on marriage," stated the Catholic Church leadership. "This Declaration is also intended as a tribute to the faithful People of God, who worship the Lord with so many gestures of deep trust in his mercy and who, with this confidence, constantly come to seek a blessing from Mother Church." The Vatican document stated that "when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it" and that "those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection." For same-sex couples, "a blessing may be imparted that not only has an ascending value but also involves the invocation of a blessing that descends from God upon those who recognizing themselves to be destitute and in need of his help do not claim a legitimation of their own status." The declaration warned that "one should neither provide for nor promote a ritual for the blessings of couples in an irregular situation." "At the same time, one should not prevent or prohibit the Church's closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God's help through a simple blessing," the Vatican document continued. "In a brief prayer preceding this spontaneous blessing, the ordained minister could ask that the individuals have peace, health, a spirit of patience, dialogue, and mutual assistance but also God's light and strength to be able to fulfill his will completely." A declaration issued by the same body in 2021 stated that churches have no power to bless same-sex marriage since God "cannot bless sin." Officially, the Catholic Church teaches that same-sex attraction is not sinful, but homosexual acts are. However, in the United States, about six in 10 Catholics (61%) said in a 2019 survey that they favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry. Last month, the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a guidance stipulating that people who have undergone trans surgical procedures or taken cross-sex hormones can be baptized, provided "there are no situations in which there is a risk of generating public scandal or disorientation among the faithful." Home Church & Ministries Jesus would 'go to prison' today for affirming man and woman, traditional marriage: Cardinal Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Muller claimed during a recent interview that Jesus would likely be imprisoned in Western societies today for affirming biological sex and traditional marriage. "Jesus also contradicts ideologically these ways [that] want to relativize or even destroy a marriage of men and women and the family of the parents with their own children," the German cardinal told GB News host Jacob Rees-Mogg. ReferencingMatthew 19, Muller noted how the Pharisees attempted to entrap Jesus by interrogating Him over the issue of marriage, but that Jesus pushed back by affirming marriage as between a man and woman, as well as God's original design of male and female. "I believe that today, Jesus would not be condemned only because He was the Messiah," Muller said. "But He would in Canada or the United States or European countries go to prison because He spoke out the truth about the marriage between a man and a woman." Muller's comments came in response to a question from Rees-Mogg regarding the state of the Catholic Church, especially in the wake of the recent controversy over Joseph E. Strickland being removed from his post as bishop of Tyler, Texas, and Cardinal Raymond Burke being stripped of his cardinal salary and Vatican apartment. Both traditionalist men have been outspoken critics of Pope Francis. In 2014, the pope removed Burke from his position as head of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, which is the Vatican's highest court to which he had been appointed by Benedict XVI in 2008. He also lost his position in the Congregation for Divine Worship and his patronage of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. According to a source who attended the Nov. 20 meeting of the heads of Vatican offices during which Francis announced his actions against Burke, the pope said: "Cardinal Burke is my enemy, so I take away his apartment and his salary." The pope later denied through his papal biographer that he had ever called Burke his enemy, but confirmed that he had taken away his salary and evicted him from his Vatican-subsidized apartment because he was allegedly using his cardinal privileges "against the Church." Muller said he could "personally testify that both [Strickland and Burke] are devout Catholics and serious pastors," and that Burke is "the best qualified candidate to the College of the Roman Cardinals." "Calling them enemies of the pope only shows an un-Christian spirit," Muller continued, and went on to encourage "a respectful dialogue between grown-up men." "The ordination are appointed by Christ himself to be shepherds of the Church and to treat each other like brothers," he added. Muller's comments follow recent clarifications from the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which last month issued guidance stipulating 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." On Monday, the doctrinal office announced that Pope Francis approved a measure permitting Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex unions, as long as the blessing is not considered akin to marriage and still labels such relationships sinful. Home U.S. Pastor pleads for prayer after shooting of outreach director: 'Believing in God for breakthroughs' Pastor Gary Marsh of Victory Chapel First Phoenix is pleading for prayers across the nation for the outreach director of his church who was mysteriously shot in the head while street preaching on an Arizona street in November. In an interview with The Christian Post, Marsh provided an update on how his church is managing in the aftermath of Hans Schmidt being shot on the corner of 51st Avenue and Peoria in Glendale before a Wednesday night service on Nov. 15. Schmidt, a recently married military medic and a father of two young children, is hospitalized and remains in critical condition. Marsh said he encourages anyone who knows about Schmidt to keep him in their prayers as he and his family navigate his recovery in the hospital. "Pray for financial support for the medical bills the family is facing. There's been contributions from all over the world to help him. But we're not asking for that. We want people to pray for him. What can they do? They could help in that way," Marsh told CP. "Primarily pray for Hans' full and complete recovery and that he can be rejoined with his wife and kids again at home. Please pray there are no long-lasting side effects from his injury," he added. "We are believing that God's going to raise him up, put him back up on his feet, and he can then go back to doing what he loved to do the most, which was winning souls for Jesus Christ." Marsh said Schmidt moved to the valley within the last year to work as his church's outreach director and has "been faithful in his desire to preach God's Word and reach lost souls for Jesus." "Hans is one of the finest young men I've ever had the privilege of working with. He has some military background. He's incredibly disciplined and just great, good-natured, great personality, loves God, genuinely saved. He was also raised in a home that has experienced the true salvation of Jesus Christ, being born again," Marsh said. "He was the one who planned and executed outreach efforts. We are a very evangelistic church. We take the Word of God literally. The Bible says, 'Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every living creature.' That's what we attempt to do to the best of our ability," Marsh said. "We plant churches, both within the U.S. and around the world. We support the work of God in every way we can. Our outreach director is involved in planning, organizing and carrying out outreach efforts, which are intended for the primary purpose of winning souls for Jesus Christ, and that was his responsibility as the outreach director." Marsh said the communities neighboring his church and people worldwide have shown Schmidt and his family support during this challenging season. "The outpouring of the love of people and financial resources to help the family has just been staggering. We have heard from worldwide, and people reaching out have helped and supported greatly," Marsh said. "We're just believing in God for breakthroughs. It's not a money issue. It's not the cost of hospitals and doctors that is our No. 1 priority. We want to see Hans back with his family and out of the hospital. That's our No. 1 goal." Marsh, who lost his wife to cancer, noted that it's crucial during unexplained tragedies, such as the shooting of a street preacher, that Christians remain hopeful and faithful to God. He remains hopeful and encourages his congregation to put their faith first, even amid an unknown future. "How do we keep the faith? How do we remain faithful to the Lord? There's many things in life that happen that we don't understand, and we can't always put a stamp of our understanding upon things that happen," Marsh said. "I lost my wife to cancer. Certainly, nothing that was planned for. Certainly, nothing that we dreamed up. It just happened, as it happens to other people. There's unfortunate things that take place in life. The only way you can cope with it is to keep moving in the same direction. Don't let it deter you," he continued. "Don't let it overwhelm you. Obviously. There's been lots and lots of people sorrowing over Hans' situation. I, myself, it hurts me deeply to see this young man laying in a hospital bed. It's just not what we would expect, not what we prepare for. But it's the reality of life." Marsh is trusting in the love of God despite the critical condition Schmidt is facing. "Life is harsh. Life can be very cruel at times. We believe in a loving God. We believe in a God who makes all things possible. We're believing for Hans's full and complete recovery," he said. "I'm almost positive I can say with assurance that once Hans is finally out of the hospital and back on his own two feet, functioning again, as he always has, he'll be back out on the streets proclaiming the Good news of the Gospel to win people for Jesus again." Last week, Schmidt's wife, Zulya, shared that her husband is "making progress" in the hospital, but there is still a "long road ahead." "The fact he is here is a miracle in itself. Hans is fighting and working really hard every day," Zulya Schmidt stated in a social media post. Law enforcement is seeking the public's assistance with any information related to the shooting. Gina Winn, the public information officer for the Glendale Police Department, said during a press conference last month that the intersection where the shooting occurred in question is typically busy, and it is likely there were people in the area when the incident happened. The Glendale Police Department requests that anyone who knows any information regarding the incident call its non-emergency number at 623-930-3000. A$10,000 reward is being offered to anyone who comes forward with information surrounding the shooting of the 26-year-old church outreach director. Home Opinion How should Christians destroy idols? Earlier this month, a man named Michael Cassidy allegedly tore down and beheaded a statue erected by the Satanic Temple in the Iowa state capitol. He reportedly took this action because it was extremely anti-Christian. Later, he posted a quote of 1 Peter 5:8 to his X (formerly known as Twitter) feed, where the apostle exhorts Christians to be on the alert because our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (NASB). Many Christians and politically conservative individuals have hailed Cassidys actions as brave, applauding him for taking a stand against the evil that has infected our nation. People are exhausted by the constant onslaught of wickedness that occurs in our nation day after day, and to see someone fighting so publicly against Satan and satanism feels very refreshing. Such a bold protest, even if illegal, seems laudatory because, after all, it is opposition to evil. As Christians, however, we would do well to allow our passions to simmer and to think through this situation biblically in order to exercise wisdom and discernment in our fight against the powers of darkness. Is tearing down a statue really a biblical way to oppose evil and a path that Christians should choose, or even celebrate? To be clear: all statues that represent objects of worship are evil. The Old and New Testaments state that all forms of idolatry are an abomination to the Lord. Whether a statue is meant to symbolize Zeus, Satan, or even Yahweh (see Exodus 32 and the golden calf), such images are forbidden by the law of God and amount to idol worship. Christians should recognize that all forms of idolatry are detestable in Gods sight. Furthermore, Scripture tells us that all idols are demonic in character. Paul told the Corinthians that people who offer sacrifices to idols actually offer sacrifices to demons. Idols, in and of themselves, are nothing (1 Corinthians 10:19-20). Idols cant speak, see, hear, smell, feel, walk, or talk (Psalm 115:4-7). The statues are empty and powerless. Nevertheless, behind all idolatrous worship, we find demonic powers. These demonic powers seek to destroy the souls of men and constantly assault the glory of Christ. Christians, therefore, should oppose idolatry and the demonic powers it represents out of love for and loyalty to Christ our Lord. How should we do so? Do we oppose idolatry by destroying statues of Satan, demons, or false gods? In the Old Testament, we find several examples that might provide biblical warrant for such actions against images and idols. For example, after the golden calf incident in Exodus 32, Moses burned the idol, ground it to powder, scattered it over the water, and made Israel drink the remnants (Exodus 32:20). A few chapters later, Yahweh commanded Israel to tear down the altars and idols of the foreign gods of the Canaanites (Exodus 34:13). In Judges 6, the angel of Yahweh came to Gideon and commanded him to tear down the altar of Baal and the Asherah (a false gods image) next to it. God expressly commanded people in the Old Testament to destroy idols and images, and those who were faithful to Yahweh did so to honor Him. New covenant believers might conclude from these examples that we should follow suit. God is still outraged by idolatrous worship and statues that dishonor Him, and such images are still worthy of being destroyed. As believers, some might therefore conclude that we should still destroy them when we have a chance to do so. However, there are some clues in the Old Testament and the New Testament that the way we destroy idolatrous worship is different today than it was in the Old Testament. Many of the events we read about in the Old Testament were of a typological nature, representing something greater that would occur in the New Testament. In the passages that relate to the destruction of idols, we see this typology at work. For example, not only were the Israelites commanded to tear down the Canaanite idols and altars but to destroy the Canaanites themselves (Exodus 23:20-33). While the Lords will was for Israel to annihilate the Canaanites in judgment for their wickedness, God is not currently calling His new covenant people to annihilate their enemies via military conquest. Jesus was clear that He came to save mens lives, not to destroy them (Luke 9:54-56). Has God changed His mind about what should be done to idolatrous unbelievers? No. What we read about in the Old Testament conquest of the Promised Land was typological, and it represents the final judgment when Christ comes in power and glory to vanquish all His enemies, including the devil himself. What Israel did to the Canaanites was but an echo of the shout that will occur at the glorious coming of our Lord. If the conquest of Canaan was a typological representation of the greater reality of future judgment, then we stand on firm ground in concluding that the physical destruction of idols and satanic statues was also typological of a greater reality. The New Testament itself affirms this. While we could evaluate several passages on the battle with the devil and his emissaries, lets just consider two important texts. First, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 explains the nature of our conquest under the new covenant. We, like Israel of the Old Testament, are engaged in warfare against the enemies of God. Our warfare is directly linked to what we read in the Old Testament, but it has been elevated out of the physical realm into the spiritual realm (see also Ephesians 6:12). Paul asserts that though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (2 Cor 10:3). Our tactics are not worldly; we do not use tactics that are merely human and that relate simply to this present age. Unbelievers, idolaters, cults, and others wage warfare this way. Believers, however, should not act similarly, even though we live in the same world and experience the same bodily struggles. Why not? For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We could war according to the flesh, but to do so would be to forfeit our more lethal weapons for less powerful weapons! We do not wage war according to the flesh because we have divine weapons with supernatural power. We could, like many protesters in the summer of 2020, tear down statues as our way of protesting what we oppose, but why should we stoop to their level when we have more powerful weapons than they do? Our weapons dont just tear down statues but the entire demonic enterprise behind them. Paul goes on to say, We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5 NASB). We could, like Gideon, destroy the altar of Baal and the Asherah next to it; but to do so would be regression. We know the altar and the Asherah are nothing at all but rocks and wood. Our assault is no longer on the physical objects of idolatrous worship but upon the spiritual powers behind those objects of worship. We are assaulting with spiritual weapons everything that is raised up against the knowledge of God. We are seeking to destroy the idolatrous impulse in the minds of sinful men and bring their thoughts into conformity to the will of Christ. Second, Paul exemplified in Acts 17 what he wrote in 2 Corinthians 10. When Paul arrived in Athens in Acts 17:16, we read that his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols (NASB). We can relate as believers to Pauls feelings here as we live in a country drowning in idolatry. What lover of Christ wouldnt see an idol set up to Satan in a state capitol building and not be provoked within by the sight of such a detestable abomination! We feel outraged by it, and rightly so. So did Paul when he saw all the idols in Athens. How did Paul respond? So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles ... preaching Jesus and the resurrection (Acts 17:17-18 NASB). Pauls response to being provoked by idolatrous displays that were an affront to Christs glory and lordship was to preach Jesus and the resurrection. Did Paul want to see each and every one of those idols be torn down, ground into powder, and cast into the sea? Undoubtedly. But Paul realized that clearing out the idols of Athens would no more change the hearts of Athenians than crushing the golden calf broke the idolatrous hearts of Israel. What those who promoted and allowed such idol worship needed was not a lesson in political bravery but a lesson about the cross and resurrection of Christ. Seeing souls saved was more important than making a political statement, even a political statement that was anti-satanic. Part of me wants to smile a bit when I think about a statue of Satan being torn down and decapitated because my heart rejoices in the defeat of the devil. This urge, though, must be tempered with truth, the truth that toppling a ridiculous display doesnt do anything to defeat the devil. Its at best a symbolic gesture of someone who professes to oppose evil. For those who are interested in seeing the souls of men saved and Christ truly glorified, our hearts must yearn for more than symbolic gestures. We should long for the true defeat of the devil by the power of God. We must desire to see unbelievers set free from the domain of darkness and brought into the kingdom of Christ through the Gospel. The only meaningful way to decapitate the serpent is with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Kebabs on the grill at Peninsula favorite Mazra, which is expanding with a second location. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Despite winter being a typically slow time of year for restaurant openings, theres a wave of Bay Area newcomers to look forward to. This winter, which starts Thursday, Dec. 21, and ends in mid-March, diners will get new projects from notable chefs, including nationally renowned pizza chef Chris Bianco and Fernay McPherson, known for her superlative fried chicken at Minnie Bells Soul Movement in the East Bay. An exciting pop-up from a crew that worked at the Michelin-starred Mister Jius, meanwhile, will debut in San Franciscos Chinatown. In Wine Country, Golden Bear Station, from the couple behind Sonoma fine-dining gem Animo, is set to open in late December (while Animo is moving to a new location). And just in time for cozy matcha lattes, Stonemill Matcha is reopening under new ownership in San Francisco on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Several restaurants that were set to open in 2023 have been delayed but should open in the new year, including San Francisco chef Mourad Lahlous Moro in Napa and Los Angeles Broad Street Oyster Co., opening its first Bay Area location at Ghirardelli Square in early March. Napa barbecue restaurant Stateline Road Smokehouse is also slated for a March opening, but in the meantime its serving Kansas City-inspired barbecue at a pop-up at Napas Oxbow Public Market until January. Read on for more on nine of the most anticipated restaurants opening this winter, listed in alphabetical order. Boug Cali Tiffany Carter of Boug Cali serves a customer at La Cocina Municipal Marketplace in San Francisco. She's reopening Boug Cali in a new location. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Bay Area soul food spot Boug Cali was forced to close in the fall when nonprofit food incubator La Cocina shut down its San Francisco food hall. But in 2024, owner Tiffany Carter, whose food pays homage to her familys roots in the South and California, will return with a new outpost at the Ferry Building. Boug Cali Polo Stop will be a kiosk with grab-and-go food like lobster rolls, crab cakes, deviled eggs and seafood gumbo. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Projected opening: early 2024 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco. bougcali.com Farm at Carneros Famed pizza chef Chris Bianco is behind the new menu at Farm at Carneros in Napa. Carneros Resort and Spa Chris Bianco, one of Americas foremost pizza chefs, is behind a new menu at the recently renovated Farm at Carneros Restaurant & Spa in Napa. Farm wont serve pizza, but instead will highlight Italian food with California influences. Expect dishes like house-made focaccia, lamb osso buco and tortelloni with leeks and spicy Italian sausage. Originally expected to open in December, the restaurant was delayed until early 2024. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Projected opening: early 2024 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa. farmatcarneros.com Four Kings Pork chop tomato rice from pop-up Four Kings, which is opening a restaurant soon in San Francisco. Courtesy Pete Lee A Cantonese pop-up from alums of Michelin-starred Chinatown favorite Mister Jius will soon become a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Four Kings, run by chefs Franky Ho and Mike Long and their respective partners, Millie Boonkokua and Lucy Li, is headed to Chinatown early next year. Expect dishes like pork chop tomato rice, mapo spaghetti and fried squab seasoned in Chinese five spice. Ho and Long met at Mister Jius (whose kitchen has spawned many of the Bay Areas best pop-ups); Boonkokua is a manager at Liholiho Yacht Club and Good Good Culture Club in San Francisco; Li is a restaurant accountant who now works for a gaming studio. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Projected opening: early 2024 710 Commercial St., San Francisco. itsfourkings.com Il Mercato di Che Fico Pizza from Che Fico Parco Menlo in Menlo Park, which is opening an Italian market nearby with frozen pizzas, pastas and more. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Fans of San Franciscos Che Fico will soon have a dedicated spot to buy the Italian restaurants sauces, pastas and more. Che Fico is opening a specialty market at Springline in Menlo Park, steps away from its new sister restaurant at the development. Il Mercato di Che Fico will be an all-purpose grocery store, with cheese and butcher counters, Italian deli sandwiches, wine and prepared foods by the pound as well as staples like milk and eggs. A walk-up window on El Camino Real will serve coffee and breakfast sandwiches in the morning and gelato in the afternoon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Projected opening: January 1300 El Camino Real, Suite A, Menlo Park. instagram.com/mercatodichefico Il Parco A Sicilian-style spicy pepperoni pizza from Il Parco, opening in 2024 in San Francisco. Courtesy Evan Sung An Italian cafe and pizzeria backed with the expertise of a nationally renowned pizza chef is gearing up to open in San Franciscos Presidio. Il Parco, from the team behind Presidio Mexican restaurant Colibri, worked with pizza consultant Anthony Falco (formerly of New York City pizzeria hit Robertas) to create thick, focaccia-style pizzas with toppings like mortadella and spicy pepperoni. This is the first Bay Area restaurant Falco has consulted for. Il Parco will be open all day, with coffee and pastries like maritozzi, the classic Roman-style brioche buns stuffed with whipped cream, as well as wine and cocktails. Il Parco has a prime location by the picturesque Presidio Tunnel Tops park, with the Golden Gate Bridge just beyond. Projected opening: January 215 Lincoln Blvd., #215, San Francisco. instagram.com/ilparco.sf Mazra Crispy cauliflower pictured in 2022 at Mazra in San Bruno. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle One of the Bay Areas best Middle Eastern restaurants is expanding. Mazra, known for its charcoal-kissed kebabs and whole grilled cauliflower in San Bruno, will open a much-delayed second location in downtown Redwood City early next year. In addition to spit-roasted garlic chicken, lamb shanks, crispy falafel and baba ghanoush, the new Mazra will have something the original doesnt: Turkish breakfast. Expect abundant spreads of fresh Levantine breads baked in a wood-fired oven, dips, mezzes and eggs. Projected opening: February 2021 Broadway St., Redwood City. eatmazra.com Mestiza A Kamayan dinner for two will be on offer at Mestiza, a new Filipino restaurant opening in early 2024 in San Francisco. Courtesy Deanna Sison A vegetable-centric restaurant inspired by Southeast Asian and Filipino foodways is headed to San Franciscos SoMa neighborhood. Mestiza, from Deanna Sison of San Franciscos Little Skillet and Victory Hall, will be a counter-service spot during the day, serving herby, spiced dishes with an emphasis on veggies. Some nights, Mestiza will offer Kamayan-style dinners, served on banana leaves and meant for sharing. Sison collaborated with two notable Filipino chefs on some of the menu: Bay Area vegan chef Reina Montenegro and Top Chef competitor Harold Villarossa. Projected opening: February 214 Townsend St., San Francisco. mestizasf.com Minnie Bells Soul Movement Fried chicken and sides from Minnie Bells, pictured in 2020. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle One of the Bay Areas best sources of fried chicken and mac and cheese will arrive soon in San Francisco. Minnie Bells Soul Movement, currently located at the Emeryville Public Market, is opening in February in the Fillmore district, where chef-owner Fernay McPherson grew up. Shell serve her popular rosemary-infused fried chicken and new dishes such as roasted chicken with cornbread, a vegan version of her gooey mac and cheese and Sunday brunch. Projected opening: February 1375 Fillmore St., San Francisco. minniebellssoul.com Starlite The Cable Car Redux cocktail from the soon-to-reopen Starlite Room in San Francisco. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 2024 will see the revival of a historic San Francisco top-floor bar. The Starlite Room, once a haunt of Herb Caen and Tony Bennett, will return to the 21st story of the Beacon Grand Hotel in Union Square in January. James Beard-nominated Scott Baird of San Francisco cocktail institution Trick Dog is behind the drinks, including a glitter-rimmed Clarified Pornstar martini and the rum-based Cable Car Redux, finished with a table-side pour of coastal scented fog (a.k.a. dry ice). Chef Johnny Spero, who interned at Copenhagens acclaimed Noma and won his first Michelin star at his Washington, D.C., restaurant Reverie, created the food menu with snacky dishes like grilled oysters and hot fried chicken buns. Expect an Art Deco-inspired vibe, vinyl DJ sets and 360-degree city views. Projected opening: January Christians welcome government's new transgender schools guidance Teachers, children and school staff do not have to address pupils by preferred pronouns, according to the government's new transgender guidance. There is "no general duty" to permit children to socially transition and parents must be informed if they do, according to the guidance released by the Department for Education on Tuesday. "Schools and colleges should only agree to a change of pronouns ... if they are confident that the benefit to the individual child outweighs the impact on the school community," it states. The long-awaited document has finally been published after the government missed its original deadline before the summer holidays. The guidance has been given a cautious welcome by Christian groups. John Denning, head of education at The Christian Institute, welcomed the document as "a significant step in the right direction" but said that the government must now ensure it is implemented. "This guidance finally dispels the dangerous myth that schools must always accommodate social transition, should hide a child's gender confusion from their parents or allow girls' changing rooms to be accessible to boys, or vice-versa," he said. "Teachers and pupils alike will welcome the protections against compelled speech. But while the guidance is welcome, its effectiveness will only be seen in how robustly it is implemented. "Ofsted, which has in the past championed transgender ideology, now needs to ensure activists no longer get away with encouraging gender confusion." Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said that Christian parents like Nigel and Sally Rowe who challenged the DfE on its approach, have been "vindicated". "We believe that the government has listened to many of the problems we have been raising through legal cases and with the department over the last ten years," she said. "Had this guidance been followed, many more children would have been protected and several Christians we are supporting would not have lost their jobs. Today, they are vindicated. "Without the bravery of many Christians like Nigel and Sally Rowe, whose judicial review directly led to this guidance, we would still be seeing the ideology of groups like Mermaids run rampant in schools." Church of England investigates vicar who called transgender priest 'a bloke' The Church of England is investigating a vicar after he described a transgender priest as "a bloke". Rev Brett Murphy, 38, made the comments about Rev Rachel Mann, who is openly transgender, on his YouTube channel while leading St David's Church in Coalville, Leicestershire. He was responding to an announcement by the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, that Mann was being made the new Archdeacon of Bolton and Salford. He said in a YouTube video: "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." Murphy has since left the Church of England over its blessings for same-sex couples and joined the Free Church of England. The Clergy Disciplinary Measure (CDM) brought against him was originally dismissed but has been re-opened. A CDM is the CofE's formal procedure for handling allegations of serious misconduct by clergy and can lead to rebukes and dismissal and prevent further employment within the Church. The complaint against him was made by Canon Carolyn Lewis, Director for Education in Derby and Leicester Dioceses. After considering the complaint, the Bishop of Loughborough, Saju Muthalaly, decided not to launch any formal action against Murphy. This decision was later reviewed by Canon Ruth Arlow who concluded that it was "plainly wrong". "Accordingly, under section 13(3)(b) of the Measure I remit this complaint to the Bishop and direct that the Bishop reconsider his determination that there be no further action," she said. The Bishop of Loughborough will now have to decide whether to overturn his original decision and recommend that Murphy be sanctioned. Murphy said it was "scary" to be investigated under the CDM and feared for his livelihood and career. He said that CDMs are being "used as a weapon by the liberals to attack clergy who do not agree with them on sexual ethics". "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," he said. "I am concerned by how many clergy out there are going through the same process and are suffering in silence. "Many orthodox Anglican clergy are on the receiving end of a system that is being misused and abused. The process is designed to get the bad guys, the clergy who have done something seriously wrong, not for stating biological truth that is aligned with the CofE's own teaching." Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting Murphy, said: "The Christian Legal Centre is dealing with a huge volume of cases involving clergy who have been intimidated and punished simply for expressing standard Christian beliefs on marriage and sexual ethics. "Promoting same-sex blessings is a catastrophe for the CofE. It is a clear departure from the biblical model for marriage. We will continue to see the Church of England decline if it insists on continuing this course. "The churches that are growing in the UK are the ones that hold fast to traditional biblical teaching on marriage and family. This is what people want and expect from the Church." The Church of England has been contacted for comment. The government's transgender school's guidance is a step in the right direction The Christian Institute's head of education, John Denning, responds to the publication of the government's draft transgender guidance for schools. This long-awaited draft guidance for schools on gender-questioning children is a significant step in the right direction. No child is born in the wrong body. Schools should not teach them they can be, or treat them as if they are. Just as medical professionals must 'first do no harm', so education professionals must 'first tell no lies'. When girls think they are really boys, or boys think they are really girls, the only kind response is to help them to be reconciled to the truth about their bodies. To affirm their confusion is to encourage them to reject their bodies and embark on what can be a deeply harmful course of action, leading in some cases to permanent and profound damage to their bodies and their future lives and relationships. It affects not only them as individuals but also other pupils. We are regularly contacted by teachers under huge pressure to affirm a falsehood and insist to other children, sometimes as young as four, that another child is a girl when they are really a boy. This guidance finally dispels the dangerous myth that schools must always accommodate social transition, should hide a child's gender confusion from their parents, or allow girls' changing rooms to be accessible to boys, or vice-versa. Teachers and pupils alike will welcome the protections against compelled speech. But while the guidance is welcome, its effectiveness will only be seen in how robustly it is implemented. Ofsted, which has in the past championed transgender ideology, now needs to ensure activists no longer get away with encouraging gender confusion. Support from the DfE has been notably absent for those who have tried to push back against gender ideology in the past. Legal action was needed to restore a parent governor to her role after she was dismissed for raising concerns with the trans-affirming sex ed policy at her children's primary school. She is still awaiting the DfE's response to her complaint submitted in June 2022. What is the Good News? A response to Jayne Ozanne's reinterpretation It's Christmas time and all over the country people will read and hear, many for the umpteenth time, Luke's account of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20). I have been meditating and reflecting each day for the past six weeks on the lead up to this and the words themselves. The advantage of meditating and chewing on something slowly is that you get to digest it and appreciate it more. I have found this especially true with the words of the angel announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds "Don't be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people" (Luke 2:10). The words are so familiar that we often do end up treating them with contempt. Nonetheless they are stunning. But what is this Good News? The Church of England, as the Church of Scotland and much of the rapidly declining mainstream denominations in the West, seem greatly confused. I recall a group of Scottish politicians who had asked a group of 'representative' clergy to give advice and how confused they were. "You seem to believe in two different religions" was their accurate observation. Indeed the trumpet has been giving an uncertain sound for many years. Jayne Ozanne, the former evangelical, who once believed the Good News, has now come to agree with this view that there are two different versions of Christianity which are incompatible with one another. She wrote of this in a revealing article earlier this month. I want to reflect on this not from a personal basis but simply because Ozanne's teaching is a perfect example of the kind of anti-Christian teaching which is destroying the Church of England. She is right, but not for the reasons she expounds. As I wrote about an earlier debate she had with Peter Lynas on the question of conversion therapy, this is not just about two different versions of Christianity, but rather about two different Christianities. Jayne's version of the Good News is that God loves us whatever we do, and there is no need for us to repent to enjoy that love. For her, God's love is unconditional, while the opposing view is bound in by various actions. As a soundbite it sounds neat and even good but it completely disintegrates on closer examination into a vacuous empty mist. She justifies her claim by somewhat bizarrely, declaring that the thief on the Cross did not repent of his sin, something she does not know and which goes against the clear implication of the text that he did, unlike his colleague. If Jayne were right, then it would mean that not only the thief who recognised Christ was saved, but also the one who cursed him. Jayne, as a religious leader, says that Jesus condemned religious leaders. Indeed, he did. But what for? For going away from the Scriptures the very thing she herself is urging us to do. God tells us that we must repent. Jesus tells us that those who do not repent will perish (Luke 13:3-5). Was Jesus wrong? Did he not understand what he was saying?! He goes even further when he tells the church in Thyatira that in his mercy he has granted them time to repent of the teaching of Jezebel who misleads his people into sexual immorality and idolatry but if they don't, they will 'suffer intensely' (Revelation 2:18-25). This is hardly the "unconditional love which doesn't require repentance" that Jayne argues for. But it gets worse. We are told that Jesus in John 3:15 says that whoever believes in him may have eternal life - "No caveats". The trouble is that belief in him (which includes repentance) is the caveat. Says who? Well, Jesus actually! He goes on to say, "whoever does not believe stands condemned already" (John 3:18). Jayne says repentance is "not a salvation matter". The writer to the Hebrews says it is foundational (Hebrews 6:1). The Jesus Jayne has invented has nothing to do with the Jesus of the Bible who preached that repentance was of the essence of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:17), who stated that "repentance for the forgiveness of sins" was the gospel (Luke 24:47), and who said that he had come to call sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). Ozanne, and those who share her theology, state that the world needs abundant grace now more than ever. Indeed, it does. But it needs that grace and love to have some meaning and content. A world in which God just forgives everyone because 'that's his job', a world which does not require a new birth, the cross, the resurrection, repentance, baptism etc is not the real world. Jayne's new church is not about Christ. It is about protecting sexual identities. It is a graceless world one where those who disagree with Jayne's theology will find themselves faced with the threat of the law (see the earlier exchange with Peter Lynas). It is a hopeless world, one where there is no crucified Christ to hope in. And it is a fantasy tinsel world, where the Christmas tree replaces the tree on which Christ died. It is a world with fake fairies and fake 'good news'. Not the glorious news that the angels brought of a Saviour who had come into the world to save his people. It was to those who received him that he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). Those who do not receive are excluded. They refuse to come into the light and so they get what they want the darkness. Jayne may not like that teaching of Christ but it is his teaching, and those who profess to follow him must accept his teaching. It is also the teaching of the Church of England in its 39 Articles. In permitting the blessing of gay couples in church, the Church of England has gone against its own doctrine and more importantly gone against the doctrines of Jesus Christ. It's not that this is the key issue but it is the presenting issue. When the Church is asked whether it will go with the societal elites or follow the Word of Christ, it has deliberately and consciously chosen the way of Baal. Jesus warns the Ephesian church that if they do not repent, he will remove their lampstand (Revelation 2:5) - in other words, destroy their church. The Church of England is faced with the same choice. It can choose the way of Jezebel, or it can choose the way of Christ. It cannot do both. But I do not want to leave it there. At Christmas we feast. And Christ invites us to feast with him. He doesn't force himself upon us. He knocks. He rebukes. He disciplines.He loves. He speaks. He calls for repentance. He asks to come in. He promises to come in. "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me" (Revelation 3:20). Merry Christmas - or Happy Christ's Time! David Robertson is the minister of Scots Kirk Presbyterian Church in Newcastle, New South Wales. He blogs at The Wee Flea. With crime rates in California at historic lows, the state should take steps to reduce prison sentences and limit or ban fines for low-income defendants, a state panel said Tuesday. Juliana Yamada/The Chronicle With crime rates in California at historic lows, the state should take steps to reduce prison sentences particularly for older inmates, who pose relatively little danger and limit or ban fines for low-income defendants, a state panel said Tuesday in its annual report to lawmakers. Research shows that long prison sentences do not improve public safety and produce significant racial disparities, said the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code. Although the states prison population of 95,000 is its lowest since 1990, the committee said, high incarceration rates and alarming racial disparities continue to plague our system. Among the changes it recommended is a law that would allow anyone who has served at least 15 years in prison to ask a judge for a reduced sentence. If this recommendation is too ambitious, the panel said, legislation could allow shortened sentences for 15-year inmates who either are now older than 50 or were younger than 26 when they committed their crime. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Changing the law to allow people who have served a significant period of time in prison to apply for resentencing directly to a court would create significant cost savings for the state while preserving public safety, the report said. Other proposals include: Expansion of Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD, now a pilot program in San Francisco and Los Angeles County that allows police to refer people to community agencies instead of jail after arrests for possession or sale of drugs or prostitution. The program, supported by police agencies, appears to be succeeding, the report said 12 months after the referrals in San Francisco, felony arrests for participants were about 60% lower than for similarly situated defendants who were released after being jailed, and misdemeanor arrests were nearly 85% lower. The panel said LEAD should be extended to other counties and applied to crimes such as theft and burglary. The program, supported by police agencies, appears to be succeeding, the report said 12 months after the referrals in San Francisco, felony arrests for participants were about 60% lower than for similarly situated defendants who were released after being jailed, and misdemeanor arrests were nearly 85% lower. The panel said LEAD should be extended to other counties and applied to crimes such as theft and burglary. Prohibiting a monetary fine as part of a criminal sentence when the defendants income is no more than 25% above the federal poverty standard, or is represented by a public defender because he or she cannot afford a private lawyer. In other cases, the committee said, the sentencing judge should still determine a defendants ability to pay before imposing a fine. Ordering people to pay amounts they cannot afford does not improve public safety, the report said. The committee was established by state law in 2020 to address prison overcrowding and recommend changes in criminal laws and the justice system. The current six-member panel includes four appointees of Gov. Gavin Newsom and two legislators, Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, and Assembly Majority Leader Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Our recommendations aim to improve public safety, optimize law enforcement resources, and reduce unfair and biased criminal law practices, said the panels chairman, Michael Romano, a Stanford Law School lecturer and former director of the schools Criminal Defense Clinic. California imposed some of the nations longest prison sentences after its voters in 1994 approved the Three Strikes law, which required a term of 25 years to life for anyone with two serious or violent felony convictions who committed a third felony. The voters modified Three Strikes in 2012 with Proposition 36, which imposed a 25-to-life sentence only if the third strike was a serious or violent felony. Two years later, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the state to reduce its prison population by more than 30,000 after a judge found that overcrowding was causing shoddy prison health care. Prop. 36 appears to be working, the panels report said: Among all inmates released from California prisons in recent years, 42% were convicted of a new crime within three years, while just 27% of those freed under the terms of Prop. 36 had new convictions and less than 2% of those were for violent crimes. Crime in California, which declined at the start of the pandemic, increased by about 6% in 2022 for both violent offenses and property crimes, the report said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the crime rate is still much lower than it was several decades ago, the panel said: 55% below the peak rate for violent crimes recorded in 1992, and 66% less than the highest rate for property crimes, recorded in 1980. And the rate for 2023 so far shows promising signs, the report said: According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, data from eight populous areas of the state through September showed a 3% decrease in violent crime, and a 16% decline in homicides, compared with the same period in 2022. The rate dropped by about 7% in San Francisco but rose by 22% in Oakland. The big U.S. social media companies are facing lawsuits brought by public entities that seek to hold them to account for a huge societal problem in this case, the mental health crisis among youth. Richard Drew/Associated Press A school district in San Mateo County has joined the parade of lawsuits accusing Facebook, Instagram, Google and other social media platforms of designing their systems to addict youngsters, harming the youths and their schools while boosting the companies advertising revenues. This case represents one of the most serious issues facing the nations children, adolescents and teenagers perhaps the most serious mental health crisis they have ever faced, lawyers for the San Bruno Park School District said in a damage suit filed in federal court on Friday. The district has about 2,000 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, as well as SnapChat, TikTok and other media giants purposefully designed their platforms to be addictive and to deliver harmful content to youth, the suit alleged. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As a result, the boards lawyers said, communities are experiencing an unprecedented flood of cases of mental and emotional trauma among youths, including uncontrollable anxiety, feelings of extreme sadness and hopelessness, depression, lack of interest in activities that used to give joy, suicidal ideation, and plans/attempts at suicide. According to the suit, a nationwide survey found that 1 in 10 teenagers reported having tried to kill themselves in 2021. A similar suit was filed in March by the San Mateo County Board of Education, represented by the same law firm, Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy. Both suits have been assigned to U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of Oakland, who is handling such cases nationwide. Hundreds of those cases have been filed by individuals, and Gonzalez Rogers ruled last month that their suits could proceed, denying the companies motion to dismiss most of the claims against them. Lawyers for Meta, Facebook and Instagram had argued in court filings that there is no legal duty to prevent addictive online services. But Gonzalez Rogers, while not deciding whether the youths rights had been violated, said the platforms alleged actions were not protected by freedom of speech or by a federal law, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, that shields online platforms from liability for the content they post. Most of the allegations against the companies involve their own conduct, the judge said for example, failing to notify parents that their children are using the platforms, making it hard for users to delete their accounts and using notifications and other techniques to increase addictive use. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Los Angeles judge issued a similar ruling in October allowing youths to sue the social media companies in state courts. Where a provider manipulates third-party content in a manner that may injure a user, Section 230 does not provide immunity, said Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl. In response to the San Bruno suit, Jose Castaneda, a spokesperson for Google, said Monday, Providing young people with a safer, healthier experience has always been core to our work. In collaboration with youth, mental health and parenting experts, we built services and policies to provide young people with age-appropriate experiences, and parents with robust controls. The allegations in these complaints are simply not true. According to the suit, however, the companies response has been to blame the victim and misrepresent their own actions. The lawyers quoted Jennifer Stout, vice president for global public policy at Snap Inc., who told a U.S. Senate subcommittee in 2021 that there is no content (in SnapChat) that is hurtful. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone celebrates Easter Mass at St. Marys Cathedral in San Francisco on April 12, 2020. Jeff Chiu/Associated Press San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, a longtime national leader of the Catholic Churchs opposition to same-sex marriage, didnt embrace the Vaticans approval for priests to bless same-sex couples Monday. If the Vaticans intent was to appear more welcoming to gay Catholics, the churchs leader in one of the worlds LGBTQ meccas did not publicly say whether he would bless gay couples. Instead, Cordileones terse response pointed to the other part of the papal message: The church still doesnt approve of same-sex nuptials or relationships, despite its message Monday, Cordileone noted. Nor is the Vatican allowing blessings to occur as part of any civil service, matrimonial service or when any clothing, gestures or words that are proper to a wedding are involved, according to the document released Monday by the Vatican. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The churchs definition of marriage a union between a woman and a man has not changed, Cordileone emphasized in his statement to the Chronicle. I encourage those who have questions to read the Vatican declaration closely, and in continuity with the Churchs unchanging teaching, Cordileone said. Doing so will enable one to understand how it encourages pastoral solicitude while maintaining fidelity to the Lord Jesus Christ. Cordileone did not respond to questions about whether his pastoral solicitude, or concern, would include blessing a same-sex couple or whether he approved of the Vaticans message. Tom Poundstone, a professor of theology and religious studies at St. Marys College of California, said Cordileones lack of embracing, even celebrating this development is telling. It is diplomatic, Poundstone said of the archbishops statement. But in its tone and words, it is far from embracing the innovative dimensions of the (declaration) that explicitly says are designed to broaden and enrich the classical understanding of blessings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Poundstone said we have to wonder whether Cordileones use of the phrase unchanging teaching is capable of accounting for, let alone welcoming this development and growth, or does he feature the word unchanging to imply that development, even change, are not possible? Cordlieone once referred to same-sex marriage as the ultimate attack of the Evil One. Yet, the Vatican appointed him to be San Franciscos archbishop in 2012, at the height of the national political dispute about whether gay couples should be allowed to marry. The Supreme Court legalized same-sex nuptials in 2015. When asked whether he thought the Vatican was sending a message by appointing him to the leadership position in San Francisco, Cordileone told the Chronicle in 2013 that I cant imagine it wasnt a factor, but Im sure it was one of many factors that were considered. He helped raise $1.5 million to put Proposition 8 on the statewide 2008 ballot and then rallied evangelical Christians and Mormons to help pass the measure that banned same-sex marriage in California. Cordileone was as instrumental as anybody in helping to pass Prop. 8, conservative political consultant Frank Schubert told the Chronicle in 2012. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shortly before Election Day in November 2008, Cordileone led a procession into San Diegos Qualcomm Stadium that featured speakers, including evangelist James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, and others who believe in reparative therapy treatment based on the idea that LGTBQ individuals can be cured. He now serves on the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, & Youth of the politically vocal U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Yet, Cordileones reaction Monday fell short of the olive branch that the frequently right-leaning conference offered. The statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops emphasized the difference between a public blessing given during a religious service and one given less formally by a pastor which may be given to persons who desire Gods loving grace in their lives. But the statement pointed out that the Churchs teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs Gods healing love and mercy in our lives. Cordileone has never shied from political combat. He has said that neither Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a Catholic who lives in his diocese, nor President Joe Biden, should be permitted to receive Holy Eucharist because of their support for abortion rights. Pelosi later received the sacrament from Pope Francis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But while Cordileone has focused his pro-life message on the abortion stances of Pelosi and Biden, he has not publicly focused his opposition to the death penalty by calling out politicians by name on that issue. Nor has he shied away from taking a different position from Pope Francis. In 2021, Cordileone declined to get a COVID-19 vaccine because he said his immune system is strong and that his personal physician told him it was probably not necessary for me to be vaccinated. Earlier that year, Pope Francis had said getting vaccinated was a moral obligation. Enterprises are under increasing pressure from consumers, investors and regulators to demonstrate their sustainability credentials. The position is stark: data shows global temperatures may rise by 2.4-2.6 degrees Celsius by the end of the century[1], surpassing the 1.5 degree rise the world was trying to avert. Businesses certainly are working toward sustainability goals. Procurement Leaders Organization[2] research shows nearly 80% of chief procurement officers are under greater scrutiny from the C-Suite to mobilize on ESG-related initiatives. But without the proper data managed in a way that can generate actionable insights, it can be hard to measure, act and report on sustainability efforts. For true ESG success and to make a real dent in climate change, the first step is to holistically collect, organize and analyze their sustainability-related supply chain data. We truly believe that now is an imperative time for organizations to not only have an ESG strategy, but also to figure out how to best mobilize on it, says Rafiq Merchant, Senior Director, GEP. The market really is demanding that companies achieve that operational sustainability. Anticipating regulations So, what does the regulatory landscape look like? Europe has been a leader with landmark legislation such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. The U.S. is following suit. Youre starting to see that momentum in the U.S. at a national level and in some instance at the state level as well, says Merchant. Enterprises are anticipating regulations such as the SECs proposed climate disclosure rule[3], which would make having a clear ESG strategy even more critical for companies looking to make strides toward sustainability. Yet on this crucial imperative, companies are still struggling to create an effective plan which allows them to achieve their goals. The truth is that they need help. A one-stop-shop for sustainability GEPs end-to-end sustainability management platform hosts all sustainability-related data in one spot. The tool includes a simple interface where users can upload data from various source systems and have the tool analyze and provide an accurate organizational level baseline. It gives enterprises a granular view of sustainability, showing the overall emissions impact caused by a variety of categories in areas related to products, employee travel and transportation. The platform is that one-stop-shop, says Merchant. Its a really powerful way for you to make meaningful progress for your operational supply chain and ESG goals. GEP Greens recommendation engine is powered by GEPs generative AI. It helps various stakeholders collaborate to create an actionable road map and list of projects to contribute to corporate-wide goals like reducing carbon emissions or water usage or eliminating waste. The view of the overall supplier landscape and how suppliers are progressing on their ESG goals helps give executives an easy-to-understand view of how the organization is progressing. With GEP Green, enterprises can translate their emissions reduction progress and easily report on their sustainability progress through annual reports. GEP Green is designed to be an end-to-end sustainability management solution for your supply chain sustainability goals. Merchant says. Learn more about GEP Green. [1] United Nations, Technical dialogue of the first global stocktake. Synthesis report by the co-facilitators on the technical dialogue, September 2023 [2] Procurement leaders, Thoughts from Day 1 and Day 2 of Americas Procurement Congress, September 2021 [3] Deloitte, The SEC unveils environmental disclosure requirements At the recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), Huawei and e& announced the inauguration of the regions ground-breaking net-zero 5G massive MIMO site, setting new benchmarks in sustainability and technological innovation. This site is powered entirely by renewable energy and represents the convergence of sustainability and cutting-edge wireless technology. Massive MIMO technology, the cornerstone of 5G, improves capacity, coverage and user experience. The collaboration not only ushers a new era of green network infrastructure, highlighting the future low carbon potential of the telecom industry, it is also the regions most energy-efficient fully off-grid 5G site to date, powered by an innovative AI-based energy management system. The expectant result is a reduction in CO2 emissions by about 26 tonnes per year. Increasing costs and demand for 5G among barriers to reduce emissions Since 2020, the cost of energy has risen significantly, increasing telcos operating costs, either directly, where they are using generators, or indirectly, where they are using the power grid. At the same time, base stationsaccounting for most of the energy consumption for a typical mobile networkare increasingly equipped with 5G radios. While this enhances the user experience, it often consumes more power. Against this backdrop, telecoms operators are constantly seeking ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs. To do that without impacting their customer experience, they need to maximise the use of renewable energy such as solar and wind power. Driving change through energy efficient and zero-carbon sites As part of their efforts to pilot solutions, e& and Huawei have transformed one of the base stations into a zero-carbon site as a proof of concept at the EXPO City in Dubai, using solar panels and smart lithium ion batteries. During the daytime, the solar panels charge the batteries and supply power to the base station. In turn, the batteries supply power to the base station during the night. The site is a model of green innovation, using solar power and smart energy storage solutions at every turn. It utilises advanced MetaAAU (64T64R with 384 antenna array), multi-band RRUwhich reduces the radio weight by up to 66%and green antennas to improve energy efficiency by up to 25%. Managed by NetEco, an artificial intelligence system, the sites energy consumption is meticulously optimised with a focus on real-time energy management. Huawei and e& described the base station as the first 100% off-grid 5G massive MIMO site, the first AI-based energy management site, and the first autonomous energy efficiency site in the Middle East. To help achieve e&s 2030 net zero goal, Huawei has also signed an MoU with e& to help with decarbonisation across all its ICT infrastructure, including RAN sites, fixed access, transport network, core, storage, and data centres. The effort to decarbonise e&s network will employ a mix of Huaweis energy-efficient technology innovations and solutions. Digital Revolutions powered by Renewable Energy On the side lines of COP28, AE4RIA and Huawei also hosted a session with the UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub to Accelerate Green Innovation and released an important white paper titled Twin Skills for the Twin Transition: Defining Green Digital Skills and Jobs. Opening the event, Vicky Zhang, Vice President of Corporate Affairs from Huawei, said, I am proud to launch the new report today with our partners. The report focuses on developing a new classification for Green Digital Skills that will define the course of action to reskill and upskill people to build and spread the net-zero technologies needed to achieve the Paris Agreement objectives. In an era of multiple crises, addressing economic growth without paying equal attention to sustainability is no longer possible and does not ultimately produce the expected financial results. The presence of digital technologies in almost all aspects of our lives has exponentially increased the speed of changes and impact on people and businessesand this digital transition will only be successful if it is a clean-tech revolution. Producing the green energy required for this transition will require new skills that create new jobs, and Huawei underscored its commitment to sustainability with this paper, which serves as a blueprint for the journey. The report is now available at: https://www.europeandigitalskills.eu/white-paper/ Articol adaugat de: DRC Moldova Alte articole de la acest autor: Tearfund has spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on severance settlements for four staff members over the last three years. The global development charity has also been accused of using controversial non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to prevent departing staff from speaking about their experiences of making allegations of bullying. Tearfund works in over 50 countries and last year had an income of 76m, including nearly 3m from UK government contracts and grants. The charity says it uses NDAs appropriately. Severance settlements worth thousands Tearfunds most recent sets of accounts make no reference to NDA policy but show that it has made substantial severance payments to at least four members of staff since 2017. Three of these payments relate to staff in the UK and one to a member of staff working overseas. Such payments only show up in annual accounts when they result in an employee receiving more than 60,000 during the year, triggering a requirement that charities publish information about that staff member. According to those accounts, severance payments meant that one member of staff received gross earnings of 92,538 in 2017-18; another received gross earnings of 115,585 in 2018-19; and two more received gross earnings totalling 213,124 in 2019-20. A Tearfund spokesperson said: The 2019-20 and 2018-19 payments included in our annual reports are the results of a three-year international review and consist of both salaries and redundancy payments to long-standing employees. 2017-18 was the paying-out of a contract to a non-UK national in one of the countries where we operate. The charity added that the 2017-18 case involved a confidentiality agreement with the departing member of staff by mutual consent. Allegations Meanwhile, documents seen by Civil Society News show that in one case, Tearfunds trustees used an NDA in a financial settlement with an employee who was in the middle of bringing a grievance against the charity over alleged bullying. The secret deal banned the member of staff from making any adverse or derogatory comment about Tearfund after they left their job. They were also required to destroy all communications relating to their role at the charity, and could not contradict the charitys official account of why they left. In return, they received a five-figure pay-off, and the charity paid for additional arrangements for the ex-employee including a therapeutic retreat. In a second, separate case, another employee, who had also complained to their managers about alleged bullying at Tearfund, told Civil Society News that they were also asked to sign an NDA as part of a settlement deal with the charity. This employee declined the offer. NDAs and cover-up culture Tearfund said that it uses NDAs in staff settlements on very rare occasions as a way to achieve appropriate settlement of disputes. The charity refused to say how many times it had used NDAs in the last five years or whether they had ever used gagging clauses in agreements when grievance claims were ongoing. A committee of MPs warned last year that NDAs can contribute to a cover-up culture at organisations which use them. The MPs stressed that confidentiality clauses can be a valid part of agreements between employers and staff, but expressed grave concerns about their unethical use. Gagging agreements becoming more common at aid charities Last week it was alleged that another international development charity, Unicef UK, had agreed an NDA with chief executive Mike Penrose when he left his role there in 2019. NDAs are "becoming more common" at aid charities, in both employment contracts and severance settlements, according to the specialist international development news website Devex. The regulator Tearfund did not respond to questions about whether it had ever been in contact with the Charity Commission about its use of NDAs. However, Civil Society News has seen evidence that the regulator gave the charity advice on its use of NDAs earlier this year. The Charity Commission confirmed that it had previously assessed concerns about the charitys use of settlement agreements, and had decided no further action was necessary. The Commission investigated the use of NDAs at the Alzheimers Society in 2019 after concerns were raised by former members of staff. The Commission concluded that Alzheimers Society trustees had acted appropriately, but advised them to consider how the charitys NDA policy might affect public trust and confidence in the charity. Tearfund: Careful consideration over NDA use A Tearfund spokesperson said: It is generally accepted that there is a place for the use of settlement agreements to allow parties to resolve their disputes and to move on with their lives. In order to allow for the appropriate settlement of disputes, there needs to be a means to protect individuals and the work of the organisation. On the very rare occasions that Tearfund uses a settlement agreement as a way to draw a line and move on from a complex situation, a confidentiality clause is used in order to benefit both parties. Agreeing to a settlement agreement isnt something we do often or without careful consideration. Our settlement agreements make clear that they do not in any way prevent the individual from making a disclosure to the relevant regulatory bodies. sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Britains ruthless tabloid newspapers often make headlines themselves. The phone hacking scandal of 2011, which centered on Rupert Murdochs Sunday News of the World newspaper, accused tabloid reporters of spying on actors, royals, politicians, and even a murdered schoolgirl and victims of a London terror attack. Prince Harry and other celebrity claimants are currently pushing other cases alleging tabloid overreach and nefarious reporting tactics, with a court on Friday awarding them damages for illegal information gathering by the Mirror. Both have sparked a debate in Britainare the tabloids crossing the occasional line in service of the good, or are they endemically corrupt? Are they, to quote one left-wing British politician, operating out of casual malice, for money, for spite, for sport? Recently, another caseone of Britains longest-standing unsolved murdershas shed new light on what former British prime minister Gordon Brown called the criminal-media nexus, in this case the point at which the police, private detectives with close links to the police, and the tabloid press meet. On March 10, 1987, Daniel Morgan, thirty-seven, was found dead, with an ax in his head, in the parking lot of the Golden Lion pub in South London. He was a private detective who had spoken to friends of blowing the whistle on institutional corruption in the Metropolitan Police, Britains most powerful police force. When he was killed, Morgan was working for a firm called Southern Investigations, which he cofounded with his business partner Jonathan Rees. Rees had connections to local law enforcement and was friends with detective sergeant Sid Fillery, a local police officer. Fillery had been moonlighting unofficially for the firm, according to documents unearthed in the first investigation. After Morgan was murdered, Fillery was assigned to the investigation team, according to Met documents, and he even took Reess statement and searched Southern Investigations premises himself, internal records show. But a few weeks later, Fillery and Reesalong with Reess brothers-in-law and two police officerswere arrested on suspicion of murder. Rees, it was alleged at an inquest in 1988, had told a company bookkeeper he planned to have Morgan murdered so Fillery could leave the police to join as Reess new partner. They maintained their innocence, and suggested Morgans death was a mugging gone bad. Fillery did become Reess partner in 1989. Rees was arrested again in a second investigation, by Hampshire police in that year, and charged with murder, but the case was later dropped. In 2009, Rees and Fillery faced proceedings for murder. But the case collapsed. We still do not know exactly what happened to Morgan, or whose hands wielded the ax. Sign up for CJR 's daily email And there are allegations that such obfuscation may have been deliberate. In 2021, an independent panel, ordered by Britains home secretary, concluded that police corruption had hampered the probe into Morgans murder from the very beginning. And it went right to the top of the tree. The panel said the thenpolice commissioner, Cressida Dick, had helped muddy the inquiry, refusing investigators access to police files without any reasonable explanation. The haze of the blue wallthe internal code that binds police officers in secrecy to protect their organizationhad descended over Morgans killing, the panel suggested: The Metropolitan Police placed its concern for its own reputation above the public interest. The panel also implicated the media in an illicit trade in information. One of Southern Investigations (later Law & Commercials) main income streams was selling stories to tabloid newspapers. During the murders fourth investigation, led by detective chief superintendent David Cook, Cook was surveilled by NOTW journalists, who had connections with suspects Rees and Fillery. After his arrests, Rees continued to work for Murdochs News International. When NOTW unraveled and was shut down, in 2011, it was revealed that Rees had earned 150,000 ($188,000) a year for selling the paper stories. The intrusiveness and effectiveness of British tabloid media dark arts, said Peter Jukes, executive editor of the Byline Times and host of the podcast Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder, was unparalleled. Though its not clear who did what and when, it was a common practice for newsrooms to have a private detective with close links to the police on the payroll. Their services likely included paying the police for information. No other country has that level and history of underhanded media tactics on an industrial scale, Jukes told me. As well as publishing embarrassing stories, the papers are suspected of withholding them to barter or curry favor, a practice known as catch and kill. This allowed the tabloid press to have one foot in Downing Street and another in the criminal underworld, Jukes allegesmaximizing its power. This year, after decades of obfuscation from the Met, commissioner Mark Rowley gave the strongest police statement about the case yet. He unequivocally and unreservedly apologized for failures to catch Morgans killer, and reiterated a dedication to tackling corruption in the Metropolitan Police. His words were a vindication for longtime criticsand a condemnation for parts of Britains media and the company they kept. Jem Bartholomew is a freelance reporter. He was previously a Reporting Fellow at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism. Jems writing has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Economist, Time, New York magazine, and others. NEW YORK (AP) A storm barreled up the East Coast on Monday, flooding roads and downing trees in the Northeast, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, and forcing flight cancelations and school closures. More than 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain had fallen in parts of New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania by mid-morning, and parts in several other states got more than 4 inches (10 centimeters), according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts reached nearly 70 mph (113 kph) along the southern New England shoreline. Power was knocked out for more than 600,000 customers in an area stretching from Virginia north through New England, including over 237,000 in Massachusetts and 141,000 in Maine, according to poweroutage.us. Maines largest utility, Central Maine Power, reported that 17% of its customers were without power. In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills said all state offices would close for the afternoon. With the storm expected to grow stronger in the coming hours, I encourage all Maine people to be safe and vigilant and to exercise caution when traveling, she said in a statement. The weather service issued flood and flash-flood warnings for New York City and the surrounding area, parts of Pennsylvania, upstate New York, western Connecticut, western Massachusetts and parts of New Hampshire and Maine. Trees and power lines fell in many areas, including some that landed on homes and cars. In the coastal town of Guilford, Connecticut, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Hartford, a tree fell on a police cruiser but the officer escaped injury, officials said. Certain roads throughout the region were closed due to flooding or downed trees. Heavy rain and high tides caused flooding along the Jersey Shore, leading authorities to block off roads near Barnegat Bay in Bay Head and Mantoloking. The flooding was made worse by leaf piles that residents had put out for collection but was blocking water from reaching drains. In northeastern and central Pennsylvania, heavy rain that fell overnight flooded ponds, streams and creeks in several counties, forcing authorities to close several major roadways. The Delaware River spilled over its banks in suburban Philadelphia, leading to road closures. In the suburb of Washington Crossing, crews placed barriers along roadways and worked to clear fallen tree limbs. Seven people died after flash flooding in that area over the summer. Many flights were cancelled or delayed across the region. Boston`s Logan International Airport grounded all flights Monday morning because of the poor conditions, leading to more than 100 canceled flights and about 375 delays, according to the flight-tracking service FlightAware. At New York City area airports, nearly 80 flights were canceled and more than 90 were delayed. In Rhode Island, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed parts of Providences hurricane barrier system to prevent flooding from storm surge, Mayor Brett Smiley said. The Providence River gates were closed in the morning and another gate was scheduled to close. City Hall in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was closed due to leaks and water damage from its landmark tower, the city posted online. Some schools canceled classes, sent students home early or delayed their openings due to the storm. Among them were schools in Vermont that closed early. A numbers of roads were also closed around the state due to flooding, including in Ludlow, the southern Vermont community that was hit hard by flooding in July. Commuter rail systems were reporting weather-related delays. Take mass transit and stay off the roads if possible, New York City Mayor Eric Adams wrote on X. In New York City, high winds caused the temporary closure of the Verrazzano Bridge. It reopened later Monday morning, but with a ban on large vehicles. Rhode Island officials also were prohibiting tractor-trailers on the Newport Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges over Narragansett Bay because of the wind. State government officials urged people to avoid traveling and driving on flooded roads. In western New York, several inches (centimeters) of lake-effect snow were expected Monday night into Tuesday as temperatures drop. In South Carolina on Sunday, the tide in Charleston Harbor reached 9.86 feet (3 meters) just before noon, which was the fourth-highest reading ever. This was a tough and frustrating day for our citizens, as historic high tides came up and over the land in the city, flooding cars, homes, businesses and streets, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said, adding there were no reports of serious injuries. Tecklenburg said the city is working with the Army Corps of Engineers to protect against tidal flooding and to adapt to sea level rise and climate change. Monday`s rain and wind came a week after a storm caused flooding and power outages in the Northeast after spawning deadly tornadoes in Tennessee. Top photo: A worker clears debris from a storm drain in Collingdale, Pa., Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. A storm moving up the East Coast has brought heavy rain and high winds to the Northeast, threatening flooding, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, and forcing flight cancelations and school closings. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Lebanese carpenter who helped a friend smuggle guns from Cleveland to Beirut apologized on Tuesday and asked for forgiveness before a federal judge sentenced him to 18 months in prison. Jean Youssef Issa made no money from an operation carried out by a former Cleveland pizza shop owner who became a bodyguard for a high-powered Lebanese political leader. U.S. District Judge Solomon Olivers sentence means Issa, 49, will spend two more weeks in federal custody before hes deported to Lebanon. The sentence includes the time Issa has served while awaiting the cases outcome. I apologize to the U.S. government, Issa said through an Arabic interpreter. I hope I can return to my children. I really wasnt involved in this. I didnt mean to put anyone in harms way. Oliver agreed with defense attorney Mark Marein, who argued that Issa had stumbled into an international gun smuggling operation. George Ajaltouni led the scheme that ferried 93 guns hidden in car parts to Lebanon, where gun restrictions make it difficult to buy guns. The judge found Issa had no major role in the operation and that an 18-month sentence is about average for a similar defendant who never before had been arrested or accused of criminal wrongdoing. You clearly did something against the law, and you knew what you were doing, Oliver said. There was a large amount of guns involved. The object of the conspiracy was for profit, and you got nothing. Marein sought a sentence of time served, saying his client acted out of stupidity and learned his lesson. Federal prosecutors sought a two-year prison sentence, citing the 93 guns bought by Ajaltouni and others around Northeast Ohio and shipped to Lebanon from May 2011 through September 2014. Issa is a husband and father of three children under the ages of 13. He helped Ajaltouni, his friend, with work on Ajaltounis basement in Rocky River in August 2014. Ajaltouni asked him to help wrap some of the guns and hide them in car parts before shipment. Seeing the enormous number of guns he wrapped, stored and hid, he may not have intended to hurt anyone, but he put a lot of people at a huge risk, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Kall said. Ajaltouni and Issa were indicted in 2016, but the case wasnt unsealed until the international police agency Interpol arrested Issa on July 5, 2022, in Germany. Issa at the time was travelling between Belgium, where his wife works, and Lebanon. Ajaltouni has not been arrested and is believed to be in Lebanon, which does not have an extradition agreement with the United States. The investigation landed three other convictions. Ajaltounis wife and brother were sentenced to probation for a sham marriage meant to speed up Ajaltounis wifes citizenship status. And a Richfield man, Timothy Cassinger, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for buying guns on Ajaltounis behalf. Spanish authorities intercepted 11 of those en route to Beirut. For years, Ajaltouni lived in Rocky River and North Olmsted and owned a Georgios Pizza on Clevelands West Side. When he left the United States, he opened a restaurant and became part of the security team for Gebran Bassil, the leader of Lebanons largest Christian political party and the son-in-law of Lebanons former president, Michael Auon. Auon, a former Lebanese foreign minister, holds major political influence in the country and was sanctioned in 2020 by the U.S. State Department on accusations of corruption. Oliver asked federal prosecutors whether they believe Ajaltouni smuggled the guns for more than just massive profits. Were unsure of the political purposes, Kall said. Thats not charged in this case, but we have suspicions. Adam Ferrise covers federal courts at cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. You can find his work here. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Bidens push to have Congress replenish wartime aid for Ukraine as part of a deal on border and immigration policy changes will almost certainly drag into next year. The Senate, which had postponed its holiday recess, returned to Washington on Monday after negotiators worked through the weekend on the border legislation, trying to reach an agreement that could unlock the Republican votes for Bidens $110 billion package of aid for Ukraine, Israel and other security priorities. But senators said they still had plenty of work ahead, and it remained uncertain how many more days the Senate will remain in session this week. Barely half of the senators returned for a Monday evening vote. Obviously we need time, said Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, the top Democratic negotiator. The delay heaps more uncertainty on the future of the Biden administrations priority of providing support against Russias invasion. It also puts a potential pause on politically fraught negotiations over immigration and border security policy, though Senate negotiators planned to continue working on the package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the negotiations were among the most difficult things weve done in recent memory. Everyone knows that something should be done to fix our broken immigration system, he said in a Senate floor speech to start the week. But we cant do so by compromising our values. Finding the middle ground is exceptionally hard. The House has already departed for the year as Congress settles into a long winters break. Lawmakers arent scheduled to return until the second week of January, and they will then need to tend to other matters besides the Ukraine funding, including facing a partial shutdown in mid-January if Congress cant pass a government funding package. But as the Senate undertook the first substantial rewrite of immigration and border security law in decades, Republicans insisted they would not agree to rushing legislation. Getting this agreement right and producing legislative text is going to require some time, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor. Schumer had scheduled additional work days this week in hopes of pushing the Ukraine aid through the chamber, but made no mention of a vote on the package on Monday. He said both Republicans and Democrats would need to make more concessions and it would take some more time to get it done. Members of the core Senate negotiating group Murphy and Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent, and James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican met with White House staff on Monday and planned to continue meeting throughout the week. Were all going to be back in January, but its going to take a while to be able to finish up all the text, Lankford said. The weeks-long wait comes as the Defense Department says it has nearly run out of available funds for supporting Ukraines defense. In a letter to Congress, the Pentagon notified lawmakers last week that will soon be transferring more than $1 billion to replenish stockpiles sent to Ukraine, with no further funds available as it maintains the United States own military readiness. Once these funds are obligated, the Department will have exhausted the funding available to us for security assistance to Ukraine, according to the letter obtained by The Associated Press. The department said it is essential that Congress act without delay on the pending supplemental request. Ukrainian forces tried to launch a counteroffensive this year, but faced dug-in Russian troops, minefields and other hazards. They struggled to make any significant gains. As the conflict grinds towards the end of a second year, U.S. public support has waned for sending billions of dollars more in weapons and economic aid. The European Union, too, had to push into the new year a plan to supply Ukraine with $54.5 billion after a veto from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a right-wing leader who is on good terms with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Donald Trump, the former president and front-runner for the Republican nomination next year. As his country scrapes low on money to repel Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has traveled the world to ask for support. He elicited praise from Republicans after meeting with them in the Capitol last week, but the conservatives remained unmoved and in no hurry to approve Bidens emergency funding request. Republicans have said there is still time to redouble support before Ukraines defense suffers. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said that since the European Union put off sending Kyiv more money until the new year, he thinks the U.S. can as well. If its OK for them, its surely OK for us, he said. Dozens of Republican House members have signaled they wont support continued Ukraine aid, and even GOP senators who in the past have been stalwart advocates of the Ukraine war effort have insisted that Congress also pass new border restrictions. Biden has offered to compromise on border and immigration policy, and top White House officials have joined the Senate negotiations, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Negotiators have closed in on a list of immigration enforcement measures, including detaining people who claim asylum at the border and granting nationwide authority to quickly remove migrants who have been in the U.S. for less than two years. They have also agreed on raising the initial threshold for people to enter an asylum claim in credible fear screenings. The White House has tried to preserve an immigration program known as humanitarian parole. The Biden administration has leaned heavily on the use of humanitarian parole as part of its policy of providing legal pathways for some migrants to enter the country while beefing up consequences for those who dont use those pathways. But Republicans have objected and even sued to stop it saying that the administration is essentially bypassing Congress and improperly letting migrants into the country who normally wouldnt qualify. Still, Bidens willingness to make concessions in the negotiations has alarmed immigration advocates and drawn criticism from influential Hispanic Democrats. On a conference call with reporters Monday, advocates decried the policies under consideration as a return to the strategies pursued by Trump that left large numbers of migrants waiting in Mexico to apply for asylum in the U.S. If you have asylum seekers pushed back into Mexico, its going to be extremely dangerous, said Kerri Talbot, executive director of The Immigration Hub. The senators have also described their work as a complex undertaking as they delve into laws that for years have been at the center of intense legal and political fights. As we get into the text, its really hard, said Murphy, but he added, I think as Ukraines peril becomes more serious and more immediate, the urgency to get this done will rise. The Gateway at Millbrae Station, a multimodal transit hub, includes a BART and Caltrain station. A transit agency, SamTrans, has leased the sites 157,000 square feet of office space. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle From its conception, Republic Urban Properties has touted the Gateway at Millbrae Station development as the quintessential transit-oriented development. Now, the San Jose-based developer has scored, perhaps, the perfect tenant to take the entirety of its 157,000 square feet of office space: a transit agency. On Monday, the board of the San Mateo County Transit District, or SamTrans, voted to enter into a 30-month lease for the office space of the 9-acre mixed-use development which also includes 400 apartments, including 80 for low-income veterans, 44,000 square feet of retail and a 164-room Residence Inn by Marriott hotel. The project, built on the largest multimodal transit hub west of the Mississippi, was constructed on a 99-year ground lease with Bay Area Rapid Transit. In a resolution passed Monday, the SamTrans board said it would use about 105,000 square feet of the space and rent the rest to public and private users, unless and until the district requires additional capacity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even with the lease, SamTrans has the option to buy the building for $126 million within 30 months of moving in. Its quite a cliche, but this certainly is a nice end-of-the-year present, said Republic Urban President Michael Van Every. Gateway at Millbrae Station is a 9-acre mixed-use development which also includes 400 apartments, including 80 for low-income veterans, 44,000 square feet of retail and a 164-room Residence Inn by Marriott hotel. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle He said that landing SamTrans in a post-pandemic market flooded with empty space was a combination of luck and coming up with the right project at the right time. Its a bad secret that the commercial office market is bad in every part of California, Van Every said. At the same time, you create your own luck in a market like this. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other tenants in the complex include Chick-fil-A; Panda Express; Basecamp Fitness; Crumbl Cookie; Sourdough & Co.; iCode; Liberty Bank; and Zero&, a concept beverage brand specializing in handcrafted fruit tea, specialty milk tea and boba that was launched out of Silicon Valley. In 1990, SamTrans moved to its headquarters at 1250 San Carlos Ave. in San Carlos, a former bank constructed in 1979. The building is outdated, was not built to current seismic standards or building codes, does not reflect current office environments, according to the resolution the board passed. The Current HQ is functionally obsolete, with an inefficient floor plan and layout, too-large building core, and multiple spaces designed for usages that serve no contemporary office purpose, the resolution stated. A pedestrian walks through a plaza at Gateway at Millbrae Station. The mixed-use development has housing, retail space and office space, the latter of which will be leased by SamTrans. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle SamTrans worked with the brokerage CBRE to explore options, looking at 90 properties and six finalists, before settling on the Millbrae site, which includes BART and Caltrain stations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Gateway at Millbrae Station is in an ideal location for the headquarters of a public transit provider and mobility manager, in a transit-oriented development at one of the largest intermodal stations in the western United States, immediately adjacent to SamTrans, shuttle, BART, Caltrain and future high speed rail services, the resolution states. An exterior view of 33 New Montgomery in San Francisco. The build could be listed for more than half of its pre-pandemic value. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Across the street from San Franciscos luxurious Palace Hotel, a 20-story office tower at the corner of New Montgomery and Market streets is headed for a major sale. Multiple sources have confirmed that, come January, global investment management firm Barings will launch a search for a buyer for 33 New Montgomery St., a 240,000-square-foot building thats still home to tech tenants like Bitly, Shopify and Stackla. S.F. Bay Area property map: Here's who owns every building in region Advertisement Article continues below this ad The building stands out for its five-story clock tower and spire that stand over Market Street. When it last traded hands in 2014, the property sold to Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors, now a Barings company, for just under $148 million. But more than a decade later, 33 New Montgomery has lost roughly half of its value. The building will hit the market with a price guidance of about $80 million, or about $333 per square foot, according to an individual familiar with the listing, who estimated that the building is about 70% occupied. 33 New Montgomery in San Francisco could become the latest tower in the city to trade at a very discounted price. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Real estate brokerage Newmark has been retained to market the property. If the building trades at a discount, it would join a growing list of San Francisco office properties that were acquired by new owners this year in fire sales, which have set a new gauge in terms of pricing amid waning demand for office space. With the pandemic-era shift to remote work still very pronounced in San Francisco where tech and other office-based tenants once competed aggressively for limited space year-end market data published this week shows that more than 35% of the citys offices sit vacant. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The situation has caused the values of many of San Franciscos once coveted office towers to fall below the values of their loans, sparking foreclosures and discounted sales. In the case of 33 New Montgomery, the buildings 2014 acquisition was supported with a $75 million loan, public records show. Barings did not respond to messages seeking comment. As institutional investors work to reduce their exposure to office properties, local buyers are stepping in to scoop up distressed assets. Pedestrians walk past 33 New Montgomery in San Francisco, a building that has housed tech companies. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle The list of buildings that recently sold include 550 California St., a 13-story building in the heart of the Financial District once occupied by Wells Fargo Bank that sold in September for just over $40 million, or $114 per square foot less than half of what it was worth nearly two decades ago. The longtime home of Union Bank, a 300,000-square-foot office tower at 350 California, sold for $61 million this summer, which represents a nearly 75% price drop from what it was worth prior to the pandemic. And the 157,000-square-foot office building at 60 Spear St. in the Financial District sold in August for $41 million, less than half of what it was worth when it last traded in 2014. Garret Doty stands in the Hall of Justice before attending his trial in San Francisco. The jury was expected to begin deliberations late Tuesday. Doty was accused of attacking a former S.F. fire commissioner in a case that has rippled across San Franciscos social fabric. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Closing arguments in the assault trial of a man accused of attacking a former San Francisco fire commissioner in April rested on a central question Tuesday: Were Garret Dotys actions motivated by fear or revenge? Doty pleaded not guilty to three assault and battery charges after prosecutors said he beat Don Carmignani with a metal pipe, leaving him with 51 stitches, a fractured skull and a broken jaw. The attack, which was captured on camera in one of the citys most affluent neighborhoods, provoked intense debate about homelessness and crime in San Francisco. It followed shortly after the high-profile slaying of Cash App founder Bob Lee. Together, the attacks helped fuel a narrative that San Francisco because of its policies around criminal justice and policing was descending into lawlessness. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dotys attorneys upended the initial accounts of the attack, presenting explosive allegations that Carmignani had repeatedly doused unhoused people, including Doty, with bear spray claims that sought to paint Carmignani as the aggressor and Doty as a victim acting in self-defense. In his closing statements Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Kourtney Bell admitted to Carmignanis history of aggression, even conceding that he may have used bear spray on unhoused people in the Marina District on at least one occasion claims that Carmignani has previously denied. Bell said that testimony presented in court by Carmignanis ex-wife, who alleged her ex-husband had assaulted her a number of times, was unbecoming, to say the least. But its important to remember that this case is the People vs. Doty, not the People vs. Carmignani, said Bell. We know that Carmignani was the initial aggressor, but we also know thats what created a motive for a defendant to (seek) revenge. Bell also focused on on multiple videos of the altercation between Doty and Carmignani, arguing that Dotys body language signified purposeful movements where the defendant knew exactly what he was doing and willfully struck Carmignani multiple times not out of self-defense, but out of revenge. But in her impassioned closing argument, Deputy Public Defender Kleigh Hathaway, who is representing Doty, argued that the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Doty didnt act in self-defense when he allegedly assaulted Carmignani, moments after being doused with bear spray. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Self-defense can be fierce, it can be effective and it can be disabling, said Hathaway. And why wouldnt it be? Youre fighting for your life. According to witness testimony, Carmignani allegedly threatened to kill Doty if he did not leave the area outside Carmignanis parents home, which was around the area where the attack occurred. And though Carmignani did not appear to have a weapon beyond the bear spray on hand, Hathaway argued that the spraying and threat of imminent violence was enough to explain why Doty acted in self-defense. The thing about this case is that I feel like its the story of (where) someone finally was in a situation where someone fought back, said Hathaway. Mr. Carmignani has been preying on vulnerable victims, and any argument that he may have changed is 100% ludicrous. And finally, someone did fight back unfortunately, that was Mr. Doty. During Dotys preliminary hearing, Carmignani repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights in response to questions about whether hed previously used bear spray. His attorneys previously denied he ever used bear spray on unhoused people. At one point during the trial, the San Francisco Superior Court judge overseeing the trial threatened to arrest Carmignani if he failed to appear in court, as he was called as a witness for the prosecution. He later appeared, but only after prosecutors had already decided not to put him on the stand. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In explaining their last-minute decision, prosecutors said putting Carmignani on the stand would be throwing a bomb into their case, adding that they had no idea as to where his mindset is or what he would testify to. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott later told the citys Police Commission that his department was investigating Carmignani in connection to eight attacks on homeless individuals in and around the Marina. Dotys lawyers attempted to underscore violent streaks in Carmignanis behaviors by calling his ex-wife, Yvette Corkrean, to the stand, who claimed her ex-husband assaulted her on multiple occasions. In one of the instances, she alleged, he twisted her arm so severely she required medical attention. This is the kind of character trait that doesnt go away, said Hathaway, referring to the alleged abuse and the bear-spray attacks. This is who Mr. Carmignani is. The jury was expected to begin deliberating Tuesday afternoon. A police officer holds the arm of a suspected drug dealer during a bust on Hyde Street in San Francisco on Nov. 1. The mayors office said the San Francisco Police Department has arrested more than 900 suspected dealers since the start of the year in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods, nearly double 2022s number. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Half a year after Mayor London Breed set up a unified command center for city and state law enforcement agencies to coordinate a joint crackdown on San Franciscos open-air drug markets, police officers have arrested hundreds of dealers and taken large amounts of narcotics off the streets. Breeds office said Tuesday that local and state agencies had arrested nearly 700 people for selling drugs in the past six months since the mayors administration began teaming up with state law enforcement officers to more aggressively disrupt drug scenes in the hard-hit Tenderloin and South of Market areas. In those two neighborhoods since the start of the year, the San Francisco Police Department has arrested more than 900 suspected dealers, nearly doubling the number of arrests from 2022, Breeds office said. San Francisco police have also arrested nearly 800 people for public drug use as part of a push by Breed for the city to play a more assertive role in getting users off the streets in some circumstances. Breed, who is heading into a tough reelection campaign next year, is facing widespread calls to make more meaningful progress in response to the drug crisis, both from critics who say she hasnt been assertive enough and from others who say her approach has been too punitive and focused on criminalizing addiction. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins office has filed charges in 827 of 952 felony narcotics cases it was presented with this year, which officials said bested a previous record set in 2018. The numbers released by Breeds office dont include data from the federal government, which is leading its own operation against San Francisco drug dealing and has similarly increased the prosecution of drug dealers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A top executive at UC College of the Law San Francisco, which is based in the Tenderloin, told the Chronicle earlier this month that despite the citys efforts, the neighborhood was still struggling. There are a lot of resources being put into the Tenderloin, and yet, the outcome remains the same open-air drug dealing, stolen good markets and loitering, said Rhiannon Bailard, chief operating officer for UC Law SF. Still, Breed highlighted the numbers as a sign that San Francisco was striving to impose tougher consequences against people involved in the public drug scenes that have remained commonplace in the Tenderloin and SoMa, despite various efforts by city officials to address them. Amid the crackdown, overdose deaths in the city continue to rise to record levels, with the most recent data showing 752 local drug deaths in the first 11 months of this year, surpassing the previous peak of 726 such deaths in the entirety of 2020. Additionally, Breeds directive for police to start arresting more drug users is resulting in very few people being moved into treatment. A spokesperson for the mayors office told the Chronicle that just 12 people have accepted treatment after being arrested for drug use this year. Despite the low treatment figures, Breed sees the arrests of users as a necessary response to people whose drug use has made them dangerous to themselves or others. San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks outside of U.N. Plaza on May 23. Breeds directive for police to start arresting more drug users is resulting in very few people being moved into treatment, and overdose deaths in the city continue to rise to record levels. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Breed touted the data as a sign that San Franciscos response to the drug crisis was on the right track. She said in a statement that local, state and federal law enforcement authorities were working together to coordinate and hold those breaking the law in our city accountable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We want people who need support to get help and we will continue to offer people second chances, but San Francisco cant be a place where anything goes and (we) allow harmful behaviors to become the norm, Breed said. These first six months are just the start of the work we know we need to continue. Angela Chan, assistant chief attorney at the San Francisco Public Defenders Office, said the record number of overdose deaths this year clearly showed that the law enforcement crackdown on people caught up in the opioid public health crisis has worsened the crisis. When people who are street-level dealers are taken off the street, they are rapidly replaced because the demand remains. And when people being arrested for public drug use are rounded up and flash incarcerated in jail, they experience grueling withdrawal for a few hours or days at a time, but are largely not connected to treatment, Chan said in a statement. Our communities would be safer if those who are arrested for selling drugs were given an opportunity to exit the exploitative drug trade and those who suffer from substance use disorders had low-barrier treatment options in the community. Jenkins recently told a Chronicle columnist that she did not think the efforts to arrest some users had been effective so far. But she said the strategy should still continue because the city had to try to make users understand that behavior is not acceptable. Jenkins also said public health leaders should get creative about what more can be done outside of the criminal justice system. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a statement Tuesday, she said San Francisco had shown Tenderloin residents and others impacted by public drug markets that we are committed to taking back our streets from brazen drug dealers and we will. We have also demonstrated to drug traffickers who continue to peddle death that we are aligned and will not relent, Jenkins said. Breeds focus on law enforcement in her response to the local drug crisis remains controversial among advocates of criminal justice reform and harm reduction measures. Supervisor Dean Preston, who represents the Tenderloin and is a frequent critic of Breed, has called the crackdown a ramped-up war on drugs that was failing to address overdose deaths and violent crime despite an incredible devotion of resources. We are literally running around arresting people who are addicted to drugs like, I cant believe how far (backward) weve gone, Preston said at a public talk this year. Its millions of dollars, and for what? The whole thing is a complete failure. U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., questions witnesses in a hearing of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2023. House Republicans have a long-term plan to strip elite universities of government funding and federal student loan dollars, Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., told a group of business leaders during a private Zoom call Friday. Banks, an ally of former President Donald Trump, sits on the House Education Committee. The panel recently launched investigations into Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania. The probe announcements followed a Dec. 5 hearing at which leaders of Harvard, MIT and Penn struggled to clarify their positions on antisemitic speech on campus. Banks told the business leaders the hearing was the first step in a larger effort to take on Ivy League schools. An audio recording of the call was provided to CNBC by an attendee who requested anonymity in order to share a private conversation. "The second step is the investigation, the subpoenas, gathering all of the documents and the records from these universities to prove the point," said Banks. "That they're not just allowing this behavior to occur, they're fostering it and creating an unsafe environment for Jewish students on their campus because of it," he said. "And once we prove it, third, that's when we defund these universities by cracking down on not backing their student loans, taxing their endowments and forcing the administration to actually conduct civil rights investigations," said Banks. Banks' frank description of lawmakers' plans offers a previously unreported window into at least some members of Congress' long-term goals with regard to at least two Ivy League universities and MIT, another elite university. The House Education Committee chair, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., said in an interview on NewsNation that the committee is also looking at Columbia University and Cornell University. Tesla has informed workers at its battery factory in Sparks, Nevada, that some set-rate hourly workers there will see pay increases around 10% starting in early January 2024. According to internal materials seen by CNBC, and workers at the plant who were informed of "cost of living adjustments," Tesla will bump hourly workers from $20 to $22 an hour on the low end, and from $30.65 up to $34.50 an hour on the high end. It's also streamlining some levels, so that several levels of worker making between $26.20 and $30.65 an hour today will be adjusted to $34.50 an hour, for instance. The adjustments also represent a 10% or greater raise for most hourly workers, adding anywhere from $2 to $8.30 an hour to their pay. Patronus AI co-founders Anand Kannappan and Rebecca Qian Patronus AI Large language models, similar to the one at the heart of ChatGPT, frequently fail to answer questions derived from Securities and Exchange Commission filings, researchers from a startup called Patronus AI found. Even the best-performing artificial intelligence model configuration they tested, OpenAI's GPT-4-Turbo, when armed with the ability to read nearly an entire filing alongside the question, only got 79% of answers right on Patronus AI's new test, the company's founders told CNBC. Oftentimes, the so-called large language models would refuse to answer, or would "hallucinate" figures and facts that weren't in the SEC filings. "That type of performance rate is just absolutely unacceptable," Patronus AI co-founder Anand Kannappan said. "It has to be much much higher for it to really work in an automated and production-ready way." The findings highlight some of the challenges facing AI models as big companies, especially in regulated industries like finance, seek to incorporate cutting-edge technology into their operations, whether for customer service or research. The ability to extract important numbers quickly and perform analysis on financial narratives has been seen as one of the most promising applications for chatbots since ChatGPT was released late last year. SEC filings are filled with important data, and if a bot could accurately summarize them or quickly answer questions about what's in them, it could give the user a leg up in the competitive financial industry. In the past year, Bloomberg LP developed its own AI model for financial data, business school professors researched whether ChatGPT can parse financial headlines, and JPMorgan is working on an AI-powered automated investing tool, CNBC previously reported. Generative AI could boost the banking industry by trillions of dollars per year, a recent McKinsey forecast said. But GPT's entry into the industry hasn't been smooth. When Microsoft first launched its Bing Chat using OpenAI's GPT, one of its primary examples was using the chatbot to quickly summarize an earnings press release. Observers quickly realized that the numbers in Microsoft's example were off, and some numbers were entirely made up. Part of the challenge when incorporating LLMs into actual products, say the Patronus AI co-founders, is that LLMs are nondeterministic they're not guaranteed to produce the same output every time for the same input. That means that companies will need to do more rigorous testing to make sure they're operating correctly, not going off-topic, and providing reliable results. The founders met at Facebook parent company Meta , where they worked on AI problems related to understanding how models come up with their answers and making them more "responsible." They founded Patronus AI, which has received seed funding from Lightspeed Venture Partners, to automate LLM testing with software, so companies can feel comfortable that their AI bots won't surprise customers or workers with off-topic or wrong answers. "Right now evaluation is largely manual. It feels like just testing by inspection," Patronus AI co-founder Rebecca Qian said. "One company told us it was 'vibe checks.'" Patronus AI worked to write a set of more than 10,000 questions and answers drawn from SEC filings from major publicly traded companies, which it calls FinanceBench. The dataset includes the correct answers, and also where exactly in any given filing to find them. Not all of the answers can be pulled directly from the text, and some questions require light math or reasoning. Qian and Kannappan say it's a test that gives a "minimum performance standard" for language AI in the financial sector. Here's some examples of questions in the dataset, provided by Patronus AI: Has CVS Health paid dividends to common shareholders in Q2 of FY2022? Did AMD report customer concentration in FY22? What is Coca Cola's FY2021 COGS % margin? Calculate what was asked by utilizing the line items clearly shown in the income statement. How the AI models did on the test Restaurant Brands New Zealand Limited (RBD) notes the announcement released by Collins Foods Limited (ASX: CFK) on 18 December 2023 in relation to the class action filed in the Federal Court of Australia by Shine Lawyers on behalf of certain KFC employees who worked at Australian KFC stores in the period 4 December 2017 to 4 December 2023. The Collins announcement states that the claim alleges that those employees were not provided with paid 10 minute rest breaks pursuant to certain industrial instruments. RBD has now become aware that its Australian subsidiary, QSR Pty Limited, was named in the original class action filing as one of the respondents to the claim. While no entities within the RBD Group have been served with a Notice of Claim in relation to the proceedings, it is expected that QSR Pty Limited will be formally joined as a respondent to the class action in the near future. In the event that QSR Pty Limited is served with a Notice of Claim, RBD will assess the claim and update the market if the claim is expected to have a material impact on the RBD Group. Authorised by: Callum Webb Company Secretary 09 525 8700 ENDS. Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. 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Related News: AFT broadens R&D pipeline with new product candidate ATM - Response to Synlait's market update announcement ENS - NZMDT DETERMINATION TWL and nChain agree to cancel agreement with settlement Accountant gets home detention for wage subsidy fraud BIF acquires shares in NewFish KMD Brands Trading Update NEF - Director Appointment: Neal Barclay FPH announces executive management team changes December 20th Morning Report ESG investing, which stresses environmental, social and corporate governance yardsticks when building a portfolio, has long struggled with a lack of transparency and differing metrics across companies making it difficult for investors to gauge the impact of their investments. Now, San Francisco-based asset manager Newday Impact Investing believes that using what it calls an Ecological Benefits Framework (EBF), or "a shared market architecture," could provide a new way forward in social investing. Newday, which focuses on environmentally- and socially-responsible portfolios, argues that EBF gives a more comprehensive overview of the true effect a business than does traditional ESG investing. EBF was created by Douglas Gayeton, co-founder of The Lexicon, a non-governmental organization that tries to address environmental challenges created by the agrifood industry. EBF takes into account six elements, air, water, biodiversity, healthy soils, equity and carbon, and builds a holistic model that investors can use to weigh the social aspect evaluate impacts. Newday Impact adopted EBF in October, making it the first institution to use the "shared market architecture" in its investment process, and applying the framework across portfolios devoted to the oceans and blue carbon (or carbon captured by the world's ocean and coastal ecosystems). "One of the challenges has been that there are a whole bunch of different [ESG] frameworks. But they're all super complicated oftentimes even from organization [to] organization, as impact interpretations are very, very different," said Doug Heske, CEO of Newday Impact. Meanwhile, EBF "is seeking to provide a framework for an integrated ecological standard." Applying the framework For now, the EBF framework doesn't create a cumulative "score," says Heske. "I think in this ESG environment, there's been a detriment to furnishing what is an alpha or an alpha-numeric score because people make assumptions about that score," said Heske. The drawback is that an all-encompassing score fails to capture the nuances, and different impacts, of a project across various geographies, according to Heske. Healthcare company McKesson , for example, is one of Newday's portfolio holdings after EBF metrics were applied to evaluate the business. Using that criteria, here's how the drug and medical supply provider came out: Carbon : McKesson has set several science-based targets (SBTi), including: Reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2032 from a 2020 base year. By 2027, the goal is to have 70% of McKesson suppliers (measured by spending), have their own SBTi-approved GHG emissions reduction targets. : McKesson has set several science-based targets (SBTi), including: Reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2032 from a 2020 base year. By 2027, the goal is to have 70% of McKesson suppliers (measured by spending), have their own SBTi-approved GHG emissions reduction targets. Equity : Newday identified that 36% board members are women, and 36% people of color. Women chair three of the five Board committees. In 2022, the McKesson Foundation awarded a $500k grant to Parkland Health to support the new RedBird Health Center which has a high number of patients from underserved communities. : Newday identified that 36% board members are women, and 36% people of color. Women chair three of the five Board committees. In 2022, the McKesson Foundation awarded a $500k grant to Parkland Health to support the new RedBird Health Center which has a high number of patients from underserved communities. Healthy soils : In 2023, invoice reduction for more than 13,500 customer accounts resulted in savings of $20.5 million annually, eliminating 116 tons of paper and 112 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and saving 2,784 trees. : In 2023, invoice reduction for more than 13,500 customer accounts resulted in savings of $20.5 million annually, eliminating 116 tons of paper and 112 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and saving 2,784 trees. Biodiversity: The pharmaceutical division's pilot project for paperless invoicing saved more than 51,000 sheets of paper per day, and yearly emissions of 64.7 tons of CO2. The pharmaceutical division's pilot project for paperless invoicing saved more than 51,000 sheets of paper per day, and yearly emissions of 64.7 tons of CO2. Water : The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the WELL Building Standards Areas are considered at McKesson offices and distribution centers : The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the WELL Building Standards Areas are considered at McKesson offices and distribution centers Air: The company is focusing on sustainable packaging and waste reduction across offices, warehouses and distribution centers. The effort is estimated to eliminate nearly 60 million cardboard boxes annually, equivalent to 400,000 trees. In 2021, they diverted 79% of company-wide waste, and 49% or 131,400 tons of retail food waste from landfills, avoiding an estimated 825,427 metric tons of CO2e emissions in the air. Examining investments through the EBF prism also expands carbon markets, through a more diversified view of the impact of projects, according to Heske. Carbon markets allow companies to trade carbon credits to help offset their greenhouse gas emissions, using counterparties from other companies that rare curbing emissions. Bear in mind, however, that carbon offset markets have come under scrutiny for "over-crediting" projects and for insufficient offset schemes. A common 'library' Heske says the goal of the EBF is to build a measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) library that investors can access in their environmental decision making. "Ultimately, a few years down the road ... somebody can go in and find the part that's most directly correlated to the work that they're doing, and find an example of that," Heske said. The EBF takes a pre-existing multi-step MRV process, which measures greenhouse gas emissions as a basis to issue carbon credits, and provides a more comprehensive look beyond carbon, Newsday's Heske believes. Lexicon plans to launch an "EBF Commons" in 2024, which it calls "a digital handshake for the planet that empowers a common language across carbon markets, [corporate social responsibility] and ESG reporting," analyzing investments and government agencies. The firms within the commons will become a collective decision-making body to navigate regulations and increase interoperability across carbon marketplaces. Over time, Newday plans to also apply the EBF to its private equity projects. Heske and Gayeton have also been looking at incorporating blockchain and machine learning into the EBF investment construction methodology, which could help draw conclusions from databases at an increased scale. Heske is also considering collecting data on client behavior that could build a "values alignment profile" through broader demographic categories. Eventually, EBF could lead the way for markets-based solutions, Heske thinks, and helps explains impact to clients "in a way [so] that it doesn't feel like a homework assignment." "It already is a very, very powerful tool to get people more engaged in understanding the power of their capital, into companies, into projects, into private companies and even associated with their charitable donations into nonprofit organizations," Heske said. Do you need to work on your time management skills, or does your boss need to give you adequate time to complete your tasks? Your poor performance review may be more reflective of your boss than of you, says Farah Harris, a Flossmoor, Illinois-based psychotherapist and author. "We have to be careful [because] sometimes we get reviews, and [they're] just the projection of our leaders," Harris tells CNBC Make It. "They'll claim it's feedback when it's really just them projecting on you." Figuring out whether you're getting real feedback or not comes down to one question for your boss, she says: Can you please give me an example? If they can't offer one, that's a dead giveaway, "because how are you supposed to improve if you don't know what you're supposed to be working on?" Harris asks. Uncredible performance reviews are surprisingly common, Marcus Buckingham, head of people and performance research at the Roseland, N.J.-based ADP Research Institute told the Society for Human Resource Management in March. "Every single human alive today is a horribly unreliable rater of other human beings," he said, calling it the "idiosyncratic rating effect." Only 33% of employees feel like their performance at work is evaluated fairly, consulting firm WTW's 2022 Performance Reset Survey found. The consulting firm analyzed 837 companies, including 150 in North America, and found that only 26% of employees think performance reviews are effective. Say your boss calls you a poor communicator, for example. "If you ask them, 'Can you give me an example of when my communication was poor?' and they're just being general, maybe you're actually very direct and they don't like that, so they're going to say you have poor communication skills," Harris says. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine's president, during a news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Zelenskiy said he's confident the US won't "betray" the war-battered country as $61 billion is held up by a political standoff in Washington. Photographer: Andrew Kravchenko/Bloomberg via Getty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr said he was confident the United States and European Union would agree to provide funding packages that are currently stuck in limbo due to political opposition. Zelenskyy gave a wide-ranging press conference Tuesday afternoon in which he took a host of questions from reporters for more than an hour. "I am confident the United States will not let us down and what we have agreed will be agreed in full," he said, according to a live BBC translation. "As for the European Union, the stakes were very high, we have acquired one victory as to the EU, as for the 50 billion [euro financing package] I am confident we can achieve all of that." Zelenskyy separately said military leaders had asked for an additional 450,000 to 500,000 people to be mobilized into the army, but stressed that he required more arguments and a "comprehensive" plan before approving the costly move. In response to a question about the difficulties faced by Ukraine this year, he stressed that Russia had failed to achieve its aims. He said Ukraine had seen a "big victory on the Black Sea" where it was able to trade again and Russian vessels had been withdrawn. Asked whether Ukraine was beginning to lose the war, he replied: "No." However, he did discuss the shortage of items including artillery shells, ammunition for air defense and anti-tank grenades. Jenni Reid Shippers have diverted about $80 billion worth of cargo away from the Red Sea as they face the threat of attacks from Houthi militants in Yemen. Carriers are re-routing vessels as a direct result of 15 strikes in the Middle Eastern body of water since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the formation of an international task force to address security issues. Details of the U.S.-led operation are yet to be confirmed. Dan Mueller lead analyst for the Middle Eastern Region for maritime security firm Ambrey said they continue to advise clients to continue with their Best Management Practices by thoroughly checking their vessel fleet's current and past affiliations, the vessel's Transit Risk Assessment, preparating the crew for emergencies and other safety measures. As of Wednesday morning, there were 121 container vessels sailing the long way around Africa instead of cutting through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, according to Kuehne+Nagel. "That number will increase as more will take this routing," Paolo Montrone, senior vice president and global head of trade sea logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, told CNBC. "The total container capacity of these vessels is 700,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs.)" Containers come in both 20-foot and 40-foot units. Ocean carriers and companies are in a race to explain to U.S. shippers the delays they could be facing as a result of the Houthi threat. The Houthis, a militant group backed by Iran, have expressed solidarity with Palestinian extremist organization Hamas in its war against Israel. Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the formation of an international task force to address the security issues. Carriers could deploy additional vessels since fleet capacity has grown by more than 20% in the last 12 months, according to Antonella Teodoro, senior consultant for MDS Transmodal. "Demand is expected to remain flat so there is capacity available to keep ocean carrier lines on time and pick up the containers once bound on these diverted vessels," Teodoro told CNBC. "Ocean carriers could also start making adjustments to their networks in addition to the diversions," said Teodoro."But, diversions/adjustments will require time and won't come free, understandable. One can hope we won't see the high rates seen in the recent past." Teodoro stressed the disruptions at both the Suez and Panama canals highlight the importance of an international authority monitoring how capacity is offered and at what price if we want a more resilient global supply chain. The Panama Canal, located in Central America, has struggled with low water levels for months. Port authorities are expecting congestion as a result of updated arrival times and planning needs, according to Montrone. "The situation is very volatile and the reconfiguration of these networks is very complex, so we can expect a certain level of disruption," Montrone told CNBC. "In Asia, the lack of empty equipment (containers) will become a potential issue as the repositioning of empty containers into demand areas will take 10-20 days longer." Maersk, one of the shippers who paused operations in the Red Sea, expects two to four weeks of delays, according to CEO Vincent Clerc. "Europe is more dependent on the Suez," Clerc told CNBC's "Market Movers." "The delays will be more pronounced in Europe." Southwest Airlines and its pilots' union have reached a new preliminary labor agreement that would give pilots 50% cumulative pay increases over the life of the contract, a deal that could end years of tense negotiations. Southwest is the last of the largest U.S. passenger airlines to strike a deal that is set to give pilots big pay hikes. The five-year deal is worth about $12 billion, Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, told CNBC on Tuesday. In comparison, larger rival United Airlines ' new four-year pilot contract is worth about $10 billion, according to the aviators' union. Southwest's pilots will need to approve the contract. CNBC reported earlier this month that the company and the union were close to a deal. If the agreement is approved, pilots would get 29.5% pay increases upon the contract's signing. The deal would bring the hourly rate for a 12-plus year captain to $368.47 an hour and new first officer's pay to $135.20 an hour by 2028, according to the union's summary of the agreement. The airline said it was "pleased" to reach the agreement in principle for the company's nearly 11,000 pilots. "The AIP is a key milestone in the process, and we look forward to the next steps," it said in a statement. American , United and Delta finalized pilot deals earlier this year that were worth billions and gave aviators double-digit pay hikes. The Covid-19 pandemic derailed negotiations across the sector, pausing pay increases across the highly unionized industry even when demand returned and inflation hit multidecade highs. Once the contract becomes amendable, Southwest pilots would get 2.5% annual bonuses until the airline and union reach a new agreement. FedEx pilots rejected an preliminary deal earlier this year, while UPS pilots' union is set to start negotiations in mid-2024. As travel demand snapped back, pilots, flight attendants and other aviation workers have pushed for not just higher pay, but also better working conditions such as more predictable schedules. Southwest pilots and flight attendants have complained about erratic schedules, particularly during disruptions. One driver of Southwest's holiday meltdown last year, which stranded some two million customers, was old software that left crews out of position for rescheduled flights. The U.S. Department of Transportation fined the airline $140 million for its handling of the crisis, it announced Monday. The new pilot contract would also improve pay for pilots who are on reserve, which requires them to stand by for an assignment. It also would include more generous retirement packages and per diem allotments for pilots. Southwest's flight attendants recently rejected a preliminary deal in a vote, though the union has said there will be a re-vote, citing complaints about technical glitches in online voting. Labor unions have flexed their power throughout the year, yielding a string of big labor deals including agreements between Hollywood studios and actors, and the studios and writers, as well as between automakers and the United Auto Workers union. Those agreements followed prolonged strikes. Axel Lehmann, chairman of Credit Suisse Group AG, Colm Kelleher, chairman of UBS Group AG, Karin Keller-Sutter, Switzerland's finance minister, Alain Berset, Switzerland's president, Thomas Jordan, president of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), Marlene Amstad, chairperson of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), left to right, during a news conference in Bern, Switzerland, on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Pascal Mora | Bloomberg | Getty Images Switzerland's financial regulator on Tuesday called for greater legal powers and vowed to adapts its approach in the wake of the Credit Suisse collapse. The 167-year-old bank was rescued by domestic rival UBS in March in a deal brokered by Swiss authorities, after a string of risk management failures and scandals triggered a client and investor exodus that forced it to the brink of insolvency. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) said in a Tuesday report that, alongside the government and the Swiss National Bank, it had achieved the aim of safeguarding Credit Suisse's solvency and ensuring financial stability. It also drew attention to the "far-reaching and invasive measures" taken over the preceding years to supervise the bank and to "rectify the deficiencies, particularly in the bank's corporate governance and in its risk management and risk culture." From summer 2022 onwards, FINMA also told the bank to take "various measures to prepare for an emergency" a warning it suggests went unheeded. watch now "FINMA draws a number of lessons in its report. On the one hand, it calls for a stronger legal basis, specifically instruments such as the Senior Managers Regime, the power to impose fines, and more stringent rules regarding corporate governance," the regulator said. "On the other hand, FINMA will also adapt its supervisory approach in certain areas, and will step up its review of whether stabilisation measures are ready to implement." FINMA said that strategic changes announced to de-risk Credit Suisse, such as downsizing its investment bank, focusing on its asset management business and reducing its earnings volatility, were "not implemented consistently," while "recurrent scandals undermined the bank's reputation." It also noted that, even in years when the bank posted heavy financial losses, the variable remuneration remained high, with shareholders making little use of opportunities to influence pay packets. Between 2012 and the bank's emergency rescue, the regulator says it conducted 43 preliminary investigations of Credit Suisse for potential enforcement proceedings. Nine reprimands were issued, 16 criminal charges filed, and 11 enforcement proceedings were taken against the bank and three against individuals. FINMA said it repeatedly informed Credit Suisse of risks, recommended improvements and imposed "far reaching measures." These included "extensive capital and liquidity measures, interventions in the bank's governance and remuneration, and restrictions on business activities." watch now In this article TGT Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now On Sept. 26, Target set off a national firestorm when it said it would close nine stores in four states because theft and organized retail crime had made them too dangerous to run. On its face, Target's announcement was evidence that retail crime was preventing one of the country's most prominent retailers from operating stores profitably and safely. It challenged skeptics who believed that retailers had exaggerated the impact of organized retail crime and used it as an excuse for poor financial performance. Target's shuttered small-format store on Folsom Street in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood, November 2023. Gabrielle Fonrouge | CNBC There was just one problem with the explanation Target gave for closing stores: The locations it shuttered generally saw fewer reported crimes than others it chose to keep open nearby, a monthslong CNBC investigation has found. CNBC's findings cast doubt on Target's explanation and raise questions about whether the company's announcement was designed to advance its legislative agenda seeking a crackdown on organized retail crime and to obscure poor financial performance at the stores as it grapples with sliding sales. In some cases, Target chose to keep operating stores in busier areas that had better foot traffic or higher median incomes, even though the locations saw more theft and violence, the probe revealed. In those areas, police departments may be better funded due to higher tax bases, and shoppers may have more to spend on discretionary goods. Many of the locations Target closed were "small-format" stores the company opened over the last five years as part of an experiment to expand its footprint in dense, urban areas. The moves followed Target's decision to shutter four similar stores in the spring that it said were underperforming, Retail Dive previously reported. At the time it announced the nine store closures in September, Target said, "We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance. We can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all." The news came just hours after the National Retail Federation issued a key annual retail security survey in which it said violence at stores had increased but losses from theft hadn't changed much and exactly one month before the trade group was planning to lobby Congress for stiffer punishment for organized theft offenders. Target CEO Brian Cornell sits on the NRF's board of directors and is a member of its executive committee. One longtime retail executive and expert questioned whether Target's claims about theft at the stores were designed to mask its struggles, as the retailer's sales fell from the prior year in both its second and third quarters. "I don't want to use the word 'stunt,' because I don't know exactly what went on in Minneapolis [where Target is based], but to me, it read like a stunt, looking to divert attention from the company's lack of performance overall," said Mark Cohen, a professor and director of retail studies at Columbia Business School who previously served as the CEO of Sears Canada, Bradlees and Lazarus department stores. "They did not disclose their actual shortage statistics," he added. "They talked about it in general terms; they did not disclose any other factors that would have caused them to decide to close any of those stores. They implied that the only reason they were closing the stores was because of theft. That may or may not be true. My guess is: Not true." In response, Target spokesperson Jim Joice told CNBC that as a growth company, Target is "continuously opening new stores, initiating remodels, investing in our team and infrastructure, and refining our operations as we seek to deliver the shopping experience that people have come to expect of Target." "In 2023 alone, we opened 21 new stores and remodeled 150 stores as part of our nearly $5 billion investment in strategic initiatives. The recently announced store closures related to safety, retail theft, and unsustainable business performance represent less than 0.5% of our U.S. footprint, with 1,956 stores currently operating and serving our guests," Joice said. Target shoppers are encouraged to call for help accessing products that are kept in locked cases. Gabrielle Fonrouge CNBC used public record requests and law enforcement sources to obtain crime statistics and 911 call data for 21 Target stores in New York City, Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Portland, Oregon the four areas where the retailer closed stores. The data includes the nine stores Target shuttered and similar locations it kept open nearby, spanning from January 2021 through September 2023, when the closures were announced. The records show how many times Target was listed as the victim of a crime at the locations, or how many times police were called to the stores and arrested someone, said they addressed the issue or generated a report or log of what occurred. CNBC's methodology When analyzing 911 call logs and other crime data for this report, CNBC included in its tally only incidents that led to an arrest, police report or log, or incidents that police said they responded to and handled. Unfounded complaints, duplicate calls, requests for backup, and store and welfare checks were weeded out from the logs and not counted, along with other irrelevant information. Mental health crises, overdoses, vehicle thefts, vehicle burglaries and other events that weren't directly related to Target or appeared to happen outside the confines of the store were also not included. The records paint a startling picture of the frequent crime at the locations. But they also show a clear trend. Nearly every store the retailer closed saw less police activity and fewer reported crime incidents than the locations it kept open nearby. Only one of the nine stores that Target closed across the four regions, a location in Pittsburg, California, saw more crime and police activity than its closest comparable location, in Antioch, California, according to CNBC's analysis. Store-specific crime data for the nine locations Target closed has not been previously reported. Like most data on theft, organized retail crime, and "shrink," or retailers' inventory loss, the records obtained by CNBC are not complete. Theft and crime overall are difficult to measure, as they frequently go unreported and undetected, experts have told CNBC. Target declined to provide its internal crime figures. Without those numbers, the records obtained by CNBC are "the only picture that you're going to get" about what crime looked like at the locations the retailer closed and the ones it didn't, said Christopher Herrmann, an assistant professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an expert in crime analysis and mapping. "It's interesting that they're using public safety, or employee safety, as an excuse, kind of, for closing the stores," said Herrmann. "Because the reality is, they're not closing the stores with the highest rate of retail theft." In response, Target's Joice told CNBC that "store-level incidents vary widely in severity, and police data won't show the full extent of what our teams experience on the ground." "We have repeatedly shared financial data and internal data on the increase of theft-related crime," Joice said. "We have also consistently conveyed our emphasis on safety and highlighted team members' experiences that demonstrate the impact that theft and organized retail crime have had on our company, our guests, and the communities we serve." "We continue to invest heavily in safety, including strategies to prevent and stop theft and organized retail crime in our stores, as well as partnering with law enforcement, legislators, and retail peers to seek long-term solutions," Joice said. Target has previously said it saw a "marked increase" in theft involving violence or threats between 2021 and 2022, and at the start of 2023. In the first five months of this year, stores saw a nearly 120% increase in those incidents, the company has said. The San Francisco Bay Area Target closed three stores in the San Francisco Bay Area one in San Francisco, one in Oakland and another in Pittsburg, a suburb about 40 miles outside the city. All the locations were within a few miles or a short drive away from another Target that remained open, which could have played a role in the company's decision to shutter them, experts said. Retailers often "miscalculate how much the new store will cannibalize existing stores," said Cohen, of Columbia Business School. Target opened its now-closed small-format store in Oakland in 2019, just two miles away from its Emeryville location. Between January 2021 and September 2023, 96 crime incidents were reported at the Oakland store compared with 440 at the Emeryville store over the same time frame. Target's Emeryville, California, location remains open about two miles away from a store the retailer closed in Oakland. Gabrielle Fonrouge | CNBC The findings reflect some overall theft trends in Oakland and Emeryville in 2023. Overall theft, excluding car theft, was down 15% in Oakland from Jan. 1 to Oct. 29, compared with the same period a year ago, according to police records. In Emeryville, petty theft and grand theft were up 16% and 14%, respectively, for the period from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, compared with the same period a year ago, police records show. Demographics is another factor that could be at play. In the ZIP code where the Oakland store is located, the median income level is $76,953, compared with $114,286 in Emeryville, according to U.S. Census Data. People with higher incomes tend to have more money to spend on discretionary goods. Police departments in those areas may also be more inclined to enforce property crimes such as theft if there is less violent crime to attend to, which could explain the difference in police responses between stores, experts who study crime have told CNBC. For example, one homicide and three rapes have been reported in Emeryville so far this year. In comparison, 106 homicides and 159 rapes have been reported in Oakland in the same time frame. Looters rob a Target store during protests in Oakland, California, on May 30, 2020, over the death of George Floyd. Josh Edelson | AFP | Getty Images Within the city of San Francisco, the small-format store on Folsom Street that Target closed saw at least 84 crime incidents that resulted in police reports between January 2021 and September 2023. Two miles away at Target's sprawling Union Square location, which remains open, 486 incidents were recorded during the same time frame. The stores' neighborhoods and the foot traffic they saw also differentiated them. The Target sign from its Mission Street store in San Francisco's Union Square glows on a building across the street, November 2023. Gabrielle Fonrouge | CNBC The closed store was sandwiched between a car dealership and a freeway in an area that locals said had light foot traffic and had attracted a homeless encampment during the Covid pandemic. In comparison, Target's Union Square location is in the heart of San Francisco's bustling tourist and shopping district. Portland Target closed three stores in the city of Portland that saw less crime than locations it kept open. For example, the Target on Southeast Washington Street, which remains open, had 718 reported incidents between January 2021 and the end of September 2023, which is more than all three closed stores saw combined over the same time period, according to police records. One of the locations, a small-format store on Northeast Halsey Street, was open for less than three years before it was closed. Based on available data in Portland, CNBC's findings echo some area crime statistics. In the Hazelwood neighborhood, where Target's store on Southeast Washington Street remains open, reported larcenies are up 5% in 2023 between Jan. 1 and the end of October, compared with the same period a year ago. In Hollywood and Richmond, where Target closed stores, reported larcenies were down 37% and 8%, respectively, for the same time period. However, in downtown Portland, where Target's store on Southwest Morrison Street was closed, reported larcenies were up 13% for that time period. Seattle Target closed two stores in Seattle, both small-format locations that saw fewer crimes than the nearest Target stores. For example, the shuttered Targets on Northwest Market Street and University Way Northeast had 235 and 395 reported incidents, respectively, between January 2021 and the end of September 2023. In comparison, two locations about five miles away that remain open, on Second Avenue and Northeast Northgate Way, saw 878 and 901 reported incidents, respectively, during the same time period. In some cases, the data also matches local crime statistics. Between Jan. 1, 2021, and Oct. 31, 2023, reported larcenies were 30% lower in the area of Target's Northwest Market Street location and 33% lower in the area of the University Way store, both of which were closed, than in the area where Target's Northeast Northgate Way store remains open. New York City Target closed one store in New York City. The location was in East Harlem and housed within a larger shopping complex that borders the East River, about a 15-minute walk from the nearest subway station. It recorded at least 844 incidents between January 2021 and the end of September 2023, but the figures pale in comparison with those during the same time period at other Target stores dotted across the Big Apple. A store on Greenwich Street in Lower Manhattan saw 2,090 reported incidents, more than double the number in East Harlem in that time period. At another location, on Grand Street, 1,628 incidents were recorded. The locations are vastly different. The two Lower Manhattan locations are in busier areas with more foot traffic and higher median income levels. In the ZIP code where the East Harlem store was located, the median income is $36,989, compared with more than $250,000 in the area around the Greenwich Street store and $43,362 in the area around the Grand Street location, U.S. Census data shows. Target closed the East Harlem location because of crime and safety, it said at the same time it planned to open a store about a mile and a half away on West 125th Street in Harlem. Crime trends are worse in the area where the new store is opening, according to police records. Target's New York City store in East Harlem was housed within a larger shopping complex. Gabrielle Fonrouge | CNBC Despite workers' positive feedback about AI, 42% of employees said they're concerned about the technology's impact on their jobs. Among individual contributors, 44% said they are "very or somewhat concerned," compared to 38% of managers or higher. But with use of AI come concerns about the long-term impact on jobs. The survey also showed that AI is especially popular among workers of color, with 41% of Asian employees, 38% of Black and 36% of Hispanic workers having used AI software in their roles. That compares with 23% of white workers who said the same. Gen Zers (37%) and millennials (35%) are the most likely to have used AI in their jobs. Just 25% of Gen Xers and 17% of baby boomers report using AI tools like ChatGPT at work. Among employees, those who use AI at work today say they are more likely to view it as a positive, with 72% reporting that it has made them more productive, according to the latest CNBC|SurveyMonkey Workforce Survey . As 2023 got underway, OpenAI's ChatGPT was barely a month old and conversations about the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce were just beginning. Fast forward to today and it's hard not to hear about the ways in which generative AI will change how we get our jobs done and whether some of those jobs will disappear completely. The outlook on AI as a job threat also differed by salary. Workers making under $50,000 a year are more concerned (47%) about the technology's impact compared with those making between $50,000 and $99,000 (39%) or $100,000 or more annually (36%). And while AI tools may be used more frequently today among workers of color, the survey shows that these employees have some significant concerns about whether it will affect their jobs: 53% of Asian and Black workers, and 46% of Hispanic workers are "very or somewhat concerned," compared with 37% of white employees. That speaks to a broader survey finding: the more employees use AI at work, the more concerned they become. Sixty percent of those using AI regularly said they're worried about its impact on their job, compared with 35% of those who don't use AI at work. The online poll was conducted December 4-8 by SurveyMonkey among a national sample of 7,776 workers in the United States. How work will be 'reassembled' The debate over AI as a job killer is certainly far from settled. Some believe AI will eliminate certain jobs with repetitive, mundane tasks, like cashiers and truck drivers. Others, like Elon Musk believe it will vaporize all jobs. As companies continue to figure it out, there are those who say employees are operating under some misconceptions about the technology. At CNBC's recent Work Summit, social scientist and Harvard University professor Arthur C. Brooks, who studies happiness, said AI is more likely to "disassemble" jobs than eliminate them. "There are numerous discrete tasks for any job that a person does," Brooks said. "AI is going to unbundle those tasks and reassemble them" in a way that looks different from the way the job is done today. "Jobs will change, but they're not all going away," he said. Even jobs like cashiers, where self-check-out machines are already a threat, can be re-imagined, Brooks said. "These people have experience and a work ethic and that's what you're really hiring when you hire a human being. Not someone who can just stand behind a machine for eight hours," he added. The collective worry about AI traces back to our fear of change, but humans are wired for change and forward motion, Brooks said. As such, employees are given a choice they can view change as an opportunity for progress or view it as disequilibrium. Former Goldman Sachs CFO and CIO Marty Chavez who holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford and also serves on the Alphabet board says workers have three choices in the AI era: to become a computer scientist, work with the computer scientists to make their jobs more interesting and productive through technology, or stand in the way of progress. It's only the last option that is sure to fail as a career strategy, according to Chavez, who helped introduce algorithmic trading on Wall Street and saw it transform careers. "Do not set yourself up in competition with the computers," Chavez said at the CNBC Work Summit. "I decided in seventh grade to not compete with calculators on multiplying numbers. I had confidence finding what tools can do better will open up new things for me to do." To dial down the worry, company leaders would be wise to reframe change as progress, not just disruption. "Talking to employees about doing their job with different skills is a lot less scary" than having them believe that AI is about to steal their livelihood, Brooks said. Signage atop the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to reshuffle his cabinet Thursday in a bid to contain a funding scandal that threatens the future of his struggling government. Photographer: Soichiro Koriyama/Bloomberg via Getty Images Tokyo prosecutors on Tuesday searched the headquarters of a powerful political faction within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, or LDP, public broadcaster NHK reported, in connection with the biggest fundraising scandal to engulf the party in decades. Prosecutors suspect the Abe faction, once led by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, of failing report as much as 500 million yen ($3.5 million) in funds over five years, the report said. The Tokyo prosecutors' office declined to confirm the reports when contacted by Reuters. The scandal has eroded public support for the LDP and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government, forcing him to replace key cabinet ministers last week as he tried to limit the fallout. Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign event at the Hyatt Hotel on December 13, 2023 in Coralville, Iowa. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. Former President Donald Trump expects to wrap up his party's nomination by March 19 about two weeks after the scheduled start of his federal trial on charges of trying to overturn the 2020 election a senior campaign official told reporters Monday. The aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to openly discuss campaign strategy, said they calculate that Trump will cross the threshold for a majority of delegates to next summer's Republican National Convention on that date, which is referred to by some strategists as Super Tuesday II because of the large number of states holding primaries at the same time. But if all goes according to plan for Trump, he will put the writing on the wall for his rivals long before that perhaps as early as Super Tuesday on March 5 or even after the first four caucus and primary contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina are concluded in late February. The effort to not just beat his rivals state by state, but to put away the competition as early as possible, is important because Trump's trial in Washington is set to start March 4, and he's on tap for even more court appearances in the other jurisdictions in which he has been indicted. "I believe the goal is to take him off the trail at a very critical time," Trump senior adviser Susie Wiles said of the trials before a rally at the University of New Hampshire Saturday. "And it's our job to make that not as critical a time by doing our jobs ahead of time and then immediately after. I think he will and we will." Trump's plan is complicated in particular by the money pouring into the first-in-the-nation caucuses in Iowa from allies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, as well as by Haley's surge in popularity in New Hampshire. While both DeSantis and Haley trail Trump by wide margins in national polls and each of the early states, voters have yet to cast a ballot anywhere. And the Trump-backing super PAC, MAGA Inc., began a major advertising campaign against Haley in New Hampshire Tuesday. If Trump thinks he's going to cruise to the nomination, said one Haley aide, "why is he spending money attacking Nikki in New Hampshire?" Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, said her candidate isn't going away. "Vivek is in it for the long haul," McLaughlin said. "Get ready for a shock!" And DeSantis often promises that he's going to win the first caucus state, which would throw Trump's plans up in the air. "We're going to win Iowa," DeSantis said earlier this month on NBC News' "Meet the Press." Southern Chinese city celebrates day for mechanics (People's Daily App) 15:59, December 19, 2023 Dongguan government has launched an "engineer's day" to pay tribute to the dedicated engineers and mechanics who have contributed to the progress of the city in South Chinas Guangdong Province. Every December 8, the authorities are seeking to recognize the outstanding contribution of mechanics and engineers to their city's thriving manufacturing industry. Forty-three years ago this day, the first batch of engineers and mechanics were selected by Dongguan government to work in jobs around the city. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) As per the NZX announcement on 26 October 2023, the Board of NZ Windfarms Limited (NZX Code: NWF) is pleased to appoint, Neal Barclay, as a director from today. Neal will undertake director duties in an unpaid capacity and his first formal attendance will be at the Companys Special Shareholders Meeting later today. As required under the NZX Listing Rules, Neal will retire at the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in the later part of 2024. It is anticipated that he will seek election at that Annual Meeting. Pursuant to the NZX Listing Rules, the Board of NZ Windfarms Limited has determined, in its view, that Neal is a non-independent director. Craig Stobo, NZ Windfarms Chairman, says Neal will add considerable electricity market experience to the business, and we look forward to working closely with him and the Meridian team to progress the repower of our Te Rere Hau wind farm to Final Investment Decision. Neal is the Chief Executive of Meridian Energy Limited, the largest power company in New Zealand by market capitalisation and electricity generation. Meridian are also the largest shareholder in NZ Windfarms at 19.99% Neal says I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the Board of NZ Windfarms. I look forward to working with the NZ Windfarms team to deliver New Zealands first ever wind farm repowering at Te Rere Hau. For further information, contact Warren Koia, Chief Executive, by phone on 06 280 2773, or by email at info@nzwindfarms.co.nz. Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: AFT broadens R&D pipeline with new product candidate ATM - Response to Synlait's market update announcement ENS - NZMDT DETERMINATION TWL and nChain agree to cancel agreement with settlement Accountant gets home detention for wage subsidy fraud BIF acquires shares in NewFish KMD Brands Trading Update FPH announces executive management team changes December 20th Morning Report RBD - KFC Australia Class Action Claim The company logo for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., September 26, 2023. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Chairman Mark Liu plans to retire in 2024, the company said in a statement Tuesday. "Chairman Dr. Mark Liu has decided not to seek the nomination of TSMC board membership for the next term and will retire from the company after the 2024 annual shareholders meeting," said TSMC. The board plans to have vice chairman and CEO C.C. Wei succeed Liu's role, subject to shareholders' approval. Liu joined TSMC in 1993 and assumed the role of chairman after founder Morris Chang's retirement in June 2018. TSMC is the top producer of the world's most advanced processors. The Taiwanese firm manufactures semiconductors for companies like Apple and Nvidia , often based on architecture from chip design firm Arm. WASHINGTON The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Tuesday announced it has fined U.S. Bank nearly $21 million for cutting off access to unemployment insurance benefits during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency imposed an additional $15 million penalty on the bank over the same practices. "U.S. Bank blocked access to accounts and demanded burdensome paperwork in order for consumers to regain access to their frozen benefits," CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said in a statement. The fifth-largest commercial bank in the country, U.S. Bank administered prepaid debit cards to distribute unemployment insurance benefits through its ReliaCard program. But starting in the summer of 2020, when unemployment rose close to 15%, the bank froze tens of thousands of accounts due to suspected fraud. It then failed to provide a reliable method for consumers with frozen cards to regain access to their benefit money, the CFPB said. As part of the settlement, the bank did not admit or deny wrongdoing. Between March 2020 and July 2021, states issued $794 billion in combined state and federal unemployment benefits. The demand for the prepaid cards "grew nearly 4000%," during the pandemic, Cheryl Leamon, a representative for U.S. Bank, told CNBC. "While a small portion of cardholders were affected due to extended holds, we prevented fraud of over $375 million and returned to the states hundreds of millions in additional funds sent to questionable accounts," Leamon said. The bank has since made enhancements to the ReliaCard program, Leamon added. Users who had their accounts frozen between August 2020 and March 2021 waited an average of a few weeks to a month or more to regain access to benefits because U.S. Bank did not provide an easy method to verify identities. The $15 million OCC portion of the fine was related to alleged unfair practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. U.S. Bank also violated the Consumer Financial Protection Act and failed to immediately investigate alleged unauthorized electronic fund transfers under the EFT Act, according to the CFPB. Consumers were unable to access the funds that had been reported as unauthorized, because the bank incorrectly required additional written confirmation about the transactions and did not dispense provisional credits without it. "U.S. Bank must comply with the law, and the CFPB and OCC are making the bank pay for its conduct," Chopra said. Under a consent order, U.S. Bank will provide $5.7 million in redress to consumers and pay a $15 million civil money penalty. The OCC penalty will be paid to the U.S. Treasury. U.S. Bank is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and had $668 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, according to the CFPB. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 18) Amid calls for the removal of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian over Chinas heightened aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Beijings envoy should retain his post as he is just doing his job. Lawmakers have called for the ambassador to be sent back to China following Beijings recent spate of aggression towards Filipino vessels in the WPS. The Department of Foreign Affairs said the move to declare him persona non grata warranted serious consideration. Asked for his thoughts on Huang Xilians possible recall, Marcos said: Hes the Ambassador of China so he will always take the Chinese position." Marcos said the envoy is just doing his job by airing Chinas position on the WPS adding that overreactions could further inflame tensions between Manila and Beijing. That doesnt serve any purpose for us to lose our temper or to overreact. So, kung yan ang gustong ibigay sa atin na Ambassador ng China eh wala namanhindi naman sa atinI mean kung talagang objectionable siya [If this the Ambassador of China given to us, its not on us if hes really objectionable], you can make it known to Beijing, he said. The Philippines has to work around the issue, Marcos said, but added that he was willing to negotiate with China to resolve the issues. I wish we talked about it over the table as opposed to colliding with each others ships in the open sea. Of course, I will prefer the less confrontational method of trying to decide these things. But it is what it is, he said. Earlier this month, Chinas ships blasted with water cannons on multiple occasions Filipino vessels conducting humanitarian and resupply missions in the WPS, drawing global condemnation once again. READ: China fires water cannons at BFAR vessels on humanitarian mission in WPS PH vessel suffers 'serious engine damage' in new water cannon incident in WPS China also employed dangerous maneuvers to interrupt these operations and at one point, even deployed a long-range acoustic device or sound cannon causing severe discomfort among Filipino crew members. Its actions have further escalated tensions in the South China Sea and the portion which Manila calls the WPS. Beijing has ramped up its aggression against Filipino vessels since 2021. In the midst of these incidents, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has continually echoed Beijings and its government statements blaming Manila for supposedly trespassing and conducting illegal operations into its territory. This is despite the fact that in 2016, an arbitral tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea nullified Chinas sweeping claims over the South China Sea which overlap with the WPS. Marcos earlier said that only the Philippines had legal basis to operate in the WPS. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized 30 million worth of smuggled luxury cars in Misamis Oriental last December 15. In a statement issued Tuesday, the BOC said a shipment from South Korea arrived at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, which declared 1,045 truck replacement parts. But upon receiving "derogatory information," the bureau's Intelligence Group requested Port of Cagayan de Oro authorities to inspect the said shipment. Authorities discovered that the shipment actually contained two Porsche cars. The cars were seized in violation of the Republic Act No. 10863 or the "Customs Modernization and Tariff Act." The BOC in July also seized more than 80 luxury cars that were allegedly smuggled, with an estimated amount of 500 million in a Pasig City showroom. The bureau auctioned off last year 100 million worth of seized luxury vehicles to earn more funds for the government. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) Sen. JV Ejercito claimed that China might be funding destabilization efforts in the Philippines through "trolls" with "pro-Beijing" stance amid territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea. He said he was a victim of coordinated social media attacks from supposed trolls for being vocal against Chinese aggression in the WPS. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Ejercito said the social media users previously targeted House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Philippine Coast Guard's Commodore Jay Tarriela, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Senate President Migz Zubiri. "The sad thing about it is that this might be part of a destabilization plan," he told reporters. When asked if he believes the "attacks" against him and his colleagues are funded by China, Ejercito answered: "Di malayo because of the situation in the West Philippine Sea, so that mapunta 'yong attention sa internal, sa ginagawa nilang destab efforts." "It's not far-fetched that they are funded kasi bigla na lang pro-China sila na napakahirap ilaban ang posisyon na 'yon," he said. [Translation: It's not far-fetched because of the situation in the West Philippine Sea, so our attention will be focused on internal, on their destabilization efforts. It's not far-fetched that they are funded because they (social media users) instantly became pro-China, which is a difficult position to have.] Asked if in his assessment the social media users were trolling him because they were being paid, he replied: "Kung normal kang Pilipino, 'di ka kakamapi sa Tsina dahil binu-bully tayo, kinukuha ang territory natin. That's why I suspect [they are trolls] kasi kung babasahin mo 'yong kanilang narrative halos pare-pareho." [Translation: If you're a normal Filipino, you will not side with China which is bullying us and occupying our territory. That's why I suspect they are trolls because they mostly have the same narratives.] RELATED: PCG official: Pro-China narratives being spread to sway Pinoys' opinions He said those social media users he interacted with have "flimsy reasoning" and "cut and paste narratives." Ejercito appealed to Filipinos to unite to enable the country to "progress and move forward." He also called for a stop to "political bickering." The Chinese Embassy has yet to respond to CNN Philippines' request for comment. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) Sen. JV Ejercito said the Senate is confident that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not veto the provisions in the proposed 5.76-trillion national budget for 2024 that will increase unprogrammed funds, which a minority senator flagged as "unconstitutional." "Confident naman kami na wala na siguro mave-veto [Were confident that nothing will be vetoed]," said Ejercito, vice chairperson of the Senate finance committee. "'Yong [The] controversial funds, like confidential and intelligence funds, [are] now solely allotted to national security agencies." When asked if they were assured that the unprogrammed funds would not be vetoed, Ejercito said the chamber "trust[s] the executive." "We trust the president and his discretion, that's his authority. We'll see tomorrow kung ano ang final [what will be the final]," he said. Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel has claimed that the 450-billion hike made by the bicameral conference committee to unprogrammed appropriations is unconstitutional. READ: Pimentel: 2024 budget actually 6T after 'unconstitutional' hike in unprogrammed appropriations Sen. Sonny Angara, finance panel chairperson, earlier told CNN Philippines that while unprogrammed appropriations were increased, this will still depend on the governments revenue or tax collections. Standby appropriations can only be implemented if the income will be higher than expected, he noted. Ejercito called on departments and agencies to prioritize programs "that would have more impact" once they had the extra budget to implement those listed under the unprogrammed funds. "'Yong unprogrammed funds talagang dapat ding bantayan [The unprogrammed funds should also be monitored], that's why we made sure that it will be all itemized para walang duda just like other special purpose funds or CIF," he also said. Marcos is set to sign the General Appropriations Bill 2024 on Wednesday. It comes over a week after both chambers of Congress approved and ratified the proposed spending plan. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) Families earning no more than 23,000 monthly could receive one-time cash assistance of 5,000 through the 'Ayuda sa Kapos sa Kita Program' (AKAP) under the proposed 2024 national budget. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said the program is one of the 500 billion social amelioration programs that seek to support 12 million low-income families or an estimated 48 million Filipinos. "It's a 60-billion fund, whose aim is to provide direct cash assistance to the 'near poor' or families earning up to 23,000 a month," Romualdez said. "At least 12 million households will benefit from it, including low-income workers like those in construction and factories, drivers, food service crew, and the like," he added. The speaker said if the program is successful, it will continue to be implemented next year. The other social amelioration programs include budgets of 23 billion for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and 30 billion for Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) under the Department of Labor and Employment. Also among the programs, farmers are set to get 5 billion worth of support for farm inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation. Romualdez said another 5 billion is earmarked to buy farmers' produce at market prices. He added that 80 billion has also been allocated to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to "build more dams, water reservoirs, and solar irrigation systems." Meanwhile, construction has started on new facilities or expansion of existing ones in legacy hospitals, with work set to be finished within three years, Romualez added. "For 2024, we have appropriated 1 billion for UP-Philippine General Hospital, 1.5 billion for National Kidney and Transplant Institute, 1 billion for Philippine Cancer Center, P1 billion for Philippine Children's Medical Center, 1 billion for Bicol Regional Medical Center, and 500 million for Batangas Regional Medical Center," Romualdez said. The other programs that are said to support the 48 million low-income Filipinos are housing projects with amortization of 2,500 to 3,500 a month; 1.5 billion for the expansion of the Pag-asa Island airport; and an 800 million budget for shelter port construction for fishermen and boats in Lawak, Palawan near Ayungin Shoal. "We are hoping that in some way, we are able to support people who badly need government help to get them through hard times," the speaker said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) At least 2,500 passengers remain stranded at Manila North Port Terminal as vessels are barred from sailing due to Kabayan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday. The PCG earlier reported the number of stranded passengers at 5,400 on Monday at 12:55 p.m. The figure stated in the post was edited after four hours. According to the PCG, the 2,500 passengers are bound for the cities of Cebu, Butuan, Tagbilaran, and Cagayan de Oro. In its 5 p.m. bulletin on Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) downgraded Kabayan into a low pressure area -- lifting storm signals previously raised over various parts of the country. But the state weather bureau warned that the shear line, coinciding with the passage of Kabayan, may still bring heavy rainfall over the eastern portion of southern Luzon. The surge of the northeast monsoon will also bring gusty conditions for the next two days over parts of Luzon and the Visayas, PAGASA added. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier reported that around 6,700 individuals in Mindanao were displaced due to the effects of Kabayan and the shear line. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) as of Wednesday logged a total of 413 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have returned home from Israel, welcoming the 13th batch of repatriates since the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October. The 37 OFWs comprising the latest batch of repatriates from Israel include 31 caregivers and six hotel workers, the DMW said. "They received a total of 125,000 pesos in financial aid, Training and Capacity Enhancement vouchers, as well pabaon goodies and a pail full of Noche Buena items from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office," the DMW said in a statement. In the morning, another 38 distressed OFWs from Lebanon and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates also arrived in the country. The government also vowed to provide them with various forms of financial, medical, and psychosocial assistance as well as training and capability enhancement options. READ: More distressed OFWs from Lebanon, UAE arrive in PH Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 20) Google Philippines on Tuesday released its "Year in Search 2023," a compilation of Filipinos' top searches in various topics like news, sports, shows, and personalities. "SIM registration" was the most searched in the news this year, as the government enacted the SIM Registration Act to combat mobile-related fraud and other crimes. "Lakers vs. Warriors" topped the search in sports, "Oppenheimer" was the most searched movie, while "Say You Won't Let Go" was the most searched lyrics for 2023. Ahn Bo-hyun and Katy Louise Saunders topped the searches for male and female personalities, while "Duty After School" topped the K-drama series. Google also created a whole new "Farewells" category to track the searches about people who passed away. Topping the list are veteran broadcaster Mike Enriquez, actor and director Joey Paras, and "Friends" star Matthew Perry. During the announcement of Year in Search 2023, Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs of Google Philippines, reminded Filipinos to remain vigilant online. "We'd like to encourage everyone to always think first or verify the information that they see online. That's why Google is here," he said. Wenke also vowed to exhaust all their efforts to connect Filipinos to reliable content and information online. Since 2014 Russia has been threatening and sometimes invading its neighbors. Ukraine was invaded in 2022 and the Baltic States were threatened but protected by their membership in the NATO mutual defense organization. That did not stop Russia from using less obvious weapons, especially electronic warfare. Because of this NATO has learned a lot more about Russian post-Cold War EW (electronic warfare) capabilities. Until 2022 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the fighting in the eastern Ukraine Donbas region led the Russians to use a lot of their most modern electronic warfare equipment. Not just Cold War era equipment, which Ukraine inherited a lot of after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, but equipment NATO knows was developed in the 1990s or later but not encountered until now. NATO discovered that Russia had developed effective and reliable encrypted battlefield radios that proved difficult for Western forces to decrypt or jam. They just didnt have many of them due to corruption but, as expected, Russian eavesdropping and jamming gear turned out to be very effective. This Russian gear greatly aided the pro-Russia Donbas rebels, who jammed or eavesdropped on all manner of Ukrainian communications like cell phones, military communications and control equipment for UAVs and anything else operated remotely. Worse for the West, the Russians did not use all the capabilities of their electronic gear and saved that for the next war, which started in 2022. At the request of Ukraine NATO has provided a growing electronic warfare support effort and there has been, not surprisingly, little publicity about the result. That is typical when it comes to electronic gear in general, which is much more effective if the other side does not know much about how it works. This is nothing new. For example, the World War II strategic bombing campaign against Germany saw nearly all the modern electronic warfare techniques and countermeasures developed and used for the first time. At the end of World War II Russia captured a lot of the German EW and ECM equipment and were impressed when they examined it. Because of this, Russia never exported a lot of their best Cold War era EW equipment and most of these systems were never seen in action. After the Cold War Russia continued to develop electronic warfare equipment and since 2014 Ukraine, the Baltic States and NATO got a better idea of how much trouble they were in. A lot, it turned out. And the situation got worse after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. They brought their EW capabilities with them. As the Russian invasion stalled and the Ukrainian began to push the Russian out, both sides relied more on EW because both Russia and Ukraine had large inventories of equipment and ideas. In Ukraine NATO electronic warfare experts have had ample opportunity to get a better understanding of the latest Russian electronic warfare gear under combat conditions. That was important because Russia now exports a lot more of this equipment. The Russians dont mind making their electronic warfare tech more vulnerable to theft because Russian manufacturers need the money to stay in business. Meanwhile NATO would simply like to know more about the latest Russian gear, just in case. It turned out that the Russian EW community had a lot more ideas for new EW equipment and that became a problem for Ukraine and NATO. The Russians were able to come up with EW countermeasures which reduced Ukraines combat superiority. This was a crucial factor because of the heavy use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) by both sides for reconnaissance, surveillance and attacks using UAVs equipped with explosives. This led to several UAVs used in the same operation to simultaneously carry out the reconnaissance, surveillance, and attacks in rapid fashion. This gave the enemy little time to react. The best defense was effective ECM, often in the form of multiple jamming efforts to increase the chances of defeating or at least disrupting the attack and reducing its impact. In Ukraine success at carrying out or defeating attacks combining multiple UAVs and EW techniques became the new normal. Not every military has the same resources for developing these new combat capabilities and those with less to work with will have to innovate to remain competitive. Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today! Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published. Error! There was an error processing your request. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Gorge Social Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?) Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. The UN lifted the Somalia arms embargo on December 1st. This was at the request of the Somali government, which needs weapons to upgrade its forces and to arm new soldiers and pro-government militias. UN peacekeepers remain, but only after the UN was persuaded to cancel a planned withdrawal. The Somali army complained that they would have a lot of problems if all the foreign peacekeepers left on schedule. Peacekeeper commanders in Somalia agreed and 3,000 peacekeepers that were supposed to leave Somalia by the end of September did not go. The peacekeepers began withdrawing in June 2023, when 2,000 departed. It soon became apparent that the withdrawal plan was over-optimistic about what might go wrong if there were fewer peacekeepers. Much could go wrong, and Al Shabab and other troublemakers took advantage of the situation. Withdrawing peacekeepers was an issue because it was very dangerous to be a peacekeeper in Somalia, much more dangerous than peacekeeping anywhere else. Over the past 16 years at least 3,500 peacekeepers have been killed in Somalia. The EU (European Union) and United States pay for the peacekeeping force and nearly $200 million has been disbursed for death and disability benefits during that period. Thats in addition to the $200 million a year cost of operating the peacekeeper force. That is provided by the UN via contributions from the U.S. and EU (European Union). The UN approves the size and duration of the peacekeeper force annually. The peacekeepers have been in Somalia since 2007 at a cost of over three billion dollars. In addition to peacekeepers killed, at least as many were permanently disabled from their wounds. The African Union (AU) pays for medical care, including long term care for some of the wounded. For years the AU played down the high casualty rates in Somalia, reporting less than a third of the actual deaths. The usual growing number of corruption scandals involving missing death benefits and other compensation led to the actual loss statistics being revealed. The peacekeeper casualties suffered in order to cripple Al Shabab, which is now on the defensive and unable to withstand growing army efforts to drive al Shabaab forces out of towns and villages. Al Shabaab depends on those towns and villages for food and other supplies. The army and peacekeepers take advantage of that by keeping al Shabaab away from these supply sources. This causes al Shabaab to lose men to desertion. Without supplies al Shabaab cannot feed their men and many of those men simply desert and go home. Defeating an enemy force by depriving them of supplies is an ancient tactic that still works. Government and peacekeeper forces face a complex situation because there are more villages in the countryside than the troops can protect with garrisons. What the Somali forces can do is keep al Shabaab forces on the move, which is something al Shabaab is not used to and cannot sustain without vehicles and fuel. The army destroys these vehicles whenever they can go after local merchants who supply al Shabaab with fuel and other supplies. Al Shabaab can afford to pay because the looting also involves gathering any money they can find. The violence in Somalia is not decreasing rapidly. There are violent incidents every week, most of them involving al Shabaab losing. This is rapidly depleting al Shabaab manpower through casualties and desertions. For most of 2023 al Shabaab has been losing over a hundred men a month killed and even more losses through desertion. It is becoming more difficult to recruit new members because the government has been working with local forces, usually long-standing clan militias, to prevent al Shabaab recruiters from getting near prospects. At one time al Shabaab offered attractive and low risk employment for young men with few job opportunities. This strategic approach to reducing al Shabaab strength and capabilities worked. There are also sometimes problems with soldiers not being paid during peacetime in their home countries. Too much of this sometimes sparks a rebellion or insurrection over missing pay and other grievances. Despite this there was never a problem obtaining peacekeepers for duty in Somalia, paid for by the AU and a long list of African and Western donors. Somalia is the most dangerous peacekeeping duty in the world. About 300,000 men served as peacekeepers in Somalia, receiving an average annual compensation of $9,100 each. Officers, NCOs, and privates all receive different amounts and peacekeeping duty pays better than their regular pay when back home. In most countries, peacekeeping duty is relatively safe. This was not the case in Somalia, where about three percent of peacekeepers were killed or badly wounded and disabled. While the peacekeepers are leaving, American forces belonging to AFRICOM (U.S. Africa Command) are still available to provide some assistance in the form of aerial surveillance, airstrikes, and training for Somali forces. There are only 7,500 American troops in Africa and their theater (AFRICOM) headquarters in Germany. Since early 2017, when AFRICOM increased its use of armed UAVs over Somalia, there have been about 172 UAV airstrikes that have killed nearly a thousand al Shabaab and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) members. In 2020 there were fifty of these UAV airstrikes and 280 in Somalia in the last decade. In 2021 there were seven UAV airstrikes and fifteen in 2022 and even more in 2023. American forces, and airstrikes, returned t0 Somali in 2022. This was prompted by the formation of a new Somali government. All American airstrikes are at the request of the Somali government. Somalia sent thousands of its soldiers to Eritrea, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Egypt for training. This is all part of the effort to have 24,000 Somali soldiers trained and ready for operations once all the peacekeepers are gone. Remote support from AFRICOM will continue using UAVs based in nearby African countries. That al Shabaab controls any territory is mainly because of another problem; corruption. The government forces suffer from it while al Shabaab does not, or at least has much less of it. The inability of the government to ensure that their security forces are supplied and paid regularly, even though foreign aid provides the needed cash, means the Somali army remains unreliable and unable to control areas that al Shabaab has been driven out of. This is the case even when peacekeepers or pro-government militias did the work. Its another case of greed overwhelming common sense and common interests. This is not unusual for Somalia, which has been rated the most corrupt nation in the world for a decade. One of the side effects of that degree of corruption is the inability to maintain reliable security forces. Yet al Shabaab also lacks access to foreign aid and provides far fewer amenities for recruits than Somali soldiers or foreign peacekeepers enjoy. Al Shabaab continues to operate despite heavy attrition from combat, disease, and desertion. At one point Al Shabaab maintained its strength in rural areas by stealing children in addition to food and other supplies. Families that can afford to send their children, mainly boys aged 8-16, away to areas with less al Shabaab presence to protect the kids from a popular form of recruiting in Africa. This began with al Shabaab demanding that rural schools stop teaching anything that might be interpreted as hostile to al Shabaab. Then al Shabaab imposed a tax on some schools that had to be paid in the form of students. In the last year several hundred children have been taken and several thousand have been sent away by their parents to keep the kids safe from al Shabaab. This recruiting tactic has been used elsewhere in Somalia for years. This tactic was not unexpected because the Islamic terrorist group has suffered heavy losses in the last few years but maintained its strength by improvising. This is mainly about using children and, at one point, at least half the al Shabaab gunmen were armed boys under age 18 with a growing number under 14 years old. This is why, despite losing control of 90 percent of the area it controlled at its peak in 2012, al Shabaab still exists with less than half the personnel it had in 2012. The growing use of child soldiers was noted as early as 2010 when the fighting in Mogadishu was not going well for al Shabaab and many of their fighters had been killed or discouraged enough to desert. Unable to entice enough men to join, they convinced (or coerced) some clan elders to allow kids (large enough to handle an AK-47) to join the fight. Like most Somali children they were eager for the opportunity to have an AK-47 of their very own and people to shoot at. This is a big deal for Somali teenagers. By 2012 it was noted that 10-20 percent of most al Shabaab fighters appeared to be kids. Teenagers are not the best fighters. Most are impulsive and inexperienced, so they do not last long if there is a lot of combat, and even then, they require more supervision than adult fighters. But given the choice between disappearing because of heavy casualties and recruiting more and more kids, many African irregular groups like bandits, rebels and Islamic terrorists will resort to the use of children. This is not a new phenomenon, but it did not become as affordable and widespread until the 1990s. Thats because several million cheap Cold War surplus AK-47s began showing up in Africa in the 1990s and child soldiers became a more practical solution to heavy personnel losses. The world market for AK-47s was inundated by the late 1990s. The only market left was Africa, but only if you were willing to sell cheaply. The gunrunners were, and still are, very active in lawless places like Somalia, Sudan, and eastern Congo. The cheap AK-47 made it possible to use kids as young as 10-14 years old as soldiers. This was a new development because the old weapons (spears, swords, bows) required muscle. Kids had to be older, and stronger to be warriors. But now, if you could lift a 4.5 kg (ten pound) AK-47 and pull the trigger, you could be a killer. Child soldiers changed everything because warlords could just kidnap or entice kids and quickly brainwash them. These armies of child killers made insurrection and anarchy more common. Tens of millions of Africans fled their homes to avoid these tiny terrors, and many of those refugees died of starvation or disease. These victims were just as dead, even if the bullets didn't get them. In fact, few AK-47 victims died from bullets. It was the massive fear, and breakdown of society and the economy, that killed most people confronted by all these cheap AK-47s. The kids weren't very good shots, but if they got close enough to you, they were capable of unimaginable horrors. Al Shabaab is continuing this vile tradition, although in the name of God. Another pragmatic tactic al Shabaab has adopted is to negotiate and keep economic agreements in rural areas where they live. This includes all traffic passing through the area having to pay a tax to pass al Shabaab road checkpoints. This includes trucks carrying foreign aid supplies like food and medicine. This is not much different than in government-controlled areas except that al Shabaab will fight any other groups like clan militias, security forces or bandits, seeking additional and unexpected taxes to pass. Al Shabaab will hand out written receipts so drivers will not be taxed more than once while in al Shabaab territory. When Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, it mined the waters off the Crimean Peninsula. Russia expected to win its war but when that did not happen some of those mines either broke loose or were cut loose and drifted into shipping lanes used by Ukrainian and NATO ships. By early 2023 over 40 of these mines had been found and destroyed. It is unknown how many mines are still out there but the NATO countries that border the Black Sea continue to look for them. Some of these mines were bottom mines which, unlike floating mines, are kept in place by a chain attached to a weight on the seabed and sometimes the chain breaks. There are also bottom mines that are placed on the seabed and dont drift around. Russia does not appear to have used bottom mines in the Black Sea. In mid-2023 there was a sudden increase in the number of free floating mines between Crimea and the narrow straits Turkey controls that lead to the Mediterranean and the worlds oceans. Turkey and other NATO nations control most of the Black Sea coastline, especially the southern and western Black Sea coasts. The Russian navy still controls most of the eastern Black Sea and is believed responsible for more than 400 free floating naval mines showing up west of Crimean since mid-2023. Few of these mines appear to be tethered mines that broke loose from their chains. That is an old problem with Russian made floating mines. Tethered mines are designed to have their weighted base sink to the bottom of shallow (less than 20 meters) water. Most of the mines currently in the Black Sea were apparently released into the water without any tether. The use of naval mines is diminished because they are not much of a threat to warships, which are constantly on the lookout for them, and most commercial ships are too big to sink after encountering one of these mines. There is some hull damage and flooding, but not enough to sink a ship. The mines are a danger to smaller commercial ships, especially fishing trawlers, not to mention some large private vessels like yachts. Some NATO counties with Black Sea coastlines have organized a mine clearing operation. Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria contribute mine clearing vessels and equipment. NATO members that do not border the Black Sea but do have a lot of commercial shipping operating in the Black Sea are also contributing mine clearing ships and equipment. The situation worsened because of a massive storm that ravaged the Black Sea coastline on November 26th and 27th. Such a storm has not occurred in the Black Sea for over a century and the damage was extensive. Military facilities and fortifications on the coast were damaged or destroyed. Ships at sea, especially smaller ones, were damaged or sunk. Some ships at sea ran ashore. The ten meter (30 f00t) waves were particularly damaging to ports and coastal military facilities in Crimea. A less visible form of damage was the number of moored, by a chain to a weight on the sea bottom, naval mines. The powerful storm broke the chains and set these mines free. This added another hazard for commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Floating contact mines are a 19th century development that has been improved on for over a century and is still used because they are cheap and effective. Iran has acquired a stockpile of 3,000 to 6,000 mines, mostly of Soviet/Russian, Chinese or North Korean origin. Most are unsophisticated but still dangerous moored contact mines, like those that damaged several American warships in the Persian Gulf during 1991. These mines had been released by Iraq. Iran's current arsenal of sea mines is estimated to number around 2,000 and includes the domestically produced Sadaf-01/02 moored contact mines as well as more sophisticated bottom mines that depend on battery-operated sensors to detect ships passing overhead and detonate when a ship of the desired type comes by. These mines put holes in ships bottoms, which causes serious flooding that often sinks them. Naval forces with the right equipment can easily find and disable bottom mines and thats what happened to the ones Iran supplied to the Yemen Shia rebels. The rebels had only a few such mines, and apparently no more were smuggled in after so many were found and destroyed by naval mine clearing ships. Some nations are still working on new mines and mine delivery systems. The U.S. Navy believes robotic subs carrying mobile mines would be an effective new ASW (Anti-submarine warfare) asset because the U.S. is already developing some of the new ASW technology needed for this. This includes UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vessels) and mobile mines. Over a decade ago the navy adopted civilian underwater UUVs used for monitoring the oceans to do that as well as collect data useful for wartime submarine operations. With a growing number of civilian and military customers, American UUV developers and manufacturers have been coming up with new ocean research UUVs that also have military applications. The latest example of this is the new class of XLUUVs with the ability to go deeper, carry a cargo bay for other research gear to be stored and deployed from, and operate autonomously for up to six months. The first of these XLUUVs was the Echo Voyager, which Boeing developed from a research project and had the first one ready for testing in 2016. The tests were successful and have involved more complex and completely autonomous operations. In 2019 the navy ordered four militarized Orca versions of the Echo Voyager for $11 million each. Both models are diesel-electric powered autonomous subs that are 16 meters (51 feet) long with a payload compartment 9.1 meters long, 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) in diameter and are wholly inside the pressure hull. Propulsion is by battery powered electric motors and diesel generators to recharge the batteries when on or near the surface. This XLUUV has no topside sail and can stay underwater for days at a time because there is no crew on board to sustain. While submerged these UUVs can move at 14 kilometers an hour and have sufficient generator fuel to travel 12,000 kilometers. The main difference between Echo Voyager and Orca is that Echo Voyager is built to dive to extreme (3,400 meters/11,000 feet) depths. Orca does without that but adds additional passive sensors and signal processing computers to detect other submarines or surface ships. There is also an underwater communications system for arming the dozen Hammerhead mobile mines Orca is designed to carry and place on the ocean floor in areas like the South China Sea. These Hammerhead bottom mines carry a Mk 54 lightweight torpedo, which is normally carried by ASW helicopters and aircraft. Mk 54 has a range of ten kilometers and a guidance system that is regularly updated. Hammerhead is being used in a similar fashion to a larger version of this used during the Cold War that deployed a larger Mk 48 torpedo. Hammerhead is an encapsulated system equipped with passive sensors to detect and identify submarines and surface ships and attack specific types of targets, like diesel-electric subs larger than Orca. Ever since the end of the Cold War a growing number of American naval officers and civilian experts have been urging that more attention be paid to dealing with naval mines. The United States was not alone and in 2012 that led to the U.S. and over 30 other nations conducting a joint mine clearing exercise, called the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012 (September 16-27). The numerous training events were directed at dealing with Iranian attempts to block the entrance (Straits of Hormuz) to the Persian Gulf. The impact of that exercise led to another being held annually ever since. While Iran is the most immediate user of naval mines, it is not alone. North Korea, China and Russia have much larger naval mine stockpiles, but these three are not boasting of how and when they would use them. Iran insists that because of its mines and other weapons it will have no trouble blocking the export of oil via the Straits of Hormuz. Some 35 percent of the world's oil shipments pass through these straits, which comes to about 15-20 tankers a day (plus a dozen or more non-tankers). The Persian Gulf, in general, is a busy waterway. It is 989 kilometers long and the average depth is 50 meters (maximum depth is 90 meters). Naval mines are Iran's best bet if they want to shut down the straits. The Iranian problem is that they have a small navy, an obsolete air force, and a poor track record when it comes to shutting down tanker traffic in the Persian Gulf or the Straits of Hormuz. They tried once before, in the 1980s, when they were at war with Iraq. The two nations began attacking each other's tanker traffic early on, in an attempt to cut off each other's oil sales and, thus, military purchases. Iran didn't want to shut the Straits of Hormuz because it needed the oil revenue more than did Iraq, which was also getting billions in aid from other Arab states. Each country concentrated on attacking shipping in the Persian Gulf. Over 500 ships were attacked, 61 percent of them tankers. Only 23 percent of the tankers attacked, mainly with anti-ship missiles, were sunk or immobilized. The attacks, using fighter-bombers and warships, only hit about two percent of the ship traffic in the Gulf. Iran lowered its oil prices to cover the higher cost of ship insurance and, in 1986, Russia and the United States intervened to protect Kuwaiti and Iraqi tankers, which were taking most of the damage. The Iranian military realized it was in worse shape in 2012 than it was in the 1980s and would not last long trying to attack ships. That left the Straits of Hormuz. This is actually a wide, about 30 kilometers and deep channel. Normally, shipping sticks to narrow, as in a few kilometers wide, channels going in and out, to avoid collisions. The main Iranian threat has always been seen as naval mines. The Arab states have a lot of mine clearing equipment and more numerous air and naval forces than Iran. In addition, there are the United States and NATO forces in the area. The problem was that all these mine clearing forces had never practiced under realistic, simulated wartime conditions. In short it has long been unclear exactly what it would take to deal with Iranian mines in the straits. Many of those questions were finally answered in 2012 and during subsequent mine clearing exercises. For an Iranian mining attempt to work they would have to get the mines onto the bottom of the straits and then prevent the rest of the world from clearing those mines. That would be difficult, as will Iranian attempts to plant additional mines. Such attempts would not be impossible as Iran has small submarines and speed boats along with sailors willing to carry out suicidal missions to deliver the mines. Even that may not be sufficient, as this sort of fanaticism failed against the Americans in the 1980s. While Iran has worked to overcome their shortcomings, most of the solutions appear to be publicity stunts mainly meant to make the Iranian population feel better. Iran has a few thousand naval mines, which is a small arsenal compared to Russia, with over 200,000, China with over 100,000 and North Korea with over 50,000. It is generally agreed that all these mines are a serious danger. While often ignored, naval mines are a formidable weapon, though these passive weapons just don't get any respect. The historical record indicates otherwise. Modern naval mines were widely used for the first time over a century ago, during the Russo-Japanese war (1904- 1905). These were contact mines, floating in shallow water and kept in place with an anchor and chain. When the tide was right, they would be just below the surface, ready to explode whenever struck by a ship. Some 2,000 of these mines were used to destroy sixteen ships during the Russo-Japanese war. That's one ship lost for every 125 mines used. During the 1914-18 World War I, modern mine tactics and clearing methods evolved. Thousands of mines were laid to provide defensive barriers against enemy movement in the North Sea. Mines were also used offensively by secretly placing them across known enemy sea routes. More than 1,000 merchant and war ships were lost because of the 230,000 mines used. That's over 200 mines used for every ship lost. During World War II there was a major effort to develop better mine clearing methods to deal with an even larger number of mines. Despite that, during 1939-45 World War II 2,665 ships were lost or damaged by about 100,000 naval mines. That's one ship for every 37 mines. Some 208,000 mines were used defensively to inhibit enemy movement and tie up his resources. Naval mines achieved several striking successes during World War II. In the Pacific naval mines proved more destructive to the Japanese war effort than the atom bombs. During a 10 week period between April and August 1945, 12,000 mines were delivered to the Japanese coast by American bombers. These destroyed 1,250,000 tons of Japanese shipping (670 ships hit, 431 destroyed). That's 18 mines for each ship hit. The Americans had air superiority, so losses during these 1,500 missions amounted to only 15 planes, most of them accidents. Had these missions been flown against opposition, losses would have been between 30 and 60 aircraft, plus similar losses to their fighter escorts. Either way it was a stunning success for naval mines. A conventional submarine campaign was also waged against Japanese shipping using mines. Comparisons between subs using mines and torpedoes are interesting. A hundred submarines were involved in a campaign that ran for 45 months from December 1941 to August 1945. Some 4.8 million tons of enemy shipping was sunk with torpedoes. For every US submarine sailor lost using submarine launched torpedoes, 560 tons of enemy ships were sunk. During the mine campaign 3,500 tons were sunk for each U.S. fatality. On a cost basis the difference was equally stark. Counting the cost of lost mine laying aircraft, B- 29's cost about $500,000 each, or torpedo armed submarines that cost $5 million each, we find that each ton of sunk shipping cost six dollars when using mines and fifty-five dollars when using submarines. This data was classified as secret until the 1970s. It indicates that mines might have been more effective than torpedoes, even if the mines were delivered by submarine. The Germans waged a minelaying campaign off the east coast of the United States between 1942 and 1944. Only 317 mines were used, which sank or damaged 11 ships. This was a ratio of 29 mines used for each ship hit. More importantly eight major ports were closed for a total of 40 days. One port, Charleston, South Carolina, was closed for 16 days, tying up not only merchant shipping but the thousands of men, warships, and aircraft dealing with the situation. American submarines also waged a limited mine campaign in the Pacific. For 658 mines used, 54 ships were sunk or damaged, at a cost of 12 mines per ship. No subs were lost. Considerable Japanese resources were tied up dealing with the mines. On the Palau atoll the port was closed by the mines and not reopened until the war ended. Even surface ships were used to lay mines. Three thousand mines were laid by destroyers. Only 12 ships were hit but these were barrier fields, not the ambush type mine fields that a submarine can create by sneaking into an enemy held area. In Korea during the early 1950s, the Soviets provided North Korea with 3,000 mines, many of 1904 vintage. These were used to defend Wonson harbor. It took several weeks for UN forces to clear these, at a loss of a dozen ships hit. Half of those ships were destroyed. During the Vietnam War over 300,000 American naval mines were used, primarily in rivers. The vast majority were not built as mines but were aerial bombs equipped with magnetic sensors instead of fuzes. These bombs/mines used a small parachute to insure that no damage occurred on landing. In shallow water these makeshift weapons sat on the bottom and performed as well as mines. Haiphong Harbor was actually mined with 11,000 of these destructors, as the US air force called them, and less than a hundred conventional mines. Haiphong Harbor was shut down completely for months, and it took years to clear out all the American mines. The destructor mine design was so successful that it is still in use, using more modern electronics, as the Mk 62 mine. During the 1991 Gulf War the Iraqis laid over a thousand mines off the Iraqi and Kuwaiti coast. The predominantly US naval forces did not have sufficient mine sweeping resources to deal with this situation and had a helicopter carrier and cruiser hit and damaged while trying to clear the area. This effectively prevented any US amphibious operations, although the Marines were not going to be used for a landing anyway. It took over a month of mine clearing after the fighting ceased to eliminate all the mines. In the meantime, two U.S. warships were damaged by these mines. In 2003, the Iraqis again tried to use mines, but were hampered by prompt American, British, and Kuwaiti action. In any future war naval mines will again surprise everyone with how effective they are. It is feared that terrorists might get their hands on some bottom mines, but so far, there do not appear to have been any attempts. Meanwhile the 2012 international mine clearing exercise prompted the United States to make several moves to improve mine clearing capability. The U.S. Navy ordered several dozen more of the expendable SeaFox UUVs (unmanned underwater vehicles). These are used to destroy bottom mines, which sit on the seabed. These UUVs were sent to the Persian Gulf to deal with potential Iranian use of naval miles. The Seafox UUVs are used on Avenger mine hunting ships already in the Persian Gulf. SeaFox is a small (1.4x.4x.2 meters/55x16x8 inches) battery-powered sub that weighs 43 kg (95 pounds) and has a fiber-optic cable connecting it to a surface ship or hovering helicopter. There the controller can move the SeaFox close to a suspected mine (using a small sonar unit to assist navigation), then turn on a spotlight for a video camera to examine the object and determine if it is a mine. If it is, SeaFox gets closer and detonates a shaped charge explosive, sending a shaft of hot plasma through the mine destroying itself and the mine. SeaFox has an endurance of about 100 minutes, a top speed of 10 kilometers an hour, and can dive as deep as 300 meters (930 feet). The only American minesweeper ships are the 13 Avengers. These are 72.3 meter (224 foot) long ships that draw only 4.8 meters (15 feet) of water, enabling them to operate close to shore. The crews are supposed to be trained in navigating such shallow areas. The Avengers are armed with two .50 cal. (12.7mm) machine guns, two 7.62mm machine guns, two 40mm automatic grenade launchers, and have a crew of 84. In 2012 four Avengers were in the Persian Gulf, operating out of Bahrain. Another three were based in Sasebo, Japan. The other six are based at San Diego, California. The U.S. Navy needs these minesweepers because replacements, like minesweeping helicopters, have been delayed by technical problems. Meanwhile the U.S. has upgraded the sonars on its Avenger class ships. The new AN/SQQ-32(V)4 mine hunting sonar improves the ability of the sonar to spot mines on sea bottoms cluttered with other stuff (natural or manmade). In many parts of the world shallow coastal waters are used as a dumping ground for junk that wont float ashore. This has been found to help hide bottom mines. The Avengers have also received new engines. The four original diesel engines in each Avenger were never very reliable. With their new engines the Avengers can still move at up to 27 kilometers an hour. Normally, however, the Avengers move much more slowly, at 3-4 kilometers an hour when searching for mines. The Avengers also received improved hydraulics and new mine destruction systems. The Avengers entered service between 1987 and 1994. Most are scheduled for retirement by the end of the decade. The navy also had a dozen smaller Osprey class coastal mine hunters. These were 900 ton displacement ships with a crew of 51. Most but these were given away to foreign navies and are to be replaced by new minesweeping helicopters. The navy has equipped helicopters for mine clearing but is having a difficult time maintaining its force of 30 MH-53E helicopters. These are the only ones that can tow a sled containing naval mine detecting gear. This sort of thing is called AMCM (Airborne Mine Countermeasures) and is considered essential in areas, like the Persian Gulf, where Iran might use a lot of naval mines that would have to be cleared quickly in wartime. The MH-53E is an update of the original 1960s era CH-53 and entered service in the early 1980s. Fifty MH-53Es were built and they have been working hard ever since. Thats why not many are left and few of them are fit to fly at any one time. Originally the navy planned to retire the MH-53Es in 2008, but replacements with lighter sleds that could be pulled by smaller and more modern helicopters did not work out as expected. Retirement was pushed to 2012, then 2017 and currently the navy hopes to keep some MH-53Es operational into the 2020s. Meanwhile efforts continue to develop lighter equipment for the mine hunting task. Some of these projects have had limited success. The AQS-24A mine-hunting system looks like a torpedo with extra fins and attachment. It is lowered into the water and dragged by a helicopter at speeds of up to 34 kilometers an hour. The AQS-24A contains a high resolution sonar that seeks out mines that lay on the sea bottom, waiting for ships to pass over. The bottom mine then detonates if a ship type it was programmed to attack is detected. The U.S. Navy has been using this mine hunting approach since the 1980s. The original sled system went through several major upgrades and is considered very reliable and effective. The MH-53E sled carries more equipment and sweeps a larger area faster. The U.S. Navy has also developed a complementary system, ALMDS (Airborne Laser Mine Detection System). Designed to operate from the MH-60S helicopter, ALMDS uses a Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging blue-green laser to detect and identify naval mines near the surface. Unlike the AQS-24A, ALMDS operates from the low flying, and smaller, helicopters. Surface mines are either moored via a chain to the bottom or floating, which is a favorite terrorist tactic. Many float just below the surface. The laser works very quickly and enables the ALMDS equipped helicopter to quickly check out large areas for surface mines. Terrorists have used naval mines before, of the floating variety. Navies tend to use the more sophisticated, expensive and hard-to-get bottom mines that lie on the bottom and in shallow water. American allies have also developed new mine detection and clearing tools and some of the new U.S. equipment uses foreign tech. While new mine designs have become more effective, the basic problem is that the many older mine designs are still very dangerous, especially for the unprepared. Whats your favorite sitcom freak out? Thats the frantic question that u/Helloimafanoffiction asked r/sitcoms on Reddit this week. Basically a moment where a sitcom character went crazy. As always, the good users of the funny TV subreddit had some ready answers here are a few of the most unhinged responses Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. You Threw My Sandwich Away??? To be fair, Rosss sandwich on Friends wasnt just any sandwich. It was a leftover Thanksgiving sandwich. So of course the guy freaks out -- if you call frightening away a flock of birds freaking out. Justice for Ross! demanded u/haileyskydiamonds, while u/orchestragravy pulled off a killer Ross impersonation: MY SANDWICH??? MYY SAAANDWIICH???? With no laugh track, added u/DryWave5450, hes a psychopath. Advertisement Oh the Humanity! Is there something about Thanksgiving-themed episodes that bring out the crazy in characters? u/alady12 got plenty of upvotes for nominating Les Nessmans reporting of the WKRP in Cincinnati turkey drop. Advertisement Advertisement I wish they would show it every Thanksgiving, said u/Malificent_Chard2042. Poor Les. In the opinion of u/Zyffyr? One of the best moments in the history of television. IM SO EXCITED! Advertisement Jessie Spanos caffeine-fueled spasms to the tune of the Pointer Sisters are an all-time Saved By The Bell jawdropper. Oh that was the worst, said u/Potterhead3586. It was supposed to be real speed but that was deemed too mature for television so they did THAT instead of just nixing the episode. Advertisement I get second hand embarrassment just from reading this, groaned u/Electrical-Pie-1892. It was so lame. Frank Finds Out Advertisement Early in Its Always Sunny when Frank finds out he isnt Dennis and Dees dad and flips out on his ex-wife in the restaurant, offered u/LaMalintzin. Jesus, Frank?! Jesus Frank! Jesus, Frank?! Advertisement my horrible hoor wife has tricked me into raising two BASTARDS for 30 years, and im being asked to not make a scene! echoed u/lizziethearies, summing up Franks point of contention in a single line of dialogue. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia u/candiecatie nominated Designing Womens Julia Sugarbaker for this heartfelt rant: Advertisement Advertisement Girl knew how to tell people off, applauded u/LadyBug_0570. I loved her. One of the greatest episodes of any show ever, agreed u/Addhalfcupofsugar.Every woman who has ever put on a few pounds cried her eyes out and then stood in thundering applause!!! Probably Rats on the Track How about Elaine Benes' internal monologue when she gets stuck on the NY subway, suggested u/bellestarxo. Julia Louis Dreyfus is brilliant. Advertisement Advertisement Favorite episode of all time!! shouted u/mawrey9mayhem. What's that on my leg! And the bleeped out cursing was so hilarious. Ray Romano says that, when it comes to his legendary sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, a soulless, cash-grab reboot is out of the question. And thats why there will never be a show called Everybody Loves Kelsey. Over the past six years, the three-time Emmy-winner has been writing an extra act onto his already impressive career. In films like The Big Sick, Paddleton and The Irishman, Romano stretched his range past where most TV watchers would pigeon-hole the Queens-born comedian and established himself as an esteemed dramatic actor in a career arc that we lovingly call The Romanaissance. However, while Romano was building a filmography full of thoughtful indie films, another holdover from the late 1990s to early 2000s sitcom boom was also enjoying a resurgence in popularity the late 1990s to early 2000s sitcom itself. Between Fuller House, That 90s Show, Bel-Air and, of course, the sequel series unworthy of bearing the name Frasier, it seemed inevitable that a network-owned streaming service would make a play for Everybody Still Loves Raymond. Thankfully, Raymond doesnt love reboots. While promoting his directorial debut film Somewhere in Queens during a recent episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, Romano shot down a question about a possible reprisal of his nine-season CBS sitcom that ended gracefully in 2009, saying of the unfortunate popularity of decades-late sitcom sequels, Theyre never as good, and we want to leave with our legacy as what it is. So hes definitely been suffering through the new Frasier, too. Advertisement Additionally, Romano says that an Everybody Loves Raymond revival wouldnt be possible due to the absence of many important creatives from the original show not that its stopped other sequel sitcoms. Romano remarked, Its out of the question because now (Ray Barones) parents are gone: Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts, referring to the passing of the two actors who played Frank and Marie Barone respectively. Romano even admitted that, during the shows original run, other cast members lobbied him to extend the series even further than nine seasons. The rest of the cast wanted it to go on, Romano revealed, but myself and (show creator) Phil Rosenthal, we thought it was time. Thanks to Romanos preference toward quality over proliferation, the retrospective opinion of Everybody Loves Raymond remains high as its consistently ranked among the top sitcoms of all time in recent lists. Its too bad that Romano is one of the few sitcom stars from his generation who is willing to leave us wanting more hell, even Jerry Seinfeld has stirred up gossip over some mysterious post-finale Seinfeld project. However, in a media landscape full of nostalgia mining and legacy liquidation, Everybody Loves Raymond fans can rejoice in knowing that the Barones are safe and sound on Long Island, never to be disturbed, resurrected or relocated to Boston. Last night marked the end of the FX animated spy comedy Archer after 14 seasons with the three-part epic Into the Cold. And after all the outrageous twists and turns that creator and showrunner Adam Reed threw at Archer fans over the past 14 years, he still couldnt muster the simple plot development of a positive paternity test. Over his impressive run, Reed proved time and again that he was more than willing to take risks. When Archers Mission of the Week formula grew stale and a certain other international violence association stole the name ISIS in the early 2010s, Reed pivoted with a season-long genre parody in Archer Vice, opening the door for more out-of-left-field ideas and preposterous premises to keep the show fresh and free to explore its potential. While the world around the core group of Archer characters changed drastically over the course of 14 seasons, the spirit of the show and the magnetic qualities of the characters themselves remained intact until the end as did the shows biggest question mark. When Archer first began in 2009, the secret at the center of the titular spys motivation was the identity of his absentee father, whom even his mother isnt able to name with certainty. Well, 14 years and innumerable possible paternal figures later, neither Sterling Archer, the audience nor even the shows creators know the answer to the question of who knocked up the late Malory. However, Reed does have his own hunch in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Reed was asked if he has any idea who Archers father may be, to which he answered, My vote would be for Buddy Rich. Advertisement The question of Archers parentage was one of the most reliable plot points and running gags in the early seasons every time the show introduced a new intelligence don or Soviet spymaster, their personal history with man-eater Malory would further complicate her only sons search to find a father. However, as Archer expanded well past its premise, both the showrunners and Sterling himself seemed less and less interested in finding an answer to the shows oldest question. I was and probably still am quite bad about going down a path and forgetting that I had, and that was an example of it, Reed said of Archers unnamed father. I would get distracted by other things and forget to come back and tie up storylines and loose ends. This has long been noted by the shows fans as intriguing villains and side-characters seemingly dissolved from the canon between seasons remember Wee Baby Seamus? Advertisement As Reed elaborated, (Showrunner) Casey Willis was always really good about reminding me, Hey the thing you just said you want to do is impossible because you did this other thing. Specifically, says Reed, he had a hard time keeping track of which characters hed already killed off, revealing, I would try to bring back a villain, and Casey would remind me, Okay, so they died two years ago. Have they been reanimated? And Id be like, Oh forget that. I think Im a scatterbrained, sort of disorganized writer, Reed admitted, to which I say, Duh, and/or, hello? Israeli troops continue operations in Gaza to eliminate the Hamas presence there and rescue hostages still held by Hamas. Several weeks after the October 7 Hamas attack from Gaza into southern Israel, Hamas was on the defensive but still held over 200 of these hostages. The initial attack killed about 1,400 Israelis and foreigners living in Israel. Hamas took over 200 people hostage, planning to negotiate with Israel to release hostages in return for Israel releasing imprisoned Palestinians. Ten weeks after the Hamas offensive 112 to 130 hostages are still held by Hamas, 17 of them women and children. The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) mobilized several hundred thousand reservists to fight Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli air force provides most of the firepower used against Hamas in Gaza. Hamas sought to protect itself by using Palestinian civilians as human shields. That didnt work, partly because Israel warned the Palestinian civilians to evacuate the combat zone. Most did, but some of those who didnt became casualties. IDF efforts to prevent Hamas fighters from mingling with the Palestinian civilians and escaping the IDF were often successful. Hamas has built about 500 kilometers of tunnels under Gaza over the last decade. Israeli troops have sealed as many entrances as they can find but there are still plenty left, and Hamas uses those to fire rockets into Israel. This gives Israeli forces an incentive to find and seal as many tunnel entrances as possible. It will be difficult to find and seal them all because Hamas have been clever in how they construct tunnel exits and, as long as the rocket fire continues, that means tunnel exits remain and are in use. Israeli is also planning to build a pipeline to the nearby Mediterranean and bring in a continuous flow of seawater to flood the tunnels. They cant do this until they get all the hostages out and Hamas knows it. Israeli is reluctant to send troops into the tunnels because Hamas has the advantage down there and can quickly install explosive traps and ambush sites. Israel has sent remotely controlled bomb disposal robots into the tunnel and discovered many of the deadly preparations Hamas has prepared for an Israeli incursion. Hamas is well protected in their tunnels and believes Israel will not expose its troops to the heavy losses they would suffer if the fighting were continued inside the tunnels. Meanwhile Israel has technology for mapping and monitoring Hamas activity in the tunnels. This tech was developed over the last few decades to deal with Hamas tunnels in Gaza and Hezbollah tunnels on the Lebanon border. Israeli troops have more control on the surface and use that to try and halt Hamas rocket attacks on Israel or armed Hamas men from leaving Gaza. Israel wants to dismantle any military capabilities Hamas has. Because of the tunnels and hostages, that will take time. Meanwhile Israeli forces have taken control of areas in Gaza where over two million Palestinians civilians live, and Israeli troops will stay for a long time. Palestinians call this an armed occupation and Israel agrees with that. Israel justifies the occupation as necessary because of the threat from armed Hamas members. Until 2005, Israel occupied Gaza with troops. When Israeli forces withdrew in 2005 it was with an understanding that the Israeli military would return in force if the Palestinians did not control the violent radical Palestinian groups in Gaza, including Hamas and several Islamic terrorist groups. The radicals were kept in check for 18 years but during that time they stole much of the foreign aid sent to Gaza, including millions of dollars in cash, to prepare for an attack on Israel. That began on October 7th and the fighting continues, with Hamas on the defensive and determined to continue this resistance as long as possible. On December 15 a gun battle between Hamas and Israeli troops led to the accidently shooting of three Israeli hostages that Hamas had with them. The continuing fighting in Gaza puts the Israeli troops in a difficult position since armed Hamas members often take shelter among civilians or, in this case, some hostages who were Israelis. The Israeli hostages were captured by Hamas during the October 7th fighting and were among the hostages Hamas hoped to trade for the release of more Palestinian terrorists still in prison. The Israeli army went on the offensive in Gaza on October 27 and so far a hundred Israeli soldiers have been killed and about 600 wounded. About 18,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, most of them civilians. Hamas refuses to allow Palestinian civilians to leave the combat zone, needing them to involuntarily serve as human shields for Hamas gunmen. If Palestinian civilians are killed, they are considered involuntary martyrs to the cause of defending Islam and destroying Israel. Hamas is hated by most Palestinians because of these cynical practices. Palestinians consider Hamas more of a danger to Palestinians than a protector. Outside the combat zone Hamas manages to portray itself as heroic fighters against the wicked Israeli defense forces. Israel-aligned hacktivist group, group Gonjeshke Darande also known as Predatory Sparrow has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack against Irans gas stations, which has disrupted 70% of them, according to reports. The attack disrupted Irans fuel distribution system, disabling smart cards for subsidized fuel access, leading to widespread station malfunctions and forcing some to sell gasoline at non-subsidized prices. We, Gonjeshke Darande, carried out another cyberattack today, taking out a majority of the gas pumps throughout Iran, the group wrote on its Telegram channel. This cyberattack comes in response to the aggression of the Islamic Republic and its proxies in the region. This cyberattack was carried out in a controlled manner to avoid potential damage to emergency services. Irans Petroleum Minister Javad Owji accused Israel and the US of the recent cyberattack, while Irans Passive Defence Organization said it is preparing a response. Predatory Sparrow has previously claimed responsibility for several attacks on Iranian infrastructure. The group was responsible for an attack against Irans steel industry in 2022, and an attack on the nations railways in 2021 as well as an attack on the Iranian Offshore Oil Company and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, according to Check Point Research. In a 2021 report, Check Point Research analyzed the technical nature of Predatory Sparrows malware, analyzing its sophisticated cyberattacks on Iranian railways and Syrian infrastructure. MANZINI The future Manzini City that we envision is a 24-hour vibrant city. This was said by the Manzini City Council Mayor Councillor Nozipho Dlamini during the City of Manzinis 2023 Christmas carols and night market event held over the weekend. Dlamini noted that the night market day started with a flea market, wherein she appreciated all the traders and buyers who have made the flea market possible. Without your participation, the flea market would not have been possible. I trust that you have been able to make money so that you make this christmas a memorable moment for your families and loved ones, said Dlamini. The mayor stated that extending the flea market to the evening, was not a mere coincidence as a municipality, they were in the process of introducing night markets in the vibrant city. She highlighted that as they as they recover from the drastic effects of COVID-19; they constantly needed to innovate and open as many avenues as possible to economically and socially empower citizens. In order to support the 24-hour operation vision, Dlamini encouraged more and more shops to operate 24-hours from the year 2024 onwards. The mayor said, as a municipality, they strive to create a vibrant and inclusive community. Recently, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, launched Londons first ever 24-hour London vision. This vision set out the Mayors plan to turn London into a leading 24-hour global city, it focused on building a night-time culture which; promotes culture and leisure for all ages and interests; increases opening hours; ensures safety for residents, visitors and night-time workers and works closely with boroughs and the police, to create a balanced and sustainable night time offer. From the experience of cities like London, there can a series of advantages or reasons of promoting a greater night-time economy; 1. More jobs: The night-time economy is a source of new jobs and new income for the city. 2. Revitalisation of public space: It allows the revitalisation of areas and buildings in the city, particularly those that are not used after a certain hour of the day. 3. Safety: 24-hour cities promote citizen security. Why? Becauseat least perceptuallya street that is filled with people, feels much safer than an empty street. For this reason, policies that invite people to stay outside, such as expanding the hours of operation of shops, restaurants and movie theaters, help maintain lively streets. 4. Foster tourism: A city with a vibrant night life is much more attractive for visitors. A city that offers 24-hour transportation, as well as restaurants and shops that open late, is much more attractive to those who come to visit. 5. Sense of belonging: If managed well, night-time cities can generate a greater sense of belonging. For these reasons, I believe that it is a good idea to promote night-time cities. The Indian Government, through their Ministry of External Affairs, must be appreciated for hosting media outlets from a few countries in the African continent to learn about the culture of the Indian people, and their fast-growing economy. As a way of introducing this long exposure to Africa and India relations, I have chosen to look briefly into the African and Indian shared past and our different paths as people, into the different futures we are both facing. The current population of Africa is 1 476 275 995 as of October 2023, based on the latest United Nations estimates. Africas population is equivalent to 17.89 per cent of the total world population. Africans are just as numerous as Indians ,with 1 425 775 850 at the end of April 2023, but are highly divided. We also share a common past, which includes the unpleasant history of oppression, exploitation, marginalisation and displacement of our peoples by colonial masters. The two groups have dealt with circumstances in different ways, given that these unfortunate circumstances had different adverse effects, as they found both peoples with different cultures and traditions. What can Africa learn from India? Our different ethnic diversity has played a vital role in how Africans and Indians were able to develop and industrialise post-colonial dispensation. The reality is that, the African continent has remained behind in development, because of the effect of the reality that it is a highly ethnically diversified continent without a common link, such as religion and language. There are over 3 000 languages spoken in Africa, many of which have roots in the major language families: Afro-Asianic includes Arabic ancestrally native to East and North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Nilo-Saharan, Nilo-Congo is comprised of Niger-Congos non-Bantu branches. Scholars say Africa has highly diverse cultures, and no one indigenous language, which is more dominant than another, such as Hindi in India, hence communication for development becomes difficult. The biblical account of Babel cannot be more accurate when describing Africa. While India has 22 separate official languages, it is home to a total of 121 languages and 270 mother tongues. It is also home to the worlds oldest language, Hindi. The major religion in India is Hinduism. Almost 80 per cent Indians consider themselves Hindu. Hinduism can be found in many aspects of Indian culture, including in film and television. As in the case of Africa, foreign languages, and religions such as Arabic, Christianity, and all the colonial languages were the only means by which Africans could communicate with each other. Ultimately, because Africans were highly divided people, without a common religion of their own, they were rendered weak and have not been able to unite and find common synergies to foster great development within themselves. The ancient kingdoms and empires which had held the people together were all gone with time. The Arab invasions and internal civil wars saw all these great kingdoms and empires disappear with time, until the arrival of the colonialists in more recent times. Age of democracy As Africans were traditional people ruled by kings and emperors, the arrival of the age of democracy and multi-political party democracy did not help in the unity of Africa, as it did to India. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a national leader and social reformist, who was known as the father of our nation in India. Gandhi introduced a non-violent form of socio-political protest called satyagraha, which ultimately led to the liberation of the Indian people from the British. Yes, there was political violence in India but unity and peace returned. The African original liberators became dictators, and all that was bad about colonialists. The struggle to liberate Africans from the liberators would cost more lives, than the colonial wars. When the Africans differed in ideology, they started new political parties, took their tribes and went to war. There was very little consideration or room for religion, as everyone has and practiced different religions. The scramble for Africa by colonial masters had a devastating effect on the continent, such that for over fifty years, they fought one another even after the colonialists had left. This is because of the highly artificial borders that divided families and ethnic groups. Largest democracy Though India became a free nation on August 15, 1947, it declared itself a sovereign, democratic and republic State, with the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. It would not be wrong to say the principle of democracy originated from the Vedas. The Sabha and Samiti are mentioned in both Rig Veda and Atharva Veda. Rigveda, (Sanskrit: The Knowledge of Verses) is one of the oldest of the sacred books of Hinduism, composed in an ancient form of Sanskrit. In many meetings, a decision was made after a discussion with the king, ministers, and scholars at that time. What are the key features of Indian democracy? * Respect for basic human rights, * A multi-party political system paired with political tolerance, * A democratic voting system, * Respect for the rule of law, * Democratic governance, and. * Citizen participation. There is a deep dharma root in Indian democracy. While liberal democracies of the west, exclusively focus on achieving good governance, Indian democracy also focuses on developing a sense of universal responsibility, the well-being of all creatures, concern for nature and mankind, and avoiding abridging the freedom of others. It is both a constitutional republic and a representative democracy, which means that majority rule is balanced by the rights recognised by law for the various minority groups. There are a total of 28 States, and eight union territories that make up India, which is a federal system. It might be wrong to compare India with Africa, as Africa is a vast continent and several Indias can fit into Africa, however, the population of India is similar. If Africa is to develop as India has done, Africans must be willing to learn from India, and other parts of the world, and try to use it to improve our situation. The African media delegates who were invited to India were exposed to the various State organs, which included the Elections Commission of India, which is responsible for 850 million Indian eligible votes. We will go through the lessons that we were able to learn from India, as we present various articles through this publication. Comment septembereswatini@gmail.com Dealing with the fear of missing out or FOMO is a highly valuable skill for traders. Not only can FOMO have a negative emotional impact, it can cloud judgment and overshadow logic, which is problematic when making trading decisions. So what is FOMO in trading? Its the fear traders get when they think they might be missing out on big opportunities, or that other traders are more successful. Traders who understand FOMO, where it comes from and how they react to it are in a strong position to tackle it at its root cause: the innermost workings of their own mind. This article will help you get to grips with your FOMO, offering solutions to stop it in its tracks or even to prevent it from arising in the first place. Recommended by Laura Wagg Traits of Successful Traders Get My Guide Where Does FOMO in Trading Come From? FOMO in trading has deep-seated emotional roots and it stems from our interconnected daily lives. The modern trader lives in a world where social media is commonplace and they are bombarded with stories of others succeeding. FOMO can stem from various feelings and emotions that occur during trading, including fear, greed, jealousy and impatience. The fast-paced nature of trading means many situations can drive these emotions. From newsworthy events, to sudden market movements, to something as simple as a conversation with another trader, theres the potential for FOMO. Explore the roots of FOMO in trading and learn what characterizes a FOMO trader. Stuck in a FOMO rut? How to Deal with FOMO in Trading Putting a stop to your FOMO isnt a quick fix, so dont feel disheartened. Its a case of adjusting thought processes and that isnt something which happens straight away. The feeling of missing out on a great opportunity can be pervasive. It might help to remember that it happens to everyone; even the most experienced traders experience The Fear. Here are five top ways to deal with FOMO and become a better trader: 1. Accept the FOMO The first step to overcoming FOMO is accepting it. This can provide a great deal of relief the idea that everyone is having a better time, and is more successful, can be lonely and isolating. Warning signs Traders having thoughts like this might need to accept their FOMO: FOMO? What FOMO? Im in full control of my trading. A refusal to accept FOMO means a trader wont change their habits, staying stuck in an unfulfilling cycle of reliance on others. How to accept FOMO Remember that FOMO affects traders all the time. It might help to share experiences with others, in a group learning environment like a webinar. Our DailyFX analyst, Paul Robinson regularly hosts webinars addressing psychology in trading and issues such as FOMO. 2. Work on your trading psychology FOMO is intrinsically linked to psychology; the emotions of trading can take over and make traders question their own decisions. Warning signs Thoughts like this could indicate the focus is the here and now, not the bigger picture: I cant believe I missed that opportunity! Chances like that dont come around often. I bet other traders took it... their trades will be in the money now. Trading based on emotions can be risky, and can lead to cyclical behavior entering trades, panicking, selling, feeling regret, and doing the same thing again This chart illustrates what can happen if traders get carried away by FOMO. It uses the Relative Strength Index as an indicator, showing when the Japanese Yen has been overbought or oversold. The second set of arrows illustrates a situation where the trader has become overconfident, and is worried about missing out on another opportunity. In their excitement, greed and fear of missing out take over the trader ignores signals to sell in the hope of getting a bigger win, and ends up making a loss. Recommended by Laura Wagg How to Trade FX with Your Stock Trading Strategy Get My Guide How to improve trading psychology Learning to improve trading psychology starts with an analysis of strengths and weaknesses. Why not get some ideas on trading psychology from the DailyFX Podcast? This will help you overcome FOMO and improve your psychology. 3. Control your social media activity Social media can be helpful to traders, but it can also be detrimental when it looks like everyone else is winning trades, its easy to become disillusioned and demotivated. Warning signs You might need to consider your relationship with social media if you regularly have thoughts like this: Ill just check Twitter to get some ideas but its full of people winning trades. Why cant I be more like them?! Using social media can knock your confidence if it feels like others know something you dont. It can create a feeling of FOMO rather than proving constructive. How to control your social media activity Theres no need to cut yourself off from the world, but try to use social media in a way thats helpful for you. Take a look at the #FOMOintrading hashtag to see if you can relate to anyone elses experiences, and follow @DailyFX and our analysts to get hints, tips and ideas for trades. 4. Keep a trading journal A trading journal will help you log your activity and reflect on it. Its an excellent self-reflection tool, allowing you to spot the habits that are helpful and put a stop to those that might lead to FOMO trading. Warning signs You might need to make better use of your trading journal if youre having thoughts like this: This feels like a good opportunity. I think Ill go for it. The markets seem to be working in my favor. These thoughts suggest you need to spend some time evaluating your trading and establishing what works for you. A trading journal will help. How to keep a trading journal Everyones trading journal will be different yours will be personal to you, and based on your trading goals. Lean how to create a trading journal and use it to its full potential, putting you in a better position to trade with confidence, not fear. 5. Manage your risk Managing risk carefully is an important step in moving away from FOMO and if you are tempted into trades through the fear, good risk management will be your backup to ensure losses dont spiral out of control. Warning signs Your risk management strategy will come into play if youre having thoughts like this: Everyone else is trading this market, it cant be that risky I dont want to miss out. FOMO can make a trade seem more appealing but it doesnt substitute a strategy. Its important that all outcomes are considered so you can manage risk. How to manage risk Good risk management sets a precedent for good trading. Learn about the importance of risk management, how it can help control emotions when trading, and why its essential for you. Recommended by Laura Wagg The Fundamentals of Breakout Trading Get My Guide How to Stop FOMO Before it Happens A good approach to deal with FOMO is to trade in a way that prevents it from occurring in the first place. Here are some ideas and actionable tips to help you focus on your trading goals and activities, rather than worrying about what others are doing: Establish a routine. Trading can be an isolating activity, which is one of the reasons FOMO can kick in. Having a routine really helps. This gives you time to analyze the markets , plan trades and make the decisions that are right for you without the distractions of others. Once you find a routine that works, its much easier to focus. Find out how successful traders and analysts manage their routines and balance their time on the markets. Look to the future . Dont dwell on the past. The mind will naturally focus on the negatives but its possible to teach it not to. Losing some money might seem like a big deal, especially at first, but the most confident and strategic traders know this is all part of the bigger picture. There will always be another opportunity and once this becomes part of the trading psyche, its much easier to avoid FOMO. A practical way to keep up the forward momentum is to use our market sentiment tool , which will help you to make more accurate predictions and get a better idea of whether signals are bullish or bearish. Create a trading plan . There are no buts: you need a trading plan. Trading outside of a plan could mean risking too much capital or entering trades at the wrong time . Its easy to think a situation is unique, but a trading plan should cover all eventualities. If a trading plan is watertight, you will have the tools they need to make money long term. Learn how to create a trading plan in just seven steps. This will help you establish objective trading strategies and beat FOMO. Enjoy trading. When you are happy and content in your own activities youre less likely to feel the FOMO. An important factor in this is feeling that youve really mastered your trading. We have educational resources available for traders of all levels, helping you get to grips with the basics or find more advanced strategies. You can also learn more about creating your own success in our guide to the Traits of a Successful Trader. Embrace the JOMO! JOMO stands for the joy of missing out. It pays to take a step back, collect your thoughts, and simply enjoy your own space and routine. Theres a lot to be said for JOMO, and adjusting thought patterns to eliminate FOMO is a solid psychological strategy to take. Read our guide to turning FOMO into JOMO. A Traders Toolkit for Dealing with FOMO To summarize, here are the essential tools required to deal with FOMO and become a better trader. Can you relate? Got any tips of your own? Tell us on Twitter: @DailyFX #FOMOintrading Blair first founded The Sugar Fairy Bakes LLC in 2019, starting out at home, and selling her baked treats at local farmers markets and craft fairs. During the pandemic, she began offering online pre-ordering and local delivery. Owner Stacie Blair will be closing her business that has shops in Mechanicville and Malta. The stores have offered a wide variety of cakes, pies, pastries, bread custom orders, coffees, breakfast sandwiches and more. In December 2021, she opened a brick-and-mortar shop and bakery in Mechanicville, and in April 2023 she opened a second shop location in Malta at 2110 Ellsworth Blvd. All of the baking was done at the Mechanicville location. The community is as devastated as I am, Blair said Monday. My long-time customers are heartbroken for me, and they are not looking forward to the new void in their daily routine. The new customers who just found me are sad they are going to miss out going forward. Their well wishes, kind words and words of encouragement have helped me adjust to this new reality and have meant so much to me. Last month, Blair wrote a Facebook post about the closure, and that note has received more than 400 reactions and over 200 comments. In it, Blair thanked her customers, and explained her reasons for having to close. Blair said that her landlord of her Mechanicville shop where the items at both shops are baked wants to sell the property, and without the Mechanicville location she does not have a way to produce. Blair said she had gotten estimates in hopes of building a kitchen in Malta, but that it would cost at least $200,000 to make her space there compliant with the Department of Health and the Town of Malta guidelines. The other reason for the upcoming closure is financials, Blair said. The property rental costs for the two locations is almost $10,000, and that, combined with food costs and payroll are more than her revenue for the month, she said. Even if I were able to obtain an adequate kitchen, I cant afford to keep up with the operational costs of two buildings," Blair said in her post. Malta rent alone is astronomical at $6,000 a month and unfortunately the shop is not generating the revenue we anticipated. Prior to the bakery, Blair was a hotel director of sales for almost 10 years, and a restaurant manager before that. Ive raised two babies who are now wonderful young adults, Blair said Monday. "Although forced, Im honestly ready for a break. I wont miss the two decades of 60 hour work weeks thats for sure. With that said however, Im not one to sit still so it wont be a long break. Blair said she has been approached by several people inquiring about hiring her as a consultant, and it is something she is seriously considering. She said she has committed to help out one company later in the new year, but aside from this one commitment nothing is set in stone. She said she had planned on running the bakery for the next 20 years, so she is not prepared for the next chapter. Just when I think Ive got a handle on it, a customer comes in sharing their sadness with me, hugs me, and the tears come once again, Blair said. I have however come to a point of total acceptance. This is out of my control. Ive done everything I can. Ive left no stone unturned. 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. You are the owner of this article. 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. Sir, I wrote this letter to express my views on the current situation of the country. Is it really the way? As we all know, Eswatini has not been in a very stable condition for a while now. The country is in turmoil, so much fighting is happening between the people, when instead people should be uniting for the development of the country. Have people really forgotten the goal that we all once believed in; what is happening in the country? Is this really how we want to go down? There is a great divide between the people and it is only taking us downhill. Peace People of Eswatini need to come together if we ever want to have peace. Our government is very biased, there is no denying that, but can we really blame them? Nobody really has the full story and do we want to continue being influenced by biased views? No! That is not what we want. I am afraid for my country because things are not looking up for us. We are far from finding a solution, that will cater for all of our requirements. Are we ever going to reach that stage? We are fighting for our freedom; we have been tricked into thinking we are free, when we are in actuality very oppressed. Equality We are fighting for equality, we are fighting for our rights and we are fighting for peace. There is no equality in the country; there is a huge divide between the different social classes. Those in power have more influence and that is wrong. People should have equal rights. Just because someone is richer does not mean they get to automatically become right. Too many people are biased; the upper class makes decisions that will suit them; what about everyone else? Why are you leaving these people out? It is so unfair, that just because you are more privileged than someone, it means that you automatically become above them. This has to stop! Nobody calls an unfortunate situation upon themselves. People are not allowed to voice their opinions; why is it that everything that happens, has to go through security checks first? Opinions People should be free to voice out their opinions without the fear that something might happen to them. Fear has been instilled in these people. They are so scared to voice out their opinions, because they have been threatened. What type of system is this? People are so greedy for power, to the point that the individuals who oppose them are in danger of being harmed. A person should not be ganged up on, just because what they feel is different from what is wanted. We are all human beings after all; we are not the same, so one cannot think that the other person will want what they also want. Since death is an inalienable part of life, it's remarkable how little time we spend thinking about it. The Grim Reaper is all around us: in the news, on our screens, in films and books and on TV and yet when it comes to contemplating our own inevitable tap on the shoulder by the bony finger of destiny, we can be stubbornly coy about it. It's not just the material practicalities who gets the various trinkets and baubles accumulated during a lifetime but also how we shuffle off this mortal coil, and in what state. Most people, if asked, will say they want a quick and painless death. However, the truth is that for many of us it will be neither of those things, but rather an exhausting, tedious, highly medicalised and drawn-out process, often fraught with frustration and humiliation. That is why I take my hat off to the wonderful Esther Rantzen for, as her own end approaches, she has embarked on one last important campaign: persuading Parliament to have a free vote on the question of assisted dying. Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed that she has joined assisted-dying clinic Dignitas and will consider going there to end her life should her next scan show she is getting worse Rantzen, 83, has stage-four lung cancer, which she announced earlier this year. Having initially said that she did not expect to survive until her birthday in June, thanks to medication she is now looking forward to a quiet Christmas with her family. But she knows it will probably be her last and has taken steps to ensure that death, when it finally comes, is on her own terms. 'I have joined Dignitas,' she told The Today Podcast on Radio 4. 'If the next scan says nothing's working, I might buzz off to Zurich but, you know, it puts my family and friends in a difficult position, because they would want to go with me. And that means the police might prosecute them.' She added that she doesn't want their last memories of her to be painful 'because if you watch someone you love having a bad death, that memory obliterates all the happy times, and I don't want that to happen. I don't want to be that sort of victim in their lives.' I couldn't agree with her more. But in truth I have felt this way for a long time, ever since I saw my own grandmother suffer horribly in her last days during my 20s. It was my first real experience of death, and I remember sitting by her bed in a chilly hospital ward, holding her hand as she struggled to breathe through the build-up of fluid and mucus in her lungs. She was only half-conscious, gaunt and a grey shadow of the strong, vibrant woman she had been during my childhood. She was trying to say something, so I bent over her, putting my ear to her mouth. 'I want to die,' was what she said, and they were the saddest words I ever heard. Even more so since I was powerless to help. A friend of mine is going through a very similar thing now with her own mother, who like Rantzen has cancer. It's everywhere; in her bowels, her bones, her lungs. The pain is so bad she must have a morphine drip and a patch delivering a cocktail of drugs to keep the agony at bay. She is frightened and confused and cries, great big sad sobs, almost all the time. It is utterly heartbreaking. The doctors say there is nothing more they can do and yet she has been like that for months. Dame Esther said that if the next scan says nothing's working, then she 'might buzz off to Zurich' (Pictured: A bed in the clinic Dignitas assisted suicide clinic) Each time she gets an infection that might put her out of her misery, they give her more antibiotics and on and on it goes, one ghastly day after another. Life is sacred, we are always taught, and that is true. But it depends how you define life. Living tissue, a beating heart, blood flowing in veins: that is life, technically speaking at least. But is it living if the person is unconscious, or in constant excruciating pain, or unable to move, speak, feed themselves? If they must subject themselves to daily physical intrusions, if the machinery of their body has broken down to such an extent as to make the very act of taking one's next breath a torture? Never before has science been able to preserve human life so effectively. Medicine has become a source of miracles. But as progress has surged ahead, the ethical questions that inevitably arise have been left behind. Yes, we can keep people alive for a lot longer than ever before. But the real issue that now needs addressing is whether we should or not. And that remains deeply taboo. We've seen this recently in the context of the Covid Inquiry, when it was revealed that ministers found themselves having to weigh up the socio-economic costs of preserving the lives of the very old and infirm at the expense of the rest of the population. Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed that she has joined assisted-dying clinic Dignitas (pictured) and will consider going there to end her life should her next scan show she is getting worse Put crudely, should they have shut down the entire country to protect people who were already at death's door? Even just daring to pose that question has been characterised as proof of callousness and cruelty by those seeking to make political capital out of that dark time. Yet, to my mind, it remains valid not least because, by late 2020, we knew the average age of a person who died from Covid in England and Wales was 82.4 years old, whereas the average age of a person who died of other causes was lower, at 81.5 years. These are the sort of difficult issues that any responsible leader should have been investigating. And even more so now that we know, with the benefit of hindsight, how many extra deaths resulted from lockdown itself. But it goes beyond Covid. The reason there is a crisis in social care in Britain and elsewhere is that people are not just living longer, they are living longer in increasingly poor health. Rantzen, 83, has stage-four lung cancer, which she announced earlier this year The difference between today's geriatrics and those of, say, a century ago is that if the latter reached a grand old age, it was because they were generally hale and hearty. Nowadays, that's not the case at all. It's because medicine keeps them alive despite their ailing health and, as a result, they increasingly require complex care. I'm not saying this is a bad thing merely that it has consequences which, as a society, we need to address. And a debate on the merits of assisted dying is, to my mind, a very good starting point. Medicine is there to help us, not shackle us to a painful, mournful existence. Where people don't want to carry on living in terrible suffering, they shouldn't be forced to. If I get Alzheimer's and face a future where I can no longer work, care for myself or remember who I am or who my loved ones are, I don't want to end up being a financial and emotional burden for the sake of a few extra years. I would prefer to go sooner rather than later. Where there is no prospect of a cure, then it should be up to the individual and their family to determine at what point they finally throw in the towel. And it should then not be a case of either letting them die of starvation and dehydration as is currently the case when treatment is withdrawn or placing anyone who tries to help them at risk of a jail sentence. With the proper legal frameworks in place, people should be offered a humane and dignified exit, with all the advantages science can offer. That is why Esther Rantzen is right to say we need a debate on assisted dying. After all, we recognise it as a kindness to our beloved pets when their bodies give out. Why should we not extend the same humanity to our fellow man? Twenty-one years ago that maniac Tony Blair submitted himself for examination by the Commons liaison committee, the elected house's windiest grandees. It started a dreadful custom and yesterday Rishi Sunak played ninety minutes of near-pointless political ping-pong with the current liaison committee's has-beens, kicking against the dying of the day. Of the Blair event in 2002, I realise a third of its participants are now in their coffins. The one I miss is Gwyneth Dunwoody, who would wiggle her pinkies at me across the room, like Olly Hardy signalling to Stan Laurel. Labour's Gwyneth had a WC Fields nose and she was scrumptious. When Tony entered the room she blew sarcastic kisses and fluttered her eyelashes. He hadn't a clue how to handle her. Five souls from that 2002 liaison committee are now in the Lords, which is much the same as being dead. Rishi Sunak (pictured) played ninety minutes of near-pointless political ping-pong with the current liaison committee's has-beens Sunak appeared in front of the liaison committee on Tuesday The liaison committee has 33 current members, with all but one being from the Labour and Conservative parties Only three (Sir Edward Leigh, Sir Michael Fabricant and the rouge-cheeked panto dame Barry Sheerman) are still in the Commons and since then we have had six changes of PM. You will forgive me if I view these proceedings as one might a sand-sculpture competition. The artwork may look impressive but it will soon be washed away by the tide... We all are, eventually. Only yesterday they held Alistair Darling's funeral in Edinburgh. In sashayed Mr Sunak with a fat red folder and quite a camp walk. The trio of No 10 aides behind him were even riper. Two, I swear, were being played by David Walliams in Little Britain. 'On the dot!' squeaked Sir Bernard Jenkin with delight. Amateur nudist Sir Bernard (Con, Harwich & N Essex) chairs the committee with all the command of Piglet. He is obsessed with time-keeping. 'Brief questions, brief answers!' he piped. After a classic ramble from Sir Bill Cash (Con, Stone) that no one understood, Sir Bernard slapped his forehead and groaned 'a two minute question!' Sarah Champion (Lab, Rotherham) earned a gold star. 'Under time excellent!' cried Piglet. One of the tiresome things about liaison sessions is that some MPs come over all tough. The normally courteous Champion tried this, talking over Mr Sunak's answers and asking, with overdone irony, 'do you consider yourself a leader on the international stage?' Amateur nudist Sir Bernard (pictured) chairs the committee with all the command of Piglet Then she started whingeing that we were not spending more on international aid. Was Mr Sunak proud of himself for being, in so many words, a child killer? She also reckoned that if we sent more aid to Yemen, Iran-backed pirates might not be causing trouble in the Persian Gulf. Oh come off it. Alicia Kearns (Con, Rutland & Melton) lumbered into the fray, curling her lip as she attacked the PM over the Israel-Gaza crisis. Newish Ms Kearns, doing much eyebrow work to convey sophistication, referred to Lord Cameron as 'your foreign secretary' and 'your current foreign secretary'. She also referred to the US president as 'Biden', without any honorific. You wouldn't want to be behind Alicia when the Ferrero Rocher is doing its rounds on the diplomatic-circuit salver. She'd tip the lot into her handbag and stomp off, munching. On we lurched. Liam Byrne (Lab, Hodge Hill) promoted his views on poverty, on which he has just written a book. Angus MacNeil (Ind, Western Isles) honked away in a voice so echoey and indistinct, it was amazing Mr Sunak knew how to respond. Dame Caroline Dinenage (Con, Gosport) wanted more money for the Royal National Theatre, as if stage excellence was dependent on public subsidy (the reverse is probably truer). Caroline Nokes (Con, Romsey), a right Lady Snoot, drawled out of one nostril. Next to her sat a little man whom I mistakenly mistook for a chap who had wandered in from a bus stop queue by accident. Turned out he was the chairman of the environment select committee. Or at least he is today. Tomorrow, next month, next year? Who knows? Nothing lasts. We are but catkins on the breeze. My father Jimmy Lai will not be silenced. I am in awe of his courage and determination to defend the remnants of democracy and free speech in Hong Kong. But since his arrest three years ago, I have been unable to see him. And with his show trial under way this week, threatening him with a life sentence on trumped-up charges under China's National Security Law (NSL), I must face the fact that I might never see him again. The court hearing, expected to last 80 days, is a severe test of Hong Kong's judicial independence. I'm deeply sceptical, not least because the three judges have been appointed by the government. His best hope now may be increased pressure from the UK Government. The Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has called for my father's release, describing the trial as 'politically motivated' and warning that the NSL is 'a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration'. Jimmy Lai (pictured) is facing a show trial under way this week, threatening him with a life sentence on trumped-up charges under China's National Security Law (NSL) He added: 'It has damaged Hong Kong, with rights and freedoms sufficiently eroded. Arrests under the law have silenced opposition voices.' This was a very welcome intervention from him. I met Lord Cameron last week and reminded him that my father is a British citizen, with no other nationality or passport. Yet Beijing calls him a traitor, because he was born in China 76 years ago. In fact, he left China for Hong Kong at the age of 12. He built an international clothing business and then a pro-democracy media empire. His newspaper, Apple Daily, was a blend of popular journalism and hard-hitting attacks against Chinese repression, giving a voice to critics of the mainland regime. Forced to close down in 2021, its editors were arrested and accused of 'colluding with foreign forces'. The Chinese government has wanted to silence Jimmy Lai for years. When I was growing up, the fourth of six children, there were regular death threats. Our house was firebombed, and the skinned corpse of a dog was nailed to our door. Police arrested a man carrying a gun and a photo of my father, and there were rumours of assassination plots. This was a price Dad would willingly pay for free speech. Apple Daily was brazenly outspoken in its attacks on Beijing, to an extent that delighted and amazed its Hong Kong readers. When Sebastien Lai (pictured) was growing up, the fourth of six children, there were regular death threats One headline denounced Li Peng the Chinese premier who was instrumental in the Tiananmen Square massacre as a 'son of a turtle's egg', which is like a British newspaper calling a British Cabinet minister a 'son of a b****'. Dad refused to hire a bodyguard, though his car was often followed and our house watched by goons who made no attempt to hide themselves. He has never been afraid to make enemies in fact, he never appeared to be afraid of anyone or anything. It's a lesson he learned at the age of five, as Chairman Mao's Communist dictatorship crushed the middle classes. My father's family had been comparatively affluent, which made them a prime target. His own father fled, leaving his children and wife behind in the city of Canton in destitution. She was sent to the work camps, and my dad had to find ways of making enough money to look after his sisters. He began making and peddling cigarettes, picking up stubs in the street and picking out the tobacco to roll again. Older boys used to beat him up and steal his cigarettes, so he started helping people with their bags at the train station, pushing a cart in exchange for tips. One day, when he was nine, a passenger gave him a piece of chocolate. Imagine tasting chocolate for the first time if you're starving. He asked the man where he came from. 'Hong Kong,' he replied, and from that moment it was fixed in my father's mind as a kind of paradise on Earth. At the same time, he befriended a policeman who used to hang around their house, hopelessly in love with one of the other lodgers. One day, Dad heard the woman having a huge row with her boyfriend, and he tipped off this policeman: she's single again, grab your chance. As payback, the officer arranged his passage to Macau, and from there he was able to make the illegal crossing across the water to Hong Kong. An aunt paid for the journey and he settled his debts by working in a glove factory, sleeping on the floor. As Jimmy Lai faces a life sentence, his son Sebastien is calling on Rishi Sunak's Government to do everything it can to intercede The Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has called for Jimmy Lai's release, describing the trial as 'politically motivated' Before long, a manager spotted his potential, and he got a place on the sales team. Soon he was doing deals in New York, promoting Hong Kong as a textile centre. He won bonuses, which he saved, and when the opportunity came up to buy a bankrupt knitwear factory for next to nothing, he seized it. That factory became one of the biggest clothing manufacturers in Hong Kong. He then started the clothing brand, Giordano, with outlets across China and Asia. When the Tiananmen Square protests happened in 1989, he became an enthusiastic campaigner for democracy, in part because he knew how important political freedoms were for Hong Kong. If China embraced them too, its potential as an economic superpower was unlimited. Instead, the tanks rolled in. Protesters were shot, crushed, beaten and arrested. My father fought back, launching Apple Daily to keep campaigning for freedom. But he knew people wouldn't buy the paper if it was all polemic. It had to appeal to readers, the first Hong Kong paper to use a chatty, colloquial tone and the first to print in colour. When the Tiananmen Square protests happened in 1989, Lai became an enthusiastic campaigner for democracy In 1992, he became a full British citizen. From that moment, he could have left Hong Kong and run his empire in safety from the UK at any time. But he stayed. And when the Chinese authorities started putting pressure on his clothing business to silence him, he doubled down, selling the factories and stores to concentrate on the newspaper. Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests gathered force in 2014, and my father has been at the forefront. When I was in my teens, he'd come home, reeking of tear gas, eyes streaming, because he'd been at the demonstrations. If the Chinese government knew what was good for them, they would free him at once. He has always been a voice for moderation, urging against the use of violence. His influence is still immense. But in 2020, he attended a protest of two million people and lit a candle as they prayed in memory of the Tiananmen Square victims. He was arrested, charged with 'unlawful assembly' and sentenced to 11 months in jail for attending the protest, and 13 months for attending the vigil. Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests gathered force in 2014, and Jimmy Lai has been at the forefront (Pictured: The Hong Kong SAR flag (left) and the People's Republic of China flag (right)) Shortly afterwards, bogus charges of infringing a leasehold were brought against him, and another sentence of five years and nine months imposed. That's the equivalent of locking someone up for working from home or sleeping at the office. The message from Beijing was loud and clear. Jimmy Lai was the most high-profile democracy campaigner, and he was being jailed on a whim. If it could happen to him, it could happen to anyone. Now he's facing a life sentence. I am calling on Rishi Sunak's Government to do everything it can to intercede not just because he is my father, not just because he is British, but because he is a true figurehead for freedom. When Maxine Laceby's youngest daughter Margot passed her driving test - and promptly began driving herself to sixth form classes - it sparked a moment that would change Maxine's life forever, leading to her founding a 1M skincare brand from her own kitchen. The 57-year-old founder of Absolute Collagen - the award-winning, science-backed marine collagen supplement - remembers the moment vividly; as one that would see her start to reclaim her own life, as her parenting responsibilities eased. Her eldest daughter Darcy had just left for university too. She tells FEMAIL: 'I thought, as I waved her off in the car, everyone's fine now. So, what about me? I realised, at the age of 49, I now had time for me.' Although she didn't yet know it would manifest in her becoming an entrepreneur, Maxine, who grew up with her single mother on a council estate in Bath, was already on a journey to learn who she really was - and success has been a happy by-product of that - along with plenty of hard work. Maxine Laceby, 57, who co-founded Absolute Collagen with her daughter Darcy in 2017, has seen the brand she started in her kitchen at the age of 49 flourish - something she attributes to always keeping the 'Absoluters' - aka the women who love the company's award-winning marine-collagen sachets - at the core of the business Absolute Collagen has grown from selling just its award-winning Absolute Collagen liquid supplement, into a community-led company with a whole range of products including skincare and haircare Through her twenties, thirties and forties, jobs had been simply 'a way to earn money' as she raised her children. But now with more time to spare, she enrolled on a Fine Art course at university - and one of her first assignments would help to let her see herself in a new light. Entitled 'Dare to go bare', the project focused Maxine's attention for the first time on the one thing she hadn't been thinking about - her authentic self; something that today remains at the heart of the Absolute Collagen brand. Over four months, she ditched make-up, stopped dyeing her long, curly hair and cut it short, allowing the grey to come through. She even got a tattoo. 'I put myself in my own spotlight; it was the first time I became my authentic self. It was almost like putting my oxygen mask on for the first time before anyone else's.' Kitchen alchemy: Maxine, pictured in her late forties, became 'hyper-focused' on what exactly in the bone broth she was drinking was making her feel so good - and began, with help from her food tech student daughter Darcy, Absolute Collagen's co-founder, perfecting the brand's formula - via months of research Dream team: Maxine, right, had the ideas - and food tech student Darcy, left, had the science to help bring the brand to life. After consulting scientists and chemists, the mother and daughter finally perfected their 10ml lemon flavoured marine collagen daily sachets ABSOLUTE COLLAGEN: THE RESEARCH Absolute Collagen recently conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled gold standard clinical trial*, thought to be the largest trial of an end product liquid collagen supplement. The independent study was carried out over 12 weeks using 130 healthy female and male participants aged between 40 and 60 years old. The study found that 100% of participants taking Absolute Collagen saw benefits.* Find out more about the clinical study HERE. Around the same time, she'd read about the benefits of bone broth - 'all the Americans were drinking it', she jokes - and started making her own. 'I just start cooking up this broth, cooking stock and bones and letting it all reduce and then drinking it.' Maxine, with the help of daughter Darcy, who was studying food tech at university, began to cotton on to exactly what in the broth could be offering up benefits. 'Whenever I let the bone broth cook right down, whenever I let it get cold, jelly would form on the top.' Describing herself as 'hyper-focused' when an idea captivates her, Maxine became tenacious in finding out whether she could use collagen to help herself, her friends and other women. She says: 'There were lots of obstacles - we had to remortgage our house, and learn all about things like intellectual property. 'But when you've got something you really believe in I wanted to bring this to as many women as possible.' Via relentless research - to-ing and fro-ing between scientists and chemists - the mother-and-daughter duo learned quickly. Maxine, Margot and Darcy with packages ready to send in their garage in June 2019 Maxine and Darcy (centre and right, pictured with Margot, left in May 2022) were determined that the consumer experience would be as easy as taking the Absolute Collagen supplement - making sure boxes would fit through a letter box and adding a next-day cancellation on subscriptions. Pictured in their fulfillment centre, a leap from their garage in 2019 The company's early success was carefully built upon; with big money backers turned down in 2020 in favour of investors who would help to grow Absolute Collagen in the right way. Maxine has also taken on mentoring roles, to help other businesses grow well Meet the Absoluters! From the moment Absolute Collagen was born, mother-and-daughter founders Maxine and Darcy Laceby have engaged with their consumers. So much so that an online community, affectionately known as the 'Absoluters' has grown, where they love to share their Absolute Collagen journeys and offer each other support. Absoluter Liz Pain, 60, from Woking Absoluter Liz Pain says: 'The online community side of the product was unexpected but I feel like I'm involved in the 'Absoluter' family! 'We all help each other out, we'll share our experiences so it's lovely to get reassurance; it's very, very supportive.' 'Absoluter' Jimena, 36 'Absoluter' Jimena, 36 says: 'When I discovered Absolute Collagen, the results were remarkable.' She laughs that many a blender went to the great mixer in the sky at the hands of their refinement process - 'the Greek word for collagen is 'kolla', which means 'glue' - but eventually the brand worked out its formula, a 10ml easy-to-take lemon flavoured daily sachet, and Absolute Collagen was born in 2017. Even the packaging had to be easy for the consumer - it's letter box-sized and if a customer wants out? There's a next-day subscription cancellation option because, Maxine says, 'I've been locked into a six-month subscription for products before and it really p***** me off. I didn't want that for my consumer.' In fact, it's clear that the consumer - affectionately known as the 'Absoluter' - shapes this brand as much as its founder. A 'gorgeous' online community has grown every year since the company's launch, with Absoluters offering each other reassurance, tips and advice. In the beginning, Maxine and her growing team vowed to try and answer every question the Absoluters had but says the community has since grown so large that it's now largely self-sufficient. She says: 'The community just makes me feel so heartfelt. There are some really good friendships in there. It's a safe space and they run it themselves, and it's all about them.' If she was in any doubt that the real, authentic women loving the product would guide her in the right direction then an early encounter with an unnamed famous face clarified the point. Having offered the said celebrity the product to try for free, they then tried to charge Absolute Collagen 25,000 to endorse it. 'It left a bad taste in my mouth because I come from a really authentic place. And so I said "Let's just use real people."' Huge success has followed - but in a carefully-monitored, organic way that keeps the Absoluters' best interests at the fore of the business. External investment came in 2020 - after 10 months of discussion - but the highest offer on the table was turned down in favour of backers who would truly appreciate the products and the community. Maxine explains: 'I didn't want to risk anything because I knew the brand had the potential to be huge and I knew we needed really good people in the boardroom for that to happen. We wanted to enjoy this journey.' And enjoying it Maxine is; she now offers mentoring to other people in business on how to carry a great idea forward, while Absolute Collagen has since launched hair and skincare products, which have gone down a storm with Absoluters. Their reaction - whatever their age - is what gets Maxine out of bed in the morning. She says: 'I see every single Absoluter, no matter what stage they're at in their life. That's what Absolute Collagen does, it sees people and it tries to manoeuvre them into their own spotlight, so they can see themselves. 'Because if they see themselves, everyone else sees them too.' WIN an ultimate skin and haircare bundle from Absolute Collagen - worth over 500 The team at Absolute Collagen knows just how important it is to feel our best, no matter what stage of life were at. And working alongside experts in the field of women's health and skincare the brand has been recognised as the 4th fastest growing company in the Sunday Times 100 2023, while customers have given Absolute Collagen 5 stars in over 1,500 TrustPilot reviews. So why not see how Absolute Collagen could fit into your daily routine? Enter below for a chance of winning an exclusive bundle of Absolute Collagens best-selling skin and haircare products**. Whats inside the bundle? Deep Lift Day Cream - 50 ml Deep Lift Night Cream - 50ml Deep Lift Neck & Dec Cream - 50ml Deep Lift Eye Cream - 15ml Collagen Boosting Serum - 30ml Collagen Complex Hair Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner Duo - 2 x 250ml 8 x Marine Collagen Liquid Supplement 14x10ml sachets Click HERE to enter now!** *https://www.absolutecollagen.com/pages/collagen-supplement-results-clinical-trial **T&Cs apply - click HERE to see more. This prize draw (the "Promotion") is only open to UK residents, excluding employees and agents of (a) the Promoter or (b) any company connected with the production or distribution of this Promotion, as well as their relatives or members of their family or household. Entrants must be aged 18 years or over at the time of entry. Proof of eligibility must be provided upon request. By entering the Promotion you are deemed to accept and be bound by these terms and conditions. The Promotion is free to enter and entrants can enter by filling in their name, email address, DOB and telephone number. Only one entry will be accepted per person or email address. The Promotion will start at 11/12/2023 and the closing time/date for the Promotion is 12/01/2024. There will be one winner who will be selected in a random draw by an independent judge from all eligible entries, held on or before 19/12/2024. The prize is an Absolute Collagen skincare bundle worth RRP of 555.92, including: a) DeepLift Day Cream - 50 ml RRP 55 b) DeepLift Night Cream - 50ml RRP 55 c) DeepLift Neck & Dec Cream - 50ml RRP 55 d) DeepLift Eye Cream - 15ml RRP 50 e) Collagen Boosting Serum - 30ml RRP 35 f) Collagen Complex Hair Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner Duo - 2 x 250ml RRP 34g) 8x Marine Collagen Liquid Supplement 14x10ml sachets - RRP 33.99 OTP. Gifts, prizes and other promotional items are not transferable, may not be re-sold and are subject to availability. The Promoter reserves the right in their reasonable discretion to substitute any such gift, prize or item with a gift, prize or item of equal value. The name and county of the prize winner will be available after the closing date by submitting a written request to the Promoter. Entrants agree to provide reasonable cooperation to allow the Promoter to use the name and/or likeness of the winner for advertising and publicity purposes in connection with this Promotion including but not limited to publication of the winner's name and photograph on the Promoters websites. In addition, by submitting an entry and in consideration of the Promoter granting a right to enter the Promotion, entrants agree to grant the Promoter a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive, sub-licensable right and licence to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute and exercise all copyright and publicity rights with respect to any materials contained in the entry (including but not limited to text, images or video materials) (the Materials) worldwide and/or to incorporate the Materials in other works in any media now known or later developed for the full term of any rights that may exist in the Materials. By submitting Materials to the competition, an entrant:Any personal information provided to us during the entry process(including but not limited to your name, e-mail address, telephone number and date of birth) must be correct. We accept no responsibility for any incorrect personal information provided to us. No entries will be accepted in bulk, from agents or third parties. ThePromoter is Absolute Collagen (company number 09659752). While many people are getting into the festive spirit ahead of Christmas, it's a period that brings dread for those struggling to make ends meet. But one woman who finds herself struggling financially has been on the receiving end of a Christmas miracle after an encounter with a kind stranger. The unnamed woman from Merseyside was at the checkout of a B&M store in Everton when she received a wad of cash from another shopper who didn't reveal their identity. The woman, who had visited the discount shop on Great Homer Street, realised when she reached the checkout that she couldn't afford to pay for all the items in her trolley and asked staff if they could scan the items until the shop reached the total she could afford. However, a very generous stranger who overheard the shopper's plight came to her rescue and dropped a wad of cash into the trolley - leaving the woman in tears. A branch of the discount store B&M in Slough A B&M worker told the Liverpool Echo: 'As she was sorting out her shopping, an older male waiting behind her walked up to her. '[He] simply said "Merry Christmas" and dropped what looked to be a large wad of money on her shopping in her trolley and walked out without saying anything else. 'The woman stood there for a minute or so crying saying she couldn't believe it'. The member of staff hoped the act of kindness, which they referred to as a 'nice Christmas gesture' would 'warm people's hearts before Christmas and show how good and close the Liverpool community spirit is'. Meanwhile down under in Australia, similar acts of kindness have been reported in stores around the nation. A good samaritan in Bunbury Toyworld, Western Australia, left customers in tears after he paid for all the toys that had been purchased by customers on buy-now, pay-later deals. He told brothers Rick and Harvey Baker, who run the family business, that he had had a 'good year' and wanted to pass on some Christmas cheer. The mystery Secret Santa, who wished to stay anonymous, paid off every single toy on lay-by within the hour - leaving the Baker brothers shocked. One man was left in tears after he discovered his toy had been paid off in full. He told Rick he had recently lost his job and was experiencing some financial stress. 'I tapped Harvey. I said get his lay-by. Harvey ran out the, back. We said, 'We've had a Secret Santa come through and pay all our lay buys out this year',' he told Sunrise. 'He was a bit lost for words. He teared up, it was a beautiful moment.' Another customer, mother-of-three Rhiannon Williams told NCA NewsWire the stranger's generosity 'couldn't have come at a better time'. 'I had lost my job few months ago and hadn't had much luck finding another, so money has been so tight. This generous act means my partner and I can pay bills that were not going to get paid,' she said. Texas governor signs bill making illegal border crossing into U.S. state crime Xinhua) 16:09, December 19, 2023 HOUSTON, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday signed a highly controversial bill that makes illegal immigration into the second largest U.S. state a state crime. Under the law, which is expected to take effect in March, state law enforcement officers will be authorized to arrest migrants who cross the border illegally. Afterwards, the detained migrants could either agree to a Texas judge's order to leave the country or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges carrying a punishment of up to six months in prison. Repeat offenders could face more serious felony charges with a punishment of two to 20 years in jail. The legislation is aimed to "stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas," the governor said at the signing ceremony in Brownsville, a major border city in south-eastern Texas. "The consequences of it are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas," Abbott said. "(President Joe) Biden's deliberate inaction has left Texas to fend for itself," claimed the governor, who has repeatedly slammed the White House for failing to address the continuous border crisis. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Fort Johnson, LA (71446) Today Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible late. High 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 54F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. She broke down how much it costs her to live in each country to NBC The entrepreneur now divides her time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Sicily An American mom who bought a charming home in Italy for only $62,000 has broken down her immensely low living costs in the European country - revealing she can get an entire chicken for $3 and a bottle of water for just $0.50. Stephanie Synclair, 41, a mom-of-one originally from Atlanta, Georgia, quit her marketing job in 2009 when she became 'sick' of being told what to do after spending nearly a decade working in the corporate world. She went on to launch her own tea company called LaRue 1680 in 2012 and decided to celebrate the career change with her first trip out of the country. The mother started researching the cheapest flights to Europe from where she lived and stumbled upon Sicily, Italy - and as soon as she arrived, she fell in love with the area. An American mom who bought a charming home in Italy for only $62,000 has broken down her immensely low living costs in the European country Stephanie Synclair, 41, a mom-of-one originally from Atlanta, Georgia, quit her marketing job in 2009 when she became 'sick' of being told what to do. She's seen in her Atlanta home She went on to launch her own tea company called LaRue 1680 in 2012, and decided to celebrate the career change with a trip to Sicily, Italy, and instantly fell in love with it 'I knew from the moment I landed here, when my feet touched the ground, that I loved it here,' she gushed to NBC recently. 'From the very first moment, I recognized how welcoming the people were. Sicilians are the most loving and welcoming people I've ever encountered on my travels.' While Stephanie was instantly enthralled with Italy, it wasn't until more than 10 years later, in 2022, that she would officially call it her home. 'I always said I could see myself living here, but it was more so in a dream way,' she added. 'I never actually saw myself buying a house here. I don't know that I really thought it was possible at the time.' Stephanie, who was renting at the time, explained that when the pandemic hit in 2020, she decided she wanted to take advantage of the low housing market and purchased her first home. But by the time she was ready to move, the mortgage rates had gone back up to even higher than they were before. As she struggled to find something in Atlanta that fit her budget, she started to research other locations. 'I knew from the moment I landed here, when my feet touched the ground, that I loved it here,' she gushed to NBC recently In March 2022, she decided to take the plunge and purchased a stunning home in the Mussomeli area of Sicily for $62,000. She's seen on the day she bought the home Stephanie (seen in her Sicily home) - who still splits her time between Atlanta and Italy - said that while there were many benefits to living in Europe, the most notable was the cost of living 'I started looking outside the country for just what was available. It really was more so just curiosity, just looking,' she explained. 'I don't think in that moment that I knew it would actually lead to a purchase.' She joined a few different Facebook groups for Americans who moved to Europe, and through them, she got in contact with a real estate agency who made her realize her dreams of living in Italy were not only possible, but actually more affordable than buying a home in Atlanta was. In March 2022, she decided to take the plunge and purchased a stunning home in the Mussomeli area of Sicily for $62,000. She has since spent another $21,000 on renovations. While chatting with NBC, Stephanie - who still splits her time between the U.S. and Italy - explained that while there are many benefits to living in Europe, the most notable was the amount of money that she saved when she's there. She estimated that she pays roughly $389 per month for gas when she's in Sicily, while she forks over a whopping $1,164 per month on gas in Atlanta. In addition, her utilities in Italy cost only $258 each month, while they're $2,634 per month in America. 'For three months in Italy, I paid less than I paid for one month in the United States,' she shared. She shared: 'Here we have a whole chicken cut into pieces for $3. Milk is $1. You get a really big chunk of blue cheese for $4. A pack of 20 eggs here, $4. A bottle of water, it's $0.50' Stephanie added that while she still goes back and forth between the two countries due to her work, she wants to live full time in Italy once she saves up enough to retire Food and groceries are also much less pricey overseas. She continued, 'I may go grocery shopping here and spend $65. There's no way I can walk into a [food store] in the United States and not spend over $100. That's the truth. That is ridiculous. 'Here we have a whole chicken cut into pieces for $3. Milk is $1. You get a really big chunk of blue cheese for $4, a loaf of bread is $1. And it's so fresh, so good. A pack of 20 eggs here, $4. A bottle of water, it's $0.50.' The entrepreneur, who makes $80,000 a year, added that because she paid for her home in in full when she bought it, there's no monthly mortgage. She's seen on the balcony of her Sicily home The entrepreneur, who makes $80,000 a year, added that because she paid for her home in Italy in full when she bought it, there's no monthly mortgage, while the rent for her home in Atlanta is $2,275 per month. 'I live more than comfortably on my current salary, even with Atlanta being a lot pricier than it is here in Sicily, because I live for almost nothing here,' she continued. Stephanie added that while she still goes back and forth between the two countries due to her work, she wants to live full time in Italy once she saves up enough to retire. She told NBC that as of October, she had about $14,000 in savings, $33,000 in a Roth IRA, and $950,000 in a brokerage account. 'I plan to retire here in Sicily because it is much more affordable to retire here,' she revealed. 'Currently, if I look at the numbers, for me to retire in the United States [I'd have to have] over $2.5 million [saved]. And to retire here, I would only need about $450,000.' The $12.99 product was named in Oprah Winfrey's 'Favourite Things' list of 2023 Aldi Australia is set to release Oprah Winfrey's favourite kitchen device to spice up holiday season cooking. The Dreamfarm 'Fluicer' Juicer is an easy-to-use gadget that folds flat to save space. The $12.99 product was number 15 in Oprah's 'Favourite Things' list for 2023 and was also nominated as one of the best inventions of the year by Time Magazine. The handy utensil will be available from December 30 while stocks last. Oprah Winfrey included an Aussie invention in her 'Favourite Things' list for 2023 The Dreamfarm 'Fluicer' Juicer is an easy-to-use gadget that folds completely flat to save space The comprehensive list published by Oprah Daily provided an insight into why the television personality loves the juicer. 'Whether you're using it for a dish you saw on social media or your kiddo's lemonade stand, this citrus juicer will make things simpler,' the description read. 'Its clever design allows you to use both hands, so you utilise muscles in your arms over your hands. Plus, since it folds flat, it's easy to store take on the go.' The product was invented by Alex Gransbury and the two-handed sideways pivot operation requires less effort than a traditional press. The product will be available across Aldi stores in Australia from December 30 The comprehensive list published by Oprah Daily provided an insight into why the television personality loves the juicer. 'Whether you're using it for a dish you saw on social media or your kiddo's lemonade stand, this citrus juicer will make things simpler,' the description read On Amazon Australia the product has received more than 400 stellar reviews and an average rating of 4.7 out of five stars. 'I was recommended this product in a shop. I was skeptical but then decided to try it. I love it! It really gets all the juice out and is easy to clean,' one person wrote. 'Fabulous result - gets all the juice out without effort, easily cleaned and easy to store!' another said. A third provided some helpful feedback when using the product. 'Don't squeeze too hard! Not because it'll break the juicer, but because it will also squeeze out the bitter essential oils in the skin of citrus fruit,' the shopper wrote. 'We bought the largest one thinking that it could also be used for lemons and even the smallest lime.. and it can! Very easily, so I'm not sure why anyone would want a smaller size.' A woman who broke up with her fiance four months after he proposed to her has won a legal battle to keep the $45,000 diamond engagement ring he gave her. The couple, given the pseudonyms of Katie River and Steve Lambert by the New Zealand Family Court to protect their identities, had been together for years before he proposed in 2022. The engagement was not a happy one and they split after four months, with Mr Lambert, who was 40 at the time, wanting the three-stone platinum ring - or the amount he paid for it - given back. But Ms River, who was in her late 20s at the time, refused and also got a temporary protection order against him on the grounds of physical and psychological abuse. Mr Lambert denied those allegations, which were ultimately settled, the New Zealand Herald reported. A woman has won a court case where she was sued by her ex-fiance to return the $45,000 three-stone diamond engagement ring in a platinum setting he gave her. Stock photo of ring The court heard that Mr Lambert was a managing director of a company and had far greater wealth than Ms River when their relationship started during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Ms River moved in with her partner and they tried to start a family, even going to so far as to arrange appointments at a fertility clinic. Mr Lambert suggested she leave her job and instead work for him as an executive assistant, which she did. He then used the New Zealand government's Covid wage subsidy to pay her. But she mostly ended up doing housework and selling second-hand items while the wage subsidy paid for living expenses, the court heard. Poll Is it okay to keep the ring after a break-up Yes - it's her's now No - he paid for it Is it okay to keep the ring after a break-up Yes - it's her's now 337 votes No - he paid for it 601 votes Now share your opinion When the pandemic lockdown ended, Ms River found it difficult to get work in her background area of hospitality, so she kept working for Mr Lambert. She said she helped him to sell two of his properties - though Mr Lambert disputed the extent to which she had helped - and he bought a new home, which the couple moved into. After the couple broke up four months into their engagement, Ms River moved back to her parents' house as she had no savings and no job. Mr Lambert agreed to pay her $10,000, which she used to pay her legal fees for the family violence case and preparing for the case to keep her ring. Her lawyers said they were surprised he made a claim to get the ring back as they thought the family violence case settlement had ended all disputes between them. Ms River ran out of money to pay her lawyers and represented herself in some court appearances before she stopped engaging with the case. Ultimately, Judge Andrea Manuel of the Family Court turned down Mr Lambert's application to get the ring or the money equivalent back from his ex. The couple's engagement was not a happy one and they split after four months. Pictured is a stock image of a couple after a row The judge said Mr Lambert thought that having the ring returned to him was necessary to restore him to the financial position he was in before he got engaged. But Judge Manuel said there was no proof about how much the ring was worth and that there was also a difficulty in isolating one piece of property when the couple had been in a de facto relationship for two-and-a-half years. 'If a single item such as the ring is dealt with in a vacuum and the contributions made by the parties to property and to the relationship more generally are put to one side, an injustice may occur,' she said. The judge said if the court ruled in Mr Lambert's favour there would be a risk that if Ms River didn't have the ring or didn't give it back, that she would have to pay more to him than it was worth. The hunt is on for a mystery Princess Diana superfan after a dress she wore in 1985 broke fashion records to sell for almost 1million at auction. The black, ballerina-length velvet evening dress sold at Julien's Auctions in Hollywood for eleven times its estimated price, having been tipped to sell for $100,000. Fans of the late Princess last weekend battled it out to unforeseen heights, with the winner splashing out $1.148million (904,262). The gown, complete with shoulder pads, a blue organza skirt, a large blue bow, and a sash - is now the new record holder as the most expensive dress worn by Diana sold at auction. The previous record holder, a 1991 velvet gown by Victor Edelstein, fetched $604,800 (476,437) at an auction in January. Diana initially donned the frock in Italy in 1985 whilst on a royal tour with her then-husband Charles, Prince of Wales, (pictured) and again to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 1986 Princess Diana and the then-Prince Charles in Florence at a dinner at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence in Italy in 1985 Diana first wore the dress at a dinner at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence in Italy in 1985 whilst on a royal tour with her then-husband Charles, Prince of Wales. She also donned it again to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 1986. The identity of the buyer of the Jacques Azagury gown is unknown - prompting speculation as to who Diana's mega-fan might be. The collector's item was constructed with fabric chosen by world-renowned textile merchant Jakob Schlaepher and features blue metallic embroidered stars carefully threaded by the design team. The ballerina skirt was considered a nod to her patronage of the English National Ballet and her love of dance. Auctioneers described the outfit as a 'beautiful, romantic ballerina-length evening dress'. The catalogue continued: 'With padded shoulder pads features a black velvet bodice with embroidered stars in metallic thread made from Jakob Schlaepfer fabric with a two-tier royal blue organza skirt with a sash and bow. 'Diana would wear numerous dresses and gowns by Azagury, one of her favourites was an ice blue silk georgette minidress worn 3 June 1997 to Royal Albert Hall for a performance of Swan Lake.' There were 19 bids on the dress, with all proceeds from the sale to go the the New York Historical Society. The identity of the buyer of the Jacques Azagury gown is unknown - prompting speculation as to who Diana's mega-fan might be A gown worn by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1985 broke a new fashion record, going under the hammer in Hollywood for 11 times its estimated price The bodice of the dress features carefully-embroidered blue metallic stars The black, ballerina-length velvet evening dress sold at Julien's Auctions for a grand total of 1,148,080 US dollars (904,262) The ballerina skirt was considered a nod to her patronage of the English National Ballet and her love of dance The pink crepe blouse features a ruff-like collar and loose pleats to the front, worn by Diana, and was captured on film by royal photographer Lord Snowdon Diana went on to wear several Jacques Azagury pieces during her time with the royal family, after the Moroccan-British fashion designer was introduced to her by Anna Harvey, the fashion editor of British Vogue. Also on sale at the Julien's Auctions and TCM Present: Hollywood Legends event was a blouse worn by Diana for her engagement portrait in 1981. The pink crepe blouse features a ruff-like collar and loose pleats to the front, and was captured on film by royal photographer Lord Snowdon. The blouse is attributed to designers David and Elizabeth Emmanuel, who later created her wedding dress for her 1981 nuptials to Charles. It sold for $381,000 (300,990), nearly four times its original estimate of $80,000. Hollywood stars' clothes also up for auction included a Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1963 comedy Charade. Elsewhere a sleeveless gown worn by Gloria Swanson in the 1950 noir film Sunset Boulevard and Barbra Streisand's sailor dress from a 1960s special called My Name Is Barbra. An idyllic beach, cheek bones that could cut glass and designer clothes, the Greek royal family have certainly pulled out all the stops with their very glamorous Christmas card for 2023. Shared to Instagram by Crown Princess Marie -Chantal, the photo shows the matriarch with her husband Pavlos, the heir to the defunct throne, and their five children, all in black and white. Model Olympia, 27, is joined by her brothers Constantine, 25, Achileas, 23, Odysseas, 19, and Aristidis, 16. The family, all with catwalk good looks, are sit in front of a stunning vista, presumably in Greece. The inside of the cared read 'Wishing you a merry Christmas and happy new year' in both Greek and English. Crown Princess Marie -Chantal shared a video of the exiled Greek royal family. Marie and Pavlos were joined by model Olympia, 27, is joined by her brothers Constantine, 25, Achileas, 23, Odysseas, 19, and Aristidis, 16. The inside of the cared read 'Wishing you a merry Christmas and happy new year' in both Greek and English Olympia, who recently split with 'Britain's most eligible bachelor' Peregrine Pearson, showed off her trim physique in a leopard print shift dress. Meanwhile, Constantine, who is dating Poppy Delevingne, 37, wore a breezy open collar shirt and chain, matching his brothers. The card, in black and white, was quickly compared to the Prince and Princess of Wales' offering. Earlier this month, Prince William and Kate Middleton released the family portrait with their three children in matching white shirts. The couple pose with Prince George, 10, Prince Louis , five and Princess Charlotte , eight, who is sat in a chair at the front of the group. The three men and boys are dressed in matching plain shirts - George opting for a Ralph Lauren Polo number - and dark trousers, while Kate and Charlotte have swapped the trousers for denim jeans. While the many saw the picture of a happy family, some thought it was unfestive and mocked an apparent photoshop fail. Eagled-eyed observer zoomed in on the left hand of Prince Louis, five, and noticed his middle finger appears to be missing. Earlier this month, Prince William and Kate Middleton released the family portrait with their three children in matching white shirts Eagled-eyed observer zoomed in on the left hand of Prince Louis , five, and noticed his middle finger appears to be missing The King and Queen's Christmas card is an altogether more formal affair, showing Charles and Camilla inside Buckingham Palace shortly after the coronation in May Of course, he seems simply to be spreading his fingers wide. But then a closer look also led some to question what has happened to William's left leg. He appears to have adopted a wide stance but only his right leg is visible. Similarly, only one of Kate's feet is in view behind the chair Princess Charlotte, eight, is perched on. Pavlos' father was King Constantine, a relation of Prince Philip, who was exiled from Greece following the abolition of the Greek monarchy in 1973. Princess Olympia, who has 300,000 followers on her Instagram page, where she updates royal watchers with insights into her daily life, has often expressed her long-time love for the fashion industry. At the age of just 11, Olympia attended her first couture show in Rome with her parents. During her time at a boarding school in Switzerland, she studied art history, theatre, photography, and graphic design with hopes of pursuing a career in art or fashion. She bagged an internship in Christian Dior's couture department, at the age of 17, before going on to earn a Bachelor's degree from NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study in 2019. Her family was on hand to watch as she accepted her diploma in a ceremony at New York City's Lincoln Center, where they beamed as she walked across the stage in a black cap and purple gown. Having moved away from her former family home in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, Olympia now lives in Notting Hill with her sausage dog, Echo - who she adopted during the coronavirus lockdown. Marie-Chantal married Pavlos in 1995. He will never take the throne because the Greek monarchy was deposed in 1973 Marie Chantal Miller poses extravagantly above with her sister Pia (in yellow) as they lounge in the pool of the Hotel Bel-Air, Cap Ferrat in July 1991 As of 2021, she is in a relationship with Peregrine Pearson, the son and heir of Michael Pearson, 4th Viscount Cowdray, whose family has a reputed 224million fortune. Perry's father owns a significant chunk of the Pearson media empire as well as the 16,500-acre West Sussex estate which is home to Cowdray Park polo club, where Princes William and Harry have played. The pair split earlier this year, and Perry has since been linked to Sophie Turner. Olympia was previously the face of Louis Vuitton's Capucine bag campaign, which was a full-circle moment for the royal who reportedly adored her grandmother's Vuitton bag as a child. Meanwhile, Olympia's mother, Marie Chantal of Greece lived a modern-day fairytale, from growing up with billionaire father Robert Miller to falling 'in love at first sight' with Prince Pavlos, heir to the Greek crown. She combines work as a clothes designer with a life as mother-of-five whose children are already forging their own successful paths. She also has a huge online following, with nearly a quarter of a million fans on one social media channel alone. Born in London on September 17, 1968, to parents Robert W Miller, 88, and his Ecuador-born wife Maria Clara Pesantas, 83, she was brought up in Hong Kong until the age of nine, where she then went to boarding school in Switzerland. Marie Chantal, 55, is the middle of three sisters, Pia, 57, and Alexandra, 50, who are also best known for their well-connected marriages. In the 1980s, she attended a bilingual school in Paris before transferring to the Masters School in New York for her senior year of high school. Marie-Chantal has a long history of associating with the rich and famous; before she married into the royal family, the London-born blonde worked for Andy Warhol. She began a degree in History of Art at New York University in 1993, and it was in the city that she met Prince Pavlos, 56, for the first time. The couple met on a blind date set up by New York investment banker Alecko Papamarkou, a mutual friend who was convinced they would hit it off. 'We clicked,' the Princess told Vanity Fair in 2008. 'It was love at first sight. I knew that he was the person I would marry.' The pair became engaged in 1995 after a romantic proposal in the Swiss ski resort of Gstaad, and their July wedding later that year was the largest gathering of royals in London since Queen Elizabeth's wedding to Prince Philip in 1946. Among the 1,250 guests who attended were the royal families of Britain, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Romania, Jordan and Bulgaria. The unknown Perfume Shop worker is rapidly winning over hearts on TikTok Rowan Atkinson's stole the show in Love Actually when his character Towan packed the kitchen sink while gift-wrapping a Christmas necklace. But it appears he now has competition, as a real life gift-wrapping star star is born on TikTok. An employee at The Perfume Shop, who works at the retailer's Bluewater branch in Kent, is regularly featured on their page giving tailored perfume advice, and has recently caused even more of a stir after performing a friendly gift-wrapping service in the run up to Christmas. Her latest video has so far amassed over half a million views, with people marvelling at her wrapping prowess as it included a secret finishing touch and the words 'Merry Spritz-mas!' People are 'obsessed' with the worker whom they say is a 'queen', and have even called for her to be promoted to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company 'immediately'. An unknown woman (pictured) who works at The Perfume Shop UK has become a viral sensation after appearing in the brand's TikTok videos The woman has become much loved for her gift-wrapping performances, which include a special spray of perfume over the boxed package, along with the festive words: 'Merry Spritz-mas!' In a recent TikTok clip, the woman can be seen behind the pay counter at work, while a backdrop of various scents is displayed behind her. With a smile on her face she asks a customer: 'Would you like your fragrance gift-wrapped at all?' After getting the go-ahead, she then presented a choice of Christmas-themed wrapping paper and asked if the customer preferred red or gold. After confirming the customer's choice, the woman makes friendly conversation and ensures her that she made the right choice as it 'will go nicely' with her chosen fragrance. She then proceeds to speedily wrap the present, which she does with ease and without a crease in sight. Next, the woman is filmed next a display screen before delightfully asking what the buyer would like on her Christmas ribbon. She takes the excellent customer service a step further by revealing the option to add an emoji which 'comes out gold'. The employee then prints out the red and gold ribbon before pleasantly wrapping the entire box and finishing it off with a special bow. The unique final touch is revealed to be a special spray of Burberry perfume over the boxed package, along with the festive words: 'Merry Spritz-mas!' 'You're welcome! Have a lovely day! Thank you for shopping with us!' she concluded, all the while with a huge grin on her face. She executes the speedy gift-wrapping service with ease and without a crease in sight She appears to take delight in doing her job and is often seen sporting a happy smile when greeting customers The woman, who has been spotted in the retailer's Bluewater branch in Kent, has amassed a legion of fans as many marvel at her wrapping prowess In another video, the woman can be seen standing ready to report for duty, while sporting her typically effervescent smile. She appears to take delight in doing her job, and smiled even wider when asking a customer how she could help. When the shopper asked if she could recommend a popular men's aftershave, the woman went above and beyond to list four choices, including fragrances by YSL, Prada and Armani. In yet another gift-wrapping video, the woman delivers the same standard of customer service, and to the delight of her newly acquired fans, she also ends the video with a smile and the now famous words: 'Merry Spritz-mas!' People are 'obsessed' with the worker, and have even called for her to be promoted to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company 'immediately' Although appearing on the The Perfume Shop's TikTok account for the first time just a few weeks ago, the woman has quickly become a smash hit with fans. Clearly smitten by her work ethic, one person demanded: 'Promote this queen to CEO immediately'. 'I'm obsessed with this DIVA' said another. Another fan declared her an 'icon'. Suggesting the woman should dabble in a TV career, a fourth said: 'We need this icon on dancing on ice in January'. 'Spraying the gift bag with the perfume is genius' said one. Someone else commented: 'Awwww she seems so cute'. Meanwhile one person wrote: This was the video I was on about earlier, a true icon'. The Prince and Princess of Wales' Christmas card shows they are the 'youthful future of the royal family,' an expert has claimed. While William, 41, and Kate, also 41, relaxed black and white portrait shows them as approachable, the King and Queen's coronation snap shows the 'crowning moment of their lives'. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are keen to paint themselves as philanthropists while Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie show themselves as 'hard working'. Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliam said the images represented show which each individual royal 'wants to be associated with during a particular year'. 'We can see what wish to emphasise, family being especially important. At the festive season, there is special interest in the different cards sent by members of the royal family,' he said'. 'Each card is specifically chosen with great care and their meaning is analysed by royal watchers. They give great pleasure to the recipients.' KING CHARLES AND QUEEN CAMILLA The King and Queen's Christmas card is an altogether more formal affair, showing Charles and Camilla inside Buckingham Palace shortly after the coronation in May The photograph was one of several taken of the King and Queen in full royal regalia on the day of the coronation (pictured: another of the series of pictures) The King and Queen opted for a Coronation photograph taken at Buckingham Palace to grace their festive card, which will be sent to friends, family and colleagues. The formal image, showing Charles and Camilla in the palace throne room following the ceremony in May, was taken by photographer Hugo Burnand who captured the couple standing side by side. Charles wears the Imperial State Crown, while Camilla wears Queen Mary's Crown; the King is also pictured wearing a coronation tunic and the robe of estate. Made of purple silk velvet embroidered in gold, the robe was worn by King George VI in 1937. The Queen is wearing her robe of estate made by Ede and Ravenscroft and designed and hand embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. She also wears her coronation dress designed by Bruce Oldfield. It is the couple's second Christmas card since Charles became King last year, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8 2002. Speaking to FEMAIL, Mr Fitzwilliam explained: 'Image is pivotal to the royal family and Christmas cards, which will be circulated worldwide, are an important projection of this. 'The card from the King and Queen depicts them after the Coronation as this is a crowning moment of their lives and of immense symbolic significance. 'This is highly appropriate for this pivotal year. 'Last year the image was of the Braemar Games, taken just before the Queens death. 'The King and Queen are likely to choose images befitting their status as they have done. The Coronation was a unique event.' PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES Earlier this month, Prince William and Kate Middleton released the family portrait with their three children in matching white shirts Prince William and Kate Middleton released an intimate and relaxed family portrait with their three children in matching white shirts that will appear on the front of their Christmas card this year. The black and white image chosen by the Prince and Princess of Wales shows the pair smiling alongside sons Prince George, 10, Prince Louis , five and Princess Charlotte , eight, who is sat in a chair at the front of the group. The three men and boys are dressed in matching plain shirts - George opting for a Ralph Lauren Polo number - and dark trousers, while Kate and Charlotte have swapped the trousers for denim jeans. The card has been mocked for a photo shop fail, after Louis finger and Kate's leg appear to be missing. But Mr Fitzwilliam says these comments aren't likely to 'dim the enthusiasm of the recipients'. 'The Waleses card, as last year, contains a striking family image taken by Josh Shinner. 'They are carefully posed, their dress is smart casual, it is a happy family group portrait but one with a special cachet. 'It is made all the more significant by the fact that this family represents the future of the thousand year old monarchy as only four working royals are currently under 70. DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their family Christmas card for the year, wishing everyone a 'happy holiday season' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their family Christmas card for the year, wishing everyone a 'happy holiday season'. The Duke and Duchess used a photograph of them applauding, thanking their fans for 'all the support in 2023' in the professional online greeting issued by their non-profit organisation, the Archewell Foundation. The release of the swanky card came just hours after the Prince won 140,000 from the Mirror's publisher after the High Court ruled he was a victim of phone hacking. The couple are seen beaming at the closing ceremony of the Invicitus Games that took place in September in Dusseldorf, Germany. Their children, Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2, did not feature. The picture paints them as philanthropist, Mr Fitzwilliam says, a portrait they are keen to push. 'Harry and Meghan have an image which extols their philanthropic work with an image from the Invictus Games. 'It notably excludes Archie and Lilibet, their children. However it includes a link to their Archewell Foundation impact report, although the results in its accounts this year were decidedly underwhelming. 'It is a forceful image but does it represent the reality of their status in Hollywood at the moment?' DUKE AND DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, enjoying a performance by the Ukrainian choir in the city of Edinburgh on the day they were given their new titles Prince Edward, 59, is shown meeting a Clydesdale horse while Sophie, 58, is seen taking part in a puppy class at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Training Centre in Reading Emblazoned with their ES monogram, the card contains a simple seasonal greeting The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh put themselves front and centre with their Christmas card, which underscores their solid status within 'the Firm'. In Eden Confidential's exclusive picture of the card the main picture taken back in March, shows a smiling Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, enjoying a performance by the Ukrainian choir in the city of Edinburgh on the day they were given their new titles. On the back cover of the card, which they've labelled 'If we could talk to the animals', Prince Edward, 59, a keen rider, is shown meeting a Clydesdale horse in Garvagh, Northern Ireland . Meanwhile Sophie, 58, is seen taking part in a puppy class at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Training Centre in Reading. Emblazoned with their ES monogram, the card contains a simple seasonal greeting 'Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year from Edward, Sophie, Louise and James'. Mr Fitzwilliam said: 'Edward and Sophie use a quirky, artistic photograph taken on the day they became Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and watching a performance by a Ukrainian choir in Edinburgh. 'There are therefore links with the war in Ukraine. The greetings inside the card include those from their children. 'The purpose of the card is to reinforce their status as reliable, hard working royals and it succeeds admirably. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was all smiles while attending a building site at Campus Werkspoor in Utrecht today. The fashionista, 52, departed from her usual style and instead came prepared for duty in a white belted coat and hard hat. It appeared the royal made an appearance at the business park - which houses large office spaces and meeting rooms - to supervise ongoing building work. Dressed for the weather, she sported a lengthy wool coat, brown high waisted palazzo trousers and black chunky leather boots. She accessorised the look with a thick cream scarf and and a mini black leather handbag complete with a wooden top handle. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands donned a hard hat to visit a building site in Utrecht this afternoon Underneath the winter coat, she sported a cream long-sleeved blouse. Her luscious blonde locks appeared slightly frazzled under the hat, which is to be expected following the operational meeting. For her make-up the Queen consort - by way of marriage to King Willem-Alexander, 56, - opted for subtle foundation and an application of black liquid eyeliner. She was photographed putting on a lively display while engaging with the day's events. The royal was also spotted attending to the various guests at the venue's grounds. However the queen hasn't been all business, and was spotted looking typically elegant while attending a Christmas Music Gala last week. She oozed sophistication as she arrived at performing arts theatre Spant in Bussum on Thursday. The mother-of-three donned a blue satin floor length skirt which she paired with a pale blue blouse. The Dutch royal oozed elegance in a white wrap coat and dark trousers, paired with black utility boots Underneath the winter coat, she sported a cream long-sleeved blouse which matched perfectly with her coat and scarf Her luscious blonde locks appeared slightly frazzled under the hat, which is to be expected following the operational meeting For her make-up the Queen consort - by way of marriage to King Willem-Alexander, 56, - opted for subtle foundation and an application of black liquid eyeliner The fashionista departed from her usual style and instead came prepared for duty in a white belted coat and compulsory hard hat Adding even more glamour, Maxima paired her ensemble with a blue diamond necklace and matching drop earrings. She added height to her frame in pale blue heels and she carried a matching clutch bag. Her blonde locks were swept up into a stylish bun, while her glam makeup enhanced her flawless features. The royal beamed as she walked the red carpet into the venue to watch the festive performance. Drug deaths in England and Wales have reached an all-time high, partly driven by a troubling rise of 'silver snorters'. Official data released today reveal there were 4,907 drug poisoning deaths in 2022 a rate of 84.4 deaths per million people. This is the tenth consecutive annual rise, up on the 4,859 recorded in 2021 and the most since records began in 1993. Cocaine also killed a record number of people last year, with deaths having soared 80-fold over the last three decades. It comes amid a huge explosion in the number of middle-aged Brits using the party drug. Dealers capitalising on its popularity promise to deliver within 30 minutes. Figures also showed a spike in deaths related to common prescription sleeping pills and fentanyl, a painkiller fuelling the US opioid crisis. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Deaths from cocaine hit 857 last year, up on the 840 logged in 2021 and a five-fold increase on the 169 a decade ago. More than a fifth (21.4 per cent) of all cocaine-related deaths were among the over-50s, the highest proportion ever recorded. Two victims were over the age of 70. Britain, now considered the cocaine capital of Europe, is believed to snort around 117 tonnes of the substance per year, with the market for the illegal drug estimated to be worth more than 25.7million a day. Last year, under plans to tackle the 'the scourge of substance abuse in society', the Home Office proposed escalating tougher penalties for recreational drug users, including having their passports seized. In March 2021, then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson was also said to be planning a PR blitz campaign of adverts targeted at middle-class drug users aiming to make cocaine as socially unacceptable as drink-driving. The ONS's figures cover drug abuse and dependence, fatal accidents, suicides and complications involving controlled and non-controlled drugs, prescription and over-the-counter medications. As with data for all years, around half of the fatalities registered in 2022 will have actually occurred in previous years due to delays in registering deaths. Men accounted for almost two thirds of registered drug poisonings (3,240 compared with 1,667 female deaths). Howver, the figure fell on the 3,275 logged last year, while it rose again among women. Of the deaths registered last year, 3,859 were due to accidental poisoning while there were 913 instances of intentional self-poisoning. There were 131 deaths arising from mental and behavioural disorders as a result of drug use, a 10 per cent rise on the previous year which logged 119. Some four deaths following assault by drugs, medicaments and biological substances were also recorded. Almost two thirds (3,127) of the total deaths were related to drug misuse. Rates were particularly high among people in Generation X, who were born who were born between the late 60s and early 80s and are now in their 40s and 50s. This so-called 'Trainspotting generation', named after the novel-turned film starring Ewan McGregor that highlighted drug use in Edinburgh among teens and young adults in the 1980s and 1990s, had the highest death rate of all groups in England and Wales in 2022. The average age of death for drug misuse deaths in 2022 was 44.5 years among men and 46.5 for women. While average age has stayed consistent among women since 1993, this has steadily risen for men from the late 1990s. Ian Hamilton, associate professor of addiction at the University of York, told MailOnline that the over-40s are often at greater risk due to 'poor physical and psychological health' which can make them vulnerable to accidental or deliberate overdoses. He said: 'They often have complicating factors such as poor respiratory health [and], given the way that opiates can suppress respiratory function, this increases the risk of death. 'Equally this group can have heart problems which are not helped by regular drug use. They are also less likely to access health services which could help provide treatment and reduce the risk of premature death.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. By substance, opiates continued to account for the majority of drug poisoning deaths, at almost half. Heroin and morphine were also the most frequently recorded opiates on death certificates, with 1,256 deaths mentioning one of the substances in 2022. ONS statisticians said this long term trend possibly reflects long-term heroin and morphine users becoming increasingly at risk of a fatal overdose. Trends of mixing opiates with other drugs, which can increase the risk of an overdose, could also partly explain the rise. Addictive prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines which include Xanax and Valium are increasingly seen alongside heroin and other opiates, they noted. Deaths involving benzodiazepines (509) dropped slightly on the previous year (538). But it is still almost double the figure logged when records began in 1993 (278). Recent reports have suggested drugs including benzodiazepines and opiates may have become more potent, Professor Hamilton told MailOnline. 'Even for those who are regular users of these drugs, this can prove to be fatal as they use their usual amount but don't realise until its too late how strong these batches of drugs are,' he added. 'Likewise, naive users can be caught out by the higher strength drugs and risk accidental overdose as a consequence.' Lee Fernandes, from the UK Addiction Treatment Group, said the ONS figures show that people who have been addicted to drugs for many years 'are now also experimenting with taking other substances' which can make a user 'increasingly susceptible to a fatal overdose'. He added that such deaths are 'unnecessary' and could be prevented 'with the right kind of help, empathy and professional support'. The figures also revealed that fatalities linked to common sleeping pills zolpidem and zopiclone rose sharply (37 per cent) on the previous year, five times the figure logged in 2003. Zolpidem prescriptions this year hit the highest level since records began in 2018 with 58,000 doses dished out in March. In September, experts warned MailOnline that record prescription levels for the drug could even be due to misuse by Brits wanting wild sex. Men accounted for almost two thirds of registered drug poisonings (3,240 compared with 1,667 female deaths), but the figure fell on the 3,275 logged last year, while it rose again among women By substance, opiates continued to account for the majority of drug poisoning deaths, at almost half. Heroin and morphine were also the most frequently recorded opiates on death certificates, with 1,256 deaths mentioning one of the substances in 2022 For years, Z-drugs like zolpidem, better known by its brand name Ambien, have been touted as a user-friendly alternative to older and notoriously addictive tranquillisers. But up to one in 100 users of the drug will experience strange 'sleep-related behaviours' like sleepwalking or having sex without being fully aware, it is estimated. Deaths from paracetamol (261) also rose 15 per cent on 2021 (227). Meanwhile, drug poisoning deaths from ecstasy slumped to its lowest level since 2014, the figures showed. Some 51 deaths related to the drug, also known as MDMA, were logged in 2022, down more than a fifth on the previous year (67). ONS experts did not explain what was behind the drop. There was also a geographic divide in drug deaths in England and Wales, with people in the North East (133.9 deaths per million) almost three times more likely to die from drug poisoning than people in London (56.6 deaths per million). The East of England had the lowest rate for drug misuse (37.2 per million). Among the deaths recorded, the North West logged the highest figure with 905 and Wales, the lowest at 318. It comes as the UK's first drug consumption room could open by next summer under plans backed by the Scottish government as a way to tackle its own drugs deaths crisis. In September, authorities in Glasgow announced the pilot scheme would be based at a health centre in the east end of the city. The UK Government has said it is not in favour of drug consumption rooms. But despite the Misuse of Drugs Act being reserved to Westminster, the Home Office has indicated it will not stand in the way of the pilot scheme in Scotland. James McCaffrey, an American actor best known for voicing video game character Max Payne, has died following his battle with blood cancer. The 65-year-old star was reportedly diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type which arises from plasma cells within bone marrow the 'spongy' substance lurking within bones. Charities say there are around 6,000 new cases of myeloma per year in the UK, with more than 35,000 cases diagnosed annually in the US. Here, we break down the warning signs of multiple myeloma. Myeloma can cause a wide range of symptoms from fractures and bone pain to tiredness James McCaffrey, an American actor best known for voicing the video game character Max Payne, has died; seen in 2012 Bone pain Just like other types of cancer, multiple myeloma may not cause any symptoms in the earliest stages of the disease. In fact, doctors sometimes only suspect a patient to have the disease following an abnormal blood or urine test, the NHS says. But eventually the cancer can cause a wide range of problems, including persistent bone pain. Dull aches are typically felt in the back, ribs or hips. The pain is caused by a large number of plasma cells collecting in one area, which can damage the bones and even cause fractures, Cancer Research UK says. What is myeloma? Myeloma is a type of blood cancer. It develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells, made in the bone marrow, are a type of blood cell that makes antibodies to fight infection. the bone marrow, which is found in the inner part of our large bones, produces different types of blood cells. Normal plasma cells make proteins called antibodies, these respond to infections and help to kill bacteria and viruses. But when myeloma develops it causes a change in the DNA of plasma cells. This causes abnormal plasma cells, which divide and multiply, to make abnormal types of antibodies which are not able to fight infections. This type of cancer doesn't form a lump or a tumour, but instead causes problems sue to the abnormal build up of abnormal plasma cells. This can cause tiredness, headaches, dizziness, bone pain, fractures and bleeding. Source: Cancer Research UK Advertisement In some cases affecting the spine, it can cause pins and needles and numbness. Tiredness Although it might sound like a cold, feeling extremely tired, weak and breathless is another potential warning sign of myeloma. Fatigue is caused by a lack of red blood cells. Just like with bone pain, it happens because of the exceptional build-up of plasma cells in the bone marrow, effectively crowding out the 'normal' red cells. Extreme thirst Constantly feeling thirsty could also be a sign of the disease. As well as crowding out 'normal' blood cells, the build-up of abnormal plasma cells can directly damage the bones. When bones get damaged, they release calcium into the blood known medically as hypercalcemia. Symptoms of this include feeling thirsty, sick, tired, stomach pains and needing to pee frequently, according to the NHS. Additionally, it can cause constipation and confusion and, if it is not treated, lead to extreme drowsiness. Blurred vision On top of all the above, never-ending headaches, dizziness and blurred vision might all be subtle signs of multiple myeloma. The NHS says this trifecta is down to the cancerous cells producing excess proteins that cause blood to thicken, which is known as hyperviscosity. When the blood thickens too much it is unable to flow freely through the body's blood vessels, which can block the very thin channels in the brain and trigger the symptoms. Bruising and unusual bleeding Warning signs of myeloma can also include strange bruises and unusual bleeding, such as nose bleeds, bleeding gums and even heavy periods. Actor Kevin Dillon took to his Instagram to pay his respects, writing, 'James McCaffrey we were lucky to have known you. my best friend you will be missed' He is widely celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Max Payne, the titular character in the acclaimed video game series. 1994's Viper was another big show for the actor, where he one was one of the leads fighting crime with the help of a Dodge Viper RT/10 roadster. Abnormal bruising and excessive bleeding can happen as a result of the build-up of plasma cells in bone marrow. Just like how they crowd out red blood cells, the over-production of plasma can stop the production of platelets, according to Cancer Research UK. Platelets work by clumping together and forming a clot to stop the bleeding. With less of them, bruising and bleeding is more likely. But CRUK says this symptom is 'quite rare' for myeloma. Repeated infections Suffering from frequent viral or bacterial infections can be another warning sign. That's because the cancer causes an over-production of cancerous plasma cells and abnormal antibodies, that can't work as they normal would to prevent infections. Plasma cells are a vital part of the body's immune system. Normal, healthy plasma cells make antibodies, which fight-off viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the excess of plasma cells overcrowd the bone marrow and means there is not enough space for making normal white blood cells, which are also part of the body's defence system against bugs. More than 530 Brits have ended their life with Dignitas since the world's foremost euthanasia clinic opened in the late 1990s, figures show. The not-for-profit Swiss clinic offers doctor-assisted suicide to any patient battling terminal or severe illnesses. Under current British law, the practice is illegal and carries a 14-year prison term. As such, dozens of desperate Brits choose to travel abroad to end their suffering. Dignitas' own statistics show 33 Brits travelled to Zurich for the service in 2022, up on 23 people in 2021. Numbers fell during the pandemic but have since rebounded due to travel restrictions being scrapped. Although legal in Switzerland, only 11 domestic residents used the clinic's service last year. It comes as Dame Esther Rantzen revealed she has joined the assisted-dying clinic following her battle with stage-four lung cancer. Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed that she has joined assisted-dying clinic Dignitas and will consider going there to end her life should her next scan show she is getting worse British membership for assisted dying charity Dignitas has soared to 1,528 in recent years, up from 1,315 in 2017, and 821 in 2012 In a heartbreaking confession, the legendary 83-year-old broadcaster told how she might 'buzz off to Zurich' should her next scan show she is getting worse. Data published by Dignitas shows that 206 people turned to assisted dying through the organisation in 2022. This was the lowest annual toll since 2016. France was the most common country of residency among people using the service (46). It was followed by the UK (33), Israel (24), Italy (22) and the US (21). Since it was founded in 1998 by human rights lawyer Ludwig Minelli, Dignitas has provided 3,666 assisted deaths. Anyone turning to Dignitas has to first become a member paying a 200 joining fee and 73 subscription and meet strict eligibility criteria, safeguards and rules. READ MORE: Dame Esther Rantzen's daughter would 'want to ground the plane' if her mother, 83, flew to Dignitas but backs her right to decide Today her daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, spoke of how her family reacted to such an emotional decision Advertisement These include having a terminal disease, unendurable disability or unbearable and uncontrollable pain. After meeting these prerequisites, members must submit a formal request, which includes a letter asking for accompanied suicide and stating their reasons, as well as a thorough medical history that details their ailment. The organisation's medics then examine each case before making a decision, a process which takes around three months. Historically, the service has been most popular among Germans (1,449). However, the numbers have fallen since Berlin officials in 2020 overturned a five-year ban on doctor-assisted suicide that had seen doctors stop providing the service over fears of breaking the law. The full dataset has been crunched into an interactive globe, which allows MailOnline readers to see where Dignitas users hail from. Separate figures show membership of Dignitas jumped to an all-time high of 11,856 in 2022. This was made up by 4,332 Germans, 1,528 Brits and 1,228 Americans. Childline founder Dame Esther has given her backing to assisted suicide after her diagnosis, which strikes around 49,000 Brits and 240,000 Americans every year. She revealed in May that her lung cancer had advanced to stage four, meaning it has spread to other parts of the body. At this stage, there is just a five per cent chance of surviving for five years or more. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme yesterday that she will find out in a few weeks if a new medication she has been taking is 'performing its miracle' or if it has 'given up'. The mother-of-three and grandmother-of-five said: 'I have in my brain though, well, if the next scan says nothing's working I might buzz off to Zurich. 'But, you know, it puts my family and friends in a difficult position because they would want to go with me. And that means that the police might prosecute them. 'So we've got to do something. At the moment, it's not really working, is it?' Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed that she has joined assisted-dying clinic Dignitas (pictured) and will consider going there to end her life should her next scan show she is getting worse Dame Prue Leith, who has campaigned for a change of law on assisted dying said 'if it isn't legal by the time I get there I will take the suicide route' Dame Esther said that she had discussed the issue with her family and they had told her it was her 'decision' and 'choice'. She said: 'I explained to them that actually I don't want their last memories of me to be painful because if you watch someone you love having a bad death, that memory obliterates all the happy times and I don't want that to happen. 'I don't want to be that sort of victim in their lives.' Her daughter Rebecca Wilcox today told Good Morning Britain that she'd 'want to ground the plane' if her mother flew to Dignitas but supported her right to decide her own fate. Dame Esther has called for a free vote in Parliament when MPs aren't encouraged to take a side on assisted dying as it's 'important that the law catches up with what the country wants'. Assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. There is no specific crime of assisting a suicide in Scotland but helping someone die could lead to prosecution. The Health and Social Care Committee in July wrapped up its evidence sessions for its inquiry into assisted dying and assisted suicide in England and Wales. It is expected to publish a report with its recommendations in the coming months. Campaign group Dignity in Dying estimate that the cost of assisted dying in Zurich is between 6,500 and 15,000. It criticises current rules which mean that Brits who help loved ones die via assisted suicide are at risk of prosecution when they return to the UK. Geoff Whaley, 80, from Buckinghamshire, ended his life at Dignitas in February 2019 Richard Selley, from Perth in Scotland, ended his life at the clinic in September 2019, with his wife Elaine and brother Peter at his bedside The group also says that those who are dying are forced to travel thousands of miles, often in great pain and distress, and opt to die early than they would like over fears they will be unable to make the journey at a later stage. However, those against assisted dying, often religious groups, argue that it could force the elderly, seriously ill and disabled to believe they ought to consider it and that it is impossible to ensure that a decision to proceed is truly voluntary. Dame Prue Leith, 83, is another famous supporter of assisted suicide, having witnessed her brother David die a painful death from bone cancer in 2012. The Great British Bake Off judge is a patron of UK campaign group Dignity in Dying said at one of their events in May that MPs show 'a lack of courage' and 'harm' their constituents by not changing the law to legalise assisted dying. Geoff Whaley, 80, from Buckinghamshire, ended his life at Dignitas in February 2019. He had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and chose to die in Zurich rather than face 'immense suffering' during the end stages of the condition, which eventually robs sufferers of the ability to move, swallow and breathe. The father-of-two penned a letter to the Government before he passed away, calling for a change in the law which he said 'robbed me of control over my death.' His wife of 52 years, Ann, revealed Geoffrey 'died peacefully in her arms surrounded by family and friends'. Richard Selley, from Perth in Scotland, ended his life at the clinic in September 2019, with his wife Elaine and brother Peter at his bedside. The 65-year-old headteacher also had MND and made a plea to politicians to legalise assisted deaths in the UK. He said the law change would be 'too late' for him but would enable other terminally ill people to 'die peacefully'. For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org She was able to have it removed just in time for her high school prom From a loss of taste and smell to brain fog that lasts months, Covid has caused its fair share of bizarre symptoms. But doctors in Boston say they may have discovered one of the strangest yet - after the virus paralyzed a girl's vocal cords and rendered her mute. The 15-year-old, who was otherwise healthy, came to the emergency department of Massachusetts General Hospital with difficulty breathing and speaking two weeks after she caught Covid. Doctors examined her throat with an endoscope - a medical device with a light and camera attached to it - and discovered both her vocal cords were paralyzed. The patient, 15, who was otherwise healthy, came to the emergency department of Massachusetts General Hospital with difficulty breathing and speaking two weeks after she caught Covid (stock pic) Doctors performed a tracheostomy - a surgery to create an opening in the windpipe - to relieve her breathing issues. It involves doctors inserting a tube into the windpipe to allow a person to breathe and speak more easily She underwent a host of tests, including blood work, analysis of fluid from her spine, speech-language and psychiatry tests, but doctors could find no cause other than her recent Covid infection. Dr Christopher Hartnick, director of the Pediatric Otolaryngology and Pediatric Airway, Voice, and Swallowing Center at Mass Eye and Ear, said: 'To have a young, healthy, vibrant high schooler all of a sudden lose one of their important cranial nerves such that they can't breathe is highly unusual and took some parsing.' Speech therapy did not help ease her symptoms, so doctors performed a tracheostomy - a surgery to create an opening in the windpipe - to relieve her breathing issues. It involves doctors inserting a tube into the windpipe to allow a person to breathe and speak more easily. The girl was dependent on the tube for over a year, but doctors were able to remove it just in time for her high school graduation and prom. Dr Hartnick said: 'She was having her senior prom a year and a quarter to the date of when she lost her function, and she told me she was not going to go to the prom with her tracheostomy in place. 'We decided to intervene so that she could graduate high school and go to her prom tracheostomy-free, which she did.' Dysfunction of the nerves after a viral infection is a known cause of vocal cord paralysis, the doctors said, and there have been several reports of paralysis in one or both vocal cords of adults as a complication of Covid, but this is the first report of the issue in a child. These kinds of outcomes are not normally expected in young, healthy individuals. It has been suggested that vocal cord paralysis after Covid may be due to inflammation linked to an immune response or the way the virus affects the nerves in the throat. Dray Danielle Larrow, a resident in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Mass Eye and Ear, said: 'Given how common this virus is among children, this newly recognized potential complication should be considered in any child presenting with a breathing, talking or swallowing complaint after a recent Covid diagnosis. 'This is especially important as such complaints could be easily attributed to more common diagnoses such as asthma.' Dr Hartnick added: 'The fact that kids can actually have long-term neurotrophic effects from Covid is something that it's important for the broader pediatric community to be aware of in order to be able to treat our kids well.' The case was published in the journal Pediatrics. Ultimately, it was not selected for a grant and the project did not move forward A newly-uncovered trove of documents detailing plans to create a Covid-like virus in China months before the pandemic make the 'lab leak almost certain', experts say. The records - obtained now by FOIA requests - lay out a plan to 'engineer spike proteins' to infect human cells that would then be 'inserted into SARS-Covid backbones' at the infamous Wuhan virology lab from December 2018. Just a year later, in late 2019, the Covid-19 virus emerged with a uniquely adept ability to infect humans, going on to cause a global pandemic. The proposal was made by the now-notorious EcoHealth Alliance, a New York nonprofit that channels US government grants abroad to fund these types of experiments. Ultimately, the application was denied by the US Department of Defense, but critics say the plans laid out in the proposal serve as a 'blueprint' for how to create Covid. The above is an excerpt of an email from the March 2018 DEFUSE proposal showing a comment from PD - Peter Daszak. Shi Zhengli - dubbed the 'Bat Lady' or 'Bat Woman' for her work on bat coronaviruses - investigated the possibility Covid could have emerged from her lab back in 2020, according to colleagues Dr Peter Daszak (pictured left alongside Dr Anthony Fauci) oversees EcoHealth Alliance The documents also show how EcoHealth tried to deliberately mislead the Pentagon on how risky the experiments were to secure funding. In a statement Tuesday addressing the documents, EHA called them ' incomplete' and said the 'allegations are false based on misunderstanding of edits and comments on the document, and based on misleading out-of-context quotations and a lack of understanding the process by which federal grants are awarded.' Sen Rand Paul - who has been a vocal supporter of the lab leak theory - added the documents further support of the 'deception' used by players tied to the Wuhan lab. Matt Ridley, a biologist and science writer who has written extensively about the potential lab leak in the past, said: 'This latest [document] leak makes the case for a lab leak almost certain. 'A reckless experiment, known at the time to be reckless, probably caused the death of millions of people. 'Scientists and the media conspired to conceal the evidence. Let that sink in.' The documents were obtained by nonprofit public health research group US Right to Know, which has previously been accused of fueling anti-vaccine sentiments. The grant proposal was entitled Project DEFUSE: Defusing the Threat of Bat-borne Coronaviruses. It proposed engineering high-risk coronaviruses of the same species as the original SARS to preempt a human spillover and develop vaccine technology and strategies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under Dr Anthony Fauci 's leadership, infected 12 Egyptian fruit bats with a 'SARS-like' virus called WIV1 sent from the Wuhan Institute of Virology at a lab in Montana in 2018 Eight novel viruses, including one belonging to the same family as Covid, were recently found in labs across China Between 2015 and 2023, at least seven US entities supplied NIH grant money to labs in China performing animal experiments, totaling $3,306,061 The team sought to synthesize spike proteins with furin cleavage sites that had been designed to bind to human receptors more easily. The furin has been one of the focal points of debate about Covid-19's origin, with some experts claiming it could only have been acquired through lab experiments. The grant then proposed attaching the furin to coronavirus strains and infecting mice to see how ill it would make them. The plan was then to use drugs and vaccines to treat the disease. Dr Richard Ebright, a chemical biologist at Rutgers University in New Jersey, told DailyMail.com: 'These revelations are important because the experiments in the grant proposal likely - indeed highly likely - led to the creation and release of SARS-CoV-2.' The above is an email from Peter Daszak to researchers included in the 2018 proposal The above is an email from Peter Daszak to researchers included in the 2018 proposal talking about work to be done by scientists as part of the project The grant proposal has raised concerns and some say it serves as further support of the Covid lab leak theory - that the virus was borne out of gain-of-function research bankrolled by the US taxpayer through Dr Anthony Fauci's former department, a theory the FBI and other government agencies now subscribe to. The principal investigator on the project is listed as Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth, a now-notorious health agency that uses US government money to sponsor there's types of experiments abroad. Other team members listed on the proposal include researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School, University of North Carolina, the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Palo Alto Research Center and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the lab where Covid is believed to have originated from. The proposal listed Professor Shi Zhengli - been dubbed the 'bat lady' for her extensive work on bat coronaviruses at the WIV - as the lead on the project in Wuhan. Additionally, Dr Ralph Baric was listed as a subcontractor on the project. Dr Baric is a known expert in making recombinant coronaviruses. The documents show the experiments were proposed to take place at the WIV, which has fewer safety precautions for working with pandemic-potential specimens than the US, which was advertised to the DoD as cost-saving. In initial proposals for DEFUSE, the lab work was to be done in a biosafety-level 2 lab, which researchers said would appeal to DARPA grant-makers as 'highly cost effective' despite the fewer safety precautions taken in lower-level labs Dr Baric acknowledged in an edited version of the proposal US researchers would 'freak out' if they knew novel coronavirus engineering and testing was being done in a BSL-2 lab. Similar experiments in the US are conducted in BSL-3 labs. A later version of the proposal changed BSL-2 to BSL-3. Biosafety levels range from one to four, with four being the strictest and experimenting on the most dangerous pathogens. Dr Baric wrote: 'In the US, these recombinant SARS-CoV are studied under BSL3, not BSL2, especially important for those that are able to bind and replicate in primary human cells.' BSL-2 labs feature ventilated safety cabinets and researchers must wear surgical masks and lab coats. Experts say pathogen with the possibility of being transmitted through the air should be, at a minimum, performed in a BSL-3 lab, which has researchers in more protective respirators. Dr Ebright told DailyMail.com: 'The new documents reveal that EcoHealth Alliance planned to use US Department of Defense funds to perform high-risk virus experiments at WIV at a biosafety level that was inadequate for research with a potential pandemic pathogen.' He added: 'The new documents also reveal that EcoHealth Alliance deliberately concealed these plans - both the plan to perform high-risk experiments at WIV and the plan to perform them using inadequate biosafety protections - from the US Department of Defense in order to improve the chances of receiving funding.' Dr Ebright tweeted: 'At this point, there is sufficient evidence to conclude, beyond reasonable doubt, that SARS-CoV-2 entered humans through a lab accident.' While people who believed and promoted the lab-leak origin were initially accused of being xenophobic and pushing a conspiracy theory, the FBI and several other governmental agencies ascribe to this theory. EXCLUSIVE: America's frightening new bat lab: $12m taxpayer-funded NIH research facility in Colorado will import bats from Asia and infect them with deadly diseases - in project with China-linked scientists A new taxpayer-funded lab is being built in Colorado that will import bats from around the world and experiment on dangerous diseases, DailyMail.com can reveal. Advertisement The formal DEFUSE grant proposal states the engineering of the coronavirus spike protein would be carried out by Dr Baric in North Carolina. However, in an earlier comment on the proposal, Daszak appears to suggest WIV would actually be doing most of the work but should be downplayed in the proposal to make DARPA more 'comfortable' with the details. Dazsak said in an email: 'If we win this contract, I do not propose that all of this work will necessarily be conducted by Ralph, but I do want to stress the US side of this proposal so that DARPA are comfortable with our team. 'Once we get the funds, we can then allocate who does what exact work, and I believe that a lot of these assays can be done in Wuhan as well.' In another comment, however, Daszak reiterates his desire to stress the US-focus of the project. He wrote: 'I am planning to use my resume and Ralph's [Baric]. Linfa/Zhengli, I realize your resumes are also very impressive, but Im trying to downplay the non-US focus of this proposal so that DARPA doesnt see this as a negative.' In a statement Tuesday, EHA called the documents ' incomplete' and said the 'allegations are false based on misunderstanding of edits and comments on the document, and based on misleading out-of-context quotations and a lack of understanding the process by which federal grants are awarded.' Justin Goodman, president of The White Coat Waste Project, a watchdog group fighting to stop sending American tax dollars overseas to fund dangerous virus research, told DailyMail.com the documents prove US tax dollars have 'footed the bill for the shady EcoHealth Alliance and their comrades at the reckless Wuhan lab to supercharge coronaviruses in dangerous gain-of-function experiments.' The Health Secretary has launched a crackdown on some of the worst-performing NHS trusts this winter. Victoria Atkins summoned the bosses of the five trusts with the some of the longest A&E waiting times and ambulance handovers to a meeting. It is understood the CEOs from University Hospitals Plymouth Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, Gloucestershire Hospitals FT, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust and Worcester Hospital attended the virtual meeting with the Secretary of State. It follows reports of emergency patients were being kept waiting in ambulances for 10 hours in some areas while hospitals prioritised existing patients. It is understood the CEOs from University Hospitals Plymouth Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, Gloucestershire Hospitals FT, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust and Worcester Hospital attended the virtual meeting with the Secretary of State A source close to the Health Secretary said they were told 'in no uncertain terms' that their performance not acceptable and they would be closely monitored this winter. Pictured, Victoria Atkins leaving Downing Street today While ambulance handover delays initially looked to have improved in November compared to last winter, the situation seems to have deteriorated coming into December with a significant rise in handovers delayed for more than 30 minutes. This is putting pressure on both the ability of ambulances to respond in the community and acute trusts battling patient flow issues while needing to admit patients into their emergency departments. NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard and emergency care leader Sarah-Jane Marsh were also on the call to outline new protocols for long handover delays, Health Service Journal reported. A source close to the Health Secretary said they were told 'in no uncertain terms' that their performance not acceptable and they would be closely monitored this winter. The source said: 'The Secretary of State made it abundantly clear to senior management that they should buck up their ideas this winter. 'The managers accepted they had all the resource they needed from the department and NHSE but were not hitting their targets and failing their local communities. 'It is frankly, not fair that patients in these areas are facing the longest delays due to poor management - whether that is stuck on an ambulance, sat in A&E or waiting to be discharged from the wards to go home for Christmas.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Heart attack and stroke patients, known as category two callers, had to wait an average of 38 minutes and 30 seconds for paramedics to arrive on the scene in November. This is three minutes faster than October but still more than twice as long as the 18 minute target. The average category one response time calls from people with life-threatening illnesses or injuries was 8 minutes and 32 seconds. This is eight seconds faster than the previous month. However, the target time is seven minutes. Meanwhile, weekly NHS data shows that one in three patients arriving by ambulance at hospitals last week waited more than 30 minutes to be handed over to A&E. There were 28,498 delays of half an hour or longer recorded across all hospital trusts in the week to December 10, equating to 34 per cent of all handovers. The figure is up from 25 per cent in a week. NHS rules set out that the process should be completed within 15 minutes and that none should last more than one hour. Long handover delays can see ambulances stuck in queues outside hospitals for hours, instead of responding to incoming calls. Rishi Sunak has said the Government will 'keep a close eye' on ambulance delays this winter. NHS strike chaos has already forced one A&E department to close over the festive period. Cheltenham General Hospital's unit shut this morning until 8am on December 23 shortly after the national three-day junior doctor strike ends. It will close once again from 8pm on January 1 until 8am on January 9, covering the next wave of British Medical Association (BMA) action, which will be the biggest to ever rock the NHS. Patients in life-threatening conditions will be diverted 30 minutes to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for emergency care. Health chiefs have already warned the upcoming action threatens 'huge disruption' to 'almost all' routine care. It comes during what is typically the busiest time of the year for hospitals, which are already juggling record backlogs. In a sign of the dire pressures facing the NHS before the strike carnage kicks in, one A&E patient in Kent was made to endure a 45-hour wait for a ward bed to become available. Cheltenham General Hospital's unit shut this morning until 8am on December 23 shortly after the national three-day junior doctor strike ends Steven Wells (pictured sleeping on the floor at William Harvey hospital in Ashford, Kent) endured a 45-hour A&E wait after starting to vomit blood and was forced to sleep on the floor while waiting to be admitted NHS bosses had already warned that hospitals will operate at full capacity for just four weekdays until January 10. Only December 27, 28, 29 and January 2 are unaffected by the impending chaos of the holidays and walk-outs until January 10 Steven Wells, a 31-year-old forklift driver, was vomiting blood when he arrived at the William Harvey hospital in Ashford, Kent at 1am on November 13. But he was not given a bed on a ward until 10pm on November 14. Sharing a picture of him sleeping on the floor, Mr Wells said: 'It was honestly like a war zone at times. It makes me not want to go back to hospital, as the last time was so traumatic and embarrassing. 'You have people looking down on you, stepping over you, and all you want is to just be looked after.' He added: 'They need more full-time proper staff in place. There's no excuse at all for the way I was treated. 'If you're in that much pain and discomfort, they should find a bed for you anywhere. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust said the closure had 'not been taken lightly' and it would work closely with local partners to ensure those in 'greatest need continue to have access to high quality care and support'. During both outages, no minor injury and illness unit services will either be provided at Cheltenham General Hospital. It will be closed overnight the entire time. Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram, chief medical officer at NHS Gloucestershire, said: 'We are sorry that many patients will experience disruption to services.' Patients who have a planned hospital operation or procedure during the strike period should attend as usual unless they hear otherwise. Thousands of junior doctors will abandon posts for three days before Christmas, starting on December 20. Another six days of action the longest in the health service's 75-year history are pencilled in from January 2. Staff are expected to work on a 'Christmas day' basis for both spells of industrial action, meaning that emergency care should continue to be given. Ministers and representatives from the BMA had been locked in negotiations for five weeks, trying to find a resolution to the long-running pay dispute. But the union said its junior doctors committee voted unanimously for further strikes after accusing the Department for Health and Social Care of failing to put forward a 'credible' offer. They said the Government's three per cent rise on top of the average 8.8 per cent increase they received in the summer was 'completely insufficient'. Junior doctors begin on 30,000 but can earn up to 60,000 before progressing through the ranks. Labour's shadow health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: 'The prospect of A&E departments closing thanks to Rishi Sunak's failure to end NHS strikes will send shivers down patients' spines. Mr Wells (pictured with his partner and two children), a 31-year-old forklift driver, arrived at the William Harvey hospital at 1am on November 13. But he was not given a bed on a ward until 10pm on November 14 Mr Wells (pictured sleeping on the floor at William Harvey hospital) said: 'It was honestly like a war zone at times. It makes me not want to go back to hospital, as the last time was so traumatic and embarrassing. 'You have people looking down on you, stepping over you, and all you want is to just be looked after' Your browser does not support iframes. 'The Conservatives must now stop playing politics with our NHS, get around the table with junior doctors, and negotiate an end to these strikes.' NHS bosses had already warned that hospitals will operate at full capacity for just four weekdays until January 10. Only December 27, 28, 29 and January 2 are unaffected by the impending chaos of the holidays and walk-outs until January 10. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: 'When you factor in the Christmas and New Year break, these strikes will prolong that period of reduced activity and it also puts the health service on the back foot into the new year, which is a time where we see demand start to rise significantly.' The NHS has now dealt with a full calendar year of strikes, with the first taking place on December 15, 2022. Since then, more than 1.1million inpatient and outpatient appointments have been rescheduled. But BMA junior doctors committee co-chairmen Dr Rob Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi today also cautioned that the Government could still 'avoid the need for these strikes'. They added: 'We will be ready and willing any time they want to talk. If a credible offer can be presented the day before, or even during any action, these strikes can be cancelled. 'Every winter we raise the alarm about the NHS and every winter the Government fails to put the necessary investment into staff to prevent the crisis now is the time to break the trend.' Latest NHS figures show nearly 43,000 emergency department attendees across England in November had to wait more than 12 hours before being admitted, transferred or discharged. Just seven in 10 were seen within four hours the health service's target. But these figures only look at trolley waits the time between doctors deciding a patient needs to be admitted and them getting a bed. Figures capturing exact arrival times at A&E paint a much bleaker picture, with up to one in 10 forced to wait at least 12 hours. Dr Vicky Price, president-elect of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: 'We have been warning of the dangers of corridor care almost all year, and the fact it has persisted for such a duration reflects that it is now perceived as routine practice but it is unacceptable. 'It is not safe, particularly for older patients. It is degrading and it is demoralising for staff.' Wrexham has been named as the busiest rental market of 2023, with landlords in the area typically receiving 56 enquiries per property. Wrexham - which became a city last year - has recorded eight times more enquiries on average for each available property, according to Rightmove. Rightmove's data also revealed Redbridge in London to be the second busiest market with an average of 49 enquiries per available rental property. Both Tameside and Stockport in Greater Manchester come in third with an average of 48 enquiries per rental home in 2023. Wrexham in Wales is this years busiest rental location, with available rental properties in the area receiving 56 enquiries on average in 2023, up from eight enquiries back in 2019 An enquiry is measured by a prospective tenant phoning or emailing a letting agent to request to view a property to rent with analysis was carried out across 360 local authorities of the UK by Rightmove. Across the country, renters face the harsh reality of there being too many tenants and too few homes available to let. Rightmove says the number of enquiries each property is receiving from would-be tenants has more than tripled, from six per property in 2019 to 20 per property in 2023. Unsurprisingly, rents have become more expensive as a result of this fierce competition. Between November 2020 and November this year, the average UK rent per property rose by more than 31 per cent from 974 a month to 1,279, according to the Homelet Rental Index. The rental hotspots Typically, London areas are the most competitive rental markets in the country. However, Rightmove's data revealed there are now fiercely busy rental markets all over the UK. The competition in these local markets can be exacerbated by either more renters wanting to live there or landlords selling up, or a combination both. For example, in Wrexham, letting agents are saying that large numbers of landlords have sold up in recent years. Rising rents: The average UK rent per property rose by more than 31 per cent from 974 a month to 1,279, according to Homelet Rental Index Vaughan Schofield, owner at Belvoir letting agents in Wrexham, said: 'On the supply side, we saw a wave of landlords sell up during the heights of the pandemic, taking a significant chunk of the rental stock out of Wrexham. 'Additionally, we're seeing more would-be first-time buyers stay put for longer and less movement amongst renters who are looking to avoid a rent increase. 'The average enquiry numbers don't surprise me. For a three-bed detached or semi-detached house on a good street in Wrexham, we could receive 100 enquiries for the property.' Karen Evans, operations director at Monopoly Buy Sell Rent in Wrexham said it has been a 'crazy year' for the Wrexham rental market. She added: 'Like most areas of Great Britain there just hasn't been enough properties to meet the demand from tenants and this has resulted in higher rental prices. 'Due to the sheer volume of enquiries we've been receiving for rental properties, we've had to reduce viewing times and host group viewing sessions. 'For cheaper properties up to around 900 per month in rent, we're still seeing very high volumes of interest, with many working in the area still really needing a place to rent.' Aside from Wrexham, Redbridge, Tameside and Stockport, there are plenty of other towns and cities where renters face staggering competition over available properties. In Scotland, in Glasgow City there are 47 rental enquiries for each available property on average. In Thurrock in Essex, which borders the river Thames, each rental home on average is receiving 47 enquiries. Tough to be a renter here: The UK's busiest rental markets: All areas in the UK are recording many more rental enquiries per available property then they were in 2019 What has happened to the rents in these hotspots? Unsurprisingly, given the demand and supply imbalance in these rental hotspots, rental prices have ballooned in all these areas. In Wrexham, the average advertised rent has risen by 35 per cent since 2019, from 711 per month to 960 a month, according to Rightmove's data. Some locations have seen even bigger jumps in asking rents, however. In Tameside, the average advertised rental property has risen by a staggering 60 per cent since 2019, rising from 661 a month to 1,060 a month. Prices have also surged in Stockport with rental properties demanding 1,389 a month on average, up 47 per cent on 2019 when average prices were 945 a month. Similarly Glasgow City has seen asking rents jump by 44 per cent since 2019, from 723 a month to 1,038 a month. How the average advertised rent has changed in the hotspots since 2019 Local Authority Average advertised rent 2019 Average advertised rent 2023 % Change Wrexham 711 960 35% Redbridge 1,567 2,051 31% Tameside 661 1,060 60% Stockport 945 1,389 47% Glasgow City 723 1,038 44% Thurrock 1,158 1,550 34% Salford 854 1,205 41% Blackpool 606 795 31% Gravesham 1,111 1,570 41% Waltham Forest 1,588 2,097 32% Will the situation improve for renters in 2024? There are signs that the balance between supply and demand will improve next year, according to Rightmove. The number of properties available to rent is now 11 per cent higher than this time last year, while the number of renters looking for a home and sending enquiries to estate agents is 12 per cent lower than at this time in 2022. While the gap between supply and demand is improving, tenant demand is still 42 per cent higher than at this time in 2019, and the number of available rental properties is 28 per cent lower. This suggests it will take more time for the balance between supply and demand to reach the more normal market levels of 2019. Too few homes for too many tenants: While the gap between supply and demand is improving, tenant demand is still 42 per cent higher than at this time in 2019 Rightmove's property expert Tim Bannister said: 'The balance between supply and demand has been slowly improving this year, and while it will likely be a long time yet before we reach the more normal market levels of 2019, the early signs of improvement are promising heading into 2024. 'The increase in available homes for rents we're seeing is likely to be a combination of some longer-term leases agreed during the pandemic years coming to an end, some new developments across the country being converted into rental homes, some landlords choosing to sell up, and also other landlords now returning who temporarily switched to the short-let market.' Will rents continue to increase? Tenants can expect further rent hikes next year, but they could get some respite from the double digit annual increases that have been recorded since the pandemic began. Rightmove is forecasting a 5 per cent increase by the end of 2024 outside of London, with a 3 per cent increase in London. Meanwhile, the estate agent Savills forecasts average UK rents to rise 6 per cent in 2024 and the estate agent, Chestertons is predicting a 5 per cent increase in rents across the UK next year. Five-year rent forecast: Savills predicts that rents will rise 6% next year before it hits somewhat of an affordability ceiling in 2025 'There are still far more renters looking to move than there are homes available which means we still expect rents to rise on average next year,' adds Rightmove's Bannister. 'But these early signs of a better balance of supply and demand means we predict rents will rise by a smaller figure of 5 per cent next year, rather than another year of double-digit rental growth.' As for the UK's hottest rental market right now, tenants in Wrexham may some have reason to cheer too. 'We're seeing some early signs of activity calming down heading into next year,' says Karen Evans of Monopoly Buy Sell Rent in Wrexham. 'We've recently had some landlords with higher-end properties reduce their advertised rent for the first time in a while, and tenants are approaching the ceiling of what they can afford to pay. 'There are signs of supply improving, but there are still far more tenants than homes available and it will take a while for the balance to get back to normal.' Vaughan Schofield of Belvoir in Wrexham adds: 'Over the course of the year we've seen more landlords come back into the market, but it's not been enough yet to replace the homes that left during the pandemic, and it's likely to be another busy year for the area in 2024.' I am writing to you on behalf of my 20-year-old daughter who booked a four-day holiday to Magaluf, Spain, with Sunseeker Travel Group for 400. She was asked to make an initial payment of just 1, then instalments of 25 a month. The booking was for accommodation only, so she also had to arrange a flight for 250. The trip was planned for 6 to 10 July. However, on the evening of 4 July she received an email from the company cancelling the holiday, allegedly due to problems with the hotel. The email stated there would be no refund and only an offer of a weekend holiday next year. I tried to contact the company and its directors but had no luck. What can we do? S.C., Manchester. Left stranded: A holiday firm cancelled a 20-year-old's trip to Spain just two days before departure and refused to offer her a refund Sally Hamilton replies: Your daughter's tale of cancellation woe should act as a warning to the hordes (including me) who will shortly be turning their minds to booking a break to banish the winter blues. I didn't like the way your daughter had been treated and thought it a poor show that she was informed of her holiday cancellation with just over a day's notice and no proper explanation. Offering her a 'weekender' event a whole year later in its place was not acceptable in my view. The contract was weighted entirely on the side of the provider, not the customer. You say that the terms and conditions warn that if a customer cancels then they cannot get a refund. However, there is no mention of what happens if the provider cancels on its customers. I wanted to put my view to the company. But, like you, I struggled to make contact with Sunseeker Travel Group. This firm should not be confused with other holiday and yacht companies with similar names. But before going further, I urged you to get your daughter to quickly raise a chargeback claim via her bank. This is a valuable protection for customers who feel they have been charged incorrectly for a service or have not received the service they have paid for. Scam Watch Shoppers are being warned of fake Charlotte Tilbury adverts popping up on social media. Fraudsters are claiming to sell boxes of make-up products for around 20 on Facebook and Instagram, warns consumer group Which?. However, the boxes usually sell for between 91 and 189 on Charlotte Tilbury's official website. The adverts lead to malicious phishing websites, where fraudsters collect your data. A Charlotte Tilbury spokesman: 'We invest a significant amount of time and resources in monitoring for counterfeit sites and goods to protect both our customers and our brand.' It can be used by anyone who has made their purchase with a credit or debit card. The chargeback process involves the customer's bank requesting the money back from the company's bank while the matter is investigated. The rules mean that if the company did not agree with your daughter's claim to have her 400 returned, then it could dispute this with Santander, with the bank reviewing the company's evidence before deciding on the next step with the customer. Santander told me that if after 45 days there was no response from Sunseeker Travel Group, then your daughter's claim would be deemed successful. As it turned out, your daughter's claim was greeted with stony silence by Sunseeker Travel Group, so I am happy to report it succeeded and she can keep her 400. Unfortunately, she lost the cost of her flight because when disaster struck she did not think to cancel the seat and was, in industry parlance, a no-show. Her experience is a reminder that holidaymakers have greater protection if they buy a holiday as a package (with accommodation and transportation purchased together). Look for ABTA and ATOL logos when making a booking. The protection these offer means a customer would usually receive a refund if a trip is cancelled by a company at the last minute or a firm goes bust. Travel insurance that includes cancellation cover is also a must. I noticed last week that Sunseeker Travel Group is advertising for 'guests' to join similar events for next summer on its Magaluf Weekender website. This prompted me to take another look at its details at Companies House. These revealed that its accounts are overdue by six months, which is not a good sign. In September, Companies House warned it would be compulsorily struck off within two months unless an objection was received. The latest development is that there has been an objection, from whom I do not know, and the strike-off action has been suspended. I tried once again to contact Sunseeker Travel Group for a comment on your daughter's case and to find out why its accounts are delayed. I'm still waiting for a response. Number plate firm's driving me round the bend When my husband died in 2021, I sold his car but retained his number plate and received the documentation from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). I considered putting the plate on my car, but with the increasing cost of living and higher fuel bills (especially as I am a 78-year-old pensioner living alone) I decided to sell the number plate in January and make some money on it. In February I received an offer of 500 from Click4reg, which I accepted on the basis that it would sell the plate for me. In March, I received a call informing me that it had a buyer and I was sent the official forms from the DVLA, which I duly signed, had witnessed, and returned to the company by registered post. This was all completed by the end of March. Despite many emails and phone calls to them over many months, I have not received the money. I have been offered various excuses, including DVLA delays. I am desperate. Please help. J. M., Cheshire. Sally Hamilton replies: You were driven round the bend by this car plate firm and its constant promises to pay you. What a poor way to treat any customer but particularly a widow who through straitened circumstances has been forced to sell a plate that held great sentimental value. A quick glance at Trustpilot reveals that customers of Click4Reg have mixed feelings about its service. Though some relate happy experiences, just as many report waiting lengthy periods either for plates or for payments owed. I contacted the company and asked it to put its foot down and get your payment processed pronto. Finally, a few days later your 500 payment landed in your account, with 25 added as an apology. But sadly it provided no further explanation for its stalling behaviour. Straight to the point I signed up to Virgin Media broadband and was told it would be installed in September. I cancelled the broadband with my previous supplier for the same day. But Virgin Media has rescheduled the installation four times, leaving us without internet for months. V. M., Slough. Virgin Media apologies for the delay and says it has had to cancel the installation due to the scale of the construction work required, which only recently became clear. It is giving you 400 as a gesture of goodwill. *** I cancelled my Currys Cloud Backup around a year ago online. I filled out a cancellation form and was told my subscription would come to an end. But now Currys has billed me 50 for the Cloud Backup to continue. I want my money back. M. E., Somerset. Currys apologises for the issue. Your subscription has now been cancelled and you will be refunded in full. *** I booked a two-night stay at a Premier Inn in Weston-super-Mare for my wife and I in October. When we arrived at the hotel, we were told that we needed to pay an additional 12.50 on top of the 155 we had already paid. G. F., Somerset. Premier Inn apologises for the disappointment. It has refunded you the 12.50. *** I bought a 14.99 showerhead from Dunelm but, after using it, a valve in my electric shower burst. I spoke to customer services who said I had to talk to the manufacturer. D. H., Staffordshire. Dunelm has refunded you for the showerhead but says it is not liable to pay the costs incurred from your burst shower valve, as the box clearly states the showerhead is not compatible with an electric shower. It has offered you a 30 voucher as a goodwill gesture. Ruling: British Gas and E.ON are challenging Octopus takeover of Bulb British Gas and E.ON can continue their legal battle over Octopus Energys takeover of a rival, a judge has ruled. The suppliers are challenging Octopus takeover of Bulb, which collapsed in 2021. Bulbs customers helped Octopus become the UKs third-largest domestic energy supplier behind British Gas and E.ON. The suppliers took the Government to court last year, arguing it unlawfully committed billions to propping up Bulb without considering the impact on the market. Their case was dismissed by Londons High Court in March. But Judge Nicholas Underhill at the Court of Appeal yesterday allowed them to challenge that decision. After talking almost non-stop about Covid on the ABC for three years Norman Swan is preparing to make a surprising new career move. Next May Dr Swan will lead a 'Legacies of Plagues' 19-day tour through Italy, France and England where those willing to pay $16,492 for a shared room or $20,050 for a non-shared one will follow the 'route of the Black Death through Europe'. The website for the venture, organised by the UK-based Jon Baines tours, advises there are only two rooms left for tour which starts in Venice and takes in Bologna, Florence, Genoa, Florence, Marseilles, Lyon, Paris before ending in London. 'Plague has shaped our world,' the tour's promotion reads. ABC medical pundit Norman Swan will be leading 'Plagues Legacy' tour of Europe next year READ MORE: ABC's medical expert Norman Swan is caught out making an embarrassing blunder about Covid deaths Advertisement 'From ancient times through the Black Death to COVID-19, our medical, economic, culinary, social and art history has been irrevocably influenced by plague. 'Travelling through a range of beautiful European cities, each day will focus on a lasting legacy of plague; from marmots to mustard, to perfumes and pleasure, on conspiracies and scapegoats, art, architecture and town planning. 'Tour leader, Dr Norman Swan, will share expert and insightful commentary along the way.' Activities on day one in Venice include travelling to Isola del Lazzaretto Nuovo 'where lepers and visitors were isolated during plague outbreaks an early example of quarantine'. After that the group will visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, 'dedicated to providing support for the victims of plague and known for its magnificent paintings related to the plague'. The 19-day tour will kick off in Venice next May and take in other Italian and French cities before finishing in London Each day has a theme with day 14 in Lyon being titled 'The Good Life - Food and Wine'. 'Approximately 25% of the population died during the Black Death, leading to employment shortages and subsequent political reform along with wage increases leading to better nutrition, for the majority of workers,' the itinerary says. 'This is a full day at leisure to enjoy the many delights in and around Lyon.' For all activities site advises that Dr Swan will be accompanied by an English, Italian and French speaking tour manager and his expertise will be supplemented by a range of local guides and specialists and curators. Dr Swan was accused of 'scaremongering' last month after he said people should be wearing masks this Christmas to reduce the spread of Covid. He also advised festive revellers avoid 'stuffy' indoor areas by holding events outside. 'Stay outdoors, don't go indoors to stuffy environments, wear masks to protect yourselves, and if you've got symptoms like a runny nose or a cough stay away from your relatives,' Dr Swan told Channel 10's The Project. Dr Swan has advised people gathering for Christmas to mask in order to stop Covid spread (security officers in the Chinese city of Wuhan where the pandemic originated) 'For those of you that have not had a jab in 2023; Really, another jab? I mean you haven't had a jab for quite a while [so] put on your big boy pants or your big girl pants and go out and get one. 'This is not a mild virus and the death rates are going back up again.' Sydney 2GB radio host Chris O'Keefe said Dr Swan needed to 'give it up' and was giving advice more suited to circumstances in 2020 when Covid case numbers peaked. 'Can we just drop off this stuff?' he told listeners on Friday. 'It feels like we're back in 2020 when you hear Dr Norman Swan, doesn't it? Listen, Dr Swan, please, just give it away. Enough. 'Most of us have had Covid once, maybe twice, maybe two or three times. And you know what? We're all still here to tell the tale. 'We know ourselves as individuals, and we'll make the decision to go and get vaxxed, depending on whether or not we think we are particularly vulnerable.' O'Keefe said Dr Swan was damaging his 'credibility' with his hardline Covid Christmas predictions. 'This wave if you knew it was on, it's due to peter out by Christmas. But honestly, Norman, we get it,' he said. 'Can you please just stop? Enough is enough.' Dr Swan, who hosts a weekly Coronacast podcast dedicated to covering Covid matters, became one of the leading commentators during the pandemic with the national broadcaster using him as the go-to analyst. However, he has been caught out making blunders along the way. He was forced to apologise after claiming last year that Labor senator Kimberley Kitching's death by a suspected a heart attack was likely to be Covid-related. The Senator, who was 52 when she died, never contracted Covid according to her furious family. The ABC admitted Dr Swan's remarks breached its editorial standards and cautioned him during discussions with the broadcaster's management. An ABC spokesperson said any external work one of the corporation's employee is subject to authorisation from the relevant manager. Dr Swan has been sought for comment. An expert has lifted the lid on some of the ways to boost your chances of winning the Lotto ahead of the $70million draw on Tuesday night. Tens of thousands of Aussies are set to cast their entries ahead of the mega draw in hopes of taking home the ultimate Christmas prize. Tonight's draw marks the second biggest prize offered up by the Lott after the Powerball's $100million Jackpot in August. Despite the chances of taking out the division one draw being slim, it's not impossible with 13 division one winning Oz Lotto entries across Australia this year. Macquarie University Business School professor John Croucher has shared tips on how to possibly improve your chances of taking home the eye-watering cash prize. Aussies are gearing up for Tuesday night's massive $70million Oz Lotto draw and there are few ways players who will be casting their entries can boosting their chances of winning the ultimate Christmas prize Lotto's luckiest numbers Out of the seven numbers drawn from a barrel of 47 balls some are drawn more often than others. The Lott revealed the numbers 5, 19, 21, and 47 were winning numbers that were more likely to be drawn compared to 26, 15, 25, 2 which were less likely to be drawn. While this might give players leg up to pick a series of winning numbers professor Croucher said all numbers have an equal chance of being drawn. 'It makes no difference what numbers you choose',' he told Yahoo. He said there's a good chance any number can be picked in the draw even though some might be more luckier than others. There's an equal chance of all numbers being drawn in tonight's mega $70million draw but there are a few numbers that are drawn more often than others Avoid certain numbers There are a few numbers players should not select in a bid to pick the winning ticket. Certain numbers such as birthday's and picking numbers that go in sequences should be avoided. Professor Croucher said these numbers usually end up with players splitting their prize money with others. 'More people choose patterns, so there will be more winners and that's divided into a prize pool,' he said. 'So you will get less dividend or a lower dividend than if you just pick random numbers.' There's an equal chance of any number being picked in the draw with players likely to increase their shot of drawing the winning entry by not picking numbers in sequences (pictured stock image of Lotto draw) Buy more tickets Having more tickets will give players a greater chance to win in a draw where large sums of prize money are on offer, professor Croucher argued. More than half of the Oz Lotto division one wins have come from relatively small entries of 18 games or less. This means players can give themselves a better shot of winning by buying just a small number of tickets. Officials from the Lott say the difference between winning and not winning also comes down to what ticket players buy. Almost all division one winners made QuickPick entries which is a ticket that include numbers picked by the Lott. System entries which cost $11.70 also give players a leg up by allowing them to pick more numbers in a single entry. The move will also help them win more prizes in other divisions. Punters have been encouraged to buy more tickets to increase their chances of winning prizes in other divisions (picture stock image of newsagent) Manifesting the result A couple from Gympie, in south-east Queensland who won massive $4.8million in a Set for Life Draw back in June, said they were shocked after they scored the winning entry - claiming they believed they had manifested the win. 'We've often dreamt about winning Set for Life, but never have expected it to ever happen. It's something we've manifested and my wife has meditated about it,' the unnamed man told a Lott spokesperson. After recovering from the initial shock that left them feeling 'woozy and weak in the knees', the two started planning what to do with the haul The couple said they planned to use the cash to help their children and grandchildren while a holiday to Bali and Italy was also on the cards. Their winnings will be doled out to them in monthly $20,000 instalments over the next 20 years. Scoring the winning is often a life changing event for many as the prize money sets the lucky winners up for life financially Lottery hotspots The Lott revealed places across Australia that sold the most division one winning entries. NSW was home to four division one winning entries in 2023 with Dapto in the state's south coast selling the winning tickets. Victoria and Queensland each sold three division one winning entries. A homeless Iranian asylum seeker who built a shed by the Thames because he always wanted to live by water told MailOnline today that he will not be moving - and revealed well-heeled Chelsea residents have started treating him to coffees and takeaways. Shahoo Amini has no plans to move from his shack he has erected under Battersea Bridge, adding that the local council and Transport for London have not been in contact about the 8ftx4ft structure. The Iranian, who is in his 40s, said he has been given plenty of food and drink by local residents living near Cheyne Walk in Chelsea after MailOnline revealed his secret home. A plastic bag containing empty coffee cups from Costa and Gails had been placed outside the shed. In broken English, Mr Amini said: People have been very nice. I stay here. They have brought me food and coffee. It is very nice. Shahoo Amini has been living in this shed he built for 300 by the Thames and revealed the authorities have not been in contact Shahoo built the shed himself - and the top half is where he sleeps, complete with a window overlooking the water The sensational view of the Thames, Albert Bridge and iconic towers of Battersea Power Station Shahoo slept rough under bridges but has now got a shed stashed under Battersea Bridge (circled), one of the most exclusive areas of London He said he had not been contacted by anyone from Kensington and Chelsea Council or Transport for London who have responsibility for Battersea Bridge and the Embankment where the shed has been built. The structure is not visible from the bridge or the road. Locals are untroubled by their new neighbour mostly because he is not visible from their multi-million pound homes. He does not bother anyone and to be fair to him he is not making a mess, said one out walking her dog. He is very tidy and it is not as if there is a sleeping bag or cardboard boxes strewn over the floor. 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 on Saturday MailOnline revealed that the homeless Iranian in his 40s, who arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker, 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 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. The prosecution of the First Son could wreak havoc on Joe's presidential campaign as it runs into next year DailyMail.com can reveal that several people close to President Joe Biden including his brother James and major donors are linked to the indictment Hunter Biden was indicted on three felonies and six misdemeanors, accused of evading tax, falsifying his returns, and failing to pay $1.4m tax on time Hunter Biden's new indictment for nine tax crimes involves President Joe Biden's brother, tax advisor, two of his major donors, and a family friend whose wife worked for the First Lady, DailyMail.com can reveal. The plethora of ties to POTUS means the prosecution of the California federal case against his son filed earlier this month is likely to wreak havoc on Joe's presidential campaign as it runs into next year and could lead to Joes name being invoked in a criminal courtroom. Special Counsel David Weiss indicted Hunter on three felonies and six misdemeanors on December 7, accusing the First Son of deliberately evading tax, falsifying his returns, and failing to pay $1.4 million tax on time instead spending the money on a 'lavish lifestyle' of fast cars and luxury homes. The 56-page document, filed in a Los Angeles court, does not name any of Hunter's associates. But congressional reports and files from his abandoned laptop obtained by DailyMail.com reveal their identities, with many having close links to Joe Biden. Hunter Biden was indicted on three felonies and six misdemeanors, accused of evading tax, falsifying his returns, and failing to pay $1.4m tax on time DailyMail.com can reveal that several people close to President Joe Biden including his brother James and major donors are linked to the indictment Joe and Hunter Biden were together in Delaware on Monday for a private Mass marking the 51st anniversary of the death of Joe's first wife Neilia and daughter Naomi in a car crash. They were joined by First Lady Jill Biden and Joe and Jill's daughter Ashley Your browser does not support iframes. DailyMail.com has identified the President's brother Jim Biden as 'Business Associate 3', who is described as receiving $1,398,999 from his and Hunter's allegedly corrupt deal with Chinese government-linked oil giant CEFC. Jim's inclusion in the indictment raises the prospect that he could be forced to take the stand as a witness in a potential criminal trial even as his brother is running for reelection as President. Hunter's business partner Eric Schwerin is cited in the indictment, named only as 'Business Associate 4' Hunter's business partner Eric Schwerin is also cited in the indictment, identified only as 'Business Associate 4'. As well as partnering with Hunter on several shady overseas deals, Schwerin handled Joe's finances and taxes while he served as Vice President. He visited the White House and the VP's official residence 36 times between 2009 and 2016, and was involved in hundreds of emails with Joe's White House staff. Schwerin, and Hunter's other associates, are not accused of wrongdoing in the indictment, but might be called to testify in a trial if Hunter pleads not guilty to the nine alleged tax crimes. Two major donors are also embroiled in the indictment filed on Thursday evening. Hunter's 'sugar brother' Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris is described by Weiss as a 'Personal Friend', who funded the First Son's 'lavish lifestyle' to the tune of $1.2 million between January and October 2020. The indictment says that Hunter spent 'hundreds of thousands of dollars' of Morris's money that year on 'housing, media relations, accountants, lawyers, and his Porsche,' instead of paying off his taxes. Joseph Ziegler, an IRS special agent who led the agency's five-year criminal probe into Hunter, told Congress this month that Morris's total loans to cover Hunter's bills amounted to a staggering $4.9 million over three years. Morris also donated $57,800 to Joe's political campaigns and a political action committee supporting his 2020 presidential bid, Federal Election Commission records show. In testimony to Congress on December 5, Ziegler pointed out that the money started flowing just two months after Hunter met Morris at a political fundraising event. 'Look at when did he meet Kevin Morris and when were the tax payments made? It's about two months prior to meeting him,' Ziegler said. 'We have a reason to believe that Kevin Morris was on phone calls with the presidential campaign prior to Joe Biden securing the presidency.' The President's brother Jim Biden is named as 'Business Associate 3', and described as receiving $1,398,999 from his and Hunter's allegedly corrupt deal with Chinese government-linked oil giant CEFC Hunter's 'sugar brother' Hollywood attorney Kevin Morris is described by Weiss as a 'Personal Friend', who funded the First Son's 'lavish lifestyle' to the tune of $1.2 million between January and October 2020 Joseph Ziegler, an IRS special agent who led the agency's five-year criminal probe into Hunter, told Congress this month that Morris' total loans to cover Hunter's bills amounted to a staggering $4.9 million over three years In an interview with FBI agents, Jim Biden said Hunter told him to thank Morris 'on behalf of the family' for his assistance, and that the lawyer had offered Jim a job which he said he declined. Ziegler shared an email with the House Ways and Means Committee from Morris to Hunter's accountants, sent on February 7 2020, urging them to file Hunter's taxes on time. 'We are under considerable risk personally and politically to get the returns in,' the lawyer wrote. 'Hunter Biden wasn't running for office, so who is impacted politically by Hunter Biden's tax returns not being filed?' Ziegler asked the Committee in his testimony on Tuesday. Between 2001 and 2008, Jeff Cooper's law firm was Joe's number one donor, giving $200,000 Republican lawmakers investigating Hunter appear to believe the answer is Joe Biden, and that Morriss financial help to Hunter was really in aid of Joe. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith said Morris's status as a Democrat donor, combined with his large loans to Hunter, could amount to a campaign finance violation but that the Justice Department failed to pursue a lead that could embroil Joe Biden. 'Instead of investigating his loans as a potential campaign finance violation, the Justice Department, revealed in documents released by the Ways and Means Committee, said they had no interest in doing so,' Smith said in a November 15 statement. Hunter's latest indictment also mentions a 'Trial Attorney' who gave the First Son and Schwerin equity in his company in exchange for introducing him 'to their contacts in China and India'. That attorney is longtime Biden family friend and major donor Jeff Cooper, and his company is Eudora Global. Between 2001 and 2008, Cooper's law firm SimmonsCooper was Joe's number one donor, giving $200,000. Cooper also worked with Hunter's late brother Beau Biden on asbestos claims cases in the 2000s. Ziegler shared an email with the House Ways and Means Committee from Morris to Hunter's accountants, sent on February 7 2020, urging them to file Hunter's taxes on time Emails and photos from Hunter's abandoned laptop obtained by DailyMail.com revealed that Hunter and Cooper arranged for his Mexican billionaire business partners Carlos Slim and Miguel Aleman Velasco to visit the White House multiple times and even meet his father DailyMail.com has previously revealed how Hunter brought Cooper and their Mexican billionaire business partners for a meeting with Joe at the White House, and even flew with Cooper and Joe on Air Force 2. The indictment says Cooper's firm Eudora distributed $666,572 to Hunter's company in 2017, on which the First Son failed to timely pay taxes. Joe Biden has ties to another figure on the indictment, 'Business Associate 1'. Daily Mail.com has identified that person as Rob Walker. Walker's wife Betsy was a top aide for Joe's wife Jill Biden when she was Second Lady, and Walker had long been a friend of the Biden family when he embarked on the foreign deals with Hunter detailed in the indictment. Walker partnered with Hunter working for Romanian businessman Gabriel Popoviciu who was accused of bribery in his home country, as well as Hunter's energy deal with Chinese firm CEFC. Millions of dollars were funneled through Walker's firm, Robinson Walker LLC, to Biden family members, much of which Hunter failed to pay taxes on, the indictment says. Morris, Walker, Schwerin, Jim Biden and Cooper did not respond to DailyMail.com's requests for comment. You can tell the day of the Scottish Budget is looming by the ratcheting-up of SNP propaganda aimed at ducking the blame for financial turmoil. The spin operation isnt the smooth-running engine it once was, but it is still able to churn out any number of half-truths and distortions when required. On Sunday, the official Scottish Government account on X, formerly Twitter, claimed that Jeremy Hunts Autumn Statement had led to a real-terms cut for the NHS in Scotland. Other users of the website helpfully pointed out this was nonsense and a community note was added which branded the original tweet misleading as the UK Government doesnt provide funding for specific policy areas north of the Border. Deputy First Minister Shona Robison and First Minister Humza Yousaf The social media team was also busy on Saturday, tweeting the UK economy had been damaged by Brexit, which Tory MSP Murdo Fraser dismissed as simply a lie. Unsportingly, he also asked what would be the impact of Scexit [Scotlands withdrawal from the UK] on our economy and public services? predictably, no reply was forthcoming. The reason for this desperate attempt at passing the buck isnt hard to guess today Shona Robison, the Finance Secretary, is due to unveil a Budget likely to be decidedly lacking in seasonal good cheer. According to speculation, she will announce a new tax band for higher earners, on the basis that there is a social contract in Scotland that means Scots get free tuition, free prescriptions [and] better childcare. She said the decisions that we have made previously [ie tax hikes] have been based on those with the broader shoulders paying a bit more turning Scotland into the highest-taxed part of the UK. Yet economists have warned a mooted 44p rate for income above 75,000 would generate only around 40million, a drop in the ocean when it comes to plugging a projected 1.5billion black hole in Scottish Government finances. Talk of a social contract seems to have replaced the usual tripe about progressive taxation, but there is no contract between voters and politicians if there was, there would be so many lawsuits for breaching the terms that the courts would have to open round the clock. Is a decent education included in the contract? Possibly not, given that Scotland has plunged down the global rankings for basic skills, lagging behind several former Soviet republics as well as England. Yet Nicola Sturgeon spent years vowing to close the pupil attainment gap a failed mission that has cost many millions. The SNP manifesto in 2021 admitted that 750million had been invested in trying to stamp out the postcode lottery in state education. As for the NHS, surely the contract has been breached again last year, stand-in finance secretary John Swinney hiked higher-rate income tax, calling it a penny for patient care. But does anyone really believe that the extra cash, assuming that it has been directed towards the NHS, has made any difference, given that it remains in a critical condition with nearly 830,000 people waiting to be seen for operations, tests and out-patient appointments? Ms Robison reeled off big-ticket policies such as free prescriptions (including for painkillers such as paracetamol) which cost 1.4billion a year a figure that has risen by 19 per cent in the past decade. Free tuition is also something of a myth given that a lot of young Scots cant get places at universities because of the SNPs cap on student numbers. A host of costly perks and giveaways Ms Sturgeons baby boxes among them combined with endemic waste have led the Nationalists into a financial quagmire of their own making, but as usual its someone elses fault. Mind you, its hard to see how Brexit explains the many unforced errors weve seen on the SNPs watch, from unfinished ferries to a botched Census. Now its time for the hard-pressed taxpayer, struggling to pay punitive energy bills and sky-high mortgage prices, to pick up the tab for the SNPs largesse, and its spectacular incompetence. The social contract cited by Ms Robison is underpinned by devolution, which her party wants to scrap in favour of independence. In Monty Pythons Life of Brian, Reg played by John Cleese asks what the Romans had ever done for the population, only to be bombarded with valid suggestions, such as medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, and roads. Ask the same question of Holyrood and the list of replies would be distinctly shorter in fact, for many of us the answer would be tax rises. In return, weve got failing public services, from a sick NHS to a much-diminished police force with the lowest officer numbers since 2008, and a moribund economy managed or mismanaged by the SNP in cahoots with the Marxist Greens. Given this track record, how many of us would be genuinely aggrieved if tax-varying powers were sent back to the UK Government? There would be a lot of self-righteous hot air about an attack on the sovereignty of the Scottish parliament, and demonstrations doubtless featuring someone hollering into a loudhailer about the evil Tories. Ms Sturgeon might have to take a break from penning her memoir to give an impromptu press conference outside her house to rail against Westminster, and Alex Salmond could be depended upon to blow a gasket. Social media would go into meltdown, but thats hardly unusual, and when the shouting had died down, a lot of us would notice we had something approaching disposable income, once the dreaded SC tax code had been stripped from our payslips. A daydream for now, perhaps, but it might win the backing of anyone who works for a living and wouldnt mind keeping more of their hard-earned cash. In the meantime, there are tentative signs that some within the independence movement, including the SNPs former economic mastermind Andrew Wilson, believe Ms Robison and her colleagues are taking the wrong tack. Mr Wilson said it was always worth considering the opinion of Sir Tom Hunter, one of Scotlands wealthiest men. Sir Tom has warned that an income tax rise would create a perception that the country was not open for investment and argued wasteful public spending should be curtailed instead. Former MSP Mr Wilson was the brains behind the SNPs growth commission, which in 2018 produced a blueprint for the economy of an independent Scotland but is anyone in the party hierarchy prepared to listen to him now? Meanwhile, analysis from the Scottish Labour Party found Scotlands economy would be 11.5billion larger if it had kept pace with growth in the North-West of England between 2012 and 2021. It would be 9.6billion larger if it had matched Wales and 9.1billion larger if it had kept pace with the West Midlands. Growing the economy will always be a secondary consideration for a party that spends its time fantasising at our expense about an independent socialist nirvana which will never materialise. Dont believe the spin: the Nationalists have run out of scapegoats and they have no one to blame for the mess this country is in but themselves. A dozen people were killed and 11 others were wounded by gunmen at a holiday party in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato. The victims, between the ages of 16 and 30, were leaving a posada, a Mexican traditional party that celebrates the Christmas season, when an armed group attacked them at an old hacienda in the municipality of Salvatierra early Sunday, local media outlets reported. Among the victims was Thalia Cornejo, who in 2017 was crowned beauty queen of a local pageant. The 25-year-old was majoring in psychology at the Mexico University of Technology in Queretaro, where she was living. No arrests had been made as of Monday evening. Twelve people were killed and 11 were wounded after leaving a Christmas part in the central Mexico state of Guanajuato on Sunday Thalia Cornejo was among the 12 people who were murdered by gunmen after leaving a party at an old hacienda in Salvatierra, a municipality in the the central Mexican state of Guanajuato. Cornejo was won a local beauty pageant in 2017 Hector Almaraz, 16, was the youngest of the victims who were shot dead Gunmen killed at least 12 people and wounded 11 at a Christmas party in Guanajuato, Mexico The other victims were identified as Emiliano Vargas, Galileo Almanza, Alberto Ramirez, Marco Lopez, Macarena Becerril, Antonio Sanchez, David Hernandez, Tadeo Cornejo and Juan Luis Garcia. Hector Almaraz, the youngest of the group, at only 16 years old. 'I thank God and the Virgin for having chosen me to be your mother during these 16 years, for giving me the joy of coinciding with you in this life,' his mother Ana Rivera wrote in a touching tribute to her son on Facebook. 'You leave me in pieces that I don't know how to put together, who is going to sing and listen to music all day, who is going to scold me for being sick, who is going to lie down next to me so I can scratch his head, who is going to tell me, 'I love you more' every time you calls me,' she added. 'My chubby (boy), life goes on, I know, what I don't know is how to do it, I'm not strong and I don't want to be, my body hurts, my soul hurts, it hurts to live, everyone tells me why you, I would also like to know.' Macarena Becerril was murdered after leaving a posada, a traditional Mexican Christmas party, in the central city of Salvatierra on Sunday A burned vehicle stands outside the central Mexico hacienda, where 12 people were shot dead and 11 others were wounded Sunday The massacre highlighted a wave of violence in Guanajuato that left 40 people dead between Thursday and Sunday. Guanajuato, home to a significant number of automotive and aeronautics factories, has in recent years become one of the most violent states in the country, amid clashes between powerful drug trafficking groups, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. At least 3,029 homicides were reported between January 1 and December 16, according to crime stats provided by the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System. The state registered 4,329 murders in 2022 and 4,333 homicides in 2021 after a record 5,370 people were killed in 2021. Government data shows that 3,029 homicides were registered between January 1 and December 16 in the central Mexico state of Guanajuato David Hernandez and 11 friends were executed by gunmen after they left a holiday party at an hacienda in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato Galileo Almanza was one of 12 young men and women who were shot dead by an armed group Sunday Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador lamented the deaths of the victims at the posada during his daily press conference Monday at the National Palace in Mexico City. The leftist leader said there were some working hypotheses, but declined to comment further on what he called an 'atrocious' crime. He tied the high levels of violence in Guanajuato to the increase in drug use seen in the state in central Mexico and said it required special attention. Lopez Obrador also called on Guanajuato state prosecutor Carlos Zamarripa to resign. 'For that reason too, my respectful insistence in that they change the state prosecutor, who has been there 13 years and has colossal political power,' he said. 'Its as if he were the governor, supported by groups with a lot of influence.' Town of Wujal Wujal set to be evacuated Residents in the Far North Queensland town of Wujal Wujal are set to be evacuated this morning as flooding worsens in the wake of Cyclone Jasper. Up to 400 people trapped in the town 340km north of Cairns will be airlifted by helicopter at 8am local time and taken to drier land in Cooktown. Rescue efforts had to be abandoned late on Monday night due to bad weather. Nine residents, including a seven-year-old and several health workers, were rescued after becoming stranded on the roof of the Wujal Wujal health clinic. 'It now appears likely we will need to evacuate the entire town of Wujal Wujal,' Queensland Premier Steven Miles told reporters on Monday. 'This rainfall is next level.' It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology is slammed for failing to predict the severity of rain that fell over Cairns and other flooded regions. On Saturday, the Bureau forecasted Cairns would receive falls of 30-130mm. However, the city was drenched by more than double the forecasted rainfall on Sunday, with a record-breaking 268mm. Submerged vehicles can be seen in floodwaters in the suburb of Aeroglen in Cairns, Monday, December 18 Residents in the North Queensland town of Wujal Wujal are set to be evacuated on Tuesday Up to 250 residents trapped in floodwaters for over 24 hours will be airlifted by helicopter (pictured, flooding in Wujal Wujal) Evacuees reunite with family members at the Barron River bridge in north Cairns A main road has been split in half following heavy flooding in the wake of the ex-cyclone Widespread heavy rainfall occurred in parts of FNQ from 14-18th December 2023. Many areas from Tully to Cape Melville had 400-1000 mm with localised falls of 1200-1600 mm between Cairns & Cooktown. For maps of recent/past conditions: https://t.co/Iyz8GcsS2u pic.twitter.com/7YMPFPzV8y Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) December 18, 2023 Up to 12 locations across far north Queensland received record rainfall totals with some areas receiving a years worth of rain in a single day. Mossman South, an hour northwest of Cairns, received 1,935mm of rain in five days while Black Mountain near Cooktown recorded 2,189mm. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the BOM 'didn't know the lay of the land'. 'If this is so record-breaking, how did no one know this was going to happen we need to have forecasts closer to what is going on.' However, Mr Miles defended the government service saying the major rain event could not have been predicted by the Bureau. 'They do the best they can,' the Queensland premier told reporters. Emergency services have conducted over 370 swift water rescues since the flooding began last week and have received over 1,000 calls for help. At least nine people were forced to climb onto roofs in Bloomfield and Degarra, where an 85-year-old man has been reported missing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would provide 'whatever is necessary' to ensure residents are kept safe. A submerged car is seen in floodwaters in the suburb of Aeroglen in Cairns Pictured is an aerial view of floodwater at Lake Placid in Cairns Damaged roads from floodwaters can be seen in the suburb of Caravonica in Cairns A search and rescue worker rescues a dog during an operation in far north Queensland 'A number of people are isolated and have needed rescuing from their terrible circumstances so our thoughts go to all people in those communities,' he said. The Royal Australian Navy, operating out of the HMAS Cairns naval base, are supporting evacuations with the Australian Defence Force deployed to the region. In welcome news for flood-weary residents, rain eased significantly overnight on Monday with swollen rivers dropping to moderate and minor flood levels. Weather conditions are due to weaken as the ex-cyclone moves northward. Up to 14,000 people in 40 communities were still without power on Monday. A severe weather warning remains in place for Port Douglas, Daintree village, Wujal Wujal, Cooktown, and Hope Vale. A flood warning remains in place for Mossman, Murray, Herbert, Tully, Johnstone, and Mulgrave rivers. Residents have been warned to keep an eye out for crocodiles that have been washed into residential streets in the wake of the cyclone. Emergency services will focus efforts on delivering food, fresh water and medicine to dozens of isolated communities in far north Queensland. Panicked EDF customers today revealed they are now too scared to put the heating on after a 'system error' caused energy bills to soar to eyewatering sums of money. Those affected included an NHS doctor whose holiday was ruined by a shock 1,000 per cent increase, and a customer who was blocked from getting a remortgage on their home after their electricity bill surged to thousands of pounds a month. Celebrities have also been affected, with artist Sir Grayson Perry's monthly costs soaring from 300 to 39,000 before his bank account was emptied, and presenter Jon Sopel 'choking on his cornflakes' when his bill rose from 150 to 19,274. EDF said 'unusual' direct debit changes could occur when incorrect meter readings were recorded on its system. The firm, which made a pre-tax UK profit of 1.1billion last year and paid its directors a total of 11million, claimed Sir Grayson and Mr Sopel's cases were not part of a wider issue - and customers 'do not need to worry'. However, MailOnline has found some Britons are wrongly having their bills hiked to extortionate amounts and are being chased for thousands of pounds they don't owe. And in response to EDF's claim that there 'isn't a broader issue with our system', Mr Sopel said: 'So did it only happen to Grayson Perry and me? I find that incredibly hard to believe. In all of the UK, the only two people it happened to were him and me - both with the ability to make a lot of noise. If so, how unlucky for you at EDF.' MailOnline has heard from some customers claiming they were told by EDF that their overcharging issues were related to a switchover onto a new system called Kraken - although neither Sir Grayson nor Mr Sopel's bills are thought to be on this platform. Sources at the company also insisted to MailOnline that there was no problem with the migration to the Kraken platform and there was also no issue with smart meters. But many of the issues appear to be linked to smart meters with 2.7million out of 33million meters in the UK not working properly according to Government figures. ** Hit by a massive EDF bill? Do you work for EDF? Can you explain the reasons behind the overcharging? Please email: mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk ** EDF customer Barry Stevens told MailOnline he suffered a similar issue last year after receiving an email from the company saying his payments were going from 149 to 4,651 per month A bill received by EDF customer Barry Stevens which suggested his payments would soar The meters monitor how much gas and electricity a household is consuming and the cost of it in real time. Usually these readings are sent automatically to energy firms, but if the meter loses connection customers may have to rely on estimated bills. Bills should be corrected once the supplier has received manual readings, but some customers have paid too much and struggled to get the money back. Others have not paid enough and found themselves in debt. How EDF paid bosses 11m last year and is led by an Italian clarinettist and father-of-two EDF's Simone Rossi EDF, which stands for Electricite de France, is a French state-controlled energy firm that supplies electricity and gas to more than five million homes and businesses across Britain. The company does not provide a breakdown of salaries for all of its directors, simply stating in its annual report for 2022 that the group's 'key management and governance personnel' were paid a total of 12.5million (10.9million) in salaries and bonuses last year. EDF added that this figure was down by about a third from a total of 18.6million (16million) in 2021, which included long-term bonuses for meeting performance criteria. EDF Energy's chief executive is Simone Rossi, 55, who has been with the firm since 2004 and was appointed into his current role in 2017. His salary is estimated to be about 1million a year. Simone Rossi at the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee in April 2022 Mr Rossi, a clarinet player from Italy who was chief financial officer of EDF Energy from 2011 to 2015, also previously held the post of CFO at EDF's US joint venture Constellation Energy Nuclear Group before EDF pulled out of US nuclear industry. As head of EDF's international operations, he oversaw EDF investments in Africa and Latin America, including the Bolero solar plant in Chile, hydro power projects in Cameroon and Brazil and an off-grid solar project in West Africa. Mr Rossi - who is married with two daughters - has a degree in business administration from Bocconi University in Milan and a degree in clarinet from Istituto Puccini in Gallarate. Advertisement Customers of other firms also claimed to have been impacted, with an Eon customer saying her predicted annual bill was 12,000 for a one-bedroom flat in Bradford. One energy industry source with knowledge of Kraken told MailOnline today that the issues are likely related to EDF's migration towards the system which is currently ongoing - and customers will not know about any problems until they see their bill. They added that billing errors can also happen when a number is inputted wrong in recording usage, such as when a reading of '1,000.00' is given instead of '100.000'. The customer would then be charged assuming they consumed that extra energy, and assuming they continue to use that energy. It is also believed that mistakes similar to this could have happened while transferring data between systems. Average energy bills are already set to rise in January from the equivalent of 1,834 a year to 1,928. And the UK's energy watchdog Ofgem also unveiled plans last week to lift the energy price cap from April next year in order to help suppliers recover nearly 3billion in debts from customers who cannot pay their bills. NHS doctor Lauren Huzzey's three-day holiday was ruined by stress when she was told in August her electricity and gas bill was going to shoot up in October by 1,016 per cent from 122 to 1,362. The single mother to her primary school-aged daughter cancelled her direct debit and said she wouldn't have been able to pay her rent for her modest two-bedroom mid-terraced home if the money was taken out. She spent days on long calls trying to speak to someone only for the monthly direct debit to suddenly be reduced to 147. 'I missed a reading earlier in the year and all of a sudden my bill jumped,' she told MailOnline. 'As it turned out, I only owed them 700 in the end. I cannot tell you how incredibly stressful all this was. I sat on long calls, just trying to speak to someone. In the end, I never actually spoke to a human being, they just 'fixed' it a few weeks later. 'I was trying to work out how I would be able to afford it all. I spent days looking at accounts to see how I would afford it, but I couldn't at all.' She said it will take her two years to pay back the money she owes but hit out at the energy firm for the 'disgusting' way 'they treat their customers'. A business owner called Tristram, who runs a small bakery, claimed EDF changed their direct debit from monthly to bi-monthly and 'now it looks like we owe 9,000'. He told MailOnline that the electricity and gas bill used to be 1,200 every four months and if he does owe 9,000 then the company will have to shut down. Grant Tanner's EDF account was showing as being 1,443.80 in credit only for it to dramatically change in the space of a few hours to show him incredibly owing 7,401.89. After a year of chasing Mr Tanner for the money, who claims they threatened to send debt collectors to his home, he says EDF admitted there was a mistake with the app. Dr Lauren Huzzey's three-day holiday was ruined when she saw her monthly EDF bill would skyrocket by 1,016 per cent Dr Huzzey's bill from EDF in August showed she was more than 2,500 in debit. She later found out she owed 700 Jon Sopel (left) and Sir Grayson Perry (right), who have both been affected He says that error is now stopping him from remortgaging his home. 'Eventually after about a year they realised it was a mistake and it was just over 2,000 [that I owed],' he said. 'I daren't put the heating on as the bills are so high', says NHS physiotherapist A mother-of-one and NHS physiotherapist said she had been facing issues with her EDF electricity bill for 18 months and 'daren't put the heating on as the bills are so high'. Samantha Nicolle, 39, lives in a three-bedroom bungalow in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, with her partner and eight-year-old child. She said her bill for last month was 462 and I 'haven't got the heating on', adding: 'I haven't had it on through the entirety of winter, we're freezing. 'I'm too scared, if that's the bill for basic use, what would it be if i turned the heating on? It's not healthy at all - lots of blankets and hot water bottles.' She said she had rung EDF 'eight or nine times' and exchanged '20 emails'. She said she was told that if she wants to get her smart meter checked then it will cost her 80. It was installed about six years ago. Ms Nicolle added: 'They keep telling me to press '9' to read my meter - and our readings and their readings don't match up. Mine begins with a '6' and theirs begins with a '5', so it's a completely different meter they're reading 'I checked the serial number and they said it's the right meter - it's not advancing, there's no electricity leak.' She said the average for her type of house is about 20kwh per day for electricity only but they have been using between 80 and 100kwh per day with no heating on. Ms Nicolle added: 'We've been paying 288 a month and I refused - and now we owe them 1,600. We've finally got to the point where they're sending an engineer out next week to look at the meter, and they confirmed that this morning. We're not paying for it but I haven't dared ask. 'I think our bill maybe in winter should be 200 to 225 and in summer around 100 a month. Working for the NHS is hard enough - I don't need this stress in my personal life as well. 'The little one is just cold all the time and she's had a cold for the past four weeks and she can't shift it as it's so cold - and my partner is just as angry as I am.' Advertisement 'As a sorry they gave me a measly 50 but I could not be bothered to complain anymore. However, I'm now just remortgaging and have found I can't get one because they have put a block on my credit report all because of their ridiculous errors which I find completely unacceptable. 'I am now in the same process of calling and emailing to get this removed. I just wonder how many people they are doing this to!' EDF customer Barry Stevens told MailOnline he suffered a similar issue last year after receiving an email from the company saying his payments were going from 149 to 4,651 per month. He said: 'The payment was to be taken from our account within a couple of weeks. It took three days to get in touch with EDF who laughed. 'They said it was a mistake but did not give any reason or apologise. I said it was not a laughing matter as they would have taken the money if I had not noticed it. She then asked me what I wanted to pay. I told the wife to switch off the Christmas lights!' The 67-year-old, who is retired, added that the firm had calculated he would use 27,906 over the following six months. Others like Jason Seni are still fighting against 'grossly inaccurate' hikes after he noticed an abrupt change in the amount of money being taken out from his bank account. His electricity bill in August was 306.11, but in September this more than doubled to 644.20. In just over a month later a bill of 2,085.16 landed in his inbox. Mr Seni has since written a formal complaint to managing director Philippe Commaret about what he claims are 'unlawful withdrawals'. He says the latest payment 'has resulted in severe financial hardship, leading to missed mortgage repayments and substantial overdraft charges'. In an email to Mr Commaret, seen by MailOnline, Mr Seni says: 'It is unmoral to siphon customers accounts and send ridiculous high usage bill's at anytime but pre Christmas it is certainly outrageous.' Another told MailOnline she basically had a nervous breakdown when a 3,400 bill landed on her doorstep leaving her 'terrified' to put her heating on for a year. It was later found that EDF owed her 299. 'EDF made me think I was going mad,' she said. 'They made me fill in a form where I had to list every single appliance in my house - make, model, voltage etc. 'That alone took me nearly two days to do to try and convince them I couldn't be spending that amount of energy and why couldn't they compare previous energy usage from last year. By their estimates I would have been spending nearly 28 per day.' Mark Cutler is another who has lodged a complaint after being hit with a 4,700 bill for his three-bed home in Wombourne, South Staffordshire. He says EDF charged him 2,400 for electricity over a 10-day period in the summer when there wasn't even anyone in the home. 'I have made a complaint and they keep telling me they're resolving it,' he said. 'However, nothing makes sense in their billing process. My 'smart meter' has been offline for more than three months, yet they insist they're getting readings, even though their own engineer says that they can't be.' 'I was told I owed 4,111.31 and had a new annual estimated energy bill of 36,000' EDF customer Laura Champness told MailOnline that she had an issue with her bill at the end of September which suggested she owed 4,111.31 and had a new annual estimated usage of 36,000 despite her last bill in June showing she was in credit. Ms Champness, 36, of Sutton, South London, said her account is always up to date and she gives regular meter readings, paying by direct debit. But, recalling when she received the huge bill, she said: 'I noticed the bill looked different to usual, slightly more detail and a little confusing. 'I was horrified as you hear about these issues and what a nightmare it is for the situation to be resolved or worse having to pay the money. I have never been in debt so to receive this bill was a shock. Also, usually EDF issue bills just twice a year, so initially I thought it was a scam email. 'I telephoned customer service who put me on hold for a long time only to come back to tell me they didn't know what had happened and they had referred it to their technical team and I would need to wait for a reply. When the answer would come they were not sure.' She said that she 'wasn't satisfied with this and was rather worried so I looked more closely at the attaching pages to the bill which shows the breakdown of readings'. Ms Champness continued: 'Whilst they had some readings as estimated and some as customer reading - I keep a note of all the readings and dates given - I saw that they had totalled up all the gas and electric usage since January 2022 and produced this incorrect bill - for almost two years' usage. And even though I had made direct debit payments each month and also further manual payments, none of these were showing on my account. 'I recall the operative on the phone saying they had some teething problems with a new system, and this tallies up with previous communications from EDF advising of a forthcoming new bill format and I also believe this is why the bill was produced incorrectly. 'I followed up my phone call with an email advising them what I understood had happened and by the next day my bill was back to normal, showing my account in credit and the bill had reversed out all the two years incorrect charges, leaving me in the position that I should be, in credit. So, if customers were to check the split of readings on their bills they may find the same has happened to them.' Ms Champness also claimed that EDF only has either one or two years of backdated bills on their new system which shows in a customer's account, along with any previous readings. Therefore if a customer doesn't keep copies of their bills and is not up to date with readings, she said there could be further problems for them trying to resolve. Ms Champness added: 'I was informed my annual energy bill was estimated to be over 36,000 in my August 2023 statement.' Advertisement A further EDF customer called Coll got in touch with MailOnline to say: 'Last month I'd noticed my direct debit had changed from 125 to 1,336. 'I cancelled the direct debit, let them know and then did a switch to British Gas. The person I spoke to said that there was no way a direct debit could just be increased by that amount but I have a screenshot that says otherwise. 'Good to know that it was not just me, suffice to say it's bye bye to EDF forever as that is a really bad mistake for them to make.' And reader John Heron said: 'I had a smart meter installed which never worked. The engineer who visited after two years said the meter was 100ft away from my house and could never have worked. 'Despite me sending in manual readings EDF continued to bill me on estimates. Eventually I got the ombudsman involved and that proved equally as fruitless because all EDF have to do is show they did their best to resolve the situation. 'Basically, EDF lied by telling me that a smart meter would work. They continued with the charade of estimated readings until I lost patience and involved the ombudsman.' EDF released a series of messages on X as it said other 'customers don't need to worry' as it is not 'related to a wider issue with our billing system'. The company wrote: 'Unusual changes to direct debit amounts can sometimes occur when there is an erroneous meter reading recorded on the system, but we have robust interventions in place to ensure that any large increases in customers' direct debits are verified through a human check. 'In almost all such cases, system errors are rectified and prevented without customers being impacted.' A former EDF customer also responded to Sir Grayson's post, sharing her own issues she had with the firm after they suddenly raised her bills to nearly 900 even though there were just two people in the property. Lindsay wrote: 'EDF put our energy bill up to just under 900 per month. Only two of us in the house. 'When I asked for help and for them to explain why it was so high the girl on the online chat was just rude. Switched to Octopus and so far they seem much much better.' She said that her bills were now just 120 per month with Octopus. 'I feel sick to the stomach at the amount of money my mum lost through being with EDF,' she added. Another EDF customer replied to Mr Sopel's post saying the firm is trying to charge 3,000 for two months of usage. Connor Natella said he cannot get through to customer service and is receiving 'increasingly threatening' letters for payment. He wrote: 'They're trying to get me on 3k for 2 months usage, can never get through and just receiving increasingly threatening letters through the door!' EDF replied to Mr Natella, asking him to direct message in order to look into it further. Meanwhile Eon customer Dena McGuinness told MailOnline her predicted annual bill was 12,000 for a one-bedroom flat in Bradford. Sir Grayson today revealed EDF had emptied his bank account after his energy bill suddenly skyrocketed from 300 a month to an astonishing 39,000 a month. The artist received 15 different bills ranging between 200 and 6,000 and was told that the money would be taken by direct debit for all of them at once yesterday. Sir Grayson, 63, was then unable access his bank account because EDF was trying repeatedly to take that money out - and they emptied the 2,500 which was in it. He also credited a MailOnline article about his ordeal - and a similar fate suffered by broadcaster Jon Sopel - with receiving a 'very apologetic' phone call later from EDF. Sir Grayson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning: 'I suddenly out of the blue got a whole sheath of about 15 bills which added up to about 39,000. 'They said they were going to deduct the money by direct debit for all those bills on the same day, which was yesterday. I just thought it was so bizarre. I tried on Friday, I spent about three hours at least trying to get some sense out of a call centre. 'But you're talking to a computer really, so it was very frustrating. They just sort of said well it says 39,000, that's how much we're going to take. But it's a bizarrely huge amount of money for my electricity bill. They said that's what it's estimated.' Sir Grayson said the saga was an 'interesting fable of a technological age' which began when EDF installed a smart meter at his 'country studio' despite him pointing out to the engineer there was no phone signal in the area. He continued: 'So they never had a record of how much I was using. And then when the bill comes, it's just an estimation by a computer, I imagine there's an algorithm that works it out. 'Then we have the facelessness of the call centres. And then I feel frustrated because it's taking this money automatically from my bank. And then the final chapter of the technological saga is I used Twitter to get a response.' He said that he was not fond of celebrities using their 'Twitter power', but noticed that many other people online had suffered the same problem. Sir Grayson added: 'I just thought, what is it like if you're some vulnerable person and this happens to you? I'm somebody who's got a fair bit of cash or whatever, but it absolutely freaked me out. 'It was just the injustice and completely surrealism of it that was kind of really, really upset me. Because call centres are guaranteed to make you frustrated, I think.' Speaking about the 15 different bills, he said they 'varied between sort of a few hundred and 6,000, but they were all being deducted on the same day'. Sir Grayson said: 'That was a sort of suspicious thing in the first place. And they emptied my bank account yesterday. They took about 2,500 out of my bank yesterday.' Asked whether he had got the money back today, he said: 'Well I don't know, I haven't checked yet. But I will be trying.' He was also questioned over whether he had actually spent that money, but said: 'The studio which the bills are for, I hardly use it. And that's the weird thing. 'These bills are much, much bigger than my main studio which I use all the time. So it's not that I have used that much power. I haven't burnt my way through 39,000 of electricity.' READ MORE Grayson Perry slams EDF after energy firm emptied his bank account when his bills surged from 300 to shocking 39,000 a month Advertisement As the interview drew to a close, presenter Nick Robinson then said: 'Grayson, I'm delighted to see thanks to the benefit of Zoom or whatever application you're on, that you're staying warm by talking to us in bed.' Sir Grayson replied: 'Exactly, I've got the central heating turned right down now.' Robinson then added: 'Do you think you can turn this into a piece of art, this whole experience, Grayson?' But Perry said: 'No. I just wanted to say, EDF, the power of Twitter, I was on the Daily Mail website by lunchtime and then I got a phone call from EDF who were very apologetic. So I bear them no real ill will. But I think it's the technology.' It comes after Sir Grayson tweeted yesterday morning: 'Hi @edfenergy. I've been trying to speak to someone to explain how my electricity bill went from 300 a month to 39,000. 'Your call centre has been no help but you tried to direct debit this amount today from my account.' Replying to him, an EDF customer services representative said: 'Hi Grayson, I'm so sorry for any concern that this may have caused. Please send me a direct message with your account details and we'll get this picked up straight away.' Meanwhile broadcaster Mr Sopel said he 'choked on my cornflakes' when he discovered his monthly EDF bill had skyrocketed from 152 to a 'ridiculous' 19,274. The logo of Electricite de France SA (EDF) is pictured on the facade of its offices in Paris The former BBC journalist was among the energy firm's customers left furious today when their bills surged by more than 12,000 per cent. Mr Sopel, who presents The News Agents podcast, confirmed to MailOnline he has a smart meter. 'I choked on my cornflakes when we got the bill saying our monthly standing order was going up from 152 to 19,274 a month and i just wonder, like Grayson Perry, who else has had ridiculous bills like that and who has been frightened out their life because of it,' Mr Sopel said through his agent Mary Greenham. EDF said unusual changes to direct debit amounts can occur when an 'erroneous meter reading [is] recorded on the system'. Mr Sopel, who presents The News Agents podcast, wrote a public letter on X, formerly Twitter, to the French energy supplier asking if he could speak to a human rather than a bot about his monthly standing order rising from 152 to 19,274. These tweets prompted other members of the public to share similar stories of EDF, saying they had been overcharged by thousands of pounds and received 'threatening' letters through the door for refusing the pay up. Mr Sopel told EDF - which raked in a record 1.12billion profit last year - that his dramatically high bill 'seems a bit steep', before wishing them a 'merry Christmas'. Mr Sopel wrote: 'Dear @edfenergy, Just had a notification that our monthly standing order is going up from 152 a month to 19,274. Seems a bit steep. Is there a human rather than a bot we can talk to? Many thanks and merry Christmas , Jon.' He later posted a picture of his bill, tweeting: 'I see explanation for these errant bills like @Alan_Measles [Sir Grayson Perry] is smart meters where there's poor phone signal. We live about a mile from BT Tower with perfect phone reception. French energy firm EDF said unusual changes to direct debit amounts can occur when an 'erroneous meter reading [is] recorded on the system' 'So why did we get this from @edfenergy? We've resolved now. But how many others have had this too?' A spokesperson for EDF said that whilst they could not discuss the specifics of the cases, they confirmed they are 'not related in any way'. They added: 'Customers do not need to worry - these are not related to a wider issue with our billing system and we've not made any changes to how we process direct debit changes for customers. Unusual changes to direct debit amounts can sometimes occur when there is an erroneous meter reading recorded on the system. 'We have robust interventions in place to ensure that any large increases in customers' direct debits are verified through a human check and in almost all such cases, system errors are rectified and prevented, without customers being impacted.' And an EDF spokeswoman told MailOnline today: 'Our customer service teams continue to work extremely hard to support our 3.5 million customers and for the overwhelming majority our processes run without issues. There are no fundamental problems with how our billing is working for customers who are moving across to our new platform. 'We know problems can sometimes occur for a variety of reasons and we apologise to customers who experience difficulties. When this happens, we look to put things right as quickly as possible. There is no broader issue with our systems and our Direct Debit processes continue to work as normal. 'The vast majority of customers' smart meters are fully functional. We take the successful operation of our smart meters very seriously and have a number of robust processes to ensure they are operating as expected, unless, of course, a customer has explicitly opted for a non-functional smart meter. 'With regards to wider connectivity issues, we continue to work with Data Communications Company who are responsible for ensuring connectivity across the UK. 'We are in the process of moving our residential and SME customers to a new customer service system, which is already widely used in the UK market and is licensed to support approximately 30million customers worldwide.' ** Hit by a massive EDF bill? Do you work for EDF? Can you explain the reasons behind the overcharging? Please email: mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk ** ABC star Patricia Karvelas has hit back at her critics following news she will take over as host of Q+A. Karvelas revealed on Monday she would take the top job following a tumultuous year for the program that included Stan Grant resigning and a dip in viewership. The Australian's media writer Sophie Elsworth published an article on the same day taking a shot at Karvelas and her role as presenter on Radio National Breakfast. She claimed the station had shed 34 per cent of its listeners after 17-year-mainstay Fran Kelly was replaced by Karvelas. Elsworth continued her attack on Sky News claiming the ABC was not relating 'to the general punters' leaving its 'audience in free-fall'. Karvelas took to Instagram shortly afterwards accusing News Corp of publishing a 'hit piece' against her because of an 'ideological obsession with the ABC'. ABC star Patricia Karvelas has accused her former employer, News Corporation, of targeting her for ideological reasons 'Another Murdoch hit piece against me,' she wrote. 'It's now so common I can set my alarm to it. There are so many important stories in this country but that's not their business model.' 'I used to believe that ignoring it was the best strategy but I'm increasingly of the view that calling it out is the only option. I've watched them target my friends and colleagues for years. Now it's my turn for targeting. READ MORE: ABC star Patricia Karvelas reveals why she had to keep her sexuality a secret at the start of her career - and how Anthony Albanese was one of the first to know Advertisement 'I am raised with strong values of integrity and the fact that they so easily target even those who worked their guts out for them demonstrates that their ideological obsession with the ABC is not about me or anyone else. It's a world view.' Karvelas joined The Australian as a cadet reporter in 2002 and became one of their highest profile journalists eventually getting her own show on Sky News from 2016 to 2017 while also working at the ABC from 2015. In a final spray, Karvelas posted that 'journalism really matters' and is 'under existential threat'. 'Public broadcasting has never been more important,' she wrote. 'Women who don't play by the rules will continue to be targeted but I for one will not allow myself to be intimidated by people who have such a clear agenda.' Appearing on Chris Kenny's program, Elsworth said accusing her of grinding an ideological axe or targeting Karvelas because she was a woman was 'all nonsense' Elsworth said she was just 'reporting the facts' about Radio National's dwindling audience. Media writer for The Australian Sophie Elsworth says she is simply 'reporting the facts' about the declining ratings for Karvelas in Radio National's breakfast timeslot 'I think she (Karvelas) should concentrate on the ratings and how they are falling rather than the story itself but obviously I have hit a raw nerve,' Elsworth said. She said the national broadcaster was failing to 'connect with punters' and 'letting letting down their viewers, their readers, their listeners'. 'Theyve got to do something about it,' Elsworth said. 'I argue this is a story of national interest. We are paying for Radio National and their ratings are in freefall.' Elsworth accused the ABC of announcing Karvelas as Q+A host for next year, which she said was 'not news', to bury the story about plummeting radio ratings. Elsworth responded to Kenny's claim Karvelas was 'a shocking lefty' by saying Q+A was stacked with left-leaning panelists and that was why it its ratings were down. 'How can you take it (Q+A) seriously?' she asked. 'Its like The Drum. You've got on there a whole panel who agree with each other and one token conservative. Karvelas took to Instagram to take a number of potshots at News Corporation who she accused of targeting her for being a woman who 'doesn't play by the rules' 'They need to have a range of views they are not doing that thats why The Drums gone. Q+A will be next on the chopping block. 'If they have got rid of The Drum. I am not sure why they have kept Q+A.' The Drum, which was a weekday daily evening show where two or three guests discussed issues of import, was axed last week. In an email to staff ABC News director Justin Stevens said cancelling the show next year was part of broader restructuring initiative, which includes disbanding of a programs team on the ABC News Channel and eliminating one executive position. However, he acknowledged the show, which was alternately hosted by Julia Baird and Ellen Fanning, was 'comparatively small and declining' in viewership numbers in recent years. Kenny said he knew Karvelas 'reasonably well' from working together at The Australian and for Sky News and thought she had transitioned to radio quite well but for 'whatever reason' it wasn't working out. 'No, Patricia this is just the cut and thrust of the media this is people reporting on your role as a media host,' he said. Popular news reader and reporter Karina Carvalho is leaving the ABC with Elsworth claiming she is not happy about the broadcaster's political direction Elsworth also claimed that popular newsreader and reporter Karina Carvalho had been prompted to leave the ABC because of not being happy about its political direction. 'Sources close to her have told me thats she concerned with the way the ABC is going and the activism that is going on in there and shes seen the light and she is out of there,' Elsworth However, Elsworth noted that in announcing her shock resignation Carvalho had only spoken very highly about the ABC. Kenny said Carvalho's departure was a loss for the national broadcaster. 'You wouldnt know her politics you wouldnt have any idea what her politics are and thats the way it should be supposedly for everybody at the ABC,' he said. After Stan Grant left Q+A in July claiming ABC management had failed to support him against racist backlash the show was hosted often in tandem by Virginia Trioli and Karvelas although the latter became the more frequent host toward year's end. Trioli announced she was quitting as host of ABC Melbourne local radio breakfast program, which has also been struggling in the ratings, to front a new prime time arts show on the broadcaster. The demonstration caused extensive holdups at major transit hubs including Grand Central and Penn Station, where protestors waved flags and chanted 'You ask stupid questions. Ask me a smart question,' the actor said after a protestor asked whether he supported Israel Baldwin was involved in a confrontation with a protestor at a march in Manhattan Actor Alec Baldwin angrily confronted at a pro-Palestine protest in Manhattan Monday evening, telling one protestor to 'shut the f*** up' and getting in his face before the actor was led away by cops. Baldwin, 56, was spotted amid a crowd near West 29th Street. In video posted to social media, one protestor shoved a phone in the actor's face, demanding to know whether he supported Israel. 'Because I'm in Hollywood?' Baldwin responded. 'You ask stupid questions. Ask me a smart question.' Baldwin and the protestor continued to shout at each other before police led the actor away. A crowd followed Baldwin and some taunted him for the fatal shooting on the Rust movie set in 2021. Actor Alec Baldwin, 56, was spotted amid a crowd near West 29th Street. In video posted to social media, one protestor shoved a phone in the actor's face, demanding whether he supported Israel 'Because I'm in Hollywood?' Baldwin responded. 'You ask stupid questions. Ask me a smart question' It is unclear why the actor was in the vicinity of the march organized by Within Our Lifetime, a Palestinian-led community organization that has been active in New York City since 2015. The group protested at major transit hubs throughout the day including Penn Station and Grand Central Station. As Baldwin was escorted away by police, a voice in the crowd began to shout 'Who the f*** do you think you are?' and 'Go f*** yourself.' 'Shut the f*** up,' Baldwin barked as he was led away by police. 'Stop crying! Stop crying!' he shouted as protestors continued to accost him, before pointing a finger indiscriminately at the crowd and saying: 'I want peace for Gaza, though.' As the officers led him away, one demonstrator shouted: 'You did kill someone though, right? You're a murderer!' in reference to the movie-set shooting. Dailymail.com has reached out to Baldwin's representatives for comment on the confrontation. The march was organized by Within Our Lifetime, a Palestinian-led community organization Pro-Palestine advocates packed into the main concourse at Grand Central before moving through Manhattan and targeting other major transit hubs A flyer advertising for Monday's march proclaimed, 'No school, no work, no shopping' and urged demonstrators to 'bring banners, bullhorns, and Bluetooth speakers' A flyer advertising for Monday's march proclaimed, 'No school, no work, no shopping' and urged demonstrators to 'bring banners, bullhorns, and Bluetooth speakers.' Protestors packed into the main concourse at Grand Central Terminal during the afternoon, waving Palestine flags and cheering. The demonstration was part of the international Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions campaign, which aims to 'put pressure on Israel to comply with international law and to persuade private companies to end their participation in Israels crimes.' The campaign has accused a handful of companies of 'profiting from Israel's crimes,' some of which provide financial support to Israeli banks or the military. NYPD officers milled about the Grand Central crowd and blocked off routes in the terminal including a passage to Vanderbilt Hall. The crowd then moved onto 42nd Street, with some protestors carrying signs reading 'Support Palestinian resistance' and 'From Gaza to Jenin, revolution until victory.' A chant started up as they milled past Zara on 5th Avenue: 'Zara, Zara, you can't hide! You're supporting genocide!' The fast fashion brand came under fire last year after the head of the retailer's local franchise in Israel hosted a campaign event for an ultranationalist politician. The company again faced backlash last week for a campaign featuring mannequins with missing limbs and statues wrapped in white bags. The ads were deemed insensitive and callous amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Although the photos were taken in September, a month before the war began, the campaign was denounced by netizens for its perceived tone-deafness. The protestors then reached Times Square, hoisting their flags high. Upon reaching the New York Times building, a new chant began: 'Every time the media lies, a neighborhood in Gaza dies!' Protestors displayed signs reading 'Support Palestinian resistance' and 'From Gaza to Jenin, revolution until victory' Crowds marched into Times Square, banging drums and chanting Along the way, demonstrators chanted in defiance of brands like Zara and Starbucks The march then moved to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, where police had set up barricades on the sidewalk The march then moved to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, where police had set up barricades on the sidewalk. Some protestors banged on the windows of a nearby Starbucks, trying to get the attention of people sitting inside as cops stood nearby. While the company is not on the official BDS boycott list, it has found itself caught in the crosshairs after its workers' union sent out a social media post in support of Palestine a few weeks after the October 7 Hamas attack. The company sued Starbucks Workers United, alleging trademark infringement. The union countersued, asking a federal court in Pennsylvania to rule it can continue using its name and similar logo. The company also distanced itself from the union's pro-Palestinian stance through a statement that read: 'We unequivocally condemn these acts of terrorism, hate and violence, and disagree with the statements and views expressed by Workers United and its members.' The crowd finally reached Penn Station, where police barricaded both the elevators and opening to the street. Protestors filed through Moynihan Train Hall, shouting: 'Israel bombs! USA pays! How many kids did you kill today?' They gathered for a moment of prayer at the station, laying down flags and bowing their heads as NYPD officers encircled them. The crowds passed Madison Square Park, closely followed by officers on bicycles, and quickly turned onto 7th Avenue. It was there that police began to infiltrate the crowd. Social media video showed one officer walking up to a teenage boy wearing a keffiyeh scarf and shouting in his ear as police began to grab and shove other protestors. One activist in a brown sweatshirt was pinned against a nearby window and handcuffed. Officers on bicycles formed a circle, preventing other demonstrators from reaching him. It's unclear why police had detained the person. Another arrest followed minutes later. This time, a woman was led to a police van. Officers on bikes blocked the crowd from swarming through Greenwich Street, ordering protesters to use the sidewalk or be charged with 'obstruction.' Pro-Palestine marches hit several NYC hubs on Monday. The protest convened just as the UN Security Council canceled an upcoming vote calling for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza The crowd finally reached Penn Station, where police barricaded both the elevators and opening to the street Baldwin said he wanted 'peace for Gaza' as he was escorted away by officers As protestors continued to March in Manhattan, that is when they met Baldwin. Some hurled insults regarding the death of Rust Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. Baldwin was initially charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on the set of Rust in 2021. Director Joel Souza was also injured when a live round was discharged from a revolver Baldwin was using as a prop. 'Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun or anywhere on the movie set,' attorney Luke Nikas said in a statement at the time. 'He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds.' In February, Baldwin pleaded not guilty and was informed two months later that charges against him were being dropped. The 'Saturday Night Live' star has drawn attention for his previous violent outbursts, including repeated altercations with photographers. In 2018, Baldwin was arrested and charged with assault after punching a man in the face during a dispute over a parking spot. Wojciech Cieszkowski, 49, accused the actor of assault and slander. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount last year. After the alleged assault, Baldwin began taking anger management classes, as ordered by a judge. During an appearance on Howard Stern's Sirius XM show, he said the classes only made him realize he was 'not that angry.' The comedian also has a contentious relationship with his eldest child, Ireland. In 2007, he left a message for his then-11-year-old daughter, calling her a 'rude, thoughtless little pig' and threatening to fly to Los Angeles 'for the day, just to straighten you out.' A 4-year-old boy who was shot dead during a California road rage shooting has been pictured as his parents mourn his loss. Little Gor Adamyan was in the car with his parents, Meri Adamyan and Levon Tantushyan, while out grocery shopping in Lancaster Friday when they were shot at. 'Now he'll never know the experiences of school, the experiences of having friends. All that has been taken away in a moment of rage. He never even got to go to kindergarten,' said Miguel Coronado, a family spokesman. On Monday, 29-year-old Byron Burkhurt and 27-year-old Alexandria Gentile, were identified as suspects and arrested. Both were booked at the Los Angeles County Jail on suspicion of murder, the sheriff's department said. The shooting occurred when the family was suddenly cut off by another driver. Police say the other driver then pursued the family through surface streets before finally pulling up alongside their car and firing inside. Gor Adamyan shot dead during a California road rage shooting on Friday night in Lancaster, California 'During the incident, the suspect driver cut them off and then began following them through several surface streets,' the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said. 'While being pursued by the suspects, the victim driver slowed his vehicle, at which time the suspect driver pulled up along the passenger side of the victim's car and began shooting.' The bullets hit Gor in the torso, while he was sitting in the back seat. His parents were not injured. Those working in nearby businesses heard gunshot ring out and rushed to help but sadly the youngster died from his injuries on Friday night. 'His father and mother, who were in the vehicle, immediately transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased,' the sheriff's office said. 'On that fateful day, as Gor's parents were en route to purchase groceries, an encounter with a suspect driver escalated into an unthinkable tragedy,' a GoFundMe page read. 'Gor Adamyan succumbed to his injuries on Friday night, just ten days before Christmas, leaving his family utterly devastated,' the post read. The shooting occurred when the family were suddenly cut off by another driver on Sierra Highway near East Avenue J in Lancaster Coronado said the family 'is asking for both the suspects to be incarcerated for the rest of their lives, no possibility of parole.' 'From what they [the parents] told me, Gor was just a happy, regular little boy. He loved trucks, stuffed animals, just a very upbeat child who loved his mom and dad, loved his family,' Coronado said. Local politicians also denounced the boy's death. 'There is absolutely no excuse for this. It is just domestic terrorism at its worst,' said Lancaster Mayor Rex Parris. The suspects were quickly tracked down to a nearby hotel. 'There was a dash cam that picked up part of the plate, and once we had part of the plate, we could track it, and we tracked it to a hotel. 'We know where they've been, we know where they're going, so when a crime is committed, we can go back in time and find out where they are,' he explained of the city's crime-fighting technology. 'This young boy's death is shocking. A family is now inexplicably left without a child that meant everything to them. 'Our roadways are no place for this type of random and unacceptable violence. I want the suspects apprehended for this heinous murder to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law we cannot tolerate acts of violence like this one,' said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. At least 284 children 11-years-old or younger have been killed in shootings this year across the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive. Quaden Bayles has celebrated his 13th birthday in style despite cruel trolls continuing to spread misinformation about his real age. The schoolboy-turned-Hollywood star entered his teenage years surrounded by friends and family at a glitzy party on Friday. The birthday boy wore a t-shirt with Matildas' star Mary Fowler on it and chose a cake with the face of YouTuber Darren Watkins, also known as IShowSpeed. His mum Yarraka Bayles, whose heartbreaking video of her son crying first catapulted him to fame, posted a sweet birthday tribute to Quaden. 'My one and only baby boy is now a teenager and I couldn't be prouder of the fine young man he is! Blessed beyond words to be your mama!' she wrote on Instagram. Quaden Bayles (pictured with his mum Yarraka) has celebrated his 13th birthday in style despite cruel trolls continuing to spread misinformation about his real age The schoolboy-turned-Hollywood star entered his teenage years surrounded by loved ones Quaden wore a t-shirt with Matildas' star Mary Fowler on it and chose a cake depicting YouTuber Darren Watkins, known as IShowSpeed online (pictured) Last year, Quaden celebrated his 12th birthday with a Cristiano Ronaldo cake. 'Cant believe my baby boy is 12 years old and off to high school next month,' Ms Bayles wrote last December. The milestone birthday comes just three years after Quaden was bullied so badly for his small stature at school that he said he wanted to die. In a video posted in 2020, the schoolboy is seen sobbing and asking for 'rope' to kill himself after being bullied for his dwarfirm - a type called achondroplasia. In the video, which has been viewed more than three million times, Quaden also said: 'I just want to stab myself in the heart... I want someone to kill me.' An online fundraiser, 'Let's send a wonderful kid to Disneyland', was soon set up by US comedian Brad Williams, who also has dwarfism. But his family stunned fans by turning down the trip - saying they would rather the money be given to charity to help combat bullying and suicide. More than 20,000 donors from across the world flocked to give $723,000 (US $474,000) to give Quaden's family the trip of a lifetime. He was then trolled again over the video, being falsely accused of being an 18-year-old actor who had lied about his age as part of a scam to raise money. In truth, Quaden was just nine years old, and a primary school student, when his mum posted the heartbreaking video. Ms Bayles clarified that she posted the video of her son in an effort to raise awareness about the life-threatening impacts of bullying. Yarraka Bayles' video of her son's distressing response to bullying catapulted him to fame Quaden turned heads walking the red carpet for Three Thousand Years of Longing wearing a smart navy-blue Calvin Klein suit and white sneakers. 'Can you please educate your children, your families, your friends because all it takes is one more instance... and you wonder why kids are killing themselves,' she said. What began as a frightening episode exposing cruelty on multiple levels eventually turned into Quaden receiving a series of life-changing opportunities. Celebrities lined up to support Quaden, including NRL star Latrell Mitchell, Hugh Jackman, pop phenomenons The Kid Laroi and Cardi B, Married at First Sight star Jessika Power and legendary movie director George Miller. In August 2022 Miller announced he would cast Quaden in the latest instalment of his Mad Max franchise, Furiosa, which is due to be released in 2024. He turned heads walking the red carpet for Three Thousand Years of Longing wearing a smart navy-blue Calvin Klein suit and white sneakers. Google announced in December 2020 that Quaden was its 'top trending kid' for the year, prompting him to earn thousands of dollars for sponsored posts on Instagram. Alex Batty's mother lived in a caravan in a remote holiday park in France for six months before 'vanishing to Finland to see the Northern Lights', it is claimed. Melanie Batty, 43, had been living in an isolated campsite in the banks of the Lac de Montbel lake since May where she called herself 'Rose' and would 'spend all day tapping away on her computer'. But the owner of the site - who never saw Alex - said she vanished after six months at the end of September leaving her didgeridoo and red guitar behind. It is understood she didn't speak to anyone on the campsite and nobody knew anything about her background. Her son Alex, 17, had been missing for six years before he was found in France last week after escaping a 'nomadic' life in a commune in the French Pyrenees. The teen vanished aged 11 when he failed to return from a family holiday in Spain after allegedly being kidnapped by Ms Batty and his grandfather David Batty, 64. It is claimed Alex told French police officers his mother had gone to Finland as she 'wanted to see the Northern Lights'. The owner of the site said 'Rose' vanished at the end of September leaving her didgeridoo and red guitar behind Alex Batty (pictured left) with his mother Melanie (centre) and grandfather David (right) six years ago The caravan where Melanie Batty was living where she called herself 'Rose' and would 'spend all day tapping away on her computer'. But the owner of the site said she vanished at the end of September leaving her didgeridoo and red guitar behind Ms Batty had been living in a caravan in the isolated campsite Camping Le Fort in the banks of the Lac de Montbel lake since May But a French source told The Sun the police do not think it would be plausible for Melanie to have travelled to the Scandinavian country. They said: 'We must ask how she was able to book a plane ticket while on an Interpol list. It seems unlikely.' Alex returned to the UK on Saturday and landed in Manchester where he walked off the plane with his skateboard under his arm before being whisked away to meet his grandmother Susan Caruana, 68, who it is understood he will live with. On Monday, the teenager spoke for the first time since being reunited with his family in the UK saying he was 'glad to be home in time for Christmas'. The owner of the Camping Le Fort campsite claimed his mother would sit in the window of her caravan all day while on the computer, and had a French friend who would take her to do the shopping. They said Alex's mother left without notifying anyone and nobody had seen her for at least two months. Ms Batty had paid seven euros a day to live at the Camping Le Fort whose amenities include hot showers, toilets and washing up facilities. Alex, from Oldham, was 11 when he did not return from a holiday to Spain with his mother Melanie, then 37, and grandfather David, then 58, in 2017 Gite de la Bastide in the remote part of the Pyrenees where teenager Alex Batty was living Alex Batty's grandmother Susan Caruana answers her door to reporters at her home in Oldham, Greater Manchester on Friday 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 The owner of the campsite, who asked not to be identified, said: 'Yes, the woman who is the mother of the missing English boy lived in that caravan. 'She arrived in May and left without warning at the end of September. 'She called herself Rose and I have only recently discovered that she was the mother of the missing boy. 'I saw the woman from time to time and she said 'Bonjour'. But she does not speak French and I do not speak English so we did not communicate other than that. 'I don't even have her phone number. 'She would spend all day tapping away on her computer. I don't know what she was doing but that was what she did all day. 'I told her that I was going to cut the hot water to the toilet block and the end of September and she left about that time.' Alex is expected to speak to Greater Manchester Police at a later date as they look to piece together the events surrounding his disappearance and the years spent living in a 'spiritual commune'. In a press conference on Saturday night, Greater Manchester Police explained that they had not yet spoken to Alex about his disappearance or 'what [he] may have been doing, and where he has been, over his years missing'. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle speaking to the media about British teenager Alex Batty at Greater Manchester Police Force Headquarters in Manchester, Saturday December 16, 2023 They said they would support Alex as they look to understand what happened. 'Speaking with him at a pace that feels comfortable to him we will ultimately determine how this case is progressed and whether there is a criminal investigation to ensure,' assistant chief constable Matt Boyle said. The caravan bolt hole in the south of France where fugitive mother Melanie Batty hid from the authorities Melanie Batty, who called herself 'Rose', lived at the Camping Le Fort campsite for six months from May until the end of September, this year. The owner of the isolated campsite in the banks of the Lac de Montbel lake told how she vanished without warning. Today her belongings including a guitar, a digeridoo, a leather chair and an extension lead, were clearly visible through the window of the American-style caravan. Batty had paid seven euros a day to live at the Camping Le Fort whose amenities include hot showers, toilets and washing up facilities. The owner of the campsite, who asked not to be identified, said: 'Yes, the woman who is the mother of the missing English boy lived in that caravan. 'She arrived in May and left without warning at the end of September. 'She called herself Rose and I have only recently discovered that she was the mother of the missing boy. 'I saw the woman from time to time and she said 'Bonjour'. But she does not speak French and I do not speak English so we did not communicate other than that. 'I don't even have her phone number. 'She would spend all day tapping away on her computer. I don't know what she was doing but that was what she did all day. 'I told her that I was going to cut the hot water to the toilet block and the end of September and she left about that time. 'She did not tell me she was leaving. She has just left her caravan there. No one has seen her for at least two months.' The owner added: 'She had a French friend who helped her to bring her caravan and take her to do her shopping. 'But I knew very little about her. 'The police have not been to interview me yet. But she did not do anything wrong while she was here, so I don't know how I could help them.' The lake-side campsite is about five miles from where Alex Batty was rescued by a lorry driver while he was walking by the side of the road near the village of Chalabre at the dead of night last week. Batty told how she wanted to create a spiritual community in the south of France. British ex-pat Susie Harrison said: 'She [Rose] wanted to set up a spiritual community here in the south of France. 'I don't know exactly what the community was about but she wanted to create a special group of like-minded people.' Advertisement 'Our continued focus is supporting Alex and his family in partnership with other local agencies to ensure they are safe, their wellbeing is looked after, and his reintegration with society is as easy as possible. 'We are yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance, but no matter what, 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.' French authorities confirmed that Alex had been 'accompanied by British police officers' on a KLM flight via Amsterdam on Saturday. Mr Boyle said Alex met a family member alongside Greater Manchester Police 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.' Alex's grandmother shared her 'relief and happiness' at the news he had been found after years of trying desperately to get in touch. 'I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again,' Ms Caruana said in a statement released by Greater Manchester Police on Friday. 'I can't wait to see him when we're reunited. The main thing is that he's safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.' Since September 2017 Alex is thought to have been living in a 'spiritual community' in the French Pyrenees. French police said on Friday that Alex claimed his mother had decided to flee the mountain community to Finland following the death of his grandfather six months ago. Although a source told The Sun Mr Batty could still be alive as no confirmation of his death has been found. Assistant prosecutor Antoine Leroy said: 'When his mother indicated that she was going to leave with him to Finland, this young man understood that this had to stop. 'So then he decided to leave the place where he was with his mother and walked for four days and four nights.' Neighbours living near to the isolated farmhouse where Alex was said to have been living have given contradictory reports, however, claiming that his grandfather - known to locals as Peter - was alive. They claimed they saw Peter mowing the lawn of the Gite de la Bastide in the hamlet La Bastide, about an hour's drive south of Carcassonne. A neighbour, who gave his name only as Sebastian, said: 'Peter is not dead. I saw him a week ago, maybe ten days. He was mowing the grass in front of the Gite. 'I know this because my mum's dog loves him. She is a white border collie and he throws a stick for her.' Alex was found on a deserted countryside road heading towards Toulose on Wednesday at 3am by 26-year-old Fabien Accidini, a student and delivery driver from Marseilles. The exhausted teen was seen carrying a skateboard, a flashlight and a rucksack on his back when he was picked up by Mr Accidini. Mr Accidini told La Depeche newspaper of the moment he discovered the teenager: '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. A storm barreled into the Northeastern U.S. on Monday, flooding roads and downing trees, knocking out power to almost 600,000 thousand people, leaving three dead and canceling hundreds of flights. More than five inches of rain fell in parts of New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania by mid-morning, and parts of several other states got more than four inches, according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts reached nearly 70 mph along the southern New England shoreline. Power was knocked out for more than 800,000 customers in an area stretching from Virginia north through New England, including over 278,000 in Massachusetts and 263,000 in Maine, according to poweroutage.us. The weather service issued flood and flash-flood warnings for New York City and the surrounding area, parts of Pennsylvania, upstate New York, western Connecticut, western Massachusetts and parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. New York City was on flood watch as wind gusts reach up to 55mph Monday A truck is submerged in flood water on Nepperhan Avenue after a large rainstorm in Elmsford, New York Cars drive through a flooded street in Northvale, New Jersey An 89-year-old Hingham, Massachusetts, man was killed early on Monday when high winds caused a tree to fall on a trailer, according to Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz. Robert Horky was pulled from the trailer with severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at South Shore Hospital. In Catskill, New York, a driver was killed after the vehicle went around a barricade on a flooded road and was swept into the Catskill Creek, the Albany Times Union reported. In Windham, Maine, police said part of a tree fell and killed a man who was removing debris from his roof. Police did not immediately name the man, and they encouraged residents to stay indoors. On Sunday in South Carolina, one person died when their vehicle flooded on a road at a gated community in Mount Pleasant. Police officers and firefighters got the victim out of the car and tried to administer first aid, but the victim died at the hospital. The coroners office has not released the person's name. Power outages were reported from Pennsylvania to New York to New England. Paterson, New Jersey, was hit by flooding that left roads difficult to navigate Rescuers had to help people out of their vehicles in New Jersey TRI-STATE AREA Heavy rain and high tides caused flooding along the Jersey Shore, leading New Jersey authorities to block off roads near Barnegat Bay in Bay Head and Mantoloking. The flooding was made worse by leaf piles that residents had put out for collection but was blocking water from reaching drains. The Delaware River spilled over its banks in suburban Philadelphia, leading to road closures. In the suburb of Washington Crossing, New Jersey, crews placed barriers along roadways and worked to clear fallen tree limbs. Seven people died after flash flooding in that area over the summer. Several motorists had to be rescued in Newark due to street flooding, with first responders pulling them from their vehicles to safety. High-wind advisories were in place in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, with a high-wind watch in effect for Brooklyn and Queens. Many flights were canceled or delayed across the region. Boston's Logan International Airport grounded all flights Monday morning because of the poor conditions, leading to more than 100 canceled flights and about 375 delays, according to the flight-tracking service FlightAware. At New York City area airports, nearly 80 flights were canceled and more than 90 were delayed. In New York City, high winds caused the temporary closure of the Verrazzano Bridge. It reopened later Monday morning, but with a ban on large vehicles. Rhode Island officials also were prohibiting tractor-trailers on the Newport Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges over Narragansett Bay because of the wind. Drivers had to be rescued in Newark, New Jersey due to flooding Passengers are seen waiting for their delayed trains at Penn Station in New York City A man carries an umbrella as he walks through heavy rain in Times Square in New York City on Monday A pedestrian hustles across Seventh Avenue as heavy rain falls in Times Square in New York City Monday Several flights have been canceled out of New York's LaGuardia airport Monday morning People wait for a delayed flight to Detroit at LaGuardia airport in Queens, New York, on Monday A truck backs up after a tree fell across Lake Street in North Salem, New York, during heavy rain and wind NEW ENGLAND Windspeeds exceeded 60 mph in Maine, which was the site of widespread damage to trees and structures, representatives for Maine's largest utility said. Central Maine Power said it anticipated a 'multi-day restoration effort' and crews Monday evening remained unable to safely use bucket trucks or to start making repairs. Five months after flooding inundated Vermont's capital city of Montpelier, water entered the basements of some downtown businesses as the city monitored the level of the Winooski River, officials said. Authorities in the village of Moretown, Vermont, evacuated some 30 to 50 homes because of flooding. Some schools canceled classes, sent students home early or delayed their openings due to the storm. In the coastal town of Guilford, Connecticut, about 30 miles south of Hartford, a tree fell on a police cruiser but the officer escaped injury, officials said. Numerous roads throughout the region were closed due to flooding or downed trees. 'Check your route before your morning commute, dont drive through standing water, and dont touch downed wires,' New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy posted on X. 'Remember: Turn around, dont drown.' Utility company Eversource said: 'Our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to clear tree damage caused by the powerful winds whipping across the state,. As the storm continues to cause damage, remember to stay away from downed power lines and report them to 911and be sure to report any outages.' In Rhode Island, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed parts of Providences hurricane barrier system to prevent flooding from storm surge, Mayor Brett Smiley said. The Providence River gates were closed in the morning and another gate was scheduled to close. City Hall in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was closed due to leaks and water damage from its landmark tower, the city posted online. Members of the Jamaica Fire Department in Vermont look at the damage to a failed culvert for the North Branch Ball Mountain Brook on Monday Ashley Koontz of Jamaica, Vermont, takes a photo of the intensity of the water at Ball Mountain Brook on Monday The water level of the Deerfield River creeps up to the edge of Route 100 in Wilmington, Vermont Cassidy Doolittle, of Wilmington, takes a photo of the water marker on the side of a building in downtown Wilmington as the Deerfield River gets to 14 feet high Boston's Logan International Airport grounded all flights Monday morning because of the poor condition Boston Logan saw more than 100 canceled flights and about 375 delays Monday High winds drive surf into a retaining wall in front of a residence in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts High winds and driving rain have caused many trees to fall like this one on Main Street, Rt. 3A in Marshfield, Massachusetts. Drivers have had to navigate many closed roads on Monday PENNSYLVANIA In northeastern and central Pennsylvania, heavy rain that fell overnight flooded ponds, streams and creeks in several counties, forcing authorities to close several major roadways. The Delaware River spilled over its banks in suburban Philadelphia, leading to road closures. In the suburb of Washington Crossing, crews placed barriers along roadways and worked to clear fallen tree limbs. Seven people died after flash flooding in that area over the summer. First responders make their way to rescue a person stranded by the floodwaters of the Perkiomen Creek near Graterford Road in Collegeville, Pennsylvania First responders prepare a boat to rescue a person stranded in the floodwaters in Collegeville First responders stand in the floodwaters of the Perkiomen Creek A home is surrounded by floodwaters from the Perkiomen Creek in Collegeville Floodwaters from the Perkiomen Creek submerge a road in Collegeville STORM PASSED THROUGH THE SOUTH The storm moved up the East Coast on Saturday and Sunday, breaking rainfall records and requiring water rescues. It brought unseasonably warm temperatures of more than 60 degrees to the Northeast on Monday. On Sunday in South Carolina, the tide in Charleston Harbor reached 9.86 feet just before noon, which was the fourth-highest reading ever. 'This was a tough and frustrating day for our citizens, as historic high tides came up and over the land in the city, flooding cars, homes, businesses and streets,' Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said, adding there were no reports of serious injuries. Tecklenburg said the city was working with the Army Corps of Engineers to protect against tidal flooding and to adapt to sea level rise and climate change. Authorities rescued dozens of motorists stranded by floodwaters in South Carolina's waterfront community of Georgetown, Georgetown County spokesperson Jackie Broach said. More than nine inches of rain fell in the area situated between Charleston and Myrtle Beach since late on Saturday. 'It's not just the areas that we normally see flooding, that are flood-prone,' Broach said. 'It's areas that we're not really expecting to have flooding issues...It's like a tropical storm, it just happens to be in December.' The National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly posted on X: 'The worst of the rain and winds will overspread the region over the next several hours. The heavy rain will taper off after sunrise Monday, but roads will still be wet, making travel difficult' Saturday was stormy across most of Florida, forcing outdoor holiday parties to be canceled. Outside decorations that aren't battened down were likely to blow away. The mass of wind and rain is expected to head up the East Coast just in time for the start of the holiday travel season. 'Saturday is a complete washout as this disturbance moves over,' said George Rizzuto, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami. 'The northern part of Florida will be at risk for some pretty heavy rainfall through the entire day.' Universal Orlando Resort's Volcano Bay waterpark shut down for the day due to the weather. Sybil and Stella, a pair of bearded collies, go for a morning walk in high winds near the intersection of Worth Avenue and South Ocean Blvd in Miami on Saturday The Juno Beach Pier is slammed by big waves in Juno Beach, Florida. The National Weather Service forecast sustained winds of 30-40 mph and seas of 10-15 foot waves Miami's palm trees look a little bent out of shape in the strong winds. Bob Givehchi, left, and his son Daniel, 8, are seen visiting Miami for the first time, walking past debris and palm trees at Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables, Florida Waves pound the Lake Worth Inlet next to the pump house in Palm Beach Shore, Florida Visitors to the Southernmost Point buoy take photos as the waves splash in Key West, as squalls of rain and wind batter the Florida Keys Over the weekend, several holiday events across the state were canceled, such as the Christmas boat parade in Indian Rocks Beach along the Gulf Coast. 'See you next year,' the town website said. At least five boat parades were canceled or postponed in South Florida, including the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale. Several outdoor holiday events were canceled, from South Florida up into the rest of the peninsula. It included Saturday's Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and at least four other similar events across the region, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. 'The safety and well-being of our participants and spectators are of utmost importance to us,' Winterfest organizers said on their website. 'The inclement weather conditions, beyond our control, make it impossible to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.' Rizzuto said winds of 20 to 30 mph were expected across much of the coastline, with gusts up to 45 mph. Australians will soon have greater access to Europe after the government quietly approved a fivefold increase in Turkish Airlines flights. Transport Minister Catherine King ticked off on the pre-Christmas agreement that could reduce airfares for flights to the Middle East and South-East Asia from 2024. The carrier's flights to Australia were set to begin with seven services weekly but plans updated over the weekend show it will start with 21 flights instead. That capacity will increase to 28 a week from mid-2024 and 35 from mid-2025 overtaking Qatar Airways' services to Australia. Australians will soon have greater access to Europe after the government quietly approved a fivefold increase in Turkish Airlines flights (stock image) Transport Minister Catherine King ticked off on the pre-Christmas agreement that could reduce airfares for flights to the Middle East and South-East Asia from 2024 (stock image) Turkish Airlines is expected to launch services into Australia early next year with plans to fly direct services between the east coast, including the under construction Western Sydney Airport, and its hub in Istanbul. A coveted fifth freedom flight, referring to an international service that does not take off or land within the carrier's home country, was also approved. It means Australians will be able to fly on the airline to destinations such as Singapore without needing to book a second leg to Istanbul. Landing rights agreements are negotiated between governments rather than government to airline. Ms King's decision came after she faced intense criticism for blocking a similar bid from Qatar Airways earlier this year. The government has maintained the decision was made in the 'national interest' but Ms King has cited the invasive strip searches of five Australian women in Doha in 2020 provided 'context' for her decision. Qantas had opposed the Qatar Airways application, claiming it would distort the market. The airline did not oppose the Turkish Airlines bid. A senate inquiry was launched amid accusations the government had rejected the application to protect Qantas' bottom line. It recommended Ms King's decision be reviewed. Ms King's office has been contacted for comment. Turkish Airlines will be given 21 weekly flights in early 2024 and will have up to 35 weekly flights by 2025, most than Qatar Airways (stock image) Americore Trustee Carol Fox sat for an interview with the Oversight Committee on Monday, as Republicans charge full steam ahead with their impeachment inquiry less than a week after a House vote to authorize it. The interview is part of Republicans' probe into whether President Joe Biden profited off his son and brother's business dealings - and came in connection to their allegation that Biden got a $200,000 payment from his brother James shortly after a lucrative business deal. Despite not being a public health consultant or medical expert, James Biden was hired by Americore - as the health care startup was trying to build hospitals in rural America as his brother was leaving the vice presidency. But unfortunately for Americore, James Biden and his connections fell flat. The company imploded in 2019, filing for bankruptcy amid a pile of lawsuits and a federal investigation into fraud allegations. Americore also accused Jim Biden of failing to repay $600,000 in loans. Americore Trustee Carol Fox sat for an interview with the Oversight Committee on Monday, as Republicans charge full steam ahead with their impeachment inquiry one week after a House vote to authorize it Fox has sued James Biden claiming James made 'representations that his last name, 'Biden,' could 'open doors' and that he could obtain a large investment from the Middle East based on his political connections.' Fox alleged James Biden helped procure 'an ill-advised bridge loan from a hedge fund that had a deleterious impact on the financial affairs of the Debtor and ultimately forced Debtors into bankruptcy, as [James Biden] never delivered the promised large investment from the Middle East.' Jim Biden last year repaid Americore $350,000 to settle the lawsuit - though his lawyers said he played no role in the company's demise and that he had received the money for consulting work, not loans, as the Fox had alleged as the trustee. According to one source familiar with the interview, Fox identified no services rendered by James Biden to Americore - and that Americore provided a 'loan' to James Biden with no documentation in return for a promise of funding from the Middle East that never came. Another source with direct knowledge of the interview insisted Fox said she had no evidence of Joe Biden being involved in his brother's business and she said she believed the settlement was fair and equitable. According to bankruptcy court documents, James Biden took money from his health care business Americore and sent it directly to his brother Joe Biden. Despite not being a public health consultant or medical expert, James Biden was hired by Americore as the health care startup was trying to build hospitals in rural America as his brother was leaving the vice presidency. The documents show that in 2018, James Biden obtained $600,000 in loans from Americore. James was able to receive the loans based upon 'representations' that his last name, 'Biden,' could 'open doors.' On March 1, 2018, Americore wired a $200,000 loan into the personal bank account of James and Sara Biden. That same day, James Biden wrote a $200,000 check to 'Joseph R. Biden' from his personal account for a 'loan repayment.' At the time, Joe had already left the vice presidency position. Democrats point to bank records showing that weeks earlier Joe had lent James the exact same amount in a wire transfer. But Republicans say that nothing in that wire said 'loan' or 'Joe Biden' and there is no definitive answer about which exact account the money came from. Republicans leading the investigation into the Biden family's 'influence peddling scheme' that is the center of their impeachment inquiry into the president, say this personal check directly shows Joe was aware of - and included in - his family's dealings. Earlier this month, Hunter Biden was charged with nine new counts of tax fraud filed by the Justice Department. The case alleges Hunter was involved in a four-year $1.4 million tax evasion scheme. All nine charges relate to tax, including two felony charges for filing a false return, a felony charge for tax evasion, four failure to pay charges, and a further two charges for failure to file. The charges span the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 tax years. Hunter will be arraigned in the case and first appear in court on January 11. A young mum grieving the sudden death of her healthy and happy baby girl days out from Christmas has opened up about her unimaginable heartbreak. New parents Alex Reed, 29, and Pat Willis, 28, from Geelong in Victoria were excited about their first Christmas with their five-month-old baby, Isla Addison. Their world came crashing down on December 8 when Ms Reed found little Isla lifeless and unresponsive shortly after a morning feed. Isla couldn't be revived, despite the frantic efforts of her mum, a neighbour and paramedics. As she prepares for Isla's funeral on Thursday, an emotional Ms Reed bravely spoke out about her loss in the hope that no other parent goes through a similar nightmare. Alex Reed wants everyone to remember her baby girl Isla as a beautiful happy angel Isla Addison Willis was a happy and healthy bub until her mother found her lifeless and unresponsive after a morning feed on December 8 'It feels like our purpose has been taken away,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I'm taking things day by day, minute by minute. 'Some days are easier than others.' December 8 started like any other day. 'Isla had her morning feed after a full night's sleep, as usual,' Ms Reed recalled. 'We dozed off afterwards and when I got up to give her another feed, she didn't look right. 'I tried to wake her but she didn't respond. I called triple-0 and raced outside screaming to my neighbour for help. 'We then both performed CPR until the ambulance arrived.' She praised the efforts of paramedics who did everything they could to save Isla. 'I begged them to not stop but they had to at some point,' she said. 'It was an unnatural feeling that no other parent should go through.' Alex (left) and her fiance Pat (right) were looking forward to Isla's first Christmas Five-month-old Isla Willis (pictured) had just learned how to roll over Her fiance and family raced home to spend their final precious moments with Isla where they rocked, cuddled and sang 'You Are My Sunshine' to her until the coroner arrived. Isla was a healthy baby who had just learned how to roll over and melted the hearts of everyone she met. She also loved Bluey and Winnie the Pooh. 'She was the happiest little munchkin ever, we called her our perfect little lamb,' Ms Reed said. 'She had the gummiest smile and biggest belly laugh. 'She was my saviour. Our family had been broken but when Isla came along, she healed everyone's souls. 'Everyone who laid eyes on Isla loved her and she loved everyone.' Christmas Day next Monday will be far different to the one the couple had been dreaming of. 'We'd been planning to put up the Christmas tree on the day Isla died,' she said. 'We had everything ready and were really looking forward to it. 'Instead, we'll be grieving as a family.' Little Isla (pictured with dad Pat) melted the hearts of everyone she met It's understood Isla died of natural causes. The couple are now waiting for test results which will reveal whether Isla had a genetic condition or died from SIDS. 'She was healthy and eating with no sign of weakness, illness or anything untoward at all,' Ms Reed said. She now wishes they had used an ankle monitor which tracks a baby's heart rate - as she issued a powerful plea to other parents. 'That monitor may have saved Isla's life,' she said. 'I want other parents to be aware that one minute you have your child and the next minute, they're gone. 'I urge new parents to monitor their babies closely as I don't want anyone else to feel the pain we do right now. 'I want everyone to know that these things happen more than you think.' The couple plan to set up a charity in Isla's honour and become advocates for the condition from which Isla died. Heartbroken family and friends will say goodbye to Isla at her funeral on Thursday Baby Isla adored Winnie the Pooh (pictured) as well as Bluey Friends and the wider Geelong community have rallied around the heartbroken couple. 'Right now we ask community to gather round in support by donating anything they are able to as every little bit will add up and help Alex & Pat by giving them the space to really be in their grief,' an online fundraiser - which has already raised almost $8,500 - states. 'We thank you all in advance as these funds will be used to help Alex and Pat keep up with their bills and rent while they are unable to work as they come to terms with this unimaginable loss and for therapy bills to support their process of healing and coping during this unbearable time.' Ms Reed and her fiance thank the first responders, police and paramedics who tried to save Isla. The couple are also grateful for the support received. 'Both of us can't work at the moment but the rent and bills don't stop,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Alex Reed and Pat Willis plan to set up a charity in their baby girl's honour A chef arrested after his female colleague was stabbed to death at the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra has been charged with murder. Jude Wijesinghe, 29, was taken to hospital and placed under arrest after his co-worker Tshewang Choden was found dead in a storeroom on Monday afternoon. She is a Bhutanese national. Police were called to the zoo at Yarralumla at about 12.50pm and found the woman's body in a storeroom behind a commercial kitchen. She is believed to have been stabbed with a knife before her suspected attacker tried to harm himself. ATC Policing confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Wijesinghe had been charged with murder. 'ACT Policing homicide detectives have today charged a 29-year-old man with one count of murder during a bedside hearing following an incident at the National Zoo & Aquarium yesterday. 'The man was refused bail, and will next appear in court on 4 April 2023.' A chef arrested after his female colleague was stabbed to death in a storeroom at the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra has been identified as 29-year-old Jude Wijesinghe (above) Wijesinghe was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital under police guard to receive treatment for 'significant' self-inflicted injuries. The cook's shocked neighbours said police swarmed an Oaks Estate unit complex around 2pm before spending about eight eight hours scouring Wijesinghe's unit. The privately-owned apartment building is comprised of more than two dozen single bedroom units. Residents said Wijesinghe was a 'good neighbour'. 'He's been here about one to two years,' one resident said. 'Before that, there was a group of guys living in there. 'You'd never know [he would be accused of something like this]. I was horrified.' Neighbours said as far as they knew Wijesinghe was single and they had never seen any women entering his apartment. 'I can't believe it,' one said. 'It's all a bit of a shock.' Wijesinghe 9above) was arrested at the scene and was taken to hospital under police guard to receive treatment for 'significant' self-inflicted injuries Officers swarmed to the scene at Canberra's National Zoo and Aquarium at 12.50pm after witnesses heard screaming According to social media, Wijesinghe has worked all around Australia as a chef since migrating from Sri Lanka. He was sous chef at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, which is part of the National Zoo & Aquarium. Photos on his social media show him as a gym and motorcyclist enthusiast. He also runs a separate online blog account dedicated to his culinary work, which features images of dishes he's cooked on the job. Wijesinghe spent a few years studying a cooking course in Melbourne, graduating in 2019 before relocating to Canberra two years later. Visitors unaware of the stabbing have been turning up to the zoo on Tuesday morning to find it closed. While police confirmed Wijesinghe and the dead woman were co-workers at the zoo, detectives were yet to determine whether they were in a romantic relationship. Hall O'Meagher, ACT Policing's Detective Superintendent of Criminal Investigations, said on Monday that police were called after witnesses heard 'loud screams'. 'An autopsy is yet to be performed, but at this stage we believe [the victim] died from being stabbed with a knife. 'The knife was found at the scene. Visitors unaware of the stabbing have been turning up to the zoo on Tuesday morning to find it closed Two men were seen hugging outside the zoo after the woman's body was found 'The man was taken to hospital to be treated for what appear to be self-inflicted injuries and he remains in a stable condition.' Detective Superintendent O'Meagher could not confirm whether Wijesinghe was known to police, but said investigators were working to find out more about the pair's background and a homicide inquiry had been launched. He said said police did not believe there were any direct witnesses to the disturbance but there were people in the area at the time who have been spoken to officers. Detective Superintendent O'Meagher stressed police did not believe there was any ongoing threat to the public and offered his condolences to the woman's loved ones. 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim and workers at the zoo,' he said. Police are seen at Canberra's National Zoo & Aquarium after a woman was found dead on Monday The zoo was closed in the wake of the tragedy, with police seen speaking to drivers as they left the car park. Visitors were only allowed to leave if they gave officers their phone numbers. One zoo visitor told Daily Mail Australia: 'Staff ran everything like nothing had happened as obviously to keep visitors unaware and safe'. '[Police] pulled us over when we were leaving and asked if we witnessed anything. 'I told them I had no idea what I was meant to witness and they said 'don't worry, if you had witnessed the incident you would know''.' Police were seen speaking to drivers as they left the zoo The woman said she later found out about the tragedy when a friend showed her a news article. 'Both me and my brother were in shock,' she said. 'My brother was very shaken up. It was a very scary thing to have been told had happened, especially so close to Christmas. 'Our thoughts are with her family at this time no one should have to have a situation like this happen to them or their family.' Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website and quote reference 7623644. For confidential support 24/7 contact LIFELINE on 13 11 14 or 1800 RESPECT ABC Sydney Afternoons host Josh Szeps has left the broadcaster early after he made a rogue appearance on Sky News last week. Szeps announced his resignation while live on-air in November with his last appearance to be on Christmas. However, he made an unauthorised appearance on Sky News program 'Sharri' last week where he was introduced as a 'former ABC radio host' before it emerged he would be leaving his role sooner than planned. ABC Radio Sydney acting manager Mark Spurway notified staff in an email on Monday. 'From this week summer programs kick in with various presenters. As a late change Josh Szeps will not present his afternoon show for the rest of the year,' it read. 'Josh will not return to ABC Radio Sydney in 2024 and we wish him well on his many future endeavours.' ABC Sydney Afternoons host Josh Szeps (above) has left the broadcaster early after after appearing on Sky News last week Instead, the 12.30pm to 3.30pm slot will be filled by ABC Melbourne's Jacinta Parsons who will run a national afternoon program until January 5. From there, ABC Sydney's current breakfast host, James Valentine, will takeover the local show. Szeps appeared alongside Sharri Markson for her Sky show on Thursday where they discussed public reaction to the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. In the segment, Szeps, whose grandparents are Holocaust survivors, said he believes harsh pro-Palestinian support sits on a fine line with anti-Semitism. 'There's this kind of self-righteous, self-certainty that is accompanying people's instinctive desire to be backing the right horse, to be on the right side of history,' he said. '... Do you not understand that "from the river to the sea" can also sound and maybe be misinterpreted as a call for an Arab Palestinian state all the way from the river to the sea? 'What happens to the Jews? How can you not see that there would be the prospect for misinterpretation there?' The Sky appearance followed Szeps' dramatic on-air resignation last month where he declared himself 'too spicy' for ABC live radio. During a 10-minute monologue where he advertised his future pursuits, including his podcast and YouTube channel, Szeps said he could 'spin a lot of PR guff' but 'if you know me you would know I don't do bulls***, I am a straight shooter'. Szeps appeared on Sky's 'Sharri' (above) following his shock on-air resignation from the ABC in November 'I am a bit too spicy for this gig, aren't I?' he asked. 'Having truly rational, bulls***-free conversations about controversial issues is risky these days. 'The penalties for speaking bluntly, the penalties for trying to coax people out of their thought silos and their echo chambers are very high. 'The fact that it's risky only makes it more important to me. The fact I have found a way of doing it independently that is financially viable leads me to the question that I have been mulling over ever since chatter about the 2024 [ABC] line-up began.' Szeps also claimed he had built Afternoons to its current popularity, saying: 'The only shows on this station that are competitive with 2GB are Afternoons and Drive.' NHS dental services are at their 'most perilous point' ever and radical reforms are needed to 'slow the decay', a report warns. Experts at the Nuffield Trust say the situation is so bad the service must now be limited to just check-ups, pain management and emergency treatment. It comes after reports of patients across the country forced to queue overnight for what few NHS dental places become available as figures show only four in ten adults have seen a health service dentist in the past two years. The trust a charitable organisation aimed at improving healthcare in the UK said a sweeping overhaul is needed, as the days of heavily subsidised NHS dentistry are 'gone for good'. And there are fears for future generations, with tooth decay now the most common reason for a hospital admission for children aged six to ten, who should be able to access the service for free. Dental services must now be limited to just check ups, pain management and emergency treatment, experts say (Stock Image) The report insists that efforts must be made to lure back dentists from the lucrative private sector, where many have fled, by offering better contracts based on work carried out rather than targets which can see them actually lose money for treating NHS patients. Even then, restoring universal access 'would cost billions each year', largely paying for care that people are currently getting by paying privately at an enhanced rate. The average fee for an initial consultation with a private dentist is now 74 while the same appointment on the NHS costs 25.80. Dental leaders said the report reads 'like the last rites for NHS dentistry', while accusing successive governments of 'muddling through' rather than delivering reforms. The pandemic, austerity and the rising cost of living have all been blamed for quickening the demise, with six million fewer treatments on the NHS carried out last year compared to pre-Covid levels. Total spending for dental services was 3.1billion in 2021/22, a decline of 525million in real terms since 2014/15. In a letter to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Victoria Atkins, the British Dental Association (BDA) said the access crisis was being fuelled by an 'exodus' of NHS dentists and warned the service 'risks being swept away' unless there are widespread changes. A 'drift' into the private sector was exacerbated by Covid-19, with dentists reducing their NHS commitments. And despite the growing crisis, there was no post-Covid recovery planned in the same way as other health services, such as waiting lists, the report said. As a result, it states: 'The NHS is not commissioning enough dentistry to cover the needs of the population.' It therefore calls for an urgent imperative to provide enough access to a basic core service for children, older people and those who cannot afford private care. This would mean 'removing some of the rights to NHS services which people currently enjoy in theory but usually go without in reality', the authors add. The report points to the failings of the current dental contract introduced by Labour in 2006 adding it must be changed to make treatment of NHS patients financially worthwhile. Figures show only four in ten adults have seen a health service dentist in the past two years (File Photo) Under the current remuneration, dentists are paid for batches or courses of treatments delivered rather than for every single item or procedure. It meant that until last year dentists received the same remuneration from the NHS for a patient who required ten fillings as for a patient who required one. The Government made some changes to the NHS dentistry contract at the start of the financial year, but these were dismissed by the BDA as 'minor tweaks'. Thea Stein, chief executive of Nuffield Trust, said: 'We need to see immediate action taken to slow the decay of NHS dentistry, but it is increasingly clear that we can no longer muddle through with an endless series of tweaks to the contract. 'If, as seems, that the original model of NHS dentistry is gone for good, then surely the imperative is to provide enough access for a basic core service for those most in need.' The number of dentists delivering NHS care dropped by 121 last year from 24,272 to 24,151, with the number falling by more than 500 since lockdown. Separate analysis by the Labour Party found eight in ten practices had closed their doors to new patients. Of 4,969 dental surgeries in England, 4,112 said they weren't accepting new adult patients and 3,531 were not taking on children. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'We fund more than 3billion of NHS dentistry a year and... have plans to increase dental training places by 40 per cent.' An NHS spokesman added the service had 'implemented the first reforms to dentistry in 16 years,' which are helping to address the backlogs from the pandemic, adding: 'Dental activity [is] up by more than a fifth on last year.' Revealed: 80% of NHS dentists have shut their door to new patients, according to shock analysis... so is YOURS one of them? By Emily Craig Eight in 10 dentists in England are not accepting new adult patients, a shocking analysis suggests. Of the 4,969 dental surgeries across the country who have recently updated their status, 82 per cent are not adding new over-18s to their list. Another 71 per cent aren't taking new children, NHS data shows. But the figures are even bleaker in some parts of the country, with 99 per cent of practices in the South West seemingly rejecting requests from adults seeking NHS dental care. MailOnline's handy interactive tool lets you input your postcode to check the status of dentists in your area. The collapse of NHS dentistry has seen millions miss vital checkups. Some have resorted to queuing overnight for a place with a practice or resorting to DIY dentistry. Labour, which analysed the data, said that it would ramp-up funding to NHS dental practices, providing hundreds of thousands more appointments and incentives for dentists to works in the parts of the country with the greatest need. The data shows that there are 6,605 dental practices in England. Of these, 4,969 have provided recent responses to the NHS regarding their patient list status. Behind the South West, the situation is also dire in North East, where just 97 per cent of practices are open to taking new adult patients, followed by the East Midlands (94 per cent) and East of England (91 per cent). Meanwhile, it is easiest in London, where six in 10 clinics are accepting, followed by the West Midlands (73 per cent) and the North West (77 per cent). Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said: 'The Conservatives have left NHS dentistry to wither on the vine, and now the service is barely worthy of the name. 'Patients are told to go without or do it themselves, with DIY dentistry now shockingly common in Tory Britain. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'The slow death of dentistry is the Ghost of Christmas Future for the NHS, if the Conservatives are given a fifth term: those who can afford it going private and those who can't left with a poor service for poor people. 'Labour has a fully-costed plan to rescue NHS dentistry by gripping the immediate crisis and reforming the service in the long-term.' NHS dentistry has been in crisis for years, with leaders claiming the sector has been chronically underfunded making it financially unviable to carry out treatments. Exacerbating the problem is that, as more dentists leave the NHS, those that remain become swamped by more and more patients, resulting in a domino effect. Patients have told of queuing from 4am outside dental practices to gain a spot at practices which have opened up their list to NHS patients a phenomenon that experts have warned is becoming the 'new normal'. Practices have complained of receiving thousands of calls when they open a handful of slots for new patients. Patients say they have been forced to perform DIY dentistry after struggling to access NHS care. NHS dental services at 'their most perilous point' with the worst crisis in 75 years that could see services slashed, report warns An eruption has occurred at the Sundhjuka crater in Iceland This is the moment an Icelandic volcano erupted after magma built up under the surface of the earth for weeks. The eruption at the Sundhjuka crater, on the Reykjanes peninsula, began lighting up the night sky at 10.17pm tonight, after a series of earthquakes hit the area. Video footage of the moment of the eruption showed Iceland's black night sky lit up a deep orange colour as molten rock flew into the air. The camera, run by Icelandic broadcasters, zoomed into the point of eruption, understood to be less than two miles away from the world-famous Blue Lagoon, and showed molten rock spurting high out of the ground. A massive fissure of lava is currently three kilometres long is carving through the Reykjanes peninsula, following the eruption. The eruption at the Sundhjuka crater, on the Reykjanes peninsula, began lighting up the night sky at 10.17pm tonight Video footage of the moment of the eruption showed Iceland's black night sky lit up a deep orange colour as molten rock flew into the air A massive fissure of lava is currently three kilometres long is carving through the Reykjanes peninsula, following the eruption Fearing a significant outbreak on the Reykjanes peninsula, authorities last month evacuated the nearly 4,000 inhabitants of the fishing town of Grindavik Fearing a significant outbreak on the Reykjanes peninsula, authorities last month evacuated the nearly 4,000 inhabitants of the fishing town of Grindavik and closed the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Iceland's Met Office warned on their website that an 'eruption has started north of Grindavik by Hagafall'. Speaking following the eruption, Fannar Jonasson, mayor of Grindavik, said Icelandic news service Visi: 'I'm just, like others, trying to get information. But this seems like quite an explosion in the early stages. But you don't know anything yet. It's going to be a long night.' He added that a few hundred meters can make all the difference, no matter in which direction the lava flows. Also speaking to Visi as the blast began, volcanologist orvald orarson admitted the eruption was the worst-case scenario. He explained: 'We were talking about two scenarios a few days ago, one of which was that everything was going to relax and die out, you were hoping that was what was going on. Pictures on social media show the sky being tinted red by the lava spurts 'The other is that this stretch of the crust above the intrusion would have reached its tolerance limit and that it would start to erupt. This is what we feared the most.' Iceland Police said in a statement: 'An eruption has begun. We ask people not to be in front of the responders and not to go in the direction of the eruption. It is important that roads and other things are as accessible as possible.' Reykjavik's international airport, which is located nearby, remained open. 'At the moment, there are no disruptions to arrivals or departures at Keflavik Airport,' it said on its website. Jake Deakin, 26, a marketing manager from Manchester, is currently stranded on the tarmac after his flight back to the UK was delayed. He booked a short stay for his girlfriends birthday a few months ago after the couple had talked about how they wanted to go to Iceland together. But, he said, he and his girlfriend got more than they bargained for with what was meant to be a relaxing weekend away. Pictures from surveillance cameras covering the volcano show lava spurts Jake Deakin, 26, a marketing manager from Manchester, is currently stranded on the tarmac after his flight back to the UK was delayed. From his plane window he watched lava spurts light up the sky in the distance (pictured) 'We were at the blue lagoon four hours ago! They said it had calmed down, and with the blue lagoon opening again you'd think things had calmed down.' The plane had been sat on the tarmac being de-iced when Jake and other passengers noticed an orange glow out the window. 'We noticed it then the crew mentioned it after a few others had seen it. I saw a post on twitter which confirmed then told others. We're all ok, it's obviously stressful but still sat on the plane at the gate.' He said passengers are 'Waiting for further updates at the moment The latest update was there's no update!' He said they would have missed the eruption had the flight taken off on time. Sharing pictures of his view from the plane, Jake said the fissure is 'definitely getting wider'. On its website, the Met Office said the volcano eruption started at 10.17pm following an 'earthquake swarm' at 9pm. Pictured: A police officer inspects a crack in the road in the fishing town of Grindavik, November 15 The port Of Grindavik braced itself for what could be an eruption of the nearby Fagradalsfjall volcano or one of the fissures which have opened up in the area. Pictured: Crack across one of its main roads A drone captured pictures of what appear to be fissures in the ground on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near Grindavik, in November Eyjafjallajokull erupting in 2010 (pictured) produced a huge cloud of ash that prompted the biggest global aviation shutdown since World War II, with 50,000 flights cancelled and 8million passengers affected This comes after the volcano was hit by more than 1,000 earthquakes in just 24 hours on November 9, igniting fears of an imminent eruption. Geophysicist Benedikt Ofeigsson said in November that there were clear signs that huge magma corridor under the Reykjanes Peninsula was expanding. The area around the Fagradalsfjall had braced itself for an eruption after huge chasms ripping apart homes and roads in Grindavik. On November 16, magmatic gas was detected at a borehole in Svartsengi - 2.3 miles north of Grindavik - which experts said was a signal that an eruption is imminent. An eruption of molten rock from the magma tunnel beneath Reykjanes was the most likely scenario following weeks of seismic activity, the head of the volcano department at the weather service Kristin Jonsdottir told RUV radio station last month. Monitoring indicated that a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, extends under the community, Iceland's Meteorological Office said. The town of 3,400 is about 31 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. Volcanologist Haraldur Sigursson previously said that if an eruption were to happen, he expects that it could erupt into the sea and says Grindavik needs to be 'reorganised' in order to mitigate the disk of future widespread destruction. 'I'm also worried about the port. It doesn't take much to destroy this port, fill it with lava,' Haraldur told Iceland's Morgunblai (MBL) newspaper. 'There are both cracks there in the harbour and even if the magma comes up somewhere outside, it flows into the harbour, because this is the depression. 'So, in the big picture, this town needs to be completely reorganised,' he added. Asked by MBL's reporter if he envisages a future in which the people of Grindavik can return to their homes, he said: 'What didn't people do in Vestmannaeyjar (a town hit by an eruption in 1973)? I think the town should be reorganised.' The peninsula in recent years saw several eruptions in unpopulated areas, but the current outbreak was believed to pose an immediate risk to the town, authorities have said. Reykjanes is a volcanic and seismic hot-spot southwest of the capital Reykjavik. In March 2021, lava fountains erupted spectacularly from a 500-750-metre-long (1,640-2,460-foot-long) fissure in the ground in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system. A couple have fallen prey to sophisticated 'deep-fake' scams that targeted thousands of dollars held in their superannuation fund. Queenslanders Ron and Paula lost their entire super savings when they fell for a scam featuring the images of celebrities that promised to make them money in an online trading scheme. Sadly, it's the second time they had been duped by scammers, previously losing $220,000 to fraudsters using the same tactics. 'It's horrible, it's the worst feeling, you don't talk to your friends about it because you're embarrassed,' Paula told A Current Affair. 'They put us on a rollercoaster ride, highs and lows and highs and lows from a $350 investment to be talked into actually losing all my superannuation,' Ron said. Queenslanders Paula and Ron lost their entire super savings when they fell for a deep-fake scam that promised to make them money in an online trading scheme Advertising on social media, the scams are convincing Aussies to invest in fake companies or schemes Artificial intelligence has made it possible for scammers to copy the faces and voices of people and use them to make fake ads. To encourage Aussies to put their money into bogus investment scams, criminals have used AI to mimic some of Australia's biggest names, including Dick Smith, Gina Rinehart and Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest. While scrolling on the Facebook account of her granddaughter's school, Paula said she had come across scams using the image of A Current Affair host, Ally Langdon. She had also seen the image of mining boss Gina Rinehart appear in feeds appearing to endorse schemes, saying it looked real. 'Theres a scam going around with Gina Rinehart promoting online trading and you watch her lips and those words are coming from her lips,' Paula said. Dick Smith's likeness was used in a deep-fake video to advertise an investment scheme. It looked and sounded so real, it even fooled him. 'Im incredibly angry because when I first saw it I thought it was really me,' he told A Current Affair. The deep-fake video of Dick Smith was so realistic it fooled the real Dick Smith into thinking it was him 'I thought theyd done an interview somewhere that Id forgotten about but then I realised no, it wasnt.' Mr Smith wants Aussies to stay away from advertising on social media. 'I'm saying to fellow Australians, never ever buy anything that's advertised on Facebook and Instagram because you'll probably lose your money,' he said. The realistic deep-fake scams have prompted Ms Rinehart to write to Mark Zuckerberg. Meanwhile, Mr Forrest is suing Meta (the owner of Facebook and Instagram) and people are calling on the government to pressure social media companies to eradicate scams. The government's National Anti-Scam Centre's Scamwatch reported for 2023 Australians lost a combined total of over $455million, with over 280thousand reported scams. For people who have fallen victim to the deep-fakes, it may be almost impossible to achieve justice. 'The first step in any legal proceeding is working out who you're going to enforce those rights against,' media lawyer Justin Quill told Yahoo. 'That's the biggest problem here who do you sue over these sorts of scams? Where do you sue them? And, frankly, how do you sue them?' One of Australia's most notorious terrorists, Abdul Nacer Benbrika, will be released into the community today, marking the end of his nearly two-decade-long incarceration. On Tuesday morning, Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth of the Victorian Supreme Court granted Abdul Nacer Benbrika's release under an extended supervision order for a period of 12 months. The Australian Federal Police will check to ensure it is being complied with and he will need to notify the Commonwealth of any proposed change of address. He will have to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet and police will be given extensive powers to monitor his electronic communications. He cannot leave Victoria without approval. He also cannot contact certain people, including people in prison, convicted terrorists and those charged with such offences on a list of people prescribed by the court. Abdul Nacer Benbrika will be released from prison under more than 30 strict conditions Benbrika will also continue to receive psychological treatment but is allowed to reject unreasonable psychiatric treatment if the therapies are unduly invasive, such as shock therapy or medication with adverse side effects. He cannot miss more than three sessions in a row. Benbrika didn't need to be forced to explain why he missed the occasional appointment due to his mental health, Justice Hollingworth said after the commonwealth attorney-general pushed that no sessions be missed without a reasonable excuse. The convicted terrorist will also need permission from the police to start a job or volunteer and cannot visit numerous public places. He will be blocked from discussing terrorist activities publicly but can do so in the course of his deradicalisation program. Police can also search and remove some of his books. The court needed to be satisfied that the offender posed an unacceptable risk to the community on the balance of probabilities to apply the order. Justice Hollingworth agreed the "relative risk is still unacceptable at this time" due to the serious nature of his offending. But she was satisfied "the combined effect of the conditions ... is reasonably necessary and reasonably appropriate and adapted for the purpose of protecting the community from the unacceptable risks that Mr Benbrika presents". Benbrika, who appeared in court via videolink, was convicted over plots to attack Melbourne landmarks in 2005, including the AFL grand final at the MCG. The opposition has slammed the government for not fighting to keep him behind bars. He will have to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet and police will be given extensive powers to monitor his electronic communications But part of the reason the Commonwealth opted for a supervision order over continuing detention that would have kept him behind bars was a report buried by the home affairs department under the former coalition government. It found the methods used to assess the future risk a person poses to the community were no better than flipping a coin. Justice Hollingworth also revealed four other reports critical of the assessment tool had not been disclosed and slammed the Commonwealth for its secrecy. The Commonwealth decided to apply for a supervision order after Benbrika's lawyers seized on the Corner report to challenge the veracity of the detention order he was under once it came to light. Preventative detention was an exceptional measure within a legal system that was "the exception, not the norm", Justice Hollingworth said. The legal system's role "is not to detain people to prevent a crime that they may or may not commit in the future", she said. beyondblue 1300 22 4636 An 8-year-old San Diego boy and his 4-year-old brother were killed after a car trying to escape a police chase slammed into their family's vehicle. Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were riding in a family friend's Honda on Interstate 405 on December 8. At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado who suddenly slammed into the Honda. Velasquez Salgado - who did not have a driver's license - was allegedly going at around 100mph when he rear-ended the Honda, according to prosecutors. The crash caused the vehicle to crash into a tree and burst into flames almost immediately. 'This tragedy isn't fair, I'm really lost for words I just appreciate everyone's love and support,' the boys' godmother Brittany Phommavong stated. Malikai and Mason Orozco-Romero were killed after a car trying to escape a police chase slammed into their family's vehicle, causing a massive wreck It's unclear why police tried to stop Velasquez Salgado. A family friend who serves as the kids' nanny was driving the car, while the boys' mother Victoria was in the passenger seat. The two children were killed immediately. The boys' mother is still in a hospital for injuries she sustained in the crash. The children's nanny driving the car also suffered injuries. Velasquez Salgado is accused of trying to run away from the scene, taking off his clothes in an attempt to disguise himself. He was arrested a few blocks away after he was found hiding in a residential neighborhood. Velasquez Salgado also rear-ended the car of an older woman, injuring her, earlier in the car chase. After initially being jailed on bail of $1million, Salgado has since had bail revoked at the prosecution's request. The boys were riding in a family friend's Honda on Interstate 405 on December 8. At the same time, police were pursuing a BMW driven by 20-year-old Angel Velazquez Salgado who suddenly slammed into the Honda Velasquez Salgado - who did not have a driver's license - was allegedly going at around 100mph when he rear-ended the Honda, according to prosecutors The boys' mother (pictured center) is still in a hospital for injuries she sustained in the crash A GoFundMe has been started to support their mother and pay for the boys' final arrangements. Their father died last year He pleaded not guilty to two murder counts, as well as charges of gross vehicular manslaughter, hit and run, felony evading and driving without a license last week. If convicted, Velasquez Salgado faces anywhere from 39 years and four months to life in state prison, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Phommavong started a GoFundMe and said Malikai and Mason's father, Tyrone, died just this past year. 'Everyone who knows these kids knows no matter what they were going through they always carried a beautiful smile on their face,' Phommavong wrote. In addition, their mother has suffered from lupus since she was 11 years old. The page has raised over $22,000 of the $40,000 they're attempting to use on funeral costs and Victoria's medical bills. Westpac and St George electronic banking services have been hit by an outage as thousands of customers complain they cannot access their cash including in the online banking app. The outage was first reported at around 10:50am on Tuesday morning and is just weeks after Westpac's online services had another widespread outage, going down on December 4. Some customers said their account balances had 'suddenly disappeared' when they logged into internet banking. Others reported the app was showing a 'service disruption' message. ATMs also appear to be experiencing the issue with the bank posting signs at some locations that that their ATMs are unavailable 'due to a nationwide issue'. Customers unleashed at the bank on social media, with more than 2,600 people reporting the service as down as of 11am Monday, according to DownDetector. 'Great job at round Christmas time, no internet banking and yet you make billions in profits, screw the customer and close branches ,' one frustrated user complained. Aussies were unable to access their money when using the Westpac app and online banking on Tuesday leading many to complain The outage also appears to be affecting ATMs with the bank posting notices at some locations Westpac advised customers they could not access their money because of a 'nationwide issue' Other customers said they were annoyed the app had gone offline on multiple occasions in recent months. 'Get your sh** together. Fourth time in four months your app is not allowing me to access my own money! Taking my money elsewhere. Over it ,' one said. A third declared: 'Leaving Wetspac. Absolutely ridiculous.' 'Your system is down again. Not just the app. Christmas week and we can't get our money. I'm done,' yet another irate customer shared online. Westpac confirmed in a statement on Tuesday the issue was affecting online, mobile and telephone banking. 'We're aware that customers are experiencing intermittent issues accessing online, mobile and telephone banking. Our teams are working to fix the issue.' 'We're sorry for the inconvenience and will continue to share updates here.' Were aware that customers are experiencing intermittent issues accessing online, mobile and telephone banking. Our teams are working to fix the issue. We're sorry for the inconvenience and will continue to share updates here. Westpac Bank (@Westpac) December 19, 2023 The disruptions come as Westpac and other major banks close branches and reduce the numbers of ATMs as Australia moves towards a cashless society. But the shift to digital transactions has sparked concerns. Older Australians not familiar with online banking could struggle without access to cash, as could regional communities who may have to wait days for any malfunctioning payment systems to be fixed. The cashless society also means people have no choice but to be a bank customer and pay them fees, as well as raising privacy concerns in a society where every purchase of any good or service can and will be tracked. Customers also become at the mercy of technical problems, unable to pay for anything during periods when their bank suffers any technical problems. Relatives after not hearing from her for over a week reported her missing Dec. 12 Alice Kamakaokalani Herrmann, 61, was last seen in Santa Cruz on December 3 A woman has gone missing and her ex-rocker boyfriend is considered by police a person of interest. Alice 'Alyx' Kamakaokalani Herrmann, 61, was last seen in Santa Cruz on December 3, police said. Her boyfriend, 54-year-old Theobald Brooks Lengyel - who goes by 'Theo' - has reportedly 'not cooperated' with their investigation. Since making contact with Lengyel - a founding member of San Francisco funk-metal band Mr. Bungle - El Cerrito police have declared him a person of interest in Herrmann's disappearance case. After not hearing from her for over a week, her family reported her missing on December 12. El Cerrito cops found her vehicle in front of the El Cerrito home of her boyfriend, after he traveled by car from El Cerrito to Portland, Oregon, in the days following Herrmanns disappearance, authorities said. Theobald Brooks Lengyel - a former San Francisco musician who goes by 'Theo' - has reportedly 'not cooperated' with cops after the December 3 disappearance of his Girlfriend Alice 'Alyx' Kamakaokalani Herrmann, 61, was last seen in Santa Cruz, and her car was found parked in front of the El Cerrito home of her formerly famous boyfriend '[He] has not cooperated with the police investigation,' El Cerrito police said of Lengyel. The police statement notes how cops have taken custody of both of the couple's vehicles - and 'are looking for information about the actions of both [Lengyel] and [Herrmann] from December 3, 2023, to present.' Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the El Cerrito Police Department as it continues the investigation, which is being bolstered by detectives from the Capitola and Portland Police Departments. Investigators also asked residents who spend time in regional parks and 'open spaces' to be on the lookout for anything suspicious, suggesting such sights could lead to clues about the missing woman's whereabouts. Cops said Herrmann, a 5-foot 4-inch tall Pacific Islander woman, is rarely without her red 2007 Toyota Highlander SUV, Lengyel - a 5-foot 10-inch, 170 pound former Saxophone player - drives a blue 1989 Ford pickup truck. Investigators said he also goes by the name 'Mylo Stone.' Still not officially a suspect, Lengyel is the only person of interest who has been named in the now nearly week-long case. He played saxophone, clarinet and keyboards in the Humboldt County rock group that he joined at age 16 in 1986, before getting signed to Warner Bros. after a move to San Francisco in the early 90s, during which they attained commercial success. After not hearing from her for over a week, her family reported her missing on December 12 Cops said Herrmann, a 504 tall Pacific Islander woman, is rarely without her red 2007 Toyota Highlander SUV. Lengyel, meanwhile - a 510, 170 pound former Saxophone player - drives a blue 1989 Ford pickup truck. Both cars are currently in police custody Seen at left around 1990, Lengyel played saxophone, clarinet and keyboards in the Humboldt County rock group that he joined at age 16 in 1986, before getting signed to Warner Bros. after a move to San Francisco in the early 90s Their 1991 debut, self-titled Mr. Bungle, received mostly rave reviews, with journalist Bill Pahnelas at the time labeling its fusion of metal, funk, ska and freeform jazz 'an incredible musical tour de force' Lengyel left the band during the second quarter of 1999 due to unspecified 'creative differences' with other members, and has since disappeared from the music scene Their 1991 debut, self-titled Mr. Bungle, received mostly rave reviews, with journalist Bill Pahnelas at the time labeling its fusion of metal, funk, ska and freeform jazz 'an incredible musical tour de force.' Lengyel plays keyboards on the album, and woodwinds, keyboards and organ on the band's first and second studio installment, 1995's Disco Volante. He also appears along with several other Mr. Bungle members as a special guest on the Melt Banana song 'Area 877 [Phoenix Mix]', from their 1998 album Charlie. He left the band in 1999 due to unspecified 'creative differences' with other members, and has since disappeared from the music scene. Mr. Bungle bassist Trevor Dunn recalled in a 2005 interview how Lengyel left the band on bad terms. 'We unanimously decided to go on without him because he wasn't growing with the rest of the band and we were running out of things for him to do,' he said. 'He got pissed off and I haven't heard from him since.' Right-wing Tories have urged Rishi Sunak to fight the next general election on leaving an international human rights agreement if the Rwanda plan is blocked. Danny Kruger, co-chairman of the New Conservatives group, said the party would not win the election without committing to quitting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Together with other Right-wing MPs, he abstained in last week's crunch vote on Mr Sunak's Rwanda plan, saying the draft legislation was 'unsatisfactory'. Mr Kruger told the Inside Whitehall podcast: 'I don't think we will ever get back into power, if we go out of power. And frankly, I think we're going to struggle at the next election without this [leaving the ECHR] as well.' A host of Conservative MPs have long called for Britain to leave the ECHR. The convention established the European Court of Human Rights, which stopped flights carrying asylum seekers from taking off to Rwanda last year. Co-chairman of New Conservatives Danny Kruger (pictured, left) said that the Tories would not win the next election without pledging to leave the ECHR New Conservatives MPs leaving Downing Street last Tuesday after meeting Rishi Sunak over breakfast to discuss Rwanda legislation Miriam Cates, his fellow co-chairman, said there was a 'difference in view' among the party over the role of the ECHR, adding: 'There is this battle for the soul of the party and I think what's been going on over the past few days over the Rwanda Bill has laid that bare. 'That there is this... difference in view which is: should international law trump British law, or should British law trump international law? 'That kind of characterises the split within the party and obviously we very much believe in British sovereignty and taking back control.' At least 96 people have died and hundreds more injured after an earthquake hit north-west China on Tuesday, according to state media reports. The quake struck in Gansu province just before midnight local time, damaging buildings both there and in the neighbouring province of Qinghai. The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) had pegged the earthquake at a magnitude 6.1 in the region. The country's central government has dispatched teams of rescue workers early on Tuesday morning to help local teams, according to state media agency Xinhua. In a statement issued to officials, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said 'all efforts should be made to carry out search and rescue, treat the injured in a timely manner, and minimise casualties'. The quake struck in Gansu province around midnight local time, damaging buildings both there and in the neighbouring province of Qinghai At least 96 people have died and hundreds more were injured as a result of the quake. Pictured: Rescue workers searching in Kangdiao village A government worker looks at the debris of a house brought down in the earthquake in Jishishan county in northwest China's Gansu province Students evacuate from their dormitory at the Lanzhou University Yuzhong campus in Lanzhou, China There are reports of damage to water and electricity lines, as well as transportation and communications infrastructure. China's national commission for disaster prevention, reduction and relief and Ministry of Emergency Management have activated a level-IV disaster relief emergency, Xinhua reported. The quake was at a depth of 35 km (21.75 miles) with its epicenter located 102 km west-southwest of Lanzhou, China, EMSC said. The earthquake was felt in Lanzhou, the Gansu provincial capital, about 1,450 kilometers (900 miles) southwest of the capital of Beijing. China sits in a region where a number of tectonic plates - notably the Eurasian, Indian and Pacific plates - meet, and is particularly prone to earthquakes. Last year in September, at least 74 people were reported killed in a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that shook China's southwestern province of Sichuan, triggering landslides and shaking buildings in the provincial capital of Chengdu. Opposition leader Peter Dutton is being perceived by Aussies as a more experienced and decisive leader than Anthony Albanese, polling has found. The character assessments were part of the latest Newspoll, conducted for The Australian, with voters seeing very contrasting strengths and weaknesses of Opposition leader Mr Dutton and Prime Minister Mr Albanese. When asked to word associate, 58 per cent of voters identified Mr Dutton as a 'strong and decisive' leader compared to only 47 per cent saying that of Mr Albanese, which was the largest gap in the Opposition leader's favour. Mr Dutton was identified as 'experienced' by 70 per cent of voters as opposed to 66 per cent for the Prime Minister, while 57 per cent thought the Opposition leader understood 'major issues' while only 54 per cent said the same of Mr Albanese. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is being viewed as 'strong and decisive' leader compared to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, polling has found The last item might be considered a major potential problem for Labor with voters nominating cost-of-living as the issue that most concerned them most. In a focus group study held in marginal Queensland and South Australian seats by Melbourne pollster Redbridge the cost-of-living crisis emerged as the major source of disgruntlement with Mr Albanese's leadership 'I just don't see a lot of action on cost-of-living pressures. He's MIA,' one participant in said. 'He hasn't really addressed cost-of-living,' another agreed. 'There's global factors at play but I don't think he's done much concrete action on it.' However, it certainly was not all good news for Mr Dutton with the Opposition leader experiencing historically low associations for a number of character traits and aptitudes where Mr Albanese enjoyed a clear advantage in voter perception. When asked if they think Mr Dutton 'cares for people', only 45 per cent said he did, which is the lowest measure for any leader in the 15 years the question has been asked. By contrast, 61 per cent of voters thought Mr Albanese demonstrated caring characteristics. Mr Dutton's likeability was also the lowest measured during the polling's history at only 39 per cent compared to 57 per cent for Mr Albanese. He also set a new low bar for trustworthiness with only 41 per cent attributing this quality to him compared to 49 per cent for Mr Albanese. Mr Albanese rated higher than Mr Dutton on a number for a number of characteristics including likeability and 'caring for people" (pictured Mr Albanese centre holding his dog Toto who delighted members of the Australian Wallaroos women's rugby union team at a Lodge reception in February) The prime minister also scored higher on being 'in touch with voters (46 to 41 per cent), 'having a vision for Australia' (59 to 55 per cent). Also Mr Dutton was more perceived as arrogant (57 per cent) than Mr Albanese (46 per cent). Overall the Newspoll found Labor led the Coalition by 52 to 48 per cent two party preferred vote, which was a two per cent turnaround from the previous results, which saw the two sides neck-and-neck at 50 per cent each.. Both leaders are registering net disapproval ratings, with Mr Albanese on minus eight and Mr Dutton on minus 11. However, Mr Dutton has made substantial ground on Mr Albanese on the question of who would make the better prime minister. While Mr Albanese remains 11 points ahead on this measure Mr Dutton has almost halved that gap in the past six months. Jimmy Lai was arrested in 2020 during pro-democracy protests crackdown The trial of a Hong Kong media tycoon for 'national security crimes' began yesterday amid widespread international condemnation. Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, has described the prosecution of Jimmy Lai, who faces a possible life sentence, as 'politically motivated'. Mr Lai, 76, who published the now defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was arrested in 2020 following a crackdown on pro-democracy protests in the former British colony. He is charged with colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring with others to publish seditious publications. Lord Cameron has described the prosecution of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai as 'politically motivated' Mr Lai, 76, who published the now defunct Apple Daily newspaper, is charged with colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring with others to publish seditious publications His son Sebastien Lai, who met Lord Cameron last week, told the BBC's Today programme: 'This is entirely a show trial, there is no jury and three government-appointed judges.' Lord Cameron said: 'As a prominent and outspoken journalist and publisher, Jimmy Lai has been targeted in a clear attempt to stop the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and association. 'I urge the Chinese authorities to repeal the national security law and end the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.' Watchdog found channel had breached two parts of the Broadcasting Code Under-fire GB News received its latest official reprimand yesterday after one of its programmes promoted the channel's Don't Kill Cash campaign. The campaign called on the Government to 'introduce legislation to protect the status of cash as legal tender and as a widely accepted means of payment in the UK until at least 2050'. But industry watchdog Ofcom ruled an episode of The Live Desk, shown on July 7, breached two parts of the Broadcasting Code on due impartiality. The programme invited viewers to sign a petition and discussed the problems of a cashless society. GB News is under fire from Ofcom for its 'don't kill cash' campaign, to protect cash as legal tender in the UK until at least 2050 (File Image) But Ofcom found the channel had breached two parts of the Broadcasting Code on due impartiality, after GB News only 'offered limited references to different perspectives' on a matter of political controversy and current policy (File Image) Ofcom found the topic was a matter of political controversy and current public policy as Parliament was passing a Bill on it at the time. GB News offered 'only limited references to different perspectives,' the ruling said. It is the fifth time the channel has been rapped for failing to follow such rules since its launch two years ago. Ofcom is running five more probes involving Don't Kill Cash. The network said: 'We maintain our campaign was not political and so did not consider it invoked due impartiality rules.' The criminal justice system is treating victims' rights as a 'box-ticking exercise', watchdogs have warned. A report, published today, revealed that in some cases, police bickered amongst themselves about taking responsibility for an investigation, leading to delays. Numerous failings mean police and other agencies are letting down victims of crime, found a joint inspection by three criminal justice inspectorates. The report described how, in one force, crime reports received by the police control room were sent to a shared email inbox and then allocated to investigators. 'But we were told once the cases were allocated supervisors often then argued about which team should take the case,' it said. There was also 'poor communication' between different parts of the criminal justice system 'This had resulted in delays to some investigations.' The Victims' Code was first introduced in 2006 and the latest version sets out rights including a requirement on police and other agencies to keep victims informed about investigations and prosecutions. The report said: 'We found that instead of trying to meet the needs of victims, the three bodies focused on whether they complied with the 12 rights set out in the Victims' Code. 'This focus on complying with the letter of the Victims' Code, rather than the victim's individual needs, has resulted in an emphasis on process rather than quality. 'We saw some evidence in cases we reviewed that this victim's right had been met. 'But this was often a 'box-ticking' exercise with no evidence of the quality of the engagement with the victim or whether it met the individual victim's needs.' One victim of a violent crime described how they only learned of a court hearing by reading Facebook rather than being directly notified by police, while another said: 'This lack of support severely impacted me.' In another case, a victim spent time writing an 'emotional' statement about the personal impact of a crime, expecting it to be read in court during the offender's sentencing - but was 'furious' to discover it was never passed to prosecutors by police, and had been left languishing 'on somebody's desk'. One victim of a violent crime described how they only learned of a court hearing by reading Facebook rather than being directly notified by police (Stock Image) Police sometimes failed to carry out assessments of victims' needs - such as whether they were vulnerable - and some that were completed 'lacked important details', the report said. There was also 'poor communication' between different parts of the criminal justice system, added the review by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, His Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation. The Victims and Prisoners Bill, currently going through Parliament, will toughen the code by making it part of primary legislation for the first time. But the report warned that the measures would only help alongside 'practical changes'. 'Care will need to be taken to implement the measures in the Bill in a way that does not reinforce the current emphasis on process without sufficient regard to quality,' it said. Police sometimes failed to carry out assessments of victims' needs - such as whether they were vulnerable - and some that were completed 'lacked important details' (Stock Image) Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: 'The findings in this report are depressingly familiar - once again victims are too often not getting the service they are entitled to. 'It is vital the whole of the criminal justice system works together to improve the service it offers to victims. 'If the recommendations in our report are implemented I am confident they will help to make sure that quality support for victims of crime is placed at the heart of the criminal justice system, where it belongs.' The report, published today, made six recommendations including a series of new 'minimum standards' which should be observed by police and other agencies. Katie Kempen, chief executive of charity Victim Support, said: 'This report lays bare the reality that too many victims are being failed by the criminal justice system. A victim who spent time writing an 'emotional' statement about the personal impact of a crime, was 'furious' to discover it was never passed to prosecutors by police (Stock Image) 'Time and again victims aren't being referred to vital support services, given the chance to make a Victim Personal Statement, or updated about their case. This isn't good enough. 'Criminal justice agencies - including the police - must be held to account for the service they deliver to victims. 'We urge the government to use the Victim and Prisoners Bill to strengthen victims' rights and make sure that they are monitored and enforced.' Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, said: 'Complying with the Victims' Code must go beyond simple box-ticking. 'Police, prosecutors and probation are prioritising process over helping victims. It re-enforces my own view that all too often our criminal justice system hits the target but misses the point.' A Government spokesman said: 'This Government is doing more than any other to improve the experiences of victims - including quadrupling funding for support services and improving training for staff who work with survivors. 'However, we recognise that there is more to do, which is why alongside our landmark Victims' and Prisoners Bill, we will be working with criminal justice bodies on a Victims' Code campaign in the New Year to better inform victims about their rights under the code and to ensure their needs are met.' Coles in Alice Springs has resorted to installing high-security steel roller doors to prevent robberies amid an ongoing crime epidemic in the Northern Territory. Community group Action for Alice shared a video from Evolve Electrical NT showing the newly-installed shutters on Sunday. Coles was one of the last businesses to install the doors in Alice Springs' CBD, which has recently earned itself the nickname 'Roller Shutter City'. The drastic measure comes as residents continue to plea for government intervention as the town's crime spree worsens. Locals claim gangs of violent youths, car thefts, break-ins and robberies have become an everyday occurrence. Businesses in Alice Springs' CBD have been forced to install new security measures as crime in the area continues (pictured, a business attack in Alice Springs last Tuesday) As businesses continue to increase security, commenters weren't surprised by Coles' latest installation. 'The little darlings will take it as a challenge,' one wrote. 'I use to leave the car running, run in and get my bread and milk. My how things have changed,' another said. 'So sad, especially when the business has to cover the cost for no fault of their own! The price of being in business in this town,' a third wrote. 'I don't even think jail has this kind of security,' another wrote. Evolve Electrical responded to the comments, writing: 'Alice is still a great town but something needs to be done. 'We love to help business owners and also home owners protect their assets in times like this. 'Roller shutters and security lights seems to be a priority at the moment for our clients.' A Coles spokesperson said the security shutters were installed to help prevent theft. 'Coles has a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores including CCTV, electronic article surveillance, and in Alice Springs we installed these roller shutters in line with other businesses in the area,' they said. Coles Alice Springs installed new steel roller doors (above) last week to help prevent break-ins Residents say car thefts and gangs of youths wandering the streets at night has become the new normal (pictured, cars broken into this month) Alice Springs was once a prime destination for tourists wanting to see one of Australia's most iconic landmarks and Indigenous heritage sites, Uluru. However, in recent years the town has turned into a 'war zone' - driving away tourists and locals alike. READ MORE: Jacinta Nampijinpa Price breaks down in tears over Alice Springs' crime wave Advertisement Media coverage on the wave of violent crimes in Alice Springs was enough to draw a visit from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In January, Mr Albanese promised residents they would see action 'as soon as possible' but admitted there were no 'easy, off-the-shelf solutions'. 'It is not just about alcohol. It is about employment, about service delivery, about getting staff on the ground,' he said. Action for Alice claim little has actually changed in the outback town, despite claims of progress by the NT Government and police. NT Police claimed crime recorded in Alice Springs in May had dropped to its lowest level in four years. 'The reality of it is it gives you a chance to recapture and regroup,' Deputy Commissioner Murray Smalpage said. 'There's still lots of other outstanding work that then gives us a bit more opportunity that we can dive back into when we get a bit of free time. 'Is it a tactic? Is it the weather? Is it alcohol-reduction strategies? It's not clear at the moment. 'But the reality is, for the community of Alice Springs, it's really good news, regardless for how we got there.' Stephen Halleron from Evolve Electrical said businesses are still going lengths to install new security measures. Locals say little has changed in Alice Springs since Anthony Albanese visited in January and promised they would see action 'as soon as possible' (pictured, a crashed car left in the CBD earlier this month) Stephen Halleron from Evolve Electrical said he is increasingly installing new security measures for businesses around Alice Springs as they try to limit damage from vandals (example above from Monday) 'At the moment, with the increasing crime rate, we will see more and more of these shutters required in residential premises and commercial properties over the next few years,' he told news.com.au. 'The bulk of our work comes from the increase crime [and demand for] roller shutters, roller gates, security lights and so on.' He added locals feel like 'we've been left behind' because Alice Springs has become 'a failed system'. 'The town is still hurting but nothing gets reported anymore. Nothing gets done,' he said. Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has resigned following revelations she holds undisclosed shares in a manganese mine. Ms Fyles made the announcement on Tuesday at a snap press conference after flying back to Darwin after she attended her father-in-law's funeral on the weekend. She said she had made an oversight and did not declare a share parcel which came about after a BHP demerger. 'It was an error on my behalf and I don't have any excuse for that. It was not deliberate, it was not intentional but it's unacceptable' she told reporters. 'For this reason I feel the honourable action is to resign as chief minister.' Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has resigned following revelations she holds undisclosed shares in mining company South32 Her resignation comes less than 24 hours after it was revealed she holds undisclosed shares in South 32 which owns the GEMCO manganese mine in the remote community of Groote Eylandt. Earlier this year, she said the government would not investigate air pollution levels or health impacts after community members raised concerns over potential manganese dust leaks. The revelation of her shares, worth just over $2,000, sparked calls from opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro for her resignation alongside rumours of a leadership change from inside NT Labor. Ms Finocchiaro said Ms Fyles actions represent a 'profound betrayal of public trust'. 'If these reports of more secret shares are true, she has knowingly misled Territorians again and must go,' Mrs Finocchiaro said. Senior Labor figures were said to be alarmed by Ms Fyles' failure to declare her shares in South 32, which are worth less than $2500. One Labor source said Ms Fyles was considering her position while returning to Darwin from an out-of-state trip, according to Sky News. Another said there was a '90 per cent chance' Ms Fyles would step down from the top job. Ms Fyles faced growing pressure after a string of share scandals came to light Ms Fyles has faced growing pressure in the last few months, with the GEMCO revelations the latest in a string of shares scandals. Last month Ms Fyles was forced to divest shares in Woodside, after media and federal politicians called into question potential conflicts of interest, in particular the government's large-scale expansion of the NT gas industry. Last week Ms Fyles was referred to the NT's Independent Commissioner Against Corruption by an independent backbencher over potential conflicts of interest. Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison is tipped to be her replacement going into next year's territory election. Ms Fyles will contest her seat of Nightcliff at the 2024 election. A new man-made beach has opened in western Sydney to mixed reviews as temperatures soar across the city. Already dubbed 'Pondi' by locals in reference to the iconic Bondi beach in the city's eastern suburbs, Penrith beach opened to the public early Tuesday morning. Visitors have flocked to the new site as the local temperature was forecast to hit a sweltering 38 degrees on Tuesday afternoon. All of its 700 parking spots had reportedly been pre-booked days in advance. The new swimming spot is located just a few kilometres from Penrith's CBD and will be much more convenient for locals looking to cool off in the summer heat than travelling to popular beaches in the city's east. A new man-made beach in Penrith, in Sydney's west, opened to the public on Tuesday Visitors reportedly flocked to the new swimming spot as the local temperature was predicted to hit 38 degrees on Tuesday afternoon Adam Leto, CEO of the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, said the site which has a shoreline as long as Bondi Beach and a backdrop of the Blue Mountains has been years in the making. 'This is a historic day, after many years of advocacy and battles with bureaucracy, this pristine watering hole is finally open to the public hopefully it's just the start of things to come,' Mr Leto told Nine News. 'This transformational project will provide much-needed access to safe, clean and cooling recreation, and is truly a win for the West.' The beach is located in the area of Castlereagh on the western Sydney lakes system and is the result of a $1.7million NSW government investment. The site will be open seven days a week from Tuesday until March 2024 The new swimming spot will come as a relief for residents in the city's west given Penrith was designated the hottest place on Earth in 2020. Penrith regularly cops temperatures 10 degrees hotter than the city's eastern suburbs. Kids testing the beach during a sneak preview in November gave it rave reviews. 'We love there's not huge waves actually,' said local Katrina Patridge. But not every local said they were keen to go for a swim there, given the extraordinary temperatures the area suffers at the height of summer. 'Last place I'd want to go on a 40-degree day (would be) Penrith beach, and I live out west,' one said. Some social media users were also cynical about the new beach. 'Literally a few loads of sand dumped by the lake and there's "Penrith beach",' one comment read. 'That's not a beach that's a pond lol Penrith pond hahaha,' another said. While a third said they would 'rather drive 40 min to the ocean where it's 10 degrees cooler as well'. The beach will be open from 7am to 7pm each day except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day and visitors will be able to drive there, if they register in advance. Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday set himself on a collision course with Joe Biden as he enacted sweeping powers to deal with the migrant crisis. The laws will enable cops to arrest illegal migrants and allow judges to boot them back across the Mexico border. The Republican governor said it could slash the number of crossings by up to three quarters - but the Biden administration is bound to attack its constitutional legality. It comes as 2,000 migrants are crossing the frontier everyday, with Texas bearing the brunt of the crisis. Biden has failed to confront the spiraling humanitarian disaster at the border and even received criticism from within Democratic ranks. Opponents have called Abbott's measure the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law - denounced by critics as the 'Show Me Your Papers' bill - that was largely struck down by the US Supreme Court. The law will likely face a quick legal challenge by the White House, which has pushed back on the Governors previous attempts to reduce the flow of migrants. Gov. Greg Abbott signed three bills into law at a border wall construction site in Brownsville, Texas More than 1,000 migrants wait in line to be processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico on Monday in Eagle Pass, Texas Migrants wait to climb over concertina wire after they crossed the Rio Grande and entered the U.S. from Mexico, seen in September in Eagle Pass, Texas The law, known as SB4, takes effect in March and allows any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest people who are suspected of entering the country illegally. Those who re-enter face penalties ranging from 180 days in jail to 20 years in prison. Abbott, who signed the law in front of a section of border fence in Brownsville, Texas, predicted the number of people crossing illegally into Texas would drop by 'well over 50 percent, maybe 75 percent.' He did not offer evidence for such an estimate. Once in custody, illegal migrants could either agree to a Texas judge's order to leave the US or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Migrants who don't leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges. Abbott accused the White House of doing 'nothing to halt illegal immigration.' 'Joe Biden's deliberate inaction has decimated America,' Abbott said. 'The consequences of [the new law] are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas,' he said. Abbott claimed 8million people have crossed the border illegally since Biden, a Democrat, took office in January 2021. Abbott defended the new law as constitutional, saying Texas had been left to 'fend for itself.' Typically, immigration policy and enforcement have been the responsibility of the federal government. But several southern governors have taken the matter into their own hands saying Biden has dropped the ball. Abbott said the bill passed by the Republican-majority Texas state legislature last month was needed to 'stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas.' Abbott said the bill makes it a 'criminal offense for illegal entry into Texas from a foreign nation. 'For repeat offenders it creates the offense of illegal reentry with a potential prison sentence term of up to 20 years,' he said. The bill also 'provides a mechanism to order an illegal immigrant to return to the foreign nation from which they entered,' he said. Migrant crossings have remained at roughly 2,000 per day within the Del Rio Sector with most of those being encountered Venezuelans, Hondurans and Colombians. A surge as many as 12,000 immigrants per day crossing the U.S. southern border has overwhelmed U.S. immigration authorities in recent weeks In this aerial view, Immigrants, many wearing mylar blankets supplied by the U.S. Border Patrol, try to stay warm after spending the night outside a processing center next to the U.S.-Mexico border on Monday The law adds another tension point over immigration amid a struggle between the White House and Senate negotiators to reach a deal on border security. Republicans in Congress are demanding changes to the immigration system in exchange for any help for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs. Texas Republicans have increasingly challenged the U.S. government's authority over immigration, saying President Joe Biden's administration isn't doing enough to control the 1,950-mile southern border. The state has experimented with a range of measures to deter people who cross illegally under its Operation Lone Star, including deploying National Guard troops to the border, blocking migrants with deadly concertina wire and installing a floating barrier over a stretch of the Rio Grande. Texas has bused more than 65,000 migrants to cities across America since August 2022 and recently installed razor wire along the banks of the Rio Grande, which has snagged and injured some asylum-seekers. A three-judge panel of 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month ruled that Texas must remove the floating barrier although Texas is seeking a review by the full court. In the state's most prominent action, it has bused 65,000 migrants to Democrat-controlled cities across America since August 2022 to alleviate the strain on its border cities and pressure Democrats. Still, migrants have continued to cross. Abbott signed into law sweeping new powers that allows police to arrest migrants who cross the border illegally and gives local judges authority to order them to leave the country Local organizations in Brownsville held a rally before a news conference announcing the governor's signing of three bills broadening border security policies in the state A migrant who crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico to the U.S. works their way through and over concertina wire and box car barriers in Eagle Pass, Texas On Monday, the U.S. government temporarily shut down two railroad border crossings in Texas, a move that rail operators said would hamper trade ahead of Christmas. Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's acting commissioner, said the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso were a response to more migrants traveling on freight trains, particularly over the last week. Miller said authorities are seeing 'unprecedented' arrivals at the border, topping 10,000 crossings on some days this month. Shortly after Abbott signed the new law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said it would challenge the measure in court. More than 20 congressional Democrats also signed a letter urging the U.S. Justice Department to sue to stop the law, known as Senate Bill 4. 'SB 4 is dangerous for the people of Texas and interferes with the federal governments exclusive authority over immigration and foreign affairs,' the letter read. In this aerial view, Texas National Guard troops direct a group of more than 1,000 immigrants towards a U.S. Border Patrol processing center after the migrants crossed the Rio Grande A line of immigrants is seen in Eagle Pass having crossed over from Mexico Mexico's government also has rebuked the measure. Under bilateral and international agreements, Mexico is required to accept deportations of its own citizens, but not those of other countries. Under the Texas law, migrants ordered to leave would be sent to ports of entry along the border with Mexico, even if they are not Mexican citizens. In September and October, Venezuelans were the largest nationality arrested illegally crossing the U.S. border. During debate in the Texas House in November, GOP state Rep. David Spiller pushed back against concerns the law would be used as a dragnet to arrest immigrants statewide. He said enforcement would mostly take place in border counties. But he also rebuffed several efforts by Democrats to narrow the law, including a proposed carve-out for police on college campuses. Because the illegal entry charge is a misdemeanor, which has a statue of limitation of two years, Spiller has said the law will not be used to target immigrants who have long been settled in the U.S. 'This is not, 'Round up everyone who is here illegally and ship them back to Mexico,'' he said during debate over the bill. Opponents have accused Texas Republicans of using the law as a vehicle to force the Supreme Court's new conservative majority to revisit its landmark 2012 Arizona decision. At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said Arizona may have 'understandable frustrations' with immigrants who are in the country illegally but that it can't pursue policies that 'undermine federal law.' An interview with former President Donald Trump's late first wife, where she claims he owned a book of Adolf Hitler's speeches and kept it at his bedside, is resurfacing after Trump said migrants are 'poisoning the blood of our country.' At a recent rally in New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump stood in front of a crowd of Republicans and said 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. Multiple outlets have dragged up a Vanity Fair profile from 1990 where Ivana, Trump's wife at the time, told her lawyer that Donald kept My New Order near his bed, which is a book of Hitler's speeches. Trump denied the accusation. '[W]hen he visits Donald in his office, Ivana told a friend, he clicks his heels and says, "Heil Hitler," possibly as a family joke,' Marie Brenner, reporting for the magazine, wrote. An interview with former President Donald Trump's late first wife, where she claims he owned a book of Adolf Hitler's speeches and kept it at his bedside, is resurfacing after Trump said migrants are 'poisoning the blood of our country' She later quoted Trump as responding to the accusation saying: 'If I had these speeches, and I am not saying that I do, I would never read them.' Hitler is one of the most prolific dictator's in history, rising to power as the leader of the Nazi Party, becoming Chancellor in 1933 and then assuming the title of Fuhrer und Reichskanzler in 1934. He later led Germany into World War II and orchestrated the Holocaust, killing 6million Jews. Trump told his supporters in a speech on Saturday in New Hampshire that migrants from 'all over the world' are 'poisoning the blood of our country' - a phrase he copied from Hitler. '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 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 told his supporters in a speech on Saturday in New Hampshire that migrants from 'all over the world' are 'poisoning the blood of our country' - a phrase he copied from Hitler Hitler is one of the most prolific dictator's in history, rising to power as the leader of the Nazi Party, becoming Chancellor in 1933 and then assuming the title of Fuhrer und Reichskanzler in 1934. He later led Germany into World War II and orchestrated the Holocaust, killing 6million Jews At a rally in New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump stood in front of a crowd of Republicans and said that illegal immigrants 'poisoned mental institutions and prisons all over the world' 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 Joe 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. Trump has previously been alleged to have compared himself to Hitler by former Chief of Staff John Kelly. Donald Trump apparently sparked a history lesson from a 'stunned' Kelly during a 2018 Europe trip when the then-president said, 'Hitler did a lot of good things,' a new book claims Kelly immediately pushed back against the comment, according to Michael Bender's upcoming book Frankly, We Did Win This Election obtained by The Guardian. Trump has previously been alleged to have compared himself to Hitler by former Chief of Staff John Kelly A book details that Donald Trump (right) 'stunned' then-chief of staff John Kelly (left) when he said during a 2018 trip to Europe to commemorate the end of World War I that 'Hitler did a lot of good things'. The duo lays flowers at the grave of Kelly's son at Arlington National Cemetery on May 29, 2017 'You cannot ever say anything supportive of Adolf Hitler,' Kelly told Trump during a trip to Europe in 2018 to mark 100 years since the end of World War I, Bender wrote in excerpts published Wednesday. 'You just can't.' Trump, however, was undeterred by Kelly's shock, instead going on to praise the Nazi leader's efforts to pull the German economy out of disarray in the 1930s after World War I. Bender wrote that Kelly told Trump that the German people would have been 'better off poor than subjected to the Nazi genocide.' The Wall Street Journal reporter said Trump denied making the comment. 'This is totally false,' Trump spokesperson Liz Harrington told DailyMail.com. 'President Trump never said this' 'It is made up fake news, probably by a general who was incompetent and was fired,' she added, taking a swipe at former chief of staff. A December 2018 report revealed Kelly and Trump were no longer on speaking terms and on December 28, 2018, the then-president announced Kelly would be leaving by the end of the year. Mick Mulvaney replaced Kelly as the White House chief of staff. The husband of a woman who stabbed her three children to death before killing herself is now suing the doctor and hospital that oversaw her care. Katica Perinovic, 42, murdered her children Claire, 7, Anna, 5, and Matthew, 3 one by one before taking her own life inside their Tullamarine home, north-west of Melbourne, on January 14, 2021. Their father, Tomislav Perinovic, had been out buying his family a new television set when the tragedy happened. His wife had been suffering from psychosis when she murdered her children. Mr Perinovic has since filed a writ with the Supreme Court alleging negligence by his wife's general practitioner Dr Abid-Ur Rahman and Melbourne Health, which operates under the name NorthWestern Mental Health. Arnold Thomas & Becker managing partner Lee Flanagan said Mr Perinovic had suffered through a 'traumatic experience'. Katica Perinovic, 42, murdered her children Claire, 7, Anna, 5, and Matthew, 3 one by one before taking her own life inside their Tullamarine home, north-west of Melbourne , on January 14, 2021 'We have issued a claim against the hospital and doctor that the wife had sought treatment from,' he said. 'Our investigations will seek to determine whether the two defendants had been negligent in the treatment and management of the wife's mental health.' The lawsuit alleges Mr Perinovic suffered 'severe psychiatric injury'. His wife had been under the care of Dr Rahman and NWMH between November 9, 2020, and January 14, 2021 - the day of the tragedy - according to the lawsuit. Mr Perinovic has earlier spoken out about his wife's decline in mental health. She resigned from the clinic where she'd worked as a physiotherapist for 16 years out of the blue at the end of 2020, and had suffered mentally during Melbourne's lockdowns. She went to see her local doctor after feeling anxious, paranoid and exhausted. She was referred to the Royal Melbourne Hospital's mental health department, NWMH. She was placed on medication after her second appointment Tomislav Perinovic has taken legal action against the hospital and doctor that oversaw his wife's care With less than a month before the tragedy, Ms Perinovic overdosed on her medications. She refused to go to hospital, telling her doctor the following day she had simply wanted to sleep. The NWMH was not made aware of the overdose until after her death. When Mr Perinovic arrived home on the day of the tragedy he found his bloody son in the front lounge with injuries to his head and arm. Unaware the remainder of his family lay dead in another room, he called Triple 0. While paramedics worked on Matthew, Mr Perinovic went into the rear living room and saw what his wife had done. 'They're all dead,' he told paramedics. A Coroner's report into Ms Perinovic's death was handed down in November last year. Coroner Audrey Jamieson stated she was unable to say 'with any degree of certainty' that the mother's death was preventable. 'I do however find that the mental health treatment that was provided to Katica Perinovic to be suboptimal in the circumstances,' she stated. 'I acknowledge and accept appropriate restorative and preventatives measures have been taken by NorthWestern Mental Health since the fatal incident.' Judge Jamieson made no findings on what impacts Victoria's lockdowns had in contributing to the sudden mental illness suffered by Ms Perinovic, or those tasked with helping her. 'I find that there were missed opportunities to intervene in the course of events preceding and leading to Katica Perinovic's death,' she stated. Father Tomislav Perinovic (left), the children and Ms Perinovic. Mr Perinovic has been left devastated by the tragedy The Royal Melbourne Hospital offered their condolences to the Perinovic family in a statement. 'Our staff make a solemn and genuine commitment to the safety and care of our clients,' the statement read. 'Melbourne Health (NorthWestern Mental Health) participated fully in the coronial investigation and carefully considered the Findings that were published. 'As we are aware that Mr Perinovic has issued legal proceedings in the Supreme Court against Melbourne Health, it would not be appropriate to comment further while that process is underway.' LIFELINE 13 11 14 Advertisement Aussie parents have been urged to keep an eye on their kids' nappies when they're at pools and water parks during this sweltering summer to prevent a 'code brown'. The warning came from Camden Council, who oversee the Macarthur region of southwest Sydney, who bluntly advised parents that water parks have to remain shut until the faeces are disposed of and the water is cleaned. The process of cleaning the park can take council workers up to 24 hours, stopping other families from accessing the pool and escaping the summer heat. Many locals will be flooding to the council's water parks after the Bureau of Meteorology said 'almost all of Australia' warned of a blistering summer. Parents have been urged to keep an eye on their kids this summer as a 'code brown' could shut down a pool or water park for up to 24-hours while it is cleaned (pictured, stock image) The warning was posted to the council's Instagram page where it showed Jordan, from the open spaces and parks division, explaining how much of an issue a 'code brown' really is for staff. 'It's really important to make sure your children's map are on and on properly because otherwise we could shut down the park for 24-hours to make sure the water is safe,' Jordan said. The council worker then walked through the process that must be undertaken when a code brown is found. The process included having to turn off the water, remove the 'solids' and spray the pool down with chlorinated water before conducting test to determines if it's safe. 'Don't forget code brown means shut down. We need everyone's help in making this park clean and safe this summer,' Jordan said. Camden Council doesn't allow parents to change their kids' nappies by the water and have instead provided them change rooms close by. A worker for Camden Council, Jordan (pictured), said he and his coworkers have to go through an extensive procedure to make sure the water is clean before opening the park Locals commented on the video saying the disgusting act wasn't uncommon at the park, with many thanking council workers for doing a 'sh*t job'. 'I have seen some pretty disgusting things there, shame for everyone else doing the right thing,' one wrote. 'Use swim nappies folks, regular nappies which are fully soaked in water will hold nothing, and will fall apart if a kid slips and squashes it,' a second wrote. 'Whats wrong with parents, ruin it for others. Keep kids covered!' a third wrote. Another user said it's 'honestly wonderful' that the council are taking 'instances like that... so seriously'. Savvy motorists have been urged to fill up their tanks at the cheapest point of the 'fuel cycle' before petrol prices climb during Christmas. Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association chief executive Mark McKenzie said it paid to look around because there could be a huge difference between the cheapest and most expensive fuel in city areas. Mr McKenzie said prices changed store by store, rather than by suburb, as individual outlets often played what he called game of 'discount leapfrog'. In Sydney on Tuesday afternoon a service station in the south-west Sydney suburb of Padstow was selling petrol for just $1.53 a litre while nearby outlets were charging $2.17, according to Petrol Spy. Motorists have been urged to take advantage of the 'bottom of the fuel price cycle' in various capital cities In Melbourne's north-east suburb of Preston an outlet was charging $1.66 a litre while nearby competitors where charging $2.15. Melbourne average fuel price on Tuesday was $1.87 a litre, according to analytics group Informed Sources. In Sydney, which is about a week ahead of Melbourne's price cycle rise, it was $2.03. However, Mr McKenzie predicted Melbourne and Sydney prices could peak at an average of $2.10 a litre by Christmas. 'I would definitely fill up sooner rather than later. And make sure to shop around because there are bargains out there,' he told the Australian Financial Review. A spokeswoman Eleanor Colonico for Victorian motorist group RACV said drivers in Melbourne should avoid paying more than $1.73 a litre on Tuesday. NSW NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said the best bargains were normally offered by independents who tried to keep prices at the bottom end of the cycle for as long as possible. Queensland RACQ fuel expert Ian Jeffreys said the average price for regular unleaded petrol across the state's south-east was $1.80 a litre. However, with a little looking around motorists might take advantage of the 33 per cent of stations that were charging below $1.75 per litre for regular unleaded. As petrol prices are set by individual stations it is worth checking out what is being offered in any close radius 'South-east Queensland is entering the cheap phase of its fuel price cycle, and we expect prices to stay relatively cheap over the Christmas and new year period,' Dr Jeffreys said. 'It's a great time to fill up and take advantage of this cheaper fuel, which is widely available.' Adelaide's average fuel price on Tuesday was $2.02 a litre, while it was $1.70 in Perth, $1.90 in Canberra, and $1.87 in Hobart and Darwin, according to Informed Sources. Ms Colonico said fuel prices could be determined by geographical area, availability, international benchmark prices, taxes, the value of the Australian dollar and levels of demand. The Pentagon announced the US is joining forces in a 10-nation military pact to try and counter terror threats in the Red Sea after a series of drone and missile strikes on commercial vessels. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the pact - which also includes the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain - early Tuesday in Bahrain. Ships transiting the Red Sea that have come under attack by drones and ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The group has said the attacks are in response to the Hamas-Israel war. The seriousness of the attacks, several of which have damaged the vessels, has led multiple shipping companies to order their ships to hold in place and not enter the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the security situation can be addressed. The Pentagon has announced that the United States is joining forces in a 10-nation military pact to try and counter terror threats in the Red Sea after a series of drone and missile strikes on commercial vessels The US military's Central Command reported two more attacks on commercial vessels Monday. The strikes have been making headlines since an American warship and multiple commercial ships came under attack in the Red Sea in early December. The Houthi, which rules much of Yemen, says its attacks are a show of support for the Palestinians and has vowed they will continue until Israel stops its offensive on the Gaza Strip - more than 1,000 miles from the Houthi seat of power in Sanaa. Houthi rebels have been launching a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea - as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel as it wages war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Yemeni rebels were officially recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States under the Trump administration - until Biden removed the militants from the list in 2021. In October, the Pentagon confirmed that Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney - stationed in the waters between Africa and Asia - was under attack. President Joe Biden has approved the United States' formation of the coalition Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the pact - which also includes the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain - early Tuesday in Bahrain Houthi rebels have been launching a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea - as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel as it wages war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Pictured: Palestinians celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis on October 7 In late November, Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired missiles at a US Navy destroyer off the coast of Yemen in a 'significant escalation' with American forces. Last week, a Norwegian-flagged tanker was hit by a cruise missile launched by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea in their latest attack on ships to protest against Israel's bombardment of Gaza. US military Central Command said the anti-tank cruise missile, launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, hit the Strinda and the destroyer USS Mason was providing assistance. Now, the collation will look to protect ships in the Red Sea and deter further attacks. 'This is an international challenge that demands collective action,' Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in statement released just after midnight in Bahrain. 'Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative.' Pictured: USS Carney, DDG 64, in Jacksonville, Florida. The Pentagon said: 'Were aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and will provide information as it becomes available' US military Central Command said an anti-ship cruise missile 'launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen' hit the Strinda and the destroyer USS Mason (pictured in 2021) was providing assistance US military Central Command said the anti-tank cruise missile, launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, hit the Strinda (file image) last night Some of the countries will conduct joint patrols while others provide intelligence support in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Several other countries have also agreed to be involved in the operation but prefer not to be publicly named, a defense official said on the condition of anonymity. The mission will be coordinated by the already existing Combined Task Force 153, which was set up in April 2022 to improve maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden. There have been 39 member nations in CTF 153, but officials were working to determine which of them would participate in this latest effort. Separately, the United States has also called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against the attacks. In a letter to council members, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Houthi attacks targeting commercial vessels legally transiting the international waterways continue to threaten 'navigational rights and freedoms, international maritime security, and international commerce.' The 15 council members discussed the Houthi threat behind closed doors Monday but took no immediate action. The United States has also called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against the attacks The 15 council members discussed the Houthi threat behind closed doors Monday but took no immediate action To date, the U.S. has not struck back at the Iranian-back Houthis operating in Yemen or targeted any of the militants weapons or other sites. On Monday, Austin did not answer a question as to why the Pentagon had not conducted a counterstrike. The United States and Britain have condemned the attacks on shipping, blaming Iran for its role in supporting the Houthis. Tehran says its allies make their decisions independently. Saudi Arabia has asked the United States to show restraint in responding to the attacks. A man who stabbed his wife more than 80 times in a 'ferocious murder' has been jailed for 19 years. Altaf Hossain, 54, attacked Syeda Nirupama in the garage of their home in Minto, south-west Sydney, following an argument in the early hours of Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019. The couple's two children, aged six and 10, were sleeping in their rooms at the time, when Ms Nirupama, 34, suffered horrific wounds to her face, neck, back, chest and arms. Hossain pleaded guilty to the murder last year and on Tuesday faced the NSW Supreme Court where he was sentenced to a non-parole period of 14 years and seven months. Altaf Hossain (right) attacked his wife Syeda Nirupama (left) in a 'ferocious murder' in the garage of their home in Minto, south-west Sydney Working from home employee learns fate after lifting up a goon bag during a video call with his boss at 11am Advertisement 'It is apparent that the offender acted with a very great degree of violence towards Ms Nirupama,' Justice Nicholas Chen said, 7News reported. 'The attack was ferocious ... there can be no doubt that she met her death in horrific and terrifying circumstances and, given the defensive wounds she suffered, must have experienced not only pain but terror in the final moments of her life.' After killing his wife, Hossain called an associate, who went to the house with his partner and found Ms Nirupama dead inside the garage. Hossain told them: 'I killed her' The couple also saw a lot of blood in the house, including bloody footprints in the kitchen, laundry and a bedroom. Emergency services arrived at the house just after 4am and pronounced Ms Nirupama dead. The tip of a knife was later found inside Nirupama's mouth during a post-mortem, while the rest of the knife was found at the scene. The Supreme Court was told that two days before the murder, Hossain told his wife's brother that he could not 'tolerate' his wife and sometimes thought about killing her. Ms Nirupama's brother also recalled Hossain saying that 'Because of things going on at home, I don't know what will happen, I may kill her. 'I may kill her and commit suicide or I will just commit suicide on my own.' The court heard Hossain was depressed when he murdered his wife and that he had been seeing a psychiatrist since 2012. The judge said he accepted the murder was not premeditated, but neither was it entirely spontaneous. Emergency services arrived at the house just after 4am and pronounced Ms Nirupama (pictured) dead The police and other emergency services workers are pictured at the scene of the crime Justice Chen said he was not satisfied Hossain was remorseful, despite his early guilty plea. His sentence was reduced by 25 per cent due to the early guilty plea - if he had not pleaded guilty he would have got a maximum of 26 years in jail. Hossain has been in custody since his arrest on the day of the murder and with his sentence backdated to that date, he will be eligible for parole in November 2033. 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 224 636 The assessment noted Russia pushed the message that 'Democrats were stealing the elections' in an effort to undermine the democratic process The intelligence community found strong evidence that China 'approved efforts to try to influence a handful of midterm races' A declassified intelligence report found foreign countries stepped up their efforts to interfere in the 2022 midterms compared to 2018 The efforts of foreign countries to meddle in the 2022 U.S. midterm elections appeared to intensify compared to 2018, according to a declassified intelligence assessment. The assessment, released Monday, cited a 'diverse and growing group of foreign actors' including China, Russia, Iran and Cuba. According to the report, there is strong evidence that China 'approved efforts to try to influence a handful of midterm races' involving candidates on both sides of the aisle. It was likely part of a series of directives by Chinese Communist Party leaders to 'intensify efforts to influence US policy and public opinion in Chinas favor,' which has been ongoing since 2020, the assessment noted. China doubled down on its efforts to divide rival parties in the United States, but focused most intently on a few specific candidates, the assessment claimed. A declassified intelligence report found that foreign actors increased their efforts to interfere in the 2022 midterms compared to 2018 (pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping) The report referenced a 'diverse and growing group of foreign actors' including China and Russia (pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin) Other countries mentioned were Cuba (left: President Miguel Diaz-Canel) and Iran (right: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei) None of the candidates China backed have been named. Support for, or in opposition, to candidates was based on whether Beijing thought their policy positions to be in its favor. The report mentioned that Beijing 'repeatedly have instructed officials to focus on Congress,' which was seen as 'a locus of anti-China activity.' Intelligence officials believe Beijing saw the midterms as an opportunity to portray American democracy as 'chaotic, ineffective, and unrepresentative.' As a result, messaging from the Peoples Republic of China was directed to focus on divisions on hot-button issues in the States including abortion and gun control. The report didn't look at the impact influence campaigns may have had on the 2022 midterm elections. Russia specifically sought 'to denigrate the Democratic Party before the midterm elections and undermine confidence in the election,' according to the assessment. The intelligence community strongly suspected this was an attempt to undermine U.S. support for Ukraine. As part of these efforts, the Kremlin 'conducted extensive research and analysis of US audiences,' identifying demographics and social media platforms that would most effectively amplify Russian propaganda. Among those targeted audiences were 'US constituencies that they believed were more sympathetic to Russias emphasis on "traditional values,"' the report states. The intelligence community confirmed that Russian military officials proposed to delay their withdrawal from the Ukrainian city of Kherson until the day after the 2022 midterm elections 'to avoid giving a named US political party a perceived win before the election.' Russia also sought to weaken confidence in the democratic process by casting doubts on the integrity of the midterm elections, the report concluded. This included claims that voting software was vulnerable to attacks, Americans expected cheating to impact the elections and the belief that 'Democrats were stealing the elections.' According to the assessment, Beijing is thought to have seen the midterms as an opportunity to portray American democracy as 'chaotic, ineffective and unrepresentative' The Kremlin identified demographics and social media platforms that would most effectively amplify Russian propaganda, the report says Broadly, foreign actors shied away from manipulating actual votes in favor of harming the public perception of the validity of elections' results The assessment said there was no known order from any leader to 'undertake a comprehensive, whole-of-government influence campaign' like Putin's 'Project Lakhta' in 2016 The report detailed Irans meddling in the congressional elections, concluding that Tehran sought to exploit perceived social divisions and undermine confidence in democracy. However, these efforts were limited by competing priorities including the need to manage ongoing unrest and protests in the country. The intelligence community also observed how countries like Cuba targeted particular candidates based on their willingness to advance policies that aligned with that country's interest. Overall, the report found that foreign actors shied away from manipulating actual votes in favor of influencing elections by harming the public perception of the validity of their results. The findings noted there was no known order from any leader to 'undertake a comprehensive, whole-of-government influence campaign' like the Russian effort in 2016. Advertisement Parts of Australia are suffering from a a thick smoke haze as an out-of-control bushfire rages on. Greater Sydney has recorded poor air quality due to a bushfire at Duck Creek in the Pilliga Forest, 570km north of the city. The blaze has burned through more than 130,000 hectares and authorities have warned that embers are continuing to pose a danger to homes. Smoke from the fire reached as far as Coonamble, Tamworth, Dubbo, Newcastle and Sydney. Smoke haze could be seen covering Sydney on Tuesday due to the bushfire at Duck Creek in the Pilliga Forest Smoke from the fire reached as far as Coonamble, Tamworth, Dubbo, Newcastle and Sydney The smoke haze in Sydney is expected to ease later on Tuesday as winds change. 'There is a forecast southerly change later this evening. So if you're tracking that on the weather apps, you'll see that slowly moving up the coast,' NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) spokesperson Greg Allan told 7NEWS. 'That should then push any smoke, and any other pollution, out of the Greater Sydney region. That won't be until later tonight, but that should help to clear the smoke.' According to the New South Wales state government's air quality testing data, the air in the suburbs of Parramatta North, Macquarie Park and Rouse Hill has been described as 'poor'. Sensitive groups have been urged to avoid outdoor physical activity if they are beginning to notice symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. It is also advised that these groups in affected areas close windows when inside and follow their own treatment plans. All other residents are advised to reduce outdoor physical activity if they notice any unpleasant symptoms. In Cammeray, Rozelle, Alexandria, Earlwood, Lidcombe, Liverpool, Bringelly, St Marys, Prospect, and on the Bradfield Highway, the air quality is recorded as 'fair'. The Pilliga Forest bushfire has burned through more than 130,000 hectares The blaze generated its own weather system which caused dangerous and erratic fire behaviour The Pilliga fire reached emergency level on Monday night as fierce winds spurred on the blaze, which even generated its own weather system. 'Overnight the fire generated a thunderstorm (pyro-cumulonimbus) to the southeast of the fireground, causing dangerous and erratic fire behaviour,' the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) said. Sydneysiders took to social media on Tuesday to share their experiences with the smoke haze. 'Was wondering why the sky looked particularly apocalyptic today,' one user wrote 'Imagine if we get bushfires and storms on the same day.' 'I'm in Parramatta and everything's covered,' another said. 'Can see and smell smoke in the Inner West. Cleaned my glasses a few times before I realised,' a third wrote. Ketamine could be upgraded to a Class A drug after a 26-year-old man became so addicted that his bladder shrank to the size of a toddler's. Rhian Rogers, from Atherstone, Warwickshire, was found in a bathroom of his shared house four days after he died from a dose of the Class B party drug in April. His mother Clare, a 47-year-old midwife, had spent thousands of pounds sending her son to rehab and flushed his drugs down the toilet in a bid to stop his substance abuse. Ketamine, which can bought for the same price as a takeaway coffee, is said to be the dealers' drug of choice because its Class B status means less jail time than being caught with Class A drugs like cocaine, ecstasy or heroin. The drug, often used at parties or festivals, has the false reputation of being safe, with many youngsters being unaware of its potentially fatal consequences. Rhian Rogers with his mother Clare, who spent thousands of pounds on rehab for her son The 26-year-old from Atherstone, Warwickshire, saw his bladder shrink to the size of a toddler's after taking the party drug Rhian's mother would flush his drugs down the toilet in an attempt to kick his addiction Data showed that one in four 16 to 24-year-olds have tried ketamine with one in 20 being regular users. Now families of Gen Ket - Generation Ketamine - are calling or law changes. The Home Office may now consider upgrading the drug following the death of Rhian, with urology surgeons raising the alarm after seeing a spike in so-called 'ketamine bladder'. It can lead to drug users becoming incontinent so they have to wear pads to work, start wetting their beds, carpets and furniture. Some even keep empty water bottles next to their bed so they can fill it with bloodied urine in the night. Rhian, who won two national awards for computer innovations at Jaguar Land Rover, had been on the NHS waiting list for treatment for his damaged urinary tract for so long that he began taking the drug as anaesthetic to relieve his pain. An invitation for his appointment arrived as his funeral was being arranged - 19 months after he was referred. His mother Clare is now fighting for more support to stop other youngsters like Rhian, who became addicted living alone in a flat in lockdown after using ketamine at music festivals, dying from taking the drug. 'This drug is a killer. It is taking bladders from young children,' she told the Times. Rhian was found in a bathroom of his shared house four days after he died from a dose of the Class B party drug in April Rhian and his girlfriend Chloe, 26, from Tamworth both started taking the drug at festivals 'Why is ketamine not class A when it is doing so much harm to our kids?' Ketamine causes the bladder to shrink, causing extreme pain and the need to urinate more often. Rhian's bladder issues were so bad that he had to have an en-suite room when he went to university in Nottingham and take four different types of pain killers, as well as two anti-inflammatory drugs. His mother previously told The Sun: 'Rhian was sporty and bright, with so many friends. He had everything to live for, but ketamine took all that away. 'He hardly drank and didn't do any other drugs, but ketamine became his tool to help him deal with his grief, numbing his pain.' Ketamine, which was upgraded from Class C to Class B drug in 2011, is used by vets as a tranquillizer for horses - and often dealers use an emoji of the horse when trying to sell it online. The drug - dubbed 'ket' or 'K' - is most often snorted in powder and can cause people to feel separated or detached from their body or physical environment. Home Office minister Chris Philp has now written to Rhian's MP Chris Tracey suggesting the Government is looking into reclassifying the drug. Rhian with his girlfriend at a festival 'If you have evidence that there are systemic harms caused by ketamine on a widespread scale, which may mean reconsideration of the classification from class B to class A is merited, then please do share this with the Home Office and I will make sure that it is considered very carefully,' according to The Times. Rhian's former girlfriend Chloe, 26, from Tamworth told the Sun: 'I was in and out of hospital with horrible side effects, but I still couldn't stop. 'For Rhian and me it started as a sociable, festival thing. But it escalated so quickly into the opposite, never leaving our flat.' Chloe finally gave up the drug after being reliant on it for almost a decade. Professor Adam Winstock, founder of research group the Global Drug Survey, said that while the risk of dying from a ketamine overdose is really low, the UK has been one of the leading users of ket for the last five to ten years.' Locals have slammed John Lewis' plans to build a 24-storey block of flats dubbed 'Waitrose Tower' above a store in south London. The retailer says the proposed building, on top of its Waitrose store in Masons Hill, Bromley, will deliver 353 new homes in a town centre location that will benefit local residents and businesses. But more than 60 neighbours have lodged objections with the council, primarily over the size of the development. One submission from a resident said: 'The proposed development is obscene. Grossly out of keeping with the town and setting a dreadful precedent for future schemes. 'Other smaller developments further up Masons Hill are perfectly acceptable but the Waitrose Tower is not.' Locals have slammed John Lewis' plans to build a 24-storey block of flats dubbed 'Waitrose Tower' above a store in south London The retailer says the proposed building, on top of its Waitrose store in Masons Hill, Bromley, will deliver 353 new homes in a town centre location that will benefit local residents and businesses Others said it would 'blight' the town centre and see everything around it 'dwarfed', while one claimed: 'We do not want a Croydon in Bromley.' Another said the tower would overlook their property and therefore 'affects my privacy'. Furthermore, the council's conservation officer has claimed the 'proposal is overly large and tall and will therefore have a negative harmful' on views in the area. However there have also been 24 formal comments of support for the plans. One backer wrote: 'I am in favour of this proposed development - I cannot believe that other local residents are against this, quite frankly what planet are they living on? 'This scheme should proceed, to ensure that additional flats are built in the centre of Bromley, on a brownfield site as well, so the objectors will have nothing reasonable to complain about.' John Lewis experts argue the design and make-up of the proposal means it would not 'loom' over its surroundings and is reportedly in talks with the Greater London Authority over grant funding that could increase the proportion of affordable housing to 35 per cent. A spokesman for the retailer said: 'We believe there's an opportunity to make better use of a town centre, brownfield site to deliver more for the community, which we have been part of for 27 years. 'By transforming the site we can deliver much-needed energy efficient rental homes as well as communal spaces, play areas, a new Waitrose store and create new jobs. 'We're continuing to respond to the comments received as part of the planning process.' A Bromley Council spokesperson added: 'A Planning Application has been received for a mixed-use redevelopment at the Waitrose site at 45 Masons Hill in Bromley town centre. 'The application is for up to 353 new residential units along with new commercial space, alteration to the existing store and connected surrounding works. 'The Planning process is ongoing, including consultation, with resident comments having already been received as part of this and residents are still able to provide their views for consideration in the usual way, prior to the application being determined in due course next year.' The late Prince Philip had a secret skill of being able to perfectly cut and peel a mango, Sir David Suchet has revealed. The Duke of Edinburgh showed off his 'incredibly dextrous' abilities to the actor at a Buckingham Palace lunch with the late Queen Elizabeth II. His knife skills were so impressive that Sir David went on to include them in an episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot in which the Belgian detective credited 'a certain Duke' with showing him how to eat one. Sending a copy of the film to the Palace, the acclaimed actor said he was henceforth known as 'Mango Man' by the late Prince Philip. Speaking to Candis magazine, the 77-year-old said: 'The Queen would sometimes host small, intimate lunches at Buckingham Palace and I was lucky enough to be invited to one. In The Theft of the Royal Ruby, Sir David Suchet's character Poirot spots a mango in a fruit bowl and demonstrates how to eat one, before telling the owner: 'A certain Duke taught me' The scene shows the Belgian detective cut a mango with a knife at a country house Poirot credits 'a certain Duke' with showing him how to eat the mango Sir David included the Duke of Edinburgh's skill in an episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot 'I was talking to the Duke of Edinburgh at the moment the fruit bowl reached me. I didn't want to break eye contact with him, so I reached over my shoulder and found I'd picked a mango. 'Now, the only think I knew about a mango was that it's best eaten in a bath when you can make as much mess as you'd like - but I was at Buckingham Palace. 'So, I made the snap decision. I turned to Prince Philip and said 'Excuse me Sir, I think I might embarrass myself if I try to eat this mango. 'He picked up the cue immediately - 'Don't worry', he said 'give it to me and I'll show you how'. So saying, and in front of everybody, he demonstrated how to cut and peel a mango. Prince Philip is pictured in London on October 18, 2013. He died on April 9, 2021 in Windsor Sir David Suchet at an investiture ceremony with the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2002 Sir David shares a joke with Queen Elizabeth II at the Almeida Theatre in London in March 1999 'He was incredibly dextrous in the process, at the end of which he looked at me and said 'Voila' - just like Poirot - everyone laughed.' Afterwards, Sir David rang his producer to tell him the method had to be included in a Poirot film. In The Theft of the Royal Ruby, as requested, Poirot visits a grand country house, spots a mango in the fruit bowl where he demonstrates how to eat one, before telling the owner: 'A certain Duke taught me'. 'The film complete, we sent a copy to the Palace,' he continued. 'Forever after, whenever I was at a function attended by Prince Philip he'd say 'ah, Mango Man'.' A woman who threw her dog from a second-storey carpark confessed to the horrific act of cruelty on social media saying she struggled to live with the guilt. Amy Lea Judge, 26, hurled her Maltese Shih-Tzu named Princess off the 9 metre-high carpark at Westfield Whitford City, north of Perth, in April last year. She pleaded guilty in Midland Magistrates Court and on Tuesday was sentenced to eight months in prison for animal cruelty, as well as a further two months for other unrelated matters. Confronting CCTV footage released by RSPCA WA on Tuesday shows Judge passing back-and-forth with Princess in her arms, before launching the helpless dog over the edge. Princess landed on the lower level of the carpark, where she was found by a passer-by who took her to the vet, thinking that she'd been hit by a car. She was put down after suffering internal haemorrhaging, a brain injury and spinal and pelvic trauma. Amy Lea Judge (pictured) threw her female Maltese Shih-Tzu named Princess off the 9 metre-high carpark at Westfield Whitford City, north of Perth, in April last year Confronting CCTV footage released by RSPCA WA on Tuesday shows Judge passing back-and-forth with the Princess in her arms, before launching the helpless dog over the edge She was also banned from owning any animal for a decade. According to RSPCA WA, Judge had confessed to the hideous crime on Facebook. 'I can't live with the guilt,' she wrote 'I threw my dog off the top story of a shopping centre carpark and watched her fall to her death, but she survived and needed to be put down due to how badly I injured her, all the damage I caused. 'I killed my dog. I need the truth out in the open it's ... tearing me apart I can't live with the guilt anymore.' Judge confessed to the shocking act in a Facebook post Judge later deleted the post and told an RSPCA WA inspector her account had been hacked. Magistrate Mark Millington said Judge had left the pet for dead in what he described as a 'planned, deliberate and intentional act', Perth Now reported. It was also found that Judge displayed a lack of remorse, blamed others and made excuses for her shocking behaviour. RSPCA WA inspector manager Kylie Green said the case was 'one of the most distressing I've seen in my 11 years as an inspector'. Judge was on Tuesday sent to prison for eight months for the animal cruelty charge and a further two months for other unrelated matters 'Dogs can be so trusting, and they rely on their owners to keep them safe. I can't think of a more disgusting betrayal of that trust. 'Today's outcome delivers some justice for the pain and terror poor Princess endured in her final hours.' Earlier this year, Judge's 23-year-old partner, Scott Frost, was fined $2500 and banned from owning animals for three years for failing to seek vet care for the animal. Judge was made eligible for parole. Fans of romantic comedy film Love Actually are continuing to flock to a mews house 20 years after it was featured in one of the most famous scenes of the film. Everyday dozens of tourists stand outside the pink three storey home in St Luke Mews in London's fashionable Notting Hill. At weekends according to residents there is a queue of people armed with mobile phones and selfie sticks standing in front of the terraced property and in the residential street where homes sell for over 2m. The street and the pink house played a starring role in the film when the character Mark, played by Andrew Lincoln, turned up on the doorstep of Keira Knightley's character Juliet to declare his love for her with a series of cue cards. With the 2003 film celebrating its 20th anniversary there has been an increased number of visitors gathering for photos outside. The street rose to fame after being featured in the 2003 film Love Actually. Pictured: Two women take photos of the iconic pink house Fans flock to take photos outside the pink three storey home in St Luke mews in Notting Hill after it famously featured in Love Actually two decades ago. Pictured: Tourists Dimitri Romeon and Michale La Bouffe pose outside the London home The street was featured in Love Actually when the character Mark, played by Andrew Lincoln, turned up on the doorstep of Keira Knightley's character Juliet to declare his love for her with a series of cue cards (pictured) The late TV presenter Paula Yates once lived in the Mews. Many of those attracted to the house had read about it on the internet and found it was a short stroll from Portobello Market in the heart of Notting Hill. Agonzi Clara and Anadar Lucas were on a three-day visit to London from their home in Lyon, France and decided to pay a visit to St Like's Mews. 'We read about the house on the internet, but we have also seen the film' said Agonzi, 21. 'It is a very beautiful road and the houses are unique. We had some spare time after looking round Notting Hill and decided to visit.' A group of Italian tourists who posed for photographs had been attracted to the street because of the 'cute' homes. 'I have heard of the film, but we did not come here just for the house but because the road is so lovely.' Other tourists include a pair of Japanese visitors who stopped briefly outside the property while dragging their suitcases along the cobbled street. Dimitri Romeron and his girlfriend Michelle La Bouefe, from Brittany, France, said they had been told by friends about St Luke's Mews. Many tourists attracted to the house had read about it on the internet and found it was a short stroll from Portobello Market in the heart of Notting Hill. Pictured: St Lukes Mews Tourists walk around and take pictures in St Lukes Mews, Notting Hill, after it featured in Love Actually Kiera Knightley's character Juliette (pictured opening the door of the house) lived in the pink house on St Lukes Mews in Love Actually 'I have seen the film and like it very much. I read about this location on a website and we decided to come and take a photograph.' Residents on the street said they are used to tourists stopping by to take photos of the house and the other homes. 'It does get worse at the weekends, particularly on a Saturday,' said a long standing resident. 'I've lived here over 20 years. It is not just the Love Actually film that attracts people but we have also featured in the series Ted Lasso. 'Film companies love to come here as the road is usually very quiet from traffic.' Scots are braced for even higher taxes today as the SNP tries to plug a 1.5billion hole in spending plans, Humza Yousaf's party is struggling to balance the books as it lays out a budget for the Scottish government's 60billion of annual spending. An extra income tax band is set to be created, despite fears - including from businesses and senior SNP figures - that it will drive people to leave the country. But experts say that will only raise a fraction of the revenue needed, and public services cuts might be the only way to address the shortfall. Tories have accused Mr Yousaf of trying to 'tax his way out' of trouble after 'astonishing mismanagement'. Critics point out that Scotland already gets significantly more funding per person from Westminster than England. Finance minister Shona Robison will unveil the budget at Holyrood this afternoon. Humza Yousaf's party is due to unveil plans to increase the tax burden further today as they struggle to fill a 1.5billion hole in the books The financial package is expected to introduce a 44 per cent band in Scotland from April. It could be applied to Scots' earnings between around 75,000 and 125,140, when the 47 per cent top rate kicks in Finance minister Shona Robison will unveil the Scottish government's budget this afternoon The financial package this afternoon is expected to introduce a 44 per cent band in Scotland from April. It could be applied to Scots' earnings between around 75,000 and 125,140, when the 47 per cent top rate kicks in. A council tax freeze has already been pledged, with the First Minister using his inaugural speech to the SNP conference to announce the plans. The Scottish Government has pledged the freeze will be 'fully funded' but there have been concerns about potential cuts to council services as a result. The Scottish Government will also have a decision to make on benefits, with Mr Yousaf having said in his run for the top job he would like to increase the Scottish child payment from 25 per child per week to 30. Reports have also suggested the Scottish Government will wipe debt accrued by some of Scotland's poorest pupils on school meals. An economic think tank warned last week that revenue from the new tax band could fall by 43million in its first year due to 'behavioural impact', including people moving away or finding new ways to protect their hard-earned pay. The Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) also disclosed SNP ministers are now facing a 1.5billion black hole in the finances. A report by the institute noted a widening tax gap may have a longer-term impact on migration, with more people looking to move to other parts of the UK or abroad. That would severely dent efforts by SNP ministers to attract workers to Scotland and damage recruitment in both the public and private sectors. Former finance secretary Kate Forbes who lost the SNP leadership race to Mr Yousaf earlier this year has said she does not believe increasing income tax will necessarily bring in more money. Former finance secretary Kate Forbes who lost the SNP leadership race to Mr Yousaf earlier this year has said she does not believe increasing income tax will necessarily bring in more money On a visit to RAF Lossiemouth yesterday, Rishi Sunak pointed out that Scotland is already the highest taxed part of the UK. He stressed that Westminster had already allocated the Scottish government its biggest ever funding settlement, adding that those north of the border will benefit from Jeremy Hunt cutting national insurance. The PM said: 'The first thing I'd say is the UK Government has provided a record amount of funding to the Scottish Government through the Barnett formula, so they're ultimately responsible for the finances here in Scotland. 'But I can tell you what we're doing in the UK is controlling spending and cutting people's taxes and that's going to kick in for everyone in Scotland and across the UK, a reduction in the rate of national insurance from 12 per cent to 10 per cent from January. 'That will save a typical person in work around 450 it's a significant tax cut. 'So that's what the UK Government is doing to help Scottish families with the cost of living, which we know is a priority for them. 'But ultimately, it's the Scottish Government that are responsible for their own finances it's already the highest taxed part of the UK and obviously it would be very disappointing to see that tax burden continue to rise in Scotland.' Yesterday Ms Robison hit out at the level of funding available to Scotland. 'In the face of a deeply challenging financial situation, this budget will reaffirm our social contract with the people of Scotland,' she said. 'The autumn statement was devastating for Scottish finances. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has acknowledged that it will lead to planned real-terms cuts in public service spending.' But she added: 'We refuse to follow UK Government spending decisions indeed, we are doing all we can to mitigate them. 'We are proud that Scotland has a social contract which ensures people are protected by a safety net should they fall on hard times. 'This contract underpins this budget, with targeted funding to protect people and public services.' The glamorous partner of kidnapped British millionaire Colin Armstrong is being quizzed by detectives after being rescued in a secret operation authorities in Ecuador have kept a lid on, unconfirmed local reports say. The Colombian-born woman, named locally as Katherine Paola Santos, was abducted along with 78-year-old former honorary consul Mr Armstrong at his ranch home on Saturday. Cesar Zapata, appointed as general commander of the country's National Police force earlier this year by former President Guillermo Lasso, has reportedly taken personal charge of the high-level probe along with a specialist anti-kidnap and extortion unit called UNASE. British intelligence services were today said to be assisting Ecuadorian police hunting Mr Armstrong and his kidnappers as fears for his safety continued to grow. The businessman was Britain's former honorary consul in the city of Guayaquil until his son Nick took over in 2016. Colin Armstrong, 78, and partner Katherine Paola Santos in Jamaica Mr Armstrong headed the British Consulate in the Ecuadorian port city of Guayaquil and has been honoured by the late Queen for his services to his country As well as founding and owning a large agricultural supply company in the South American country, he is a director along with his son of the 500-acre Tupgill Park Estate near Leyburn in North Yorkshire which has been the family home for more than 45 years. Ecuador's National Police have so far made only one comment on the kidnap, which happened around 2.45am local time on Saturday at the businessman's ranch called Rancho Rodeo Grande near the town of Baba in Los Rios province, two hours drive north of Guayaquil. In a tweet on Saturday, the force said: 'Following an apparent criminal act against a businessman in the early hours of this morning in Los Rios, specialist police units are carrying out operative and investigative work on the ground.' Mr Colin, as he was known affectionately by staff at the ranch, is understood to have been kidnapped in an operation involving more than 15 gangsters and forcibly bundled into a black BMW he owned with his partner, which was later found abandoned near the scene. There has been no comment about video footage that has emerged on social media purporting to show the woman identified as Katherine Paola Santos. The video shows her having an explosives vest removed by experts on Saturday afternoon at a property on a private gated estate in Samborondon near Guayaquil, said to belong to a relative of Mr Armstrong. The couple on a safari holiday before their reported abduction The town north of Guayaquil is the same locality where former MP Ricardo Vanegas' office is based. Last night it was reported Nick Armstrong, who helps run the family estate in North Yorkshire, had flown to Ecuador to help police locate his father. Colin's daughter Diana Armstrong-Bruns, an estate agent based in California, told MailOnline: 'This is a critical time, we've been told not to say anything to anyone. We just want my father back.' Mr Armstrong, who is thought to have previously been married to an Ecuadorian woman, has had a long association with the South American country. He founded Agripac in 1972. His adopted son Leo Morris helps run a restaurant at the family's Yorkshire estate. The estate now welcomes more than 150,000 visitors a year to an attraction known as the Forgotten Corner, which was originally built as a private folly. Mr Armstrong was awarded an OBE and CMG by the late Queen in 2011. Colin Armstrong, 78, and partner Katherine Paola Santos dressed up at an event together Colins daughter Diana Armstrong-Bruns, an estate agent based in California, told MailOnline: This is a critical time, weve been told not to say anything to anyone. We just want my father back Footage showing the aftermath of the kidnap was posted online shortly after it happened. A woman thought to be a member of staff filming inside the ranch took close-up shots of broken plates on the floor and a man who appeared to be holding a bandage to his head. She then walked into one of the bedrooms where there was blood over the bed and said as she focused in on the stained sheets: 'This is where they hit him. My God what is this!' Pictures on TikTok show Mr Armstrong and Ms Paola Santos enjoying a jet-set lifestyle prior to their kidnapping on Saturday The unidentified woman appeared to be referring to the man she had previously filmed sitting on the stairs nursing what looked to be a head wound. The British businessman and his companion were pictured enjoying a jet-set lifestyle together prior to their kidnapping. The images, posted as a montage by a local news organisation on TikTok, showed them on board a cruise ship and beneath the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. There are also images of the smiling couple on horseback and posing in front of Egyptian pyramids. There have been no reports yet any ransom demand has been made. 7-Eleven has confirmed it will start to wind back the number of ATMs in stores as Australia transitions to a more cashless society. It comes after some frustrated Aussies took to social media complaining that it's getting harder to find cash machines at the convenience chain's 762 stores Down Under. A 7-Eleven spokesperson in a statement to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday explained the company is 'reducing our ATM footprint'. 'As our offer evolves, some ranges and services are removed to provide room for new and high demand offers,' the spokesperson said. 'We are reducing our ATM footprint to respond to changing customer needs, although some stores will continue to provide ATM facilities.' 7-Eleven on Tuesday confirmed that it would be phasing down ATMs in its stores across the country A 7-Eleven spokesperson said: 'We are reducing our ATM footprint to respond to changing customer needs' (stock image) The news adds to ongoing concerns that Australia could go cashless in just three years after the nation's biggest banknote delivery company admitted last week its business model was under threat. Armaguard and Prosegur Australia this year gained regulatory approval to merge, giving the new company Linfox Armaguard a 90 per cent share of Australia's cash-in-transit market. This was based on a promise it would continue to deliver cash until 2026. Despite having a near monopoly, Linfox Armaguard Group chief executive Mick Cronin told Daily Mail Australia he couldn't guarantee his company could still deliver cash in three years' time. 'As cash usage declines, the cost of moving cash around becomes more expensive and the industry needs to develop a long-term and sustainable solution,' he said last week. The news adds to ongoing concerns Australia is headed towards a completely cashless society Linfox Armaguard Group's chief executive said he couldn't guarantee the company could still deliver cash in three years' time (stock image) Mr Cronin hinted future cash delivery would require government intervention, as his company held urgent talks with the Australian Banking Association. 'Linfox Armaguard is working with Treasury, the RBA, the ABA, major banks and related parties to devise a sustainable industry solution for the ongoing provision of cash in Australia,' he said. A Reserve Bank report released last month showed 73 per cent of transactions under $10 in 2022 were done with a card, compared with little more than half in 2019. During the last financial year, 718 automatic teller machines were removed, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority data showed. This occurred as 424 bank branches closed in the year to June. The number of branches has plunged by more than a third or 37 per cent since June 2017, but in six years, the number of ATMs has plummeted by 59 per cent. Australia has 5,693 ATMs still in existence - less than half the 13,814 level of June 2017. The number of bank branches has fallen to 3,588, down from 5,694. West End nightspot Tiger Tiger has been fined 120,000 after clubbers were accidentally served caustic soda instead of salt with their tequila shots due to a mix-up by bungling staff. Four women were rushed to hospital 'bleeding from their mouths' and vomiting after accidentally ingesting the cleaning chemical during the horrific incident back in December 2021. Other clubbers were so shocked by the incident that some believed there had been a terror attack in the club. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard the women visited the popular night spot in the Haymarket area of the West End and went to the bar to order shots. Did this affect YOU? Email dan.grennan@mailonline.co.uk The barman realised he had run out of salt for the shots as he was preparing the drinks. He then used a plastic cup to scoop out what he believed to be salt from a large white container on a shelf, in a horrifying error in an unlit storage area behind the bar, the court heard. West End nightspot Tiger Tiger has been fined 120,000 after clubbers were accidentally served caustic soda instead of salt with their tequila shots due to a mix-up by bungling staff Shots of tequila are traditionally served with salt and a slice of lemon or lime The punters poured out the caustic soda onto the back of their hands, licked it off and then threw the shot back. The women instantly fell ill and the barman knew something was wrong. He tasted the white powder himself and the corrosive cleaning agent burned his mouth, the council said. The women were given water to ease the burning and were taken to hospital for treatment. Members of the Metropolitan Police found the container of caustic soda in the storage. Last week, at Westminster Magistrates' Court, A3D2 Limited - the owners of Tiger Tiger - pleaded guilty to four health and safety breaches, by 'failing to ensure (customers) were not exposed to the risk of chemical substances'. The firm was hit with a 120,000 fine over the incident. Speaking about the incident, one insider told The Sun: 'A group of four women and a man necked the tequilas and used salt and lemon to soften the taste, then began to retch. There was panic. People thought it was some kind of terrorist incident.' Westminster City Council's deputy leader Councillor Aicha Less said she hopes the 'significant fine' the bar faced would prevent similar incidents happening in the future. Westminster City Council's deputy leader Councillor Aicha Less said she hopes the 'significant fine' the bar faced would prevent similar incidents happening in the future The firm that owns Tiger Tiger was hit with a 120,000 fine over the incident which took place two years ago She said: 'The shocking details of this case show a lack of attention and proper process for handling toxic cleaning chemicals. This incident shows that overlooking basic safety measures can have the most serious consequences. We hope the significant fine awarded in court acts to all businesses as a warning, preventing this from ever happening again. 'Westminster City Council's Health and Safety Team will continue to work with all businesses in the city to make sure the highest levels of health and safety are consistently maintained, and staff are educated in safe practice.' Tiger Tiger has been open in Haymarket since 1998 and say they are a 'staple of London's nightlife scene' on their website. Have you been affected by the eruption? Email: eleanor.blake@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement British holidaymakers are waiting anxiously to see if their flights to Iceland will be cancelled or delayed after the nation's volcano erupted last night, with local experts warning 'this is a very different creature to anything we've seen before'. The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula just north of the evacuated town of Grindavik began last night at around 10.17 pm after an earthquake swarm, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said, referring to a series of small shakes. Live-streamed footage of the eruption showed molten lava spewing into the sky from fissures in the ground, surrounded by billowing clouds of red smoke. There are fears that the eruption, which has seen 200 cubic metres of lava spewing out from the fissures every second, could cause havoc to air traffic travel after another Icelandic eruption in 2010 grounded thousands of flights across Europe and North America and saw holidaymakers stranded. Flights from Reykjavik's international Keflavik airport were delayed last night, with an EasyJet flight to Manchester standing on the tarmac for five hours before taking off at 1.35am due to the volcanic activity. Passengers were told by easyJet: 'We're sorry that your flight has been delayed. This is because volcanic activity in Keflavik (KEF) is causing restrictions to the areas in which aircraft are permitted to fly.' British holidaymakers are now waiting anxiously to see if their flights will be cancelled today - but the Icelandic government and airlines including EasyJet have said the airports in Iceland are 'not impacted' and flights should be operating 'as scheduled'. Indeed, Hallgrimur Indriason, a journalist from Icelandic state broadcaster RUV, said there was 'no threat to air traffic - at least not for now' with Reykjavik's international Keflavik airport remaining open today. This image made from video provided by the Icelandic Coast Guard shows magma flow on a hill near Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on Monday night Emergency personnel and scientists observe the billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image flying over an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik on Monday night A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts near Grindavik, Iceland, on Tuesday morning Local resident watch smoke billow as the lava colour the night sky orange from an volcanic eruption (left) on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik, western Iceland in the early hours of Tuesday morning Despite the obvious dangers. the Ministry of the Environment was forced to issue repeated warnings to those thinking about getting close to the volcano First aerial footage of the eruption shows nearly two miles of lava coming out of the fissure Billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image during an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula on Monday The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula just north of the evacuated town of Grindavik began last night at around 10.17 pm after an earthquake swarm, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said, referring to a series of small shakes Emergency personnel and scientists observe the billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image flying over an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik on Monday night Emergency personnel and scientists observe the billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image flying over an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik on Monday night A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts in Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday night A number of people can be seen watching the eruption from a distance First aerial footage shows the volcanic fissure, which is estimated to be nearly two miles long Pictures taken at five o'clock last night from a Coast Guard helicopter show the lava spilling out of the fissures Pictures on social media show the sky being tinted red by the lava spurts 'The 2010 eruption was different because it erupted under a glacier and when this happens you get this huge explosive ash high up in the air which is very fine and stays up in the air for a long time,' Indriason told the BBC. 'This is much different. This is a crack [in the ground] with lava flow and the ash doesn't stay up in the air as much than in previous cases. So unless we had an eruption under the sea - which there is a slim chance of - then there will no impact on air traffic.' 'The eruption does not present a threat to life,' an Icelandic government statement said. 'There are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and international flight corridors remain open.' But volcanologist Porvaldur Poroarson told Icelandic newspaper MBL.is that this volcanic eruption is 'a different creature' to what we have seen before as dramatic pictures and video showed lava shooting up into the sky from fissures. Poroarson said the eruption north of Grindavik is the largest that has occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2019 while warning that the rate of sulphur dioxide being pumped into the air is much greater than in previous years. Indeed, the Norwegian Meteorological Agency estimated that 100 to 200 cubic meters of lava is spewing out per second, which is 'many times more than in previous eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in recent years.' 'This is a different creature than we have seen in Fagradalsfjall,' Poroarson said of the eruption that began last night. On Tuesday, fountains of orange lava shot into the darkened sky from a fissure in the ground. Iceland, which sits just below the Arctic Circle and above a volcanic hotspot in the North Atlantic, has about 20 hours of darkness a day in December. It comes as thrill-seekers last night defied danger warnings and ventured near the site of a huge volcano eruption in Iceland - despite bubbling lava and smoke being spewed into the sky. Astonishing pictures - including one of scores of cars queuing to get close to the area - show people trying to witness Mother Nature's work first-hand. The eruption began around 2.4 miles from the town of Grindavik just after 10pm on Monday at the Sundhjuka crater, on the Reykjanes peninsula. It comes after a series of earthquakes forced thousands to be evacuated last month as the country declared a state of emergency and braced itself for the impending explosion. Jaw-dropping footage last night captured Iceland's black night sky lit up a deep orange colour as molten rock flew into the air in spectacular scenes which continued into the early hours of this morning. Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a scientist who flew over the site on Tuesday morning onboard an coast guard research flight, told Icelandic broadcaster RUV that he estimates twice as much lava had already spewed than the entire monthlong eruption on the peninsula this summer. Gudmundsson said the eruption was expected to continue decreasing in intensity but that scientists have no idea how long it could last. 'It can be over in a week, or it could take quite a bit longer,' he said. However, despite the obvious dangers, the Ministry of the Environment was forced to issue repeated warnings to those thinking about getting close to the volcano. 'Think about someone other than yourself and follow the guidelines of the public safety. Please,' one spokesman begged. Icelandic Police added: 'An eruption has begun. We ask people not to be in front of the responders and not to go in the direction of the eruption. It is important that roads and other things are as accessible as possible.' Police said they had raised their alert level and the country's civil defence warned the public not to approach the area while emergency personnel assessed the situation. But thrill-seekers defied the orders and were pictured standing close to the plumes of lava spewing out of the cracks in the ground. Indeed, the spectacular natural phenomenon is hard for people to resist. 'It's just something from a movie!' said Robert Donald Forrester III, a tourist from the United States. Four boys named Joi, Halli, Stefan and Stefan, told local media that they always head towards eruptions in Reykjanes. 'We are trying to see the eruption. Unfortunately, we didn't get any closer. It's a hobby that we've had for four years, attending every single eruption, and we'll continue to do so.' A volcano spews Lava and smoke as it erupts, north of Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, in the early hours of Tuesday morning Iceland is a particular hotspot for seismic activity because it sits on a tectonic plate boundary called the Mid Atlantic Ridge People watch as a volcano erupts on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the power station on Monday night north of Grindavik A group watches as smoke billows into the sky from the volcano explosion The Reykjanesbraut, a key Icelandic highway in the area, was lit up with white headlights from cars travelling towards, not away from, the crater (left) while cars were parked nearby (right) People watch as a volcano erupts on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the power station on Monday night north of Grindavik A handout picture provided by Iceland Civil Defense shows a volcanic eruption north of Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday Billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen following the volcanic eruption on Monday night Billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management handout image on Tuesday A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts in Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday night Lava spews from the volcano after it erupted north of Grindavik on Monday night People watch as a volcano erupts on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the power station on Monday night north of Grindavik Lava fountains are seen as volcanic eruption started, turning the sky orange, in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula The road is blocked at the entrance of the road to GrindavAk with the eruption in the background, in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on Monday night Witnesses have described the lava streaming out of the fissures as a two-mile-long 'lake of fire' The police vehicle is parked at the entrance of the road to Grindavak with the eruption in the background, near Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on Monday night Slide me A before and after of the Sundhjuka crater, on the Reykjanes peninsula For local residents, the emotions are mixed. 'The town involved might end up under the lava,' said Ael Kermarec, a French tour guide living in Iceland. 'It's amazing to see but, there's kind of a bittersweet feeling at the moment.' Mother-of-three and masseuse Rakel Lilja Halldorsdottir told MailOnline: 'We are happy it finally erupted so all this unknowing can stop. But it is so close to everything, we were hoping it wouldn't be. 'But they think it won't get to Grindavik and will probably just be a short eruption and probably will be over soon. About 10 days or so, hopefully that is true. 'Our house lies on a crack so it has gotten worse the damage surrounding our house. The house itself is semi ok... but I don't know if we will be allowed to fix it and live there because it's on a crack.' Iceland's president, Guni Thorlacius Johannesson, said shortly after the eruption: 'It is not clear what damage it can cause, but now we rely on our scientists as well as all those who need to do monitoring and other operations. 'Above all else, we protect human life but we do all the defense of structures to the best of our ability. I send warm greetings to the people of Grindavik and those who now work on the scene.' Hjordis Gumundsdottir, from the Icelandic national defence, also warned people not to go near the site of the eruption. One image showed the Reykjanesbraut, a key Icelandic highway in the area, lit up with white headlights from cars travelling towards the crater. Fannar Jonasson, mayor of Grindavik, told Icelandic news service Visi: 'I'm just, like others, trying to get information. But this seems like quite an explosion in the early stages. But you don't know anything yet. It's going to be a long night.' He added that a few hundred meters can make all the difference, no matter in which direction the lava flows. Benedikt Ofeigsson, a geophysicist at the Norwegian Meteorological Agency, said the fissure, which is growing every minute, is only a short distance away from the town of Grindavik. 'There is a rather rapid development of the eruption. We saw it rise at around 10.17pm, it has spread very quickly and has moved to the south west. Is about 2.5 kilometers north of Grindavik. The eruption itself is a little further north than that.' Meanwhile speaking to local media as the blast began, volcanologist orvald orarson admitted the eruption was the worst-case scenario. 'We were talking about two scenarios a few days ago, one of which was that everything was going to relax and die out, you were hoping that was what was going on,' he said. 'The other is that this stretch of the crust above the intrusion would have reached its tolerance limit and that it would start to erupt. This is what we feared the most.' Hundreds were seen returning to the region, despite several Icelandic authorities warning them to stay away for their own safety A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts, in this view from Keflavik, Iceland However, Kristin Jonsdottir, head of natural hazards at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, said the agency expects this growth to die down soon. 'The good news is that it is now usually the ducks that die out first and that is what we expect to happen in the near future. 'That the activity begins to be drawn to certain craters, and usually the center of the crack is the place where the most activity occurs, and that crack is clearly north of the watershed.' Grindavik, a fishing town of 3,400, sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 31 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. It is also near the Svartsengi geothermal power station, which provides up to 74.4MW of energy to the country. The government said it is currently assessing the risk to nearby energy infrastructure. The night sky is illuminated caused by the eruption of a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula Benedikt Ofeigsson, a geophysicist at the Norwegian Meteorological Agency, said the fissure, which is growing every minute Pictures from surveillance cameras covering the volcano show lava spurts People watch as the night sky is illuminated caused by the eruption of a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula Lava spurts and smoke cover the horizon in Iceland near the eruption site A picture taken in Iceland as seen from in Asbru, Reykjanesbaer, of the volcano eruption On their website, the Met Office said the volcano eruption started at 10.17pm following an 'earthquake swarm' at 9pm. eykjavik's international airport, which is located nearby, remained open Iceland Police said in a statement: 'An eruption has begun. We ask people not to be in front of the responders and not to go in the direction of the eruption' This comes after the volcano was hit by more than 1,000 earthquakes in just 24 hours on November 9, igniting fears of an imminent eruption. On their website, the Met Office said the volcano eruption started at 10.17pm following an 'earthquake swarm' at 9pm. Hjordis Gumundsdottir, from the Icelandic national defence, also reiterated warnings that people shouldn't go near the eruption site. Nevertheless, large crowds gathered on vantage points to look at the lava spurts illuminating the sky. This comes after the volcano was hit by more than 1,000 earthquakes in just 24 hours on November 9, igniting fears of an imminent eruption. Data from Iceland's Met Office shows that within the past hour, there have been 11 earthquake within a five km radius of Grindavik. Fearing a significant outbreak on the Reykjanes peninsula, authorities last month evacuated the nearly 4,000 inhabitants of the fishing town of Grindavik and closed the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Geophysicist Benedikt Ofeigsson said in November that there were clear signs that huge magma corridor under the Reykjanes Peninsula was expanding. The area around the Fagradalsfjall had braced itself for an eruption after huge chasms ripping apart homes and roads in Grindavik. On November 16, magmatic gas was detected at a borehole in Svartsengi - 2.3 miles north of Grindavik - which experts said was a signal that an eruption is imminent. An eruption of molten rock from the magma tunnel beneath Reykjanes was the most likely scenario following weeks of seismic activity, the head of the volcano department at the weather service Kristin Jonsdottir told RUV radio station last month. Monitoring indicated that a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, extends under the community, Iceland's Meteorological Office said. The town of 3,400 is about 31 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. Volcanologist Haraldur Sigursson previously said that if an eruption were to happen, he expects that it could erupt into the sea and says Grindavik needs to be 'reorganised' in order to mitigate the disk of future widespread destruction. The area around the Fagradalsfjall had braced itself for an eruption after huge chasms ripping apart homes and roads in Grindavik 'I'm also worried about the port. It doesn't take much to destroy this port, fill it with lava,' Haraldur told Iceland's Morgunblai (MBL) newspaper. 'There are both cracks there in the harbour and even if the magma comes up somewhere outside, it flows into the harbour, because this is the depression. 'So, in the big picture, this town needs to be completely reorganised,' he added. Asked by MBL's reporter if he envisages a future in which the people of Grindavik can return to their homes, he said: 'What didn't people do in Vestmannaeyjar (a town hit by an eruption in 1973)? I think the town should be reorganised.' Scientists have said that the eruption is unlikely to produce a plume of smoke like the Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption, which grounded flights globally and cost 1.5bn and 2.5bn euros (1.3-2.2bn). The peninsula in recent years saw several eruptions in unpopulated areas, but the current outbreak was believed to pose an immediate risk to the town, authorities have said. Reykjanes is a volcanic and seismic hot-spot southwest of the capital Reykjavik. In March 2021, lava fountains erupted spectacularly from a 500-750-metre-long (1,640-2,460-foot-long) fissure in the ground in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system. Volcanic eruptions are not uncommon in Iceland, home to 33 active volcano systems, the highest number in Europe. The port Of Grindavik braced itself for what could be an eruption of the nearby Fagradalsfjall volcano or one of the fissures which have opened up in the area. Pictured: Crack across one of its main roads Pictured: A police officer inspects a crack in the road in the fishing town of Grindavik, November 15 Eyjafjallajokull erupting in 2010 (pictured) produced a huge cloud of ash that prompted the biggest global aviation shutdown since World War II, with 50,000 flights cancelled and 8million passengers affected But the Reykjanes peninsula had not experienced an eruption for eight centuries until 2021. Since then, three eruptions have struck - all in remote, uninhabited areas - and volcanologists say this could be the start of a new era of activity in the region. Previous eruptions near the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula took place in 2021, 2022 and earlier this year. In 2010, the eruption of Iceland's long-dormant Eyjafjallajokull volcano - an ice-capped volcano more than 1,660 metres tall - shot huge amounts of ash into the atmosphere. That massive, explosive eruption was not fatal, but forced the cancellation of around 100,000 flights and left more than 10 million travellers stranded. Situated in the North Atlantic, Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a crack in the ocean floor separating the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Activist schools are already threatening to flout new trans guidance warning them to inform parents when children want to switch gender - before it is even published today. Long-awaited guidance from the Department for Education, to be published later, will call for a 'presumption against' allowing children to change gender at school. A new 'parents first' approach to address rising concerns about radical gender ideology will call for them to be told at the first opportunity if children asks to change their pronouns at school. It will make clear that there needs to be exceptional circumstances for this not to happen. Teachers and pupils should not be pressured to adopt a child's chosen pronouns and should not be punished if they get them wrong. However, some schools are already saying they will shun the guidelines - which are only advisory rather than having legal force. Kevin Sexton, executive headteacher of Chesterfield High School in Liverpool told Sky News: 'I'm not going to change what has worked for our school for the last 10 years.' And other critics warned that the advice 'does not go far enough'. Gillian Keegan (pictured) is releasing long-awaited gender identity guidance for schools today Kevin Sexton, executive headteacher of Chesterfield High School in Liverpool told Sky News : 'I'm not going to change what has worked for our school for the last 10 years.' Chesterfield is a mixed comprehensive with 1,600 pupils - about 30 of them identifying as transgender, non-binary or genderfluid. It has gender neutral toilets and uniforms. Mr Sexton said it has made up its own policy while waiting for the government - which has been wrangling for months over the detail of the advice. Challenged on how parents might feel about not being informed about their child exploring a different gender identity, Mr Sexton said: 'Children come to our school and hopefully we have a positive experience. 'If we don't create a positive experience, they won't come to school, and they will be more unsafe, and more likely to make bad choices.' The school insists parents should only be notified if there is a safeguarding risk. ...but church is ready to usher in woke weddings Couples getting married will be asked if they want to be called 'husband and wife' under woke church guidelines. It is part of new 'inclusive language' advice published by the Methodist Church. Old-fashioned terminology 'makes assumptions about a family or personal life that is not the reality for many people', it warns. The guide advises ministers to use gender-neutral language such as 'folks' to avoid 'subconsciously using phrases that may be misinterpreted as us favouring one sex over another'. Advertisement Penni Allen, Chesterfield's director of wellbeing, told Sky News: 'If I picked up the phone and had to tell a parent your child has just asked this question today. Your child is feeling like this today. We'd never be off the phone. We would have a hotline.' The guidance has been delayed by government infighting for months and stops short of the total ban on social transitioning at school favoured by some Tory MPs. But Maya Forstater, of the campaign group Sex Matters, said it could restore some 'sanity' to schools. 'After years in which the trans lobby has dictated practice in too many schools, parents will be able to use this guidance to demand a return to sanity in the classroom,' she said. Schools will be told to protect single-sex spaces, like toilets and changing rooms, and to keep boys out of girls' sport. However, former PM Liz Truss said the guidance 'does not go far enough'. 'During the many months we have been waiting for its publication, it has become increasingly clear that non-statutory guidance will provide insufficient protection and clarity, and that a change in the law of the land is required,' she said. 'That is why I am today asking the Government to back my Private Members' Bill which would change the law in this area to ensure children are fully protected. 'I fear that activists and others will be able to exploit loopholes in the guidance and the existing legal framework to pursue their agenda, leaving children at risk of making irreversible changes and with single-sex spaces not sufficiently protected.' An official source said: 'This Government firmly believes parents should be involved in decisions about their children and much more caution should be taken, so this guidance means there should effectively now be a presumption against social transitioning in schools. 'Alongside this we're giving much-needed certainty and protection to teachers and pupils so they will no longer feel forced to use different pronouns for gender-questioning children, and won't face a sanction for not doing so. 'It is a complex and sensitive issue but we've taken the time to strike the right balance.' Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden hinted at the new approach at the weekend, saying it was important to adopt an 'appropriate scepticism about social transitioning whilst of course respecting children in that situation'. One parent, named as 'Rachel', told BBC Radio 4's Today programme how her 16-year-old was allowed to 'socially transition' at school without the family's knowledge. 'She asked that she could be called by a different name and pronouns at school,' the mother said. 'The school went along with it, apparently with no questions asked but they didn't tell the family they didn't tell me and they actively hid it from me for about four months despite me being in touch with the school and expressing concerns about my daughter's wellbeing. They kept it hidden from me.' The parent said they became 'very concerned about things that were going on, her dress and behaviour'. 'I reached out to the school, and they told me to wait until she felt ready to talk to me. I had several conversations with them over the course of a few months. At no point did they tell me what was actually going on 'She had said nothing to us at home, she had given no indication that she felt that way. After talking to the school I was trying to give her opportunity to open up and talk to me. 'But it didn't happen and the school just kept telling me to wait. They did say they were encouraging her to talk to me but it just didn't happen and they weren't honest at all.' The mother said the guidance must 'make sure that parents are included in whatever is going on with their children'. 'At the end of the day she is still a child, I have parental responsibility, it is up to me to care for her, her wellbeing physical and mental,' she said. 'I have to say I am completely horrified that the school did this and kept me in the dark.' When the school were challenged about refusing to inform family, they apparently 'claimed that their lawyers had implied that they could be sued by my 16-year-old daughter' 'I find it completely ridiculous, but that is the excuse they gave,' she said. The parent added that her daughter had now reverted to her original pronouns and seemed 'happier'. 'I just think it was all a big mistake on how the school handled this,' she added. The guidance, and the reaction of schools, has already sparked a furious debate on sites such as Mumsnet. One parent said: 'Lots of teachers are very young and therefore cheap. It should come as no surprise given what universities are indoctrinating their students with, that teachers fresh out the oven are spouting the same bulls**t. 'It's not that they think they get to decide everything, is that they think identity IS truth.' School leaders have been calling for guidance for months to clear up what one called 'a public minefield of strongly held and opposing views'. Ministers have been alarmed by the approach taken by some schools in pandering to pupils who claim to have changed gender. Maths teacher Joshua Sutcliffe was banned from the profession this year after misgendering a trans pupil and sharing his Christian beliefs in the classroom. Today's guidance is likely to disappoint Tory MPs who wanted a total school ban on social transitioning when boys adopt girls' names, pronouns, uniforms and hairstyles, and vice versa. Rishi Sunak was said to have been sympathetic to such calls but the legal advice was that this would need a rewriting of the Equality Act. Maya Forstater, of the campaign group Sex Matters, (pictured) said: 'After years in which the trans lobby has dictated practice in too many schools, parents will be able to use this guidance to demand a return to sanity in the classroom' It comes as couples getting married will be asked if they want to be called 'husband and wife' under woke church guidelines. It is part of new 'inclusive language' advice published by the Methodist Church. Old-fashioned terminology 'makes assumptions about a family or personal life that is not the reality for many people', it warns. The guide advises ministers to use gender-neutral language such as 'folks' to avoid 'subconsciously using phrases that may be misinterpreted as us favouring one sex over another'. A spokesman for LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall said: 'This guidance, which we have not yet seen in full, needs to first and foremost make sure that trans and gender-diverse youth are supported to be themselves and have an environment where they can learn and thrive. 'There is considerable evidence that social transition improves the mental health of trans children and young people and from what we are hearing about this guidance their needs have not been properly considered.' Teachers who have been sacked over pupils' pronouns Joshua Sutcliffe Maths teacher Joshua Sutcliffe was banned from the profession this year after misgendering a trans pupil and sharing his Christian beliefs in the classroom. The 33-year-old who taught at The Cherwell School in Oxford, was found to have failed to treat the pupil 'with dignity and respect' by addressing them by a female pronoun when they identified as male. In what was believed to be the first case of its kind in the UK, the married father of one was prohibited from teaching indefinitely by the Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA). Maths teacher Joshua Sutcliffe (pictured) was banned from the profession this year after misgendering a trans pupil and sharing his Christian beliefs in the classroom He told the Telegraph in May: 'The TRA has said, you don't feel enough remorse for not going on with the pronouns. 'Well, I'm sorry, but that's the Christian position. I wasn't going to say: ''I'm going along with this'. I'd rather die to be honest. Obviously that's quite extreme but that's how I feel.' 'Hannah' A teacher reportedly faced having to remortgage her home to cover legal costs after losing a dispute over a transgender pupil earlier this year. The woman, who could be named as a result of a court order, was suspended by a primary school after she refused to use a student's preferred pronouns and name. The pupil, who was born female, had been placed in her year 4 class and used male pronouns and had a male name. After arguing that it could be harmful to encourage the child's belief that they were 'in the wrong body', the teacher was sacked last year when she continued to challenge the school's policies. Speaking to The Times in June, the teacher, referred to as 'Hannah', said: 'Teachers are being bullied not to question trans-affirming policies when evidence shows that the actual result of the approach is to put the welfare of children at serious risk.' Kevin Lister A teacher at a further education college in Swindon had enjoyed an unblemished 18-year teaching career before he was dismissed for 'gross misconduct' in September last year. Kevin Lister, a maths teacher, refused to refer to a biologically female student, aged 17, by their preferred male name and he/him pronouns in A-level lessons. He told The Mail on Sunday he was concerned the 'out-of-the-blue' request amounted to social transition, which could put the teen on a pathway to irreversible medical treatments. 'I wanted at least to make sure that my student had parental support and was making an informed decision,' he said. 'As a parent myself, I would have been furious if my child had taken this step and I hadn't been told anything.' Kevin Lister, a maths teacher, refused to refer to a biologically female student, aged 17, by their preferred male name and he/him pronouns in A-level lessons Mr Lister said he was 'gobsmacked' when he approached the safeguarding officers and was told the parents would not be informed about the student's wish to identify as male in the classroom. The school's guide to supporting transitioning students states that staff should 'maintain confidentiality and only tell others about the person's trans status with their permission'. The 60-year-old father-of-two later found some students had made accusations of transphobia against him and he was suspended, pending an inquiry, and escorted off the school grounds. A disciplinary hearing subsequently upheld three complaints, namely that he had 'subjected a gender-transitioning student' to 'transphobic discrimination' and 'harassment' and 'refused to use' their preferred name and he/him pronouns. Mr Lister took legal action against the school for unfair dismissal, and blamed 'weak' heads who are being influenced by 'trans activist teachers'. Visitors to Europe face huge queues at borders from next Autumn due to new strict post-Brexit border controls. British and non-EU passport holders will have to go through fingerprint checks and face scans under the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). It will replace the stamping of passports, which began after Brexit when the UK became a 'third country' to the bloc meaning it is not a member state and does not have the right to free movement within the EU. The system will check each passenger's name and biometric data when they enter an EU country. It was due to be rolled out earlier this year but has been delayed several times. Queues at the Port of Dover, one of the locations where the new border checks will be in place Some nations have expressed concerns about how much time the process will add to queues at EU borders, with the Slovenian government saying it will take 'up to four times longer'. Despite apprehensions EES will be introduced on October 6, according to the Independent. Each time visitors try to cross into the continent, they will have to show a facial image and provide four fingerprints. Personal data including first name, surname, date of birth, nationality, sex, travel document and the three-letter country code will all be required with under 12s exempt. Austria claims processing times would be 'double compared to the current situation', while Croatia warned checks would 'certainly be significantly longer'. French officials will carry out EES border checks at the Port of Dover, Folkestone for the Eurotunnel and at St Pancras International for the Eurostar. In a report released earlier this year, French public finance watchdog Cour des Comptes predicted queues at the UK-France border will at least double when the EES is launched in 2024. The Port of Dover, which has regularly seen long delays resulting from post-Brexit checks, said the new system could lengthen inspections on cars from 45 seconds to as long as ten minutes. British travellers queueing for several hours at passport control in a Spanish airport Port chief Doug Bannister said: 'Even at the busiest times right now, with new post-Brexit rules, passport checks are taking 45 to 90 seconds per car. 'With the pre-registration involved, a car with a family of four or five in it could take up to ten minutes. 'The Government should be urgently discussing with their French and EU counterparts how this is going to work.' Eurotunnel warned it could take as much as six minutes longer to process each car boarding its trains. EES will cover arrivals to all EU countries except Cyprus and Ireland. It is also being adopted by Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. One of the reasons for delaying its introduction was next year's Olympic Games in Paris, with chiefs warning it could cause chaos for millions of passengers travelling to France. Around six months after EES is introduced, the EU will bring in Etias a visa waiver system similar to the US Esta. This will cost 7 (6) per person and will be required for people entering the Schengen Area. The EU has rejected concerns ESS will cause chaos at borders and claimed it will actually save time. A spokesman said: 'The main advantage of the EES is saving time. 'The EES replaces passport stamping and automates border control procedures, making travelling to European countries using the EES more efficient for the traveller.' Holidaymakers face an anxious wait to see if the eruption of a volcano in Iceland with interrupt their flights to the country It comes as holidaymakers face an anxious wait to see if the eruption of a volcano in Iceland will interrupt their flights to the country. The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula just north of the evacuated town of Grindavik began last night at around 10.17 pm after an earthquake swarm, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said, referring to a series of small shakes. There are fears that the eruption, which has seen 200 cubic metres of lava spewing out from the fissures every second, could cause havoc to air traffic after the Icelandic eruption in 2010 grounded thousands of flights across Europe and North America and saw holidaymakers stranded. Flights from Reykjavik's international Keflavik airport were delayed last night, with an EasyJet flight to Manchester standing on the tarmac for five hours before taking off at 1.35am due to the volcanic activity. Passengers were told by easyJet: 'We're sorry that your flight has been delayed. This is because volcanic activity in Keflavik (KEF) is causing restrictions to the areas in which aircraft are permitted to fly.' British holidaymakers are waiting anxiously to see if their flights will be cancelled today - but the Icelandic government and airlines including EasyJet have said the airports in Iceland are 'not impacted' and flights should be operating 'as scheduled'. Indeed, Hallgrimur Indriason, a journalist from Icelandic state broadcaster RUV, said there was 'no threat to air traffic - at least not for now' with Reykjavik's international Keflavik airport remaining open today. Previous eruptions near the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula took place in 2021, 2022 and earlier this year. In 2010, the eruption of Iceland's long-dormant Eyjafjallajokull volcano - an ice-capped volcano more than 1,660 metres tall - shot huge amounts of ash into the atmosphere. That massive, explosive eruption was not fatal, but forced the cancellation of around 100,000 flights and left more than 10 million travellers stranded. Sir Grayson Perry today revealed EDF had emptied his bank account after his energy bill suddenly skyrocketed from 300 a month to an astonishing 39,000 a month. The artist received 15 different bills ranging between 200 and 6,000 and was told that the money would be taken by direct debit for all of them at once yesterday. Sir Grayson, 63, was then unable access his bank account because EDF was trying repeatedly to take that money out - and they emptied the 2,500 which was in it. He also credited a MailOnline article about his ordeal - and a similar fate suffered by broadcaster Jon Sopel - with receiving a 'very apologetic' phone call later from EDF. Sir Grayson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning: 'I suddenly out of the blue got a whole sheath of about 15 bills which added up to about 39,000. 'They said they were going to deduct the money by direct debit for all those bills on the same day, which was yesterday. I just thought it was so bizarre. I tried on Friday, I spent about three hours at least trying to get some sense out of a call centre. Have you been hit by a massive EDF bill? Email mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk Sir Grayson Perry at the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery in London on June 20 'But you're talking to a computer really, so it was very frustrating. They just sort of said well it says 39,000, that's how much we're going to take. But it's a bizarrely huge amount of money for my electricity bill. They said that's what it's estimated.' Sir Grayson said the saga was an 'interesting fable of a technological age' which began when EDF installed a smart meter at his 'country studio' despite him pointing out to the engineer there was no phone signal in the area. He continued: 'So they never had a record of how much I was using. And then when the bill comes, it's just an estimation by a computer, I imagine there's an algorithm that works it out. 'Then we have the facelessness of the call centres. And then I feel frustrated because it's taking this money automatically from my bank. And then the final chapter of the technological saga is I used Twitter to get a response.' He said that he was not fond of celebrities using their 'Twitter power', but noticed that many other people online had suffered the same problem. Sir Grayson added: 'I just thought, what is it like if you're some vulnerable person and this happens to you? I'm somebody who's got a fair bit of cash or whatever, but it absolutely freaked me out. 'It was just the injustice and completely surrealism of it that was kind of really, really upset me. Because call centres are guaranteed to make you frustrated, I think.' Jon Sopel at the British Podcast Awards 2022 at Kennington Park in London on July 23 last year Speaking about the 15 different bills, he said they 'varied between sort of a few hundred and 6,000, but they were all being deducted on the same day'. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE How attacks on Red Sea shipping by Iran-backed Houthi rebels could lead to more cost-of-living pain for Britons: Experts warn Gaza crisis may fuel surge in price of goods as oil cost rises and supply chain is hit by chaos Advertisement Sir Grayson said: 'That was a sort of suspicious thing in the first place. And they emptied my bank account yesterday. They took about 2,500 out of my bank yesterday.' Asked whether he had got the money back today, he said: 'Well I don't know, I haven't checked yet. But I will be trying.' He was also questioned over whether he had actually spent that money, but said: 'The studio which the bills are for, I hardly use it. And that's the weird thing. 'These bills are much, much bigger than my main studio which I use all the time. So it's not that I have used that much power. I haven't burnt my way through 39,000 of electricity.' As the interview drew to a close, presenter Nick Robinson then said: 'Grayson, I'm delighted to see thanks to the benefit of Zoom or whatever application you're on, that you're staying warm by talking to us in bed.' Sir Grayson replied: 'Exactly, I've got the central heating turned right down now.' Robinson then added: 'Do you think you can turn this into a piece of art, this whole experience, Grayson?' But Perry said: 'No. I just wanted to say, EDF, the power of Twitter, I was on the Daily Mail website by lunchtime and then I got a phone call from EDF who were very apologetic. So I bear them no real ill will. But I think it's the technology.' It comes after Sir Grayson tweeted yesterday morning: 'Hi @edfenergy. I've been trying to speak to someone to explain how my electricity bill went from 300 a month to 39,000. 'Your call centre has been no help but you tried to direct debit this amount today from my account.' French energy firm EDF said unusual changes to direct debit amounts can occur when an 'erroneous meter reading [is] recorded on the system' Replying to him, an EDF customer services representative said: 'Hi Grayson, I'm so sorry for any concern that this may have caused. Please send me a direct message with your account details and we'll get this picked up straight away.' Meanwhile broadcaster Mr Sopel said he 'choked on my cornflakes' when he discovered his monthly EDF bill had skyrocketed from 152 to a 'ridiculous' 19,274. The former BBC journalist was among the energy firm's customers left furious today when their bills surged by more than 12,000 per cent. Mr Sopel, who presents The News Agents podcast, confirmed to MailOnline he has a smart meter. 'I choked on my cornflakes when we got the bill saying our monthly standing order was going up from 152 to 19,274 a month and i just wonder, like Grayson Perry, who else has had ridiculous bills like that and who has been frightened out their life because of it,' Mr Sopel said through his agent Mary Greenham. EDF said unusual changes to direct debit amounts can occur when an 'erroneous meter reading [is] recorded on the system'. Mr Sopel, who presents The News Agents podcast, wrote a public letter on X, formerly Twitter, to the French energy supplier asking if he could speak to a human rather than a bot about his monthly standing order rising from 152 to 19,274. These tweets prompted other members of the public to share similar stories of EDF, saying they had been overcharged by thousands of pounds and received 'threatening' letters through the door for refusing the pay up. Two customers claimed their EDF energy bills surged massively to 900 and 3,000 a month Mr Sopel told EDF - which raked in a record 1.12billion profit last year - that his dramatically high bill 'seems a bit steep', before wishing them a 'merry Christmas'. Mr Sopel wrote: 'Dear @edfenergy, Just had a notification that our monthly standing order is going up from 152 a month to 19,274. Seems a bit steep. Is there a human rather than a bot we can talk to? Many thanks and merry Christmas , Jon.' EDF later released a series of messages on X as it said other 'customers don't need to worry' as it is not 'related to a wider issue with our billing system'. The company wrote: 'Unusual changes to direct debit amounts can sometimes occur when there is an erroneous meter reading recorded on the system, but we have robust interventions in place to ensure that any large increases in customers' direct debits are verified through a human check. 'In almost all such cases, system errors are rectified and prevented without customers being impacted.' A former EDF customer also responded to Mr Grayson's post, sharing her own issues she had with the firm after they suddenly raised her bills to nearly 900 even though there were just two people in the property. Lindsay wrote: 'EDF put our energy bill up to just under 900 per month. Only two of us in the house. 'When I asked for help and for them to explain why it was so high the girl on the online chat was just rude. Switched to Octopus and so far they seem much much better.' She said that her bills were now just 120 per month with Octopus. 'I feel sick to the stomach at the amount of money my mum lost through being with EDF,' she added. Another EDF customer replied to Mr Sopel's post saying the firm is trying to charge 3,000 for two months of usage. Connor Natella said he cannot get through to customer service and is receiving 'increasingly threatening' letters for payment. He wrote: 'They're trying to get me on 3k for 2 months usage, can never get through and just receiving increasingly threatening letters through the door!' EDF replied to Mr Natella, asking him to direct message in order to look into it further. A spokesperson for EDF said that whilst they could not discuss the specifics of the cases, they confirmed they are 'not related in any way'. They added: 'Customers do not need to worry - these are not related to a wider issue with our billing system and we've not made any changes to how we process direct debit changes for customers. Unusual changes to direct debit amounts can sometimes occur when there is an erroneous meter reading recorded on the system. 'We have robust interventions in place to ensure that any large increases in customers' direct debits are verified through a human check and in almost all such cases, system errors are rectified and prevented, without customers being impacted.' ** Have you been hit by a massive EDF bill? Please email: tips@dailymail.com ** Did YOU see what happened? Did YOU see what happened? Email jack.wright@mailonline.co.uk A Ryanair flight bound for Morocco was forced to make a U-turn and fly back to Stansted after reports of a group of 'disruptive passengers abusing staff and drugs' onboard. The plane was destined for Marrakesh but after an hour's flight, it returned to the Essex airport where it was boarded by police. Footage shows men being led off the flight but Essex police later said no arrests were made. A passenger on the flight said that others were left distressed by the incident. Did YOU see what happened? Email jack.wright@mailonline.co.uk The plane landed back in Essex and was boarded by police who carried out a search No arrests were made and no drugs were found onboard. A witness said other passengers were left 'distressed' because of the incident The 25-year-old, who didn't want to give their name, said: 'It was very chaotic. Everyone was freaking out and wondering what was going on. One guy was doing the brace position when we landed. 'We found out the plane was turning around back to Stansted about an hour into the flight. When we finally landed about four armed police came on board.' An Essex Police spokesman said: 'Officers at Stansted Airport assisted after a plane was returned to the airport at around 4:15pm on December 7. This was following reports of drug use and verbal abuse on board. 'Once the aircraft landed, officers conducted searches and no drugs were located. No arrests were made. The matter is now being managed by the airline.' Footage shows men being led off the flight following reports that a group of passengers were 'abusing staff and drugs' The plane, destined for Marrakesh, made a U-turn around an hour into the flight and flew back to Stansted A Ryanair spokesman said: 'This flight from Stansted to Marrakesh (Dec 7) returned to Stansted Airport shortly after take-off when a small group of passengers became disruptive in flight. 'The crew called ahead for police assistance and the aircraft was met by local police upon arrival at Stansted Airport. This now a matter for local police. 'To minimise disruption to passengers, Ryanair transferred passengers on to an alternative aircraft which departed for Marrakesh later that evening. 'Ryanair apologises for any inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of these disruptive passengers.' A burglar who broke into The Only Way Is Essex star Mario Falcone's home and stole almost 70,000 worth of jewellery and cash while he was on holiday with his family has been jailed for 12 years. Jordan McKenzie-Pryce, 38, burgled Mr Falcone's home while he and his family were abroad last year. McKenzie-Pryce, a father-of-three from Norbury, Streatham, ransacked the reality TV star's home in Brentwood and stole a gold Rolex watch, Mr Falcone's wedding ring and other jewellery. Also taken were 'high-end' items including handbags and a Macbook, plus around 5,000 in cash, totalling 69,000 worth of goods. In a victim impact statement read out at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, Mr Falcone said the items have never been returned and his social life has been deeply affected due to the fears of leaving their home unoccupied. Mario Falcone was abroad with his family when the burglary took place, with 70,000 worth of goods stolen The Only Way Is Essex star told the court he and his wife Becky Miesner are now afraid to leave their children The court heard that Mr Falcone, who is now a father of two, had gone on holiday with his family in September 2022, but just days into the break received a phone call advising him that his house had been burgled. Following his arrest, McKenzie-Pryce's home was searched where pictures of some of the stolen goods were found on his phone, along with a floor plan of the Falcones' home. Judge Jamie Sawyer told the court that Mr Falcone had left his house locked up with 'alarms fully engaged'. The judge said it was believed he was targeted because of his status as a reality TV star and him sharing details of his life on social media. There was a 'thorough' search of the home, the judge said, with all of the drawers being searched, with the bedroom cabinets and drawers all open. A shovel was also found in the bathroom. Prosecuting, Keith Hadrill said: 'He found that items had been taken out of the house, a number of expensive items. 'A gold Rolex, 5,000 in cash, a wedding ring worth 15,000, a total of 69,000. Many of the items had sentimental value and were never returned. He [Mr Falcone] said by reason of CCTV he can determine that the burglary occurred between 12am and 2.30am on September 5, 2022.' Mr Hadrill said voices could be heard in the CCTV footage. In a victim impact statement from Mario Falcone read out by Mr Hadrill, he said: 'The thought of someone being in my house which should have been a safe place is terrifying. Jordan McKenzie-Pryce, 38, has now been sentenced to 12 years in prison 'We have changed the way we live because my son doesn't have to have baby monitors anymore. We made the decision for safety to continue with the monitor. 'Those responsible were professional criminals that probably wouldn't care if we were in the house anyway. My wife and I don't really go out on dates now because we don't want to leave the children in the house with friends and family. 'Although I can afford to purchase the items again that's not the point. The watch and other items have huge sentimental value. That watch I wore on my wedding day and I would have worn that until the time to pass it onto my son on his wedding day. READ MORE: Mario Falcone welcomes a daughter! TOWIE star confirms his wife Becky has given birth to their second child Cali Roux Advertisement 'My entire life has been affected by this. I questioned at the time posting things on my social media and whether I would be a target. It shouldn't be like this.' Mitigating for McKenzie-Pryce, Lawrence McNulty said that he had been in and out of prison and was the father of three children. He said he had previously got a job in the music industry but was unable to continue when the record company moved to the USA and he couldn't follow due to his criminal record. The court also heard that McKenzie-Pryce had carried out the burglary of the Falcones' home just days after being involved in a shooting in Waltham Abbey where a man was shot in the arm by a shotgun. Judge Sawyer said McKenzie-Pryce made Mr Falcone feel like his home had been 'invaded' and jailed him for 12 years with an extra two on licence for the burglary and firearms offences. McKenzie-Pryce must also pay Mario Falcone 25,000 in compensation. The former wife of French serial killer Michel Fourniret expressed regret on the final day of her trial Tuesday for her role in the murders he committed, begging the families of the victims to forgive her. 'I ask for forgiveness,' Monique Olivier said on the final day of her trial for complicity in three of killings committed by Fourniret, including that of British student Joanna Parrish. 'Although I know that what I did is unforgivable,' she added. Olivier - already serving a life sentence issued in 2008 for complicity in other murders committed by her husband - is on trial for her part in the abduction, rape and murder of Parrish in 1990 and 18-year-old Marie-Angele Domece in 1988. Olivier is also charged with complicity in the disappearance of nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin in 2003, whose body has never been found two decades on despite intensive searches. On Monday, prosecutors in the trial said they were seeking life in prison for Olivier, without possibility of parole for at least 22 years. Fourniret died in 2021 aged 79 in a secure unit of a Paris hospital meaning he never stood trial for the three killings. Monique Olivier, ex-wife of serial killer Michel Fourniret, sits in the courtroom during her trial at the assize court in Nanterre, Paris' suburb, on November 28, 2023 Olivier is on trial for her part in the abduction, rape and murder of Joanna Parrish (seen right) in 1990 and 18-year-old Marie-Angele Domece in 1988 Michel Fourniret (seen in 2008), nicknamed the 'Ogre of Ardennes' after the region on the France-Belgium border where preyed on victims - died in 2021 aged 79 before he could be brought to trial for the three killings, despite him confessing to all three He confessed to 11 murders before he died, but reports have suggested there could have been many - perhaps two dozen - more. Olivier, who divorced Fourniret in 2010, accused him of several other killings of which he was suspected of being involved. She is already serving a life sentence issued in 2008 for complicity in four kidnappings and murders committed by her husband. A decade later she was sentenced to a further 20 years for complicity in another murder. Like Mouzin, Domece's remains have never been found, while Parrish's naked body was recovered from the Yonne river in the French department of the same name. People sentenced to life in France usually become eligible for parole after 18 to 22 years, but prosecutors asked that Olivier, 75, serve a minimum of 22 years. Monique Olivier (left), ex-wife of serial killer Michel Fourniret, sits in the courtroom for her trial at the assize court in Nanterre, Paris' suburb, on November 28 The prosecutors cited 'the exceptional gravity of the acts committed and the necessary protection of society'. Throughout the trial, prosecutors highlighted Olivier's strategy of gaining the trust of Domece and Parrish knowing they would be murdered, as well as her decision to remain silent about killing of Estelle Mouzin. Didier Seban, a lawyer for the Parrish and Mouzin families, said prosecutors' call for the maximum sentence was 'justified by the crimes that were committed'. 'What my clients want is for her to never get out,' Seban said. The verdict in the case is scheduled for later on Tuesday. Britain is bracing for 80mph winds this week which could put lives at risk and disrupt Christmas travel plans. Forecasters warned the gales hurtling towards the country from Norway pose a significant 'danger to life' from large waves and debris being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties. They also warned of transport cancellations affecting road, rail and ferry as millions prepare for the festive getaway. Exposed areas in the North of England and Scotland are set to be the worst affected, with winds expected to hit 80pmh while other areas will feel gales of 60pmh and 70mph. A yellow warning covering Scotland, Northern Ireland, the North of England and parts of the East and West Midlands is in place from the early hours of Thursday until midnight on Friday. An Audi submerged on the flooded A1101 - Britain's lowest road - in Welney, Norfolk today A driver checking the depth of water on the flooded A1101 in Welney The yellow wind warning is set to come into effect from the early hours of Thursday morning Today, forecasters said the rain will gradually clear southeastwards from England and Wales to leave a mostly dry, bright and breezy afternoon. Met Office's Yellow Weather Warning for Thursday in Full What to expect: There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected. There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs. There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties. There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris. There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close. Advertisement Scotland and Northern Ireland will see sunshine and scattered blustery showers. It will be very mild across the southeast, however temperatures will be nearer average elsewhere. Tomorrow will be increasingly cloudy and blustery, with rain at times. Some sunny spells are possible in the south and east. It will be Generally mild, though tempered by strong to gale force winds for some. A Met Office meteorologist warned northern parts of the UK will be worst affected on Thursday as low pressure over Norway and high pressure in the Atlantic are set to push gale-force winds over the UK. They said: 'It's across northern parts that we're going to see the strongest winds. Across northern areas, 50 to 60 miles per hour winds are quite likely. 'Even perhaps 70 to 80 in some exposed spots over the higher ground. 'Also in the east we're going to see some strong gusty winds, perhaps 60 to 70 miles per hour affecting parts such as the Pennines and Sheffield. 'We could have some pretty strong winds as we go through Thursday and it's no surprise that we do have a warning out currently. 'It affects many parts of the UK and is valid for pretty much the whole of Thursday. 'At this time of year many people will be taking to the roads with a lot more travel happening so that could cause some problems.' The weather for the festive period next week is set to be colder as high pressure moves in. Commuters braving the wind and rain today as they arrive at Waterloo Station People step over a large puddle on Oxford Street in Central London Christmas shoppers braving the wet weather on Oxford Street in Central London Pedestrians holding umbrellas walking in the rain past the London Eye People walking in the rain past Big Ben in Central London today Met Office forecasts for the rest of the week up to Friday In relation to next week, the weather is expected to get colder and there may be wintry showers in the north. A Met Office spokesperson said: 'As we head towards the end of next week and the festive period there is, as always, more uncertainty in the forecast. 'However, there are indications that by the end of next week we could see high pressure moving further south and west away from the UK, allowing northwesterly winds to develop at times. A driver was seen in knee-high water as he checked the depth of the floods on the A1101 in Welney, Norfolk A number of vehicles, including an Audi, were submerged on the road due to the heavy floods after a nearby river burst its banks due to days of heavy rain 'This would allow some short periods where colder air affects the UK, with the potential for wintry showers in northern areas.' Meanwhile, vehicles were submerged as Britain's 'lowest road' due to heavy rain. A driver was seen in knee-high water as he checked the depth of the floods on the A1101 in Welney, Norfolk. A number of vehicles were submerged on the road due to the heavy floods after a nearby river burst its banks due to days of heavy rain. Two revellers tried taking on a lone bouncer outside a pub Two men who attacked a bouncer outside a pub were left with egg on their face when he easily threw both of them to the ground. Caleb Reynolds, 24, and Joel Walsh, 20, took on the security guard outside the Ashmore Tavern in Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast on New Year's Day, 2023. CCTV caught the pair confronting the doorman, who had just told them they were not allowed to exit the venue with their drinking glasses. In response, the two men tried to gang up on the guard - only to be easily tossed aside and beaten back until they retreated into the night. Two men tried taking on a bouncer outside the Ashmore Tavern in the Gold Coast on New Years Day, 2023, only to be quickly overpowered by the lone guard READ MORE: Ugly scenes inside an IGA Shocking footage has emerged of a woman dressed in athleisure striking a staff member at a supermarket after he attempted to check her bag. Advertisement The two men on Tuesday faced a Southport magistrate who described their behaviour as 'stupid' and likened them both to teenagers. In the footage, the masked men slowly approached the bouncer before hurling punches at him. Both men tried synchronising their attacks in an effort to overwhelm the guard. But the doorman fought them off with relative ease for about three minutes. The worker told the court he was only left with mild soreness after the encounter. A solicitor from Hannay Lawyers representing the pair said the attack was 'out of character' for his clients, whose charges were downgraded to common assault. Reynolds was handed a $2,000 fine by the court and Walsh was given a $1,000 fine. Social media users were quick to mock the two men with one person even suggesting the bouncer should be heralded as 'Australian of the Year'. 'The security guard handled that well, didn't seem to even break a sweat,' one man wrote. 'Well done security guard, wish you had another mate their to make it fair,' another added. Parents have accused schools of 'actively' hiding children's gender switches as Labour MPs and unions urged teachers to ignore new government rules. Families spoke of their alarming experiences as the Department for Education finally published guidance stating that pupils should only be allowed to change pronouns in exceptional circumstances. A new 'parents first' approach also makes clear parents must told at the earliest opportunity if children ask staff about shifting gender - although they can have 'questioning' discussions without informing relative. In almost all scenarios, teachers must not be compelled to use different pronouns for pupils - after some were sacked for holding out. And the guidance, which will be subject to a 12-week consultation, insists they can still refer to children collectively as 'girls' or 'boys'. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said the rules 'remove any confusion about the protections that must be in place for biological sex and single-sex spaces'. However, some schools are already saying they will shun the guidelines - which are only advisory rather than having legal force. Labour MPs and unions also suggested the government's 'cruel' stance could simply be ignored, sparking calls from Tories including former PM Liz Truss for the law to be changed. Gillian Keegan (pictured left) has released long-awaited gender identity guidance for schools (right) today Kevin Sexton, executive headteacher of Chesterfield High School in Liverpool told Sky News : 'I'm not going to change what has worked for our school for the last 10 years.' The guidance has been delayed by government infighting for months and stops short of the total ban on social transitioning at school favoured by some Tory MPs. The document states that teachers do not 'automatically' need to alert parents when children are merely 'questioning their gender' rather than asking to socially transition. 'If there is no change being requested, teachers can listen respectfully about a child's feelings without automatically alerting parents, but, for safeguarding reasons, cannot promise confidentiality,' the advice states. Primary school age children should always be referred to by their biological pronouns, and there will only be 'very rare occasions' when older children can change them. In these instances, parents should be consulted and schools should only go ahead if they are 'confident that the benefit to the individual child outweighs the impact on the school community'. The guidance makes clear that teachers and pupils should not be pressured to adopt a child's chosen pronouns and should not be punished if they get them wrong. What is in the new guidance? Underlines the 'fundamental principle that parents should be involved in decisions about their children's lives'. Clarifies that schools and colleges do not have to, and should not, accept all requests for social transition. Social transition 'should be extremely rare' with appropriate safeguards in place and the child's best interests taken into account. Schools and colleges 'should not compel teachers or pupils to use new pronouns', although there is a caveat where it is 'necessary to safeguard and all other options have been exhausted, such as addressing the child by their first name'. Safety must never be compromised by allowing a child of the opposite sex to use single-sex spaces such as toilets. A 'gender questioning child' should be held to the same uniform standard as other children of their sex. Schools may agree changes to the standard school uniform, but not for swimwear. Schools should make sure competitive sport is fair. This will 'almost always' mean separate sports for boys and girls - especially in older age groups. Advertisement Schools are being told to protect single-sex spaces, like toilets and changing rooms, and to keep boys out of girls' sport. Ms Keegan said: 'Parents' views must also be at the heart of all decisions made about their children and nowhere is that more important than with decisions that can have significant effects on a child's life for years to come.' Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch said the gender issue had been 'hijacked by activists'. 'This guidance is intended to give teachers and school leaders greater confidence when dealing with an issue that has been hijacked by activists misrepresenting the law,' she said. 'It makes clear that schools do not have to accept a child's request to socially transition, and that teachers or pupils should not be pressured into using different pronouns. 'We are also clear how vital it is that parents are informed and involved in the decisions that impact their children's lives.' However, Ms Truss said the draft guidance - which will now go out for consultation until March - 'does not go far enough'. The Tory MP has put forward her own legislation to mean that would mean social transitioning is not recognised by schools or the state in children and puberty blockers and hormone treatment for gender dysphoria would be banned for under-18s. 'During the many months we have been waiting for its publication, it has become increasingly clear that non-statutory guidance will provide insufficient protection and clarity, and that a change in the law of the land is required,' she said. 'That is why I am today asking the Government to back my Private Members' Bill which would change the law in this area to ensure children are fully protected. 'I fear that activists and others will be able to exploit loopholes in the guidance and the existing legal framework to pursue their agenda, leaving children at risk of making irreversible changes and with single-sex spaces not sufficiently protected.' Unions complained that the document leaves 'many questions unanswered'. NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said: 'The ongoing delays to this guidance due to political wrangling have been a source of significant frustration, and it is far from ideal for it to be published right at the end of term, after some schools have already broken up for Christmas... 'Upon an initial look, it would appear this guidance leaves a lot of questions unanswered, meaning school leaders will continue to be placed in an incredibly difficult position.' Kevin Sexton, executive headteacher of Chesterfield High School in Liverpool told Sky News: 'I'm not going to change what has worked for our school for the last 10 years.' Chesterfield is a mixed comprehensive with 1,600 pupils - about 30 of them identifying as transgender, non-binary or genderfluid. It has gender neutral toilets and uniforms. Before the formal publication of the advice, Mr Sexton said it has made up its own policy while waiting for the government. Challenged on how parents might feel about not being informed about their child exploring a different gender identity, Mr Sexton said: 'Children come to our school and hopefully we have a positive experience. Mother says school 'actively hid' daughter. 16, changing pronouns A mother has spoken of how a school 'actively hid' her teenage daughter's gender identity decisions. The parent, named as 'Rachel', told BBC Radio 4's Today programme her 16-year-old was allowed to 'socially transition' without the family's knowledge. 'She asked that she could be called by a different name and pronouns at school,' the mother said. 'The school went along with it, apparently with no questions asked but they didn't tell the family they didn't tell me and they actively hid it from me for about four months despite me being in touch with the school and expressing concerns about my daughter's wellbeing. They kept it hidden from me.' The parent said they became 'very concerned about things that were going on, her dress and behaviour'. 'I reached out to the school, and they told me to wait until she felt ready to talk to me. I had several conversations with them over the course of a few months. At no point did they tell me what was actually going on 'She had said nothing to us at home, she had given no indication that she felt that way. After talking to the school I was trying to give her opportunity to open up and talk to me. 'But it didn't happen and the school just kept telling me to wait. They did say they were encouraging her to talk to me but it just didn't happen and they weren't honest at all.' The mother said the guidance must 'make sure that parents are included in whatever is going on with their children'. 'At the end of the day she is still a child, I have parental responsibility, it is up to me to care for her, her wellbeing physical and mental,' she said. 'I have to say I am completely horrified that the school did this and kept me in the dark.' When the school were challenged about refusing to inform family, they apparently 'claimed that their lawyers had implied that they could be sued by my 16-year-old daughter' 'I find it completely ridiculous, but that is the excuse they gave,' she said. Advertisement 'If we don't create a positive experience, they won't come to school, and they will be more unsafe, and more likely to make bad choices.' The school insists parents should only be notified if there is a safeguarding risk. Penni Allen, Chesterfield's director of wellbeing, told Sky News: 'If I picked up the phone and had to tell a parent your child has just asked this question today. Your child is feeling like this today. We'd never be off the phone. We would have a hotline.' One parent, named as 'Rachel', told BBC Radio 4's Today programme how her 16-year-old was allowed to 'socially transition' at school without the family's knowledge. 'She asked that she could be called by a different name and pronouns at school,' the mother said. 'The school went along with it, apparently with no questions asked but they didn't tell the family they didn't tell me and they actively hid it from me for about four months despite me being in touch with the school and expressing concerns about my daughter's wellbeing. They kept it hidden from me.' The parent said they became 'very concerned about things that were going on, her dress and behaviour'. 'I reached out to the school, and they told me to wait until she felt ready to talk to me. I had several conversations with them over the course of a few months. At no point did they tell me what was actually going on 'She had said nothing to us at home, she had given no indication that she felt that way. After talking to the school I was trying to give her opportunity to open up and talk to me. 'But it didn't happen and the school just kept telling me to wait. They did say they were encouraging her to talk to me but it just didn't happen and they weren't honest at all.' The mother said the guidance must 'make sure that parents are included in whatever is going on with their children'. 'At the end of the day she is still a child, I have parental responsibility, it is up to me to care for her, her wellbeing physical and mental,' she said. 'I have to say I am completely horrified that the school did this and kept me in the dark.' When the school were challenged about refusing to inform family, they apparently 'claimed that their lawyers had implied that they could be sued by my 16-year-old daughter' 'I find it completely ridiculous, but that is the excuse they gave,' she said. The parent added that her daughter had now reverted to her original pronouns and seemed 'happier'. 'I just think it was all a big mistake on how the school handled this,' she added. The guidance, and the reaction of schools, has already sparked a furious debate on sites such as Mumsnet. One parent said: 'Lots of teachers are very young and therefore cheap. It should come as no surprise given what universities are indoctrinating their students with, that teachers fresh out the oven are spouting the same bulls**t. 'It's not that they think they get to decide everything, is that they think identity IS truth.' School leaders have been calling for guidance for months to clear up what one called 'a public minefield of strongly held and opposing views'. Ministers have been alarmed by the approach taken by some schools in pandering to pupils who claim to have changed gender. Maths teacher Joshua Sutcliffe was banned from the profession this year after misgendering a trans pupil and sharing his Christian beliefs in the classroom. Today's guidance is likely to disappoint Tory MPs who wanted a total school ban on social transitioning when boys adopt girls' names, pronouns, uniforms and hairstyles, and vice versa. Rishi Sunak was said to have been sympathetic to such calls but the legal advice was that this would need a rewriting of the Equality Act. It comes as couples getting married will be asked if they want to be called 'husband and wife' under woke church guidelines. It is part of new 'inclusive language' advice published by the Methodist Church. Old-fashioned terminology 'makes assumptions about a family or personal life that is not the reality for many people', it warns. The guide advises ministers to use gender-neutral language such as 'folks' to avoid 'subconsciously using phrases that may be misinterpreted as us favouring one sex over another'. A spokesman for LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall said: 'This guidance, which we have not yet seen in full, needs to first and foremost make sure that trans and gender-diverse youth are supported to be themselves and have an environment where they can learn and thrive. 'There is considerable evidence that social transition improves the mental health of trans children and young people and from what we are hearing about this guidance their needs have not been properly considered.' Teachers who have been sacked over pupils' pronouns Joshua Sutcliffe Maths teacher Joshua Sutcliffe was banned from the profession this year after misgendering a trans pupil and sharing his Christian beliefs in the classroom. The 33-year-old who taught at The Cherwell School in Oxford, was found to have failed to treat the pupil 'with dignity and respect' by addressing them by a female pronoun when they identified as male. In what was believed to be the first case of its kind in the UK, the married father of one was prohibited from teaching indefinitely by the Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA). Maths teacher Joshua Sutcliffe (pictured) was banned from the profession this year after misgendering a trans pupil and sharing his Christian beliefs in the classroom He told the Telegraph in May: 'The TRA has said, you don't feel enough remorse for not going on with the pronouns. 'Well, I'm sorry, but that's the Christian position. I wasn't going to say: ''I'm going along with this'. I'd rather die to be honest. Obviously that's quite extreme but that's how I feel.' 'Hannah' A teacher reportedly faced having to remortgage her home to cover legal costs after losing a dispute over a transgender pupil earlier this year. The woman, who could be named as a result of a court order, was suspended by a primary school after she refused to use a student's preferred pronouns and name. The pupil, who was born female, had been placed in her year 4 class and used male pronouns and had a male name. After arguing that it could be harmful to encourage the child's belief that they were 'in the wrong body', the teacher was sacked last year when she continued to challenge the school's policies. Speaking to The Times in June, the teacher, referred to as 'Hannah', said: 'Teachers are being bullied not to question trans-affirming policies when evidence shows that the actual result of the approach is to put the welfare of children at serious risk.' Kevin Lister A teacher at a further education college in Swindon had enjoyed an unblemished 18-year teaching career before he was dismissed for 'gross misconduct' in September last year. Kevin Lister, a maths teacher, refused to refer to a biologically female student, aged 17, by their preferred male name and he/him pronouns in A-level lessons. He told The Mail on Sunday he was concerned the 'out-of-the-blue' request amounted to social transition, which could put the teen on a pathway to irreversible medical treatments. 'I wanted at least to make sure that my student had parental support and was making an informed decision,' he said. 'As a parent myself, I would have been furious if my child had taken this step and I hadn't been told anything.' Kevin Lister, a maths teacher, refused to refer to a biologically female student, aged 17, by their preferred male name and he/him pronouns in A-level lessons Mr Lister said he was 'gobsmacked' when he approached the safeguarding officers and was told the parents would not be informed about the student's wish to identify as male in the classroom. The school's guide to supporting transitioning students states that staff should 'maintain confidentiality and only tell others about the person's trans status with their permission'. The 60-year-old father-of-two later found some students had made accusations of transphobia against him and he was suspended, pending an inquiry, and escorted off the school grounds. A disciplinary hearing subsequently upheld three complaints, namely that he had 'subjected a gender-transitioning student' to 'transphobic discrimination' and 'harassment' and 'refused to use' their preferred name and he/him pronouns. Mr Lister took legal action against the school for unfair dismissal, and blamed 'weak' heads who are being influenced by 'trans activist teachers'. Brittany Higgins' former boss has taken aim at claims the ex-political staffer made against her that led to her securing her $2.44million compensation settlement. Fiona Brown was Bruce Lehrmann and Ms Higgins' boss in March 2019, when she was interim chief of staff to then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds. She held meetings with both of them in the week after the alleged sexual assault in Parliament House on March 23, 2019, and has been a key witness in all iterations of this case because she kept contemporaneous notes of those conversations. Ms Brown initially resisted giving evidence in Mr Lehrmann's defamation trial on medical grounds, because she was so traumatised after cross-examination during his criminal trial in October last year that she has panic attacks. Brittany Higgins' (pictured) former boss has scrutinised her $2.44million compensation settlement Fiona Brown (pictured) was Bruce Lehrmann and Ms Higgins' boss in March 2019, when she was interim chief of staff to then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds. Special considerations were made before Ms Brown gave evidence on Monday and Tuesday - she was represented and told the court she didn't know about Ms Higgins' alleged assault and maintained she tried to help her when she was eventually told. Ms Higgins' claim was settled by the Albanese government last December after a single day of mediation, and ten days after Mr Lehrmann's criminal charge was dropped, and relied entirely on her own evidence. Mr Lehrmann has continuously denied the accusation. Key figures like Ms Brown and Ms Reynolds featured heavily in the settlement document amid claims she was victimised and discriminated against when she made her rape allegations in 2019. However, both were denied the opportunity to defend themselves in the mediation session. Bruce Lehrmann is currently suing Chanel Ten and Lisa Wilkinson for defamation In her affidavit, Ms Brown said she received a copy of the deed on December 8, 2023 - a day after it was tendered to the Federal Court in Mr Lehrmann's defamation trial. 'The Commonwealth had not sought my comment or response to the particulars of allegations... ' Ms Brown said in the document. '... And it did not give me notice that those particulars were included as annexures to the deed before the deed was tendered as an exhibit in these proceedings. 'I did not know that Ms Higgins had alleged that I had "victimised" her.' Ms Brown had a meeting with Ms Higgins on March 26, 2019 - three days after the alleged assault. Mr Lehrmann also had a meeting with Ms Brown that day, and because entering Parliament House on the night of the alleged rape was his second security breach, he was fired. Ms Higgins claimed her boss didn't ask her if she wanted to report the alleged assault to police - Ms Brown claimed that didn't happen because she didn't know there was an assault allegation. Ms Brown said she did offer to take Ms Higgins to Australian Federal Police five days later, on April 1 - when she says she found out about the alleged assault. In Ms Higgins' claim, she said Yaron Finkelstein - who was a secretary to former prime minister Scott Morrison - was a 'regular' presence in Ms Reynolds' office and advised Ms Brown about how to deal with Ms Higgins' and her rape allegation. Ms Higgins had claimed Ms Brown denied her requests to view CCTV of herself and Mr Lehrmann entering Parliament House at about 1.30am on March 23. Ms Higgins had claimed Ms Brown denied her requests to view CCTV of herself and Mr Lehrmann entering Parliament House at about 1.30am on March 23 (pictuerd), but Ms Brown said she never made a request Ms Brown denied in her affidavit that Ms Higgins raised the issue of mental health leave, or said that she needed time off to assist the AFP with its investigation on April 11, 2019, or at any other time. Ms Brown left Ms Reynolds' office on April 5. In her claim, Ms Higgins said: 'Ms Brown made it clear by her words and demeanour that the events of 22/23 March 2019 must be put to one side; that [Ms Higgins] remain silent about the sexual assault in order to keep her job/career.' 'In that context, [Ms Higgins] felt she had no choice but to abandon pursuit of the complaint of sexual assault with the AFP.' Ms Higgins previously told the court the Albanese government admitted liability and 'breached its duty of care and didn't go through proper processes'. Brittany Higgins is pictured leaving the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices with her partner David Sharaz in 2021 But the document specifically states all claims were settled 'without any admission of liability', and the deed appears to have been drafted by Ms Higgins' legal team alone. There was no reference to the points raised during Mr Lehrmann's criminal trial in October 2022. According to the claim, Ms Higgins' 'hurt, distress and humiliation' was valued at $400,000, past and future domestic assistance cost $100,000, $220,000 for medical expenses. Legal fees were a further $245,000, and $1,480,000 was paid for lost wages. The payment has been referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The case continues. A prospective HR manager has lost his race and sex discrimination case after he was told at his job interview the company wanted to hire 'fewer white men'. High-flying Chris Palmer was turned down from the 80,000 post at a financial services company after bosses highlighted concerns about his 'arrogance' and instead opted to hire a woman. At an employment tribunal, Mr Palmer said his failure to get the job was based on his ethnicity and gender following the remark from managing director, Michael Jones, with the spurned jobseeker accusing the finance firm of 'going through the motions'. But, the panel dismissed his claims - which the hearing heard had been branded 'absurd' - ruling it was not 'indicative of an intention to discriminate' when an employer mentioned its aim to improve diversity in an underrepresented workforce. Slamming down his claims, an employment judge said that although a firm may aspire to be 'less dominated by white men', it does not mean there's an 'intention to achieve that objective by discriminating in recruitment against white men and in favour of women or minority ethnic candidates'. Do YOU work for the company? Please email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk Chris Palmer was turned down from the 80,000 post at a financial services company after bosses highlighted concerns about his 'arrogance' and instead opted to hire a woman Mr Palmer was invited to a pre-screening interview in July 2021 at AIMS Markets, where he was asked to talk through his CV and experience. The conversation was conducted on the phone while the candidate was on holiday, and several of his friends listened to the call, a hearing in central London was told. 'Mr Jones told him that they had an objective of building and creating diversity,' the tribunal heard. 'He mentioned the ethnicity and sex of various existing employees. 'According to [Mr Palmer] and his friends, Mr Jones referred to the company's wish, desire or intention to hire "fewer white men".' Led by Mr Jones, his prospective employers thought Mr Palmer was a 'serious candidate' who should progress to the first interview, despite having a 'couple of reservations' about him. The first interview was in August 2021, after which the three interviewers expressed their 'doubts'. It was heard they felt he 'talked a lot', and were left wondering if he would be a 'good listener'. They were also 'concerned' about his seniority and wage expectations, with court documents saying he had suggested a 100,000 salary. In the internal hiring spreadsheet, one said there was an 'arrogance we need to tease out'. The tribunal heard there were two other candidates at this stage - who were both women - who were then also rejected. A couple of weeks later, Mr Jones told Mr Palmer to tell him they 'did not wish to proceed any further with him'. Mr Palmer said his failure to get the job was based on his ethnicity and gender following the remark from managing director, Michael Jones (pictured) The panel heard he said they had decided after 'some deliberation' to change the remit for the role and downgrade the level of seniority they were aiming for, as they were not ready for someone of his 'calibre' at that time. In November 2021, Mr Palmer wrote to Mr Jones alleging sex discrimination and said his interviewers had been 'going through the motions'. Replying, Andrew Clover, CEO, said the 'fewer white men' comment had been 'misconstrued'. '[Mr Jones] was referring to us being a diverse employer and pointing out that we don't just hire one type of person, for example just white men, not to say we don't want to hire white men,' he wrote. He insisted the gender or ethnicity of a candidate would 'never' be a factor in their decision making. Mr Clover also pointed out that had they intended not to employ him, Mr Palmer wouldn't have been interviewed twice. The panel heard a woman had taken the job after being offered the role in September 2021. After starting legal action, Mr Palmer presented the company's 'new hires' stats - showing they'd hired 22 men and 10 women since launching. The panel heard he suggested since his job was advertised, they had started a process of hiring 'fewer men', which was then 'reversed' after becoming aware of his discrimination claim. However, Mr Clover said this was 'absurd', claiming he did not have 'time to 'orchestrate' hiring statistics. Regarding the 'fewer white men' comment - which Mr Jones denied making - Employment Judge Tamara Lewis said: 'Clearly something was said about this. 'There was a general discussion about diversity in recruitment, given that the position was Head of HR. 'We find that Mr Jones indicated the company hoped to achieve a diverse workforce that did not exclusively comprise, for example, white men. 'Having listened to Mr Jones as a witness, we suspect he did not express this very well.' The panel found Mr Jones said something to the effect that the company 'hoped to achieve a position where there were fewer white men as a proportion of the workforce'. Throwing out his claim of sex discrimination, she continued: 'We do not find it concerning or odd that an employer should discuss with a candidate for a post as head of HR the issue of diversity in its workforce. The employment hearing took place at the London Central tribunal centre 'Nor do we find it in itself indicative of an intention to discriminate that an employer should aspire to increase diversity in its workforce where there is underrepresentation. 'An aim to have an organisation less dominated by white men in areas where traditionally that is the dominant profile, does not mean that there is an intention to achieve that objective by discriminating in recruitment against white men and in favour of women or minority ethnic candidates. 'We would expect candidates for a Head of HR post to understand these principles and distinctions.' Reacting to the tribunal judgement, Mr Palmer today said: 'The crux of the tribunal's judgment is that intending to hire fewer white men doesn't normally mean using discrimination to achieve that aim; instead, it means something more nebulous, such as removing barriers to recruiting a more diverse workforce. 'But my experience in HR is that it inevitably does lead to discrimination, because that is by far the easiest way to get to the desired outcome. The fact that it's illegal isn't normally much of a deterrent, because proving discrimination in recruitment is extremely difficult - as I have found. 'In a podcast at the time, [AIM's] Director of Compliance stated: "We do screening calls, and it was always the same two individuals on screening calls: two white men. And that isn't the culture we have. It isn't the culture we want portrayed". 'The tribunal generously concluded that this podcast did not contain 'anything indicative of an intention to discriminate against white men.' Readers may draw their own conclusions.' A wife whose husband regularly raped her with household items while she was passed out has condemned his 'sick fantasies' in a heartbreaking statement. The horrified woman discovered her husband of over 20 years had been repeatedly raping her while she was asleep after finding the 'hideous images' on his computer. The Dublin man, 49, was found guilty by a jury earlier this month for 11 counts of sexually assaulting his wife between January 2005 and September 2014. In her victim impact statement, which was read out by one of the investigating Gardai in the case, the 50-year-old woman said she didn't know her husband was 'into porn', let alone using her for his 'sick fantasies'. She said in the wake of the marriage breakdown, she suffered from anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and panic attacks. She said she struggled with financial issues and had to ask her family for money. 'It was unbearable,' she said. The Dublin man, 49, was found guilty by a jury earlier this month for 11 counts of sexually assaulting his wife in their family home between January 2005 and September 2014 Since the shocking discovery, she said that she has deleted every memory of the man from her family home. 'But I can't delete the pain, humiliation and degradation he put me through,' she said. In her statement, she also spoke of her shock since discovering the 'perverse, indecent, hideous images', saying it was 'like a bomb went off' in her head. 'He changed my past, my present and my future,' she said. Her statement was read out at the man's Central Criminal Court sentence hearing on Monday. She added how many unanswered questions she has been left with. 'Why had he done this to me? How long had it been going on? How did I not know? Was he always this way?' she said. The woman added that she felt she was married to a stranger, who had inflicted 'the most heinous and violent abuse' on her. The woman also thanked her family and Gardai for their help and support. She said she would now begin the process of healing. Her husband was found guilty by a jury of 11 counts of sexually assault by 'penetrating her vagina with various objects'. The verdicts were handed down earlier this month following a retrial, after the jury in the first trial returned not guilty verdicts to four counts and was unable to agree on the remaining counts. The abuse occurred in the family home on unknown dates between January 2005 and September 2014. It was the State's case that the wife was unconscious and unable to give her consent when her husband carried out the rapes. A detective told Eilis Brennan SC, prosecuting, that the abuse came to light when the woman discovered images her husband had taken of her on his computer in March 2019. She asked him to leave the family home and made a complaint to The Garda Siochana. The couple were married for over 20 years and have children together. The court previously heard evidence that the woman discovered the images when she went searching for a video her husband had taken of her when she was drunk. The woman said her husband had threatened to send the video to her parents and she wanted to delete it. The court heard the woman had a drinking problem during their marriage, which she later addressed through counselling, and that she was on medication for depression. The defence case was that all of the sexual acts that took place were consensual. The man maintains his innocence and does not accept the verdict of the jury, Maurice Coffey SC, defending, told the sentence hearing. He has been in custody since he was convicted of the offences earlier this month. In mitigation, Mr Coffey asked the judge to take into account the fact the man has no previous convictions and was a 'law-abiding citizen'. The man's sister took the stand at his sentence hearing and outlined his family background. The court heard the man came from a hard-working family. He was privately educated and previously had a good career, the court heard. Mr Justice Paul Burns remanded the man in continuing custody and set a sentence date of January 15 next year. How have YOU been affected? How have YOU been affected? Email jack.wright@mailonline.co.uk A cowboy builder who was jailed for a string of botched jobs that ruined the lives of homeowners across Britain has been ordered to pay his victims 36,000 in compensation. Rogue trader Billee Hopkinson had no formal building qualifications when he operated under the name Ultra Restore Ltd. The 35-year-old crook left a home without a roof and failed to complete a job for another family who had hired him to carry out a garage renovation for their disabled daughter. When the child's mother confronted him he accused her of fraud and claimed she was using the 'disability card'. In another incident, a woman's home was so cold and damp as a result of Hopkinson's workmanship that her baby developed breathing difficulties and was admitted to hospital. He also admitted that glowing online reviews for his business had been written by his wife and a friend. The rogue builder was jailed for 20 months this year after Judge Ian Unsworth said the offences were so serious that they could only be punished with an immediate jail term. He has now been ordered to pay 36,000 within three months or face a further 12 months behind bars. How have YOU been affected? Email jack.wright@mailonline.co.uk Rogue trader Billee Hopkinson had no formal building qualifications when he operated under the name Ultra Restore Ltd Katie Sowerby's home pictured during the cowboy builder's renovations to the house after he pocketed 13,500 from a grant The rogue builder failed to complete a job for a family who had hired him to carry out a garage renovation for their disabled daughter. Pictured, a shower and sink installed by Hopkinson that was deemed unsuitable for Katie Sowerby's daughter The judge said: 'I am satisfied that you would quote for work and go on to do work which had no prospect of being competed satisfactorily, or at all. 'The company was failing but you went on to take on more work. I am satisfied you were deceiving your victims. They all believed you were a reputable builder and your company was a sound entity. 'There is no doubt substantial distress has been caused. You had no knowledge or skills in not only construction but building standards.' The court heard that his victims handed over around 78,000. Each of his victims had suffered severe financial and emotional distress, said Judge Unsworth. Two of his victims had to borrow money to remedy the damage caused. Judge Unsworth said: 'You moved from victim to victim with ease.' One victim, Katrina Raynor, applied for a grant from South Ribble Borough Council to convert her garage for her disabled daughter in 2020. She hired Hopkinson to carry out the work to create a separate bedroom and bathroom. Hopkinson was hired on August 31 and said the project would be finished by Christmas. But six months after work began, Ms Raynor was so frustrated that she told Hopkinson he was not to return to the property near Leyland, Lancashire. Hopkinson accused her of fraud and 'playing the disability card' after he had pocketed 13,500 from the grant. Ms Sowerby borrowed money to fix the damage after already handing over thousands of pounds to Hopkinson The state of disrepair that rogue trader Hopkinson left one home in Ms Raynor was forced to use her own money to pay for the shoddy work to be redone after a building surveyor for South Ribble Council visited the home and noted several concerns about the work. But days after the building surveyor visited Ms Raynor's home, Hopkinson took on a second project after agreeing to complete a loft conversion for Katie Sowerby for 24,000. Ms Sowerby found Hopkinson on Trust A Trader online. But in a police interview, Hopkinson said one of his reviews describing a 'very respectful and reliable service' had been written by a friend for a joke and another was written by his wife. By November 2021, building control put a stop to the work on Ms Sowerby's house as it was so badly done it was damaging a neighbouring property. Part of the roof was missing and the house was not even waterproof. By this point, Ms Sowerby had handed over 13,000 to Hopkinson but building control valued the work at zero. Ms Sowerby's home was so cold and damp that her baby developed breathing difficulties and was admitted to hospital. Her other child spent time away from the family home as it was so uncomfortable. Both Ms Raynor and Ms Sowerby borrowed money to fix the damage. Annabel Isherwood contacted Hopkinson in August 2021 via Trust A Trader and agreed to pay 78,000 for an extension. But after making the transfer, Ms Isherwood realised the company had folded but Hopkinson had not informed her. She described her experience with Hopkinson as 'the worst experience of my life'. Hopkinson's defence counsel told the judge in May that his mental health had suffered since the pandemic. A Proceeds of Crime hearing, held at Preston Crown Court, found Hopkinson, of Tag Lane, Preston, had profited 36,582 from his victims. He was told he must pay the full amount back within three months or face a further 12 months behind bars. Sadiq Khan was accused of treating Londoners like 'walking cash machines' today as he revealed plans to hike his share of council tax by 8.6 per cent next year. The Labour mayor has proposed the eyewatering increase of his share of the levy, blaming 'the Government's failure to properly fund' police, transport and fire services. The change would come into effect in April, just weeks before the mayoral election, and means the average council tax bill for a Band D property has risen 70 per cent since 2017. The average London homeowner will pay 471 annually as its precept - or share of the Council Tax total - to City Hall, after he increased it by almost 40. And it means average total bills, which also take in the major share levied by local authorities - will break 2,000 in 15 boroughs. Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall said: 'Sadiq Khan is treating Londoners like walking cash machines, wasting money on spin doctors and PR stunts, while raising his council tax by over 70 per cent since he was elected. The Labour mayor has proposed the eyewatering increase of his share of the levy, blaming the Government for not providing enough cash to pay for police and fire services. Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall said: 'Sadiq Khan is treating Londoners like walking cash machines.' 'He's already fleecing Londoners with his unfair ULEZ expansion, raking in millions off the backs of the lowest earners. We cannot afford another four years of Sadiq Khan.' Cllr Alessandro Georgiou, a Tory who sits on Enfield Council, added: 'Knife crime, sexual offences and robberies are all through the roof. Not only content with state of crime in London, Khan also wants to make us all poorer.' Announcing the increase Mr Khan said it was 'the last thing I want to do' and accused ministers of 'refusing to provide enough support for London's essential public services'. It came the day after he was blasted for 'wasteful spending' as the Government forked out 250million in another bailout for Transport for London (TfL). The capital's transport network will receive the cash next year to be used for projects such as providing new Tube trains for the London Underground's Piccadilly Line. The sum is only half the 500million that Mr Khan and TfL had been demanding, while the London mayor also bemoaned the lack of a long-term funding settlement. TfL bosses said they would continue to suffer a 'shortfall in funding', which has led to doubts over the future of a proposed Bakerloo Line upgrade and extension. But both Transport Secretary Mark Harper and Ms Hall accused the London mayor of being unable to 'balance the books'. In a statement today he said: 'Against the backdrop of the government's refusal to provide enough support for London's essential public services, I have no viable alternative but to use all the levers at my disposal to provide urgent funding from City Hall, particularly for the police. 'The Government has announced that policing in London is set to get just over half the percentage increase in funding compared to the rest of the country. How can this be right when the Met has had to undertake a huge amount of national policing activities over recent months without any additional funding from the Government? 'This is putting an enormous strain on an already stretched police service. That's why I'm having to step in with additional funding from City Hall to ensure the police in London can bear down on violent crime, continue to reform and make our city safer. 'We are going through a challenging time in London due to the state of the national economy, the impact of austerity and the cost-of-living crisis. But I'm confident that this budget will not only support and improve our public services in our city, but help us to continue building a fairer, greener and safer London for everyone.' Vanilla Ice has revealed that he hung out with Pablo Escobar 'many, many times' as they bonded over their love of boats and cars. In an animated conversation with VladTV, the Texas-born nineties rap star, who is now a successful real estate investor and developer, said that they struck up an unlikely friendship. 'Pablo was a great person in person this sounds ridiculous,' he fondly recalled. 'First of all, I had no Google. You don't go up to people and go, "What do you do for a living?" I have no idea.' Ice, real name Robert Van Winkle, revealed that the Colombian drug lord and the 'Cocaine Cowboys' used to come over to his house on Star Island off Miami Beach, presumably during the height of his hip hop fame. He said they would land helicopters constantly on the island, where he kept food in the refrigerators especially for them and had his maids clean up after them. In an animated conversation with VladTV, the Texas-born nineties rap star, who is now a successful real estate investor and developer, revealed how they struck up an unlikely friendship Pablo Escobar and his wife Maria Victoria in 1983 in Colombia 'They would take me in helicopters to these great events and race boats and look at all the cool stuff they were making,' he said. 'That's the kind of stuff we did. We would go out and race boats. We were always on boats. So there was always a bunch of bikinis floating around.' Ice, 56, said he once bragged that his fortified Porsche was faster than Escobar's prized Ferrari Testarossa. Soon afterwards they lined the cars up next to each other to see who was right. 'I smoked him,' he recollected. Ice hosted a reality television show, the Vanilla Ice Project, between 2010 and 2019 which saw him renovating properties. Vanilla Ice performing during 'I Love the 90s' Postgame Concert hosted By Philadelphia Phillies and presented by Jim Beam 'I Love the 90s' Postgame Concert Hosted By Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA - 19 Aug 2022 Ice, 56, said he once bragged that his fortified Porsche was faster than Escobar's prized Ferrari Testarossa. Soon afterwards they lined the cars up next to each other to see who was right (File Photo) He also made a seven-part podcast, The Disappearance of Shergar the Super Horse, for the BBC about the 1981 Derby winner. Robert Van Winkle wrote Ice, Ice Baby when he was 16, using a sample of Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie. The track made him a millionaire before he turned 21 and more than 40 million copies were sold worldwide. The 1990 album to To The Extreme, featuring the runaway hit, stayed at the top of the Billboard charts in America for 16 weeks. Ice became incredibly famous, but it was hard to shake off his image as something of a novelty figure in music. The star also dated Madonna for eight months in the nineties. Escobar entered the cocaine trade in the early 1970s, collaborating with other criminals to form the Medellin Cartel. By the mid-1980s, he had an estimated net worth of $30 billion and cash was so prevalent that Escobar purchased a Learjet for the sole purpose of flying his money. Pablo Escobar's booking mug shot taken by the regional Colombia control agency in Medellin in 1976 Colombia military personnel guard the entrance to Pablo Escobar's Hacienda Napoles ranch in 1989 A Colombian soldier stands guard in the pool area at Pablo Escobar's Hacienda Napoles ranch in 1989 Hippos float in the lagoon at Hacienda Napoles Park, once the private estate of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar who imported three female hippos and one male decades ago in Puerto Triunfo, Colombia, on February 4, 2021 More than 15 tons of cocaine were reportedly smuggled each day, netting the Cartel as much as $420 million a week. In the 1980s he illegally imported hippos to his Hacienda Napoles ranch, around 100 miles east of Medellin. When was Escobar was killed in 1993, most of the animals he had imported as pets, including giraffes, kangaroos, zebras and rhinoceroses, died or were transferred to zoos. But the 'cocaine hippos' flourished at the estate and reproduced over decades. For much of his time at the top of the narco heap, Escobar earned popularity by sponsoring charity projects and soccer clubs, sharing some of his riches with local communities and in doing so was portrayed as a generous character. But terror campaigns run by Escobar's henchmen resulted in the murder of thousands, and slowly began turning the public against him - all while law enforcement agencies from the US were cooperating with Colombian police to tear down his empire. Colombian law enforcement finally caught up to Escobar on December 2, 1993 in a middle-class neighborhood in Medellin. A gunfight ensued and as Escobar tried to escape across a series of rooftops he and his bodyguard were shot and killed. An urgent rescue is underway after two teenagers fell into the water at a blowhole in Victoria. Victoria Police and coast guard are currently on the scene at Blowholes Road in Cape Bridgewater, around 370km west of Melbourne, attempting to rescue those in the water. One of the teenagers has been recovered from the water while authorities continue to search for the other. Distressed family members are also present at the scene while the rescue is underway Victoria Police and coast guard are currently on the scene at Blowholes Road in Cape Bridgewater, around 370km west of Melbourne READ MORE: Stranded surfers found on their boards after vanishing Footage has emerged of the moment a group of young Aussie surfers missing off the coast of Indonesia were found after 36 hours lost at sea. Advertisement Distressed family members are at the scene. 'Emergency services are currently searching for a teenage boy in waters off Blowholes Road in Cape Bridgewater,' Victoria Police said. 'The teenager was with a friend when he was swept into the ocean just before 7.30pm and is yet to be located.' Parks Victoria warns those planning on visiting the blowholes near Portland that strong currents are a hazard as is slippery rocks and unstable cliffs. The site features a 400m gravel walkway to view the rock formations, with many who visit describing the conditions as windy. 'It can be very windy so be sure of your footing and surroundings as I saw some people get very close to the edge for 'the perfect photo' without considering the windy conditions,' one person wrote in a TripAdvisor review. 'There was plenty of spray formed by the constant beating of the waves against the cliff and rocks below. It was scary at times as the waves swelled high due to the extreme blowing and intermittent rain that fell,' another described. Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed she has joined Dignitas as she battles stage 4 lung cancer and may go there to die, following around 650 Britons who have flown to Switzerland to end their lives at the secretive assisted suicide clinic. A BBC documentary sparked complaints from Samaritans because it showed the moment Simon Binner smiled as he administered the barbiturate that induced his coma and death. Viewers were moved to tears as he played a final message for his wife before he took his life, saying: 'Time and tide wait for no man, I love you very much Debbie. Goodbye.' Mr Binner, who was terminally ill with aggressive motor neurone disease, had already used his LinkedIn profile to announce the dates of his death and funeral in November 2015. Janet Appleyard used her 20,000 life savings to go to Zurich by private jet in February 2021 after a debilitating stroke, needing oxygen on her final journey by plane and then taxi to Dignitas. She passed away peacefully after taking life-ending drugs following a tearful FaceTime video conversation with members of her family back home in Britain, in a case that has shed new light on the process. Janet's daughter Mandy revealed her mother had a final meal of breakfast cereal - eating it with 'relish' - on the morning before drinking the drug that sent her to sleep and caused her heart to stop. Her euthanasia came only after two interviews with a doctor who needed to be satisfied that her decision to die was final, asking her: 'Why did she want to die? Did she understand that the end of the Dignitas process was death? Did she want to go home and reflect?'. Those who go with their loved one and are present during the process face the risk of prosecution and up to 14 years in prison when they return to the UK. People can only die there if they become a member. Simon Binner smiles and plays a message for his wife and children just before he died in 2015 at Dignitas A BBC film showed Simon administering the drugs by flicking this switch which ended his life, before cutting to a black screen Final journey: Janet Appleyard on a private flight to Zurich in 2021, after choosing to die by assisted suicide John Huff went to Switzerland assisted suicide clinic 'Dignitas' to die after Motor Neurone Disease (MND) robbed him of his quality of life. This is their last meal together as a family, on the night before he died A message sent to loved-ones of Bob Cole, 68, after he died at Dignitas. His wife had done the same 18 months earlier Other patients over the years have held parties and dinners on the night before their lives ended. In 2006 John Huff smiled with his wife and children on the eve if his death in an image that moved millions. Bob Cole, 68, who was battling an aggressive form of lung cancer, took a lethal cocktail of drugs just 18 months after he watched his wife Ann, 67, die in the same way in Switzerland. In a text sent from his bedside in 2015, a friend wrote: 'Dear friends, Bob died with smile on his face to Beethoven's Ode to Joy. He asked you all the seize the time'. The clinic helps a Briton to die every eight days - but very few families have spoken openly about their loved-one's death there, often fearing prosecution in the UK. But Janet Appleyard's daughter Mandy told the Mail last week how her mother had resolved to end her life, sharing pictures of her on a private jet getting oxygen on her final journey. She also revealed how patients are met at the door and helped to their 'airy' chalet-style apartment before two 'long' interviews with doctors to confirm they are there of their own free will. The following day Janet swallowed a deadly liquid designed to stop her heart - before her daughter returned to the UK without her body, with her cremated remains sent back to Britain a week later. The cost of using Dignitas was 8,380 plus around 12,000 for the one-way flight. Writing in the Mail, Mandy Appleyard said: 'She had told her two sisters of her plan to die. The afternoon before we left for Switzerland, in February 2021, the three siblings wanted to say goodbye in person but because of the pandemic they had to make do with a tearful FaceTime video conversation. 'After our flight to Zurich and a taxi ride from the airport, we arrived at an unprepossessing building on an industrial estate, where we were greeted by a kind-faced woman. 'She showed us round an airy apartment, and a Swiss doctor arrived shortly afterwards to talk with Mum. Why did she want to die? Did she understand that the end of the Dignitas process was death? Did she want to go home and reflect?'. Courageous: Mandy Appleyard with her beloved mother, who could no longer live with her disabilities after a severe stroke Mandy (left) as a child with her mother Janet and sister in the 1960s John and Janet Appleyard were married for more than 50 years until his death in 2014 The following day Janet died. Mandy wrote: 'My sister and I toyed with some breakfast, but I remember Mum ate a bowl of cereal with relish. 'It was about 10am when my sister and I sat either side of her bed and held her hands as she sipped a tiny cup of a medication to stop her vomiting the fatal drink which would follow. 'There were kisses but no tears: Mum was holding it together, so we had to. She said matter-of-factly that she was ready for the drink a barbiturate which induces coma then death. 'Gisela [the nurse] passed a cup to Mum and she drank swiftly. Her eyes closed and she fell unconscious within seconds. I looked across at my sister, her face contorted with sadness. We watched as Mum's chest rose and fell until, minutes later, it stopped. Our tears came, then we sat in silence. My mind was blank: I felt numb. 'Preparing to leave Mum behind in a foreign country was agonising. She would be cremated the following week, then her ashes sent to us. We kissed her again before we left, her face now cold, then Gisela saw us into a taxi to begin our journey home'. Within two weeks of their return home, Humberside Police interviewed her under caution. It would be more than a year before the CPS decided not to prosecute. She said: 'We spent thousands on a lawyer. The police asked for access to our bank accounts and took witness statements; they asked Dignitas for Mum's case notes; they wanted to see a recording in which Mum had explained her wish to die, and her psychiatric assessments. 'Being the subject of a criminal investigation was torture. It got in the way of grieving for a mum I had adored, leaving me angry and scared when what I craved was to mourn in private. 'Mum would have shared my anger and fear. If she had known the legal consequences for me, she would probably have stepped back from her decision'. One of the apartments at Dignitas where patients end their lives A Medicine bottle at Dignitas Clinic. Patients must administer the fatal dose themselves and convince doctors they want to kill themselves The Headquarters of Dignitas, in the town of Pfaffikon, Switzerland, near Zurich How to Die: Simon's Choice - was aired on BBC Two in 2016, and viewed as an important film on an emotive and at times shocking subject. Broadcaster Clare Balding tweeted she was 'sitting here sobbing' watching Mr Binner's final moments while ITV presenter Fiona Phillips said his case proved assisted suicide can be 'valid'. Radio 2 and Strictly Come Dancing star Jeremy Vine said it was 'devastating' to watch his death and Gabby Logan said she was 'emotionally shattered' by the film. The BBC had planned to show footage featuring Simon's lifeless body at the assisted suicide clinic in Basel, Switzerland, but decided to make last minute changes after the Samaritans raised concerns. But the heart-wrenching documentary did follow his journey from his diagnosis of motor neurone disease to his death just a few months later on October 19 2015. The cameras followed him around as he enjoyed a final few months with friends and family, and also gave an insight into the deeply distressing life of a terminally ill patient deciding to take their life. After following his journey right up until the point of him arriving at the suicide clinic, the footage showed Simon enjoying a final farewell meal with his family and friends. They toasted him and told him he was a 'top bloke'. It then showed him taking his own life on Monday, October 19, at 9.38am while surrounded by his wife and four friends. His daughters, Hannah and Zoe, were not present at the time of his death. In deeply traumatic scenes, he could be seen dressed in a smart chequered shirt lying on a bed at the suicide clinic, holding his wife's hand, as a pre-recorded message played out around the room. In it, he told his wife: 'Hi Debbie, it's Simon here, I've loved you very, very much Debbie. I haven't deserved you or Hannah or Zoe. Such loving and caring young ladies, and I've been such a grumpy gruffalo for much of the time. 'But I really love you Debbie. We've had such a fun and laughter-filled marriage, we were really blessed to have found one another. 'The one blessing of a slow decline is that we've had time to speak about things over 10 long months, not like losing me in a car smash. 'We've really said everything that needs to be said. You've been a truly fantastic wife to me Debbie and I know that you loved me and I've loved you. 'Anyway, time and tide wait for no man, I love you very much Debbie. Goodbye.' Simon enjoying a final farewell dinner with his family and friends on the eve of his death. They toasted him as they told him he was a 'top bloke' during his last meal in Switzerland Simon Binner's wife, Debbie, as she said goodbye to her husband Holding the device to administer the drug which will eventually kill him in one hand (left), Simon used his mobile phone to play a final voice recording to his wife of 14 years Debbie in which he told her how much he loved her The final documentary did not show the moment of death but it did show the clinic's staff placing Simon in a coffin and screwing on the lid (pictured) The film then cut to a black screen before a coffin was wheeled into the room. His wife could be seen embracing friends as they left the assisted suicide clinic. John Huff was among the first Britons to have gone to Dignitas. His family shared a picture of them dining on a clear August evening in 2006 - knowing this would be their last meal together. The man at the head of the table, Mr Huff, was to die the next day - having booked himself into the infamous Dignitas assisted suicide clinic in the city. Even more extraordinary were the very mixed emotions around that table: John, debilitated by Motor Neurone Disease (MND), was facing his imminent death with optimism; his daughters Dianne and Joanne, who, at his request, had made the necessary arrangements, were pleased that their father was so certain about the choice he had made. But Barbara, John's devoted wife of 30 years, and the mother of his two daughters, felt very differently. She was consumed with hope that the husband she adored would change his mind and return home with her. Sadly, she was not to get her wish. Barbara said at the time: 'I felt incredibly sad about what was going to happen and kept hoping John wouldn't go through with it. I knew he only had another six months to live anyway, but I wanted him with me for as long as possible. 'It was selfish but I had even hoped his illness would progress more quickly so he wouldn't have been well enough to travel to Switzerland. 'When Dignitas was first mentioned by him, I blocked it out and kept quiet. My daughters arranged things for John, but I could not take part. 'Inside I kept hoping and praying it wouldn't come to that. But ultimately it did. That was what he wanted and he stuck to that.' The British Museum is to extend its 27-year-long partnership with oil giant BP by another decade in a deal worth 50million. The petrochemicals firm's money will help fund the overhaul of the institution's iconic Bloomsbury site in central London. However, the deal is likely to prove controversial for critics who have long opposed the Museum's relationship with BP. Actress Emma Thompson has been among those who have called on the British Museum to drop BP as a sponsor, while eco-activists have occupied the museum's great court in protest. In June, there was speculation that the relationship was going to come to an end, but these rumours were quashed with today's announcement. The British Museum is to extend its 27-year-long partnership with oil giant BP by another decade in a deal worth 50million The first phase of the Museum's 'Masterplan' will see the opening of a new archaeological research facility in June next year. This will house items ranging from nails from the famous Sutton Hoo ship to rare Peruvian fabrics and ancient fingerprints preserved on 5,000-year-old antler picks. The Museum also plans to phase out of the use of fossil fuels on its estate and replace them with low carbon alternatives. Plans for an international architectural competition to redevelop around 7,500 square metres of gallery space have also been announced. The project will focus on the Museum's Western Range galleries, which house objects including the Elgin Marbles. Also in the pipeline are plans to restore many of the celebrated listed buildings on the museum's estate. Charlie Mayfield, chair of the British Museum's Masterplan committee, said: 'The British Museum is one of the largest and most visited cultural institutions in the world but some of its buildings are over 200 years old and in urgent need of refurbishment. 'That's why the masterplan is so essential and it's exciting to be moving forward with our plans. The petrochemicals firm's money will help fund the overhaul of the institution's iconic Bloomsbury site 'Next year we will begin the process of completely overhauling our outdated energy infrastructure and replacing it with state of the art facilities that will dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, and we will begin a global search amongst leading architects to find a partner to help us reimagine the famous Western Range. 'There's so much to look forward to in 2024 and we are grateful to all our partners for their support.' Louise Kingham, BP's senior vice president for Europe and UK country chair, said: 'The British Museum offers a window to the world for the millions of people that pass through its doors every year. 'As a business that has made Britain its home for over a century, we are proud to be a long-term partner to this important British institution and play our part in its future transformation whilst helping to ensure that this iconic cultural venue remains freely accessible to all.' In recent years, BP has seen funding partnerships ended by the Tate, the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Scottish Ballet and the Royal Opera House. The Science Museum continues to receive funding for an educational academy from BP. Earlier this year, Freedom of Information requests submitted by lawyers working for the environmental group Culture Unstained revealed there were no plans to host BP-sponsored events at the museum next year. The most recent contract ended in February but the partners resisted stating explicitly that their partnership was over. In one of the responses seen by the Daily Mail, the museum said: 'The corporate supporter may continue to exercise their supporter benefits as part of the existing partnership until the end of this calendar year.' Some of the funding provided by BP will go towards overhauling buildings on the estate. Above: A depiction of the planned new 'Study Room' But it added: 'There are no other contracts or agreements in effect between the museum and BP.' In June, Culture Unstained's director called on the Museum to end its partnership with BP. He said: 'If it is serious about responding to the climate crisis, the museum must now confirm that there will be no future relationships with fossil fuel producers, take down BP's name from its lecture theatre and roundly reject the climate-wrecking business it represents.' The new deal comes at a difficult time for the Museum as it grapples with the fallout from revelations that 1,500 of its objects were damaged or stolen and sold online. A review published earlier this month told the Museum's officials to close gaps in the registration and documentation of objects to reduce the risk of further thefts. The Museum said last week that the staff member accused of the thefts is not co-operating with their search for them. Peter Higgs, who was a senior curator at the museum, has denied any wrongdoing. There is also ongoing controversy over the British Museum's ownership of the Elgin Marbles, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelling a meeting with the Greek PM earlier this month after he raised the issue during a visit to the UK. A thief has stolen 510kg of meat - about $7,000 worth - in a heartless heist that has left a small town butcher shop struggling to fill Christmas orders. Glasshouse Country Meats owners Dale and Lisa Wagner are now working all hours to make sure Christmas is not ruined for their customers. The haul, including 16 whole leg hams, was stolen from their cool room in Queensland's Glasshouse Mountains on the Sunshine Coast in the early hours of Saturday. The Christmas Grinch - who seemed to be acting on his own - broke the shop's lock, then used a wheelie bin to carry loads of meat to his car - and it was all caught on CCTV. The Wagners have 40 minutes of video footage of the man taking his time, casually doing three runs from the cool room to his car and back again. Glasshouse Country Meats owners Dale and Lisa Wagner (pictured) are working all hours to make sure Christmas is not ruined for their customers Woman threw her dog from a second-storey Westfield car park - chilling social media confession revealed in court Advertisement 'I've got no idea what he's going to do with it, I presume he sold it,' Ms Wagner told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday night. If he did so, he has done it privately as she looked on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree to see if any huge loads of meat were being offloaded, but found nothing. She said the thief will need a lot of refrigeration to keep it cold if he hasn't already got rid of it all. 'Hopefully we'll catch him, all I want is for him to pay for what he did. Most people are brought up to be honest, it's just really sad that this has happened,' Ms Wagner said. The couple has run the business for about six years and has built up a strong reputation in that time. 'We know most of our customers by name,' she said. Those customers, and even people who are not customers, have been approaching the Wagners over the last few days to tell them how sorry they were to hear what happened. This kindness, and the effort by police, has somewhat restored her faith in humanity. 'I'm very impressed with the police. Three of them (from the Sunshine Coast Property Crime Taskforce) are working on it,' she said. Ms Wagner has been surprised by how much interest the story has generated, with 700,000 views and 1,700 shares on their Facebook page since she wrote about the break-in. 'To our valued customer who came to our cold room this morning at 3.01 am and decided that he couldn't wait for the shop to open,' she wrote. 'You have taken over 250 kilos of ham and 260 kilos of meat. Unfortunately you forgot to pay for the meat!' She subsequently wrote that 'After what has happened to us over the weekend we have been overwhelmed with support from our wonderful customers as well as people we have never met ... 'Dale is cooking more hams to replace the ones that were stolen.' The Wagners have 40 minutes of video footage of the man (pictured) taking his time, casually doing three runs from the cool room to his car and back again The thief (pictured) stole 510kilograms of meat - about $7,000 worth - in a heartless heist Ms Wagner said that cooking the hams 'is a big pride thing for him. He starts work at 4am. It's a big process to getting the finished product.' Though the shop is insured, it will take a while for that money to come through, and on Tuesday the Wagner's were annoyed to have to pay an invoice for meat that was stolen from them. The thief has not yet been caught, but this Grinch has failed to ruin the Christmas spirit of the Wagners and the customers of Glasshouse Country Meats. 'I'm not going to let him break us,' Ms Wagner said. 'It is what it is, but you've just got to carry on.' A crazed woman stabbed to death a stranger walking his dog in a park after repeatedly 'escaping' from mental health units, it can be revealed. Artist Emma Borowy, 32, was said to be a schizophrenic obsessed with witchcraft. She had previously been arrested for slaughtering two pet goats in a form of 'sacrifice' and allegedly threatened to 'stab someone in the heart' just three weeks before killing Roger Leadbeater, 74. Borowy was charged with murdering council worker Mr Leadbeater in a Sheffield Park in August. He died from multiple stab wounds after the apparently random and motiveless attack which raises troubling questions about the role of mental health services. It is understood she was in the care of the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust at the time of the killing. The case will now never go to trial as she died a week ago in a 'suspected suicide' in New Hall Prison in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Artist Emma Borowy, 32, was said to be a schizophrenic obsessed with witchcraft Borowy was charged with murdering council worker Roger Leadbeater (pictured) in a Sheffield park in August Borowy was being assessed as to her fitness to stand trial and in a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday Judge Jeremy Richardson, KC, said she had been due to be transferred to a hospital dedicated to supporting people with mental health problems. Passing the case on to the coroner, Judge Richardson said: 'This case, taken as a whole, in almost every dimension is sad beyond compare.' Details of Borowy's troubling previous behaviour and the fact she was regarded as a 'danger' can now be revealed for the first time as legal restrictions are lifted. Her father Karl, 64, said Borowy, who had a young son, had been admitted to mental health units in Warrington, Salford and Bolton, but had frequently walked out. He said: 'It seems she can escape any time she wants. That's what she told my wife. I do think these units should be more secure. She must have escaped a dozen times in the past two years.' Father-of-four Mr Borowy said she was allowed back home three months ago but 'couldn't cope' and returned to the unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital. She also had a drug problem, he said. Emma Borowy had previously been arrested for slaughtering two pet goats in a form of 'sacrifice' and allegedly threatened to 'stab someone in the heart' It is understood Emma Borowy was in the care of the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust at the time of the killing Mr Borowy said one of his sons who still lived at home told him not to allow her into the house as he considered her a 'danger.' Commenting on the killing of Mr Leadbeater back in August, he said: 'We knew she was very, very unwell but this is a new dimension.' He added: 'I think perhaps mental health services are struggling and dealing with too many people. The counsellor she had seemed to change every few months. I don't think Emma was taking her medication properly when she was out either.' A neighbour in Fearnhead Close, Bolton, where Borowy lived said she told her she had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and autism. Police called on a number of occasions to ask if Borowy had been seen after leaving a secure mental health unit. She had not been seen at home for about three months when the murder happened. The neighbour said Borowy had an 'interest in witchcraft' which included creating home-made 'voodoo dolls' out of toys and putting star symbols and stone arrangements around her home. She also said that Borowy made an alarming visit to a friend's house just three weeks before the stabbing in Sheffield. 'Emma turned up at his doorstep,' she said. 'She said she was going to stab someone in the heart if they came up to her.' Borowy was also said to be responsible for the 'ritual' slaughter of two goats in October last year. The animals belonged to a local family. They were stolen and found later with 'broken bones and cut throats.' Her father Karl, 64, said Borowy, who had a young son, had been admitted to mental health units in Warrington, Salford and Bolton, but had frequently walked out Owner Emma McLeod, 39, said Borowy was arrested but never prosecuted. She said: 'We said at the time that if she can kill animals then she can kill a human. She terrorised another farm before us, she used to sit in the trees and pretend she was a bird. But she was never charged over the goats. They just blamed her mental health.' The goats were found where a hole had been dug and there was also a pentangle a symbol used in black magic. Ms McLeod said: 'It looked some kind of sacrifice or ritual. She obviously needed help and locking up.' A full inquest will be held later into Mr Leadbeater's death. The authorities have not revealed details of her psychiatric care and why she travelled 40 miles to Sheffield is not clear. The victim's niece Angela Hector said yesterday she only found out about Borowy's death by 'seeing it on the news.' She said the authorities had failed her family again. Mr Leadbeater was walking his springer spaniel Max when he was stabbed to death. The dog stayed by his side. At the time his family paid tribute to a 'good, hard-working and decent man' whose job was to drive children with special needs to school. 'As a family, we can barely believe such a kind, gentle soul could be taken in such a way,' they said. The family are being helped by Hundred Families, a charity supporting families who have lost loved ones as a result of mental health killings. Julian Hendy from the charity said the family wrongly believed Borowy was in a secure psychiatric unit when she killed herself. He said the family 'have been left in the dark and feel completely let down.' The tragic case comes after another shocking killing carried out by a patient living in Bolton under the supervision of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust. Emily Jones, seven, was fatally attacked as she rode her scooter in her local park in Bolton on Mother's Day in March 2020. She was stabbed to death by Albania-born Eltiona Skana, 33, who had developed paranoid schizophrenia after lying about being a victim of trafficking in order to win asylum. He admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility and is serving a life sentence. NHS bosses ordered an independent review which last year criticised a 'tick box' culture at the struggling trust, saying its understanding of the risks posed by Skana prior to Emily's death was 'poor'. A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust said it 'cannot comment' on the case. Amsterdam has unveiled plans to remove its 'sex window' prostitutes from its famous red light district, and has announced a new 'erotic centre' for escorts. On Monday, Amsterdam city executives named the location in the Dutch capital's south as its preferred site for an out-of-town 'erotic centre', in a controversial plan. Mayor Femke Halsema wants to uproot the red light district and move it out of the inner city to a purpose-built centre, aiming to rid Amsterdam's image as a 'sin city', while reducing the number of tourists and petty crime in the area. 'The Europa Boulevard in the South district the most suitable location for the new Erotic Centre,' the city's executive said. 'This choice will now be presented to the city council early next year,' it added in a statement, saying it expected it to take seven years before it was due to open. Amsterdam has unveiled plans to remove its 'sex window' prostitutes from its famous red light district, and has announced a new centre for escorts Halsema has long opposed the centuries-old red light district, known as De Wallen, with its neon-lined windows in canalside houses where sex workers stand waiting for customers. The Europa Boulevard, which sits on the edge of Amsterdam's main business district was one of three possibilities for the erotic centre. It would have 100 rooms for sex workers, as well as restaurants, sex theatres, clubs and restaurants. 'Finding a location for an erotic centre is a difficult task,' the city administration said, adding: 'Due to the enormous growth in tourism, the old town, especially the red light district, has been under pressure for years.' It added: 'Windows of the erotic center will only be located inside the building. In this way we want to combat sightseeing tourism and keep disruptive groups away.' But the city's plans have been opposed by locals who do not want the centre on their doorstep, as well as sex workers who feel they are scapegoats for the criminals and crowds surrounding their neon-lit booths. The choice of site puts the 'erotic centre' near the European Medicines Agency, which has also opposed the move, saying it could affect the safety of people working late at the office. Meanwhile tens of thousands of people have signed various petitions against the transfer of the booths, calling instead for better crowd control and greater police surveillance in De Wallen, especially at night. Moving the red light district is one of Amsterdam's efforts to transform its image as a party capital. It has also launched a 'stay away' campaign to discourage stag nights and boozy tourists, which caused a stir in Britain after the council said it would start by targeting British men aged 18-35. On Monday, Amsterdam city executives named a new location in the Dutch capital's south as its preferred site for an out-of-town 'erotic centre', in a controversial plan to move the city's Red Light District away from its current home in De Wallen (pictured) Mayor Femke Halsema (pictured, file photo) wants to uproot the red light district and move it out of the inner city to a purpose-built centre, aiming to rid Amsterdam's image as a 'sin city', while reducing the number of tourists and petty crime in the area Last month the city announced plans to ramp up its campaign to shoo away hard partying tourists after the first effort met limited success. An online campaign will aim to show a different side of Amsterdam, featuring art and culture and stories of 'real Amsterdammers.' The city council is expected to discuss the proposals early next year and the erotic centre could take around seven years to build and open. A boy accused of murdering private schoolgirl Elianne Andam in Croydon will enter a plea in February. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, allegedly stabbed 15-year-old Elianne with a kitchen knife as she made her way to the Old Palace of John Whitgift School on September 27. The Year 11 pupil was killed after getting off a double-decker bus on Wellsley Road and trying to protect a friend. Police and paramedics arrived shortly after 8.30am but were unable to save Elianne and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The teenager was due to appear at the Old Bailey today but was not produced at court in time for the hearing. He is charged with murder and possession of a bladed weapon, namely a kitchen knife, in a public place. His plea and trial preparation hearing was adjourned until 9 February while a provisional trial date has been set for April 29. Elianne Andam, pictured, was attacked and killed in Croydon, south London, on September 27 The accused killer is alleged to have fled the scene and took the bus home where he was later arrested Prosecutor Alison Morgan, KC, earlier said that a friend of Elianne had just ended a relationship with the defendant and they arranged to meet that morning. She said: 'The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate the defendant and (his ex-girlfriend) exchanging possessions. 'The defendant arrived with black gloves and a face mask. In coming to the meeting he had armed himself with a large knife which he was carrying with him.' Ms Morgan said the defendant's ex-girlfriend handed over his belongings but he did not hand hers over. Police and forensic investigators at the scene near the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon Elianne Andam was stabbed to death after snatching her friend's bag as the 17-year-old boy walked away with it in Croydon, south London, the Old Bailey heard 'Elianne took it upon herself to challenge the defendant and ask for the property,' Ms Morgan said. She then ran past and grabbed the Tesco carrier bag. Ma Morgan added: 'In response to that he turned in anger. He pursued her for a short distance, removing the knife from his waistband and then stabbing her repeatedly. 'He inflicted fatal injuries upon her. There were a number of witnesses on board the bus who saw what was happening.' The accused killer is alleged to have fled the scene and took the bus home where he was later arrested. He remains in custody. Three people died after a storm plummeted into the northeast on Monday, leaving destruction across several states and almost 600,000 still without power as parts of Maine were voluntarily evacuated. Robert Horky, 89, was killed early on Monday when high winds caused a tree to fall on his trailer in Hingham, Massachusetts, according to Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz. In Pennsylvania, a 73-year-old man died after when his vehicle was submerged in high water in Lancaster County. In Maine, a 40-year-old man was killed after he went on his roof to to clear storm debris and was hit by a piece of a tree. Over half a million people in the northeast remained without power Tuesday morning, with Maine registering the majority of outages - about 429,000. In Massachusetts, about 133,000 still have no power following the storm, according to poweroutage.us. Three people died after a storm plummeted into the northeast on Monday, leaving destruction across several states and almost 600,000 still without power Officials in Fairfield, Maine, issued a voluntary evacuation order at about 7am Tuesday, saying they expected the Kennebec River to rise another three feet at around noon Cars are stranded in floodwaters in Paterson, New Jersey Drivers had to be rescued in Newark, New Jersey due to flooding The storm's heavy rainfall - up to six inches in some areas - left significant flooding across the region, with many roads blocked due to debris and fallen trees. A flood and travel advisory were issued in New York City and high winds alerts are in place from North Carolina to Maine. More than 500 US flights were cancelled on Monday due to the storm, with New York City's LaGuardia Airport and Boston Logan International Airport the most affected. TRI-STATE AREA Heavy rain and high tides caused flooding along the Jersey Shore, leading authorities to block off roads near Barnegat Bay in Bay Head and Mantoloking. The flooding was made worse by leaf piles that residents had put out for collection but was blocking water from reaching drains. In the suburb of Washington Crossing, New Jersey, crews placed barriers along roadways and worked to clear fallen tree limbs. Seven people died after flash flooding in that area over the summer. A truck backs up after a tree fell across Lake Street in North Salem, New York, during heavy rain and wind Several flights have been canceled out of New York's LaGuardia airport Monday morning Passengers are seen waiting for their delayed trains at Penn Station in New York City From New Jersey to Vermont, there has been extensive flooding since a massive storm has pummeled the northeast. @emilieikedanbc reports from Newark Airport. pic.twitter.com/VGkPQKdWFs TODAY (@TODAYshow) December 19, 2023 In New York City, high winds caused the temporary closure of the Verrazzano Bridge. It reopened later Monday morning, but with a ban on large vehicles. Meanwhile several motorists had to be rescued in Newark due to street flooding, with first responders pulling them from their vehicles to safety. High-wind advisories were in place in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, with a high-wind watch in effect for Brooklyn and Queens. At New York City area airports, nearly 80 flights were canceled and more than 90 were delayed. NEW ENGLAND Windspeeds exceeded 60 mph in Maine, which was the site of widespread damage to trees and structures, representatives for Maine's largest utility said. Officials in Fairfield issued a voluntary evacuation order at about 7am Tuesday, saying they expected the Kennebec River to rise another three feet at around noon. Central Maine Power said it anticipated a 'multi-day restoration effort' and crews Monday evening remained unable to safely use bucket trucks or to start making repairs. Five months after flooding inundated Vermont's capital city of Montpelier, water entered the basements of some downtown businesses as the city monitored the level of the Winooski River, officials said. Authorities in the village of Moretown, Vermont, evacuated some 30 to 50 homes because of flooding. Some schools canceled classes, sent students home early or delayed their openings due to the storm. In the coastal town of Guilford, Connecticut, about 30 miles south of Hartford, a tree fell on a police cruiser but the officer escaped injury, officials said. Boston's Logan International Airport grounded all flights Monday morning because of the poor condition High winds drive surf into a retaining wall in front of a residence in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts Ashley Koontz of Jamaica, Vermont, takes a photo of the intensity of the water at Ball Mountain Brook on Monday Numerous roads throughout the region were closed due to flooding or downed trees. 'Check your route before your morning commute, dont drive through standing water, and dont touch downed wires,' New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy posted on X. 'Remember: Turn around, dont drown.' Utility company Eversource said: 'Our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to clear tree damage caused by the powerful winds whipping across the state,. As the storm continues to cause damage, remember to stay away from downed power lines and report them to 911and be sure to report any outages.' In Rhode Island, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed parts of Providences hurricane barrier system to prevent flooding from storm surge, Mayor Brett Smiley said. The Providence River gates were closed in the morning and another gate was scheduled to close. City Hall in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was closed due to leaks and water damage from its landmark tower, the city posted online. PENNSYLVANIA In northeastern and central Pennsylvania, heavy rain that fell overnight flooded ponds, streams and creeks in several counties, forcing authorities to close several major roadways. The Delaware River spilled over its banks in suburban Philadelphia, leading to road closures. In the suburb of Washington Crossing, crews placed barriers along roadways and worked to clear fallen tree limbs. Seven people died after flash flooding in that area over the summer. First responders stand in the floodwaters of the Perkiomen Creek near Graterford Road in Collegeville, Pennsylvania First responders make their way to rescue a person stranded by the floodwaters of the Perkiomen Creek near Graterford Road in Collegeville, Pennsylvania STORM PASSED THROUGH THE SOUTH The storm moved up the East Coast on Saturday and Sunday, breaking rainfall records and requiring water rescues. It brought unseasonably warm temperatures of more than 60 degrees to the Northeast on Monday. On Sunday in South Carolina, the tide in Charleston Harbor reached 9.86 feet just before noon, which was the fourth-highest reading ever. 'This was a tough and frustrating day for our citizens, as historic high tides came up and over the land in the city, flooding cars, homes, businesses and streets,' Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said, adding there were no reports of serious injuries. Tecklenburg said the city was working with the Army Corps of Engineers to protect against tidal flooding and to adapt to sea level rise and climate change. Authorities rescued dozens of motorists stranded by floodwaters in South Carolina's waterfront community of Georgetown, Georgetown County spokesperson Jackie Broach said. More than nine inches of rain fell in the area situated between Charleston and Myrtle Beach since late on Saturday. 'It's not just the areas that we normally see flooding, that are flood-prone,' Broach said. 'It's areas that we're not really expecting to have flooding issues...It's like a tropical storm, it just happens to be in December.' Saturday was stormy across most of Florida, forcing outdoor holiday parties to be canceled. Outside decorations that aren't battened down were likely to blow away. The mass of wind and rain is expected to head up the East Coast just in time for the start of the holiday travel season. The Juno Beach Pier is slammed by big waves in Juno Beach, Florida. The National Weather Service forecast sustained winds of 30-40 mph and seas of 10-15 foot waves Waves pound the Lake Worth Inlet next to the pump house in Palm Beach Shore, Florida Visitors to the Southernmost Point buoy take photos as the waves splash in Key West, as squalls of rain and wind batter the Florida Keys 'Saturday is a complete washout as this disturbance moves over,' said George Rizzuto, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami. 'The northern part of Florida will be at risk for some pretty heavy rainfall through the entire day.' Universal Orlando Resort's Volcano Bay waterpark shut down for the day due to the weather. Over the weekend, several holiday events across the state were canceled, such as the Christmas boat parade in Indian Rocks Beach along the Gulf Coast. 'See you next year,' the town website said. At least five boat parades were canceled or postponed in South Florida, including the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale. Several outdoor holiday events were canceled, from South Florida up into the rest of the peninsula. It included Saturday's Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and at least four other similar events across the region, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. 'Momfluencer' Ruby Franke became an internet sensation thanks to her YouTube channel 8 Passengers in which her millions of viewers watched how she and then husband, Kevin Franke, raised, and disciplined, their six children. On Monday, Franke admitted in a Utah court to abusing and starving two of her kids as part of a plea deal in which she pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse. Among other things, Franke, a Mormon, was accused of starving her children and restraining them with duct tape. Franke attempted to divert most of the blame to her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, who in search of online success had 'distorted her sense of morality.' In late August, both Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested and charged with six counts of child abuse after her 12-year-old child crawled out of a window in Hildebrandt's home, malnourished and with tape on his ankles. The popular YouTuber was arrested along with her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt in August and charged with six counts of felony child abuse after one of her sons was discovered with open wounds and duct tape on their limbs Ruby Franke, (left) who ran the now-defunct 8 Passengers channel, was arrested along with her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt (right) on August 30 He made it to a neighbor's house. The subsequently released 911 call was harrowing. 'I just had a 12-year-old boy show up here in my front door asking for help. 'We know there's been problems at this neighbor's house. He's emaciated. He's got tape around his legs. He's hungry and he's thirsty,' a neighbor told the operator. The child accused 'Jodi' of tying him up and using cayenne pepper as well as using honey to treat the wounds caused by the tape. He was rushed to a local hospital. Not long after, his 10-year-old sister was found in the same home, malnourished and also treated. Despite the instances occurring at Hildebrandt's home, officers said that there was video evidence of her at the home around the time the abuse was occurring. Four of Franke's minor children were all immediately put in protective custody. Franke (left) is also engaged in a custody battle with her ex-husband (right) over the placement and welfare of their six children In 2022, police were called to the Franke's home after a neighbor alleged she had left her children unsupervised for four days Ruby's eldest child, Shari (seen in May), revealed in April that she was no longer in contact with her mom In 2022, police were called to the Franke's home after a neighbor alleged she had left her children unsupervised for four days. An officer said that the children refused to answer the door when he knocked. The YouTuber's eldest daughter, Shari Franke, also made contact with the police around this time. While in 2020, people who viewed Franke's content on YouTube began a petition for have her investigated by Child Protective Services, the allegations were thrown out. That came after years of people calling out Franke's style of disciplining her kids. Franke first launched her infamous YouTube channel in 2015, a demonstrated her parenting techniques with the backdrop being the family's Mormon faith. It vanished from the internet in January 2023 with a around 2.3 million subscribers. One particularly controversial incident was when one of Franke's sons said that he was sleeping on a beanbag in a hallway after being kicked out of his room for making fun of his other sibling. In an interview with Business Insider, Franke said sleeping on the bean bag had been the boy's choice. Kevin Franke's lawyer claimed that the 44-year-old was told that his 'attitude was infesting the family' Kevin only spoke to Ruby 'three or four times' in the year after they split and was 'shocked' to hear of the circumstances surrounding her arrest Franke, right, has shifted the blame to Hildebrandt, alleging that she was inspired the child abuse Perhaps the most famous incident saw Franke punish her daughter, 6, for forgetting her school lunch at home and refusing to bring it to her. A common theme on the channel saw the mother allow children personal freedom and would regularly throw away their belongings. After the August 2023 arrests, multiple neighbors came forward to express their concern at Franke's parenting. 'Everyone is just breathing a collective sigh of relief because we thought they were going to come out of that house with body bags,' a neighbor told NBC News in August 2023. 'I remember that she took away their Christmas one year and she would says things like: "They're not repenting correctly," which is a Mormon term for "they're sinning." Just complete insanity,' he added. At the time, Hildebrandt and Franke ran another YouTube channel, ConneXions, in which they claimed to be able to help followers create positive relationships. Hildebrandt is the founder of ConneXions, which also pushes harsh parenting. The pair made an appearance together in court on September 8. Following that, both were held without bail. Ruby's eldest daughter Shari, 20, posted about her mother's arrest on Instagram, sharing an image of police officers outside the home captioned 'Finally' Hildebrandt and Franke are seen during a virtual court appearances in Utah So many attempted to watch the proceedings online, it caused tech issues. YouTuber, Tezzmosis, who provided a livestream of the hearing said in an interview with NBC that the interest likely stemmed from people seeing the truth about Franke's life as opposed to the 'perfect image' she tried to project. 'They've been on [authorities'] radar for a couple of years. But being from an affluent family and having this notoriety in such a way, I think it was so hard for people to believe that something so bad could be going on beyond the surface,' he said. In the fallout, Franke's sister, Bonnie Hoellein, made an appearance in a YouTube video, distancing herself from the crimes and saying that she had been 'cut off' from the family. Hoellein claimed that members of the family had done 'everything legally that we could do' in order to help the children. Franke's other sister, Ellie Mecham, made the same claims in an Instagram post. Another of her frequent critics, was her daughter Shari. 'We've been trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this, and so glad they finally decided to step up,' she said. Hildebrandt surrendered her counseling licenses shortly after the arrest while Franke's husband formally filed for divorce. His lawyer said in an appearance on Good Morning America in September that the couple had been living separately for 13 months. 'No one's ever made any allegations that he's ever physically abused those kids, or anyone else,' the lawyer said. Hildebrandt will appear in court on December 27. A former ballroom dance champion who had underage sex with a 15-year-old girl and made her pregnant has today been jailed for six years and eight months. Richard Still, who was one of the UKs top Latin and Ballroom dancers competing in competitions worldwide, groomed his victim over several months. He bought her lingerie and paid her up to 100 to send him intimate photos as well as sending her photos of himself. The 38-year-old showed no emotion as he was sentenced to almost seven years behind bars, having earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child and a single charge of inciting child prostitution or pornography. His arrest and conviction has shocked the ballroom dancing world. Richard Still, who was one of the UKs top Latin and Ballroom dancers competing in competitions worldwide, groomed his victim over several months Richard Still pictured outside his home in Reading last month Still was acting safeguard officer for one of the sports governing bodies when the offences were carried out and it would have been his job to investigate abuse against young dancers by their teachers. The parents of his victim sat grim faced in the public gallery at Reading Crown Court as the prosecutor Charles Ward-Jackson outlined the extent of the grooming and said the girl fell pregnant. She later had a termination. Still was told by the judge he had abused the trust of the victims parents. Judge Amwad Nawaz told Still he had used emotional blackmail on his victim to stop her telling anyone about their sexual relationship. Still, 38, showed no emotion as he was sentenced to almost seven years behind bar. Pictured: last month He said there had been planning on Stills part telling him: You knew exactly what you were doing. You were much older in this relationship and broke the trust which is an aggravating factor. The judge accepted he had apologised to the family and had shown genuine remorse. The grooming of the girl over a period of time was a an abuse of trust. The court heard the father-of-one ran the Vibez dance studio in Woodley, Berkshire, and had groomed the teen over a period of months. He had begun sending her messages that had become more sexual in their content. He also asked her to send photos of herself that were sexual in content. Prosecutor Mr Ward Jackson said Still would pay small amounts of money up to 100 into her bank account and would buy her clothes and lingerie, including lace bras and knickers. It was part of a grooming exercise to win her over and to sexualise her. Payments of 10, 30 and up to 100 were paid into her bank account. The money amounted to several hundred pounds. Still first had sex with the teenager in January this year after booking a hotel room in Bournemouth and later on another occasion in the back of his car after driving her to an isolated spot. The court was told her parents had no idea about the relationship and only found out when a friend was given access to her Instagram account and spotted the sexual messages. Police launched an investigation, and it was discovered that the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was pregnant. After his arrest the 38-year-old told his wife: I am in big trouble now. Still initially answered no comment during a police interview after being arrested his dance studio. Defence barrister Quentin Hunt said Still had asked him to apologise to the girl, her family and the public. In mitigation he said Still had been under stress due to keeping his business going and the pregnancy of his wife. Hunt said he had made an error of judgement and had now lost his career as a dancer teacher. He said Still had been the victim of targeted attacks with his car vandalised and eggs thrown at his hours. Still was told he will be placed on the sex offenders register. A South Carolina mother who demanded 'answers' from police investigating the 2015 killing of her family has now been charged with their murders. Amy Vilardi wept in TV interviews and asked how the killer could 'live with yourself' after her mother, stepfather and two grandmothers were found shot and stabbed to death at their home outside Pendleton. Now she has been charged over the killings alongside the husband she had married eight weeks earlier. 'I think we knew this day would come,' said Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride. 'I think we knew in the back of our mind, it was just you know, there's a lot of pieces to have to put together and just a lot of hard work and effort.' Vilardi's grandmother Barbara Scott, 80, (left) was slaughtered along with the Violet Taylor, 82, (right) the mother of her stepfather Amy Vilardi's mother Cathy Scott was killed seconds after her husband Mike. Friends had described them as a devoted couple and former childhood sweethearts Amy and Rosmore Vilardi were arrested and charged with four counts of murder at 4pm on Friday, and denied bond when they appeared in court on Saturday Mike Scott, 58, and his wife Cathy, 60, were slaughtered alongside his mother Barbara Scott, 80, and her mother Violet Taylor, 82, in November 2015. Mike worked for South Carolina Department of Transportation, and shortly before he was executed, he had texted his boss saying he would be back at work that morning. Police found no sign of forced entry or theft, and a coroner concluded that all four 'had no time to defend themselves'. Amy made the 911 call after claiming to have discovered the bodies when she returned with her husband from a trip to his family in Columbia, a 90-minute drive away. 'I don't understand why any of it has happened and I just keep thinking it's a dream I'm going to wake up from,' Vilardi told WSPA-7 in a series of interviews alongside her husband. 'It's not supposed to be real life. 'Whoever did this, I don't see how you can live with yourself.' And she demanded to know why police were not making more progress in their investigation. 'I understand that they have got a job to do but sometimes as family members we want answers,' she complained. Six months later they sued police in an bid to recover property seized during the investigation, including two cars, 18 firearms and $60,000 in cash. Vilardi lived with husband Rosmore Vilardi and her two young children in a mobile home outside the three-bedroom bungalow from which she ran a mobile pet grooming business called 'Styles For Miles'. 'I don't understand why any of it has happened and I just keep thinking it's a dream I'm going to wake up from,' Vilardi told interviewers The three-bedroom home outside Pendleton where all four family members were slaughtered Amy Vilardi, who had married Rosmore eight weeks before the murders, lived in a mobile home next to the family home Vilardi had demanded to know why police were not making more progress in the investigation She described hearing the televisions on inside the house and knocking on the door. When she received no answer, she walked in and flicked on the light to reveal the gruesome scene Dailymail.com revealed at the time that Vilardi had been arguing with her mother and had not allowed her to see her four and six-year-old grandchildren between the start of July and the end of October. But Vilardi told investigators that any disagreements there had been, were not serious and similar to any other that families might have. She had worn a crimson dress when she married Rosmore weeks earlier and, the day before the murders, she posted a Facebook message suggesting the family dispute was over. 'Everything looking better. Prayers answered,' she wrote. And her husband had posted a glowing tribute to his mother-in-law a day earlier. 'Love you Cathy...my wife is one of the greatest blessings from God,' he wrote. 'Her love is a gift that I am thankful for everyday.' A relative said Cathy and Mike had originally dated each other back in high school. 'But they went their separate ways and met up again after Cathy's husband had died from cancer,' they added. Anderson County Detective Scotty Hill 'They married nine years ago and their anniversary would have been this week. They were devoted to each other. 'Mike was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. He was so nice and it is an example of that when you see that he took his own mother and Cathy's mother too in to live with them. 'He said his mother couldn't fend for herself anymore as she was getting old and he felt the same about his mother-in-law. 'This is such a tragic ending for Cathy and Mike.' The two elderly women were shot when they emerged from their bedrooms after Scott had been blasted in the head while in the lounge. His wife managed to escape to the master bedroom where the killer followed her to complete the massacre, shooting her in the head twice. There were two guns beside her next to the bed, a pellet gun and a shotgun, which belonged to her husband, but were not used. 'Mike, Barbara and Violet were all killed by their throats being slashed, and Cathy was killed by a stab wound to the chest,' Anderson County Sheriff's Office Detective Scotty Hill told the Unsolved Mysteries podcast earlier this year. 'Mike, Barbara, and Violet were all shot post-mortem. Cathy was shot while still alive, but that wasn't what killed her. It was the knife wound to the chest that killed her. 'Once we found out the extent of their injuries and the fact that their throats were cut, and then they were shot post-mortem, it seemed very, very aggressive and personal, and somebody full of rage and hate. 'I've never seen anything like it before or since.' Vilardi told interviewers how she found had allegedly found the bodies after returning with her husband shortly before 12.30pm. She described hearing the televisions on inside the house and knocked on the door. When she received no answer, she walked in and flicked on the light to reveal the gruesome scene. '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,' she explained. 'They were just, they were there.' The couple re-modelled and moved into the murdered family's home after the killings, and were named as 'persons of interest' in the investigation in March this year. Police said the unsolved murders outside Pendleton 'shook the community to its core' The trailer Amy Vilardi used for her mobile pet grooming business 'I think we knew this day would come,' said Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride They were arrested and charged with four counts of murder at 4pm on Friday, and denied bond when they appeared in court on Saturday. They have been booked into the Anderson County Detention Center ahead of their next court appearance on February 20. Police have not revealed why they believe they have a breakthrough after so long in a case that 'shook the community to its core'. 'We're thankful to share new developments that could potentially lead to a long-anticipated road toward justice,' the sheriff's office said in a statement. Democrats are furious over Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's new sweeping border laws as Congress works to reach a deal on immigration before Christmas. Even President Joe Biden's reelection campaign is signaling worry that he will lose because Democrats will blame him for the ongoing crisis. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) said Abbott's new laws aim 'to kill people' and slammed Republicans' border security plan as 'absolutely insane.' Gov. Aboott's laws will enable cops to arrest illegal migrants and allow judges to boot them back across the Mexico border rather than needing to go through the federal immigration process. The Republican governor said it could slash the number of crossings by up to three quarters as illegal entries continue to rise through the winter. 'When you look at somebody like Greg Abbott, my governor, and his solution, his solution is to basically say, 'Hey, we're going to kill people that are trying to come in,' like, that's not a solution,' Crockett said during an interview with MSNBC on Sunday. The Biden administration is bound to attack the constitutional legality of Abbott's new laws. President Joe Biden's reelection campaign is 'afraid' voters will blame him and not Congress for failing to successfully address the southern border crisis The latest figures show 2,000 migrants are crossing the southern border everyday, with Texas bearing the brunt of the crisis. Gov. Greg Abbott's new laws allow his cops and courts to arrest and deport illegal border crossers without going through the federal government channels Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), a co-chair of Biden's reelection campaign, argues that Congress is to blame for the flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border each month. Immigration continues to be one of Biden's least popular issues. 'It is our job,' Escobar said, according to Tuesday's Politico Playbook, referring to Congress and not the president. 'We have failed over and over again.' 'I do worry that Democrats will get blamed simply because the president is in the White House,' she added. Asked whether she thinks Biden will ultimately pay the political price for the ongoing southern border crisis, Reo. Escobar said: 'I hope not, but I'm afraid of that.' Some members of Congress are working overtime to try and pass an agreement that would link an immigration overhaul to sending billions more in aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Several lawmakers, however, have signaled that the deal will not pass before breaking the end of the year. 'I'm very concerned because the Republicans have never gotten immigration right,' Rep. Crockett said overall of immigration policies of the right. 'That's just the fact of it. There's not very much that the Republicans get right, in general.' 'And, so, to basically say that issues of national security, as it relates to how we're going to take care of our allies, should be tied to this mangled immigration process is absolutely insane.' Abbott on Monday set himself on a collision course with President Joe Biden as he enacted sweeping powers to deal with the migrant crisis at the state level. The latest figures show 2,000 migrants are crossing the frontier everyday, with Texas bearing the brunt of the crisis. Texas Democratic Rep. Rep. Jasmine Crockett said Gov. Greg Abbott's new border-related laws aim to 'kill' migrants crossing into the state illegally Gov. Greg Abbott signed three bills into law at a border wall construction site in Brownsville, Texas that will allow sweeping new powers for his state's law enforcement to arrest migrants Biden has failed to successfully confront the spiraling humanitarian disaster at the border instead rolling back Trump-era policies. He has even received criticism from within Democratic ranks. Opponents have called Abbott's measure the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law - denounced by critics as the 'Show Me Your Papers' bill - that was largely struck down by the US Supreme Court. The law will likely face a quick legal challenge by the White House, which has pushed back on the Governor's previous attempts to reduce the flow of migrants. The law, known as SB4, takes effect in March and allows any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest people who are suspected of entering the country illegally. Those who re-enter face penalties ranging from 180 days in jail to 20 years in prison. Abbott, who signed the law in front of a section of border fence in Brownsville, Texas, predicted the number of people crossing illegally into Texas would drop by 'well over 50 percent, maybe 75 percent.' He did not offer evidence for such an estimate. Once in custody, illegal migrants could either agree to a Texas judge's order to leave the US or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. More than 1,000 migrants wait in line to be processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico on Monday in Eagle Pass, Texas Migrants wait to climb over concertina wire after they crossed the Rio Grande and entered the U.S. from Mexico, seen in September in Eagle Pass, Texas Migrants who don't leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges. Abbott accused the White House of doing 'nothing to halt illegal immigration.' 'Joe Biden's deliberate inaction has decimated America,' Abbott said. 'The consequences of [the new law] are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas,' he said. Abbott claimed 8million people have crossed the border illegally since Biden, a Democrat, took office in January 2021. Abbott defended the new law as constitutional, saying Texas had been left to 'fend for itself.' Typically, immigration policy and enforcement have been the responsibility of the federal government. But several southern governors have taken the matter into their own hands saying Biden has dropped the ball. Abbott said the bill passed by the Republican-majority Texas state legislature last month was needed to 'stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas.' Abbott said the bill makes it a 'criminal offense for illegal entry into Texas from a foreign nation. 'For repeat offenders it creates the offense of illegal reentry with a potential prison sentence term of up to 20 years,' he said. The bill also 'provides a mechanism to order an illegal immigrant to return to the foreign nation from which they entered,' he said. Migrant crossings have remained at roughly 2,000 per day within the Del Rio Sector with most of those being encountered Venezuelans, Hondurans and Colombians. A surge as many as 12,000 immigrants per day crossing the U.S. southern border has overwhelmed U.S. immigration authorities in recent weeks. Pictured: Immigrants wear mylar blankets supplied by U.S. Border Patrol to try and stay warm after spending the night outside at a processing center The law adds another tension point over immigration amid a struggle between the White House and Senate negotiators to reach a deal on border security. Republicans in Congress are demanding changes to the immigration system in exchange for any help for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs. Texas Republicans have increasingly challenged the U.S. government's authority over immigration, saying President Joe Biden's administration isn't doing enough to control the 1,950-mile southern border. The state has experimented with a range of measures to deter people who cross illegally under its Operation Lone Star, including deploying National Guard troops to the border, blocking migrants with deadly concertina wire and installing a floating barrier over a stretch of the Rio Grande. Texas has bused more than 65,000 migrants to cities across America since August 2022 and recently installed razor wire along the banks of the Rio Grande, which has snagged and injured some asylum-seekers. A three-judge panel of 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month ruled that Texas must remove the floating barrier although Texas is seeking a review by the full court. In the state's most prominent action, it has bused 65,000 migrants to Democrat-controlled cities across America since August 2022 to alleviate the strain on its border cities and pressure Democrats. Still, migrants have continued to cross. Abbott signed into law sweeping new powers that allows police to arrest migrants who cross the border illegally and gives local judges authority to order them to leave the country Local organizations in Brownsville held a rally before a news conference announcing the governor's signing of three bills broadening border security policies in the state On Monday, the U.S. government temporarily shut down two railroad border crossings in Texas, a move that rail operators said would hamper trade ahead of Christmas. Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's acting commissioner, said the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso were a response to more migrants traveling on freight trains, particularly over the last week. Miller said authorities are seeing 'unprecedented' arrivals at the border, topping 10,000 crossings on some days this month. Shortly after Abbott signed the new law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said it would challenge the measure in court. More than 20 congressional Democrats also signed a letter urging the U.S. Justice Department to sue to stop the law, known as Senate Bill 4. 'SB 4 is dangerous for the people of Texas and interferes with the federal governments exclusive authority over immigration and foreign affairs,' the letter read. In this aerial view, Texas National Guard troops direct a group of more than 1,000 immigrants towards a U.S. Border Patrol processing center after the migrants crossed the Rio Grande A line of immigrants is seen in Eagle Pass having crossed over from Mexico Mexico's government also has rebuked the measure. Under bilateral and international agreements, Mexico is required to accept deportations of its own citizens, but not those of other countries. Under the Texas law, migrants ordered to leave would be sent to ports of entry along the border with Mexico, even if they are not Mexican citizens. In September and October, Venezuelans were the largest nationality arrested illegally crossing the U.S. border. During debate in the Texas House in November, GOP state Rep. David Spiller pushed back against concerns the law would be used as a dragnet to arrest immigrants statewide. He said enforcement would mostly take place in border counties. But he also rebuffed several efforts by Democrats to narrow the law, including a proposed carve-out for police on college campuses. Because the illegal entry charge is a misdemeanor, which has a statue of limitation of two years, Spiller has said the law will not be used to target immigrants who have long been settled in the U.S. 'This is not, 'Round up everyone who is here illegally and ship them back to Mexico,'' he said during debate over the bill. Opponents have accused Texas Republicans of using the law as a vehicle to force the Supreme Court's new conservative majority to revisit its landmark 2012 Arizona decision. At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said Arizona may have 'understandable frustrations' with immigrants who are in the country illegally but that it can't pursue policies that 'undermine federal law.' The elite clients of a high-end brothel network operating across Massachusetts and Washington DC could soon be unmasked. A federal task force is seeking state criminal charges against 28 people accused of paying for sex from the brothel ring. They will all be summoned to Cambridge District Court for hearings. The 28 are believed to be made up of elected officials, government contractors with security clearances, and military officers. The three leaders of the brothel were named in the criminal complaint: Han Lee, 41, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, James Lee, 68, from Torrance, California, and Junmyung Lee, 30, of Dedham, Massachusetts. The trio was charged with conspiracy to coerce and entice travel to engage in illegal sexual activity. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said on Monday that until probable cause has been found, no suspect names will be released The affidavit also shows a text message sent from a phone related to the operation in Massachusetts which includes a 'menu' Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement on Monday: 'Our office made it clear when we announced charges of a commercial sex ring case on Nov. 8, 2023, that the investigation was ongoing and that there would be accountability for the buyers who fuel the commercial sex industry. 'Today, a Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officer with the Cambridge Police Department submitted applications for complaints against 28 sex buyers with the Cambridge District Court. 'Until probable cause has been found, no names will be released. 'If probable cause is established and criminal charges are issued by the Court, referrals will then be made to the Middlesex District Attorneys Office. 'In addition, we are working closely with Virginia authorities to begin the referral process of sex buyers from the Virginia locations in this case. 'The referral processes will remain ongoing.' Last month, prosecutors charged three people with running the high-end brothel network in Boston and northern Virginia, whose customers included elected officials. Other clientele included tech and pharmaceutical executives, lawyers, professors and military officers, though federal prosecutors did not identify any of them. Prosecutors say they paid up to $600 per hour for sexual encounters with predominately Asian women who were being exploited through sex trafficking. Acting U.S. Attorney Josh Levy announced charges against the brothels' alleged operators, Han Lee, 41, and Junmyung Lee, 30, of Massachusetts and James Lee, 68, of California. As well as locations in Massachusetts, Virginia and California being raided, the government have also seized two websites tied to the ring. Speaking at a press conference last month, Levy said: 'This commercial sex ring was built on secrecy and exclusivity, catering to wealthy and well-connected clientele. 'They are doctors, they are lawyers, they're accountants, they are executives at high-tech companies, pharmaceutical companies, they're military officers, government contractors, professors, scientists. One of the sites seen here, which was aimed at the Massachusetts area, asked customers to not 'knock on the door' A high-end brothel network serving politicians kept detailed records of their customers along with millions in cash and other damning items in bulk. Clientele included 'hundreds' of elected officials, tech, pharmaceutical executives, lawyers, professors and military officers, though federal prosecutors did not identify any of them Bulk quantities of lubricant, condoms, false eyelashes, 16 cell phones along, millions of dollars in cash and dozens of gift cards were amongst other evidence Investigators also confiscated a Corvette that one of the suspects allegedly bought with the funds 'Pick a profession, they're probably represented in this case. Business is booming, until today.' Levy continued: 'We're committed to working closely with our federal, state and local partners to hold accountable the people who both ran this ring and the people who fueled the demand for this ring.' The three defendants, who are not related, were all arrested and charged with conspiring to coerce and entice women to travel to engage in illegal sexual activity. According to charging documents, the defendants, led by Han Lee, used high-end apartment complexes as brothels in Cambridge and Watertown, Massachusetts, and Fairfax and Tysons, Virginia. An affidavit states that the women were advertised for commercial sex via two websites under the guise of professional nude photo shoots. The affidavit also shows a text message sent from a phone related to the operation in Massachusetts which includes a 'menu'. According to the document, the 'menu' listed sexual services available, the hourly rate and the women available. The affidavit states that the term 'BB' is a term used in the prostitution industry to refer to unsafe sex, and that 'GFE' relates to a 'Girlfriend Experience'. The document states that this involves a service that 'blurs the boundaries between a financial transaction and a romantic relationship'. One of the websites was focused on the Boston area, and directed customers to numerous addresses, while another was aimed at areas in Virginia. Archived version accessed by DailyMail.com says the ring caters for wonderful Boston gentlemen, offering liaisons with young, petite, cute and sexy girls, starting at $220 per 30 minutes - and even a 'duo' On the Boston website, the opening page shows a photograph of an Asian woman, with text saying: 'Here to serve our wonderful Boston friends. Your character is in your writing. 'Please Dont Knock on the Door!! Be on time [sic] cant guarantee your wasted time.' The site also adds the height, weight and bust size of multiple Asian women who are available for appointments. The affidavit states that the women available on the site was updated and changed frequently. The group are said to have had three apartments inside one building in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as well another one in Watertown. In Virginia, the ring is said to have operated out of two apartment buildings in the towns of Fairfax, and Tysons. Weeks ago, new information about the ring was released in an affidavit submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Bulk quantities of lubricant, condoms, false eyelashes, 16 cell phones, millions of dollars in cash and dozens of gift cards were amongst other evidence presented by the Department of Homeland Security Special Agent Zachary Mitlitsky. An apartment search of the suspected leader revealed the damning evidence and more - including lingerie, UTI kit and pregnancy tests. Investigators also confiscated a Corvette that one of the suspects allegedly bought with funds from the network. The Department of Justice said they know exactly who the clients were because they had to fill out an application with their name, a picture of their license and their employer. Militsky described Han Lee as the 'leader' of the network and revealed in the filing that she 'concealed over one million dollars in prostitution proceeds'. Colorado Parks and Wildlife have released five endangered gray wolves onto public land in Grand County as a part of the state's voter-mandated reintroduction plan. The predators, including two juvenile females, two males and one adult male, were released yesterday. They had been captured in Oregon and came from Oregon's Five Points Pack, Noregaard Pack and Wenaha Pack. Before being released, the CPW collected genetic material tissue and blood samples before fitting each animal with a GPS satellite collar for tracking. The wolves were also given vaccines and treated for endo and ecto-parasites. According to the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, the canines can travel up to 140 miles from where they were freed. This is why the CPW decided to release the first wolf pack a minimum of 60 miles away from the state border of Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico and the sovereign tribal lands in southwestern Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife have released five endangered gray wolves onto public land in Grand County as a part of the state's reintroduction plan Before being released, the CPW collected genetic material tissue and blood samples before fitting each animal with a GPS satellite collar for tracking CPW Director Jeff Davis called the release 'historic' and said: We'll continue releasing animals based on our plan to have wolves not just survive but thrive in Colorado as they did a century ago.' CPW Wolf Conservation Program Manager Eric Odell called it an 'honor' to participate in the effort. 'We were thrilled to have great conditions for capture and early success in Oregon. Weather conditions and information on pack locations provided by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff combined to help us capture five gray wolves on day one of the capture operations in northeast Oregon and release them earlier today on Colorado's Western Slope,' he said. The release marked the start of the most ambitious wolf reintroduction effort in the US in almost three decades, despite protests from ranchers over the fear that the predators would ravage their livestock. The release marked the start of the most ambitious wolf reintroduction effort in the US in almost three decades, despite protests from ranchers over the fear that the predators would ravage their livestock Last week, a federal judge also denied a request from two Colorado livestock operators to delay the release of the wolves The lawsuit claimed the USFWS did not adequately review the states plan to release up to 50 wolves over the next few years Last week, a federal judge also denied a request from two Colorado livestock operators to delay the release of the wolves. The Gunnison County Stockgrowers' Association and Colorado Cattlemen's Association filed a lawsuit against US Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) and its director, CPW's Davis and Odell, and the CPW Commission in Colorado District Court. The lawsuit claimed the USFWS did not adequately review the states plan to release up to 50 wolves over the next few years. However, government attorneys argued that further environmental reviews were unnecessary and urged the judge to reject the association's request. On December 15, the judge sided with federal agencies and released an order denying their request. The order read: 'Having considered the arguments set forth by the parties, the Court finds that, while the Petitioners who have lived and worked on the land for many years are understandably concerned about possible impacts of this reintroduction, neither these possible impacts nor their assertions under the Administrative Procedures Act are sufficient for this Court to grant the extraordinary relief they seek. 'For the reasons set forth below, the Petitioners Motion for TRO is DENIED.' The ranchers have been assured that they will be compensated for the loss of livestock that is killed by the wolves under the plan. Gray wolves are known to look like large German shepherds and can vary in size depending on where they live, with north-living wolves being larger than southern ones Their coat color is typically a mix of gray and brown with buffy facial markings and undersides, but the color can vary from solid white to brown or black They are spread over Alaska, northern Michigan, northern Wisconsin, western Montana, northern Idaho, northeast Oregon, and the Yellowstone area of Wyoming Gray wolves are known to look like large German shepherds and can vary in size depending on where they live, with north-living wolves being larger than southern ones. Their coat color is typically a mix of gray and brown with buffy facial markings and undersides, but the color can vary from solid white to brown or black. They are spread over Alaska, northern Michigan, northern Wisconsin, western Montana, northern Idaho, northeast Oregon, and the Yellowstone area of Wyoming. The predators prefer to eat large hoofed mammals such as deer, elk, bison and moose but will also hunt smaller mammals such as beavers, rodents and hares when needed. Another 10 wolves are expected to be released in the coming months. Haskell's arraignment is scheduled for January 12 after he made a shirtless court appearance on December 8 Sam Haskell, 35, has been charged with the murder of his wife and her mother Yanking Wang, 64 and father, Gaoshan Li, 72 - who are still missing Body parts found in an Encino dumpster have been confirmed as the remains of 37-year-old Mei Haskell Body parts found in an Encino dumpster have been confirmed as the remains of Sam Haskell's missing wife. The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner identified the headless torso discovered last month in a dumpster near Haskell's office in Encino, northwest of Los Angeles, as belonging to 37-year-old Mei Haskell. Haskell, the son of Hollywood super-agent, has been charged with the triple murder of Mei and her parents, mother Yanking Wang, 64 and father, Gaoshan Li, 72, who are both still missing. During a brief court appearance on December 8 the heavily tattooed 35-year-old, who was on suicide watch, was shirtless after Velcro straps on a special gown he was wearing came undone. He was meant to enter a plea at the hearing, but LA Superior Court Judge Kimberley Baker Guillemet continued the arraignment and plea until January 12 at the request of Haskells new attorney Joseph Weimortz, who has just been hired and said he needed time to familiarize himself with the case. Body parts found in an Encino dumpster have been confirmed as the remains of 37-year-old Mei Haskell (pictured) A bag with a headless torso was found stuffed into a duffel bag and tossed into this dumpster behind Ventura Boulevard and Rubio Avenue, near a family-style restaurant, a hair salon and two banks Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman objected to the continuance, telling the court: Were opposed to putting this over for another six weeks. He was remanded without bail back to jail. He could face the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors allege that on the day following the murders, Haskell hired four day laborers to remove black trash bags from his LA-area home. One worker claimed that he was paid $500 to remove three large trash bags - alleging that Haskell said they were filled with rocks before later pretending the body parts were 'Halloween props'. 'When we picked up the bags, we could tell they weren't rocks,' he said, noting that the bags were soft and soggy. He and his co-workers looked inside the bags and saw 'body parts, a belly button. 'I was astonished. Of course, I felt bad. We had been tricked,' he said. The men then returned the bags and the money to Haskell's home, telling him they did not 'want to be involved.' The workers went straight to law enforcement and informed the California Highway Patrol and the police. Sam Haskell, 35, has been charged with the murder of his wife Mei her parents, mother Yanking Wang, 64 and father, Gaoshan Li, 72, who are both still missing Friends of Mei said Haskell did not get along with mother Yanking Wang (center) and father Gaoshan Li (right) who moved to Los Angeles to help look after the couples three children Mei, pictured, is said to have wanted to leave Haskell - but feared his powerful father would try to stop her seeing the couple's three children Prosecutors said that later that day, Haskell 'was allegedly observed and photographed a short distance from his home disposing [of] a large trash bag into a dumpster in the 16000 block of Ventura Boulevard.' Haskell is the son of Samuel Haskell III, a former executive vice-president and worldwide head of television for the talent agency William Morris Endeavor. His clients included Dolly Parton, George Clooney, Kathie Lee Gifford, Whoopi Goldberg and King Charles's brother, Prince Edward. He quit in 2004, and went on to found Magnolia Hill Productions. Haskell senior was also CEO of the Miss America organization from 2015-17, but resigned after he was found to have criticized some of the contestants in private emails, ridiculing one for gaining weight and describing another as promiscuous. Mei's friends told DailyMail.com she had wanted to divorce Haskell for at least four years, but feared his powerful agent father would persuade courts to give him custody of their three sons, aged six, eight and 12. 'Mei first brought up a divorce when I was getting one in 2019,' one friend named Jenny exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'I told her she could do it, but she just felt like she couldn't risk losing her boys.' 'She said she couldn't leave because of the boys. She was afraid that her husband would take away the kids with the help of his very rich and influential father.' Haskell made a shirtless court appearance on December 8 and got his arraignment pushed back to January 12 'There was also physical abuse,' added Jenny. 'She told me that he had hurt her. He had hit her.' Jenny also claimed that Mei had told her that her husband did not get along with her mother Wang and father Li. The parents had moved into their home in Tarzana, 25 miles north of Los Angeles, about five years ago to help look after the couple's three young sons aged six, eight and 12. 'She said he was rude to them and ignored them. That they made him angry,' one friend said. 'They couldn't speak English, but he made no effort to interact with them.' Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services worked through the night to find homeless residents new accommodation Residents were turfed out and scattered across other facilities in the region, but families were notified of where they were taken The largest nursing home in St Louis has shut its doors just days before Christmas - forcing out around 170 elderly residents with nothing but the clothes on their back. The abrupt closure of Northview Village Nursing Home on Friday came after workers learned they might not be paid and walked out. Residents were then scattered across the region, with some family members left in the dark about where there loved ones were taken and scrambling around to find alternative accommodation. 'They don't know where he is,' Alvin Cooper said of his son Alvin Cooper Jr. who has lived at the home while recovering from gunshot wound to the head and a drug addiction. 'I've burnt two tanks of gas going back and forth to that nursing home trying to find out whats going on. I don't know if he's somewhere safe or what's going to happen to him.' Northview Village Nursing Home in North St. Louis shut abruptly on Friday forcing out 170 elderly residents leaving relatives such as Phyllis Gibson (pictured) scrambling to locate their loved ones A room is left empty on the fourth floor at Northview Village Nursing Home in St. Louis on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. The shutdown came after staff were not paid and there was no information on whether they would be The concerned father was preparing to to fill out a missing persons report on his 35-year-old son on Monday. 'Nobody said a word,' said Phyllis Gibson, who returned her brother Ned Gibson to the facility on Friday evening after spending the day together. 'How would you feel, I'm just as human as you,' she told First Alert 4. 'I'm devastated. I don't even know where to look. I don't even know who to turn to.' She said she saw reports of the closure on Saturday and did not find out until Sunday where her brother had been taken. 'I was crazy worried, where is my brother? 'Never got a message, nothing.' 'They said well, they are going to close the place down, everybody has to get out by 11 o'clock,' Ned Gibson, who has lived at the facility for a year, told the outlet. Union reps said difficulties began on Friday when more than 130 people went unpaid. Marvetta Harrison, 59, a certified medical technician, said workers received emails from the company this weekend promising theyll be paid, but unclear about when. 'This is real wrong,' Harrison said. 'I have worked in that building for 37 years. Not only did they mistreat us, they mistreated the residents we take care of.' Mobility aids and other equipment were abandoned in the lobby when the home shutdown suddenly Ned Gibson had lived at Northview for a year, but was given just hours to vacate the facility. His sister spent two days looking for him after staff failed to notify her of where he had been taken The Missouri nursing home has since been condemned with its owners uncontactable Northview Village has been fined 12 times for federal violations since March 2021, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Fines totaled over $140,000 and ranged from $2,200 to more than $45,000. The federal agency gives Northview a one-star rating out of a possible five, but doesnt spell out reasons for the fines. In addition, the state health department website lists nearly two dozen Northview investigations since 2016. The most recent complaint, from February, said a resident was able to get out of the building through an unsecured door. A 2021 complaint alleged the facility failed to investigate allegations that residents left the nursing home and brought drugs into it. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services worked through the night in a desperate attempt to rehouse the residents. Spokeswoman Lisa Cox said the agency was notified around 4:15 p.m. Friday that the nursing home was closing. A sign on the building states it has been condemned. The operator implemented an evacuation plan and emergency medical service workers helped relocate residents to other nursing homes, Cox said in a statement Monday. 'The final resident left the facility before 6 a.m. Saturday,' Cox said. 'Our team continued working through the weekend following up with the receiving facilities to check in on the residents who had been transferred.' Shamell King, an assistant manager at another St. Louis-area nursing home, Superior Manor, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that some Northview Village residents arrived without paperwork documenting their medical histories or medication needs. The front lobby of Northview Village Nursing Home is left in disarray in St. Louis on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. The living facility closed suddenly, much to the outrage of employees, volunteers and relatives of residents who returned to find their belongings and information of the whereabouts of loved ones. Northview Village has been fined 12 times for federal violations since March 2021, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Phone calls to Northview Village went unanswered Monday. St. Louis-based Healthcare Accounting Services, the company that does the care home's finances did not wish to comment. On Friday, employees began to question why their bi-weekly paychecks were late. They found out the payments weren't coming at all, said Marjorie Moore, executive director of VOYCE, a St. Louis agency that serves as an ombudsman for long-term care residents and their families. The shutdown began as employees voiced their concerns, said Lenny Jones, state director for the Service Employees International Union Healthcare union, which represents about 100 of the roughly 130 displaced workers. 'They ran out of money to make payroll, caused this massive disruption, and just quickly moved forward with their goal, which was to shutter this facility,' Jones said. 'You would have to have been planning to move 175 residents in the dead of night.' Shuttle buses took residents to at least 15 different facilities across the St. Louis area, Moore said. Many patients departed with nothing but what they were wearing. 'Closing it down this way is the absolute worst-case scenario for a lot of us,' Moore said. 'It all happened so fast.' Northview Village was the largest skilled nursing facility in St. Louis, licensed for up to 320 beds. Many residents are on Medicaid and can't get into other long-term care facilities, Moore said. In addition to elderly people, the center houses many with behavioral problems, she said. Furious staff have been left without pay checks, severance or jobs just days before Christmas The facility housed elderly people and those with behavioral problems, some of whom had no family available to collect them 'Its a troubled facility, but its also been a safety net to keep people from falling through the cracks,' Moore said. Cherie Ford, a certified nursing assistant at Northview Village, said she figured something was wrong on Friday when her direct-deposit paycheck wasn't in her account. Still, she and her colleagues worked a full day. 'We had no warning, the residents knew nothing either,' she said in a Facebook Messenger interview. Around 3 p.m. Friday, the staff learned they wouldn't be paid at all, she said. 'This was the only job I had and am facing eviction and no Christmas for my family,' Ford said. 'We were all looking forward to this check. This was our Christmas check to do our shopping, paying rent and other things.' Thousands of cruise passengers have been left furious after their tropical trip to The Bahamas was canceled at the last minute due to bad storms - and instead rerouted it to freezing Boston and Canada. Tourists hoping for sunny skies and white sandy beaches were left bitterly disappointed as they prepared to board MSC Cruise's 5,700-capacity Meraviglia ship on Saturday, with one passenger saying the stunned families 'thought it was a joke.' 'This guy helping us with our luggage said, 'You're going to Canada,'' Girish Keswani told the Boston Globe. 'We all laughed it off.' MSC Cruises justified the move as it said the original course would have drifted directly into severe storms off the coast of Florida, while New England and Canada would 'encounter fairer weather conditions.' Thousands of customers expecting to set sail on MSC Cruises' Meraviglia ship (pictured) were let down as their destination was suddenly changed from The Bahamas to Boston and Canada An email shared online purportedly shows MSC Cruises only informed customers the night before their trip, which cited severe weather including heavy rainfall at ports, and wind gusts of over 40 knots that could make docking unsafe Some passengers discovered their luxury Carribean voyage was in ruins the evening before they left, with an image shared online appearing to show MSC Cruises emailed passengers that night. The company cited severe weather across Florida and the Bahamas including heavy rainfall at ports, and wind gusts of over 40 knots that could make docking unsafe. Passengers were presented with a new itinerary beginning in New York City, spending three days in Boston, a day in Portland, a day in St. John, Canada, one more day at sea before returning to the Big Apple. For disgruntled customers who may have wanted a refund instead of departing on the chilly trip, it appears the company only offered cash back 'in the form of Future Cruise Credit.' It is unclear how much the doomed trip cost, however the website stated that for the same original itinerary departing from December 23rd prices start at $579 per person. The sudden destination change unsurprisingly sparked fury, with the person who shared the change on Reddit claiming that 'in my 30 years of cruising, almost 50 sailings, this has NEVER EVER happened.' 'Not sure what to do. We have all of our holiday plans built around this cruise, lots of money, hotel bookings, airfare, etc,' they continued, adding the change left them and their family 'really upset.' Another irate passenger took to TikTok to share her disappointment at how the cruise unfolded, claiming it was too cold to even get in the pool. Pointing the camera at 'crazy' children to decided to brave the elements and swim, she said it was 'f****ng freezing' and 'cold cold.' 'The wind is blowing and it is, like, officially cold,' she added, estimating the cruise was sailing in only around 40-degree temperatures. One furious passenger took to social media to share her disappointment at the change to her vacation, which was unexpectedly colder than anticipated She shared a clip of children playing in the pool despite it only reaching around 40 degrees The Meraviglia ship is one of the largest cruise liners in operation along the East Coast this season, making headlines at ports it docks as people flock to see the 214-foot tall, 19-deck behemoth. Many customers had reportedly travelled from nations including India, Aruba and Canada, only to see cold water poured on their tropical vacation plans. The decision to reroute the cruise was even more unpopular after the East Coast was drenched in storms over the weekend. With the city was under a 'damaging winds' alert, furious passenger Connie C told the Boston Globe that the decision ruined her family's much-anticipated vacation. 'I did not want to pay $5,000 [for my family] to come to Boston,' she said, as the lives in Pennsylvania but said she regularly travels to Boston for work. 'This was supposed to be our Christmas vacation.' Others took to social media to share their disappointment, with passenger Lelania Barton saying she was upset as she was 'looking forward to warm weather!' Just the day before, she excitedly shared that 'vacation time has started!', telling her friends: 'Bahamas here I come!' Another passenger, Bob Theriault, angrily shared that everyone would now be forced to 'dump your swimsuit and shorts out and go buy a snowsuit!' 'MSC you sure are trying to put yourself on the cruising naughty list,' he added. The Meravliglia ship is one of the largest cruise liners in operation along the East Coast, with a capacity of over 5,700 people across its 214-feet length and 19-decks In a statement to DailyMail.com, MSC Cruises said: 'MSC Meraviglia sailed to Canada and New England instead of The Bahamas this week due to unseasonable and rapidly worsening weather that would have made it impossible to safely reach the southern Atlantic Ocean from New York City. 'The only alternative would have been to take the more extreme step of cancelling the cruiseand thousands of peoples vacationsoutright. 'The complexities involved in obtaining last-minute berths for unplanned stops and provisioning the ship along its new route left a sailing to Canada and New England as the only viable option, so we gave our guests a choice between sailing to a different region or cancelling for a future cruise credit, which allows them to put the full value paid for this cruise toward another at their convenience.' While many reacted with fury, some opted to make the best of an unfortunate situation, with one customer saying 'on many cruises you take a chance with the weather' anyway. 'We plan on having a great time eating drinking, watching the shows and probably karaoke every night,' said Lorraine Romer, who added that some of her family were looking into nightclubs for when they are in Boston. ' To conclude the trip on a positive note, she said she also planned to 'get me a big old lobster roll that you can't get anywhere in Pennsylvania.' One person on a cruise in the Gulf of Mexico also responded to an angry Reddit post about the change to admit MSC customers may be happy they didn't attempt the trip in the first place. 'Im sitting on a drillship in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico and if the seas there are as bad as what were getting right now, youll be glad you didnt sail in these seas,' they said. 'Were currently getting 25ft waves and our rig is completely shut down It wouldnt be a fun vacation being sea sick 75 percent of the time.' This also comes as several large cruise ships are reportedly stuck at sea off the coast of Florida as the severe storms in the area are making it difficult to dock. The school stood by Gay after disastrous congressional testimony and claims of plagiarism Harvard president Claudine Gay has been accused of injecting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies into every aspect of campus life, as a professor at the Ivy League speaks out against the school's 'intolerance.' Gay has been guided by 'racialist ideology' throughout her career at the Ivy League, according to right-wing blogger Christopher Russo, who last week accused the academic of plagiarism. In an essay published on City Journal, Rufo points out Gay oversaw an admission's program that was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, which found it discriminated against Asian and white applicants. Following the SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action, Gay said she would follow the mandated changes, but added the decision only strengthens the school's commitment to 'to continue opening doors.' Gay also created a commission called the Task Force on Visual Culture and Signage after the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in 2020. Claudine Gay has been accused of focusing on guided by 'racialist ideology' throughout her career at the Ivy League A Harvard report named the Annenberg Hall as one of the places who needed to be redesigned, citing that none of the 23 portraits displaced depict women There have been demands for buildings to be renamed, including Winthrop House, named after John Winthrop, governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and a slave owner The task force released several recommendations for engaging in the 'historical reckoning with racial injustice,' including a call to change 'spaces whose visual culture is dominated by homogenous portraiture of white men.' The report named the Annenberg Hall as one of the places who needed to be redesigned, citing that none of the 23 portraits displaced depict women - 'and all but three depict white men.' In 2022, as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Gay implemented an initiative to 'dename' spaces deemed racist by faculty and administration officials, who would make their decisions 'based on the perception that a namesakes actions or beliefs were "abhorrent" in the context of current values.' Since then, there have been demands for several buildings to be renamed, including Winthrop House, named after John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and a slave owner. Gay also created the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, which provides materials that teach critical race theory and highlights national issues such as systemic racism, police brutality and white supremacy. In a glossary provided by the Office, students are taught the definitions of terms such as 'ableism, microaffirmation and white fragility In a glossary provided by the Office, students are taught the definitions of terms such as 'ableism, microaffirmation and white fragility. Rufo's scathing op-ed comes as Harvard Law Professor Mark Ramseyer sent an email denouncing the Ivy League's intolerance under DEI guidelines. Ramseyer wrote: 'Harvard is a vastly less tolerant place than it was when I arrived in 1998. The intolerance is a function of an increasingly large fraction of our colleagues. And we the rest of us on the Harvard faculty let it happen. 'The cancelling, the punishments, the DEI bureaucracy, the DEI statements, the endless list that we could all recite all this happened on our watch. We saw it happen, but we did nothing. We were too busy. We were scared to speak up. We we on the faculty let Harvard become what it is. 'The Harvard that we have is the result of our own collective moral failure. The alumni who are furious are not trying to turn Harvard into something we do not want. They are trying to rescue Harvard from what we let it become. We as a faculty failed. That is why the alumni are speaking up. That is why we formed the Council on Academic Freedom in the first place.' Rufo's scathing op-ed comes as Harvard Law Professor Mark Ramseyer sent an email denouncing the Ivy League's intolerance under DEI guidelines A billboard truck at Harvard University on Sunday demanding the removal of president Claudine Gay Meanwhile Dr Carol Swain, one of the academics Gay allegedly plagiarized from, wrote her own fiery op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, claiming Harvard won't condemn its president because she's a 'high pedigree minority.' She wrote: 'Harvard cant condemn Ms. Gay because she is the product of an elite system that holds minorities of high pedigree to a lower standard. This harms academia as a whole, and it demeans Americans, of all races, who had to work for everything they earned.' Swain, a right-wing political commentator, addressed other authors who were allegedly plagiarized by Gay, but failed to condemn her, describing the missed sourcing to a few harmless inadequate citations. 'Ms. Gay had no problem riding on the coattails of people whose work she used without proper attribution. Many of those whose work she pilfered arent as incensed as I am. They are elites who have benefited from a system that protects its own,' the political scientist said. Gay has also been accused of copying two paragraphs from work by then-Harvard scholars D. Stephen Voss and Bradley Palmquist. One paragraph is nearly identical except for a few words. Meanwhile Dr Carol Swain, one of the academics Gay allegedly plagiarized from, has claimed Harvard won't condemn its president because she's a 'high pedigree minority' Harvard professor Lawrence Lobo, one of the scholars allegedly plagiarized by Gay, told the Boston Globe: 'I find myself unconcerned as our work was explicitly acknowledged' But Voss, who now teaches at the University of Kentucky, told The Crimson that while Gay 'technically plagiarized,' it is 'minor-to-inconsequential.' Harvard professor Lawrence Lobo, another scholar allegedly plagiarized by Gay, similarly told the Boston Globe: 'I find myself unconcerned about these claims as our work was explicitly acknowledged.' Swain went even further, repeating critics' claims that Gay's academic work is far from impressive and doesn't stand up to the standards that should be held for the president of Harvard. The scholar added: 'Even aside from the documented instances of plagiarism, Ms. Gays work wouldnt normally have earned tenure in the Ivy League. Tenure at a top-tier institution normally demands ground-breaking originality; her work displays none. 'In a world where the privilege of diversity is king, Ms. Gay was able to parlay mediocre research into tenure and administrative advancement at what was once considered a world-class university.' Gay has denied the accusations of plagiarism, but according to The Harvard Corporation will be making corrections regarding the citations. A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a married couple killed after crashing into a police vehicle days before Christmas. Engineer John Jackson, 60, picked up his wife Nerys Jackson, 57, from RAF Brize Norton on December 9 after she flew 4,000 miles back to Britain from the Ascension Islands where she was teaching. Just 50 miles from their home, the couple were both killed after smashing with a police crime scene car on a routine 'non emergency' journey. An inquest heard Mr Jackson was driving the car along the A458 between Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth in Morville Heath, Shropshire. Their daughter Ffion, who was also in the car, suffered serious injuries but survived. In a tribute, their son Sam said Ffion 'luckily' came out with multiple broken bones across her body. He said: 'They were on their way home from mam's flight from the Ascension Islands - I was at home waiting with my partner to surprise my mum once she got home. It goes without saying that Ffion and I, along with the rest of the family are still in shock and haven't even started to process what's happened - but again, we all appreciate the messages, support, and thoughts of everyone. Nerys Jackson, 57, and her engineer husband John, 60, were both killed on December 9 Teacher Nerys had made a 4,000 mile journey back home from the South Atlantic Ocean John picked her up from the airport with their daughter Ffion as their son waited at home 'We would also like to share our thoughts with the family of the other vehicle involved in the collision, who has suffered significant injury but is currently in a stable condition - we can't imagine what this must be like and wish them a speedy recovery. 'There are no words to describe the sadness this has brought to us, our family, and the friends of both of my parents. We also extend our thoughts to all those with relations to the other driver. We are just glad mam and dad went together, and we still have each other.' Senior coroner for Shropshire and Telford John Ellery was told that Nerys Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest. Emergency services who went to the scene found Mr Jackson, a technical support officer, unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 'Sadly, despite the best efforts of the paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene,' a coroner's officer report said. The inquests in Shrewsbury were both adjourned until April 17 for investigations into the collision to continue. A statement released by West Mercia Police following the collision said that the police vehicle involved had not been on an emergency call. The female driver of the police vehicle had to be released from the vehicle with help from the fire service. Police asked anyone who may have any information or dash-cam footage of the incident to report it online at westmercia.police.uk/tua/te A West Mercia Police spokesman said: 'At around 10.15am [Saturday 9 December] a crime scene investigation police vehicle was involved in a fatal road traffic collision in Morville Heath, Shropshire. The collision happened on the A458 between Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth and involved a Skoda Octavia, driven by a member of the public. 'The ambulance service was called to the scene but the driver of the Skoda, a man in his 60s, and a woman passenger in her 50s, were sadly pronounced dead at the scene around 45 minutes later. A third passenger, a woman in her 20s, suffered minor injuries. The driver of the police vehicle suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital (pictured) 'The driver of the police vehicle suffered serious injuries and was taken to the QE Hospital in Birmingham. The police staff member was driving a crime scene investigation vehicle that was not travelling in response to an emergency. 'The force's Professional Standards Department have been alerted, as is standard practice and the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).' Chief Superintendent Gareth Morris, of West Mercia Police said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man and woman following this awful incident, and our staff member who has been seriously hurt, at this difficult time. 'We ask that their privacy is respected. I would also like to reassure the public that we have referred the incident to the IOPC.' A link to a GoFundMe page for the Jackson family can be found here. A Dallas woman has been awarded $450,000 in a landmark victory for victims of revenge porn after suing her ex, a love-sick stalker who hacked her phone and threatened to spread her intimate photographs when she turned down his marriage proposal. Sadaf Khan was working in an insurance agency when she met Syed Mohammed Bilal, a customer, in 2021. The pair started to date but the relationship broke down when he insisted on marriage. He already had two wives, according to Khan's attorney, but wanted her as his third. The pair are both Muslim Pakistani. When she turned him down, he sent their intimate photos to her relatives, who are also all devout Muslims and were shocked that she had been intimate before marriage. Syed Mohammed Bilal was ordered to pay his ex-girlfriend Sadaf Khan $450,000 in damages after sending her family explicit photos when she turned down his marriage proposal He also told her family they were in fact married, that she had cheated on him and was a lesbian, according to her lawsuit. 'Because Ms. Khan comes from traditional Pakistani community which takes very dim View on extramarital relationships, the threat was serious. 'As result of his slander, Ms. Khan lost her job, her car, and her house,' the complaint reads. Bilal was already married, the lawsuit claims, but was determined to be with Khan. She sought $1,000,000 in damages but was awarded less than half - $450,000 - by a jury on December 14. It remains unclear what Bilal does for work, or whether he has the means to fulfil the settlement. Khan's lawyers did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries. While substantial, her award is a fraction of the $1.2billion that was awarded to another Texas woman in a recent case. In that case, boyfriend Marques Jamal Jackson had installed a security camera at his ex's mother's home to harass and stalk her. He also distributed intimate photographs of her. A stunning image has captured the moment two of nature's most amazing phenomena occurred side-by-side. Iceland's volcanic eruption wasn't the only spectacular event to light up the sky last night, as the Northern Lights also put on an incredible display for passengers on a delayed flight out of the country. Sophie Molloy, 21, who was travelling back to Manchester after a short holiday with her parents, was lucky enough to see the remarkable occurence and capture a once-in-a-lifetime photo on her phone. The Lancaster University student said she and her family had only been in Iceland for a two-day break before heading home on Monday. 'We definitely got more than we bargained for!' she told MailOnline. She shared the breathtaking photographs taken during the flight, and said everyone on the easyJet flight got a chance to enjoy the beautiful scene. A stunning image has captured the moment two of nature's most amazing phenomena occurred side-by-side Student Sophie Molloy, 21, took the pictures on her flight back to Manchester 'We could see the eruption from the aircraft windows, those on the right hand side saw it erupt. 'The passengers on the plane were all in good spirits. It was an nice atmosphere with the majority of passengers moving from their seats to allow others a look,' she said. 'Overall everyone was very calm considering its not something were likely to ever experience again!' Flights from Reykjavik's international Keflavik airport were delayed last night, including Sophie's plane, which stood on the tarmac for five hours before taking off at 1.35am due to the volcanic activity. Passengers were told by easyJet: 'We're sorry that your flight has been delayed. This is because volcanic activity in Keflavik (KEF) is causing restrictions to the areas in which aircraft are permitted to fly.' Sophie added that 'part of the delay was due to some passengers not willing to fly and one having had a drink.' She said the flight had originally been delayed a few hours due to fog in Geneva, adding: 'had this not been the case we would have missed the eruption entirely.' 'After being on the flight waiting for an hour the passengers on the right hand side of the plane saw the eruption take place. 'There wasn't much information as you can imagine, though the pilot assured us he was in contact with the head office. Emergency personnel and scientists observe the billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image flying over an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik on Monday night First aerial footage of the eruption shows nearly two miles of lava coming out of the fissure She said the flight, which was meant to have departed at 7.55pm on Monday, finally took off around 1.35am on Tuesday. 'Unfortunately, just as we received the all clear some passengers were not comfortable with flying and left the aircraft which is completely understandable. This included some Icelandic residents,' she said. Sophie added that the general feeling among passengers 'was just hoping everyone in the area would be okay and that there wouldnt be too much damage, especially for local residents.' Tourists flock to Iceland in the hope they will catch a glimpse of an aurora or even an active volcano - and now holidaymakers on their way home have managed to see both incredible sights in one go. While beautiful images have emerged from the eruption, many residents are fearing for their homes - with the town of Grindavik in the shadow of the volcano. Emergency personnel and scientists observe the billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image flying over an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik on Monday night The fishing town has been struck by thousands of earthquakes in recent weeks, prompting its entire population to be evacuated. The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula just north of the evacuated town of Grindavik began last night at around 10.17 pm after an earthquake swarm, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said, referring to a series of small shakes. Live-streamed footage of the eruption showed molten lava spewing into the sky from fissures in the ground, surrounded by billowing clouds of red smoke. There are fears that the eruption, which has seen 200 cubic metres of lava spewing out from the fissures every second, could cause havoc to air traffic travel after another Icelandic eruption in 2010 grounded thousands of flights across Europe and North America and saw holidaymakers stranded. Have you been affected by the eruption? Email: eleanor.blake@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement Iceland's capital could be at risk from toxic fumes that are currently billowing from a volcano that dramatically erupted late on Monday, the Nordic country's meteorological office has warned. The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula just north of the evacuated town of Grindavik began last night at around 10.17pm after an earthquake swarm, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said, referring to a series of small shakes. It has seen 200 cubic metres of lava spilling out from fissures in the earth every second, and blasted semi-molten rock into the air in a spectacular show of Earth's power in the land known for fire and ice. Live-streamed footage of the eruption showed molten lava bursting into the sky from fissures in the ground, surrounded by a spreading lava field and billowing clouds of red smoke lit up by the flames. While Iceland's met office said the power of the eruption itself was decreasing on Tuesday, it warned locals that gas pollution could still occur in the area of the capital Reykjavik late on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. And although the town of Grindavik is not currently in immediate danger, fissures could still open in the area without warning, geophysicist Benedikt Ofeigsson told Icelandic news outlet DV. Iceland's capital could be at risk from toxic fumes that are currently billowing from a volcano that dramatically erupted late on Monday, the Nordic country's meteorological office has warned. Pictured: Smoke is billowing as the lava colour the night sky orange from an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula to the north of Grindavik, western Iceland on December 18 This image made from video provided by the Icelandic Coast Guard shows magma flow on a hill near Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on Monday night Emergency personnel and scientists observe the billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image flying over an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik on Monday night A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts near Grindavik, Iceland, on Tuesday morning Local resident watch smoke billow as the lava colour the night sky orange from an volcanic eruption (left) on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik, western Iceland in the early hours of Tuesday morning Despite the obvious dangers. the Ministry of the Environment was forced to issue repeated warnings to those thinking about getting close to the volcano 'A magma tunnel was also formed [underground] from which the eruption emerged, and it extends considerably further south and north than the fissures themselves, and we can fully expect that they will start erupting without warning, as actually happened in Fagradalsfjall,' Ofeigsson warned. The official update said the assessment that reporting a decrease in power was based on visual assessments from a survey flight over the site. It also likened the eruption to that seen with the Fagradalsfjall volcano in 2021, around four miles east of the current eruption site, saying that the 'fissures have already started to shrink'. 'Lava flow is roughly estimated at one-quarter of what it was [at the] start and one-third of the original [fissure] is active,' the update, posted at 12.30pm today, said. 'Magma plumes are also lower [at] at the beginning of an eruption, about 30 meters [below] where they reached the highest.' It continued: 'Gas pollution may be felt in Vestmannaeyjar today, but not elsewhere in a settlement. According to the weather forecast, gas pollution could be noticed in the capital area late tonight or in the morning,' the update added, saying more work would be undertaken to assess the hazard this poses. Meanwhile, British holidaymakers are waiting anxiously to see if their flights to Iceland will be cancelled or delayed, with local experts warning 'this is a very different creature to anything we've seen before'. There are fears that the eruption could cause havoc to air traffic travel after another Icelandic eruption in 2010 grounded thousands of flights across Europe and North America and saw holidaymakers stranded. Flights from Reykjavik's international Keflavik airport were delayed last night, with an EasyJet flight to Manchester standing on the tarmac for five hours before taking off at 1.35am due to the volcanic activity. Passengers were told by easyJet: 'We're sorry that your flight has been delayed. This is because volcanic activity in Keflavik (KEF) is causing restrictions to the areas in which aircraft are permitted to fly.' British holidaymakers are now waiting anxiously to see if their flights will be cancelled today - but the Icelandic government and airlines including EasyJet have said the airports in Iceland are 'not impacted' and flights should be operating 'as scheduled'. Indeed, Hallgrimur Indriason, a journalist from Icelandic state broadcaster RUV, said there was 'no threat to air traffic - at least not for now' with Reykjavik's international Keflavik airport remaining open today. 'The 2010 eruption was different because it erupted under a glacier and when this happens you get this huge explosive ash high up in the air which is very fine and stays up in the air for a long time,' Indriason told the BBC. 'This is much different. This is a crack [in the ground] with lava flow and the ash doesn't stay up in the air as much than in previous cases. So unless we had an eruption under the sea - which there is a slim chance of - then there will no impact on air traffic.' 'The eruption does not present a threat to life,' an Icelandic government statement said. 'There are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and international flight corridors remain open.' First aerial footage of the eruption shows nearly two miles of lava coming out of the fissure Billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image during an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula on Monday The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula just north of the evacuated town of Grindavik began last night at around 10.17 pm after an earthquake swarm, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said, referring to a series of small shakes Emergency personnel and scientists observe the billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image flying over an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik on Monday night Emergency personnel and scientists observe the billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image flying over an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik on Monday night A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts in Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday night A number of people can be seen watching the eruption from a distance First aerial footage shows the volcanic fissure, which is estimated to be nearly two miles long Pictures taken at five o'clock last night from a Coast Guard helicopter show the lava spilling out of the fissures Pictures on social media show the sky being tinted red by the lava spurts But volcanologist Porvaldur Poroarson told Icelandic newspaper MBL.is that this volcanic eruption is 'a different creature' to what we have seen before as dramatic pictures and video showed lava shooting up into the sky from fissures. Poroarson said the eruption north of Grindavik is the largest that has occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2019 while warning that the rate of sulphur dioxide being pumped into the air is much greater than in previous years. Indeed, the Norwegian Meteorological Agency estimated that 100 to 200 cubic meters of lava is spewing out per second, which is 'many times more than in previous eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in recent years.' 'This is a different creature than we have seen in Fagradalsfjall,' Poroarson said of the eruption that began last night. On Tuesday, fountains of orange lava shot into the darkened sky from a fissure in the ground. Iceland, which sits just below the Arctic Circle and above a volcanic hotspot in the North Atlantic, has about 20 hours of darkness a day in December. It comes as thrill-seekers last night defied danger warnings and ventured near the site of a huge volcano eruption in Iceland - despite bubbling lava and smoke being spewed into the sky. Astonishing pictures - including one of scores of cars queuing to get close to the area - show people trying to witness Mother Nature's work first-hand. The eruption began around 2.4 miles from the town of Grindavik just after 10pm on Monday at the Sundhjuka crater, on the Reykjanes peninsula. It comes after a series of earthquakes forced thousands to be evacuated last month as the country declared a state of emergency and braced itself for the impending explosion. Jaw-dropping footage last night captured Iceland's black night sky lit up a deep orange colour as molten rock flew into the air in spectacular scenes which continued into the early hours of this morning. Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a scientist who flew over the site on Tuesday morning onboard an coast guard research flight, told Icelandic broadcaster RUV that he estimates twice as much lava had already spewed than the entire monthlong eruption on the peninsula this summer. Gudmundsson said the eruption was expected to continue decreasing in intensity but that scientists have no idea how long it could last. 'It can be over in a week, or it could take quite a bit longer,' he said. However, despite the obvious dangers, the Ministry of the Environment was forced to issue repeated warnings to those thinking about getting close to the volcano. 'Think about someone other than yourself and follow the guidelines of the public safety. Please,' one spokesman begged. Icelandic Police added: 'An eruption has begun. We ask people not to be in front of the responders and not to go in the direction of the eruption. It is important that roads and other things are as accessible as possible.' Police said they had raised their alert level and the country's civil defence warned the public not to approach the area while emergency personnel assessed the situation. But thrill-seekers defied the orders and were pictured standing close to the plumes of lava spewing out of the cracks in the ground. Indeed, the spectacular natural phenomenon is hard for people to resist. 'It's just something from a movie!' said Robert Donald Forrester III, a tourist from the United States. Four boys named Joi, Halli, Stefan and Stefan, told local media that they always head towards eruptions in Reykjanes. 'We are trying to see the eruption. Unfortunately, we didn't get any closer. It's a hobby that we've had for four years, attending every single eruption, and we'll continue to do so.' A volcano spews Lava and smoke as it erupts, north of Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, in the early hours of Tuesday morning Iceland is a particular hotspot for seismic activity because it sits on a tectonic plate boundary called the Mid Atlantic Ridge People watch as a volcano erupts on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the power station on Monday night north of Grindavik A group watches as smoke billows into the sky from the volcano explosion The Reykjanesbraut, a key Icelandic highway in the area, was lit up with white headlights from cars travelling towards, not away from, the crater (left) while cars were parked nearby (right) People watch as a volcano erupts on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the power station on Monday night north of Grindavik A handout picture provided by Iceland Civil Defense shows a volcanic eruption north of Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday Billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen following the volcanic eruption on Monday night Billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management handout image on Tuesday A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts in Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday night Lava spews from the volcano after it erupted north of Grindavik on Monday night People watch as a volcano erupts on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the power station on Monday night north of Grindavik Lava fountains are seen as volcanic eruption started, turning the sky orange, in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula The road is blocked at the entrance of the road to GrindavAk with the eruption in the background, in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on Monday night Witnesses have described the lava streaming out of the fissures as a two-mile-long 'lake of fire' The police vehicle is parked at the entrance of the road to Grindavak with the eruption in the background, near Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on Monday night Slide me A before and after of the Sundhjuka crater, on the Reykjanes peninsula For local residents, the emotions are mixed. 'The town involved might end up under the lava,' said Ael Kermarec, a French tour guide living in Iceland. 'It's amazing to see but, there's kind of a bittersweet feeling at the moment.' Mother-of-three and masseuse Rakel Lilja Halldorsdottir told MailOnline: 'We are happy it finally erupted so all this unknowing can stop. But it is so close to everything, we were hoping it wouldn't be. 'But they think it won't get to Grindavik and will probably just be a short eruption and probably will be over soon. About 10 days or so, hopefully that is true. 'Our house lies on a crack so it has gotten worse the damage surrounding our house. The house itself is semi ok... but I don't know if we will be allowed to fix it and live there because it's on a crack.' Iceland's president, Guni Thorlacius Johannesson, said shortly after the eruption: 'It is not clear what damage it can cause, but now we rely on our scientists as well as all those who need to do monitoring and other operations. 'Above all else, we protect human life but we do all the defense of structures to the best of our ability. I send warm greetings to the people of Grindavik and those who now work on the scene.' Hjordis Gumundsdottir, from the Icelandic national defence, also warned people not to go near the site of the eruption. One image showed the Reykjanesbraut, a key Icelandic highway in the area, lit up with white headlights from cars travelling towards the crater. Fannar Jonasson, mayor of Grindavik, told Icelandic news service Visi: 'I'm just, like others, trying to get information. But this seems like quite an explosion in the early stages. But you don't know anything yet. It's going to be a long night.' He added that a few hundred meters can make all the difference, no matter in which direction the lava flows. Benedikt Ofeigsson, a geophysicist at the Norwegian Meteorological Agency, said the fissure, which is growing every minute, is only a short distance away from the town of Grindavik. 'There is a rather rapid development of the eruption. We saw it rise at around 10.17pm, it has spread very quickly and has moved to the south west. Is about 2.5 kilometers north of Grindavik. The eruption itself is a little further north than that.' Meanwhile speaking to local media as the blast began, volcanologist orvald orarson admitted the eruption was the worst-case scenario. 'We were talking about two scenarios a few days ago, one of which was that everything was going to relax and die out, you were hoping that was what was going on,' he said. 'The other is that this stretch of the crust above the intrusion would have reached its tolerance limit and that it would start to erupt. This is what we feared the most.' Hundreds were seen returning to the region, despite several Icelandic authorities warning them to stay away for their own safety A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts, in this view from Keflavik, Iceland However, Kristin Jonsdottir, head of natural hazards at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, said the agency expects this growth to die down soon. 'The good news is that it is now usually the ducks that die out first and that is what we expect to happen in the near future. 'That the activity begins to be drawn to certain craters, and usually the center of the crack is the place where the most activity occurs, and that crack is clearly north of the watershed.' Grindavik, a fishing town of 3,400, sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 31 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. It is also near the Svartsengi geothermal power station, which provides up to 74.4MW of energy to the country. The government said it is currently assessing the risk to nearby energy infrastructure. The night sky is illuminated caused by the eruption of a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula Benedikt Ofeigsson, a geophysicist at the Norwegian Meteorological Agency, said the fissure, which is growing every minute Pictures from surveillance cameras covering the volcano show lava spurts People watch as the night sky is illuminated caused by the eruption of a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula Lava spurts and smoke cover the horizon in Iceland near the eruption site A picture taken in Iceland as seen from in Asbru, Reykjanesbaer, of the volcano eruption On their website, the Met Office said the volcano eruption started at 10.17pm following an 'earthquake swarm' at 9pm. eykjavik's international airport, which is located nearby, remained open Iceland Police said in a statement: 'An eruption has begun. We ask people not to be in front of the responders and not to go in the direction of the eruption' This comes after the volcano was hit by more than 1,000 earthquakes in just 24 hours on November 9, igniting fears of an imminent eruption. On their website, the Met Office said the volcano eruption started at 10.17pm following an 'earthquake swarm' at 9pm. Hjordis Gumundsdottir, from the Icelandic national defence, also reiterated warnings that people shouldn't go near the eruption site. Nevertheless, large crowds gathered on vantage points to look at the lava spurts illuminating the sky. This comes after the volcano was hit by more than 1,000 earthquakes in just 24 hours on November 9, igniting fears of an imminent eruption. Data from Iceland's Met Office shows that within the past hour, there have been 11 earthquake within a five km radius of Grindavik. Fearing a significant outbreak on the Reykjanes peninsula, authorities last month evacuated the nearly 4,000 inhabitants of the fishing town of Grindavik and closed the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Geophysicist Benedikt Ofeigsson said in November that there were clear signs that huge magma corridor under the Reykjanes Peninsula was expanding. The area around the Fagradalsfjall had braced itself for an eruption after huge chasms ripping apart homes and roads in Grindavik. On November 16, magmatic gas was detected at a borehole in Svartsengi - 2.3 miles north of Grindavik - which experts said was a signal that an eruption is imminent. An eruption of molten rock from the magma tunnel beneath Reykjanes was the most likely scenario following weeks of seismic activity, the head of the volcano department at the weather service Kristin Jonsdottir told RUV radio station last month. Monitoring indicated that a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, extends under the community, Iceland's Meteorological Office said. The town of 3,400 is about 31 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. Volcanologist Haraldur Sigursson previously said that if an eruption were to happen, he expects that it could erupt into the sea and says Grindavik needs to be 'reorganised' in order to mitigate the disk of future widespread destruction. The area around the Fagradalsfjall had braced itself for an eruption after huge chasms ripping apart homes and roads in Grindavik 'I'm also worried about the port. It doesn't take much to destroy this port, fill it with lava,' Haraldur told Iceland's Morgunblai (MBL) newspaper. 'There are both cracks there in the harbour and even if the magma comes up somewhere outside, it flows into the harbour, because this is the depression. 'So, in the big picture, this town needs to be completely reorganised,' he added. Asked by MBL's reporter if he envisages a future in which the people of Grindavik can return to their homes, he said: 'What didn't people do in Vestmannaeyjar (a town hit by an eruption in 1973)? I think the town should be reorganised.' Scientists have said that the eruption is unlikely to produce a plume of smoke like the Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption, which grounded flights globally and cost 1.5bn and 2.5bn euros (1.3-2.2bn). The peninsula in recent years saw several eruptions in unpopulated areas, but the current outbreak was believed to pose an immediate risk to the town, authorities have said. Reykjanes is a volcanic and seismic hot-spot southwest of the capital Reykjavik. In March 2021, lava fountains erupted spectacularly from a 500-750-metre-long (1,640-2,460-foot-long) fissure in the ground in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system. Volcanic eruptions are not uncommon in Iceland, home to 33 active volcano systems, the highest number in Europe. The port Of Grindavik braced itself for what could be an eruption of the nearby Fagradalsfjall volcano or one of the fissures which have opened up in the area. Pictured: Crack across one of its main roads Pictured: A police officer inspects a crack in the road in the fishing town of Grindavik, November 15 Eyjafjallajokull erupting in 2010 (pictured) produced a huge cloud of ash that prompted the biggest global aviation shutdown since World War II, with 50,000 flights cancelled and 8million passengers affected But the Reykjanes peninsula had not experienced an eruption for eight centuries until 2021. Since then, three eruptions have struck - all in remote, uninhabited areas - and volcanologists say this could be the start of a new era of activity in the region. Previous eruptions near the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula took place in 2021, 2022 and earlier this year. In 2010, the eruption of Iceland's long-dormant Eyjafjallajokull volcano - an ice-capped volcano more than 1,660 metres tall - shot huge amounts of ash into the atmosphere. That massive, explosive eruption was not fatal, but forced the cancellation of around 100,000 flights and left more than 10 million travellers stranded. Situated in the North Atlantic, Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a crack in the ocean floor separating the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The US Park Police has released bodycam footage of the moment an officer was shot multiple times in Washington, D.C., while chasing a drug suspect. Cops witnessed a suspected drug violation and attempted to approach a man before gunfire was exchanged in the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood on November 22. Video of the incident shows one of the officers attempting to confront the suspect, later identified as Turell Delonte Campbell, but he immediately starts running. The unidentified officer pleads with him to 'get down,' but Campbell, 30, turns around holding a gun and multiple shots were fired. Both men were hurt in the shooting and taken to hospital for treatment but Campbell later died from injuries. The US Park Police has released bodycam footage of the moment an officer was shot multiple times in Washington D.C. while chasing a drug suspect Video of the incident shows one of the officers attempting to confront the suspect, later identified as Turell Delonte Campbell, but he immediately starts running The video shows the officer getting out of his car and chasing Campbell on foot. 'Get down, you are going to get hurt,' he shouts at the suspect who continues to run. Campbell replies: 'No I'm not.' The cop notices he is carrying a weapon and shouts 'Let me see your hands.' But Campbell turns around and multiple shots are fired. The cop screams in agony as he falls to the ground and the gunshots continue. '108, I've been shot,' he shouts into his radio as he calls for backup and medical attention. 'Send the board. I need a helicopter, please. I need a tourniquet, please.' The officer was struck in the torso and leg multiple times. Both men were taken to hospital but Campbell later died from his injuries. Campbell's gun was recovered at the scene and taken in as evidence. The shooting is being investigated by the D.C. police and an administrative investigation is being conducted by the federal Interior Department. The unidentified officer pleads with him to 'get down' before he gets hurt but Campbell, 30, says 'No I'm not' and turns around holding a gun Multiple shots are fired and the cop screams in agony as he falls to the ground '108, I've been shot,' he shouts into his radio as he calls for backup and medical attention A US Park Police spokesman told DailyMail.com: 'The United States Park Police officer received multiple gunshot injuries.' Campbell reportedly had a lengthy criminal history in the district, including a murder charge which was later dropped. He was charged with the murder of 25-year-old Isiah Agyekum in 2015 but this was dismissed due to a 'government witness availability issue', according to NBC Washington. He was also charged with selling crack cocaine in Penn Quarter in 2019 and threatening to shoot a housing authority police officer in 2020, but these charges were later dropped by prosecutors. Campbell was again arrested in 2020 on gun and drug charges. He pleaded guilty to the drug offenses while the gun charge was dropped and was handed an 18-month probation sentence in February 2023. U.S. apprehensions of migrants at the border hit a new record Monday, with at least 12,600 encounters during a period of just 24 hours. The stunning spike comes as US Customs and Border Protection announced it would suspend rail operations at a pair of international crossings. The agency pledged to continue to prioritize its 'border security mission' amid a situation it called 'evolving.' The latest figures include 11,000 border apprehensions and an additional 1,600 migrants encountered at official points of entry, Fox News reported, based on CBP sources, edging past the prior record of 12,000 two weeks ago. Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales put the figure even higher, posting about the 'historic' numbers on X and saying there were 26,000 border crossers already in custody. 'Tuesday morning in Eagle Pass. 14,000+ crossed ILLEGALLY yesterday & 26,000+ already in custody - the HIGHEST in US history. Christmas Day will be WORSE. President Biden has abandoned border communities like mine,' wrote the lawmaker, who represents Hidalgo County. CBP suspended the freight crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas, in order to shift staffing to deal with the surging number of migrants. Vehicular and pedestrian crossings at ports in San Ysidro, Calif., Lukeville, Ariz., and Eagle Pass, Texas have also been shut down in recent weeks. Thousands of immigrants, most wearing thermal blankets, await processing at a U.S. Border Patrol transit center on December 19, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas. Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales said more than 14,000 migrants had been apprehended at the border in a 24-hour period The closures come as illegal migrant apprehensions in December are already up 30 percent over November. Last month the U.S.-Mexico border saw 130,000 attempts to cross unlawfully in the first 17 days of the month and there have been 167,000 attempts so far in December, according to NewsNation. 'After observing a recent resurgence of smuggling organizations moving migrants through Mexico via freight trains, CBP is taking additional actions to surge personnel and address this concerning development, including in partnership with Mexican authorities,' CBP said in a statement. Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday set himself on a collision course with Joe Biden as he enacted sweeping powers to deal with the migrant crisis. The laws will enable cops to arrest illegal migrants and allow judges to boot them back across the Mexico border. The Republican governor said it could slash the number of crossings by up to three quarters - but the Biden administration is bound to attack its constitutional legality. The number of apprehensions in the preceding 24-hour period hit a new record U.S. Border Patrol agents assembled the migrants at a transit center in Eagle Pass, Texas. Authorities have been overwhelmed by the crush of border-crossers A U.S. Border Patrol agent watches over more than 2,000 migrants at a field processing center on December 18, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas. A surge as many as 12,000 immigrants per day crossing the U.S. southern border has overwhelmed U.S. immigration authorities and established a new record The continued flow of migrants came as CBP shut down a pair of rail crossings It comes as 2,000 migrants are crossing the frontier everyday, with Texas bearing the brunt of the crisis. Biden has failed to confront the spiraling humanitarian disaster at the border and even received criticism from within Democratic ranks. Opponents have called Abbott's measure the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law - denounced by critics as the 'Show Me Your Papers' bill - that was largely struck down by the US Supreme Court. The law will likely face a quick legal challenge by the White House, which has pushed back on the Governors previous attempts to reduce the flow of migrants. Gov. Greg Abbott signed three bills into law at a border wall construction site in Brownsville, Texas More than 1,000 migrants wait in line to be processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico on Monday in Eagle Pass, Texas Migrants wait to climb over concertina wire after they crossed the Rio Grande and entered the U.S. from Mexico, seen in September in Eagle Pass, Texas The law, known as SB4, takes effect in March and allows any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest people who are suspected of entering the country illegally. Those who re-enter face penalties ranging from 180 days in jail to 20 years in prison. Abbott, who signed the law in front of a section of border fence in Brownsville, Texas, predicted the number of people crossing illegally into Texas would drop by 'well over 50 percent, maybe 75 percent.' He did not offer evidence for such an estimate. Once in custody, illegal migrants could either agree to a Texas judge's order to leave the US or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Migrants who don't leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges. Abbott accused the White House of doing 'nothing to halt illegal immigration.' 'Joe Biden's deliberate inaction has decimated America,' Abbott said. 'The consequences of [the new law] are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas,' he said. Abbott claimed 8million people have crossed the border illegally since Biden, a Democrat, took office in January 2021. Abbott defended the new law as constitutional, saying Texas had been left to 'fend for itself.' Typically, immigration policy and enforcement have been the responsibility of the federal government. But several southern governors have taken the matter into their own hands saying Biden has dropped the ball. Abbott said the bill passed by the Republican-majority Texas state legislature last month was needed to 'stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas.' Abbott said the bill makes it a 'criminal offense for illegal entry into Texas from a foreign nation. 'For repeat offenders it creates the offense of illegal reentry with a potential prison sentence term of up to 20 years,' he said. The bill also 'provides a mechanism to order an illegal immigrant to return to the foreign nation from which they entered,' he said. Migrant crossings have remained at roughly 2,000 per day within the Del Rio Sector with most of those being encountered Venezuelans, Hondurans and Colombians. A surge as many as 12,000 immigrants per day crossing the U.S. southern border has overwhelmed U.S. immigration authorities in recent weeks In this aerial view, Immigrants, many wearing mylar blankets supplied by the U.S. Border Patrol, try to stay warm after spending the night outside a processing center next to the U.S.-Mexico border on Monday The law adds another tension point over immigration amid a struggle between the White House and Senate negotiators to reach a deal on border security. Republicans in Congress are demanding changes to the immigration system in exchange for any help for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs. Texas Republicans have increasingly challenged the U.S. government's authority over immigration, saying President Joe Biden's administration isn't doing enough to control the 1,950-mile southern border. The state has experimented with a range of measures to deter people who cross illegally under its Operation Lone Star, including deploying National Guard troops to the border, blocking migrants with deadly concertina wire and installing a floating barrier over a stretch of the Rio Grande. Texas has bused more than 65,000 migrants to cities across America since August 2022 and recently installed razor wire along the banks of the Rio Grande, which has snagged and injured some asylum-seekers. A three-judge panel of 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month ruled that Texas must remove the floating barrier although Texas is seeking a review by the full court. In the state's most prominent action, it has bused 65,000 migrants to Democrat-controlled cities across America since August 2022 to alleviate the strain on its border cities and pressure Democrats. Still, migrants have continued to cross. Abbott signed into law sweeping new powers that allows police to arrest migrants who cross the border illegally and gives local judges authority to order them to leave the country Local organizations in Brownsville held a rally before a news conference announcing the governor's signing of three bills broadening border security policies in the state A migrant who crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico to the U.S. works their way through and over concertina wire and box car barriers in Eagle Pass, Texas On Monday, the U.S. government temporarily shut down two railroad border crossings in Texas, a move that rail operators said would hamper trade ahead of Christmas. Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's acting commissioner, said the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso were a response to more migrants traveling on freight trains, particularly over the last week. Miller said authorities are seeing 'unprecedented' arrivals at the border, topping 10,000 crossings on some days this month. Shortly after Abbott signed the new law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said it would challenge the measure in court. More than 20 congressional Democrats also signed a letter urging the U.S. Justice Department to sue to stop the law, known as Senate Bill 4. 'SB 4 is dangerous for the people of Texas and interferes with the federal governments exclusive authority over immigration and foreign affairs,' the letter read. In this aerial view, Texas National Guard troops direct a group of more than 1,000 immigrants towards a U.S. Border Patrol processing center after the migrants crossed the Rio Grande A line of immigrants is seen in Eagle Pass having crossed over from Mexico Mexico's government also has rebuked the measure. Under bilateral and international agreements, Mexico is required to accept deportations of its own citizens, but not those of other countries. Under the Texas law, migrants ordered to leave would be sent to ports of entry along the border with Mexico, even if they are not Mexican citizens. In September and October, Venezuelans were the largest nationality arrested illegally crossing the U.S. border. During debate in the Texas House in November, GOP state Rep. David Spiller pushed back against concerns the law would be used as a dragnet to arrest immigrants statewide. He said enforcement would mostly take place in border counties. But he also rebuffed several efforts by Democrats to narrow the law, including a proposed carve-out for police on college campuses. Because the illegal entry charge is a misdemeanor, which has a statue of limitation of two years, Spiller has said the law will not be used to target immigrants who have long been settled in the U.S. 'This is not, 'Round up everyone who is here illegally and ship them back to Mexico,'' he said during debate over the bill. Opponents have accused Texas Republicans of using the law as a vehicle to force the Supreme Court's new conservative majority to revisit its landmark 2012 Arizona decision. At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said Arizona may have 'understandable frustrations' with immigrants who are in the country illegally but that it can't pursue policies that 'undermine federal law.' The leader ramped up his threats to the U.S. as he tries to expand his arsenal North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has threatened 'more offensive actions' against the United States after testing a long-range ballistic missile that could reach mainland North America. The hermit kingdom dictator ramped up his warnings to repel what he believes is an increase in military action from Washington. He made the statement after he and his 10-year-old daughter Kim Ju Ae 'supervised' the third test of his country's most advanced missile system that could hit the U.S., Seoul and Tokyo. Kim Ju Ae has only been in the public spotlight for a year, but has accompanied her father for meetings with military commanders and to watch weapons exercises. Kim's statement suggests he is confident in his growing missile arsenal and will likely continue weapons testing activities before the 2024 presidential election. Kim Jong Un, his 10-year-old daughter Kim Ju Ae daughter and an official watch what it says is an intercontinental ballistic missile launching from an undisclosed location in North Korea. The dictator has threatened 'more offensive actions' against the United States Kim Ju Ae (left) has only been in the public spotlight for a year, but has accompanied her father for meetings with military commanders and to watch weapons exercises But many observers say North Korea still needs to perform more significant tests to prove it has functioning missiles targeting the U.S. mainland. After watching Mondays launch of the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile, Kim said the test showed how North Korea could respond if the United States were to make 'a wrong decision against it,' according to the official Korean Central News Agency. Kim stressed the need to 'never overlook all the reckless and irresponsible military threats of the enemies ... and to strongly counter them with more offensive actions,' KCNA said. The Hwasong-18 ICBM is a developmental, solid-fueled ICBM that is considered North Koreas most powerful weapon. Its built-in solid propellant makes launches harder for outsiders to detect than liquid-fueled missiles, which must be fueled before liftoffs. But many foreign experts say North Korea still has some other technological hurdles to master to acquire reliable nuclear-tipped ICBMs, such as one to protect warheads from the harsh conditions of atmospheric reentry. KCNA said the Hwasong-18 missile - launched at a high angle to avoid neighboring countries - flew a distance of 1,002 kilometers (622 miles) for 73.5 minutes at a maximum altitude of 6,518 kilometers (4,050 miles) before landing in an area off the Norths east coast. It said Kim expressed 'great satisfaction' with the launch, which verified again the reliability of 'the most powerful strategic core striking means' of North Korea. It was the North's third test of the Hwasong-18 missile. Its two previous launches were in April and July. 'Based on their statement, this looks to have been an exercise in signaling and a developmental test in one,' said Ankit Panda, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 'Theres nothing new here technically as far as I can tell at this early stage, but theyre certainly growing increasingly confident in their new solid propellant ICBM.' Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said the Norths latest ICBM test is another indicator of how far its missile engine technology has progressed, but added there are limits to what North Korea can learn from lofted trajectory firings. 'Demonstrating warhead targeting and reentry capabilities would involve provocative launches across greater distances,' Easley said. 'So more significant tests of both technology and diplomacy are likely in the New Year.' KCNA said that a recent U.S.-South Korean meeting to discuss their nuclear deterrence plan openly revealed their intention to hold joint drills with a simulated nuclear attack on North Korea. Kim Jong Un and his daughter inspects the missile that North Korea says could reach mainland United States, Seoul and Tokyo It referred to the second Nuclear Consultative Group meeting between senior U.S. and South Korean officials Friday. During their meeting in Washington, the two countries agreed to update their nuclear deterrence and contingency strategies and incorporate nuclear operation scenarios in their combined military exercises in the summer, according to officials in Seoul. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said during a Cabinet Council meeting Tuesday that a 'nuclear-based, powerful Korea-U.S. alliance' would be formed soon. The nuclear consultative body is responsible for sharing information on nuclear and strategic weapons operation plans and joint operations, though the U.S. will retain operational control of its nuclear weapons. The groups establishment was part of U.S. efforts to ease South Korean worries about North Korean provocations while keeping Seoul from pursuing its own nuclear program. Since 2022, North Korea has performed more than 100 ballistic missile tests in violation of the United Nations bans in what outside experts call an effort to upgrade its nuclear arsenal and win greater U.S. concessions. The North has still avoided fresh international sanctions as China and Russia blocked the U.S. and others efforts to toughen U.N. sanctions on the country. Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tuesday that Tokyo is coordinating with Washington and Seoul to arrange a United Nations Security Council meeting on Wednesday to discuss the Norths latest launch. He said Japan will try to get the council to fulfill its intended role. The hermit kingdom dictator ramped up his warnings to repel what he believes is an increase in military action from Washington. He laughs as he watches the test of the intercontinental ballistic missile, which experts believe still needs more testing Kim's statement suggests he is confident in his growing missile arsenal and will likely continue weapons testing activities before the 2024 presidential election The United States and South Korea have expanded their military training, bolstered trilateral security cooperation with Japan and increased the temporary deployments of powerful U.S. military assets in South Korea. On Tuesday, South Korea, the U.S. and Japan began putting into operation the sharing of real-time missile warning data on North Korea and established details of their trilateral exercises in coming years, South Koreas Defense Ministry said in a statement. North Korea has viewed growing U.S.-South Korea-Japan partnerships as a security threat and sought to boost its own ties with China and Russia in response. North Korea recently faced outside suspicions that it receives sophisticated weapons technologies from Russia in return for supplying conventional arms to support Russias war in Ukraine. 'The allies justified actions of cooperation and information-sharing will remain the Kim regimes primary reason to concentrate greater resources and energy into its weapons program,' said Soo Kim, an expert with Virginia-based consultancy LMI and a former CIA analyst. 'Kim (Jong Un) is clear-eyed in the regional split between the U.S.-allied countries and the North Korea-Russia-China trilateral relationship,' she said. 'So while Kim continues to raise issues with the U.S.-Japan-Korea trilateral, he sees the utility in forming alliances and gravitates toward Beijing and Moscow to serve as a thorn in our side and to protect his own security and interests.' Tributes have poured in for the daughter of an Ecuadorian politician who was killed after being struck by a Mercedes on London's Wandsworth Bridge. Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida, 27, who studied psychology at the University of St. Andrews and graduated with a master's degree from King's College London died after being hit while crossing the road just before 10pm on March 16 last year. Octavian Cadar, 38, of Exmoor House, Clydesdale Way, Belvedere, Bexley appeared today at Wimbledon Magistrates Court charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving. He was granted unconditional bail to appear at the Old Bailey on January 16. Miss Sagnay de la Bastida was the daughter of Ecuadorian politician Carlos Sagnay de la Bastida. Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida was the daughter of Ecuadorian politician Carlos Sagnay de la Bastida (pictured together) The 27-year-old, who studied psychology at the University of St. Andrews and graduated with a master's degree from King's College London died after being hit while crossing the road just before 10pm on March 16 last year Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida with fiance Michael Williams Octavian Cadar, 38, of Exmoor House, Clydesdale Way, Belvedere, Bexley appeared today at Wimbledon Magistrates Court charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving Despite an Air Ambulance attending the scene, nothing could be done to save Miss Sagnay de la Bastida, who was employed by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust as a research assistant within their Department of Psychology His niece is Harriet Clapham, a private art collector and the wife of Sotheby's director Harry Primrose, Lord Dalmeny. Despite an Air Ambulance attending the scene, nothing could be done to save Miss Sagnay de la Bastida, who was employed by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust as a research assistant within their Department of Psychology. Her fiance Michael Williams was in court for the conclusion of today's hearing. Following the tragedy, Charlotte's closest friend Kristina Smirnoffa wrote: 'It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida at the young age of twenty-seven. 'Charlotte was everything, a loving fiance to Michael, a caring friend, a kind daughter, a hard worker, a fantastic cheerleader. 'Charlotte was the main character in most of our lives. Charlotte lit up every room she walked into. 'She was a true princess and a fighter. She was beautiful inside and outfor the way she thoughtfor the way her eyes sparkledfor the way she lifted others up around her. 'She was taken from us so soon, so suddenly, without a goodbye. Charlotte will be missed dearly.' At the time Detective Constable Jenny Burr, who led the initial investigation, said: 'Wandsworth Bridge is a popular and busy route across the Thames and it is likely that people either witnessed the collision, or may have dash-cam footage that could assist our investigation. 'I am appealing to those people to get in touch. Our thoughts are with her family.' The body of a man that was found at the bottom of a Kentucky lake wrapped in heavy tire chains and anchored with a hydraulic jack has finally been identified. Roger Dale Parham, 52, was named as the man whose body was found by fishermen in Lake Barkley nearly two and a half decades ago in May 1999. He was a fugitive from the FBI at the time. Kentucky State Police said they used advanced genetic genealogy DNA testing to identify Parham. Parham was on the run in Arkansas after he was charged with rape in November 1998. He was released on bond and failed to show up for a court date in March 1999. Roger Dale Parham, 52, was named as the man whose body was found by fishermen in Lake Barkley nearly two and a half decades ago in May 1999 Pictured: Lake Barkley. Parham was on the run in Arkansas after he was charged with rape in November 1998. He was released on bond and failed to show up for a court date in March 1999 The body - now identified as Parham - was found on May 6, 1999. Primitive testing at the time did not lead to an identification, and even when the body was exhumed in 2016 investigators were unable to match the remains. State police, who partnered with a private forensic genealogy lab this year, announced: 'Through this testing, a relative of the unidentified person was located, which allowed investigators to identify the remains as Roger Dale Parham.' Now, investigators are trying to find out Parham's cause of death and how his body ended up at the bottom of the lake. His FBI warning previously read: 'On November 21, 1998, Roger Dale Parham was arrested for rape involving a minor. 'He was subsequently released on bond with conditions, by the Circuit Court of Sebastian County, Arkansas, Fort Smith District. 'Parham's bond was revoked after he failed to appear on the charge of rape. On June 3, 1999, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. 'A federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 10, 1999, after Parham was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.' Parham was described as being very 'charming' with an interest in photography as well as fixing and selling antiques. The FBI warning added: 'He prefers odd jobs so that he can get paid in cash. Parham is believed to have fled the state of Arkansas. He may have traveled to Mexico.' Rishi Sunak today insisted Rwanda deportation flights would take off despite claims airlines are refusing to help - but refused to commit to a firm date to stop migrant boats crossing the Channel. The Prime Minister faced a grilling over his turbulent and troublesome immigration plans by senior MPs on the liaison committee this afternoon. But his grilling on immigration was highlighted more by what he did not say than what he did. He told the gathering of select committee chairmen there there was no 'firm date' set for him to meet his pledge to 'stop the boats'. In response to a question from home affairs committee chairman Dame Diana Johnson he said: 'The first thing to say is we have made progress and that is that the numbers this year are down by a third, which is considerable progress.' He added: 'There isn't a firm date on this because I've always been clear from the beginning. We will keep going until we do.' He also declined to provide further details on how much the Government expected to pay Rwanda in total under the asylum deal that has already cost 290million before any flights have taken off. And he refused to confirm or deny weekend reports that airlines are unwilling to undertake charter flights to east Africa over fears of a backlash from regular customers, citing 'commercial conversations'. The Prime Minister faced a grilling over his turbulent and troublesome immigration plans by senior MPs on the liaison committee this afternoon. Asked by home affairs committee chairman Dame Diana Johnson about the cost of the scheme, he said: 'We disclose these things on an annual basis.' Challenged by public accounts committee chairman Dame Meg Hillier on the 'secrecy' surrounding the costs, Mr Sunak said: 'It wouldn't be right to talk about these things if we're having private conversations with other countries about potential alternatives to add to our Rwanda policy.' Right-wing Tories have urged Rishi Sunak to fight the next general election on leaving an international human rights agreement if the Rwanda plan is blocked. Danny Kruger, co-chairman of the New Conservatives group, said the party would not win the election without committing to quitting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Together with other Right-wing MPs, he abstained in last week's crunch vote on Mr Sunak's Rwanda plan, saying the draft legislation was 'unsatisfactory'. Mr Kruger told the Inside Whitehall podcast: 'I don't think we will ever get back into power if we go out of power. And frankly, I think we're going to struggle at the next election without this [leaving the ECHR] as well.' A host of Conservative MPs have long called for Britain to leave the ECHR. The convention established the European Court of Human Rights, which stopped flights carrying asylum seekers from taking off to Rwanda last year. Challenged by public accounts committee chairman Dame Meg Hillier, the Prime Minister said he was 'confident' the Government would be able to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda despite reports that no airlines were willing to provide flights. Asked whether any airlines had agreed to operate the flights, he said: 'You wouldn't expect me to comment on commercial conversations that are necessarily private but I'm highly confident that we can operationalise the (Rwanda) Bill in all its aspects.' Asked by Dame Diana about the cost of the scheme, he said: 'We disclose these things on an annual basis.' He added: 'It's absolutely right for what are commercially sensitive negotiations that there is a degree of ability for the Government to negotiate these things and then provide the appropriate level of transparency to Parliament which it is doing on an annual basis.' Pressed on the 'secrecy' surrounding the costs, Mr Sunak said: 'It may well be that we want to have other conversations with other countries. 'But again it wouldn't be right to talk about these things if we're having private conversations with other countries about potential alternatives to add to our Rwanda policy.' Israeli troops deliberately fired an artillery cannon over the head of a female soldier, video shared online shows, prompting an investigation by the IDF. Footage shows the young woman standing in front of the self-propelled howitzer as it fires off a round, sending her stumbling to the ground. The reckless incident prompted a quick response from the Israeli military, which stressed that no one was hurt in the stunt. 'The incident seen in the video is severe and completely deviates from the IDF's safety regulations,' an IDF spokesperson said. 'An in-depth investigation into the matter will be held as soon as possible, and punishments will be in order. No one was hurt in the incident.' Israeli troops deliberately fire an artillery cannon over the head of a female soldier, video shared online (pictured) shows, prompting an investigation by the IDF The short clip opens with the woman standing on a mound of dirt. To the right, using the mound as cover, is an Israeli self-propelled howitzer cannon, while a row of trees is seen in the background. It is presumed that the cannon is firing from Israel into the Gaza Strip, which is currently under siege by the Israeli army. The soldier has her hands covering her ears, waiting for the cannon to fire. There is a shout - presumably telling the artillery crew to fire. Next, a loud bang rings out as the round is launched from the end of the cannon. The gun recoils, blowing dust into the air, billowing the woman's hair at the same time. The force of the round being fired sends her stumbling backwards to the left off the mound, away from where the mobile artillery cannon is positioned, and out of frame. It is not immediately clear from the footage what model of artillery is being used, but it appeared to be the powerful Sholef (Slammer) which is a self-propelled howitzer that uses a modified chassis from an Israeli Merkava - the IDF's main battle tank. Sholefs fire 155 mm, 52 calibre ordnance at a rate of up to nine rounds per minute. Footage shows the young woman standing in front of the self-propelled howitzer as it fires off a round, sending her stumbling to the ground The reckless incident (pictured) prompted a quick response from the Israeli military, which stressed that no one was hurt in the stunt The footage is the latest to show Israeli soldiers in an unfavourable light, after clips earlier this month showed IDF troops trying to set fire to aid in Gaza and ransacking the home of displaced civilians. It emerged as Israeli troops launched more deadly strikes on Tuesday and raided the last working hospital in Gaza City. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council delayed voting on an Arab-sponsored resolution for an urgent cessation of hostilities. A strike on a home in Rafah where displaced people were sheltering killed at least 28 people, including women and children, and another killed at least three people. This was according to Associated Press journalists, who reported seeing the bodies arrive at two local hospitals early Tuesday. Nearly 20,000 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. Thousands more lie buried under the rubble of Gaza, the UN estimates. Israel says 127 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive that was launched after Hamas raided southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people - mostly civilians - and taking about 240 hostages back into Gaza. Pictured: An Israeli soldier directs an artillery unit near the border with Lebanon on December 19, 2023 in Northern Border, Israel The video also came as the Israeli army suspended a group of soldiers recorded smoking a water pipe and joking in front of Palestinians who were detained and blindfolded, in another incident involving poor discipline. The video, which was uploaded to social media and has garnered millions of views in the past two days, shows soldiers laughing and eating snacks as at least seven Palestinians are sitting blindfolded in the same room in the West Bank city of Jenin. 'The behavior of the soldiers in the videos is deplorable and stands in stark contrast to the values of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces),' an Israeli army spokesperson said. After a disciplinary hearing, the reserve duty soldiers were suspended until further notice, the spokesperson said. And last week, the IDF pledged to crack down on its soldiers' behaviour after videos went viral showing them setting fire to food supplies for Gaza, going through lingerie and chanting racist songs. The videos, seemingly filmed and shared by IDF soldiers themselves (as with the video involving the artillery cannon), show them behaving in derogatory and offensive ways, amid the army's ground assault against the enclave. One video shows soldiers riding bicycles through rubble. In another, a soldier films boxes of lingerie found in a Gaza home. In another, a soldier has moved Muslim prayer rugs into a bathroom. On December 10, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military's spokesman, condemned some of the actions seen in the recent videos: 'In any event that does not align with IDF values, command and disciplinary steps will be taken.' But critics have said that the videos reflect a sentiment across Israel that, they argue, cares little for Palestinians who have been killed in the conflict. 'The dehumanisation from the top is very much sinking down to the soldiers,' said Dror Sadot, a spokesperson for the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem, which has long documented Israeli abuses against Palestinians. Ghassan Khatib, a former Palestinian cabinet minister, said he can't remember a time when each side was so unwilling to consider the pain of the other. A British personal trainer died while on holiday after a gunman opened fire on the villa where he was staying in Jamaica, an inquest has heard. Sean Allen Patterson, 33, was found in a pool of blood with gunshot wounds to his upper body and head at the villa in Bogue Heights, St James, on January 2. Reports at the time said the personal trainer was shot 12 times by a hooded gunman dressed in black. Mr Patterson, who lived in Shepherd's Bush, west London, had been staying at the accommodation with another man, who was also from London. Opening the inquest today at West London Coroner's Court, senior coroner Lydia Brown said she had received information from authorities in Jamaica. Sean Allen Patterson, 33, was found in a pool of blood with gunshot wounds to his upper body and head at the villa in Bogue Heights, St James Reports at the time said the personal trainer was shot 12 times by a hooded gunman dressed in black She said: 'This is the information I have from the Jamaican Police. 'It is, by necessity, quite limited - as I understand there is an ongoing, live investigation. 'On 2 January 2023, at around 12:02pm, Sean Patterson, 33 years old, was shot and killed by unknown assailants at the villa where he was staying. 'He had come to Jamaica on 29 December 2022 with a male companion. They spent three days at an apartment and then booked a villa for five days, commencing 1 January. 'One man, whose back had been turned to the villa, said he heard several loud explosions - which sounded like gunshots. 'He then saw a lone man dressed in black with a handgun, shooting at Mr Patterson. 'This man allegedly ran into the bushes. Police were called and Mr Patterson was found in a pool of blood with gunshots wounds to his upper body and head.' Senior Coroner Brown listed the causes of death as: '1a, injuries to vital organs; 1b, multiple gunshot wounds.' She then announced that she would be suspending the inquest while the investigation in Jamaica is ongoing. She said: 'The English authorities are currently in liaison with the Jamaican authorities. The personal trainer was standing by the pool of the guesthouse where he was staying, pictured, in Jamaica when witnesses heard 'loud explosions' 'I am therefore going to suspend this case under my general powers as we await the results of the investigation. 'This matter is now suspended.' Senior Coroner Brown added that the suspension would be reviewed every six months. Mr Paterson's mother previously said it was his first trip to the country to see relatives. Speaking to MailOnline at her home in Shepherds Bush, west London, Mrs Wright, 63, said: 'I've lost my baby. No mother should have to bury her child. 'He'd gone to Jamaica with my godson and one of my best friends and had only been there for two days. 'He'd been having the time of his life. He'd never been before but sent me a photo of himself basking in the sunshine and a video of himself leaping off a cliff into the sea. 'Sean has family in Jamaica through his father. They are very well-to-do over there and he'd hoped to meet them. He never got the chance.' Jamaican police are working on the theory it was a targeted hit, it was previously reported. Britain's high streets could soon feel the impact of the Red Sea crisis, with vital imports of wine, tea, tobacco and other popular goods drying up 'within days', experts have warned. Marco Forgione, director general of the Institute of Export and International Trade, said goods from countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and Australia will be hit by the shipping disruptions, as tankers seek to avoid the Red Sea. It comes as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to cause mayhem in the critical Middle Eastern shipping route, using missiles and drones to attack merchant vessels, as the terror group chillingly vowed to turn the route into a 'graveyard'. The relentless attacks by the Yemen-based group are in response to the Israel-Hamas war, with militants today insisting their relentless assaults 'will not stop... no matter the sacrifice it costs us'. Mr Forgione warned the knock-on effects on consumers would start to be felt within days with supplies of essential items such as meat, clothes, shoes, Australian wine and electronic goods such as mobile phones, impacted. He told MailOnline: 'The ripple effects of these shipping disruptions will become apparent to consumers within a matter of days. A map has shown which major goods are set to be impacted by the crisis in the Red Sea, as shipping firms seek to avoid missile attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen 'The Bab al-Mandab strait serves as a crucial passage, facilitating nearly 30 per cent of containers carrying consumer goods. All the imports that could be derailed by the Middle East crisis THAILAND Chicken High street sandwiches Frozen foods BANGLADESH Clothes Shoes Shellfish Fish VIETNAM Sound equipment Mobile phones AUSTRALIA Wine Tobacco JAPAN Cars KENYA Tea Coffee SOUTH AFRICA Grapes Advertisement 'Should ships be unable to navigate through this route and resort to the longer Cape of Good Hope route along the African west coast, it spells significant delays in stocking supermarket shelves and also high street stores, with essential products. 'Items from Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and Australia will all be impacted. Expect shortages in items ranging from clothing, shoes to shellfish, meat and mobile phones, cars, wine and tobacco. 'Britain relies heavily on clothes produced in Bangladesh - they make up 91.9 per cent or 3billion of goods imported to the UK, fish and shellfish from this country will also be impacted, we currently import to the value of 42.1million. 'The top five goods imported to the UK from Vietnam this year see telecoms and sound equipment and footwear take the top two spots. 'High street sandwiches and frozen foods will also be impacted by any delays as meat is our number 1 import from Thailand and makes up 541.7million or 19.3 per cent of all UK goods imported from the country. 'We rely on Japan for cars, they make up 1.3billion or 14.4 per cent of all UK goods imported from the country. 'You could find your favourite Australian tipple is missing from the supermarket shelves - beverages and tobacco from Australia make up 258.3million or 12.5 per cent of all imports to the UK. Kenyan tea and coffee, South African grapes, and Vietnamese nuts will also be impacted.' As the crisis in the Middle East continues to deepen, a new ten-nation naval task force, led by the US Navy, was set up to protect the critical shipping route. Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond and frigate HMS Lancaster - which has been in the Gulf since last year - are among some of the British contribution to the fleet. Diamond, a 1billion guided-missile destroyer touted by the navy as one of the 'most advanced' in the world, has already been forced to defend itself, last week blasting down a Houthi drone with one of its Sea Viper missiles. The pair of UK vessels join warships from Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain as part of the US-led multi-national naval force. Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond is among the British warships now helping to protect the vital Red Sea shipping lane The 1billion guided-missile destroyer has already been forced to defend itself, last week blasting down a Houthi drone with one of its Sea Viper missiles (pictured as it launches) Houthi rebels say they won't let up on their attacks. Pictured is Houthi military spokesman, Brigadier Yahya Saree delivering a statement about the group's recent attacks Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told the cabinet that 'malign actors were seeking to exploit the situation in the Middle East for their own ends'. He told ministers that Houthi attacks have 'led to several companies suspending passage through the area', and added that 'the UK has always stepped up to protect free trade and HMS Diamond and HMS Lancaster were in the region to provide necessary deterrence'. The Prime Minister's official spokesman added: 'These are Iran-backed rebels and we know that Iran is actively seeking to undermine stability in the region.' Commander Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy officer who once captained frigate HMS St Albans, today warned the Houthis were posing a greater risk now than in recent years. The group has previously targeted warships, firing cruise missiles at American guided-missile destroyer USS Mason in 2016 and carrying out a number of sporadic rocket attacks over the years. 'No one really cared. [But the situation now] is a different ball game,' Cdr Sharpe told MailOnline. Maritime expert Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk Group Ltd, said shipping firms were abandoning the Red Sea route, instead travelling some 3,500 miles more around the west coast of Africa to dodge the danger. The former Petty Officer, who served 17 years in the Royal Navy and operated in the Middle East, warned Houthi attacks were becoming more random. 'As Israeli-linked ships are avoiding Red Sea transit the Houthi rebels have broadened the threat profile to include ships trading to Israeli ports,' he added. 'The volume of attack against ships in the last week has increased substantially but the links to Israel are becoming more and more obscure.' A Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea last month The comments come as experts this week warned attacks by militants on vessels in the Red Sea could cause oil prices to surge, leading to a fresh cost-of-living crisis for million's of cash-strapped Britons. Oil giant BP said this week it had paused all of its tanker journeys through the Red Sea due to attacks by militants in Yemen amid a 'deteriorating security situation'. Iranian-backed Houthi militants have stepped up attacks on vessels in the Red Sea in recent days. The rebels are targeting ships using the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with the pro-Hamas group seeking to disrupt ships set for Israel. How shipping firms are avoiding Red Sea as Houthi attacks increase Here is a list of companies that are considering or have decided to pause shipping via the Red Sea: BP BP said today that it had temporarily paused all transits through the Red Sea after witnessing a 'deteriorating security situation' for its shipments. CMA CGM French shipping group CMA CGM said on Saturday that it was pausing all container shipments through the Red Sea. EVERGREEN Taiwanese container shipping line Evergreen said today that its vessels on regional services to Red Sea ports would sail to safe waters nearby and wait for further notification. Ships scheduled to pass through the Red Sea will be re-routed around the Cape of Good Hope. It has also temporarily stopped accepting Israeli cargo. HAPAG-LLOYD German container shipping line Hapag Lloyd said today that it would re-route several ships via the Cape of Good Hope until the safety of passage through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea could be guaranteed. A projectile believed to be a drone struck its vessel Al Jasrah last Friday, while sailing close to the coast of Yemen. No crew were injured. MAERSK Denmark's AP Moller-Maersk said last Friday that it would pause all container shipments through the Red Sea until further notice, following a 'near-miss incident' involving its vessel Maersk Gibraltar a day earlier. The ship was targeted by a missile while travelling from Salalah in Oman to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, the company said. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said on Saturday that its ships would not transit through the Suez Canal, with some already rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, a day after Houthi forces fired two ballistic missiles at its MSC Palatium III vessel. The decision will disrupt sailing schedules by several days, the Switzerland-based group said. OOCL Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) said last Saturday that it had stopped cargo acceptance to and from Israel until further notice. The shipping firm is owned by Hong Kong-based Oriental Overseas (International) Ltd. Advertisement Several other shipping firms such as MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have already paused container shipments through the area due to the surge in attacks. The Red Sea has the Suez Canal at its northern end and the narrow Bab el-Mandeb at the southern end leading into the Gulf of Aden. The busy waterway has ships traversing the Suez Canal to bring in a huge amount of Europe's energy supplies. The shipping route is a key area for global trade, particularly for the transport of oil, grain and consumer goods from east Asia and experts have warned the escalating tensions could have a 'huge, knock-on effect on oil prices' into the coldest months. Dr Stavros Karamperidis, head of the Maritime Transport Research Group, told MailOnline that the impact of the disruption on oil prices is the '1billion question'. The maritime expert, who is a lecturer at Plymouth University, said: 'I think we have to see in a couple of days how events escalate. We've seen an increase, we've seen the market is reacting. There is a lot of anxiety in the market about what's going to happen in the Gulf. 'A lot of companies don't want to take the risk. The longer the journey, the more expensive it's going to be. Also the vessels themselves are going to require more oil to move from point A to point B. 'So that means we're going to see more need for oil regardless of everything else. And we have to consider the vessels passing through the Suez Canal might have to pay some extra for insurance. 'Overall the prices are going to increase. How much it's going to be is a big question mark.' Oil and gas prices increased today due to the potential disruption caused by the shipping issues, with Brent Crude oil rising by around 1 per cent to $77.20 (61.00) per barrel. Wholesale oil prices rose more sharply, with the European benchmark for gas, Dutch front month futures, rising by 7 per cent to over 35 (30) per megawatt hour. It could spell more cost-of-living pain for UK households, with average energy bills already set to rise in January from the equivalent of 1,834 a year to 1,928. The UK's energy watchdog Ofgem has also unveiled plans to lift the energy price cap from April next year in order to help suppliers recover nearly 3billion in debts from customers who cannot pay their bills. Dr Karamperidis added that most Christmas deliveries going through the region to Britain will have already been shipped, but the increase in journey times from not using the Suez shortcut could be noticed in the New Year. He said: 'The most important thing is going to be containers. There are already five companies now not operating from the area. That bypass could add easily 15 to 20 days for additional journeys both ways from Asia to Europe and Europe to Asia. 'They are doing a loop and then they're coming back. That of course is going to remove capacity. The good side for containers is Christmas is already passing in terms of containers so there is capacity.' He said that additional costs are 'likely to be passed onto consumers' but added that he expected this to be 'something minimal - it's not going to be huge'. Dr Karamperidis said that many of the vessels going through the region are generally the more modern ships, which companies therefore 'don't want to take any risks' on and would rather take a longer, more costly route. Protesters at Sana'a in Yemen take part in a demonstration last Friday in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza, amid the conflict. The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, have launched attacks on ships in the Red Sea and have used drones and missiles to target Israel Insurance costs have already doubled for ships moving through the Red Sea, which can add hundreds of thousands of pounds to a journey for the most expensive vessels. Other experts have been discussing the overall impact on the global supply chain, with Institute of Export and International Trade director general Marco Forgione pointing out that issues in the Red Sea come at a time when Panama Canal is also experiencing shipping delays. The Panama Canal Authority began restricting vessel transits in the summer as the drought limited supplies of water needed to operate its lock system. Mr Forgione also told MailOnline: 'It is clear that the response to Houthi attacks on shipping using the Bab el-Mandeb straights is causing growing disruption to global supply chains. 'Over the weekend another two of the world's largest shipping companies paused all their movements into the Red Sea and this morning BP has announced it is pausing its use of the Suez Canal. The impact of all this disruption cannot be underestimated.' He said 10 per cent of the world's oil tankers use Suez, 30 per cent of the world's container shipping passes through Suez and 8 per cent of liquid natural gas. It is also a key supply route for crops such as corn. Mr Forgione continued: 'Supply routes to and from East Africa, India, Bangladesh, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand stand to be impacted.' He also pointed out that in the same week that Japan ratified UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade agreement, the main route to market is being blocked off. Mr Forgione said: 'The only way to resolve this issue is for the Houthi attacks to stop. Unfortunately at the moment that seems unlikely. 'The share prices for key shipper such as Maersk and Hapag Lloyd have risen significantly indicating that markets expect the disruption to persist and the price of containers to carry on rising. 'Costs going up throughout the supply chain means increased prices for consumers will be inevitable and there's a real risk of shortages on shelves. There's also a risk that petrol prices will rise, if oil shipments are now delayed.' An antiques dealer who bought an African mask for 130 and then sold it for 3.6million has won a legal battle with its previous owners - after a judge ruled the elderly French couple failed to appreciate its true worth. The couple, in their eighties, sold the wooden mask in September 2021 as part of a number of antiquities including African artifacts they had kept in their secondary home in southern France and wanted to be rid of. The objects had belonged to an ancestor who was a governor in Africa, and were believed to be of little value. Apart from the mask, they also included lances, a circumcision knife, a bellows and musical instruments. They let the mask go for 150 euros (130), but in March 2022 it was sold to an unidentified buyer at an auction in the southern city of Montpellier, fetching 4.2 million euros (3.6million). Fang masks, highly stylised and carved from wood, are made by the Fang people who occupy regions in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon The couple, aged 81 and 88, from Nimes in France, were clearing out their home in 2021 and decided to sell the 'Ngil' mask The auctioneers described it as 'an extremely rare 19th-century mask, property of a secret society of the Fang people in Gabon', an ethnic Bantu group, with only around 10 such objects still in existence. The couple promptly filed for an injunction to cancel the original sale, arguing there had been an 'authentication error'. They also said the mask's buyer 'was aware of the mask's real value' at the time of the purchase. But the court rejected the request, saying the couple had failed to make any attempt to get the mask valued before selling. Their claim was characterised by 'inexcusable negligence and frivolity', the court said, ruling that they were not owed any money. It also ruled that the antiquities dealer, who himself was no expert on African art, did not cheat them. The dealer actually offered to pay them 300,000 euros (around $330,000), the auction starting price, but the couple's children refused, preferring to take the matter to court. The couple's lawyer, Frederic Mansat-Jaffre, said after the verdict that his clients were 'dumbstruck' by the decision and considering an appeal. The court also threw out a separate motion by the government of Gabon to have the sale cancelled and the mask returned. The victims of a tragic blaze in Bullhead City on Saturday had been left alone for 2.5 hours while their dad did grocery and Christmas shopping, police said Cops confirmed three brothers aged two, five and 13 plus their four-year-old sister were killed along with an 11-year-old male relative A GoFundMe page revealed one of the victims of the house fire is Henry Lewis Five children killed in an Arizona house fire had been left alone for more than two hours while their dad went Christmas shopping, police said - as a second victim is identified. A GoFundMe fundraiser set up for Brian Lewis revealed that his son Henry Lewis was one of the victims of the fire. Police confirmed three brothers aged two, five and 13 plus their four-year-old sister were killed along with an 11-year-old male relative on Saturday. The kids, who were the grandchildren of an Arizona fire service employee, perished during a ferocious blaze at a two-story duplex in Bullhead City. 'There were no survivors,' police said in a statement. They stated the blaze appears to have erupted in the downstairs foyer and traveled up the stairs, trapping all five kids in an upstairs bedroom. A GoFundMe fundraiser set up for Brian Lewis (center) revealed his son Henry Lewis (right) was one of the victims of the fire Henry Lewis (pictured) has been identified as one of the victims of the house fire Five children killed in a tragic house fire in Arizona had been left home alone while the father of four of them did Christmas shopping police said 'The children's father reported to investigators that he was gone for approximately 2.5 hours to buy groceries and Christmas gifts,' cops added. They confirmed that another agency will conduct an investigation due to the family's link to the Arizona state fire department. Police will be assisted by the Lake Havasu City Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF). A GoFundMe for Brian Lewis said: 'On December 16, 2023 the unthinkable happened and Brian lost one of his sons, Henry, in the Anna Circle fire in Bullhead City, AZ. Brian is a loving and caring father.' 'He lives his life for his two boys and this tragedy has devastated him and his other son.' Jamaica Elementary PTSO shared a tribute on Facebook, saying: 'It is with a very heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our 5th grade Jamaica crocs, Henry Lewis, lost his life (along with 4 other children) tragically in the devastating fire that took place in Bullhead City this past Saturday.' Henry Lewis' mother, Lydia Jellsion, also confirmed on Facebook her son and family members passed away in the fire. 'No words can express this pain! My heart n soul hurt! I lost half of me yesterday that I will never get back. I love u so much! I am so sorry! This is unreal, I can't fathom this. My son. My niece n nephews. Gone. They're gone,' she said. Another of the five children killed was identified as five-year-old Zane Michael Jones, according to his mother's Facebook. Jones' mother Nicole Renae Husko confirmed on Facebook her five-year-old son passed away in the fire. The tragedy began around 5 p.m. in the 400 block of Anna Circle in Bullhead City, near the Arizona-Nevada border. Husko shared images of Jones and described her son as a 'sweet boy' and 'handsome bright boy.' She said, 'Mommy loves you so much I'm so lost for words.' 'I don't know what to say I don't know what to think I wish you were here with me. The victims, which included five-year-old Zane Michael Jones (pictured), were all grandchildren of an Arizona fire department employee Jones' mother Nicole Renae Husko described her son as a 'sweet boy' and 'handsome bright boy' Husko (left) said of her son (right), 'Such a beautiful soul [taken so] young. May you rest in peace with the other four beautiful children' 'I'm so sorry buddy, I love you so much. Such a beautiful soul [taken so] young. May you rest in peace with the other four beautiful children.' In another post, she shared: 'I only got 5 years with him please bring me my baby back.' Husko said, 'None of us will ever forget you and the things you've done you make everybody smile.' DailyMail.com has contacted the mother who lost a son in the tragedy. Names of the other children have not been released. Four of the children were siblings and the fifth child was a relative, according to Emily Fromelt, a spokesperson for Bullhead City Police Department. The cause of the is still under investigation. Members from the city's police and fire departments and other agencies including the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are looking into origin of the fire. Images from the scene showed the fire department frantically spraying the roof of the house to extinguish the blaze. Lance Ross, public information officer for the Bullhead City School District told AZ Central one of the children was a kindergartener at the nearby Desert Valley School. The ferocious blaze erupted at around 5 p.m. on Saturday in the 400 block of Anna Circle in Bullhead City The five victims were ages 2, 4, 5, 11 and 13 - their names have not been released by police pending official identification by the Mohave County Medical Examiners Office 'It's a growing community but, at its heart, it's still a small community. So when things like this happen, people pull together,' Ross said. Neighbors like Patrick O'Neal told CBS 5 they rushed to the scene when they saw the fire. 'We came around the corner and we saw the smoke coming up so we knew it was right here,' he said. 'We pulled the garage door open, there was guys pulling stuff out. The closer we got to the door there was smoke starting to come into the garage and choking people out.' O'Neal said, 'We were screaming at the top of our lungs. We didnt see nothing, we didnt hear nothing. Theres many guys out here who wouldve went into that fire if we would have known there was children.' Vladimir Putin has warned the West that Russia is upgrading its nuclear arsenal and keeping its strategic forces at the highest level of readiness - while also signaling that he is open to talks with Ukraine. The Russian president told senior defence officials that Moscow is engaged in a 'hybrid war' with the West, and boasted that all attempts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia had crumbled. Despite vowing to push ahead with his 'special military operation', Putin added that Russia would be prepared to talk to Kyiv, the US and Europe about the future of Ukraine if they wanted to, but that Moscow would defend its national interests. 'In Ukraine, those who are aggressive towards Russia, and in Europe and in the United States do they want to negotiate? Let them. But we will do it based on our national interests,' Putin declared. 'We will not give up what is ours.' Putin's latest rallying call to military top brasses comes despite recent assessments by US intelligence that Russia has sustained some 315,000 casualties in Putin's bloody invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends an expanded meeting of the Russian Defence Ministry Board in Moscow, Russia, 19 Decemer 2023 President Zelensky has insisted that he will not rest until every last Russian soldier is ejected from Ukraine Russia began the war with around 360,000 troops, according to US intelligence, and has had to replenish battalions with military conscripts, including dangerous criminals. Throughout the war, Putin has repeatedly said he would be prepared to talk about peace, though Western officials say he is waiting for the US presidential election in November before making a genuine effort. Putin accused the United States of exploiting Europe for its own interests and said Russia planned no war on Europe. Russia controls about 17.5 per cent of the territory that was internationally recognised as part of Ukraine as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, and last year said the four additional regions of Ukraine that its troops partially control are part of Russia. Kyiv has insisted that it will not rest until every last Russian soldier is ejected from Ukraine. Vladimir Putin taunts the West by completing rearmament of a key regiment with his most deadly 'meteorite' nuclear-capable hypersonic missile complex A Russian missile launch in October 2022. Putin has warned that Russia is upgrading its weapons The latest news comes after an expert warned that Putin could deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine amid growing battlefield losses. Dr Bahram Ghiassee, a nuclear scientist, said Putin could view deploying tactical nukes as a 'justified' escalation of the Ukraine war if the Russian despot feels his forces face defeat amid a continued supply of Western weapons to Kyiv. If Putin does unleash his arsenal of 1,816 tactical nuclear weapons on Ukraine, the radioactive fallout from such a strike would threaten the lives of those living in NATO countries such as Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, Dr Ghiassee warned. Since launching his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin has repeatedly warned that Moscow is ready to use 'all available means' to fend off attacks on Russian territory deemed existential - a reference to its nuclear arsenal. Russia is thought to have around 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons - compared to America's 100 - which include bombs that can be carried by aircraft, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery rounds. A 'beloved' postgraduate who died after being hit by a vehicle that was being followed by police has been named. Oshada Jayasundera died at the scene of the collision on the A60 Huntingdon Street in Nottingham city centre at around 3am on Wednesday. The family of the 31-year-old student, who was studying at Nottingham Trent University, said his death was an 'unfortunate tragedy'. In a statement released by police on Tuesday, the family, from Sri Lanka, said: 'It is with profound sorrow that we share the devastating news of the tragic passing of our beloved family member, Oshada Jayasundera, in a fatal accident. 'Our hearts are heavy with grief as we come to terms with this unfortunate incident. Oshada Jayasundera was a 31-year-old postgraduate student at Nottingham Trent University The vehicle after the crash. A 27-year-old man has been charged with four offences in relation to the incident 'We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Nottinghamshire Police staff, Nottingham Trent University staff members, Coroner's Office, The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the UK, the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry, Nottingham Shanthi Vihara and Meditation Centre as well as friends and colleagues. 'Their unwavering support and guidance has been a source of strength during these challenging times. 'We hope that no one will have to endure such an unfortunate tragedy in the future. 'As we grieve deeply, we earnestly hope for justice to prevail in this matter in honour of Oshada's memory.' A 27-year-old man has been charged with four offences in relation to the incident. Joshua Gregory, of Westfield Road in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving whilst uninsured, failure to stop after a road accident, and failure to provide a specimen for analysis. He was remanded in custody at a previous court hearing and will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on January 12 next year. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the incident, which happened on the A60 Huntingdon Street just after 3am on Wednesday The Independent Office for Police Conduct has previously said that it is investigating the incident, following a mandatory referral from Nottinghamshire Police. The watchdog said that officers began following a Ford Focus at around 3.10am but lost sight of it before it was spotted by another police vehicle before the collision at around 3.20am. A spokesperson for Nottingham Trent University said: 'We are saddened to hear about the death of NTU postgraduate student, Oshada Jayasundera, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. 'Oshada was an engaged and committed student who was well respected by his peers and tutors. 'He was keen to support others across the postgraduate community and his compassion, concern and kindness shone through. 'We know that he will be missed by those who knew him and we are offering support to all students and colleagues who have been affected.' The parents of a teenager sexually abused by a dance teacher have told friends how their 'world has been torn apart.' As the former UK ballroom dance champion Richard Still was today jailed for six years and eight months, the couple told friends they are struggling to come to terms with what has happened to their 15-year-old daughter. They have called for an independent body be set up to monitor dance schools and the behaviour of teachers so other families avoid the trauma they have endured. And they are also highly critical of the sport's governing body who they say appointed Still as the person responsible for the welfare of students when he was dogged by numerous claims of inappropriate behaviour. The 38-year-old showed no emotion as he was sentenced to almost seven years behind bars, having earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child and a single charge of inciting child prostitution or pornography. His arrest and conviction has shocked the ballroom dancing world. Richard Still, who was one of the UK's top Latin and Ballroom dancers competing in competitions worldwide, 'groomed' his victim over several months Accused ballroom dance champion Richard Still performing with another dancer. There is no suggestion the other dancer pictured had any close relationship with him Richard Still pictured outside his home in Reading last month The family told friends : 'Since we learned that our child was sexually abused by a dance teacher our world has been torn apart. 'The fact that someone in a position of trust who is as member of a regulatory body could do such a thing was incomprehensible'. MailOnline has learned other concerned parents first raised the alarm about the paedophile dance teacher seven years ago. They complained about his multiple affairs with adult students that were said to be an open secret at his dance studio. Three women have told MailOnline about affairs. One woman attending his classes even told how she feared she was being stalked by the UK Latin and Ballroom dance champion. But their pleas to the governing body for dance teachers for an investigation went unanswered, they say and years later the 38-year-old was arrested for underage sex. MailOnline has seen emails sent to the Imperial Society of Dance Teachers from 2016 when concerns about Still and his 'inappropriate behaviour' were first raised. One email describes how female students felt 'intimidated and threatened' by Still who ran the Vibez dance studio in Reading, Berkshire. Accused ballroom champion Richard Still performing a show dance. There is no suggestion the other dancer pictured had any close relationship with him The women who complained had young children attending the Latin and Ballroom classes run by the Still. One of the women told MailOnline: 'It was common knowledge among all those who went to his dance studio that he was having affairs with students. They were all adults, and not children. It was consensual, but that sort of behaviour was totally inappropriate for a dancer teacher. 'Contact was made with the ISDT. There was no response. 'All those who knew what was going on were in total disbelief at the situation, but he got away with it.' Still was appointed the lead safeguarding officer for another regulatory body for dancing, The British Dance Association, in 2022. He resigned his position after being arrested earlier this year on underage sex charges. As the lead safeguarding officer, it was his job to investigate claims of inappropriate behaviour involving teachers and their students. 'Putting him in that role was rather like putting a fox to guard a chicken coop,' said one of the mothers who complained in 2016. 'He was the person who was meant to investigate any allegations that were made by students, yet he was responsible for abusing this teenager. It just seems incredible that those meant to be monitoring the sport were not taking any notice of what people were saying.' Still, 38, showed no emotion as he was sentenced to almost seven years behind bar. Pictured: last month Still's affairs with students became common knowledge among those attending his dance classes at his studio above a supermarket in Woodley, a suburb of Reading. After one fling his wife kicked him out of their home in Earley and he was forced to sleep on a friend's sofa. His wife later relented and allowed him back into the marital home. A previous relationship with his dance partner ended after she found out he was cheating on her. A former student who attended Still's class said: 'He made no secret that he was pursuing these women. He is a skilled liar and manipulative. That sort of behaviour should never have been tolerated, but he was allowed to get away with it for so long.' Still's conviction has sent shockwaves through the world of Latin and Ballroom dancing where many parents fear their children could fall prey to predatory teachers. One father told MailOnline dance classes were a 'paradise of paedophiles.' He said: 'There has to be much tougher rules and regulations if we do not want another Richard Still situation. 'You have 12-year-old girls who are dressed and made up to look like 21-year-olds. There should be an independent body that is set up to make sure that these young children are looked after properly. 'We cannot rely on the governing bodies that are already there to oversee the sport.' Other parents said they were concerned that not enough was being done to protect young children many of whom began dancing at the age of five or six. The mother said: 'It is almost as if the governing bodies want to brush this all under the carpet. They do not want anyone to know what goes on. It is all wrong and children need to be protected.' Still was appointed the lead safeguarding officer for another regulatory body for dancing, The British Dance Association, in 2022. There is no suggestion the other dancer pictured had any close relationship with him Parents are particularly critical of the British Dance Council who they claim failed to make any statement about Still until he pleaded guilty in October. He was arrested in March and had initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea. 'The fact that the British Dance Council made no statement regarding safeguarding despite the arrest of their lead officer for serious safeguarding offences is beyond belief,' said one parent. 'They are more concerned about protecting themselves.' In a statement on their website the BDC said Still's licences to teach were immediately suspended when the sex abuse allegations were first made. The parents of his victim sat grim faced in the public gallery at Reading Crown Court as the prosecutor Charles Ward-Jackson outlined the extent of the grooming and said the girl fell pregnant. She later had a termination. Still was told by the judge he had abused the trust of the victim's parents. Judge Amwad Nawaz told Still he had used emotional blackmail on his victim to stop her telling anyone about their sexual relationship. He said there had been planning on Still's part telling him: 'You knew exactly what you were doing. 'You were much older in this relationship and broke the trust which is an aggravating factor.' The judge accepted he had apologised to the family and had shown genuine remorse. 'The grooming of the girl over a period of time was a an abuse of trust.' The court heard the father-of-one ran the Vibez dance studio in Woodley, Berkshire, and had groomed the teen over a period of months. He had begun sending her messages that had become more sexual in their content. He also asked her to send photos of herself that were sexual in content. Prosecutor Mr Ward Jackson said Still would pay small amounts of money up to 100 into her bank account and would buy her clothes and lingerie, including lace bras and knickers. 'It was part of a grooming exercise to win her over and to sexualise her. Payments of 10, 30 and up to 100 were paid into her bank account. The money amounted to several hundred pounds.' Still first had sex with the teenager in January this year after booking a hotel room in Bournemouth and later on another occasion in the back of his car after driving her to an isolated spot. The court was told her parents had no idea about the relationship and only found out when a friend was given access to her Instagram account and spotted the sexual messages. Police launched an investigation, and it was discovered that the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was pregnant. After his arrest the 38-year-old told his wife: 'I am in big trouble now.' Still initially answered no comment during a police interview after being arrested his dance studio. Defence barrister Quentin Hunt said Still had asked him to apologise to the girl, her family and the public. In mitigation he said Still had been under stress due to keeping his business going and the pregnancy of his wife. Hunt said he had made an 'error of judgement' and had now lost his career as a dancer teacher. He said Still had been the victim of targeted attacks with his car vandalised and eggs thrown at his hours. Still was told he will be placed on the sex offenders register. Christoper Hawkins, the BDC President said: 'The British Dance Council are appalled with the actions of one of its former Directors. 'There is no place for abuse in the dance sector of any child, young person or vulnerable adult. 'Richard Still abused the position of trust he was afforded as a professional dance teacher and we offer our support, in any way we can, to the young victim in this case. 'Since the case came to light I've appointed a new President and an independent Safeguarding Officer with significant experience in managing investigations and an extensive knowledge in safeguarding. 'We continue to work closely with all our member bodies to ensure the dance sector is a safer space for children young people and vulnerable adults.' A spokesman for the ISDT said: 'We recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults. We are committed to promoting the wellbeing of all who interact with us - our students, exam candidates, members, staff, contractors and volunteers. 'We have set out our commitment to safeguarding in our safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. Teachers, students and members of the public are encouraged to raise any safeguarding concerns by contacting: safeguarding@istd.org. 'All concerns raised are investigated, in liaison - where appropriate - with the Police Service and other relevant statutory authorities. However, ISTD has no authority to investigate allegations against individuals who are not members of the Society. 'Richard Still did not become a member of the Society until May 2018. As soon as we were informed about allegations against Mr Still on 23 March 2023, the ISTD took immediate action to suspend his membership with the ISTD in accordance with our Rules and Standing Orders and Member Agreement / Professional Code of Conduct. The Standards Board will convene in early January to confirm the ISTDs course of action against Mr Still. Our sympathies go to the victims and their families impacted by the actions of Mr Still.' EDF customers in Britain complained today of astonishing overcharging from the energy firm with their bills suddenly skyrocketing by as much as 1,000 per cent. They are wrongly having their bills hiked to extortionate amounts after apparent 'system errors' and are being chased for thousands of pounds they do not owe. Sir Grayson Perry's monthly costs soared from 300 to 39,000 before his bank account was emptied, while presenter Jon Sopel's bill rose from 150 to 19,274. EDF said 'unusual' direct debit changes could occur when incorrect meter readings were recorded but insisted there is no 'broader issue' with its system. Here, MailOnline answers all the key questions which are concerning customers: What is happening to EDF customers? Dozens of EDF Energy customers have got in touch with MailOnline in recent days to complain they have been overcharged on their bill - some by extraordinary amounts. The issue has gained momentum after artist Sir Grayson Perry said his monthly EDF energy bill soared from 300 to 39,000 before his bank account was emptied. Broadcaster Jon Sopel said he was left 'choking on his cornflakes' when his bill rose from 150 to 19,274. Others have told MailOnline that they have suffered sudden rises of more than 1,000 per cent which has left them feeling extremely anxious. Why are EDF customers being overcharged? Some customers and industry sources spoken to by MailOnline claim that their overcharging issues were related to a switchover onto a new system called Kraken. 'I was told my payments were going from 149 to 4,651 per month' EDF customer Barry Stevens said he suffered a billing issue last year after receiving an email from the company saying his payments were going from 149 to 4,651 per month. He said: 'The payment was to be taken from our account within a couple of weeks. It took three days to get in touch with EDF who laughed. 'They said it was a mistake but did not give any reason or apologise. I said it was not a laughing matter as they would have taken the money if I had not noticed it. She then asked me what I wanted to pay. I told the wife to switch off the Christmas lights!' The 67-year-old, who is retired, added that the firm had calculated he would use 27,906 over the next six months. Advertisement Others have cited issues following the installation of a smart meter, after Government data revealed 2.7million out of 33million devices in Britain are not working properly. But sources at EDF insisted to MailOnline that there was no problem with the migration to the Kraken platform and there was also no issue with smart meters. It is also believed that neither Sir Grayson nor Mr Sopel's bills are on the Kraken platform and one is a personal account while the other is for a business. Billing errors are also understood to happen when a number is inputted wrong in recording usage, such as when a reading of '1,000.00' is given instead of '100.000'. An EDF spokeswoman said today: 'We know problems can sometimes occur for a variety of reasons and we apologise to customers who experience difficulties.' How do EDF users know they have been overcharged? One energy industry source told MailOnline that customers will normally not know about any problems until they get a shock when they see their bill. When a reading error happens - whoever caused it - the user is charged assuming they consumed that extra energy, and assuming they continue to use that energy. It is therefore very important to check your energy bill each month to establish early on whether you might have been overcharged. What should you do if you've been overcharged? Citizens Advice tells customers to firstly check if their bill is estimated. If it is, you can send a meter reading to your supplier to get an updated, accurate bill instead. If you have a smart meter and your bills say they are estimated, your smart meter is not sending automatic readings to your supplier and therefore is not working in 'smart mode'. This can sometimes happen if you have recently switched supplier. However, if after getting estimated bills you get a new bill that still seems high, it could be because you have sent in a meter reading for the first time in a while. Jon Sopel (left) and Sir Grayson Perry (right), who have both been affected Your supplier might have underestimated your energy usage if you didn't give them a regular reading so it is advised that you send one each month to keep it accurate. It is also worth noting that your unit rate or standing charge may have changed. But if you still think there is something wrong with the bill, complain to your supplier. Also, if your supplier bills you for energy you used more than 12 months ago, you usually don't usually have to pay this under so-called 'back billing' rules. How do you know if your bill is for the wrong meter? If your bill is not an estimate, you should be able to use it to check if you've been charged for the wrong meter reading. Citizens Advice says that the supplier could have made a mistake and given you a bill based on someone else's meter reading. 'I was told my bill was rising by 1,016% from 122 to 1,362' NHS doctor Lauren Huzzey's three-day holiday was ruined by stress when she was told in August her electricity and gas bill was going to shoot up in October by 1,016 per cent from 122 to 1,362. The single mother to her primary school-aged daughter cancelled her direct debit and said she wouldn't have been able to pay her rent for her modest two-bedroom mid-terraced home if the money was taken out. She spent days on long calls trying to speak to someone only for the monthly direct debit to suddenly be reduced to 147. 'I missed a reading earlier in the year and all of a sudden my bill jumped,' she told MailOnline. 'As it turned out, I only owed them 700 in the end. I cannot tell you how incredibly stressful all this was. I sat on long calls, just trying to speak to someone. In the end, I never actually spoke to a human being, they just 'fixed' it a few weeks later. 'I was trying to work out how I would be able to afford it all. I spent days looking at accounts to see how I would afford it, but I couldn't at all.' She said it will take her two years to pay back the money she owes but hit out at the energy firm for the 'disgusting' way 'they treat their customers'. Advertisement It advises people to look at their most recent bill, find the meter readings on it that your supplier used, then read your meter and compare it to the number on the bill. If there's a big difference, it is possible that your supplier might have billed you for someone else's meter - or you might have given them a false reading. You should then contact your supplier and give them the new reading, before being sent a new bill based on the new meter reading and checking you have been billed for the right meter. How do you know if there's a problem with your meter? It is also possible that there is a meter fault - despite this being rare - if your bills suddenly go up and you haven't changed how much gas or electricity you use. Your energy supplier is responsible for making sure your meter works properly. If you tell them, they might first ask you to take daily meter readings over seven days to check your usage. If this does not prove anything, they will carry out further tests to check whether the meter is faulty. If tests prove it is not faulty, you may have to pay the costs of the test. Is there a problem with smart meters? Nearly three million smart meters in Britain are not working properly, figures from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero revealed earlier this month. A total of 2.7million out of 33million meters are not in smart mode to monitor how much gas and electricity a household is consuming and the cost of it in real time. Usually these readings are sent automatically to energy suppliers, but if the meter loses connection customers are often forced to rely on estimated bills. EDF insisted to MailOnline that there is not a broader issue with smart meters, despite some customers seeing dramatic changes to their energy bills. What has EDF said about the problems? EDF told MailOnline today that its customer service teams were working 'extremely hard' to support the firm's 3.5million customers, adding that 'for the overwhelming majority our processes run without issues'. A spokeswoman added: 'There are no fundamental problems with how our billing is working for customers who are moving across to our new platform. 'We know problems can sometimes occur for a variety of reasons and we apologise to customers who experience difficulties. The logo of Electricite de France SA (EDF) is pictured on the facade of its offices in Paris 'When this happens, we look to put things right as quickly as possible. There is no broader issue with our systems and our Direct Debit processes continue to work as normal.' She added that the 'vast majority of customers' smart meters are fully functional', and that EDF takes 'the successful operation of our smart meters very seriously'. The spokeswoman said EDF has a 'number of robust processes to ensure they are operating as expected, unless, of course, a customer has explicitly opted for a non-functional smart meter'. She added: 'With regards to wider connectivity issues, we continue to work with Data Communications Company who are responsible for ensuring connectivity across the UK. 'We are in the process of moving our residential and SME customers to a new customer service system, which is already widely used in the UK market and is licensed to support approximately 30million customers worldwide.' What is the current energy price cap? The average household energy bill will rise by 94 a year from next month after Ofgem increased its price cap in response to rising wholesale prices. The regulator said last month that it was raising its price cap from the current 1,834 for a typical dual fuel household to 1,928 from January 1. Ofgem said this was driven almost entirely by rising costs in the global wholesale energy market due to market instability and global events, particularly the conflict in Ukraine. Ofgem also unveiled plans last week to lift the energy price cap from April next year in order to help suppliers recover nearly 3billion in debts from customers who cannot pay their bills. Fingerprint checks and facial scans for holidaymakers in Europe threaten to create 'border bottlenecks' when they are introduced next autumn, travel experts warned today. British and non-EU passport holders will have to go through fingerprint checks and face scans under the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). It will replace the stamping of passports, which began after Brexit when the UK became a 'third country' to the bloc meaning it is not a member state and does not have the right to free movement within the EU. The system will check each passenger's name and biometric data when they enter an EU country. It was due to be rolled out earlier this year but has been delayed several times. Some nations have expressed concerns about how much time the process will add to queues at EU borders, with the Slovenian government saying it will take 'up to four times longer'. British travellers queueing for several hours at passport control at an airport in Spain Queues at the Port of Dover, one of the locations where the new border checks will be in place Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency, told MailOnline: 'With two new EU schemes due to come into force in the same year, and potentially within a few weeks of each other at the end of 2024, there is the danger of a border bottleneck for those travelling. 'New schemes like these take time to bed in, and will undoubtedly create some complexity and confusion for those not used to travelling very often. 'Travel is supposed to be more seamless through technology, not more complex. The last thing borders need are longer queues.' Ryanair has warned against EES, saying it would 'result in significant duplication of effort' because of the high proportion of people exempted. It will apply to EU citizens, non-EU citizens requiring a visa to enter the EU - as they would have already provided fingerprints with their visa application and non-EU citizens resident in EU countries. Despite apprehensions EES will be introduced on October 6, according to the Independent. Each time visitors try to cross into the continent, they will have to show a facial image and provide four fingerprints. Personal data including first name, surname, date of birth, nationality, sex, travel document and the three-letter country code will all be required with under 12s exempt. Austria claims processing times would be 'double compared to the current situation', while Croatia warned checks would 'certainly be significantly longer'. French officials will carry out EES border checks at the Port of Dover, Folkestone for the Eurotunnel and at St Pancras International for the Eurostar. Ryanair has warned against EES, saying it would 'result in significant duplication of effort' because of the high proportion of people exempted. Pictured is its CEO Michael O'Leary In a report released earlier this year, French public finance watchdog Cour des Comptes predicted queues at the UK-France border will at least double when the EES is launched in 2024. The Port of Dover, which has regularly seen long delays resulting from post-Brexit checks, said the new system could lengthen inspections on cars from 45 seconds to as long as ten minutes. Port chief Doug Bannister said: 'Even at the busiest times right now, with new post-Brexit rules, passport checks are taking 45 to 90 seconds per car. 'With the pre-registration involved, a car with a family of four or five in it could take up to ten minutes. 'The Government should be urgently discussing with their French and EU counterparts how this is going to work.' Eurotunnel warned it could take as much as six minutes longer to process each car boarding its trains. EES will cover arrivals to all EU countries except Cyprus and Ireland. It is also being adopted by Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. One of the reasons for delaying its introduction was next year's Olympic Games in Paris, with chiefs warning it could cause chaos for millions of passengers travelling to France. Around six months after EES is introduced, the EU will bring in Etias a visa waiver system similar to the US Esta. This will cost 7 (6) per person and will be required for people entering the Schengen Area. The EU has rejected concerns ESS will cause chaos at borders and claimed it will actually save time. A spokesman said: 'The main advantage of the EES is saving time. 'The EES replaces passport stamping and automates border control procedures, making travelling to European countries using the EES more efficient for the traveller.' It comes as holidaymakers face an anxious wait to see if the eruption of a volcano in Iceland will interrupt their flights to the country. The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula just north of the evacuated town of Grindavik began last night at around 10.17 pm after an earthquake swarm, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said, referring to a series of small shakes. There are fears that the eruption, which has seen 200 cubic metres of lava spewing out from the fissures every second, could cause havoc to air traffic after the Icelandic eruption in 2010 grounded thousands of flights across Europe and North America and saw holidaymakers stranded. Holidaymakers face an anxious wait to see if the eruption of a volcano in Iceland with interrupt their flights to the country Flights from Reykjavik's international Keflavik airport were delayed last night, with an EasyJet flight to Manchester standing on the tarmac for five hours before taking off at 1.35am due to the volcanic activity. Passengers were told by easyJet: 'We're sorry that your flight has been delayed. This is because volcanic activity in Keflavik (KEF) is causing restrictions to the areas in which aircraft are permitted to fly.' British holidaymakers are waiting anxiously to see if their flights will be cancelled today - but the Icelandic government and airlines including EasyJet have said the airports in Iceland are 'not impacted' and flights should be operating 'as scheduled'. Indeed, Hallgrimur Indriason, a journalist from Icelandic state broadcaster RUV, said there was 'no threat to air traffic - at least not for now' with Reykjavik's international Keflavik airport remaining open today. Previous eruptions near the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula took place in 2021, 2022 and earlier this year. In 2010, the eruption of Iceland's long-dormant Eyjafjallajokull volcano - an ice-capped volcano more than 1,660 metres tall - shot huge amounts of ash into the atmosphere. That massive, explosive eruption was not fatal, but forced the cancellation of around 100,000 flights and left more than 10 million travellers stranded. A drug smuggler has been jailed for nine years after trying to hide 18million worth of cocaine inside pallets of frozen chicken. Edward Durnion, 36, of Kenilworth, Warwickshire, was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine, which he admitted at Stafford Crown Court. He was sentenced today to nine years in prison after he was caught trying to transport a huge shipment of the class-A drug which had been delivered to a frozen food wholesaler in north London. Police intercepted the warehouse delivery the day before on March 13 and replaced the 192 kilos of seized cocaine with books. Edward Durnion, 36, (pictured) of Kenilworth, Warwickshire, was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine The seized cocaine which was worth 5.5million wholesale but valued at a whopping 18million at street level Durnion was spotted arriving at the business park in a van before driving to a storage unit in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, where he discovered the drugs were missing. He was arrested by officers working with the Metropolitan Police specialist crime north team, who had been tracking his movements. A court heard West Midlands Police's regional organised crime unit made the find as they followed up a previous consignment of drugs found last November. The manager told them a consignment from the same supplier had arrived that morning and a search of the pallet revealed cocaine packed in boxes underneath the frozen chicken. Police intercepted the warehouse delivery the day before on March 13 and replaced the 192 kilos of seized cocaine with books Detective Inspector Dave Simpson, of West Midlands Police, said: '192 kilos of cocaine has an estimated wholesale value of 5.5m and a potential street value of 18m, so this was a significant seizure which will have caused considerable disruption to that particular chain of supply. 'This is part of our ongoing work to tackle organised criminal activity including drugs networks across the West Midlands and beyond. 'We're focused on those thought to be involved in the highest levels of organised crime across our region. 'It sends out a clear warning to others intent on supplying Class A drugs - we simply won't tolerate it.' A five-year-old boy has died inside an overcrowded Chicago shelter alongside 2,300 migrants after staff allegedly refused to call an ambulance. Jean Carlo Martinez Rivero, 5, was pronounced dead on arrival in hospital on Sunday after days of being sick at the Pilsen shelter south of downtown Chicago. Four other children and a teenager were later taken to hospital from the same shelter, suffering from fevers and other ailments. Chicago is struggling to care for 26,000 immigrants sent from Texas and other border states on buses after crossing the border over the past year. Jean Carlos Martinez, 5, was pronounced dead on arrival in hospital on Sunday after days of being sick at the Pilsen shelter south of downtown Chicago The city has spent $138 million and counting on the crisis that is only expected to get worse as temperatures drop as winter goes on. Jean was sick with a fever and a pain in his left leg for two or three days before he died and began vomiting on Sunday morning. His lips turned blue and his family claimed to police that staff said it was 'probably because of the cold' and refused to call an ambulance. While his father was pleading for an ambulance, Jean had a seizure and shelter staff gave him CPR, according to a police report seen by the Chicago Tribune. He was rushed to Comer Children's Hospital about 3pm and pronounced dead at 3.47pm. His family were not allowed to ride with him and were instead patted down and driven in a police car. Jean was bleeding from his mouth and nose with a 100F fever and suffered from diarrhea for days before his death. The Pilsen shelter has been the subject of numerous complaints about poor sanitation and overcrowding risking the lives of immigrants inside. Videos from inside showed coughing and crying children, some so cold they were wearing snow jackets, and water leaking from the ceiling onto the cots below. The shelter is run by Favorite Healthcare Staffing, a Kansas-based contractor, that the city paid $100 million to operate migrant shelters since September 2022. Jean's death is being investigated and an autopsy by Cook County medical examiner on Monday was inconclusive, pending further investigation. Video shot by a passerby showed rubbish piled up outside the shelter. The converted factory was the subject of numerous complaints about unsanitary conditions The Chicago Fire Department said a three-year-old boy was taken to hospital vomiting, a seven year-old girl with an ear infection, and one-year-old, a four-year-old, and 18-year-old with other medical complaints. A 47-year-old woman was also taken to a hospital with chest pain on Tuesday morning. Chicago and other northern American cities have struggled to find housing for tens of thousands of asylum-seekers, many of whom have been bused from Texas throughout the past year. Earlier this month, hundreds of asylum-seekers still awaited placement at airports and police stations in Chicago, some of them still camped on sidewalks outside precinct buildings. Mayor Brandon Johnson said the blame for Jean's death lay squarely with southern governors for busing in thousands of immigrants to the 'sanctuary city'. 'They're just dropping off people anywhere. Do you understand how raggedy and how evil that is... and then you want to hold us accountable for something that's happening down at the border? It's sickening?' he said. Mayor Johnson insisted the asylum-seekers arrived in Chicago unwell due to the conditions they were held in at the border before being loaded on to buses. 'Do you hear me? They're showing up sick. The issue is not just how we respond in the city of Chicago, it's the fact that we have a governor a governor, an elected official in the state of Texas that is placing families on buses without shoes, cold, wet, tired, hungry, afraid, traumatized,' he said. 'And then they come to the city of Chicago where we have homelessness, we have mental health clinics that have been shut down and closed. 'The governor of Texas needs to take a look in the mirror [and see] the chaos that he is causing for this country. 'This is not just a Chicago dynamic, he is attacking our country.' Videos from inside the Pilsen shelter (pictured) showed coughing and crying children, some so cold they were wearing snow jackets, and water leaking from the ceiling onto the cots below O'Hare International Airport accommodated hundreds of migrants in a screened off area as the crisis gathered steam this summer The mayor's office said the city had resettled or reunited more than 10,000 migrants and was sheltering 13,992 at 27 temporary shelters, and doubled down on blaming southern governors. 'Many new arrivals survive brutal and dangerous journeys to border states and are promptly and inhumanely shipped out with little to no triage,' it said. 'In border states, new arrivals are spending the night outdoors without a shower, running water, or food. 'Border states do not take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of individuals they load onto buses. 'This carelessness directly contributed to the death of a three-year-old girl in September of this year and may continue to have devastating effects.' The mayor's office said an investigation was ongoing and any changes to safety protocols for staff would be made based on the findings. The city said it was ticketing and impounding buses trying to drop off migrants outside designated zones. 'As temperatures continue to fall, the city is enacting stricter penalties to discourage bus companies from flouting these protocols,' it said. 'The inhumane treatment further endangers the safety and security of asylum seekers, and adds additional strain to City departments, volunteers and mutual aid partners tasked with easing what is already a harsh transition.' Mayor Brandon Johnson said the blame for Jean's death lay squarely with southern governors for busing in thousands of immigrants Although the city reports that police stations have been mostly cleared, massive shelters are not necessarily a safe alternative, said Annie Gomberg, a volunteer with the citys Police Station Response Team who has been working with Chicagos new arrivals since April. Gomberg said people staying at the Pilsen shelter told her mold was visible inside, and lack of insulation made the repurposed warehouse very cold. Last week, Mayor Johnson ordered city lawmakers to quash a bid to put the controversial 'Welcoming City Ordinance' to a referendum on Chicago's March primary ballot. Sanctuary city status means that city officials are forbidden from asking questions about a person's immigration status, or revealing it to federal authorities. Police in the city are not allowed to arrest anyone solely because they are an illegal immigrant, and the city will not co-operate with an investigation by immigration authorities unless ordered to by a court. More than 560 cities, states and counties across the US have declared themselves sanctuaries, and Chicago adopted the status in 1985. But sanctuary cities have been a favorite target of governors on the southern border who have bussed thousands of migrants north to them as the migration crisis has gathered steam. Residents protested in Brighton Park against the proposed migrant camp to accommodate the influx of migrants Johnson was among five Democratic city mayors who headed to DC last month to beg the Biden administration for a staggering $5 billion in federal funds to deal with the issue. '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.' Republicans are disgusted with Donald Trump's recent rally comments where he invoked language used by Adolf Hitler, quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin and sprinkled praises on other authoritarian leaders. Several lawmakers recoiled at the former president saying migrants are 'poisoning the blood of our country' as part of remarks made during a rally in New Hampshire on Saturday. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said, 'I think it's unhelpful rhetoric,' according to a Hill report. And fellow Senate GOP leadership member Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said she 'obviously' doesn't agree with his language. 'We're all children of immigrants,' the West Virginia Republican said. 'It's just part of his campaign rhetoric, I guess. I don't know, I can't explain it.' Republicans aren't feeling warm and fuzzy about former President Donald Trump's recent rally comments where he used the words of Adolf Hitler to talk about migrants Trump, when talking about migrants at his rally over the weekend, said: 'They're poisoning the blood of our country. That's what they've done.' He added that illegal immigrants 'poisoned mental institutions and prisons all over the world'. The words appear to be borrowed from Adolf Hitler's 1925 manifesto Mein Kampf, where the German dictator wrote: 'All great cultures of the past perished only because the originally creative race died out from blood poisoning.' Trump told his supporters 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'. During the same rally, Trump also quoted Putin by claiming President Joe Biden is a 'threat to democracy.' 'Even Vladimir Putin says that Biden's, 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 ex-president said. Putin made the comments at an economic forum in Russia in September. Asked about Trump citing Putin in arguments against the slew of criminal charges against him, Capito said: 'I can't be accountable for what he says.' On the other end, Sen. Lindsey Graham said on Sunday that he doesn't care what sort of language Trump uses because his policies were more effective than Biden's in quelling the southern border crisis. Speaking at a rally in New Hampshire on Saturday, Trump used a phrase that also appeared in Hitler' 1925 manifesto Mein Kampf and also quoted Vladimir Putin to defend himself against the 91 felony charges against him While Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-Ky.) says Trump's rhetoric crossed the line, he still thinks Biden has failed to do anything to adequately address surging illegal immigration. 'My grandfather was an immigrant so I don't agree with that sentiment,' the No. 2 ranking Senate Republican said. 'We are a nation of immigrants, we're a welcoming country, but we're also a nation of laws,' he added. 'We can't allow this just rampant violation of law at the Southern border. It's out of control. It's insane. 'We're not enforcing the rule of law in our country and I think it's wrong and it sends all the wrong signals to the rest of the world,' Thune concluded. Trump's latest rally, where he also praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un as well as Hungary's authoritarian leader Viktor Orban, gave Democrats more ammunition as the ex-president also faces 91 felony counts in Washington, D.C., Miami and New York. '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,' a spokesperson for Biden's reelection campaign said. Sen. Graham (R-S.C.) pushed back on those critical of Donald Trump 's language when describing illegal immigrants, claiming he's more worried about actions. 'You know, we're talking about language,' he told NBC News Meet the Press host Kristen Welker. 'I could (sic) care less what language people use as long as we get it right.' 'You know, I think the president has a way of talking, sometimes, I disagree with,' Graham added. 'But he actually delivered on the border.' 'People are looking for results. If the only thing you want to talk about on immigration is the way Donald Trump talks, you're missing a lot.' This isn't the first time Trump has been likened to authoritarian leaders he even suggested in an interview earlier this month he would rule like a dictator, but only on 'day one' of a second term. Police have launched a major river search for a missing 64-year-old woman who disappeared in the early hours of Monday. Clare Marshall, from Perth, went missing in the Scottish city this week and police have launched an 'extensive' search for her. The 64-year-old is believed to have left the area near Dundee Road and may have crossed the bridge to Moncreiffe Island on the River Tay. After Police Scotland was alerted to her disappearance, they began searching Dundee Road and the river. Fire service rescue teams searched the water and were later assisted by mountain rescue teams looking for Ms Marshall. Clare Marshall (pictured), from Perth, went missing in the Scottish city this week and police have launched an 'extensive' search for her in the Dundee Road area and the River Tay Police Scotland, HM Coastguard and Mountain Rescue teams in Perth searching the River Tay After Police Scotland was alerted to her disappearance, they began searching the area The riverbanks along Moncreiffe Island were also searched by teams. Ms Marshall is described as 5ft 4in and of average build and having shoulder-length grey hair. Police believe she was wearing black clothing at the time of her disappearance. Insp Kris McCall said: 'We're concerned for Clare's welfare and have been carrying out extensive searches in the area of Dundee Road and the River Tay. 'Specialist resources, including the police helicopter, have been searching for Clare since we were alerted to her disappearance.' 'I urge anyone with information about Clare's whereabouts to get in touch with police by calling 101. 'Likewise, I would appeal directly to Clare: if you see this message, please contact the police or approach any officer so we can ensure you're safe and well.' Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1608 of 18 December. It comes after the body of formerly missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord was found in a Norwich river. The 55-year-old vanished on December 8, sparking a wide police hunt after her clothes and other personal effects were found in a park. Searches centred on the River Wensum, which runs through the park, but underwater checks by trained divers were hampered by poor visibility. The hunt was effectively ended after the body was recovered several hundred feet from where she is believed to have gone into the water. Hamas fighters used a 'safe' hospital as a terror base knowing they 'won't be targeted', the director of a Gaza medical facility has admitted to Israeli security forces. Ahmed Kahlot, the director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabalya in the north of the Gaza Strip, made the confession under interrogation, Israeli media reports. He told Shin Bet officials that Hamas used the hospital to hide its operatives, carry out military activities, move its personnel around and even bring in captured soldiers, according to Israel National News. 'They hide in hospitals because for them a hospital is a safe place. They won't be targeted when they are inside a hospital,' Kahalot said, the outlet reported. Kahlot said he was recruited by Hamas in 2010. 'I know 16 employees in the hospital - doctor, nurse, paramedic, or clerks who also have different positions in al-Qassam.' Ahmed Kahlot (pictured), the director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabalya in the north of the Gaza Strip, made the confession under interrogation, Israeli media reports The director told Shin Bet officials that Hamas used the hospital (pictured on December 16) to hide its operatives, carry out military activities, move its personnel around and even bring in captured soldiers, according to Israel National News The al-Qassam brigades is the military wing of the terror group that attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking 240 hostage into Gaza. 'There are offices where the Hamas leader and two of the senior officials were. There's a place where the soldier was in (the kidnapped soldier),' he continued. 'There's a place for the interrogators, internal security, and special security. All of them have private telephone lines inside the hospital.' He added: 'They [Hamas] have a private ambulance, even its colour and the way it's painted are different, and it doesn't have a license plate. 'They used it to transport the soldier [kidnapped] and transport bodies It didn't assist us with transporting the injured,' Israel National News quoted him as saying. 'I begged him to take someone to the Indonesian Hospital, take to Shifa [hospital], but he would refuse. His mission is more important. Despite suggesting he was a member of the group, Kahalot criticised Hamas' use of his and other hospitals. 'The leaders of Hamas are cowards. They left us in the field while they hid in secret places They have destroyed us.' Kahlot's confession came after footage released by the IDF purportedly showed Hamas fighters surrendering from inside the Kamal Adwan Hospital. Video showed men, said to be Hamas terrorists, leaving the hospital with their hands above their heads. Others surrendered weapons, placing them on the ground. More than 70 surrendering ' Hamas operatives' emerged from the Gaza hospital in a video last week - some with weapons raised above their heads, video released today appears to show Footage released by the IDF, purportedly from outside the hospital (pictured), showed dozens of men, many of them young, exiting a building single file with their hands in the air Israel has long accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes, in effect using them as civilian shields against IDF attacks. READ MORE: Israeli artillery cannon is deliberately fired as female soldier stands in front of the barrel, sending her to the ground and sparking IDF investigation Advertisement Hospitals, protected under international humanitarian law, have repeatedly been hit by Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip since the start of the war on October 7. The military accuses Hamas of having tunnels under hospitals and using the medical facilities as command centres to plan and carry out attacks against the army and Israel, a charge denied by the Islamist group. On Sunday world Health Organisaion chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency was 'appalled by the effective destruction' of another northern Gaza hospital, Kamal Adwan, where Israeli forces carried out a multi-day operation against Hamas. And on Tuesday, one of the last remaining hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip stopped operating after being stormed by the Israeli army, its director said. Fadel Naim told AFP Israeli troops had attacked the Al-Ahli hospital and arrested doctors, medical staff and patients, destroying part of the building's grounds. Israel's attack has 'put the hospital out of action', he said. 'We can't receive any patients or injured.' At least four people who were wounded by Israeli fire on Monday died on Tuesday after being injured in the Al-Ahli assault, he said. 'According to our information, there are dozens of wounded in the surrounding streets,' he said. Al-Ahli, also known as the Baptist or Ahli Arab hospital, was already heavily damaged by an explosion in its car park on October 17, resulting in at least dozens of deaths. Militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad accused Israel, which denied responsibility and blamed a misfired rocket by Islamic Jihad for that blast. Israeli troops have previously raided other medical facilities in Gaza, including Al-Shifa, the territory's largest hospital, which is now functioning at minimal capacity with a very small team. Last month Al-Shifa hospital became the focus of an extended army operation as part of its war against Hamas. On Sunday, the World Health Organisation said Al-Ahli hospital was receiving 'critical patients' from Al-Shifa for surgery. The Al-Shifa emergency department, devastated by Israeli bombardments, is 'a blood bath' and 'in need of resuscitation', the WHO said. Ashraf al-Qudra, spokesman for the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, said on Tuesday that another hospital in northern Gaza, Al-Awda in the Jabalia area, had been turned 'into a barracks' by the Israeli army. He said the army was holding 240 people in the hospital, 'including 80 medical staff and 40 patients,' and had arrested its director, doctor Ahmad Mhanna. Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the rising civilian death toll and destruction of hospitals in Gaza. Smoke rises over northern Gaza, as viewed from the Israeli side of the border on December 19 The deadliest-ever war in the narrow territory began after Hamas militants poured across the border in an attack on October 7 that killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures. During their attack, militants abducted about 250 people, latest Israeli figures say. In Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive against Hamas, at least 19,667 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in the Palestinian territory, according to the health ministry there. The ministry says around 52,600 have also been wounded. Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife Ginni sat alongside the other eight justices of the Supreme Court Tuesday for the funeral of the late Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts said it showed how the Supreme Court is like 'a family composed entirely of in-laws.' President Joe Biden arrived late to the gathering at the Washington National Cathedral after flying in from Wilmington, Delaware Tuesday morning. He told the room that O'Connor's barrier-breaking career was proof that 'women cannot only do anything a man can do, but many times do it a h*** of a lot - a heck of a lot better.' 'Excuse my language, folks,' Biden added. O'Connor's son Jay also spoke, regaling the crowd with a tale of how his mother once earned a 'B' grade in civics - the cause she devoted her life to after retiring from the Supreme Court - and how she had been instructed in disco dancing. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts talked about how the Supreme Court was like family. 'A family composed entirely of in-laws,' he joked as he spoke at Tuesday's memorial service for Sandra Day O'Connor Members of the Supreme Court attended Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's funeral including (from left) Neil Gorsuch, Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, Samuel Alito, Ginni Thomas the wife of Clarence Thomas, Jane Sullivan the wife of Chief Justice John Roberts President Joe Biden delivered remarks Tuesday morning at the Washington National Cathedral for the funeral of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court President Joe Biden was seated in the front row of the Washington National Cathedral for Tuesday's funeral for the country's first female Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor A hearse carrying the casket of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor arrives Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral for the funeral of the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court O'Connor died December 1 at the age of 93 after a multi-year battle with dementia. She had retired from public life in 2018. Former Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor died at the age of 93 on December 1 O'Connor was nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, confirmed unanimously in the Senate and served from 1981 to January 2006, retiring to take care of her husband who had Alzheimer's. Biden, who was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, recalled O'Connor's ascent to the bench, while he was serving as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. 'I was the ranking member of that committee and the day's business was momentous: the nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor,' Biden recalled. 'To become the first woman in American history to serve as a Supreme Court justice on the United States Supreme Court.' The president noted how she was a 'daughter of the American west' - growing up on the Lazy B Ranch in Arizona - who was a 'pioneer in her own right.' 'One need not agree with all her decisions in order to recognize that her principles were deeply held and of the highest order and that her desire for civility was genuine,' Biden said. The casket of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is carried during her funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's coffin departs the Washington National Cathedral at the end of her funeral Tuesday Justice Clarence Thomas (left) walks hand and hand with his wife Ginni (right) as they depart Sandra Day O'Connor's funeral Tuesday in Washington The president also regaled O'Connor for being so transparent about her husband's fight against Alzheimer's and then her own battle with dementia. 'To the entire family, including the grandchildren, I know how hard all these years have been to watch a disease that robbed them both, and all of you, of so very much,' Biden said. 'I hope you hold onto what is truly lost, a love that both of them had for you, a love you had for them. A lot they shared to freely and a love you returned with equal devotion,' the president continued. 'What a gift. What a gift.' 'And I hope you find comfort in another profound consequence of her service - the countless families that she helped by speaking so openly about your family's experiences,' Biden added. 'It matters.' The president spoke of the saying, 'memory is the power to gather roses in winter.' 'I hope you find the strength in knowing that your mom and dad are together again December, gathering roses in winter once again, as great Americans, both, great Americans for all seasons,' Biden said, calling O'Connor, again 'an American pioneer.' Sandra Day O'Connor's son Jay gave a memorable eulogy revealing that his mother once received a 'B' grade in civics - and took disco dancing lessons President Joe Biden looks up as he attends Tuesday's memorial service in Washington for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Family members of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor react during her funeral Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson arrived Tuesday to attend the funeral service for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch (left) sat next to liberal Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan (right) at Tuesday's memorial service for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Roberts, who became chief justice in 2005, recalled readying O'Connor for the bench as a young Justice Department official. 'I was proud to be part of her team. And I thought our group did a pretty good job, after all the justice was confirmed 99 to nothing and we must have had something to do with that,' Roberts said. 'Only many years later was I told that she thought I had been slow in getting material to her.' 'I should have learned that when she had a challenge or responsibility before her, her approach was simple and direct, get it done,' Roberts said. Roberts was nominated by Bush 43 to take O'Connor's place on the court when she retired, but then later promoted to the chief justice nominee when Chief Justice William Rehnquist died. He recalled her reaction to his nomination. 'Reporters had asked her what she thought of the nomination. She had nice things to say but ended by noting that the only problem was I didn't wear a skirt,' Roberts said. 'My initial reaction was - everything's negotiable,' the top justice said to laughs. 'But fortunately it didn't come to that,' he said. She did press him to agree to hire all the law clerks she had hired for the upcoming term, Roberts said. Like Biden, Roberts paid homage to O'Connor's first status. 'I have spoken with many women judges and lawyers who were young adults when Justice O'Connor became the first. They say the same thing. Younger people today cannot understand what it was like before Justice O'Connor in what now seems a distant past,' Roberts said. He noted how she served nearly a quarter century on the court. 'She was a strong, influential and iconic jurist. Her leadership shaped the legal profession, making it obvious that judges are both women and men,' he noted. 'The time when women were not on the bench seemed so far away because Justice O'Connor was so good when she was on the bench.' 'She was so successful that the barriers she broke down are almost unthinkable today,' he said. O'Connor was a moderate conservative and considered a swing vote during th Rehnquist court. She was often referred to as the 'most powerful woman in the country' during her tenure. President Joe Biden (left) watches as Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's casket is carried at the end of her funeral service Tuesday at the Washington National Cathedral Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh (center) attends the funeral service of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who retired from the court in 2006. Chief Justice John Roberts (right) was initially appointed to the court to replace her, but replaced Chief Justice William Rehnquist President Joe Biden can be speaking during Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's funeral Tuesday at the stately Washington National Cathedral Justice Elena Kagan departs Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday She frequently sided with her conservative colleagues on the court - like she did in Bush v. Gore, handing the 2000 presidential election to Republican President George W. Bush before a recount was concluded - but she also sometimes sided with liberals. She upheld the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law and the use of affirmative action in college admissions. In what looks liberal-leaning now since last summer's Dobbs decision, O'Connor was a key architect when the Supreme Court upheld Roe v. Wade in the case, Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The case affirmed the central takeaway of Roe, that the Constitution protected a right to privacy and thus a right to an abortion. But it also changed how and when women could exercise that right. The Casey decision said women could have an abortion to the point of viability - the point in which a fetus could survive outside a womb - and the state could not impose an 'undue burden' on access to abortion. However that still opened the door for states to implement abortion restrictions starting in the first trimester of pregnancy. The Dobbs decision overruled both Roe and Casey. A gang of muggers who stabbed a music industry boss to death for a '125,000' Patek Philippe watch, that was probably a fake, are facing jail. Emmanuel Odunlami, 32, was killed while out celebrating his birthday at an event at Haz restaurant near St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London in the early hours of 2 May 2022. Security guard Kavindu Hettarachchi, 30, was working at the event and spotted that Mr Odunlami was wearing a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch which, if real, can be worth up to 300,000, and filmed him wearing it. Hettarachchi then tipped off associates Jordell Menzies, 27, Quincy Ffrench and Louis Vandrose, both 28, by sending photos, who drove over armed with knives to rob him outside the eatery. Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC told jurors: 'The grim and tragic irony of all this is that there is a good reason to think that the Patek Philippe watch wasn't even genuine. Emmanuel Odunlami, 32, was killed while out celebrating his birthday for a '125,000' Patek Philippe watch, that was probably a fake 'The defendant - although of course he wasn't to know that at the time - had killed Emmanuel Odunlami for a fake watch.' Mr Odunlami, who worked in the music industry managing artists, tried to run away but Menzies caught up and stabbed him in the heart with a flick knife. Antonios Kfoury, 22, who was also working as a security guard, tried to cover up his friends' crimes by lying to police. Menzies admitted robbery and manslaughter and had described the victim as an 'easy' civilian target for a robbery. He admitted arming himself with the flick-knife but said he did not intend to use it. Menzies denied but was convicted of murder by an Old Bailey jury today after a retrial. Mr Odunlami's mother collapsed in tears and said: 'Thank you god. I got justice for my son, thank you, thank you.' Ffrench and Vandrose had both admitted robbery. They denied the charges and were cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter at the first trial earlier this year. Hettarachchi had admitted theft. He denied but was convicted of manslaughter and robbery. Killer Jordell Menzies, 27, was convicted of murder by an Old Bailey jury today after a retrial Patek Philippe Nautilus watch which, if real, can be worth up to 300,000 Kfoury denied and was convicted of perverting the course of justice. Judge Patrick Field, KC, will set a date for sentencing on Thursday. Emmanuel Odunlami, 32, birthday event organised by an events company called Playhxuse, which set up an exclusive table costing 1,400 in the City of London, where he had been celebrating with friends. Hettiarachichi, had been hired by Playhxuse for the private ticketed brunch and afterparty with a DJ. On the day of Mr Odunlami's death, he had driven to the City in his grey hatchback Mercedes and, as well as the possibly fake designer watch, he was wearing a Dior jacket and carried a Goyard bag while others sported Rolex watches, jurors were told. As the party drew to a close at around 11pm, Hettiarachichi was caught on camera filming his target outside Haz bar and summoning Vandrose in a phone call. Antonios Kfoury, 22, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice at the Old Bailey Quincy Ffrench, 27, was found guilty of manslaughter and perverting the course of justice Security guard Kavindu Hettiarachichi, 30, was found guilty of robbery and manslaughter After Mr Odunlami left the restaurant on Foster Lane at 11.15pm with friend David Manuel to walk to his car in Gresham Street, Ffrench, Menzies and Vandrose jumped from a Mercedes which had been circling the area. Mr Odunlami was on the ground and all three defendants kicked him as he lay defenceless, jurors heard. During the attack, Ffrench, bent down and took Mr Odunlami's watch and was heard to say 'got it'. The defendants then ran off, leaving the victim with a fatal stab wound to the chest. The flick knife used to kill Mr Odunlami was found near the scene of the attack and bore traces of Menzies' DNA. Emmanuel Odunlami, 32, birthday event organised by an events company called Playhxuse, which set up an exclusive table costing 1,400 in the City of London Emmanuel Odunlami was celebrating his birthday at the exclusive event at Haz restaurant near St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London Afterwards, the killers travelled to Bloomsbury where they changed their clothes before parting company. After the killing, his colleague Kfoury tried to obscure his role in the security arrangement for the event at Haz and made a false statement to the police. Fake versions of high value watches, including a bronze Rolex watch and a Royal Oak, were found at Hettiarachchi's address, jurors heard. Prosecutor Joel Smith said: 'Photographs of high-value watches were also recovered from his mobile telephone. 'Such material demonstrates the defendant's detailed interest in and knowledge of fake and genuine high value watches.' The prosecutor told jurors: 'On 1st May 2022 a young man named Emmanuel Odunlami attended a smart party in a restaurant just around the corner from this building - the restaurant is called Haz, just 500 metres from here. 'It was a smart party, people had paid quite a lot of money to be there, and some of them were dressed accordingly. 'Mr Odunlami, for instance, was wearing a Patel Philippe Nautilus watch. 'I don't know if that means anything to you- but for those in the know, a Patek Philippe Nautilus is really quite something. 'If real it would cost about 125,000. And that night it cost Emmanuel Odunlami his life. 'Because whilst he was at that party he was spotted by one of the security staff working at Haz. 'That man took a photo of him wearing that watch, and sent it to his mates, whose job it was to rob the target of his watch. 'A team of robbers drove down to the restaurant in a white Mercedes. 'The defendant, Jordell Menzies, was one of that team of robbers. He had armed himself with a knife. 'He was the first of the robbers to reach Mr Odunlami, and when he reached him, he stabbed him in the chest. 'The knife penetrated his victim's heart. 'That stab wound had the desired effect. Mr Odunlami fell to the floor. Mr Menzies and his accomplices were able to snatch the watch of his wrist and make their escape- but not before Mr Menzies had given him a kick on the floor for good measure. As the event drew to a close at around 11pm, Hettiarachchi was caught on camera filming outside the venue and calling Louis Vandrose, the Old Bailey (pictured) was told 'Having got what they came for, they ran back to the car, and got away, leaving Mr Odunlami to die on the street'. Mr Odunlami's friend Daniel Manuel, who knew him as 'Jay', told the court: 'I knew Jay had an expensive Patek Philippe watch, I don't know the value of the watch but he was wearing it all night. 'I went to Jay, He stood up, I saw blood all over his chest and frantically touched him to see where it was coming from. 'He said: 'I'm gone' and collapsed. 'I put the puffer coat over the wound and called for an ambulance, two males in black came over to help. 'I now understand that they were police officers.' Mr Odunlami was gasping for air before he stopped breathing. CPR was undertaken by police officers, including an oxygen mask being placed on his face and chest compressions. London Ambulance Service arrived and Mr Odunlami was taken by ambulance to Royal London Hospital. He suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on 2 May. Giving evidence Menzies claimed he took the flick-knife to the robbery to 'scare' the victim. 'It's three-on-one so you don't really need a knife. Based on the information we thought this person was going to freeze. 'I knew it was an expensive watch, but I didn't know how expensive it was. 'If someone has money then they are more likely to give it over, rather than someone who has worked hard for their money.' He said he was initially uncertain if blood on his clothes belonged to him or another after Mr Odunlami was stabbed. 'That's when I said to Vandrose and Ffrench I thought I might have caught him and that's when they said 'what the f*** do you mean?' 'I was surprised, innit. I thought it was me at first for a second. I was panicking. Ffrench was panicking. 'About 30 seconds or a minute after that, there's a police car behind us and we're panicking more because we think they are coming for us. Ffrench admitted he was someone who 'got into a lot of trouble' and sold 'county lines drugs' in Scotland as a teenager. He insisted he did not intend for the victim to be stabbed and said: 'Couple of minutes into driving he [Menzies] started moaning saying: 'I think I might have poked him, I think I might have poked him'. 'Vandrose has turned around saying: 'What do you mean? what are you talking about?' 'I'm thinking bruv why the f-k have you got a knife in my car?' Ffrench, of Tottenham, Vandrose, of Islington, and Menzies, of High Wycombe, each admitted robbing Mr Odunlami of his wrist watch but denied his murder. Menzies admitted manslaughter and robbery but denied murder. Ffrench, Vandrose and Hettiarachchi denied and were convicted of manslaughter. Kfoury, of Ealing, west London, denied and was convicted of perverting the course of justice. Following Menzies' conviction, Judge Patrick Field KC remanded him in custody to be sentenced at a later date. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said that if Donald Trump were to win the presidential election in 2024, it may have a significant impact on the outcome of Russia's 22-month-long invasion. He said on Tuesday: 'If the policy of the next president, whoever it is, is different towards Ukraine, more cold or more economical, I think these signals will have a very strong impact on the course of the war.' He added that Trump would 'surely have a different policy' to Biden, but earlier said he was certain that the US and Europe will continue to support Ukraine's war efforts. When asked whether the conflict with Russia could come to an end in the new year, the Ukrainian president said 'no one has the answer,' not even top military commanders. 'We have thoughts and ideas, and ideas can be far from reality,' the stoic wartime leader said in his speech at the end-of-year press conference. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers an end-of-year press conference in Kyiv on December 19, 2023 Ukrainian tank crews take part in a drill not far from the front line in the Bakhmut direction, in the Donetsk region, on December 15, 2023 Trump (pictured) attempted to coerce Zelensky into investigating Joe Biden, then his main political rival, as well as his son Hunter Biden and the cybersecurity company, CloudStrike, Hunter was managing in Ukraine at the time Zelensky held talks with President Joe Biden last week in Washington When challenged over the continuation of Western military support, which one reporter pointed out is 'fading', Zelensky responded by insisting that agreements made with the US 'will be fulfilled'. He added triumphantly that Vladimir Putin's forces had 'failed to achieve any results' in 2023, while the Ukrainian people and military had maintained their strength. Russia has sustained heavy losses and has had to mobilise hundreds of thousands of new conscripts since the war began. As the war drags into its third year, Ukraine is also having to mobilise more recruits, with Zelensky warning today that as many as 450,000 more people could be called up to fight. He added that this was a 'very significant amount' and that there would need to be more discussions around the plans, which military officials are working on. As well as manpower struggles, Zelensky admitted that while there are challenges around securing continued aid amid a lack of shells and artillery systems, he believes the 'taps are opening'. 'I am confident that the US will not let us down and what we have agreed in the US will be fulfilled,' he said. It is not currently clear how Trump would handle Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He previously said he would be able to hash out an agreement between the two nations, but has not provided any support to negotiations, despite Zelensky welcoming the support. Trump also attempted to coerce Zelensky into investigating Joe Biden, then his main political rival, as well as his son Hunter Biden and the cybersecurity company, CloudStrike, Hunter was managing in Ukraine at the time. Regarding support from the EU, Zelensky added that while the stakes have been 'very high', he is confident Ukraine will receive 50bn shortly. He accepted that while there are 'risks' around the West's continued support, he does not think Ukraine will be 'betrayed'. It comes after a series of meetings he held in the US last week, with both President Biden and Republican Senators - many of whom looked on calls for more money and supplies with far less enthusiasm than their Democrat counterparts. Despite a frosty reception from some, Zelensky today said he is 'happy we heard one another' during his trip to Washington, adding that he believes support will come 'very soon'. But in a major blow to Kyiv's war efforts on Friday, Hungary, whose president Viktor Orban is the most Kremlin-alligned of European leaders, blocked an EU effort to provide additional aid to Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, remains undeterred in his public goals, telling military top brasses in Moscow today that he would push ahead with his 'special military operation'. This is despite declassified US intelligence reports stating that Russia has suffered a stunning 315,000 troops killed or wounded since the invasion began less than two years ago, out of a pre-invasion force of 360,000. Nihal Arthanayake says he saw 'a lack of diversity in my workplace over a long period of time,' weeks after the Radio 5 Live presenter said working at the 'overwhelmingly white' BBC was bad for his mental health. The 52-year-old presenter posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the 'lack of diversity' at the publicly-funded broadcaster was 'isolating and lonely'. Arthanayake also accused 'gbeebies [GB News] loving types' of making him out to be 'anti-white racist, adding: If a single one of them think I am going to be quiet they are even more stupid'. Speaking at the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) conference at BBC Media City in Salford last month, he said: 'I've seen a lot of people leave this building because they couldn't deal with the culture.' Arthanayake, who is of Sri Lankan descent, told the conference: 'It's really affecting me that I walk in and all I see is white people.' The 52-year-old presenter posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the ' lack of diversity' at the publicly-funded broadcaster had left him 'feeling isolated and lonely His colleagues' response when he told them this was to reply defensively that they were not being racist, he claimed as he said that was missing the point. The journalist's latest tweet was met with a strong backlash from some users who accused of him of being 'anti-white' and suggested that if the same comment came from the opposite perspective of white person, it would branded racist. The author of 'Let's talk: How to have better conversations', hit out at the criticism by posting: 'Racists calling me a racist is peak 2023 on this platform [X],' before urging his followers to follow him on rival platform Threads and 'leave these racists, bigots and blue tick warriors to argue amongst themselves and shout at me'. Pro-Brexit activist James Goddard said: If its isolating and lonely then go to Sri Lanka where youll feel at home. The British people were never asked if we wanted millions of foreigners in our country. 'If we were asked, we wouldnt be in the mess were in today with anti white racists like you being given a platform to spout your hate'. One user said that if the presenter felt isolated and that he was bring treated differently, he could have raised a grievance but if his complaint is down to skin colour only, then its a reflection of his prejudice. But Arthanayake responded by saying: 'Some white people have been seeing our colour and treating us accordingly ever since we got here'. Other users came to show their support of Arthanayake, such as Michael Volpe OBE, founder & former CEO of Opera Holland Park, who posted on X: 'The relentless racism that [LBC presenter] Sangita Myska, Nihal Arthanayake and [Lingo presenter] Adil Ray - 3 prominent British broadcasters get tells a depressing story. Nihal Arthanayake says he saw 'a lack of diversity in my workplace over a long period of time' The journalist's latest tweet was met with a strong backlash from some users who accused of him of being 'anti-white' Presenter said his colleagues' response when he told them this was to reply defensively that they were not being racist, he claimed as he said that was missing the point 'Basically if your skin is not white, for too many people you will NEVER be English/British. My skin is white and I will never be British either'. At the JDF's conference last month, Arthanayake said: 'I don't think there's a single Muslim involved in the senior editorial processes' at BBC Radio 5 Live. He added: 'The hardest thing is to walk into a room, look around and nobody looks like you.' The presenter made the comments in an on-stage interview with Jo Adetunji, editor of The Conversation, at the JDF's annual equality, diversity and inclusion conference organised by the NCTJ, which trains new journalists. The JDF awards bursaries to aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds who do not have the financial means to support themselves through their training. Arthanayake added that he has noticed a difference since moving north after living in London for 20 years. He said: 'Since moving up here, being called the P-word that didn't happen in London. 'You'd get a slap for that in London, not even from me.' Following the interview, Cheryl Varley, a BBC Radio 5 Live producer, said the organisation is committed to tackling the lack of diversity in its newsrooms. After inviting the JDF bursary recipients for a tour of the newsroom at the end of the conference, she told them: 'The BBC needs you a lot more than you need them because if we do not represent our audience the future for the BBC is grim.' The MailOnline has approached the BBC for comment. He told reports on Tuesday he did not regret making the comment New York City mayor Eric Adams refused to walk back his comments referencing the tragedy of September 11 to describe his 2023, blaming the backlash on what he called the 'sentence police.' The Democrat addressed his comments during a press conference on Tuesday where he was asked if he regretted the controversial statement. 'No,' Adams told reporters. 'The sentence police that sit in front of the tv and say, "lets wait to see Eric make one sentence we can turn into a frontpage," you're gonna find many cause I'm authentic and I'm gonna talk the way new Yorkers talk.' The mayor added regarding the backlash: 'Those who take my comments in good faith are not going to try to turn them around and say you are trying to desecrate 9/11. New York City mayor Eric Adams on Monday refused to walk back his comments referencing the tragedy of September 11 to describe his 2023 New York City mayor Eric Adams sparked backlash on social media after he invoked 9/11 to describe his 'complex' year and emphasize the city's greatness 'People knew what I was saying, the city is complex, much of it you don't even know about. You don't know what I deal with every day in the city, and that's what i was saying.' Adams used the unfortunate reference over the weekend when asked to summarize his 2023, which included the increasingly-concerning migrant crisis in the city and an FBI probe into his campaign fundraising. 'This is a place where every day you wake up you could experience everything from a plane crashing into our trade center through a person whos celebrating a new business thats about to open,' Adams told Pix 11. 'This is a very, very complicated city, and thats why its the greatest city on the globe.' Adams' comments were quickly noticed by social media users, who took the interview as an opportunity to mock the mayor. But the backlash was just the latest for Adams, who has had a tough year leading the Big Apple. On Sunday he called out the Biden administration and the federal government over its 'baffling' inability to address the migrant crisis. Adams' comments were quickly noticed by social media users, who took the interview as an opportunity to mock the mayor Adams has estimated the city will spend $12 billion over the next three years to handle the influx, setting up large-scale emergency shelters, renting out hotels and providing various government services for migrants. Earlier this month the Democrat announced a $110.5 billion budget, claiming cuts across all departments were necessary after the city spent $1.45 billion in fiscal 2023 on the migrant crisis. The budget cuts would cause NYPD officers to be cut by a fifth, or 13.5 percent, by postponing the next five academy classes, bringing officers below 30,000 - down from 36,000. It comes as Adams' campaigning authorities are investigating whether Adams' campaign conspired with a Brooklyn construction company and the Turkish government to funnel foreign money into the campaign's coffers, apparently through a straw donor scheme. Adams' devices were seized in the investigation and the home of his top fundraiser was raided. Neither the mayor nor anyone in his team have been charged with a crime. Tube commuters could be set to pay more in the upcoming year as Sadiq Khan's Transport for London (TfL) are considering whether to introduce a Taylor Swift-style 'dynamic pricing' to get more people travelling. The scheme, which would see prices rise or fall depending on demand, could be used to address changing commuter travel patterns resulting from hybrid or home working in the wake of the pandemic. Dynamic pricing was used by Taylor Swift during her Reputation tour in 2018. It was also used by Bruce Springsteen, which later sparked an angry backlash from fans who faced soaring prices. Among other users of dynamic pricing are airlines, which offer customers who book early lower fares with increasing prices as the date of travel approaches. The London mayor's top transport adviser, Seb Dance, was asked by Lib-Dem Caroline Pidgeon at a London Assembly meeting on Tuesday whether TfL might introduce 'more differentiation between types of services', such as 'dynamic fare pricing', when the annual fares review happen next March, the Standard reported. Sadiq Khan's Transport for London (TfL) are considering whether to introduce a Taylor Swift-style 'dynamic pricing' to get more people travelling The scheme, which would see prices rise or fall depending on demand, could be used to address changing commuter travel patterns resulting from hybrid or home working in the wake of the pandemic Mr Dance replied: 'It's a decision for the mayor but it's also on the advice of TfL as well, as well as my own [advice]. 'In terms of dynamic fare pricing, there are many different variations of what that looks like, and TfL has indeed been tasked with looking at various options.' As to the feasibility of 'surge' pricing to address Londoners' changing travel patterns, Mr Dance continued: 'I can assure you that a whole range of options are being looked at. 'It's not just looking at travel patterns here, but looking at travel patterns worldwide.' The TfL is also examining the use of dynamic pricing in other world cities, TfL commissioner Andy Lord said. However one key concern outlined was that, unless there is some form of upgrade, the Oyster and Contactless ticketing system may not have the capacity or be flexible enough to cope with surge ticketing. 'There are some hard IT challenges,' he said. Another consideration, the Standard reported, was that TfL rail fares are currently linked to peak and off-peak on the national rail network, Mr Lord said. But he added: 'We are watching closely where some cities and some transport networks have made some changes to their pricing policy and fares policy, to see what impact it's having. 'I think we are still of the view that some form of peak and off-peak fare is the right thing to have. Friday mornings are typically the lowest of the weekday peaks, but overall numbers on a Friday are still higher than overall numbers on a weekend. 'One of the things we need to be careful of is that we don't just incentivise people to travel on a different day. What we ideally want to do is incentivise people to come into London more frequently. But we are looking at a range of options.' A Government announcement on rail fare rises from next March is due imminently. TfL fares for London buses, the London Underground, the London Overground and the Elizabeth line will be set by Mr Khan, and are likely to change at the same time. TfL has a 'working assumption' that its fares will rise by four per cent, the publication reports, but the final decision remains with the mayor. TfL expects to make an 'operating surplus' of almost 500m a year by 2026/27 due to higher fares revenue, property income and cost savings. This money is reinvested in services. It comes after senior Tories yesterday blasted Sadiq Khan for 'wasteful spending' after the Government forked out 250million in another bailout for TfL. The capital's transport network will receive the cash next year to be used for projects such as providing new Tube trains for the London Underground's Piccadilly Line. The sum is only half the 500million that Mr Khan and TfL had been demanding, while the London mayor also bemoaned the lack of a long-term funding settlement. TfL bosses said they would continue to suffer a 'shortfall in funding', which has led to doubts over the future of a proposed Bakerloo Line upgrade and extension. But both Transport Secretary Mark Harper and Susan Hall, the Tory candidate to replace Mr Khan, accused the London mayor of being unable to 'balance the books'. The 250million being provided to TfL next year is not to be used for day-to-day operations but is earmarked for capital spending. The Government said it had now supported TfL with almost 6.4billion of funding since March 2020, when the Covid pandemic decimated the network's finances. Mr Harper said: 'This Conservative Government is providing London's transport system with a 250million boost following on from billions of support in recent years. 'The Government has expressed ongoing concern about the management of TfL by this Mayor, and it is disappointing that London taxpayers are having to foot the bill for the Greater London Authority's poor governance and decision-making. 'Our capital city deserves a mayor who can balance the books without taxing the poorest motorists, or relying on taxpayers to prop them up.' A small village is in shock after a cattle farmer and his wife were found dead with gunshot wounds. Richard Harrison, 59, and wife Rachel, 54, were discovered at their farm in the village of Saddington, Leicestershire on Friday. A post-mortem examination has now been carried out and confirmed that both died from gunshot wounds. Detectives from Leicestershire police said an investigation was ongoing but they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. The couple are thought to have two children together, while Mr Harrison also has children from a previous marriage. They ran a cattle farm and delivered eggs locally. Rachel Harrison, 54, (pictured) was found dead alongside her husband Richard, 59, at their farm in the village of Saddington, Leicestershire The couple are thought to have two children together, while Mr Harrison (pictured) also has children from a previous marriage. A post-mortem examination confirmed that both died from gunshot wounds Mrs Harrison was district commissioner of her local branch of the Pony Club. One neighbour said: 'They were a lovely couple and a really nice family. We have no idea why this would have happened. It is like something from a horror film. READ MORE: Police probe 'murder-suicide' as man and woman are found dead in Midlands village of Saddington Advertisement 'Rachel would deliver eggs to my house, and we would see Richard riding his horse and moving his sheep up the road. It is a horrendous shock specially so close to Christmas.' One friend said the couple 'seemed so together'. 'I am finding it all very shocking and hope their family are getting all the support they need,' she said. Police were called to the property in the village - home to just 300 - just before 11am on Friday 15 December by East Midlands Ambulance Service following a report of a man and a woman found dead. Detective inspector David Greenhalgh, from the East Midlands special operations unit major crime team, said: 'This is a deeply tragic incident and officers are continuing to support the family during this extremely difficult time. 'We will continue to carry out enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident, but I can confirm we do not believe anyone else was involved in the incident and a file will be prepared for H.M. Coroner.' Facebook users paid tribute online. Lee Sanderson. said: 'Sad news about Richard Harrison from Saddington...just shows you never know what's going on in someone's head, thoughts are with the family. Carol O'Neill said the Harrisons delivered their eggs. 'Devastating news. ..what is going on in the world ...cannot believe it.' Simon Knight added: 'Very sad to hear about this...rest in peace my friend.' A prominent transgender activist in Philadelphia has been accused of raping two children. Kendall Stephens, 37, was arrested on Monday and charged with a slew of sex crimes against the minors. Exact details of the allegations have not been released, but she appeared at a preliminary arraignment in Philadelphia Municipal Court the same day. Sources told ABC7 the alleged offences were committed against two boys under the age of 13. Police said its Special Victims Unit received reports of previous sexual assaults on two minor children in September 2023. Stephens was arrested following a 'comprehensive investigation'. Trans rights activist Kendall Stephens, 37, from Philadelphia is accused of raping two children Stephens is harged with rape, involuntary deviant sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with minors, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with minors, indecent assault against people less than 13 years of age, obscenity to minors and endangering the welfare of children The LGBTQ+ activist rose to prominence after becoming a victim of a brutal hate crime in her Philadelphia home She is charged with rape, involuntary deviant sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with minors, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with minors, indecent assault against people less than 13 years of age, obscenity to minors and endangering the welfare of children. The LGBTQ+ campaigner became known in her local community after she turned to activism following a vicious hate crime against her. In 2020 Stephens, a black, transgender woman, was subjected to a horrific attack by a group inside her south Philadelphia home. Tymesha Wearing was convicted of aggravated assault and hate crimes as a result of her role in the home invasion. She was sentenced to 23 months of house arrest in February, along with 120 hours of community service. She was also ordered to pen a letter of apology to Stephens and undertake anger management classes. Stephens used the experience as a catalyst to becoming an activist, pushing lawmakers for greater protection for LGBTQ+ people. She said in a statement to CBS at the time: 'Although Philadelphia County recognizes what happened to me as a hate crime, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's hate crime statute doesn't recognize me as a person worthy of protection because I'm transgender, I am an unworthy minority in the eyes of the law, and that needs to change, or the cycle of hate will continue.' In 2021, Stephens stood alongside District Attorney Larry Krasner to help launch the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. According to ABC6, the board was created in order to be a source of information for victims and survivors of crime within the LGBTQ+ community. Police said they received reports of historic abuse of two children in September 2023. Stephens was arrested on Monday Stephens' bail was set for $250,000 and she is due back in court on December 29 The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General filed the charges against her, as is often the case where there might be a conflict with a local DA. Stephens describes herself as a 'human rights advocate and activist' on her Instagram page. Her bail has been set for $250,000 and her next court hearing is scheduled for December 29. DailyMail.com has contacted Stephens for comment. A notorious paedophile teacher who filmed attacks on his primary school victims has a parole hearing and could be released - despite having to be recalled to prison last time he was released. Described as a 'predatory paedophile, Nigel Leat captured on camera the attacks he carried out on five young girls over the course of five years at Hillside First School, in Weston-super-Mare. Somerset. Leat, now aged 62, also known by the surname Russell, was jailed indefinitely in 2011 after admitting 36 offences including attempted rape of a child and sexual assault. He was released from prison in November 2020 but was recalled to prison in March 2021 for breaching his licence conditions. It is not known what he did to be sent back to jail. In making its initial decision to give Leat his freedom in 2020, the Parole Board said he was 'suitable for release'. Primary school teacher Nigel Leat (pictured in 2011) filmed attacks on his young victims Police footage of Leat, who was branded a 'paedophile of the most sickening order' by the judge who handed him an 'indefinite sentence' at Bristol Crown Court in 2011 The panel was told he was not an 'imminent' risk in the community and all the witnesses who gave evidence - his probation officer, prison psychologist and prison offender manager - recommended release on licence 'would be safe at this point.' According to a Parole Board document, at the time of his crimes Leat believed it was 'acceptable to groom and sexually abuse children' and he was 'thinking a lot about sex'. The 'oral' hearing in front of a three-person panel will be the second he has had since being recalled to prison. Leat will have to prove he is not a danger to the public to be released again. A spokesperson for the Parole Board said:'We can confirm the parole review of Nigel Leat has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes. 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. 'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. 'Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. 'It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.' The teacher, who had been at Hillside First School for 15 years, was warned over being too 'tactile' with girls three years before he was arrested, but no action was taken. The court was told he would molest the girls as they practised their reading aloud in class, getting them to perform sex acts on him at the same time. The predatory paedophile 'sexually abused girls as young as six, filming the abuse on cameras he had put in place for the purpose '. Police revealed that Leat used to identify 'star pupils' and shower them with gifts before abusing them in one-to-one reading sessions. Leat preyed on up to 40 children at his primary school, Hillside First School (pictured) Leat could be heard in the films referring to the girls as 'sweetie pie' and 'darling' and asking them how much they loved him. The videos, in most of which Leat could be seen, showed girls were abused in the school's staff room and a resource room. In the films, which were up to 10 minutes long, Leat could be seen touching them, including when they were changing their clothes to go outside. He also wrote letters to them, asking them to perform sex acts on him. The father-of-two initially denied all the claims against him, but he confessed after police found the films on his home computer. After police arrested him on the 13th of December 2010, they discovered about 30,500 indecent photographs and 720 indecent movies in his possession. Judge Neil Ford QC gave Leat an indeterminate sentence, telling him he would have to serve at least eight and a half years before he could be considered for parole. He told Leat: 'Your manipulation of the children was clever, cunning and insidious.' Passing sentence, Judge Ford told him: 'I am of the opinion you do represent a serious risk to young girls. These offences were carried out over a long period of time with great regularity. 'You have the ability to befriend young girls and persuade them to participate in sexual behaviour. 'You told him (Dr Sandford) you couldn't stop, you couldn't think of anything else but to take your camera to school and make films. You described it as an obsession. 'You were in a position of authority and trust. 'In order to avoid detection you were careful not to upset the child. READ MORE - Victims left in fear as 'paedophile of the most sickening order' could be released from jail within weeks Advertisement 'You filmed most of your abuse for later gratification.' Speaking outside court in 2011, Detective Superintendent Geoff Wessell of Avon and Somerset Police said: 'Nigel Leat is a predatory paedophile of the most sickening order who has preyed on the children of his school and abused them in the most sick way. She added:'The fact that he has been recalled after just four months of being out of prison speaks volumes to me. 'I was horrified at the fact he was released at the end of last year in the first place - and the Parole Board were made aware of all of our fears. Now it is evident they are completely justified. 'If he hasn't committed another crime then he must have done something that made his probation officer extremely concerned for the public's safety. 'It goes without saying, I am glad he hasn't committed another crime, however the horrendous impact of this man's crimes has been never-ending for us.' Tony Oliver, chair of North Somerset Safeguarding Children Board, said in 2012: 'There was a failure at every level within the school. The fact that these incidents were reported within the school and not acted upon is incredible.' Oliver said it was grossly negligent that the 30 incidents staff raised concerns about were not reported to education authorities or the police. He said:'There was an endemic culture of neglect. In terms of safeguarding, parents at the school rightly expected their children would be cared for and kept safe. 'Procedures were not followed and this prevented the correct action from being taken. Concerns were not followed up and this led to children not being protected from Nigel Leat. This was a gross failure of responsibility.' The review said that 20 pupils were either abused by Leat or witnessed abuse. The headteacher of Hillside First School was sacked. Police arrested more than 60 anti-Israel protesters on Wednesday for storming into the historic Rotunda in the U.S. Capitol where they demanded a ceasefire in Gaza. Demonstrators scattered children's shoes across the floor to symbolize Palestinians killed in the war after entered the building under the guise of being regular tourists. They chanted and were placed in cuffs on the ground in front of statues of iconic American figures including George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Harry Truman. The group also demanded Congress drop what they called Biden's $110 billion 'deadly deal' in the Senate - a massive aid package in the works in the upper chamber which includes money for Israel. A demonstrator places children's shoes on the floor to draw attention to the toll of Israel's bombing of Gaza on children, during a protest in the U.S. Capitol rotunda Anti-war activists take over the Rotunda in the U.S. Capitol to demonstrate against the hostilities in Gaza, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Washington Protesters mobbed the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday demanding a ceasefire in Gaza as Capitol Police made some 60 arrests The anti-Israel demonstrators demanded Congress drop 'Biden's $106 billion deadly deal in the Senate ' - the massive aid package in the works in the upper chamber Scores of activists demanding an end to the violence in Gaza have frequently clashed with cops on Capitol Hill since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack and have even chained themselves to the White House fence. 'Stop funding violence against our communities,' read one massive sign the demonstrators held up in the Capitol Rotunda. 'Divest from militarism - invest in life,' read other signs demonstrators waved overhead. 'Protect immigrants and asylees' and 'ceasefire' read others. The demonstration came as the House has gone home for the holidays and the Senate remains in session - with low attendance rates - while leaders from each side try to reach a deal on a package that includes funding for Ukraine and Israel in exchange for new border security provisions. Biden is facing renewed pressure from the progressive left to call for a ceasefire as Palestinian casualties pile up in the war in Gaza. After stalwart support of Israel's offensive for many weeks, the White House has only recently begun to show daylight between itself and the military campaign. The White House on Monday said it had spoken to the Israeli government about the killing of two women sheltering at a Catholic church in the Gaza strip, saying there needs to be better deconfliction to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. One idea under consideration is to allow Homeland Security officials to stop migrants from applying for asylum at the southern border if the total number of crossings on a day exceeds 5,000. Border agents are overwhelmed after single day totals reportedly exceeded 10,000 illegal aliens entering the U.S. by the southern border every day of last week. Biden's supplemental request included $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, $9 billion for humanitarian assistance, $11 billion for border and migrant-related matters and $2 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. Only nine Republicans need to vote for the package to get it through the Senate if all Democrats vote for it, though Democratic detractors can be expected. The House is a different ballgame. Hardliners on both sides of the aisle in the House are expected to oppose the deal: conservative Republicans will say it doesn't live up to H.R. 2, their party-line immigration bill and that they oppose Ukraine aid in general. Progressive Democrats will oppose border restrictions. 'Divest from militarism - invest in life,' read other signs demonstrators waved overhead. 'Protect immigrants and asylees' and 'ceasefire' read others Protesters demonstrate for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, December 19 Biden is facing renewed pressure from the progressive left to demand a ceasefire as Palestinian casualties pile up in the war in Gaza Earlier this week CBS reported the White House was open to instituting a Title 42-like border authority to expel migrants without asylum screenings and expanding immigration detention and deportation in exchange for the foreign aid. Another is to detain people claiming asylum at the border, including families with children, and negotiators have eyed ways to quickly remove migrants who have been here less than two years and did not claim asylum. Major immigration reform has not been signed into law since 1986 with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Child killer Jon Venables has sworn to fight the decision to keep him in jail after he 'lost the plot' hearing his parole bid has failed, it has been claimed. The 41-year-old, who 'went mad shouting and screaming' after the parole board's decision, insisted the expert had made the 'wrong call'. Venables has 21 days to submit an appeal after last Wednesday's ruling which means the family of James Bulger still won't have peace of mind this festive season. The Parole Board agreed that Venables, who tortured and murdered two-year-old James, remained a danger to children and could not be trusted outside of jail. Venables was just 10 when he and another boy took the toddler from a shopping centre and tortured and killed him before leaving his mutilated body by a railway line in 1993. The parole board said they were concerned Venables has 'continuing issues of sexual preoccupation' and were 'not satisfied' he was safe to be back on the streets. He was originally released from prison in 2001 but has since been returned behind bars twice for possessing indecent images of children. He was granted a private two-day parole hearing after it was ruled it would 'harm his mental health' if it took place in public, but he did not attend to give evidence in person. Jon Venables, (pictured in his mugshot thirty years ago), was just 10 years old when he brutally murdered toddler James Bulger before leaving his mutilated body by a railway line in 1993 The murder of James (pictured) by Venables and Thompson shocked the nation James Bulger's father Ralph spoke out about the parole board's decision on TalkTv A source told The Sun: 'He was ranting and raving and promising to appeal and insisting he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice. 'He does have the right to appeal, and knows as well as anyone how to exploit his rights. 'So, while James' family cannot fully rest easy, they will take solace in in thinking Venables is likely to be laughed out of court in an appeal. 'But they have been put through enough to know that anything can happen in this case.' The father of murdered toddler James today spoke out of the 'mental torture' he experiences every day. Speaking on TalkTv, Ralph said: 'I'm glad he's being kept in. The public's a bit more safe for two years. It's a bit of a result. 'It's just two years of not having to worry about him. He knows how to lie to them. He was taught to lie, to hide this identity so he knows what he's doing.' A source told The Sun that Venables 'lost the plot' when told his bid for freedom was rejected, adding: 'He went mad, shouting and screaming.' Kym Morris, spokeswoman and chairwoman of the James Bulger's Memorial Trust for James' mother Denise Fergus, said: 'This is the day Denise has waited for years. 'The prospect of him coming out was terrifying as we knew he'd harm again. This is a day we celebrate and we thank the parole board for making the correct decision.' Robert Thompson, (pictured here in his mugshot), who murdered James Bulgar with Venables, has not reoffended since his release from prison James Bulger was kidnapped by Venables and his co-accused Robert Thompson James' father and his uncle Jimmy Bulger added in a joint statement they were 'relieved at the decision', and that Venables' continued offending after his release 'had a traumatic impact on us'. It was reported previously that James' family had written to the Parole Board over suggestions that one of their son's killers could be released. A family source had said: 'The family has written to the decision makers, saying they believe Venables is a danger to the public and to children, and that he needs to be kept locked up.' The insider went on to say that it should be 'a cut and dry case' and that were was no need for extra time to debate if 'monster' Venables should be released. Venables' parole bid already sparked controversy after it emerged that he skipped giving evidence during the two-day hearing to prevent 'disproportionate emotional stress.' Venables and fellow 10-year-old Robert Thompson horrified Britain when they snatched toddler James from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside. The pair kidnapped and tortured James, before leaving his mutilated body by a railway line 30 years ago. The child killers were convicted of murder in November 1993 and detained indefinitely. The pair were released aged 18 in 2001 after just eight years and given new identities. Thompson has not reoffended. Following his released in 2001, Venables was recalled to prison twice, in 2010 and 2017, having been found to be in possession of indecent images of children. Venables was turned down for parole in 2020 after serving his minimum 40 months. After his 2001 release he was given a new name - which may happen if he is freed again. Previous conditions placed on Venables included informing his parole officer if he ever got a job and getting their permission before leaving the UK. He had to regularly see a forensic psychologist and was banned from contacting Robert Thompson or any member of James Bulger's family. He also had to ask his parole officer for permission to leave Merseyside, stay overnight in the same house as a child under 16 or spend time with anyone under 12 Lanzarote has struck a deal with Ryanair to bring more British and Irish tourists to the island in a bid to boost tourism, months after its president said she wanted fewer British tourists and more 'higher-quality' ones from the continent. The 275,000 euro advertising campaign, signed off by the island's Department of Tourism Promotion, will focus on the UK and Ireland. But it will also try and attract travellers from other European countries including Italy, Belgium, Germany, Poland, France, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. This year has seen the island's leadership backpedal on comments made about the quality of British tourists. In February, president Dolores Corujo said she wanted to see the island rely less heavily on 'the British market', and focus on tourists from mainland Europe. In February, president Dolores Corujo said she wanted to see the island rely less heavily on 'the British market', and focus on tourists from mainland Europe Lanzarote tourist board information shows Britons also spend an average of 34.94 per day on the volcanic islands, more than most foreign visitors British expats make up five per cent of Lanzarote's 130,000 population. Corujo was later forced to allay the fears of British tourists by insisting: 'You are and will always be welcome here.' She added: 'It's essential to work on the diversification of the sector and the growth of markets like the German market, which adapt to our intentions of aiming at higher-quality tourism and holidaymakers who spend more when they're here and moves us away from mass tourism.' But the comments angered British tourists, who make up nearly half of the tourist who visit Lanzarote every year. Lanzarote tourist board information shows Britons also spend an average of 34.94 per day on the volcanic islands, more than most foreign visitors. On top of this, British expats make up five per cent of Lanzarote's 130,000 population. She came under heavy fire from opposition leaders and industry groups, who said her comments were damaging to British-Canarian relations. Francisco Martinez, vice-president of Lanzarote's Island Association of Hotels and Apartments, said political leaders were opening an unnecessary debate and being 'badly-advised'. Corujo's comments angered British tourists, who make up nearly half of the tourist who visit Lanzarote every year English Tourists on Puerto del Carmen Beach in Lanzarote (file photo) British pub customer sitting outdoors in Puerto del Carmen (file photo) A young girl applies sun cream to a relative's back in Puerto del Carmen (file photo) Jet2 boss Steve Heapy wrote to Corujo asking her to explain what she said and clarify whether or not she wanted British tourists coming to the island. Lanzarote's opposition leader Astrid Perez also waded into the debate, saying Corujo had been 'irresponsible' but adding: 'I don't expect the British to boycott Lanzarote just because of the irresponsible comments of a politician whose words don't represent islanders' feelings.' Corujo was later forced to allay the fears of British tourists by insisting: 'You are and will always be welcome here.' She insisted in an open letter to a newspaper on the island: 'It's categorically false that in Lanzarote we do not want British tourism or that we want to reduce the numbers of British tourists. 'I will say it once and for all. British tourism has always, is and will always be welcome on the island of Lanzarote.' 'In Lanzarote we are also lucky to have an excellent long-time resident British community, a community that is sensitive to the environment and involved in caring for and defending sustainable development for our island. 'We share our island character with the British and that makes the existence of limits in an insular, fragile and small territory like ours very well understood. The first chartered flights from London in March following the furore touched down at Diagoras airport to a warm reception, with passengers met with a water arch from the local fire service. Members of the tourism department offered gifts of sweets and honey, and the municipality's philharmonic band played local music. A furious Delta passenger has accused the airline of flying migrants from Arizona to New York City. Ashley St Clair, a right-wing commentator, shared footage on Tuesday that she claimed showed migrants who were recently let out of an immigration detention center at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. She wrote on X: 'My Delta flight from Phoenix appears to be flying migrants who crossed the border and are being shipped to New York. When I asked a Delta representative if this was the case, his response was What does it matter, theyre humans too 'What is happening???? Are taxpayer dollars paying for this????' It's unclear if the passengers were recently arrived migrants who crossed the US-Mexico border or if they came from detention centers. However, migrants are not considered illegally in the country after being processed and requesting asylum. Ashley St Clair, a right-wing commentator, shared footage on Tuesday that she claimed showed migrants about to board a Delta plane from Phoenix to New York City It's also not clear how their plane tickets were paid for. DailyMail.com has reached out to Delta airlines for comment on this story. St Clair continued posting on X about the flight, claiming most of the flight was filled with the alleged migrants, and that they still had bags from the processing center in Phoenix. She also said one of the alleged migrants was seated next to her in a premium cabin, and expressed concern about whether the passengers had been medically screened. Arizona is seeing a massive influx of migrants crossing the border, with governor Katie Hobbs on Friday ordering the states National Guard to the border with Mexico to help federal officials manage it. Hobbs asked President Joe Bidens administration a week ago to mobilize 243 Arizona National Guard troops already in the Border Patrols Tucson sector that includes Lukeville, Arizona, to help federal officers reopen the border crossing that was indefinitely closed on December 4. While St Clair's claims are unconfirmed, southern states, particularly Texas, have sent migrants to sanctuary Liberal cities like New York and Chicago. The northern cities have been overwhelmed by the newcomers and have run out of shelter room, being forced to turn hotels and public buildings into temporary housing. 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. Arizona is seeing a massive influx of migrants crossing the border Migrants queue in the cold as they look for a shelter outside a migrant assistance center in New York 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. Mayor Eric Adams has estimated the city will spend $12 billion over the next three years to handle the influx, setting up large-scale emergency shelters, renting out hotels and providing various government services for migrants. Last week the Democrat traveled to Washington DC to continue his campaign to get help from the federal government to deal with the migrant crisis. However, he said his attempts remain unsuccessful. James Cleverly tonight insisted the number of refugees who might come to Britain from Rwanda as part of the two countries' migrant deal would only be in 'single digits'. The Home Secretary told a House of Lords committee that the numbers who might come from the east African nation to the UK was 'tiny'. As he was quizzed about the detail of Britain's new treaty with Rwanda, Mr Cleverly stressed a reciprocity clause on refugees was 'not a novel clause'. 'This is similar to other clauses we have in other agreements and in those instances we are talking about literally single digits,' he told peers on the International Agreements Committee. It came after Rishi Sunak had earlier insisted to a group of senior MPs that deportation flights to Rwanda would take off despite claims airlines are refusing to help. But the Prime Minister again refused to commit to a firm date for meeting his pledge to 'stop the boats', as migrants continue to cross the Channel in small vessels. James Cleverly insisted the number of refugees who might come to Britain from Rwanda as part of the two countries' migrant deal would only be in 'single digits' The Home Secretary told a House of Lords committee that the numbers who might come from the east African nation to the UK was 'tiny' The Government is currently pushing to get the delayed Rwanda deportation plan up and running following last month's Supreme Court block on the scheme. The PM is pressing ahead with emergency legislation at Westminster in a bid to stave off future legal challenges to his plans to send asylum seekers to Africa. He and Mr Cleverly have also struck a new treaty with Rwanda in a bid to get around the Supreme Court's ruling that it is not a safe destination for asylum seekers. The Home Secretary was quizzed by Lord Kerr of Kinlochard about Article 19 of the new UK-Rwanda treaty, which states there should be arrangements to 'resettle a portion of Rwanda's most vulnerable refugees in the UK'. Asked what represented a 'portion' of Rwanda's refugees, Mr Cleverly replied: 'It's not possible for us to speculate but, I think, reflecting on the similar agreements we have with other countries, the numbers tend to be - to all intents and purposes - tiny.' Pressed again for a figure, the Home Secretary added: 'Tiny numbers, single digits of people. 'This is not a novel clause. This is similar to other clauses we have in other agreements and in those instances we are talking about literally single digits.' Senior Home Office official Dan Hobbs, the department's director general of migration and borders, also told the committee: 'Under the original Memorandum of Understanding, part of the wider agreement was that Rwanda hosts something like 130,000 refugees from the region. 'These aren't Rwandan individuals, they aren't the individuals that are relocated under the treaty. 'And it may be, as we do with other countries where we have resettlement schemes, that if there is someone with particularly acute needs or specialist needs that could be better served in the UK, we would provide safe and legal route for that person who is recognised as a refugee to come to the UK. 'In the same way as we have worked with other organisations such as UNHCR to bring refugees from vulnerable areas such as Turkey, Lebanon and others.' It came after Rishi Sunak had earlier insisted to a group of senior MPs that deportation flights to Rwanda would take off despite claims airlines are refusing to help Asked by Home Affairs Committee chairman Dame Diana Johnson about the cost of the Rwanda scheme, the PM said: 'We disclose these things on an annual basis' Mr Sunak was also challenged by Public Accounts Committee chairman Dame Meg Hillier on the 'secrecy' surrounding the costs of the migration agreement Mr Cleverly's appearance before the committee came after Mr Sunak faced his own grilling on the troubled migration scheme by the House of Commons' Liaison Committee. The PM told the gathering of senior MPs there was no 'firm date' set for him to meet his pledge to 'stop the boats'. In response to a question from Commons' Home Affairs Committee chairman Dame Diana Johnson,he said: 'The first thing to say is we have made progress and that is that the numbers this year are down by a third, which is considerable progress.' He added: 'There isn't a firm date on this because I've always been clear from the beginning. We will keep going until we do.' Mr Sunak also declined to provide further details on how much the Government expected to pay Rwanda in total under the asylum deal that has already cost 290million before any flights have taken off. And he refused to confirm or deny weekend reports that airlines are unwilling to undertake charter flights to east Africa over fears of a backlash from regular customers, citing 'commercial conversations'. Right-wing Tories have urged Mr Sunak to fight the next general election on leaving an international human rights agreement if the Rwanda plan is blocked. Danny Kruger, co-chairman of the New Conservatives group, said the party would not win the election without committing to quitting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Together with other Right-wing MPs, he abstained in last week's crunch vote on Mr Sunak's Rwanda plan, saying the draft legislation was 'unsatisfactory'. Mr Kruger told the Inside Whitehall podcast: 'I don't think we will ever get back into power if we go out of power. And frankly, I think we're going to struggle at the next election without this [leaving the ECHR] as well.' A host of Conservative MPs have long called for Britain to leave the ECHR. The convention established the European Court of Human Rights, which stopped flights carrying asylum seekers from taking off to Rwanda last year. Challenged by Public Accounts Committee chairman Dame Meg Hillier this afternoon, the PM said he was 'confident' the Government would be able to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda despite reports that no airlines were willing to provide flights. Asked whether any airlines had agreed to operate the flights, Mr Sunak replied: 'You wouldn't expect me to comment on commercial conversations that are necessarily private but I'm highly confident that we can operationalise the (Rwanda) Bill in all its aspects.' Asked by Dame Diana about the cost of the Rwanda scheme, he said: 'We disclose these things on an annual basis.' He added: 'It's absolutely right for what are commercially sensitive negotiations that there is a degree of ability for the Government to negotiate these things and then provide the appropriate level of transparency to Parliament which it is doing on an annual basis.' Pressed on the 'secrecy' surrounding the costs, Mr Sunak said: 'It may well be that we want to have other conversations with other countries. 'But again it wouldn't be right to talk about these things if we're having private conversations with other countries about potential alternatives to add to our Rwanda policy.' Tucker Carlson says there is an instance where he would not vote for Donald Trump in 2024: if the ex-president chooses Nikki Haley as his running mate. The former Fox News host and conservative pundit said he would actively oppose Trump's reelection to office if he were running with his current presidential primary rival and called Haley a 'creature of the oligarchs.' Haley, who served as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, has seen some recent poll boost in early primary states and has not ruled out running on the ticket with her former boss. Of a potential for a Trump-Haley ticket, Carlson said: 'I would not only not vote for that ticket, I would advocate against it as strongly as I could.' 'That's just poison,' Carlson added during an interview with conservative media personality Tim Pool. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson says Nikki Haley is 'poison' and said he would not vote for Donald Trump in 2024 if she is on the ticket as his running mate He said that while Haley is 'not left' but is 'neoliberal in the darkest, most nihilistic way.' Carlson also claims that the former South Carolina governor 'has no real popular support,' despite her rising poll numbers, one of which showed Haley just 15 percent behind Trump in New Hampshire. If Haley joined Trump's campaign, Carlson claimed it 'would be reason to oppose the ticket.' While Haley hasn't ruled out the prospects of VP, she did say in August: 'I think everybody that says, 'She's doing this to be vice president,' needs to understand I don't run for second.' During Carlson's discussion with Pool on the sidelines of AmFest in Phoenix, Arizona this week, he was highly critical of the team behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' candidacy and those who defend him online. He claimed they are' the nastiest, the stupidest and the most zero sum people I ever seen in my life.' Nikki Haley was Trump's ambassador to the United Nations and has not yet ruled out running as his vice president on the 2024 ticket even though she is still running her own campaign Notably, DeSantis has already ruled out running on the Republican ticket with Trump in 2024. He consistently polls second place in national polls, but has dropped in state-wide surveys to third. Carlson held a wide-ranging sit-down interview with Trump that went live just five minutes before the first Republican presidential primary debate in August as counter programming to the event that the ex-president refused to attend. Trump has had a good relationship with Carlson, who was ousted from Fox this year despite being the most watched program on the right-leaning network. It seems that relationship will sour if Trump embraces Haley. A New York doctor accused of filming himself drugging and raping women around the world - including the hospital where he worked - has been seen in court. Zhi Alan Cheng, 33, appeared at Queens Supreme Court on Tuesday wearing brown prison slacks with round spectacles and a blue Covid face covering in exclusive DailyMail.com photographs. Though his full expression was obscured by the mask, the fired New York Presbyterian Hospital gastroenterologist looked downcast as he fixed his eyes on the ground during the five-minute hearing. Melinda Katz, the Queens district attorney, described Cheng as a 'serial rapist' and a 'sexual predator of the absolute worst kind' when he was slapped with 61 counts against six women in August. Cheng, of Broadway in Astoria, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which involve allegations from three female hospital patients ranging in age from 19 to 47, between June 2021 and May 2022. If convicted he could face life in jail. Zhi Alan Cheng, a New York doctor accused of filming himself drugging and raping women around the world - including the hospital where he worked - has been seen in court Cheng, 33, appeared at Queens Supreme Court on Tuesday wearing brown prison slacks with round spectacles and a blue Covid face covering in exclusive DailyMail.com photographs Cheng, of Broadway in Astoria, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which involve allegations from three female hospital patients ranging in age from 19 to 47, between June 2021 and May 2022 Four more women, of undisclosed ages, have accused Cheng of drugging and sexually abusing them in his Queens apartment between 2020 and 2022. Prosecutors also believe he has also raped women in Manhattan, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Thailand after videos of the assault were seized from his phone. The sordid allegations came to light after a female acquaintance of Cheng's unearthed the videos, and was appalled to see footage of herself and other women being assaulted by the doctor. In December, she formally accused Cheng of using a K-N95 mask filled with cotton balls soaked in liquid to knock her out before raping her. Police began investigating her allegation, and Cheng was arrested and fired from New York Presbyterian Hospital in Queens, Long Island. Following the alleged December 2022 attack, Cheng's home was raided and police found drugs including fentanyl, ketamine, LSD and several anesthetics typically used in surgeries, plus devices with dozens of other recordings at his home. In one case, Cheng is accused of filming himself groping a 37-year-old patient as she lay unconscious at the Queens hospital in 2021. A short time later, prosecutors said, he raped a woman whom he met on a dating app and filmed the attack. Cheng attended Albany Medical College in the 2010s before completing his residency at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. He obtained his New York medical license in June 2020 Nicholas Liakas, representing the 19-year-old accuser, is suing the hospital for failing to report the June 2021 attack to the police Though his full expression was obscured by the mask, the fired New York Presbyterian Hospital gastroenterologist looked downcast as he fixed his eyes on the ground during the five-minute hearing In the video, a small brown bottle was visible on his bed, according to the authorities, who said they had recovered a similar bottle from his apartment that contained a powerful anesthetic. That same year, he is accused of raping a 19-year-old girl who went to the hospital the day before she was scheduled to have her gall bladder removed. She said Cheng unexpectedly injected her with a substance that made her fall asleep and 'when she woke up [the] doctor was no longer in [the] room'. The patient said she began experiencing 'extreme pain to [her] lower abdomen.' She and her mother both feared she could have been sexually assaulted, but she told social workers specializing in sexual assault she did not know what had happened while she was unconscious. The teenager told hospital authorities, and did not accuse him of rape, but medical staff took the allegation seriously: checking surveillance camera footage and key card access, and staged a line-up in the hospital where she identified Cheng. Nicholas Liakas, the teenager's attorney, said the investigation into the incident ground to a halt, and he has since filed a civil suit against the hospital. 'That investigation, if you want to call it, hit a dead end,' he told NBC 4 News. He told the channel the hospital 'conspired to cover up her assault by failing to tell her what had happened, failing to test or treat her for the illegal and dangerous injection of drugs she had been given, and refusing to call the police.' Prosecutors believe Cheng has also raped women in Manhattan, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Thailand after videos of the assault were seized from his phone Cheng's attorney, Jeffrey Einhorn, said previously it was 'too early' to comment on the case The doctor pleaded not guilty, and is being held on Rikers Island New York-Presbyterian would not comment on the 19-year-old's allegations, but expressed outrage at his alleged behavior. 'The crimes committed by this individual are heinous, despicable, and a fundamental betrayal of our mission and our patients' trust. We are appalled and deeply saddened by what these victims and their families have endured,' the statement read. The hospital said Cheng was fired six months ago, after New York-Presbyterian learned of the criminal rape indictment. 'In December 2022, as soon as the District Attorney made us aware of allegations of sexual abuse against this individual, he was immediately placed off duty, banned from hospital property, and terminated,' the hospital said. 'We have been fully cooperating with the Queens District Attorney's office, the NYPD, and the NYS Department of Health.' Cheng's attorney, Jeffrey Einhorn, said on Monday it was 'too early' to comment on the case. The doctor pleaded not guilty, and is being held on Rikers Island. District Attorney Katz urges women who think they may have been victimized to contact her offices Special Victims Bureau, at (718) 286-6505, or SpecialVictims@queensda.org. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is being sued by Democrats and immigration rights groups after signing a law allowing his cops to arrest and detain illegal migrants crossing the Mexico border. El Paso County, one of the most Democratic enclaves in Texas, is joining two immigrant groups in the legal attempt to block the measures. The lawsuits were filed as it was revealed the U.S. saw the most migrants crossing the border in history over the last 24 hours, with more than 14,000 encountered by overwhelmed border guards. Abbot's law would allow local and state law enforcement to arrest and deport illegal border crossers without going through federal government channels. The lawsuit argues that the federal government and immigration agencies have the ultimate and exclusive authority to carry out arrests, detentions and deportations and that Abbott cannot circumvent these procedures. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law on Monday a new immigration overhaul that gives his state and local law enforcement the power to stop, arrest and jail migrants on new state-level illegal entry charges Every day, approximately 2,000 migrants cross the southern border, with Texas bearing the brunt of the crisis for the last five years. Pictured: A U.S. Border Patrol agent watches immigrants entering a transit center after illegally crossing into Eagle Pass, Texas from Mexico Democrats, as well as civil rights and pro-immigration groups, claim that the law violates the Constitution and claim it invites racial profiling of Hispanic citizens. Abbott signed the bill on Monday, calling the new law 'so extreme' that he believed it would drive migrants away from crossing into Texas from Mexico. The latest figures show 2,000 migrants are crossing the border everyday, with Texas bearing the brunt of the crisis and new images show border crossers lined up waiting to be processed just days before Christmas. Ironically, as Abbott was signing his new law on Monday, single-day apprehensions hit a new all-time-high with at least 12,600 encounters in a 24-hour period. The stunning spike comes as US Customs and Border Protection announced it would suspend rail operations at both the El Paso and Eagle Pass international crossings in Texas. The new law, known as SB4, gives Texas law enforcement authorities power to stop, arrest and jail migrants on newly established state-level illegal entry charges. State judges in Texas will also be able to issue de facto deportations against suspected violators of the law. It's not immediately clear how the law will be enforced or how it will work with federal authorities like Customs and Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement also operating within Texas and other border states. Migrants are lining up at the border to be processed as new figures show approximately 2,000 cross each day and Monday say a new single-day high of 12,600 apprehensions A member of the Texas National Guard puts up a temporary fence on the bank of the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass, Texas on Tuesday following a new record-high single-day crossing of 12,600 apprehensions Union Pacific Railroad is urging El Paso and Eagle Pass to reopen its rail operations at the major border crossings with Mexico after suspending them amid major spikes in illegal activity this month. 'These locations represent 45% of cross-border Union Pacific business and include goods critical to the U.S. economy. There isn't enough capacity at our other four gateways to reroute them,' the railroad posted Monday on X, formerly Twitter. 'With Christmas and the New Year's holidays just days away, Union Pacific is in close communication with multiple government agencies and our customers, urging that the crossings closed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection be reopened,' the company added. 'While the company understands this is a complex humanitarian crisis, most migrants are not crossing the border on trains.' The official said British cities will soon see a spike in deaths from opioid use Major cities in Britain could be in for a new drugs epidemic amid the rise of high-potency synthetic opioids, a top police chief has warned. Donna Jones, who chairs the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said it was 'inevitable' that British cities would soon see a spike in deaths that has ravaged cities in the US since the Taliban banned poppy farming, used to create heroin, in April last year. 'That will completely dry up the heroin supply down to Africa and up through Europe over the next 12 months, which means the Chinese synthetic opioid market is going to explode,' she said. 'It's already happening in America, and heroin addicts in America are dying in their plenty because synthetic opioids like fentanyl are literally 50 times stronger than street heroin. And it is so tragic.' The comments have sparked fears that UK streets could soon resemble dystopian scenes like those witnessed in San Francisco. The once flourishing Californian city has been hit with a combined homelessness and drugs epidemic, worsened by pandemic-related unemployment and a housing shortage, that has ravaged the city for the past few years. Donna Jones, who chairs the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said it was 'inevitable' that British cities would soon see a spike in overdose deaths caused by synthetic opioids San Francisco has been hit with a combined homelessness and drugs epidemic, worsened by pandemic-related unemployment and a housing shortage The ongoing crisis has ravaged the city in recent years This year has been the deadliest for drug overdoses in the city This year has been the deadliest for drug overdoses in the city. In the first nine months of 2023, 692 peopled died of overdoses, more than the entire year of 2022, according to data published by the city's medical examiner this month. The city is currently on track to witness over 800 fatal overdoses by the year's end, topping the previous record in 2020, which saw 702. August was the deadliest month on record, which saw one person die of an overdose every nine hours. In the UK, deaths caused by drug poisoning in England and Wales are already at their highest levels since records began 30 years ago, according to the ONS. Last year, opiates accounted for just under half of the 4,907 drug-related deaths. Synthetic drugs, often several hundred times stronger than their 'natural' counterparts, have been linked to at least 54 deaths in the UK in the last six months alone, the National Crime Agency said. In the first nine months of 2023, 692 peopled died of overdoses, more than the entire year of 2022, according to data published by the city's medical examiner this month The city is currently on track to witness over 800 fatal overdoses by the year's end, topping the previous record in 2020, which saw 702 August was the deadliest month on record for San Francisco, which saw one person die of an overdose every nine hours A further 40 cases are still awaiting their final test results, meaning the number is likely to go up. Law enforcement agencies believe that the synthetic opioids, called nitazenes, are being made in China, before being imported and consumed in the UK. 'The Chinese gangs have been keeping a close eye on the supply of heroin around the world and have clearly seen an opportunity to exploit the market with a massive explosion in synthetic opioids,' Jones said. The first example of a nitazene was found in the back of a Wakefield taxi in 2021. In October, police raided a 'sophisticated factory' in Waltham Forest, northeast London, and confiscated 150,000 nitazene tablets, the largest ever stash of synthetic opioids. Eleven were arrested as a result. Detective Superintendent Helen Rance, leading the investigation, said: 'Synthetic opioids have been detected in batches of heroin found in London and across the UK. 'They substantially raise the risk of incredibly serious harm to the user, and are believed to be linked to a number of deaths.' The suspect is said to suffer from paranoia and delusions Sidhwaney sent a disturbing voicemail to Roberts on July 31 and said 'I will f****** kill you' A Florida man who suffers from paranoia and delusions has pleaded guilty to threatening to murder Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Court documents revealed that Neal Sidhwaney, 43, from Fernandina Beach admitted to one count of transmitting an interstate threat to kill Roberts in a voicemail on July 31. A psychologist's report from September said that Sidhwaney named Roberts as the target, but the Justice Department did not specify which member of the high court he threatened. 'Yeah, hi, my name is Neal Sidhwaney, uh, this message is for ... I will f****** kill you... Go f****** tell the Deputy US Marshals you f****** p****,' Sidhwaney said in the voicemail. 'I will f****** talk to them and then I'll f****** come kill you anyways, you f****** c***,' he continued. Neal Sidhwaney, 43, had pleaded guilty to threatening Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts over the phone on July 31. He was arrested on August 18 and now faces up to five years in prison Robert (middle) was sworn in as Chief Justice on September 29, 2005, by Justice John Paul Stevens in the White House The suspect was arrested on August 18 and now faces up to five years in prison. An interstate threat is when someone threatens to hurt someone in another state over the phone. Dr. Alan J. Harris conducted an evaluation of Sidhwaney that concluded that he was fit to stand trial, but he suffers from 'delusional disorder with psychosis'. 'According to his parents he believes a private agency has been following him. However, his paranoia began in 2017 when he left Google,' Dr. Harris said in a report. He added that Sidhwaney has since gone on to receive treatment with an antipsychotic drug. Harris also revealed that the suspect's mother told him that he often 'becomes enraged' while watching the news and it 'triggers him' to write emails, letter and make phone calls. The psychologist then said that his patient went on to admit that he believes that Google 'planted a chip in his head and foot.' The doctor noted that Sidhwaney's sleeping patterns were also disturbed as he would sometimes stay up until 3 am and sleep in late the next day. He would also only leave his parents' house to get coffee. A sentencing date for Sidhwaney has not been set yet. On Tuesday the nine Supreme Court Justices gathered at the Washington National Cathedral for the funeral of the late Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts talked about how the Supreme Court was like family 'composed entirely of in-laws' as he spoke at late Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's funeral on Tuesday Chief Justice John Roberts is seen with his wife, Jane Sullivan (far right) at Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's funeral with (from left) Neil Gorsuch, Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, Samuel Alito, Ginni Thomas the wife of Clarence Thomas Chief Justice Roberts was in attendance as he said that the gathering showed how the Supreme Court is like 'a family composed entirely of in-laws.' Roberts, who became chief justice in 2005, recalled readying O'Connor for the bench as a young Justice Department official. 'I was proud to be part of her team. And I thought our group did a pretty good job, after all the justice was confirmed 99 to nothing and we must have had something to do with that,' he said. Robert was sworn in as Chief Justice on September 29, 2005, by Justice John Paul Stevens in the White House. He was nominated by Bush 43 to take O'Connor's place on the court when she retired, but then later promoted to the chief justice nominee when Chief Justice William Rehnquist died. Fire-related air pollution nearly doubled in the United States in 2023 following the worst wildfires in Canadian history this summer. Blazes scorched 42.7 million acres of land in Canada due to out of control fires across Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. They emitted almost 480 megatons of carbon which is the most on record, surpassing the 138 megatons released in 2014. The resulting smoke which swept across the United States saw the average person exposed to 66 percent more fine particle pollution than the previous record year in 2021. It blanketed the East Coast this summer and the thick haze turned skies across cities including New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C., orange. Fire-related air pollution nearly doubled in the United States in 2023 following the worst wildfires in Canadian history this summer Blazes scorched 42.7 million acres of land in Canada due to out of control fires across Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. Pictured: Wildfire raging in Quebec on June 12 The resulting smoke blanketed the East Coast this summer and the thick haze turned skies across cities including New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C., orange Canada suffered its worst wildfires season in history, according to the Stanford Environmental Change and Human Outcomes Lab. More than 6,600 fires have been recorded so far this year, which is almost 1,800 more than last year. The average person in the US was exposed to nearly 700 micrograms per cubic (g/m3) meter of fine particle pollution from smoke compared to just over 300 in 2022 and 400 in 2021. The health impact of a particle concentration of 22g/m3 per 24 hours is equivalent to about one cigarette. Exposure to this pollution can cause breathing problems, irritate the throat, eyes and contribute to long-term mortality by aggravating respiratory illnesses and heart disease. The Canadian wildfires emitted almost 480 megatons of carbon, which is the most on record, surpassing the 138 megatons released in 2014. Pictured: Orange skies in Manhattan from the smoke Smoke which swept across the United States saw the average person exposed to 66 percent more fine particle pollution than the previous record year in 2021 The smoke wreaked havoc on cities across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions New York City saw its Air Quality Index score (pictured) rise past 200, which is deemed to be in the 'very unhealthy' range The smoke pollution generated by the Canadian wildfires severely affected the air quality for large parts of North America. New York City topped a list for the worst air quality in the world in June when the smoke from Canada blanketed the skies. It was more than 56 times over the World Health Organization's safety limit and was the worst recorded in the city's history. Data showed that breathing in the polluted air in New York City for 24 hours was like smoking 22 cigarettes. Weeks later Chicago recorded the worst air quality in the world as it too was consumed by smoke from the fires. Smoke billowing from a major wildfire in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada on June 3, 2023 The remains of a vehicle and home after a wildfire scorched the area in Nova Scotia, Canada on June 6, 2023 Smoke originating from Canadian wildfires caused hazardous levels of air pollution across the Northeast Skies across the East Coast were turned into an apocalyptic shade of orange and triggering numerous health warnings. People at the time were urged to stay indoors and reduce their activity levels due to the toxic air outside. Air quality alerts were also introduced in states including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, Virginia and the Carolinas, according to the National Weather Service. Mark Parrington, senior scientist for the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, said: 'The wildfires in Canada were the significant story in global fire emissions for 2023. 'The scale across much of the country, and persistence with fires continuing from May until October, was at a level which has never been seen in the data record.' A Texas teenager accused of killing a homeless woman in a drunk-driving incident appeared shell-shocked as he appeared in court to face manslaughter charges. Hunter Cameron Villasana, 17, allegedly tried to flee the scene after he ran over and killed the homeless woman in Houston on Friday. Fast food workers who witnessed the crash told police the teen offered to send them money on Venmo if they let him go. They reportedly prevented Villasana from leaving the scene after he tried taking off on foot, according to KHOU. Police say the teen had been speeding on his black Mercedes when he hit a curb, ran over the woman, who had been sleeping on the median, and hit a wall. Hunter Cameron Villasana, 17, is accused of trying to flee the scene after he hit and killed the homeless woman in Houston on Friday He looked shell-shocked as he made his first court appearance Jack in the Box workers reportedly prevented Villasana from leaving the scene after he tried taking off on foot. The scene is pictured above Villasana is also accused of lying to police, as he reportedly first alleged the woman had been in the middle of the street when he hit her. The homeless woman has not been identified but police said she was a white woman in her 50s. Police have asked anyone who might have known her to contact the Houston Police Department. The teen was charged with second-degree felony of intoxication manslaughter. He was released on a $200,000 bond to his parents and ordered to not drive and wear a SCRAM device, an ankle monitor for alcohol. 'Drunk driving or intoxicated driving is a plague in Harris County,' prosecutor Matthew Bergeron said. 'Harris County, please do not drive under the influence, do not drive intoxicated, call a friend, call an Uber, anything to avoid this situation.' Villasana is due back in court in February. A Florida high school janitor posted a video claiming a ghost was following him while he cleaned a classroom after school hours. The unnamed janitor shot the video inside Tampa's King High School and posted it on social media. He later deleted the alleged 'ghost' video, but not before it went viral. The 'eerie' video shows a classroom covered in confetti and several balloons - including a red one that stood alone in the corner. The 'eerie' video shows a classroom covered in confetti and several balloons - including a red one that stood alone in the corner The janitor begins to focus on the lone red balloon and says the inanimate object is 'freaking him out' The janitor begins to focus on the lone red balloon and says the inanimate object is 'freaking him out'. He said: 'No matter where I'm at in the classroom or whatever I decide to do, it just follows me.' Footage shows the balloon floating for a while in the corner before starting to edge forward and somehow follow the man. Things worsen for the janitor as, for a split second, a shadowy figure is seen sprinting across the back of the hall. Footage shows the balloon floating for a while in the corner before starting to edge forward and somehow follow the man Things worsen for the janitor as, for a split second, a shadowy figure is seen sprinting across the back of the room By then, viewers see him running away while saying: 'No, I can't'. He also alleged that his predecessors had warned him of strange goings on in the school at night. The alleged sighting follows the discovery of 145 caskets from a former pauper's cemetery on the grounds of the school in 2019. The former Ridgewood Cemetery was found at King High School and records indicate that there were 250 to 268 burials at Ridgewood in the 1940s and 50s. Most were for black people but some were also for poor white people during the time. The cemetery is noted on the school district's deed record but was forgotten over time. Tampa opened Ridgewood Cemetery in 1942, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The city sold a 40-acre plot that included the cemetery to a private company in 1957 and the company sold it to the school district in 1959. The graves came to light when cemetery researcher Ray Reed told the school board that a former cemetery was likely located on the campus years ago. Scott Purcell, a senior geophysicist with GeoView, left, and Mike Wightman, president of GeoView use ground penetrating radar technology to scan a portion of King High campus A map of the campus shows where the scans were run shaded in blue, and the coffins that were located in pink. The presumed cemetery grounds are outlined in red Contractor GeoView used ground-penetrating radar to scan several possible areas However, pauper cemeteries rarely have grave markers, and officials were uncertain where the buried caskets were on campus. The district then brought in contractor GeoView, who used ground-penetrating radar to scan several possible areas. In total, 145 caskets or voids where caskets may have decayed were identified in the scans. As for the other roughly 100 graves in burial records that are unaccounted for, Superintendent Eakins said that there are several possible explanations. Some graves may simply have been missed or are underneath a nearby outbuilding, or the remains may have been moved. Eakins also said that children's coffins may have been too small to register on the scan. Records show that as many as 77 children were buried in the cemetery. While the findings are famous nationwide, many Reddit users believe that the janitor used a fishing line or static electricity to move the balloon in the video Yvette Lewis, president of the Hillsborough County NAACP, expressed outrage at the time and told the Times that she believed the cemetery was lost because most of the people buried in it were black. While the findings are famous nationwide, many Reddit users believe that the janitor used a fishing line or static electricity to move the balloon in the video. One user joked and said: 'Hahahahaha. Elaborate prank or not, this one got me good. Just imagine that happening to you for real. Id be shitting my pants alright.' While another explained why people saw a spirit running. They wrote: 'Do you see the phone frames trying to autofocus? That split-second distortion is the spirit. I had the same thing on numerous occasions.' One user wrote a 'point of view' comment and wrote: 'Balloons like, "Ill wait in this classroom till you have the camera ready".' The janitor has not responded to any such comments. He was stabbed in Sydney's south-west in February A man has been charged with murder over the stabbing death of Ghassan Long who died after a violent fight broke out near a children's playground earlier this year. The 24-year-old suffered multiple stab wounds before dying just before 10pm at Leonard Reserve in Roselands, south-west Sydney, on February 23. Police believe up to 10 people were involved in the violent brawl with strike force detectives arresting a seventh man just after 7am on Tuesday. The 21-year-old man was arrested at a home in Punchbowl in Sydney's west. In dramatic footage of the arrest, detectives and seven officers in tactical response gear are seen bringing the handcuffed man outside. He attempts to cover his face with his hands as he is walked to a waiting police van. A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder over the stabbing death of Ghassan Long who died after a violent fight broke out near a children's playground in Sydney's south-west The man was taken to Campsie Police Station and charged with murder, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and dishonestly obtain property by deception. Police will allege the man stabbed Mr Long during the violent brawl. He was refused bail and spent the night behind bars on Tuesday. He is due to appear before Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday. Six men have previously been charged and remain before the courts. In November, three men were charged with affray and another with murder. A shattered family claim they've been left with an uncompleted home with costly defects after they were left in the lurch by their builder. Miriam Rojas and her husband Malcolm Hancock signed a contract with 5Rivers Engineering sole trader Karan Bhalla to build their dream home in inner-city Brisbane. Almost three years on, the family-of-four faces mounting financial problems after they were allegedly left with an abandoned building site because of a series of frustrating delays. Mr Bhalla's building licence was recently cancelled due to debts owing to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Ms Rojas and her husband have spoken out about their ordeal to warn other homeowners. In the last 12 months, the couple have encountered one nightmare after another since engaging a lawyer to end their contact with Mr Bhalla, news.com.au reported. The site of the family's half-completed home has been abandoned and requires significant demolition, according to an independent building report Miriam Rojas (left) and her husband Malcolm Hancock (right) have spoken out about their nightmare to warn others The couple paid for an independent building report, which found that their half-finished home would need 'significant demolition' deemed as 'uneconomical' to fix. 'At this stage, we believe rectifications would be extensive and costly,' the report stated. 'They would involve significant demolition of the slab and footing system, followed by reconstruction. This process is likely to be uneconomical.' 'We are having a terrible time, financially we are struggling,' Ms Rojas told the news site. The alleged theft of windows for their home being stored on a neighbouring property added to the ongoing nightmare. The couple's attempts to end the contract sparked a furious response from the builder. 'I did my utmost to get the house completed and the market did not work,' Mr Bhalla allegedly told them via text. The Brisbane couple claim they've been left with an uncompleted home (pictured) with costly defects 'U don't even want to payment (sic) the peanuts I asked for.' Mr Bhalla allegedly later texted: 'I did everything to make things work with no income from you for over 6 months. Find anyone who would do that.' The couple remain hopeful of salvaging the site by claiming insurance. Three insurance claims totalling almost $500,000 have been made against Mr Bhalla in the last 18 months. The builder also received eight demerit points earlier this year for a breach of schedule and failing to pay appropriate insurance premiums. Mr Bhalla says all allegations about his business are 'demonstrably false'. A Hamas financier thought to have supplied the terror group with 'tens of millions' of dollars has been killed by Israel's Defence Forces in Gaza, Israeli officials have claimed. Subhi Ferwana was killed by a fighter jet in a 'targeted' airstrike in Rafah, the IDF and Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) said in a joint statement. According to the officials, Ferwana, together with his brother, were involved in the transfer of tens of millions of dollars to the Hamas terrorist organization and its military wing in the Gaza Strip through their money exchange company, 'Hamsat', over the past few years. They added that Hamas' military wing depends on these funds transferred to them and its capabilities are now 'consequently diminished' without them. They said that Ferwana transferred funds to Hamas' military wing during the war and 'was aware' that these funds would be vital for continuing the wing's ability to fight. 'The funds were used - among other things - for intensification of military forces, the payment of terrorists' salaries during the war, and to finance Hamas' war activities', they said in their statement. Subhi Ferwana was killed by a fighter jet in a 'targeted' airstrike in Rafah, the IDF and Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) said in a joint statement Palestinians inspect a destroyed house following an Israeli air strike Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza It comes as the Israeli President announced Israel would be prepared for another foreign-mediated truce, should it lead to the exchange of hostages from Gaza. Isaac Herzog told a gathering of more than 80 ambassadors: 'Israel is ready for another humanitarian pause and additional humanitarian aid in order to enable the release of hostages. In response, a Hamas senior official rejected holding negotiations over a prisoner exchange but reiterated that the group was open to any initiative to end the war. Earlier in the day, Rishi Sunak told the House of Commons liaison committee that too many civilians are being killed due to Hamas embedding itself in civilian communities. The prime minister also warned Cabinet that malign actors are seeking to exploit the situation in the Middle East for their own ends, as Iran-backed Houthi rebels doubled down on attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, it was revealed Hamas fighters used a 'safe' hospital as a terror base knowing they 'won't be targeted', the director of a Gaza medical facility admitted to Israeli security forces this week. Ahmed Kahlot, the director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabalya in the north of the Gaza Strip, made the confession under interrogation, Israeli media reports. He told Shin Bet officials that Hamas used the hospital to hide its operatives, carry out military activities, move its personnel around and even bring in captured soldiers, according to Israel National News. 'They hide in hospitals because for them a hospital is a safe place. They won't be targeted when they are inside a hospital,' Kahalot said, the outlet reported. Injured Palestinians are brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for medical treatment Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a house Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis Kahlot said he was recruited by Hamas in 2010. 'I know 16 employees in the hospital - doctor, nurse, paramedic, or clerks who also have different positions in al-Qassam.' The al-Qassam brigades is the military wing of the terror group that attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking 240 hostage into Gaza. 'There are offices where the Hamas leader and two of the senior officials were. There's a place where the soldier was in (the kidnapped soldier),' he continued. 'There's a place for the interrogators, internal security, and special security. All of them have private telephone lines inside the hospital.' He added: 'They [Hamas] have a private ambulance, even its colour and the way it's painted are different, and it doesn't have a license plate. 'They used it to transport the soldier [kidnapped] and transport bodies It didn't assist us with transporting the injured,' Israel National News quoted him as saying. 'I begged him to take someone to the Indonesian Hospital, take to Shifa [hospital], but he would refuse. His mission is more important. Despite suggesting he was a member of the group, Kahalot criticised Hamas' use of his and other hospitals. 'The leaders of Hamas are cowards. They left us in the field while they hid in secret places They have destroyed us.' Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the rising civilian death toll and destruction of hospitals in Gaza. The deadliest-ever war in the narrow territory began after Hamas militants poured across the border in an attack on October 7 that killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures. During their attack, militants abducted about 250 people, latest Israeli figures say. In Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive against Hamas, at least 19,667 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in the Palestinian territory, according to the health ministry there. The ministry says around 52,600 have also been wounded. Monique Olivier, 75, had been the 'perfect accomplice' to killer Michel Fourniret The widow of the French the 'Ogre of the Ardennes' has been found guilty of aiding the serial killer murder multiple women, including British student Joanna Parrish. Frenchwoman Monique Olivier, 75, helped her monstrous husband, the late Michel Fourniret, as he raped and killed his victims across eastern France between 1987 and 2003. Olivier faced a second life prison sentence after being found guilty of 'aiding and abetting' the twisted serial killer for her part in the abduction, rape and murder of Ms Parrish, 20, in the Burgundy town of Auxerre in 1990 and Marie-Angele Domece, 18, two years earlier. Olivier was also convicted of being an accomplice in the disappearance of Estelle Mouzin, nine, in 2003. Neither Estelles nor Marie-Angeles remains have ever been found. The widow showed no emotion as a court in the Paris suburb of Nanterre handed down their verdict on Tuesday evening, following 10 hours of deliberation. Monique Olivier, ex-wife of serial killer Michel Fourniret, sits in the courtroom during her trial at the assize court in Nanterre, Paris' suburb, on November 28, 2023 Before his own death in prison in 2021, aged 79, Fourniret (pictured) was accused of murdering eight girls and young women between 1987 and 2001 It concluded that Olivier, who is already serving a life sentence issued in 2008 for her complicity in other murders, had been the 'perfect accomplice' to Fourniret, who was also jailed for life in 2008 and died in 2021, aged 79. A three-week trial saw prosecutors outline Olivier's part in multiple killings, including that of Leeds University student Joanna Parrish, who was originally from Gloucestershire. Earlier on Tuesday, Olivier told the Hauts-de-Seine Assizes Court: 'I ask for forgiveness, while knowing that everything I did is unforgivable'. Such words were directed at victims' families, including Ms Parrish's now divorced parents, Pauline Murrell, 75, and Roger Parrish, 80. Her boyfriend at the time of her death, Patrick Proctor, was also in court for most of the trial. They have been fighting for justice ever since Joanna was lured to her murder in 1990, when she was just 20 and have accused police and the French legal system of botching the investigation into her death. Ms Parrish's naked corpse was found in the Yonne River, near the eastern city of Auxerre, where she was working as a language assistant during a year abroad Joanna Parrish was a Leeds University student who was originally from Gloucestershire Olivier was also on trial for the 2003 disappearance of nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin, whose body was never found Eric Mouzin, father of Estelle, arrived at the assize court to attend the trial of Monique Olivier Ms Parrish was abducted by Fourniret and Olivier after she placed an advert in a local paper offering English lessons. The macabre couple had replied, saying they were looking for a teacher for their son. The student's naked corpse was found in the Yonne River, near the eastern city of Auxerre, where she was working as a language assistant during a year abroad. Joanna's father Roger Parrish said that 'there has never been any doubt in our minds at all' that Monique Olivier was 'equally responsible for the murder of Joanna and the other completely innocent victims' after Olivier was sentenced to life in prison for her complicity in the murder. During a press conference in Nanterre on Tuesday, Mr Parrish asked for a moment to remember all the victims, then said: 'We're satisfied that the court has recognised Monique Olivier's part in the murder of our daughter and sister. She has been found guilty on all counts and a verdict and sentence passed accordingly. 'There's never been any doubt in our minds at all that she was equally responsible for the murder of Joanna and the other completely innocent victims. 'From the very first moment that a victim was identified, she knew exactly, exactly, what would happen to them. Not only did she do nothing to help them, but she actively encouraged and participated in both their capture and subsequent murder. Olivier faced a second life prison sentence after being found guilty of 'aiding and abetting' her twisted serial killer husband Frenchwoman Monique Olivier, 75, helped her monstrous husband, the late Michel Fourniret, as he raped and killed his victims across eastern France 'Her presence alone would have gained the confidence of all the victims, who would never have believed a woman could be a part of such an appalling and depraved act. Her participation in these acts has now been proved beyond any doubt. 'Finally, we now hope after this last obstacle in our struggle to gain an element of justice for Joanna has been overcome, we can remember our daughter and sister with a smile on our faces, which is how, of course, all her many friends remember her.' Before his own death in prison in 2021, aged 79, Fourniret was accused of murdering eight girls and young women between 1987 and 2001. Fourniret was dubbed the 'Ogre of the Ardennes' after the region on the France-Belgium border where he preyed on victims. Before tonight's verdict, Olivier was already serving a life sentence for complicity in four of the killings and a gang rape committed by Fourniret. Fourniret and Olivier were initially due to be tried jointly for the three murders, as he had confessed to them in 2018. But proceedings were delayed by searches for the remains of Marie-Angele and Estelle, who are believed to be buried in the grounds of the couples Ardennes chateau which they bought with stolen gold dug up from a graveyard. Before tonight's verdict, Olivier was already serving a life sentence for complicity in four of the killings and a gang rape committed by Fourniret (Pictured: A picture taken in 1992 of Monique Olivier) Olivier would regularly find victims for Fourniret because 'she liked to carry out his orders,' according to prosecution evidence. Summing up on Tuesday, Avocat General Hugues Julie said: 'She was his perfect accomplice. This couple could be the worst serial killers in the past fifty years in France and Belgium. 'Raping and murdering was as inconsequential to them as going to the supermarket.' Many of the witnesses who testified were investigators from France and Belgium, where Fourniret was arrested in 2003 after a failed attempt to kidnap a girl of 13. They included Sabine Kheris, the investigating magistrate who took Fournirets confession and persuaded Olivier to talk. Ms Kheris now leads a cold cases unit based in Nanterre launched last year. We created the unit because we didnt want to leave the parents with no answers thats what its about, Ms Kheris told the Mail. Ms Kheris believes Fournirets true tally of murder could be as high as 35. Her cold case unit will be looking into some of those cases in the hope of avoiding past errors. Stephanie Pottier, another Avocate General who was prosecuting in Nanterre, said Joanna was deliberately targeted, so as to be defiled and then murdered. Fourniret was dubbed the 'Ogre of the Ardennes' after the region on the France-Belgium border where he preyed on victims 'Olivier was present to reassure this young woman and to get her in the van [that Fourniret used to trap victims],' said Ms Pottier. 'Her fate was sealed. Joanna Parrish would still be alive if Monique Olivier hadn't been there on the day of the kidnapping.' Olivier's defence lawyer, Richard Delgenes, told the jury on Tuesday: 'You will fine her guilty because she recognises the facts. She will not appeal your decision. 'Today she is on another path, which concerns only her and on this path she makes choices and she chooses to confess. 'I don't believe she has two faces there is only one Monique Olivier.' Life in prison is 22 years in France, but sentences run concurrently, and with good behaviour Olivier could technically still be released in 2035, when she will be 86. The attorney generals also called for Olivier to be deprived of all civil, civic and family rights for a period of at least 10 years, on release. A defiant Rudy Giuliani headed to his New York office on Tuesday, less than a week after he was ordered to pay $148 million in damages for defaming two Georgia election workers. DailyMail.com spotted the 79-year-old 'America's Mayor' walking in Manhattan after doubling down on the claims that have left him on the precipice of financial disaster. When asked about his thoughts on the verdict in Georgia he again said he would appeal, mirroring a statement he made last week. The former prosecutor and New York mayor is staring down the prospect of lawyers going after all his assets to pay off the damages awarded against him on Friday night. On Monday night, he was sued again by Ruby Freeman and Wandrea 'Shaye' Moss for spreading the same 'lies' about the 2020 election they successfully sued him for. A defiant Rudy Giuliani headed to his New York office on Tuesday, less than a week after he was ordered to pay $148 million in damages for defaming two Georgia election workers They claimed their lives were made hell and they couldn't leave their homes after he accused them of harvesting ballots to try and rig the vote for Joe Biden. But an unfazed Giuliani said in an interview that he stands behind his allegations about Freeman and Moss, and claimed the verdict was a result of the 'fascist system run by the Biden regime'. He told Newsmax's Rob Schmitt on Monday night: 'They are suing me in order to lie to them. Im sorry, I cant do it. 'If I showed you the evidence right now people would see that what I said was absolutely true and theres support for it.' He also said the judge decided he was guilty 'not based on any evidence but based on the fact that I didn't turn over some financial documents'. The interview came out just hours after Freeman and Moss's second lawsuit was filed. DailyMail.com spotted the 79-year-old formerly known as 'America's Mayor' walking in Manhattan after doubling down on the claims that have left him on the precipice of financial disaster When asked about his thoughts on the verdict in Georgia he again said he would appeal, mirroring a statement he made last week The former prosecutor and New York mayor is staring down the prospect of lawyers going after all his assets to pay off the damages awarded against him on Friday night 'Defendant Giuliani continues to spread the very same lies for which he has already been held liable,' according to the new suit. '(His) statements coupled with his refusal to agree to refrain from continuing to make such statements, make clear that he intends to persist in his campaign of targeted defamation and harassment. It must stop,' according to the new filing. On Friday, after the ruling came down, Giuliani insisted everying he said about Moss and Freeman was true. 'He said his claims 'were supportable and are supportable today.' 'It will be reversed so quickly it will make your head spin, and the absurd number that just came in will help that actually,' Giuliani said. Giuliani declined to testify in his own defense, yet insisted he was not given the chance to make his case. He also said his claims of cheating were 'supportable' - despite there never being any evidence brought forward. 'I have no doubt that my comments were made and they were supportable and are supportable today,' he said. 'I just did not have an opportunity to present the evidence that we offered.' He said he didn't testify because it 'didn't seem like it was going to do much to persuade anybody.' The latest suit came after U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell raised concerns about how to police potential future comments by Giuliani and as former President Donald Trump called the award against Giuliani 'sad.' The bombshell verdict dealt a catastrophic blow to the former New York mayor and was vindication for election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who said his allegations caused a flood of threats that made their life hell I think it's so sad, what's happened to Rudy, Trump told reporters after being asked about the situation by DailyMail.com during a campaign briefing by staff members in West Palm Beach. He's a great patriot he's the greatest mayor in the history of New York. I think it's a very, very unfair situation,' Trump said during a drop-in appearance. 'I'm not going to comment on any potential upcoming legal matters, but I will say thisthe Rudy Giuliani you see today is the same man who took down the Mafia, cleaned up New York City, lifted hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty, and comforted the nationand worldfollowing the terrorist attacks of September 11th,' said Giuliani political advisor Ted Goodman. While many Republicans shuddered at Donald Trump's description of migrants in language similar to Adolf Hitler, Senator Tommy Tuberville insisted the former president's comments were not harsh enough. The former president over the weekend said migrants are 'poisoning the blood of our country.' 'I'm mad he wasn't tougher than that, because have you seen what's happening at the border?' the Alabama Republican said in reaction Tuesday. When Mitch McConnell was asked about the comment, the Senate GOP leader quipped to reporters: 'Well, it strikes me, that didn't bother him when he appointed Elaine Chao secretary of transportation.' Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance issued a passionate defense of Trump and insisted his comments were taken out of context. 'First of all, he didn't say immigrants were poisoning the blood of this country. He said illegal immigrants were poisoning the blood of this country, which is objectively and obviously true to anybody who looks at the statistics about fentanyl overdoses,' Vance said. 'Why do you think that Donald Trump's language is targeted at the blood of the immigrants and not at the blood of the American citizens who are being poisoned by the fentanyl problem,' Vance continued. 'This is ridiculous. If you watch the speech in context and look at what's going on, it's obvious that he was talking about the very clear fact that the blood of Americans is being poisoned by a drug epidemic.' He said it was 'absurd'' to compare Trump's comments to Hitler rhetoric. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said, 'I think it's unhelpful rhetoric,' according to a Hill report. And fellow Senate GOP leadership member Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said she 'obviously' doesn't agree with his language. 'We're all children of immigrants,' the West Virginia Republican said. 'It's just part of his campaign rhetoric, I guess. I don't know, I can't explain it.' Tuberville has been a thorn in Senate Democrats' side over his holdup of some 400 military promotions in protest of the Pentagon's abortion travel policy. At the start of December, Tuberville finally lifted his blockade on all but 11 four-star promotions after members of his own party joined Democrats in pressuring him to relent. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama said he was maintaining a hold on 11 four-star generals, but would lift his blanket hold on military promotions, after a months-long blockade Trump said of migrants at a rally over the weekend: 'They're poisoning the blood of our country. That's what they've done.' He added that illegal immigrants 'poisoned mental institutions and prisons all over the world.' The words appear to be borrowed from Adolf Hitler's 1925 manifesto Mein Kampf, where the German dictator wrote: 'All great cultures of the past perished only because the originally creative race died out from blood poisoning.' Trump told his supporters 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.' During the same rally, Trump also quoted Putin by claiming President Joe Biden is a 'threat to democracy.' 'Even Vladimir Putin says that Biden's, 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 ex-president said. On the other end, Sen. Lindsey Graham said on Sunday that he doesn't care what sort of language Trump uses because his policies were more effective than Biden's in quelling the southern border crisis. While Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-Ky.) says Trump's rhetoric crossed the line, he still thinks Biden has failed to do anything to adequately address surging illegal immigration. 'My grandfather was an immigrant so I don't agree with that sentiment,' the No. 2 ranking Senate Republican said. 'We are a nation of immigrants, we're a welcoming country, but we're also a nation of laws,' he added. 'We can't allow this just rampant violation of law at the Southern border. It's out of control. It's insane. JD Vance defended Trump and said his comments were taken out of context In an aerial view, thousands of immigrants, most wearing thermal blankets, await processing at a U.S. Border Patrol transit center on December 19, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas US-Mexico border at Eagle Pass faces 'absolute collapse': NO Border Patrol agents are patrolling large areas of border as 14,000 migrants enter city in a single day and agents are reassigned to guard them Migrants captured by Rep Tony Gonzales in Eagle Pass, Texas 'We're not enforcing the rule of law in our country and I think it's wrong and it sends all the wrong signals to the rest of the world,' Thune concluded. Trump's latest rally, where he also praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un as well as Hungary's authoritarian leader Viktor Orban, gave Democrats more ammunition as the ex-president also faces 91 felony counts in Washington, D.C., Miami and New York. '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,' a spokesperson for Biden's reelection campaign said. Woman holds a child as US border agents watcher over migrants at a transit center in Eagle Pass Sen. Graham (R-S.C.) pushed back on those critical of Donald Trump 's language when describing illegal immigrants, claiming he's more worried about actions. 'You know, we're talking about language,' he told NBC News Meet the Press host Kristen Welker. 'I could (sic) care less what language people use as long as we get it right.' 'You know, I think the president has a way of talking, sometimes, I disagree with,' Graham added. 'But he actually delivered on the border.' 'People are looking for results. If the only thing you want to talk about on immigration is the way Donald Trump talks, you're missing a lot.' This isn't the first time Trump has been likened to authoritarian leaders he even suggested in an interview earlier this month he would rule like a dictator, but only on 'day one' of a second term. Farmer was charged with four counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. Scott Farmer, 47, allegedly struck the siblings in an SUV as he drove his truck on the opposite side of the highway. A Wisconsin family lost four siblings aged nine to 25 after they were killed in a horrific head-on crash. On Saturday around 9:00 pm, Daniel, Fabian, Lilian and Daniela Gonzalez were struck by Scott Farmer, 47, as he allegedly drove his truck the wrong way on Highway 10, approximately 100 miles from Milwaukee. Farmer has since been charged with four counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle after he allegedly slammed into the SUV the siblings were riding in. Fabian, 23, Lilian, 14, and Daniela, 9, all died at the scene of the crash while their eldest brother, Daniel, 25, died at the hospital on Sunday. 'All I would say is, that he and all people who might drink for many bad reasons, to excess, or other drugs, would be responsible and think of others, because you really destroyed our lives,' the siblings step-father Kurt Shilling told Fox 11. Daniel Gonzalez, 25, Daniela Gonzalez, 9, Lilian Gonzalez, 14, and Fabian Gonzalez, 23, died in a car crash on Saturday night in Weyauwega, Wisconsin. Scott Farmer, 47, struck the kids as they rode in an SUV after he drove his truck on the wrong side of the highway while intoxicated. Farmer appeared in his first court appearance on Monday via video from the Waupaca County jail where a judge set his bond at $75,000. The siblings' cousin Luis Gonzalez-Quizhpe created a GoFundMe page for the grieving family as he revealed that they were all from the Indigenous community of Saraguro, Ecuador. Their mother, Paulina Gonzalez-Medina said that her two boys, Daniel and Fabian, spent a lot of time together and they shared a joy for music. Lilian was a freshman at Weyauwega-Fremont High School, and her mother said that she dreamed of being a teacher. Daniela, who was in fourth grade, dreamt of becoming a cheerleader one day. During the time of the tragic crash, the siblings' family said that they were on their way back home from their weekly outing. They were just three miles away from their house when Farmer collided with them. Shilling said: 'The big brothers would always treat their sisters to Culver's and then drop them off here, go to bed, be in church in the morning, that kind of thing. It was the Saturday tradition.' Shelby Strahl and her twin, Farah Krueger, drove up to the crash site that night and attempted to help the Gonzalez children. The siblings' mother, Paulina Gonzalez-Medina, and their step-father, Kurt Shilling (right), said that they were just three miles from home at the time of the accident Fabian, Lillian and Daniela all died at the scene of the crash while Daniel died at the hospital the day after The sisters went on to console the family after their tragic loss as Strahl said: 'Knowing that they were all siblings was just heart-wrenching and we just wanted to hug everyone, offer our condolences and let them know that we were there holding their hands, whether they were helped or not.' Schilling told ABC News that he was not pleased with the bond amount that Farmer was given. '$75,000 after killing four beautiful people's lives, our children. Where's the justice in that?' Schilling has four of his own children while Gonzalez-Medina had five, and Schilling said that he treated his wife's children as his own. Farmer's attorney, Alex Gelhar, did not seek a specific bond amount, and he said that his client has strong financial and family ties to the area. He went on to say that 'that could indicate to the court that he is not a flight risk.' The family plans to have a funeral in Wisconsin and Ecuador, where they will be buried The siblings' family plan to hold a funeral for all four of them in Wisconsin before they take them back to their birth place of Ecuador to be buried. Their cousin said that donations are set to go toward both funeral services, the reparation processes for each sibling and 'any unforeseen costs associated with laying my cousins to rest.' More than $30,000 has been raised so far out of a $40,000 goal. 'We sincerely appreciate any help you may be able to provide at this time, either through sharing this page, your donations, or through your thoughts and prayers for our family,' Gonzalez-Quizhpe said. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration would not disclose when Hunter Biden traveled with his father on tax payer-funded aircraft like Marine One. Hunter traveled on the presidential helicopter with President Joe Biden from Wilmington, Del., to the White House on Tuesday morning. He was seen exiting the military transport with his son Beau. The White House releases names of staff who travel with the president on Marine One and Air Force One but Jean-Pierre, under questioning from DailyMail.com and Fox News, said the administration wouldn't release the names of family members. 'No,' she said during her White House press briefing. Hunter Biden exiting Marine One on Tuesday morning as his son Beau Biden is guided (in the foreground) by White House aides Hunter Biden was not listed on the passenger manifest for Marine One that was publicly released by the White House President Joe Biden exiting Marine One on Tuesday 'That's something that we've never done,' Jean-Pierre continued. 'The family gets to travel with the president. And that's been the case with every other president. And so it's not something that we have done or we would be doing.' Many members of the Biden family have traveled with the president and first lady on the presidential aircraft, which are funded by the tax payers. Other presidents have had their adult children fly with them and not publicly announce it. Donald Trump's oldest sons Don Jr and Eric Trump often flew on Air Force One with their wives and children. Hunter Biden, his son Beau and wife Melissa Cohen were in Wilmington, Del., on Monday with the president and first lady Jill Biden to mark the anniversary of the death of Joe Biden's first wife Neilia Hunter Biden and their one-year old daughter Naomi, who were killed in car crash in 1972. 'They were observing a very somber anniversary for them,' Jean-Pierre noted. 'And obviously the president is very close to his family.' Looking ahead, the president and first lady are scheduled to spend the Christmas holiday at Camp David. Jean-Pierre declined to say which family members would be with them. 'He spends, obviously, every holiday with his family - mostly every single day with his family. I just don't have a list of names to share,' she said. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden's White House - like other administrations - would not disclose when family members travel on Air Force One and Marine One Many Biden family members have flown with the president on Air Force One: above: Hunter Biden, Beau Biden, Ashley Biden, Melissa Cohen, Natalie Biden, and Hunter Jr. exit Air Force One in November on the return to Washington DC from Nantucket Hunter Biden is currently defying a subpoena to appear before Congress and House Republicans are vowing to hold him in contempt. Earlier this month, the president's son traveled to Capitol Hill to announce he would only appear in public and stating his father 'was not financially involved in my business.' Republicans wanted him to appear behind-closed-doors and offered to hold a later, public hearing. But Hunter said he feared his testimony would be twisted if it wasn't conducted in public. 'I'm here today to make sure that the House committees' illegitimate investigations of my family do not proceed on distortions, manipulated evidence and lies,' he said on December 13th as he stood in front of the Capitol. Jean-Pierre reiterated the president and first lady's support for their son. 'I'll say lastly, and I've said this many times before, the President and the First Lady love their son very much,' she noted. Biden has denied any involvement in his son's business affairs. Republicans allege there is a link between Joe Biden's actions as president or vice president and his family's financial dealings. The House voted last week to formally start an impeachment inquiry into President Biden. Democrats blasted it as politically-motivated nonsense. A Gold Coast mum was fined $193 for blocking access to her own driveway. Megan Pass copped the fine earlier this month for allegedly obstructing the council-owned strip in front of her Pimpama home on Coomera Heights Dr, in the city's north. 'This doesn't make sense,' she told 7News. Rangers alleged Ms Pass's car blocked other vehicles from accessing council land - even though she has parked the same way in her driveway for seven years without issue. 'I'm not parking across a footpath ... that I would've understood,' she said. Gold Coast mum was fined $193 for blocking council access to her own driveway earlier this year (pictured, the photo submitted with ms Pass' fine) Ms Pass (pictured with her car) has lived in her home for seven years and said she's always parked similarly on her driveway without issue Ms Pass (pictured with her car) argued the fine 'doesn't make sense' as she was only blocking her own driveway However, city mayor Tom Tate defended the fine and recommended Ms Pass 'park in the street or inside the house'. 'It's a safety issue ... that's why they've issued it, and it's part of the local law,' he said. Local legislation prohibits drivers from blocking access to paths or driveways, including their own. The council website explains a resident's driveway ends at their boundary line, the rest of the driveway is considered a 'vehicle crossing', which is owned by council. 'You must not stop for more than two minutes across a driveway or across any other access for vehicles,' the council website states. Mayor Tate added: 'Parking on council land, you're not meant to do that. Don't do it, let people walk past.' The explanation did little to satisfy annoyed netizens who accused the council of 'revenue raising'. Ms Pass is planning to fight the fine (above) but city mayor Tom Tate insisted her parking was 'a safety issue' and recommended she 'park in the street or inside the house' The council website explains a resident's driveway ends at their boundary line, the rest of the driveway is considered a 'vehicle crossing' (above) 'What a joke - revenue raising at its best,' one user wrote on X. 'Yip I got one of those fines lol. Just paid it. Don't have time spare to go court to be told you broke the law pay the fine,' another said. 'Will the mayor mow the footpath once a week and water it? That bloke's a goose,' one wrote. Ms Pass said she plans to fight the fine. Police declared the woman 'sober' but she has become the latest star of Reddit channel 'Karens in the Wild' Racist customer subjects shop staff to 20-minute rant before cops arrive and cart her off to jail An entitled customer loftily told a store assistant she had spent $10,000 in at the outlet before calling her racist and telling her to f*** off back to Mexico. The store worker apologized for her shaky camerawork as she posted the footage to the Reddit page 'Karens in the Wild', explaining that she had only recently begun working at the shop. 'Mina aka Karen is banned from the shop for previous harassment, including but not limited to calling my coworker a f**got, emotionally f***ing with me to the point I had a panic attack, coming in disorderly drunk, bothering customers and coworkers, and more,' the poster wrote. 'She had previously been escorted out by cops that she called herself the first time she was informed that she was banned and got herself a trespass from the place as well.' The customer was mid-rant when poster RamenMeow turned her camera on in time to catch her say: 'Do you know how much I've spent in this b***h, like $10,000 so f*** you. Get that on tape.' The banned customer accompanied her 20-minute racist rant with hand gestures to ensure her targets got the message 'Go f*** yourself I'm not getting out, go get the cops here,' she declared before being arrested Giving staff the finger, she declares: 'And this one means f*** you in Persian, Mexican b***h. 'How do you like that Mexican b***h, go back to Mexico.' When the store manager asks her to leave she replies: 'Go f*** yourself I'm not getting out, go get the cops here.' 'Calling us racist and then telling me to go back to Mexico,' the store worker remarks in astonishment. 'Yes cos you are racist,' the customer insists, 'racist against Iranian people.' 'Please for the love of God shut up,' the store manager mutters. 'And I'm racist against you motherf***er too,' she shoots back. 'Just because you're white you think you're cool? You're not!' The smoke shop worker explained in her post that the customer arrived in the store 20 minutes before it shut at midnight and was sober. 'We kindly told her that she was banned and to please try another shop before they all close,' she added. 'She insisted that she was going to get her vape, and we called the cops who were eager to come get her considering she is a public nuisance to several establishments in the area. 'When we denied her again and didn't let her walk further into the store, she started yelling at us and calling us racist (none of us even mentioned any of our races before this-) and then proceeding to yell racist things at me and my coworkers until closing time. 'Oh, the irony. I was grateful when midnight came and we got to rightfully escort her out. 'She continued to linger outside the door recording, yelling, and giving me her version of a middle finger. 'Luckily this was long enough for the cops to finally show up, and they took her away to spend the night in jail. 'Surprisingly, cops confirmed that she was sober during this interaction. Scary to think that people like this are just out there.' The store worker who posted the footage under the name RamenMeow won praise from viewers for her cool response to the tirade of abuse 'Just because you're white you think you're cool? You're not!' she told the store manager Viewers of the popular Reddit channel had sympathy with the victim of its latest star. 'You handled it well, couldn't tell you were anxious at all!' wrote one. 'She's definitely got some issues,' they added. 'Sucks that she takes them out on other people who are just trying to politely do their jobs.' Extraordinary footage has emerged of a man being rescued after he was found clinging to a tree high above floodwaters in Far North Queensland. The region was battered by its worst flood in almost 50 years in the aftermath of ex-tropical Cyclone Jasper, with 600mm of rain falling in a period of 40 hours up to Monday morning. Local resident Gavin Dear filmed the incredible moment he spotted the man high up in a tree above the Annan River near Rossville, 200km north of Cairns. Mr Dear and his son took their tinnie out along the flooded river on Monday after he heard rumours people were stranded on the roof of his local pub, the Lion's Den Hotel. Video shows the small boat wading through murky waters before a cry for help is heard coming from a nearby clump of trees. Local resident Gavin Dear filmed the incredible moment he spotted the man high up in a tree above the Annan River near Rossville, 200km north of Cairns (pictured) The man was spotted clinging to branches high up in a tree above the flooded Annan River (pictured) The man and Mr Dear shout back and forth as the local tries desperately to locate him. 'We got ya, we got ya,' Mr Dear is heard shouting to the man in a video shared on Facebook. Mr Dear steers the boat towards the man who is sitting high up in the tree clinging to the branches. He asks whether the man can get down, to which he replied: 'Yeah. I'm all cramped up.' Mr Dear described the man shown in the video - who was the second person he rescued from a tree - as being 'in a pretty shaken state'. He explained that a shipping container nearly smashed into the man as it floated past him on Sunday night. 'The second fella had uncontrollable shakes and he was hallucinating,' Mr Dear told Today on Tuesday. 'He said he'd just seen a body wash past him with a crocodile on it, but I think that was one of his hallucinations.' Mr Dear explained both his properties were underwater so it 'made sense' for him to take his tinnie out on the river to see how he could help. The Rossville local said the 'real hero' was a helicopter pilot known as 'Magoo' who flew in to help rescue those stranded on the pub roof. 'He made 16 helicopter trips landing on the roof there and he took them all out one by one, we watched him go over us while we were rescuing these two blokes.' Up to 12 locations received record rainfall totals as the destructive remnants of Tropical Cyclone Jasper moved north, with some areas lashed by a year's worth of rain in a single day. Mossman South, an hour northwest of Cairns, received 1,935mm of rain in five days while Black Mountain near Cooktown recorded 2,189mm. Weather conditions are due to weaken as ex-cyclone Jasper moves northward. Flood damage around Cairns after being battered by damaging winds and intense rain in the wake of tropical cyclone Jasper (pictured) A submerged car is seen in floodwaters in the suburb of Aeroglen in Cairns (pictured) Up to 14,000 people in 40 communities were still without power on Monday. A severe weather warning remains in place for Port Douglas, Daintree Village, Wujal Wujal, Cooktown, and Hope Vale. A flood warning remains in place for Mossman, Murray, Herbert, Tully, Johnstone, and Mulgrave rivers. Residents have been warned to keep an eye out for crocodiles that have been washed into residential streets in the wake of the cyclone. Emergency services will focus efforts on delivering food, fresh water and medicine to dozens of isolated communities in far north Queensland. One moment the live webcam showed a desolate scene: a rocky snow-scape set against a moonless black sky. Then, with a primal roar that could be heard 40 miles away, a huge orange ball rose on the horizon like some unearthly midnight sun. Within seconds it seemed to morph into a series of giant Roman candles spewing incandescent sparks high into the darkness. And as more and more of these vast columns of flame sprang up, the south-western tip of Iceland was bedazzled by a belated fireworks display, the awesomeness of which we have seldom seen. The clocks on the video cameras, which had been monitoring the Reykjanes Peninsula since late October when a flurry of subterranean rumblings warned of an impending volcanic eruption, had ticked round to 10.17pm on Monday and, after six weeks of false dawns, the Land of Fire and Ice was living up to its name. Back in mid-November, when I gazed into the chasms that had opened in roads running through the evacuated town of Grindavik, I had felt safe enough, never imagining the instantaneous power of 1,200C magma fountains lying in fissures beneath me. Local residents watch smoke billow as the lava colour the night sky orange from an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula Emergency personnel and scientists in a Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter are overflying an volcanic eruption A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts north of Grindavik Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter overflying an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula Watching them spurt with rocket-like velocity yesterday, just two miles away from the place I reported from that day, I realised how fortunate (and perhaps reckless) I had been. Not nearly so lucky as the fishing port's 3,400 residents, though. For just hours before the pyrotechnics began, the local police believing the danger of an eruption to have passed were pressing for them to be allowed to return to their houses for the Christmas holiday. 'The police had been thinking it was safe, but the civil defence weren't really on the same wavelength. They didn't want people to go back to Grindavik before Christmas,' Lovissa Mjoll Gudmundsdottir, a natural hazards specialist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office told me yesterday. 'We were supposed to be having a meeting today to discuss it, but obviously that won't be happening now.' Last night, Grindavik, with its neat wood-framed chalets and fish processing factories, remained mercifully untouched by the ribbons of golden lava fanning out like filigree necklaces from the main fault-line, two-and-a-half miles long. People view of the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in south west Iceland A drone picture shows lava spewing from the site of the volcanic eruption Lava flows on a hill near Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula after a volcanic eruption on Monday night A drone picture shows lava spewing from the site of the volcanic eruption People view the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in south west Iceland which has erupted after weeks of intense earthquake activity A team of scientists works on the ridge of a volcanic fissure as lava spews during a volcanic eruption, near the town of Grindavik, in the Reykjanes peninsula Given the unpredictability of volcanic eruptions of this scale and magnitude, however, none of the experts was rash enough to predict with any certainty that the town would be spared. 'The best outcome will be if it (the eruption) is just short-lived and the lava flows away,' said Ms Gudmundsdottir, who graduated in volcanology at Bristol University. 'The worst is that it goes on for a long time.' It could then threaten not only Grindavik, but also the nearby geothermal power plant, she said. Since it supplies energy to much of southern Iceland, the authorities must hope the lava flow will not topple the protective wall they have hastily erected around it. The more immediate hazard comes from clouds of sulphurous gas seeping from the crevices, which were last night drifting ever closer to Reykjavik, 30 miles from the eruption zone, potentially endangering the health of elderly and vulnerable members of its 122,000 population. This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a color infrared close view of volcano and lava in Iceland on Tuesday A rescuer walks at an area close to a volcanic eruption, near the town of Grindavik People view the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in south west Iceland Scientist from the University of Iceland take measurements and samples standing on the ridge in front of the active part of the eruptive fissure of an active volcano in Iceland Smoke fills the air during a volcanic eruption, near the town of Grindavik Members of a rescue team gather at an area close to a volcanic eruption A team of scientists works on the ridge of a volcanic fissure as lava spews during a volcanic eruption This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a color infrared overview of Grindavik and lava from a volcano in Iceland A rescuer walks at an area close to a volcanic eruption in Iceland on Monday With Iceland's international airport, Keflavik, just ten miles away, flights were delayed by several hours yesterday, and the misery of British holidaymakers was worsened by an air traffic controllers' strike. It is hoped the disruption will be short-lived, however, for this is a different type of volcano to Eyjolfsdottir, which sent ash clouds over the North Atlantic in 2010, causing flights to cancel or re-route for weeks. There will only be similar chaos if the eruption spreads offshore and the emissions mingle with seawater, experts say. Indeed, after causing an initial frisson of panic, the mesmerising river of fire spreading over the peninsula is fast becoming Iceland's biggest tourist attraction, more spectacular even than the Northern Lights and the Blue Lagoon. Ignoring official warnings to stay away, hundreds of sightseers made for the sealed-off area yesterday, climbing hills to find the best vantage points. Hotels are expecting an influx of visitors over the coming days. The air of excitement was captured by American holidaymaker Donald Forrester III. 'It's just something from a movie!' he cooed. Perhaps so, but as they watch tongues of scalding orange lava lick around the edges of their quaint little town, the residents of Grindavik will pray the plot of this fire-and- brimstone blockbuster has a happy ending. DOJ was spying on their phone calls and emails in an allegedly illegal 'fishing expedition,' they have said Congressional lawyers Jason Foster and Kash Patel say DoJ secretly subpoenaed their phone records while they were overseeing Crossfire Hurricane A top Republican is demanding more information from the Department of Justice for allegedly spying on congressional lawyers probing the opening of the Trump-Russia collusion investigation. In 2017, top GOP congressional lawyers were investigating the Justice Department over its controversial Russian collusion probe, codenamed 'Crossfire Hurricane .' But during that same time, DOJ was allegedly spying on their phone calls and emails in an illegal 'fishing expedition,' DailyMail.com previously reported. Now, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has subpoenaed sitting Attorney General Merrick Garland for more information following DOJ's 'inadequate' response to his previous demands. Jordan says that DOJ may have unlawfully used it's law enforcement authority to 'gather and search the private communications of multiple Legislative Branch employees' conducting oversight of the department. Congressional lawyers Jason Foster and Kash Patel previously revealed that DOJ secretly subpoenaed their phone records while they were overseeing Crossfire Hurricane. Congressional lawyers Jason Foster (left) and Kash Patel (right) say they recently learned the DoJ secretly subpoenaed their phone records while they were overseeing Crossfire Hurricane #BREAKING: @Jim_Jordan subpoenas AG Garland for Information on the DOJ's Attempts to Spy on Congress pic.twitter.com/3Mmnzenn3G House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) December 19, 2023 The surveillance started after the two powerful congressional committees launched investigations of the Justice Department's 'Crossfire Hurricane' probe into Donald Trump's campaign's alleged collusion with agents of the Russian government to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. Foster told DailyMail.com he got an email in October from Google revealing the DOJ requested his Google Voice records between December 1, 2016 and May 1, 2017. Jason Foster was chief investigative counsel to then-Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley at the time. DOJ officials who sought the phone records in 2017 were allegedly looking for the source of leaks of classified information regarding their Russia probe. And those officials went after his wife's phone records and possibly also a phone he used for Senate business, he previously disclosed to DailyMail.com 'Google's notification to this staffer revealed the Justice Department likely also sought the personal records and communications of other congressional staffersboth Republicans and Democratswho engaged in oversight of the Department during the same period,' the Judiciary Committee wrote in a press release accompanying the subpoena Tuesday. Jim Jordan also says in an additional letter to Garland reviewed by DailyMail.com that there are 'heightened separation-of-powers sensitivities' involved. His committee is concerned that aspects of the DOJ's investigation may have been a 'pretext to justify piercing the Legislative Branch's deliberative process' and 'improperly access data' from both lawmakers and their staff. DOJ declined to comment on the subpoena when contacted by DailyMail.com Tuesday. Foster and Patel were outraged by the Justice Department spying both because lawyers receive greater protections from snooping through attorney-client privilege, and because they were acting as watchdogs of the DOJ at the time, in their roles on top lawmaking committees. Last December, former House Intelligence Committee chief investigative counsel Patel was also notified by Google of secret monitoring of his call logs by the DOJ dating back to November 2017 while he was probing the department. Patel is now suing the Justice Department claiming it violated constitutional protections in a 'blatant abuse' of power. James Comey was the director of the FBI at the time it launched its investigation into links between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia The surveillance started after the two powerful congressional committees launched investigations of the Justice Department's 'Crossfire Hurricane' probe into Donald Trump's campaign's alleged collusion with Russian agents Special Counsel John Durham was appointed by then-Attorney General Bill Barr in 2019 to look into misconduct related to 'Crossfire Hurricane', which investigated now-debunked Trump-Russia collusion allegations Crossfire Hurricane was mired in controversy from an early stage, and erupted in scandal when then-House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes released a report in February 2018 claiming the FBI 'may have relied on politically motivated or questionable sources' to obtain a warrant to monitor Trump campaign staffer Carter Page. Special Counsel John Durham was appointed by then-Attorney General Bill Barr in 2019 to look into misconduct related to 'Crossfire Hurricane', which investigated now-debunked Trump-Russia collusion allegations Durham found in a scathing report released earlier this year that the FBI did not have enough 'factual evidence' to investigate allegations of Trump-Russia collusion. The report, which is over 300 pages, is a comprehensive summary of findings related to whether the then-Trump campaign in 2016 colluded with Russia to meddle with the election outcome. It found that the Department of Justice and the FBI 'failed to uphold their mission of strict fidelity to the law' when launching the Trump-Russia probe. The special counsel transmitted the report on his four-years-long investigation costing over $6 million in taxpayer dollars to Attorney General Merrick Garland in May. Durham writes in the report: 'Based on the evidence gathered in the multiple exhaustive and costly federal investigations of these matters, including the instant investigation, neither U.S. law enforcement nor the Intelligence Community appears to have possessed any actual evidence of collusion in their holdings at the commencement of the Crossfire Hurricane investigation.' The main oil depot in Guinea has exploded, leaving 18 dead and hundreds injured - with a fireball from the blast damaging buildings almost a mile away. Foreign rescue and aid workers, along with the UN and volunteers, worked tirelessly to help victims of the explosion at the state oil company's main depot in the Kaloum district of the capital, Conakry, near the port. The incident on Monday morning at the Guinean Petroleum Company depot killed 18 people, injured 212 others and prompted concerns about fuel supplies. The explosion, whose cause is still unknown, wreaked damage to buildings over a radius of more than one kilometre (0.6 miles). Windows were shattered in several buildings in the port area, including a modern district which is home to banks and insurance companies. The fire was brought under control later that afternoon but smoke was still rising from the site the next day and soldiers were preventing traffic from entering. A legal investigation has been opened to establish the cause and responsibilities of the incident. Fire burns after a blast at an oil terminal in Conakry, Guinea, on December 18 Firemen work to extinguish the flames after a blast at Guinea's main oil terminal Flames were seen rising from Conarky's main fuel depot on Monday after the explosion Firemen remained to monitor the fire after emergency services extinguished the flames People look at the explosion site from behind the safety barrier on Tuesday The government said in a statement: 'Despite the efforts by medical teams, we lament four new deaths today, bringing the total to 18.' 'Of the 212 people treated by health workers, 127 have returned to their homes and 85 people are still hospitalised, including four in intensive care.' The government warned locals to brace for power cuts in the aftermath. It added that 13 fuel storage tanks were out of service while five tanks were unaffected. Dozens of people came forward to help in whatever way they could. Accountant and business manager Mariame Diallo said she was going around shops collecting donations and taking them to a drop-off point at a mosque. 'We are in the process of collecting everything that goodwill brings us,' said Abdouramane Sylla, another volunteer. 'We have a vehicle loaned by the city hall to transport this material.' International help was also on hand. A 24-member team of Senegalese rescuers, including 15 military doctors and eight firefighting specialists, arrived late Monday, Senegal's defence ministry said, adding that further teams would follow. France's foreign ministry said on social media that a French assistance and support team is on ground in the country. And the United Nations said in a statement it was providing tents, water tanks, mobile toilets, medicines and other essential supplies. Those near the fuel depot shared images and videos of the bright flames The fire was brought under control later that afternoon but smoke was still rising from the site the next day and soldiers were preventing traffic from entering Residents of Conakry watch the smoke from the fire rise from the sidelines Scared residents watched as the sky was lit up orange after the explosion Dozens of people came forward to help in whatever way they could. Kaloum's residents collect debris fallen from buildings on Tuesday, the day after the explosion occured After authorities urged people to stay home Monday, some workers headed out on Tuesday, but others feared another explosion. 'I'm waiting to see how the day is going to go before going over there, because my office is a few minutes from the port and from the fuel depot centre,' Lamine Diallo said. In central Conakry, offices, banks and insurance offices remained closed, and the district around the port is deserted after residents fled. Service stations are temporarily closed across the country over concerns of fuel shortages, and many people avoided taking their cars, though the government said Tuesday that fuel supplies had resumed across the nation. 'The government 'wants us to believe that there will not be a fuel shortage, which I doubt,' lorry driver Souleymane Traore said. The government said it was carrying out an assessment of fuel needs and supplies. Guinea has been ruled since September 2021 when a junta led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya overthrew civilian president Alpha Conde. Doumbouya has promised to hold elections and restore civilian rule by January 2026. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called a new Texas law 'extreme' and said it will endanger migrants trying to cross the southern border. On Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law that would allow local and state law enforcement to arrest and deport illegal border crossers without going through federal government channels. It has already resulted in lawsuits from Democrats and immigrant rights groups. Jean-Pierre argued during Tuesday's briefing that the law 'will not and does not make the communities in Texas safer.' 'It just doesn't,' she said. 'It is very much in line with what ... Republicans like to do or tend to do, which is demonize immigrants and also dehumanize immigrants.' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called a new Texas law that would allow local law enforcement to deport migrants 'extreme' as she blasted Republicans for 'dehumaniz[ing] immigrants' during Tuesday's press briefing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill into law Monday from Brownsville, Texas. It is already being challenged in court by Democrats and immigrant rights groups Jean-Pierre said Abbott's move follows a pattern of him putting migrant lives - and those of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol - at risk. 'There are plenty of examples that I've listed out from here before, whether leaving migrants on the side of the road in the middle of winter, installed razor wire near the border, making it more dangerous for Border Patrol to do their jobs and placed buoys in the river making it harder for Border Patrol to do their jobs as well,' Jean-Pierre said. She called it 'incredibly unfortunate.' 'But this is what we see from particular Republicans trying to dehumanize a group of people who are coming here, or some of them are trying to migrate here, and they're putting them in harm's way,' the press secretary reiterated. The law is already being tied up in court, with El Paso County, one of the most Democratic jurisdictions in Texas, and two immigrant groups suing to block the measures. The lawsuit argues that the federal government and immigration agencies have the ultimate and exclusive authority to carry out arrests, detentions and deportations and that Abbott cannot circumvent these procedures. Democrats, as well as civil rights and pro-immigration groups, claim that the law violates the Constitution and claim it invites racial profiling of Hispanic citizens. An aerial view of thousands of migrants, most wearing thermal blankets, awaiting processing at a U.S. Border Patrol transit center on Tuesday in Eagle Pass, Texas Migrants are lining up at the border to be processed as new figures show approximately 2,000 cross each day and Monday say a new single-day high of 12,600 apprehensions Jean-Pierre echoed this fear during Tuesday's briefing. 'Communities should not be individually targeted and put into into harm's way and this is what we're seeing,' shs said. Abbott signed the bill on Monday, calling the new law 'so extreme' that he believed it would drive migrants away from crossing into Texas from Mexico. The latest figures show 2,000 migrants are crossing the border everyday, with Texas bearing the brunt of the crisis and new images show border crossers lined up waiting to be processed just days before Christmas. Ironically, as Abbott was signing his new law on Monday, single-day apprehensions hit a new all-time-high with at least 12,600 encounters in a 24-hour period. The stunning spike comes as US Customs and Border Protection announced it would suspend rail operations at both the El Paso and Eagle Pass international crossings in Texas. The new law, known as SB4, gives Texas law enforcement authorities power to stop, arrest and jail migrants on newly established state-level illegal entry charges. State judges in Texas will also be able to issue de facto deportations against suspected violators of the law. It's not immediately clear how the law will be enforced or how it will work with federal authorities like Customs and Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement also operating within Texas and other border states. Union Pacific Railroad is urging El Paso and Eagle Pass to reopen its rail operations at the major border crossings with Mexico after suspending them amid major spikes in illegal activity this month. 'These locations represent 45% of cross-border Union Pacific business and include goods critical to the U.S. economy. There isn't enough capacity at our other four gateways to reroute them,' the railroad posted Monday on X, formerly Twitter. 'With Christmas and the New Year's holidays just days away, Union Pacific is in close communication with multiple government agencies and our customers, urging that the crossings closed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection be reopened,' the company added. 'While the company understands this is a complex humanitarian crisis, most migrants are not crossing the border on trains.' The Colorado Supreme Court on Tuesday removed former President Donald Trump from the state's 2024 Republican primary ballot, ruling he violated the insurrectionist clause of the 14th Amendment for his role in January 6. In a 4-3 decision from Democratic-appointed justices, Colorado's high court ruled the ex-president and 2024 hopeful isn't eligible for the presidency. The 14th Amendment was approved after the Civil War and bars officials from seeking future office should they have 'engaged in insurrection.' 'A majority of the court holds that Trump is disqualified from holding the office of president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment,' the court wrote. It is the first time in history that that the Constitution's 'insurrection clause' has been used to disqualify a presidential candidate. The decision may not stick - with Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung confirming Tuesday evening that the ex-president would appeal it to the Supreme Court. 'We have full confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court will quickly rule in our favor and finally put an end to these unAmerican lawsuits,' Cheung said. Former President Donald Trump attends a rally on the Ellipse on January 6, 2021, ahead of the Capitol attack. His role in the 'insurrection' and attempt to overturn the 2020 election make him ineligible to serve, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday Supporters of former President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol Building on January 6, interrupting the joint session of Congress that cemented President Joe Biden's 2020 election win Former president and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump arrives to speak during a campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa, on Tuesday Republican National Committee Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel called the decision 'election interference' and indicated the RNC would also fight it in court. She said the RNC's legal team 'looks forward to helping fight for a victory.' The Colorado Supreme Court's decision comes after a district court ruled that while Trump incited an insurrection - the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack - the provision in the Constitution was unclear whether it was intended to bar candidates for the presidency. The lawsuit was filed by the Washington, D.C.-based group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, on behalf of six Colorado voters, some Republican and some unaffiliated with a political party. The lawsuit pointed to Trump's role in the January 6 Capitol attack and also his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The court found 'by clear and convincing evidence' that Trump engaged in an insurrection as defined by the Fourteenth Amendment. The court found the section to be 'self-executing,' meaning further action by Congress was not required. Four justices appointed by Democratic governors, Justices, Richard L. Gabriel, Melissa Hart, William W. Hood III and Monica Marquez, all circled, voted to disqualify the former president The court in its ruling referenced Trump's January 6 speech on the Ellipse on the day Congress met to count the electoral votes WHAT DOES SECTION 3 OF THE 14TH AMENDMENT SAY? No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability. Advertisement It found the District Court 'did not err' when it determined that January 6 constituted an 'insurrection.' It did so by citing Trump's January 6 speech, where he told a crowd on the Ellipse to 'fight like hell,' ruling that it was not protected speech under the First Amendment. 'The sum of these parts is this: President Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President under Section Three; because he is disqualified, it would be a wrongful act under the Election Code for the Secretary to list him as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot,' the court ruled. It acknowledged the certain appeal, staying the decision until January 4 to allow for time. And it included the caveat: 'We do not reach these conclusions lightly. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.' The judges that voted in favor of the ruling had all been appointed by Democratic governors. Cheung and other Republicans pointed this out, with the Trump campaign spokesman also dubbing CREW's lawsuit a 'Soros-funded, left-wing group's scheme to interfere in an election on behalf of Crooked Joe Biden.' 'Democrat Party leaders are in a state of paranoia over the growing, dominant lead President Trump has amassed in the polls. They have lost faith in the failed Biden presidency and are now doing everything they can to stop the American voters from throwing them out of office next November,' Cheung said. Also piling on was Eric Trump, who made reference to how Trump's poll numbers have jumped even while he faces four criminal prosecutions. 'Prediction: This Colorado decision will add 5%+ points to @realDonaldTrump already runaway polls,' he posted on X. Trump's team and other Republicans were quick to point out the four justices who voted in favor of the ruling were appointed by Democratic governors. They included Justice William W. Hood III (left) who was appointed by now Sen. John Hickenlooper and Justice Monica M. Marque (right) who was appointed by Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter Additionally Justice Melissa Hart (left), who was appointed by Hickenlooper, a Democratic governor-turned-senator and Justice Richard L. Gabriel (right), another Hickenlooper appointee Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy volunteered to pull his name off Colorado's March 5 Republican primary ballot in protest. 'I pledge to *withdraw* from the Colorado GOP primary unless Trump is also allowed to be on the states ballot, and I demand that Ron DeSantis, Chris Christie, and Nikki Haley to do the same immediately - or else they are tacitly endorsing this illegal maneuver which will have disastrous consequences for our country,' he posted Tuesday night on X. CREW's president and the plaintiffs cheered Tuesday's decision. 'The court's decision today affirms what our clients alleged in this lawsuit: that Donald Trump is an insurrectionist who disqualified himself from office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment based on his role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol, and that Secretary Griswold must keep him off of Colorado's primary ballot. It is not only historic and justified, but is necessary to protect the future of democracy in our country,' said CREW President Noah Bookbinder in a statement. 'Our Constitution clearly states that those who violate their oath by attacking our democracy are barred from serving in government. It has been an honor to represent the petitioners, and we look forward to ensuring that this vitally important ruling stands,' Bookbinder added. One of the plaintiffs, Norma Anderson, was the former Republican Colorado House and Senate leader. 'My fellow plaintiffs and I brought this case to continue to protect the right to free and fair elections enshrined in our Constitution and to ensure Colorado Republican primary voters are only voting for eligible candidates. Today's win does just that,' she said in a statement. 'Long before this lawsuit was filed, I had already read Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and concluded that it applied to Donald Trump, given his actions leading up to and on January 6th. I am proud to be a petitioner, and gratified that the Colorado Supreme Court arrived at the same conclusion we all did,' she added. Scientists anticipated the eruption of a volcano in southwestern Iceland for weeks, so when it happened on the night of December 18, it was no surprise. The region had been active for more than two years and thousands of small earthquakes rattled the area in recent weeks. Here MailOnline takes a look at what happened and what may be ahead. How the eruption unfolded It started at about 10:20 p.m. local time on the night of December 18 north of Grindavik, a fishing town of 3,400 people on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The town is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, in an area known broadly as Fagradalsfjall volcano. First there was a series of small earthquakes. Then lava that's some 1,200 degrees Celsius (2,192 degrees Fahrenheit) began pouring out of a fissure about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long. The Icelandic Meteorological Office estimated that hundreds of cubic meters of lava per second flowed out in the first two hours of the eruption, though the activity had significantly subsided by the afternoon of December 19. First aerial footage of the eruption shows nearly two miles of lava coming out of the fissure near Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on the night of December 18, 2023 Was it expected? In short, no - scientists had expected the eruption for several weeks and in November, authorities evacuated Grindavik after thousands of small earthquakes shook the area for more than two weeks. Scientists said their monitors showed that a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, was spreading toward the town and could reach the surface imminently. The nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal resort, one of Iceland's best-known tourist attractions, had to close temporarily as a precaution after a magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit the area last month. Fagradalsfjall had been dormant for some 6,000 years but it flared to life in March 2021, when hundreds of people flocked to the Reykjanes Peninsula to see spectacular lava flows that lasted for months. The red glow from the lava could be seen from the outskirts of the capital. Will this eruption affect flights? None of the recent eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula caused damage or disruptions to flights, despite the area's proximity to the country's main Keflavik Airport. And though the eruption on December 18 appears to be larger and more powerful than those in recent years, forecasters and scientists say it's unlikely to impact air travel. Many still recall the huge disruptions to international aviation in 2010, when a different Icelandic volcano, the Eyjafjallajokull, spewed giant clouds of ash high into the atmosphere over Europe. Some 100,000 flights were grounded, millions of international travelers stranded and air travel was halted for days because of concerns the fine ash could damage jet engines. Experts say the location and features of this eruption mean it isn't expected to produce much ash or cause a similar scale of disruption. AccuWeather, a U.S.-based weather forecasting firm, said on December 19 that initial information shows no ash cloud has yet been observed. 'Over the next several days, any ash is expected to remain many thousands of feet above the ground,' the firm said. This image made from video provided by the Icelandic Coast Guard shows magma flow on a hill near Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on the night of December 18, 2023 What other impacts could this eruption have? Scientists say that there is no current threat that the lava will reach the town of Grindavik or key structures like nearby power plants. The residents from the area have been evacuated and most surrounding roads remain closed. But the scientists warn the situation could change and that it's too early to say how long the eruption will last or when local residents could move back into their homes. 'Even though the lava did not erupt into the town of Grindavik or at the nearby power plant and popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon, the lava flows are still only a few kilometers away and there is still concern of lavas reaching these key locations,' said Sam Mitchell, a researcher in volcanology at the University of Bristol. The molten lava flowing above ground can also heighten the risk of poor air quality in the region because of the increased sulfur dioxide content in the air, AccuWeather said. One volcanologist, Armann Hoskuldsson, told Iceland's state broadcaster RUV that he expected the eruption could last from a week to 10 days. 'If everything is normal, this will subside in the afternoon tomorrow,' he said. How common are volcanic eruptions in Iceland? Iceland is one of Earth's most volcanically active areas, with 32 active volcanic sites. It averages an eruption every four to five years - though the frequency has increased closer to every 12 months since 2021. The country sits on top of a volcanic hotspot and what's called the mid-Atlantic ridge, a huge crack in the ocean floor caused by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. As the plates pull apart, new magma rises up to fill the gaps, triggering earthquakes and volcanic activity. One of the country's largest active volcanoes is Katla, which is closely watched because it lies under thick glacial ice, meaning that any eruption could melt the ice and trigger widespread flooding. Katla last erupted in 1918, and that eruption lasted almost a month, starving crops of sunlight and killing some livestock. Emergency personnel and scientists observe the billowing smoke and flowing lava turning the sky orange are seen in this Icelandic Coast Guard handout image flying over an volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula 3 km north of Grindavik on the night of December 18, 2023 Will Iceland weather affect pollution risk? The eruption is taking place on a fissure that was last active about 2,000 years ago. Lava flows had decreased from 200-250 cubic meters per second in the first two hours of the eruption to around a quarter of that on the morning of December 19. It is normal for fissure eruptions to subside after an initial burst, but it could still go on 'for some time', Geirson said. The crack that opened up in the earth's surface was about 4 km long, with its southern end some 3 km from Grindavik, Iceland's Meteorological Office said. If the eruption maintains the current intensity, it will produce significant air pollution, volcanology researchers at the University of Iceland said on Facebook. 'The good news is that the wind is northwesterly and according to the forecast it will stay northerly for the next few days. Hence the eruption plume is likely to be blown away from inhabited areas,' the researchers said. First aerial footage shows the volcanic fissure, which is estimated to be nearly two miles long on December 18, 2023 Will there be an ash cloud like Eyafjallajokull eruption? Located between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates, among the largest on the planet, Iceland is a seismic and volcanic hot spot as the two plates move in opposite directions. The eruption late on December 18 is the fourth on Reykjanes in recent years and largest in the area since 2021. In 2021, volcanic activity in the area continued for six months, prompting thousands of Icelanders and tourists to visit the scene. In August 2022, a three-week eruption happened in the same area, followed by another in July 2023. In 2010, ash clouds from eruptions at the Eyafjallajokull volcano in the south of Iceland spread over large parts of Europe, grounding some 100,000 flights in Europe and beyond, and forcing hundreds of Icelanders to evacuate their homes. Unlike Eyafjallajokull, the Reykjanes volcano systems are not trapped under glaciers and are thus not expected to cause similar ash clouds. Border Patrol agents are no longer patrolling the US-Mexico border as a record number of migrants flood into America in what is being called an 'absolute collapse' in security. In the last week, the number of migrants illegally entering the US through Eagle Pass and then claiming asylum - which legally forces the Border Patrol to give them paperwork allowing them to stay in the US while their asylum case is heard - has been climbing. But starting Monday, the numbers exploded. In the last 24 hours, 14,000 migrants rushed the popular migrant crossing spot that is home to just 30,000 Texans. US Congressman Tony Gonzales tweeted a video showing a sea of migrants waiting under a bridge in Eagle Pass, the community he represents, waiting to be processed by US Border Patrol. '14,000+ crossed ILLEGALLY yesterday & 26,000+ already in custody - the HIGHEST in US history,' the Republican posted online. 'Christmas Day will be WORSE. President Biden has abandoned border communities like mine.' Thousands of migrants wrapped in silver thermal blankets, many hoping to seek asylum in the US, are gathered under a bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, waiting for their chance to surrender to the US Border Patrol BREAKING: This morning in my district in Eagle Pass. These are historic numbers. I am in contact with local officials & law enforcement who all say this situation is DIRE. https://t.co/e752kgSgZ1 Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) December 19, 2023 Mothers with children are among the throngs of asylum-seekers. Here, one mother cradles her child in the cold The startling sight of baby formula in Eagle Pass, Texas, where hundreds of children are among the migrants waiting in freezing temperatures to be processed by Border Patrol Rep. Gonzales described the situation as 'dire,' as international bridges have been shut down in the city, costing locals $15,000 a day. About 60 percent of Eagle Pass' revenue comes from tolls collected from international bridge crossings, officials told DailyMail.com. Eagle Pass only has 58 uniformed police officers and many of them are also helping Border Patrol handle the masses. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law allowing local police to arrest migrants Monday night, however, the law doesn't go into force until next year. Already, leaders in Democratic El Paso have sued to stop the controversial SB4 from going into effect. Two of the international bridges in Eagle Pass have been closed due to the migrant crisis-- costing the Texas town $15,000 a day. All Border Patrol agents in the Eagle Pass area have now been reassigned to handle to security and humanitarian crisis playing out under one of the city's bridges Border Patrol agents from as far away as New York State are being shifted to Eagle Pass to help deal with the overwhelming number of migrants arriving in the Texas town Mayor Rolando Salinas said he's pleaded with the federal government for help. 'We have silence from the President, silence from the Vice President, silence from a lot of politicians who don't think this is a real issue,' Salina said in a Facebook post. 'We really need Congress to act and act now. 'This is a disaster situation for the City of Eagle Pass.' However, the ripple effects of this will extend into the rest of the state and even to other parts of the country. Border Patrol agents normally posted at roadside checkpoints leading into the US have also been redirected to help in Eagle Pass. 'It's an absolute collapse of the border,' said Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland, the top law man in neighboring Terrell County. That leaves no one to stop drugs and migrants being smuggled into the US. 'You increase the amount of gotaways, you increase the opportunity for cartels to bring drugs in successfully,' the sheriff, who is a retired border agent, explained. Lonely Bridge one at @CityEaglePassTx. Shut down to north bound vehicular traffic by @CBP to deal with the high traffic of undocumented tourists. Its disappointing that after 3 years no viable solution is in place and border communities suffer the consequences. @SecMayorkas pic.twitter.com/sY1FFIv8bY Pepe Aranda (@pepearanda) December 4, 2023 Map of US Border Patrol checkpoints along the southern border, according to the Government Accountability Office Union Pacific urges the Eagle Pass and El Paso border crossings be reopened immediately. These locations represent 45% of cross-border Union Pacific business and include goods critical to the U.S. economy.There isnt enough capacity at our other four gateways to reroute them.With pic.twitter.com/BXJBogrRCP Union Pacific (@UnionPacific) December 18, 2023 'It's a wide open border. Come as you please.' Cleveland added it's no coincidence that Eagle Pass and another migrant hot spot, Lukeville, Arizona, are both seeing record surges at the same time. 'They will occupy us with a distraction in one area of the border just to get forces drawn in that direction, and then they can get through people or drugs somewhere else,' he stated. 'Cartels are shaping it the way they want for their advantage.' In Eagle Pass, the migrant emergency is disrupting life for people who commute to and from Mexico everyday-- turning commutes between the two countries that used to take under 10 minutes into 11-hour waits due to international bridge closures. 'There's people who work on both sides of the border, and right now everything is at a standstill,' Pepe Aranda, who lives in Eagle Pass told DailyMail.com. 'It's terrible, especially during the Christmas holidays.' Days ago, US Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of the Border Patrol, announced it was shutting down railways into the US in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas-- in order to deal with the influx of migrants. Aranda, who was mayor of the town, says the shut down will devastate local companies-- like Model beer, which is produced in Mexico just south of Eagle Pass. 'About 80% of the production gets shipped via rail,' Aranda noted. 'All of that is at a standstill here. We were crossing 100 rail cars a day just in beer. Now they're having to ship it by truck and they're using other ports.' With so many livelihoods on the line and out of control migrant problem in their front yards-- there will be a price to pay at the ballot box, the Democrat said. 'The feeling in Eagle Pass, if there was an election today or tomorrow for president-- this is a high Democrat area-- Biden would lose.' There is no way of knowing how long the eruption will last or how it will change Scientists say that a nearby town and power station are currently safe from lava Following months of seismic activity, a volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula finally erupted last night. At 22:17 local time, an earthquake swarm was followed by an eruption which tore open a 2.5-mile (4km) fissure of boiling lava. Experts have warned that huge lava flows could threaten the nearby town and power station. However, scientists say that the town of Grindavik, less than two miles south of the eruption may yet avoid the worst of the damage. But just how bad could the eruption get? MailOnline spoke to experts to find out. At 22:17 local time, an earthquake swarm was followed by an eruption which tore open a 2.5-mile (4km) fissure of boiling lava The eruption opened a 2.5-mile-long fissure which spewed hundreds of cubic meters of lava every second Iceland eruption: what we know so far At 10:17pm local time an earthquake storm was followed by initial reports of an eruption. An initial 2.2 mile fissure has since grown to 2.5 miles. The fissure is producing around 250 cubic meters of lava per second. The lava is currently flowing North, away from the town of Grindavik. Experts say there is no risk of disruption to air travel. The area remains closed off and authorities continue to monitor the situation. Advertisement The Reykjanes peninsula has been on high alert for weeks after experiencing increased earthquake activity beginning in late October. Grindavik's 4,000 residents were evacuated in November, when strong seismic activity raised fears of an imminent eruption. However, fears of an eruption had begun to abate by this weekend. The popular Blue Lagoon tourist destination even reopened on Sunday despite experiencing 230 earthquakes overnight. But yesterday's eruption threatens to destroy both the town and tourist attraction. When it first erupted, the fissure stretched about 2.2 miles (3.5km) and put out hundreds of cubic meters of lava every second. The sheer explosive force of the early explosion caused the fissure to extend further south to its current length of 2.5 miles (4km). While the eruption has now slowed, Lovisa Mjoll Gumundsdottir, a specialist in natural hazards at the Icelandic Met Office, told mbl.is that the average flow is now 250 cubic metres per second. The lava flow from the fissure appears to have slowed down but this is not an indication that the eruption is stopping any time soon The biggest risk is that the fissure (shown as a red line) extends South and lava begins to flow towards the town of Grindavik (bottom left) or the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant READ MORE: Thrill-seekers defy danger warnings and venture to site of enormous blast despite bubbling lava and smoke being spewed into sky Advertisement The biggest risk is that the lava begins to flow towards the South or West towards Grindavik or the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant. However, Professor David Rothery of the Open University told MailOnline that it might be too early to determine where most of the lava will flow. 'This is what has been anticipated for several weeks near Grindavik, thanks to the use of multiple monitoring techniques. It appears to be a classic fissure eruption,' he explained. 'The seat of eruption will probably localise to a single vent within a few hours or days, and the future course of the eruption (including where most of the lava spreads to) will depend on where that occurs.' There are, however, some initially promising reports from scientific observations of the volcano. Geophysicist Bjorn Oddson says that flights over the eruption reveal that the crater was ' in the best place if there was to be an eruption there.' 'The eruption is taking place north of the watershed [a point at which lava clearly flows one way or the other], so lava does not flow towards Grindavik,' Oddson told Icelandic media. The people of Grindavik anxiously wait to see if their town will survive the eruption as the perpetual darkness of Icelandic winter makes monitoring the lava's progress difficult While Grindavik appears safe for now, there is still reason for concern because it is very difficult to assess how the eruption is proceeding. Dr Sam Mitchell, Research Associate in Volcanology at the University of Bristol, said: 'Even though the lava did not erupt into the town of Grindavik or at the nearby power plant and popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon, the lava flows are still only a few km away and there is still concern of lava reaching these key locations. 'One of the challenges facing the monitoring is that SW Iceland is at a time of near constant darkness this close to the winter solstice.' Dr Mitchell added: 'Even though the glow of lava is more observable during darker hours, it makes assessing larger areas of land and impact a little more challenging.' The biggest concern currently is that the fissure continues to grow towards the South. Should this happen, the lava flows could pass the watershed and begin flowing southwards toward Grindavik. While the eruption's activity has now slowed it is difficult to say how long it will continue or how it will develop. Estimates for the length of the eruption have varied from 10 days to several months. Iceland is a particular hotspot for seismic activity because it sits on a tectonic plate boundary called the Mid Atlantic Ridge Authorities say that no one has yet been injured but the area remains closed off to civilians The President of Iceland says that the area has been closed off and that authorities continue to monitor the situation as it develops However, it is almost certain that this eruption will not cause any significant disruption to air travel. Unlike the 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajokull which grounded an estimated 50,000 flights, this eruption will not produce a cloud of ash and gas. Iceland's Met Office said: 'Fissure eruptions do not usually result in large explosions or significant production of ash dispersed into the stratosphere.' In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Iceland's foreign minister Bjarni Benediktsson wrote: 'There are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland, and international flight corridors remain open.' The area around the eruption site remains closed off and a civil defence emergency has been declared. In a statement posted to X, Iceland's President wrote: 'We now wait to see what the forces of nature have in store. We are prepared and remain vigilant.' Next time you fly, you may be required to screen yourself at the security checkpoint. The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is testing out a 'self-service screening option,' much like the ones at supermarkets or fast food restaurants. Rather than handing their boarding pass and identification to a human, travelers will instead scan their own documents and be responsible for inspecting their bags for banned items. The pilot program is scheduled to begin in January at Harry Reid Airport in Las Vegas, according to a report from the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate. DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Dimitri Kusnezov, visits the Vanderlande PAX M2 self-service screening system. The goal for DHS is to increase airport security capacity without having to hire more officers The Screening at Speed Program is a form of 'shadow work,' the economics term for the unpaid work that companies have turned over to their customers in an effort to offload labor costs As the program is rolled out, there will be a 'massive learning curve' while travelers learn how to use the new technologies, according to one expert. For example: Nowadays if a passenger leaves something in their pocket when they go through the body scanner, a TSA officer will direct them out of the machine and pat them down to make sure it is nothing dangerous. But under some of the new proposed systems, the machine would simply not let a traveler pass through. There may be an officer who can alleviate this confusion, but there may not be - much like when something goes wrong with a self-checkout kiosk at the supermarket. The TSA said that this program is intended to decrease the load on officers, freeing them up for more important duties The goal of the system is to make the travel process more efficient and free up officers to perform other duties, according to TSA materials on the so-called Screening at Speed Program. With more and more people flying all the time, the agency is trying to screen people more quickly without increasing the number of TSA officers (TSOs). 'Travelers will use passenger and carry-on screening systems at individual consoles or screening lanes themselves, reducing the number of pat downs and bag inspections TSOs need to perform and freeing their time to be reallocated to the busier aspects of screening operations,' said Screening at Speed Program manager John Fortune in a report on the project. This concept art from the Science and Technology Directorate envisions a futuristic screening system that is frictionless Video analytics company Lauretta AI, LLC has been contracted to develop video displays to instruct travelers on how to use the self-screening process With the new process, the screening area will contain far more scanners than it currently does. Travelers will enter the area, place their own carry-on bag into a scanner, and follow computerized instructions on scanning their body. It is not clear how much self-screening would actually speed up the security process, nor whether this change could lead to lax security. DailyMail.com has reached out to TSA with questions about both of these areas, and we will update the article if the agency responds. After the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001, airport security in the US ramped up dramatically, as federal authorities sought to prevent future such attacks. This effort has included both increased use of federal officers and private companies that developed the body scanning tech that became standard across the country. Screening at Speed is funding multiple different companies that will develop the screening technologies. The program has also allocated funding to multiple companies whose videos will instruct passengers on how to adjust their behavior to pass the screening checkpoint. Over just the past few years, advanced airport security technology has cost taxpayers over $2 billion. In 2021, the TSA awarded $198 million in government contractors to provide airports with x-ray security scanners. The following year, the agency awarded $781.2 million for more scanners. And in April of this year the TSA announced it had awarded $1.3 billion for over 1,000 new scanners. Beyond the financial cost to consumers, experts predict that it will create new hardships for travelers. 'There's going to be a massive learning curve with this, except it's not just going to be a learning curve with the screener personnel,' Jeffrey C. Price, professor of aviation and aerospace at Metropolitan State University of Denver, told The Washington Post. Concept art for a self-screening pod by Micro-X. The company will first begin testing its system at TSL in Atlantic City New Jersey 'It's going to be a learning curve with all the passengers.' Already, self-service boarding gates at airport terminals are creating boarding delays at New York's JFK Airport. And all travelers are required to do at these is scan their ticket. The Micro-X self-screening pod includes a baggage scanner (right) and a body scanner (left) The Scanning at Speed Program is part of a phenomenon that economists have named 'shadow work.' Shadow work includes 'work that companies have been able to turn over to their own customers, via technology' - self-checkout, for instance. Some forms of shadow work replaced paid labor so long ago that many people may forget that it was once someone's job. Grocery clerks once filled orders, before shoppers had to wander the store to find products. And gas station attendants once filled up your car for you. Experts predict that more shadow work will result in fewer jobs for people. Plus, anyone who has experience with self-checkout systems may be taken aback at the idea that the TSA is fobbing off the work of airport security onto flustered and confused travelers. With financial and human issues at hand, the rollout of the program will be small at first. Just a few lanes at Las Vegas's Harry Reid Airport will debut the technology in January, and only for travelers who have completed the TSA Precheck process that involves a security background check. 'Like self-ordering kiosks at fast food and sit-down restaurants, self-service screening allows passengers in the Trusted Traveler Program to complete the security screening process on their own,' Fortune said in the report. Naturally, TSOs will be on hand to assist with technical issues. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin successfully launched its space tourism rocket Tuesday following a 15-month suspension due to a previous craft malfunction. New Shepard took off at 11:43am ET from the firm's West Texas facility and carried science experiments - no humans were on board. The reusable rocket, named after Alan Shepard, the first American in space, ignited its liquid hydrogen-fueled engine and released 110,000 pounds of thrust. New Shepard soared toward space, reaching microgravity and separating to let the capsule test payloads in microgravity. Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin successfully launched its space tourism rocket Tuesday following a 15-month suspension due to a previous craft malfunction The mission dubbed NS-24 carried 33 science and research payloads for clients, including NASA and various US universities. Also on board were 38,000 postcards sent in by students as part of a program led by Club for the Future, Blue Origin's educational non-profit. Once the postcards come back to Earth, they'll be stamped 'Flown to Space' and returned to each student as a unique souvenir. Mission control confirmed separation of the capsule from the booster about 15 minutes into the mission, allowing payloads to experience several minutes of microgravity. The booster made a soft landing in the desert at 11:53am ET, and the capsule touched down three minutes later with its parachutes gliding it back to Earth. New Shepard took off at 11:43am ET from the firm's West Texas facility carrying science experiments - no humans were on board The rocket soared toward space, providing Blue Origin with epic shots of the mission 'This is New Shepard's 24th flight and 13th payload mission,' the company said on its website. 'This mission will bring the number of payloads flown to space on New Shepard to more than 150.' NS-24 has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to proceed. The mission's predecessor, NS-23, back in September 2022, made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The booster made a soft landing in the desert at 11:53am ET The capsule touched down three minutes later with its parachutes gliding it back to Earth The company's rocket experienced its first failed launch on September 12 due to an 'anomaly' just about one minute after liftoff. It forced the capsule to activate its escape system to pull away from the booster when its engine went out. The capsule quickly ignited its escape motor, generated at least 70,000 pounds of thrust in just a few seconds, and then burned out to allow the craft to deploy its parachutes and coast back to Earth. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a year-long probe into the incident and ordered the company to take 21 corrective actions before it could resume launches. Blue Origin's New Shepard is made up of a rocket and nose cone with room for up to six passengers to travel up to 65 miles above the Earth Tuesday's successful mission means Blue Origin can continue its space tourism program that takes paying customers past the Karman line (the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space) A report blamed the failure of an engine nozzle caused by higher-than-expected engine operating temperatures. 'During the mishap, the onboard launch vehicle systems detected the anomaly, triggered an abort and separation of the capsule from the propulsion module as intended and shut down the engine,' said the FAA. However, Tuesday's successful mission means Blue Origin can continue its space tourism program that takes paying customers past the Karman line (the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space). They float weightless for several minutes and 'witness life-changing views' of Earth before descending gently under parachutes. It's unclear who will be on the next crewed Blue Origin flight into orbit, which is expected to happen next year. But Lauren Sanchez, Bezos' girlfriend, has already stated her intention to lead a crew comprised solely of women in early 2024. In all, Blue Origin has flown six crewed flights some passengers were paying customers, and others flew as guests since July 2021, when Bezos himself took part in the first flight. These crewed flights have included celebrity guests who have flown for free, including Star Trek legend William Shatner. Celeste Barber has sunk her 'claus' into Kylie Jenner once again, this time taking a dig at the reality star's Christmas-themed photo. The Australian comedian posted a photo of Kylie from 2019, in which the busty businesswoman wore a glittery red festive dress complete with oversized gift bow fascinator. On the right was Celeste's chaotic interpretation - a misshapen red dress hitched up to a similar length as Kylie's. The comedian also held a half-drunk bottle of wine and held her large fascinator in place as she stared wearily at the camera. In the caption, Celeste wrote: 'Holidays can be rough. Be nice.' Celeste Barber has sunk her 'claus' into Kylie Jenner once again, this time taking a dig at the reality star's Christmas-themed photo Many of Celeste's fans took to the comments to express their amusement. 'You shine! I love your impression,' said one. 'You win that round. Always a gift to us all,' remarked another. While another offered 'that might be me in a few days. Drunk on a Mexican beach.' However there were a few 'grinches' in the comments, with one writing 'enough with these K people', referring to the Kardashian family, while another commenter remarked 'this is getting very old.' Celeste recently launched a scathing tirade against streaming giant Netflix after it was announced they had axed her comedy series Wellmania Celeste recently launched a scathing tirade against streaming giant Netflix after it was announced they had axed her comedy series Wellmania. In November, she posted a snarky picture to Instagram in which she brought into question Netflix's explanation that they cancelled the series due to poor ratings after just one season. Alongside a picture of the Wellmania poster, Celeste include statistics from a global streaming chart, which showed the series debuted in the top ten most streamed Netflix shows. In November, she posted a snarky picture to Instagram in which she brought into question Netflix's explanation that they cancelled the series over its ratings. Alongside a picture of the Wellmania poster, Celeste include some statistics from a global streaming chart Upon premiering on March 29, Wellmania spent its first two weeks in the global top ten, debuting at number seven and remaining at that spot the following week. Wellmania fell out after that and did not re-enter after that, although continued to do well in localised markets 'Netflix Top Ten: Number Seven - Wellmania. Watched for 14,460,000 hours the week of March 27 - April 2, 2023,' the chart said. Celeste posted a 'confused face' emoji next to the chart to express her disbelief at the claim the show was axed because of its 'numbers'. Upon premiering on March 29, Wellmania spent its first two weeks in the global top ten, debuting at number seven and remaining at that spot the following week. Wellmania fell out after that and did not re-enter the global top ten after that, although continued to do well in localised markets. It remained in the top ten streaming charts in Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Iceland and Norway for three weeks, and was heavily streamed in many other countries as well. The series followed Barber's character Liv as she embarks on a strict 'wellness journey' after a trip to the doctor has her being diagnosed with a 'catastrophic' bill of health. Carrie Bickmore hit the beach on Friday, soaking up the summer sun as she stripped down to a very flattering green striped bikini. The radio host, 43, who is currently spending her Christmas holidays in Perth with her family, was all smiles in a series of snaps she shared to Instagram. Sitting in the warm sand and looking out over the horizon, the Gold Logie award winner flaunted her cleavage in a bikini top paired with baby blue shorts. She took every opportunity she could to cuddle up with family members, taking several pictures as she posed up a storm with them on the beach. Carrie finished off her beach babe look by hiding her eyes behind a pair of dark shades and donning a white cap which read 'holiday mode'. Carrie Bickmore, 43, (pictured) hit the beach on Friday, soaking up the summer sun as she stripped down to a very flattering green striped bikini Referencing the accessory, she wrote in the caption of her post: 'Holiday mode activated. Nothing beats a Perth sky and a Perth sunset.' The post comes three weeks after Carrie and her co-host Tommy Little celebrated the enormous success of their radio show. The radio duo's show 'Carrie & Tommy' was announced as the number one drive time show nationally. The radio host who is currently spending her Christmas holidays in Perth with her family, was all smiles in a series of snaps she shared to Instagram To mark the milestone, they shared a photo to Instagram and thanked listeners for their support. 'Thank you to all our awesome listeners,' they wrote. This came after the pair faced rumours of a romance earlier this year. Sitting in the warm sand and looking out over the horizon, the Gold Logie award winner flaunted her cleavage in a bikini top paired with baby blue shorts Fans were begging the couple to confirm an alleged romance, especially after they enjoyed a trip to France together. In June, they hosted their Hit FM radio show from the 'City of Love', which had fans convinced they were romantically involved. Carrie announced her split from her partner of 11 years Chris Walker this year, while Tommy has reportedly been single since his breakup with girlfriend Natalie Kyriacou in 2021. Tommy rushed to the mother-of-three's side in January when she confirmed her breakup, leading insiders to speculate their friendship could evolve into something more. Rebecca Judd shocked her fans on Tuesday by revealing her surprising hangover cure. The glamorous WAG, 40, shared a photo to Instagram of a rustic supermarket pavlova she purchased from Woolworths for $11. 'I was hungover and slapped two of these together with some cream and my son put the berries and flake on. Woolies for the win,' she wrote. Bec also shared a short video of the dessert sitting on her kitchen bench and joked she made it herself: 'Pav queen struck again on Sunday'. The mother-of-four is known for her striking looks and incredibly youthful appearance. Rebecca Judd shocked her fans on Tuesday by revealing her surprising hangover cure Earlier this year, she was left distraught after she was refused service at a bottle shop. The stunner revealed she was turned away from a liquor store in New Zealand because she did not look 'old enough' to buy a bottle of wine. Posting to her stories, she said she and her sister Kate were refused service because they could not produce identification to prove they were over 18 - the local legal age to purchase liquor. The glamorous WAG, 40, shared a photo to Instagram of a rustic supermarket pavlova she purchased from Woolworths for $11 Bec also shared a short video of the dessert sitting on her kitchen bench and joked she made it herself: 'Pav queen struck again on Sunday The siblings wanted to purchase a bottle of NZ Wairau River Rose when the incident occurred. Bec's husband Chris Judd and their four children - Oscar, Billie, Tom and Darcy - joined the genetically blessed siblings on the strip. The Judds celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary at the start of the year. The family currently reside in a luxurious mansion in the swanky Melbourne suburb of Brighton. Lily James cut a very stylish figure in an all black ensemble as she arrived at the NBC studios in New York City on Monday. The actress, 34, looked incredible as she stepped out in a long jacket which boasted ribbed sleeves and a matching collar. She turned heads as she tucked a black ribbed jumper into a pair of trendy straight leg leather trousers. The Mamma Mia star elevated her frame in a pair of pointed toe heels, carried her belongings in a black handbag and wore a chic pair of sunglasses. Completing her daytime ensemble, Lily pulled her brunette tresses back in a neat ponytail and donned a number of gold earrings. Lily James cut a very stylish figure in a black leather long jacket with ribbed detailing as she arrived at the NBC studios in New York City on Monday The actress, 34, looked incredible as she tucked a black ribbed jumper into a pair of trendy straight leg leather trousers and elevated her frame in a pair of pointed toe heels Her outing comes after Lily was spotted without a ring on her finger last month, just weeks after sparking engagement rumours with her on-off boyfriend Michael Schuman. She joined fellow A-listers Olivia Colman and Jamie Dornan at the Choose Love event on London's Carnaby Street, as they launched a pop-up shop for Help Refugees. At the start of November, The Daily Mail revealed Lily appeared to have rekindled her romance with her rockstar boyfriend Michael. She even prompted questions over whether they were engaged by wearing a gold band on her wedding finger. But a few weeks later the ring was notably absent - although the actress sported jewellery on her other fingers. Lily and Michael split in February 2023 after they were rumoured to have grown apart. But in July, they were said to be back together just five months after their split. The two were spotted leaving London's Harold Pinter Theatre, where Lily is currently starring in the play Lyonesse, in the same car. She pulled her brunette tresses back into a neat ponytail as she carried her belongings in a black handbag and wore a chic pair of sunglasses Her outing comes after Lily was spotted without a ring on her finger last month, just weeks after sparking engagement rumours with her on-off boyfriend Michael Schuman (pictured together in 2022) She was spotted wearing a very telling gold band on her left hand, prompting speculation they were engaged. Meanwhile, sources close to the actress confirmed they were now a couple again. The following day they were seen once again in Soho, Central London, where he appeared to be pulling her suitcase. Once again she was wearing the gold band on her left hand, however despite her wearing it two days running, sources close to Lily insisted the ring was one she wears for the play. A source said: 'Lily couldn't stop smiling as she left the theatre, and as she left she got into a car which Michael got into really soon after. 'Lily was wearing a ring on her engagement finger which of course prompts speculation that she and Michael have either got engaged or married. 'But it seems that it could be somewhat premature but nonetheless, they are besotted with one another and very, very happy.' Lily and Michael were seen together at Glastonbury earlier this year - despite their alleged split in February. The couple were first linked in 2021 after they were spotted sharing a kiss outside a boutique hotel. The American star was said to be staying at the hotel where Lily was quarantining with cast and crew for the film What's Love Got To Do With It?. An eyewitness told the Daily Mail at the time: 'Lily's driver turned up just after 9am, then she and Michael emerged from the hotel together a few minutes later. They were laughing and joking and looked very happy together.' At the start of November, The Daily Mail revealed Lily appeared to have rekindled her romance with her rockstar boyfriend Michael after they split in February The Pam & Tommy star previously dated The Crown and House of the Dragon star Matt Smith, 40, on and off for five years (pictured together in 2017) They then made their red carpet debut at the Oscars in 2022 where they looked loved-up. The musician reportedly moved into Lily's 3million home in North London and a month later the loved-up pair were pictured hand in hand as they visited Michael's parents, former Disney production manager Ira Shuman and wife Janet, in Los Angeles. But it was reported in February this year that they had gone their separate ways for good. The actress's relationship with Michael initially came as a shock to fans of the pair, as Lily is known for her family-friendly roles in Downton Abbey, Cinderella and Mamma Mia. Meanwhile, Michael is a member of Queens Of The Stone Age, the band notorious for on-stage nudity and claims of drug and alcohol abuse. In August 2021 Lily sparked speculation Michael had proposed as she headed out in Melrose Avenue, California with a gold ring on her engagement finger. However a representative of Lily said of speculation regarding a proposal from Michael: 'This is 100% not true'. The Pam & Tommy star previously dated The Crown and House of the Dragon star Matt Smith, 40, on and off for five years. In July 2020, the actress was pictured heading back to Chris Evans' London hotel after partying into the early hours at private members' venue, Mark's Club in Mayfair. Lily has raised eyebrows in the past by forging close friendships with her co-stars in recent productions - Arnie Hammer in Rebecca and Dominic West in BBC drama The Pursuit Of Love. Helena Bonham Carter was warned off of taking on a role in Doctor Who by the sci-fi series' own showrunner Russell T Davies. Actress Helena, 57, has told how screenwriter Russell, 60, insisted the part she was offered in the new season of the BBC programme was not up to par for her, with him telling her to hold off for something better. During an appearance on the Jo Whiley Show on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, Helena told host Jo she had never been in Doctor Who, with Russell claiming she had fobbed him off, telling him she was too busy when she was invited to appear. However, screen star Helena corrected the producer, reminding him that he had in fact told her to turn the job down. Jo asked: 'Have you even been in Doctor Who Helena?', to which Russell interjected: 'Shes been offered and madam was too busy. "Not this time" came back the answer.' Helena Bonham Carter was warned off of taking on a role in Doctor Who by the sci-fi series' own showrunner Russell T Davies (Helena pictured last month) Actress Helena, 57, has told how screenwriter Russell, 60, insisted the part she was offered in the new season of the BBC programme was not up to par for her (Russell pictured last week) Helena hit back: 'I couldnt, I couldnt. Ive had other things,' adding: 'What was it? You said, you actually said, "This isnt quite good enough."' Russell remembered: 'I did, oh gosh.' He continued: 'Actually it wasnt no, I mean it wasnt big enough, it wasnt good enough for you. 'It was a lovely part and they offered it, but I secretly sent you a note saying turn this down. Well get you something better.' Helena responded: 'He did, he said, "You know what, no pressure".' Realising he'd been caught out, Russell joked: 'Oh God, I never told the team that. I am completely hung and drawn and quartered now. I said, "Dont do this"!' He insisted: 'I know whats coming up in the future. I know theres a better part coming.' It comes after Ncuti Gatwa, who plays the new Time Lord, revealed fans can expect 'a very energetic' fifteenth Doctor ahead of the new series. During an appearance on the Jo Whiley Show on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, Helena told host Jo she had never been in Doctor Who, with Russell claiming she had fobbed him off (L-R: Helena, Jo and Russell) The actor, 31, explained how he 'showed off on the first day of filming with lots of acrobatics', which were later cut out as he gave an insight into his character. Previously best known for his role as Eric Effiong in Sex Education, he made his debut on 9 December in a special episode. Ncuti said on The Graham Norton Show last week: 'I like physical theatre and got to do a lot. I am a very energetic Doctor. I was showing off on the first day, with lots of acrobatics but they all got cut out!' He added: 'This is the first time The Doctor is bi-generation and has split in two. It was useful that David Tennant didnt die and that he was around because I could copy him.' When asked if he will be watching his first show on Christmas day, Ncuti admitted: 'I will but it is nerve wracking and I know my dad will give me notes!' It comes after Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa, 31, has revealed fans can expect 'a very energetic' fifteenth Doctor ahead of the new series (Ncuti pictured on The Graham Norton Show last week) The third and final episode of the 60th anniversary special, saw Ncuti's Doctor (right) emerge alongside fourteenth doctor David Tennant (left) as the pair 'bi-renegerated' It comes after showrunner Russell revealed Ncuti's Doctor is set to meet The Beatles in the upcoming series. At a private screening of the upcoming Christmas special, Russell said: '[The Christmas special is] completely different to the next episode, isn't it? And then the one after that, that's the Beatles ... that's nuts!' It will not be The Beatles' first appearance on the hit British sci-fi series, albeit it will be their first partly-posthumous one. A clip of the band performing their song Ticket To Ride featured in a 1965 episode during the tenure of the very first Doctor. The new season of Made in Chelsea is headed Down Under. The reality show's regulars Olivia Bentley, Sam Prince, Harvey Armstrong, Bella Sharpe, Yasmine Zweegers and Ruby Adler are coming to harbour city for Made in Chelsea: Sydney, which will stream on Hayu from January 15. And joining the cast of the regular show are Sydney locals Mia Loehr, Tayla Cohen, JJ Van Der Vliet, Lachlan Mclean and Isabella Cicero. So who are the new Made in Chelsea: Sydney cast members? Mia Loehr, 21, Clovelly, Nurse Models, moguls and medical professionals: Meet the glamorous new cast members of Made In Chelsea: Sydney. Mia is a 21-year-old nurse who hails from a very well-off family Mia is a 21-year-old nurse who hails from a well-off family. Her mother is involved in the diamond trade, while her father specialises in computer software within the fitness sector. Regarding her dating life, Mia is content being single and enjoys dating classic tall, dark and handsome men, as well as Aussie surfer boys. Tayla Cohen, 23, Vaucluse, Student Student Tayla describes herself as 'deathly loyal and crazy fun' Her family are jewellers and reside in Vaucluse Student Tayla describes herself as 'deathly loyal and crazy fun.' Her family are also jewellers and reside in Vaucluse. She thrives on confrontation and is known for her straightforward nature, jokingly stating, 'If I'm unhappy with you, everyone will know about it.' JJ Van Der Vliet, 30, North Bondi Tech Salesman JJ Van Der Vliet, a 30-year-old tech salesman residing in North Bondi, seems to relish his single status and is actively dating. He is looking forward to showcasing the Bondi lifestyle on the show JJ Van Der Vliet, a 30-year-old tech salesman residing in North Bondi, seems to relish his single status and is actively dating. He is looking forward to showcasing the Bondi lifestyle on the show. 'The summer months are when everything happens in Bondi - relationships, parties, and fun times,' he remarks. Lachlan Mclean, 27, Mona Vale, Model Lachlan Mclean, a 27-year-old model and influencer from Northern Beaches, acknowledges he has commitment issues. Describing himself as a 'lover boy,' he's happy being single but remains open to the prospect of love and companionship should it come his way Lachlan Mclean, a 27-year-old model and influencer from Northern Beaches, acknowledges he has commitment issues. Describing himself as a 'lover boy,' he's happy being single but remains open to the prospect of love and companionship should it come his way. Isabella Cicero, 31, Bondi, Model Isabella Cicero divides her time between Bondi and Queensland and is enjoying casual dating Isabella Cicero divides her time between Bondi and Queensland and is enjoying casual dating. However, she holds exceptionally high standards for a potential future relationship. Her ideal partner is someone who embodies charisma, confidence, and possesses excellent conversational skills, as she describes them as being essential qualities in a potential match. She is currently been dating Tammy Hembrow's ex-fiance Matt Poole, and the pair shared a romantic trip to Byron Bay over the weekend. Jenna Dewan packed on the PDA with Nathan Fillion but it was all for their series The Rookie. The 43-year-old actress, who has been keeping a low profile, sizzled as she cuddled up the hunky 52-year-old actor while filming the sixth season of the drama series in Malibu on Monday. The Step Up actress donned a very low-cut one piece swimsuit along with a lacy black cover-up. Her brunette tresses were worn down in a middle-part as her luscious locks flowed like waves cascading down her shoulders. Jenna accentuated her natural looks with bold make-up including red lipstick and smokey-eye. Jenna Dewan packed on the PDA with Nathan Fillion but it was all for their series The Rookie The 43-year-old actress, who has been keeping a low profile , sizzled as she cuddled up the hunky 52-year-old actor while filming the sixth season of the drama series in Malibu on Monday The actress - who stars as Bailey Nune - and her co-star Nathan filmed many intimate scenes on the gorgeous beach. Nathan portrays the protagonist in the series LAPD officer John Nolan who is in a relationship with Jenna's character Bailey. The two showcased their love by walking arm-in-arm on the beach and even shared a few kisses. No doubt Nathan's character John wanted to document the outing as he was seen holding a camcorder recording their PDA session. Earlier in the day Jenna was glowing in all white as she and her co-star played their roles at the beach. Jenna donned an off-white V-neck sweater over a cream toned top with flowing pants and was barefoot in the sand. Her dark hair was styled in loose waves and she wore camera ready makeup with a bold dark red lip. The actress carried a small camcorder in part of the scene, but was also spotted using a smartphone to record the action along the shore. The Step Up actress donned a very low-cut one piece swimsuit along with a lacy black cover-up. Her brunette tresses were worn down in a middle-part as her luscious locks flowed like waves cascading down her shoulders Her brunette tresses were worn down in a middle-part as her luscious locks flowed like waves cascading down her shoulders Jenna accentuated her natural looks with bold make-up including red lipstick and smokey-eye The actress - who stars as Bailey Nune - and her co-star Nathan filmed many intimate scenes on the gorgeous beach Nathan portrays the protagonist in the series LAPD officer John Nolan who is in a relationship with Jenna's character Bailey The two showcased their love by walking arm-in-arm on the beach and even shared a few kisses No doubt Nathan's character John wanted to document the outing as he was seen holding a camcorder recording their PDA session Nathan looked relaxed as he stood next to her wearing a pair of rolled up gray pants, a white T-shirt and a light gray linen button down shirt. The 6'2" actor was also barefoot and wore a large gold wedding band on his left ring finger, indicating that the pair might be shooting the wedding of their characters officer John Nolan and firefighter Bailey Nune. He was also spotted taking off something that looked like it could carry a secret stash, indicating they could be taking part in an undercover operation. The actors were seen lugging bags and backpacks across the sand for episode. Alyssa Diaz, who plays Detective Angela Lopez in the ABC police drama was costumed ins a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt. She kept warm in a charcoal toned blazer and lighter gray hoodie. Her dark hair was styled in loose waves and she carried a large cognac colored leather bag. Earlier in the day Jenna was glowing in all white as she and her co-star played their roles at the beach Jenna, 43, was glowing in all white as she and her co-star played their roles at the beach. She donned an off-white V-neck sweater over a cream toned top with flowing pants and was barefoot in the sand Nathan, 52, looked relaxed as he stood next to her wearing a pair of rolled up gray pants, a white T-shirt and a light gray linen button down shirt The 6'2" actor was also barefoot and wore a large gold wedding band on his left ring finger, indicating that the pair might be shooting the wedding of their characters officer John Nolan and firefighter Bailey Nune The star was also spotted taking off something that looked like it could carry a secret stash, indicating they could be taking part in an undercover operation Alyssa Diaz, who plays Detective Angela Lopez in the ABC police drama was costumed ins a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt. She kept warm in a charcoal toned blazer and lighter gray hoodie Writing about her location in Instagram stories, Jenna posted a photo of the beach and wrote 'Today's work view is not bad.' While talking to the director, both Nathan and Jenna put on thick blue jackets for warmth. The cast and crew recently celebrated shooting their 100th episode. 'For clarity, 100 episodes is a feat thats really, really, really, really, really hard to accomplish,' the actor wrote on social media last week. Writing about her location in Instagram stories, Jenna posted a photo of the beach and wrote 'Today's work view is not bad' The cast and crew recently celebrated shooting their 100th episode of the police drama about a divorced dad who decides to pursue a second career as a Los Angeles Police officer While talking to the director, both Nathan and Jenna put on thick blue jackets for warmth. The sixth season The Rookie is set to begin February 20 'To top it off, it couldnt happen to a more deserving bunch,' he claimed. 'To everyone who works to put this show on the air, thank you for all the hard work over these challenging years, and congratulations.' 'To everyone out there who watches, thank you x 100. For those of you who havent seen the Rookie yet, youre in for a treat! 100 treats and counting,' the action star concluded. The sixth season of the popular police show about a divorced dad who decides to pursue a second career as a Los Angeles Police officer is set to begin February 20. He is one of Australia's most celebrated actors, and is set to play fame French fashion designer Christian Dior in an upcoming TV series. But Ben Mendelsohn, 54, revealed his off-duty style on Sunday as he stepped out with his ex-wife Emma Forrest for an outing in London. The Emmy-winning star put on a casual display - wearing a white jacket with a floral print, black trousers and a zip-up jumper. He was also seen carrying a lit cigarette in one hand while dangling another in his mouth, all while juggling a cup of takeaway coffee and shopping bags. Ben's grey hair looked scruffy and overgrown compared to his usual trimmed hairdo. Ben Mendelsohn, 54, revealed his off-duty style on Sunday as he stepped out with his ex-wife Emma Forrest for an outing in London The Star Wars actor's ex-wife Emma, 46, went makeup free for the winter outing. The film director, who filed for divorce from Ben in 2016, wore a pair of denim jeans, a pink cardigan layered with a navy floral coat, and pink running shoes. Emma and Ben tied the knot in June 2012 at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood. Along with his child with Emma, the actor also has another daughter from a previous relationship. In late December, 2016, Emma filed for divorce from the actor citing 'irreconcilable differences' in her divorce papers and revealed she and the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story actor have been separated since December 1 that year. He was seen carrying a lit cigarette in one hand while dangling another in his mouth, all while juggling a cup of takeaway coffee and shopping bags The Emmy-winning star put on a casual display - wearing a white jacket with a floral print, black trousers and a zip-up jumper Ben has previously called Emma his 'lucky charm' and admitted he relied on her for guidance. He told Los Angeles Times in 2015: 'Emma has a lot more sense of the wider world. I'm more of a much burrower and just push narrowly, straight ahead.' Back in 2018, the critically acclaimed actor revealed he was once forced to work low-paying jobs to pay the bills. He washed dishes at a restaurant in Sydney's Bondi and was also employed at a Brumby's Bakery during a career slump, according to the Herald Sun. Reflecting on his incredible reversal of fortune since then, Ben said: 'It's been extraordinary. But that's what has been very sweet about it - you don't expect that in this business.' He added: 'I still drive around and look back on a lot of years where things were leaner. I am still happily spun out by it.' Emma and Ben tied the knot in June 2012 before the film maker filed for divorce in 2016 Ben will next star in The New Look as famed fashion designer Christian Dior Ben has a history of playing villains in films, but recently said he doesn't overthink the roles he plays. In an interview with The Project, he said his penchant for playing bad guys has turned out 'all right' for him so far. However, he said he's 'got a couple more feathers' in his cap and would like to play more diverse characters in the future. Ben will next star in The New Look as famed fashion designer Christian Dior. Made in Chelsea's sun-soaked Australian special kicked off with a very heated exchange between Liv Bentley and Nicole Berry on Monday. The posh pack headed down under for a spot of winter sun but before having time to see the sights, the ladies had a war of words - with viewers wildly declaring Nicole the victor. After Liv accused her rival of spreading lies, she was quickly accused of not having a benevolent bone in her 'f****** body'. Taken-aback Liv laughed only for it to be branded fake with Nicole saying: 'You are calculating an conniving person'. Adding: 'I have never met anybody with their head so far up their a*** they can't see the light'. Made in Chelsea 's sun-soaked Australian special kicked off with a very heated exchange between Liv Bentley (pictured) and Nicole Berry on Monday. The posh pack headed down under for a spot of winter sun but before having time to see the sights, the ladies had a war of words - with viewers wildly declaring Nicole the victor. Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer said: 'I'm sorry, but Nicole dragged tf out of Liv, lol'. With a second saying: 'I love Liv but holy s*** Nicole ate her up. And: 'Nicole attttte Liv up oh my dayssssss'. With a fourth writing: 'Nicole well and truly out Liv in her place. I loved that'. Made In Chelsea's winter and summer spin-off series normally go down a treat in terms of drama. Hugo Mackenzie-Wood, Sam Prince, and David 'Temps' Templer, Harvey Armstrong, Yasmine Zweegers and Ruby Adler all headed down under for the latest addition. Bella, Lauren and the rest of the cast have also been very active on their social media, sharing with their fans what they are getting up to abroad. Taking to Instagram, Lauren posted a sizzling snap on the beach again in front of the camera crew during filming. Nicole didn't hold back and said of Liv: 'I have never met anybody with their head so far up their a*** they can't see the light'. Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer said: 'I'm sorry, but Nicole dragged tf out of Liv, lol' While, Bella posted a gorgeous mirror selfie with Lauren in the bathroom toilets during a night out. The pair's friendship seem to be going from strength to strength since their relationship started over the summer. Lauren has been modelling for eight years, and during her career has modelled for brands including Boohoo, ASOS and PrettyLittleThing. She is already firm friends with Reza, Emily Blackwell and Tiffany Watson, and Ruby used to be her booker at Storm, a modelling agency based in London where Ruby used to work. Taking to Instagram, Lauren Giselle Sintes posted a sizzling snap on the beach again in front of the camera crew during filming While, Bella posted a gorgeous mirror selfie with Lauren in the bathroom toilets during a night out During filming, Lauren was spotted flirting with Reza - although it was revealed in a recent episode that she had enjoyed a fling with Harvey Armstrong, which left his current flame Willow Day devastated. Sam and Yasmine appear to be continuing their romance after getting together quickly after he dumped ex-girlfriend Inga Valentiner. The couple called time on their two-year relationship in dramatic scenes captured for the show's last series filmed in Corsica this summer. Despite breaking down in tears after losing his 'dream girl', within days of their romance ending, Sam, 26, moved on by kissing co-star Yazmin, 24. A little-known author's massive $250 million lawsuit against Amazon and The Tolkien Estate has failed. Author Demetrious Polychron filed a $250 million lawsuit against Amazon over their Prime Video streaming service series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Polychrone claims that the streaming service stole the idea for the series from his 2017 fan fiction book The Fellowship of the King. A California judge ruled not only for both Amazon and The Tolkien Estate, but ordered Polychron to pay their $134K legal fees also. District Court of California judge Stephen V. Wilson threw out both lawuits that Polycron had brought forth. Author Demetrious Polychron filed a $250 million lawsuit against Amazon over their Prime Video streaming service series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Polychrone claims that the streaming service stole the idea for the series from his 2017 fan fiction book The Fellowship of the King The author registered his fan fiction sequel book The Fellowship of the King in 2017, which he claimed was the 'pitch perfect sequel to The Lord of the Rings.' He filed the lawsuit in April against both Amazon and The Tolkien Estate, which controls the works of late Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien. The lawsuit claimed both Amazon and The Tolkien Estate infringed on his copyright for his fan fiction book. Wilson not only threw out both lawsuits and ordered Polychron to pay Amazon and The Tolkien Estate's legal fees, but he also prevented him from selling The Fellowship of the King. The judge filed a permanent injunction that prevented Polychron from ever distributing any further copies of The Fellowship of the King. It also prevented him from selling any copies of his planned sequels or any other derivative works of author JRR Tolkien. The author has also been ordered to destroy all physical and electronic copies of The Fellowship of the King and file a declaration - under penalty of perjury - that he has complied with all of the court's requests. The judge also turned down Polychron's request to have Amazon and The Tolkien Estate pay for his legal fees. 'This is an important success for the Tolkien Estate, which will not permit unauthorized authors and publishers to monetize JRR Tolkiens much-loved works in this way,' said Steven Maier, the Tolkien Estates UK solicitor. The author registered his fan fiction sequel book The Fellowship of the King in 2017, which he claimed was the 'pitch perfect sequel to The Lord of the Rings.' Wilson not only threw out both lawsuits and ordered Polychron to pay Amazon and The Tolkien Estate's legal fees, but he also prevented him from selling The Fellowship of the King The author has also been ordered to destroy all physical and electronic copies of The Fellowship of the King and file a declaration - under penalty of perjury - that he has complied with all of the court's requests Tolkien's work won't enter public domain until January 1, 2044 - which is 95 years after his first work was published Tolkien's work won't enter public domain until January 1, 2044 - which is 95 years after his first work was published. The Rings of Power made headlines in 2017 when Amazon obtained the TV rights to Tolkien's work for an astonishing $250 million. The deal was said to be for over $1 billion which included production costs for the sprawling first season. The show was renewed for a second season, which is believed to return in 2024, though no Season 2 premiere date was given. Ella Morgan and Sammy Root wowed as they transformed into the iconic Barbie and Ken in a heat photoshoot on Tuesday. The Married At First Sight UK star, 29, and Love Island winner, 22, looked incredible as they donned bleach blonde wigs as they recreated Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling's film looks. Ella, who is transgender, showed off her amazing figure in a pink and white checked minidress which she cinched in at the waist with a matching belt as she posed for the magazine's annual Stars Dress Up feature. She placed a pair of chic pink framed sunglasses on top of her head and accessorised with a chunky floral necklace as she posed in Barbie's pink car. The TV personality added a swipe of bold red lipstick as she flashed her gorgeous smile while posing up a storm for pictures while dressed as Margot's Barbie. Ella Morgan and Sammy Root wowed as they transformed into the iconic Barbie and Ken in their latest photo shoot on Tuesday Sammy took on the role as Ken and showcased his chiselled abs in an open pink and blue striped shirt and matching shorts. The TV personality flashed his toned arms while lifting Ella onto his shoulder as she covered his face with her hand copying the original picture. The ITV2 star rocked his usual dark groomed facial hair as he gushed what a 'privileged' it was to dress up as Ryan's character. While speaking to heat, Ella said she used to think she would have to dress up as Ken but after 'transitioning she realised she can be Barbie'. She gushed: 'This is a dream come true! I loved Barbie when I was younger and now I get to be her. 'I used to think I'd have to be a Ken, but then I transitioned and realised I can be a Barbie - I'm just as plastic as her! I could have a worse Ken couldn't I? I'm quite happy, Sammy's fit.' Sammy added: 'Being picked to be Ryan Gosling's Ken is a big privilege. I mean, who doesn't want to be Ken? 'Having been on Love Island, I'm not shy about getting my abs out, so recreating the iconic image was fun. I've met Ella before and she seemed like a lovely girl, so I was more than happy to be the Ken to her Barbie for the shoot.' The Married At First Sight star, 29, and Love Island winner, 22, looked incredible as they donned bleach blonde wigs while posing in Barbie's pink car Read the full feature in this week's heat magazine, on sale now It comes as fans are now able to say 'Hey Barbie' from the comfort of their own dreamhouse. The blockbuster starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling became available for streaming on Max December 15, nearly two weeks ahead of the screenplay being released as a book. Subtitles will be available for the hearing impaired, but an American Sign Language version will also be released. The film has set records since its July 21 release in theaters, earning more than $1.4 billion dollars, and becoming the most successful film of 2023 and has become the highest earning movie in Warner Bros history. Margot, 33, bought the rights to Barbie from toymaker Mattel through her production company LuckyChap, and approached Oscar nominee Greta Gerwig to write the script. Read the full feature in this week's heat magazine, on sale now. Dave Grohl shocked a packed Brisbane crowd last week by sharing a wild story about once getting arrested in Australia. The Foo Fighters frontman, 54, told fans at Suncorp Stadium on December 12 about the day he was arrested for drink driving on a scooter in the Gold Coast in 2000. 'I was on one of those Big Day Out tours. I was on a scooter that I ran to the Gold Coast, so I can go to Sea World and drink f***ing blue shots,' he began. 'I was supposed to be on vacation but I spent that s**t in a f***ing jail cell with a dude in a Primus T-shirt who wouldn't stop snoring.' Fortunately, Dave said his cellmates were big fans of him and he was able to make friends with them. 'Everybody in the jail was like, "Alright Dave!" We were on tour with Nine Inch Nails and Primal Scream and I'm the one that gets f***ing thrown in jail. That is bulls**t!' Despite going through that challenging experience, Grohl is open about his love for Australia, after touring Down Under for over 30 years. Earlier this month, Grohl paid an emotional tribute to 'his home away from home' during the Foo Fighters' packed out show at Sydney's Accor Stadium. Dave Grohl (pictured) shocked a packed Brisbane crowd last week while performing with the Foo Fighters, by sharing a wild story about once getting arrested in Australia The rockstar, 54, told his fans at Suncorp Stadium on December 12 a shocking story about being arrested for drink driving on a scooter in the Gold Coast in 2000 'Everybody knows this, and I'm not just saying it because we're here. Australia is one of our favourite f***ing places in the entire world,' he told the crowd. 'It is. It's like a home away from home. We've been coming here for years.' Grohl said he was thrilled to see younger fans in the crowd who were growing up appreciating his music. 'I will say this, Australia more than anywhere else in the rest of the world, has a new generation of rock people that are coming out to the shows. I'm glad you're here.' Dave first toured Down Under in 1992 with Nirvana and has been visiting the country regularly since 1995 with the Foo Fighters. Melbourne KIIS FM stars Jase Hawkins and Lauren Phillips had a bittersweet send off this month when they left the network with their best ratings of 2023. The radio hosts recorded their last show on December 1 before Sydney juggernauts Kyle & Jackie O swoop in to steal their breakfast timeslot next year. But it seems the southern audience is loath to let their local stars go as Hawkins, 42, and Phillips, 41, landed in second place for Melbourne's final radio ratings of the year. After kicking off their show more than two years ago, Hawkins and Phillips went out with a bang as they took 9.1 per cent audience share this survey. Their audience jumped by 63,000 since the last survey, shooting them straight to the top of Melbourne's leaderboard just behind FOX FM's Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola and Nick Cody. Melbourne KIIS FM stars Jase Hawkins, 42, (left) and Lauren Phillips, 41, (right) had a bittersweet send off this month when they left the network with their best ratings of 2023 Hawkins and Phillips' newsreader Clint Stanaway said: 'The support and kind words we've received from Melbourne since our last show aired has been pretty overwhelming. 'This is a nice little Christmas present for the entire team.' Meanwhile, over in Sydney, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson have yet again triumphed in the final radio ratings of the year. The radio hosts recorded their last show on December 1 before Sydney juggernauts Kyle & Jackie O swoop in to steal their breakfast timeslot next year KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O Show beat 2GB's Ben Fordham in Sydney, gaining a massive 16.7 per cent audience share, up 0.4 per cent from the last survey. Fordham's show was down 0.2 per cent, bringing in a total share of 16 per cent. The survey also saw WSFM's Jonesy and Amanda become the third highest rated breakfast show. But it seems the southern audience is loath to let their local stars go as Hawkins and Phillips landed in second place for Melbourne's final radio ratings of the year Hosted by Brendan 'Jonesy' Jones & Amanda Keller, the program rose 1.1 points with a 9.5 per cent share. Last month, it was announced KIIS FM hosts Kyle and Jackie O had signed a historic $200million 10-year radio deal. It will see them expand to Melbourne on their Sydney station - keeping them on the airwaves until 2034. A spokesperson for ARN confirmed to Daily Mail Australia the deal means their work pals Hawkins and Phillips will be out of a job. Chris Hemsworth is currently enjoying a pre-Christmas holiday with his wife Elsa Pataky and their three children at the Tavarua Island Resort in Fiji. On Tuesday, the Marvel star, 40, posted a video to Instagram which revealed the surprise nickname his son Tristan, nine, calls him. The pair were seen having fun on a chartered fishing boat, when Tristan called his dad 'Chris'. 'Come on Chris, keep fighting it,' Tristan told the Thor star as they reeled in a fish. Many of Hemsworth's fans were shocked by the informal manner his son address his father and took to the comments section to voice their disapproval. Chris Hemsworth posted a video to Instagram which revealed the surprise nickname his son Tristan, nine, calls him 'Why is his son calling him Chris?' one asked, as a second person responded: 'Came to ask same question What happened to Dad?' However, Chris quickly set the record straight and explained why his children address him by his first name rather than as 'Dad'. 'If you're wondering why my son calls me Chris it's because I'm his BFF and true mates don't call each other dad,' Chris told his fans. Chris is currently enjoying a pre-Christmas holiday with his wife Elsa Pataky and their three children at the Tavarua Island Resort in Fiji The Hollywood actor's shock admission comes after he and his wife Elsa finally threw cold water on speculation about the status of their marriage. The couple, who have spent time holidaying separately in recent months, reunited this week as they enjoyed a family holiday in Fiji. Posting to Instagram, the pair each shared a gallery of happy holiday snaps showing themselves relaxing at the Tavarua Island Resort with their sons Tristan and Sasha, nine, and daughter India, 11. The pair were seen having fun on a chartered fishing boat, when Tristan called his dad 'Chris' Elsa made sure to upload plenty of loved up selfies as they cuddled at the beach, went swimming and took a boat ride with friends. The posts came after fans grew concerned about the status of Chris and Elsa's relationship. The genetically blessed duo have spent a significant amount of time holidaying separately in recent months, prompting fans to question if all is well in paradise. Since the fans raised their concerns, Chris shared an image of himself and Elsa to Instagram on Sunday, showing the pair lapping up the sun aboard a boat. Chris quickly set the record straight and explained why his children address him by his first name rather than as 'Dad' Advertisement Jennifer Lawrence, Dakota Fanning, Rose Byrne and a number of A-list stars put on a glamorous display as they arrived to opening night of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Broadway show, Appropriate, on Monday night. As they prepared to watch the dark comedy, starring Elle Fanning, Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll and Natalie Gold, the women were seen posing on the red carpet in their chic looks as they made their way inside of Hayes Theater. For the occasion, Lawrence, 33, turned heads in an elegant red coat over a black satin dress with a plunging neckline. She styled her sophisticated, floor-length dress with pointed, black pumps and a simple pair of gold hoop earrings. Star-studded affair: Jennifer Lawrence, Dakota Fanning, Rose Byrne and a number of A-list stars put on a glamorous display as they arrived to opening night of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Broadway show, Appropriate, on Monday night Glamorous: She styled her sophisticated, floor-length dress with pointed, black pumps and a simple pair of gold hoop earrings She opted for an alluring makeup look, consisting of a black liquid eyeliner, blush, bronze for a sun-kissed glow and glossy nude lipstick. The Oscar winner, who is married to Cooke Maroney, wore her golden blonde mane down over her shoulders as she enjoyed a rare night away from her two-year-old son Cy. Meanwhile, Dakota, 29, wowed in a black gown, matching coat and high heels as she supported her younger sister, 25, during her Broadway debut. All eyes were on Byrne, 44, while she walked the red carpet in a sheer, jewel-encrusted top over a black bra and flowing skirt. The Bridesmaids actress wore her shoulder-length brunette tresses in loose curls and a pair of strappy, open-toed shoes. Legendary stage, film, and television actress Holland Taylor, who is in a relationship with Paulson, was among the celebrity attendees. Taylor, 80, wore a patterned scarf, brown jacket and sneakers. The dark comedy focuses on members of a family who return to their recently deceased patriarch's home in Arkansas to deal with his estate. Radiant: She opted for an alluring makeup look, consisting of a black liquid eyeliner, blush, bronze for a sun-kissed glow and glossy nude lipstick Supporting the arts: The Oscar winner, who is married to Cooke Maroney, wore her golden blonde mane down over her shoulders as she enjoyed a rare night away from her two-year-old son Cy Gorgeous: Meanwhile, Dakota, 29, wowed in a black gown, matching coat and high heels as she supported her younger sister, 25, during her Broadway debut Cool girl: All eyes were on Byrne, 44, while she walked the red carpet in a sheer, jewel-encrusted top over a black bra and flowing skirt Edgy: The Bridesmaids actress wore her shoulder-length brunette tresses in loose curls and a pair of strappy, open-toed shoes Supportive: Sarah Paulson's longtime partner, Holland Taylor, was in the star-studded audience to support her favorite actress Although the siblings have their own reasons for visiting their homestead, the arrival of their estranged brother heralds the beginning of a complete breakdown of their visit. The rest of the cast includes Alyssa Emily Marvin and Corey Stoll. Elle will take on the part of River, the fiancee of the youngest sibling. In late October, Elle told her followers she would be making her 'Broadway debut in #Appropriate by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.' 'Previews begin November 29th at the Hayes Theater.' The young star shared a photo of herself onstage writing, First step on The Hayes,' on November 2. Having fun: Lawrence posed for a picture with theatre director and writer, Lila Neugebauer (R), who sported a black suit Turning heads: Jane Krakowski put on a leggy display in a shiny black look over a pair of semi-sheer tights Good friends: Carla Gallo and Amanda Peet were also in attendance as they supported their pal, Sarah Paulson Revealing: Tarra Connor Jones, who made her off-Broadway debut in White Girl In Danger, stunned in a low-cut black jumpsuit Bold: Actress Samantha Mathis, who served as the Vice President, Actors/Performers of SAG-AFTRA from 2015 to 2019, sported a patterned dress and sparkly silver heels A blast: Jim Parsons (L) and his partner Todd Spiewak (R) enjoyed a date night All dressed up: Lauren Patten wore a black and white gingham vest, matching pants and black leather boots All denim: Miriam Silverman rocked a jean dress and yellow high heels Camryn Manheim and Marin Hinkle posed for a picture together Pretty in pink: Emily Bergl oozed sophistication in a hot pink suit Michael Imperioli wore a black leather jacket, matching trousers and a turtleneck Actor and film producer Zachary Quinto wore a black long sleeve, patterned pants and black loafers Appropriate marks Paulson's return to Broadway in 13 years. She last appeared on stage in 2010, when she starred in a production of Donald Margulies' Collected Stories. Paulson looked stunning on the carpet in an all-black outfit with golden statement necklace. Appropriate was written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who will be making his Broadway debut with the project. The writer's previous plays, Gloria and Everybody, were both finalists for Pulitzer Prizes. The play previously debuted off-Broadway in 2014, and it had a limited run in London in 2019. Paulson looked stunning on the carpet in an all-black outfit with golden statement necklace Elle and Sarah =laughed while on the carpet together Sarah took part in the curtain call on opening night of the Broadway play The cast got their flowers during the curtain call The cast of Appropriate held hands during the curtain call on opening night in New York City Paulson, 49, last month paid an emotional tribute to the late Matthew Perry and revealed the star once helped her land a crucial acting role. The American Horror Story star, who starred alongside Perry in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip from 2006-2007, revealed the Friends icon, who died in October aged 54, ran lines with her in a parking lot before her final audition for the role of Harriet Hayes. Appearing on The View, she said: 'I was at a particular place in my career where I needed that job very desperately and he, because of his friendship with Amanda Peet, who was my best friend at the time, who was also on the show, they had done a movie together called The Whole Nine Yards. 'So he asked me to meet him in the parking lot for my final audition, and I got in his car and he ran the whole scene with me multiple times so that I could have a leg up on the other performer. 'And I did get the job! So, I sort of credit him with taking that extra time, and he absolutely did not need to do that.' Keke Palmer's ex Darius Jackson has accused the actress of being 'verbally and physically abusive' toward him in new court papers. Jackson, 29, submit a counterclaim to Los Angeles County Superior Court Friday, according to the Los Angeles Times, after the actress, 30, received a temporary restraining order against him last month amid allegations of domestic violence. Jackson told the court that Palmer 'repeatedly engaged in abusive conduct' and 'acted as the primary aggressor' toward him during their two years together. Jackson, who is father to son Leodis Andrellton, nine months, with Palmer, addressed specific incidents in his legal counterclaim, adding Palmer 'frequently became agitated and aggressive after consuming alcohol.' Jackson told the court that on August 20, 2021, Palmer 'punched [him] in the face' at a birthday party they'd attended. Keke Palmer's ex Darius Jackson, 29, has accused the actress of being 'verbally and physically abusive' toward him in new court papers. The former couple was pictured in Atlanta this past April with their son Leodis Andrellton Jackson said Palmer, 30, 'repeatedly engaged in abusive conduct' and 'acted as the primary aggressor' toward him during their two years of dating. She was pictured in LA in September In an incident in January of 2022, Jackson told the court Palmer 'punched the windshield of [his] car while [he] was driving.' On February 28, 2022, according to Jackson, Palmer 'physically attacked [him] by choking and hitting' him in an incident at her Los Angeles house. Jackson said that in an incident on March 12, 2023, an intoxicated Palmer had cursed him out amid experiencing plumbing problems at her home she blamed him for. 'I tried to de-escalate the situation and she became more enraged,' he said. Jackson took to Instagram on Thursday with a clip of himself during various stages of a gym workout, explaining in the caption how he's focusing on his religion and physical wellness amid the tumultuous time. 'There's A LOT I can say but not allowed to say,' Jackson said. 'And at this point, don't even want to say.' Jackson spoke about his refocused mindset after Palmer, 30, obtained a temporary restraining order against him amid the allegations she made; and filed for sole legal and physical custody of Leodis. Jackson, who has past denied the abuse allegations, said he was 'extremely blessed to have repent & be baptized in the name of our Lord Jesus.' Jackson said last week that he's embracing fitness and religion amid upheaval in his personal life, as the actress received a temporary restraining order against him last month Jackson took to Instagram on Thursday with a clip of himself during a gym workout, explaining how he's focusing on his religion and physical wellness amid the tumultuous time Jackson said of his personal matters: 'There's A LOT I can say but not allowed to say. And at this point, don't even want to say' In court docs filed last month, Palmer accused Jackson of 'many instances of physical violence' that included him striking her in front of their son. She shared footage with the court from an incident November 5 in which she claimed Jackson had been physically violent with her. Jackson 'trespassed into my home without my knowledge or consent, threatened me, then physically attacked me,' Palmer told the court. Jackson addressed the allegations in his counterclaim, saying that the surveillance video was 'misleading.' He said in the November 5 exchange, Palmer had been speaking on the phone with her mother Sharon Palmer, who 'immediately directed threats and profanities at' him. Palmer had 'refused to answer' his question of where their son was at the time, Jackson said. Palmer told the court last month that at the time, her child was in the care of her sister, and that Jackson had 'lunged at [her], grabbing at [her] neck and face;' Jackson said that in the exchange, Palmer 'resisted and fell back on the couch' on her own accord. Jackson responded to Palmer's claim he acted 'violently jealous and irrationally angry over a bikini picture' she posted in February 2022. He said that Palmer had been cursing him out and he was concerned 'she would attack' him again. Jackson said that a November 5 conflict with Palmer stemmed from a phone call she was on with her mother Sharon. Pictured last month at the Soul Train Awards in LA The Emmy-winning actress and her ex have exchanged accusations in court docs The court is slated to address Palmer's request for a restraining order in a hearing January 9 Palmer claimed that in the incident, Jackson 'slammed [her] back onto' a staircase; Jackson said as he attempted to leave their home, Palmer tore his shirt as she fell down a staircase, taking him down with her. Jackson has asked the court for joint legal and physical custody of their son, and has asked the court to dismiss Palmer's petition for a restraining order on grounds of domestic violence. Jackson asked Palmer pay for his lawyers, and adhere to stay-away and no-contact orders he wants the court to grant him after filming his counterclaim. Palmer on November 30 filed court papers requesting a hearing over the restraining order be delayed until a 'mutually agreeable date' in an effort to work through the mediation process privately, Page Six reported. The court is slated to address Palmer's request for a restraining order in a hearing January 9 according to the Los Angeles Times. Palmer took to Instagram December 9 with a post in which she held her son, saying she felt her life was 'unraveling at the seams' amid the troubled times. 'When reality tv makes everyone believe all celebrities lives are just one big marketing strategy and scheme by my life is truly unraveling at the seams and I just wear trauma like a Dolce & Gabbana coat because sharon didnt raise no b****,' she said. The former couple was seen at an event in Pacific Palisades, California in October of 2021 Palmer on Thursday was confirmed as the female lead in The Pickup, a comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson for Amazon MGM Studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The outlet reported that the Tim Story-directed film 'is being described as a heist comedy,' but details of the storyline remained under wraps. Palmer has had a busy year professionally, coming off a 2022 which saw her star in the films Nope and Alice. In 2023, the Emmy-winning actress has been featured in voice roles in animated projects such as Under the Boardwalk, Human Resources and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. Jason Momoa brought his positive energy and his fun and youthful spirit to a new fan screening of DC's Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The 44-year-old actor was all smiles at an early fan screening of the superhero sequel to 2018's Aquaman, which hits theaters December 22. It comes just hours after he appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show, where his Aquaman training demonstration awkwardly lead to the host changing subjects. The Hawaiian action star also posed with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom director James Wan, his wife Ingrid Bisu and Warner Bros. execs Peter Safran and Jeff Goldstein and Josh Goldstein The sequel - which will be the last film of the previous DC Extended Universe regime - is projected to open between $32 million and $42 million this weekend. Jason Momoa brought his positive energy and his fun and youthful spirit to a new fan screening of DC's Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom The Hawaiian action star also posed with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom director James Wan (right), his wife Ingrid Bisu and Warner Bros. execs Peter Safran and Jeff Goldstein Momoa stepped out with a brown t-shirt under an orange and brown plaid short-sleeved shirt. He had his long hair pulled back in a ponytail and also rocked black horn-rimmed glasses and a thick gold chain. He also rocked a watch and held a bottle from his Manlanu water company he founded. The actor completed his look with matching brown pants and white Vision high-top sneakers for the event. Momoa also posed with director James Wan's family before the early screening of the superhero sequel. Momoa and Wan previously teamed up for 2018's Aquaman, which opened to $67.8 million in December 2018. It went on to gross $335 million domestic and $1.152 billion worldwide on a budget reportedly between $160 million and $200 million. There were rumors that Warner Bros. was 'abandoning' the film in early September, since there was no marketing push yet and no trailer was yet to be seen. Momoa stepped out with a brown t-shirt under an orange and brown plaid short-sleeved shirt He had his long hair pulled back in a ponytail and also rocked black horn-rimmed glasses and a thick gold chain Momoa also posed with director James Wan's family before the early screening of the superhero sequel The Hawaiian action star also posed with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom director James Wan, his wife Ingrid Bisu and Warner Bros. execs Peter Safran and Jeff Goldstein and Josh Goldstine. Momoa and Wan previously teamed up for 2018's Aquaman, which opened to $67.8 million in December 2018 It went on to gross $335 million domestic and $1.152 billion worldwide on a budget reportedly between $160 million and $200 million There were rumors that Warner Bros. was 'abandoning' the film in early September, since there was no marketing push yet and no trailer was yet to be seen Warner Bros. quickly dashed that speculation by releasing a trailer the next day, which confirmed both the December 22 release date and that Amber Heard was returning as Mera. James wan poses with his wife Ingrid Bisu at the Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom fan screening Director James Wan speaks to fans at an early screening of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Warner Bros. quickly dashed that speculation by releasing a trailer the next day, which confirmed both the December 22 release date and that Amber Heard was returning as Mera After Heard's controversial libel lawsuit against her ex Johnny Depp, there were rumors that the studio had been quietly trying to remove her from the movie, which turned out to be unfounded Warner Bros. quickly dashed that speculation by releasing a trailer the next day, which confirmed both the December 22 release date and that Amber Heard was returning as Mera. After Heard's controversial libel lawsuit against her ex Johnny Depp, there were rumors that the studio had been quietly trying to remove her from the movie, which turned out to be unfounded. The sequel follows Momoa's title character as he juggles his duties as a Justice League member while also preparing for his wedding to Mera. Meanwhile, Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen III) is on the hunt for Atlantean tech to help rebuild his armor while Orm (Patrick Wilson) plots to escape his Atlantean prison. Tamra Judge took to social media to share a tour of the renovated kitchen at her vacation home in Big Bear Lake, California. The 56-year-old reality star posted a video tour on Sunday for her roughly 1.8 million followers on Instagram. 'A sneak peek of our Big Bear house remodel it's finally coming together!,' Tamra wrote as a caption. The video opened with a quick exterior shot of the home located in the San Bernardino National Forest area, which is a destination for Southern California residents. Tamra's tour showed the remodeled kitchen that featured a coffee bar, marble countertops, green cabinets and walls with white tiles. Tamra Judge took to social media to share a tour of the renovated kitchen at her vacation home in Big Bear Lake, California, which included a new coffee bar 'It's taken about three months so far, but it's really coming along. It's pretty much done, but our trash drawer is not installed yet. And I really am loving it,' Tamra said while walking around the kitchen. 'We have some molding work that needs to be done, lots of woodwork throughout the house,' she added. Tamra also showed the seating area next to the kitchen and a black chandelier above a large rectangular table with bench seating. The tour showed two doors that Tamra revealed she planned on painting. Tamra also shared 'before pictures' to show the changes that have been made. The Real Housewives Of Orange County star shared that she bought the home in August on social media. She posted a photo on her Instagram Stories of the large, rustic house that included a 'Just Sold' sticker. 'I can't wait to start renovations,' Tamra wrote along with the image. The 56-year-old reality star, shown in November in Beverly Hills, California, posted a video tour on Sunday for her roughly 1.8 million followers on Instagram The video showed the remodeled kitchen that featured a coffee bar, marble countertops, green cabinets and walls with white tiles The renovated kitchen featured a stainless steel refrigerator Tamra also showed the seating area next to the kitchen and a black chandelier above a large rectangular table with bench seating Tamra also shared 'before pictures' to show the changes that have been made Tamra used a geotag to share that her new home was in Big Bear Lake. The reality star and husband Eddie Judge, 50, live in Ladera, California, in a home they fully renovated in 2020. Eddie and Tamra have been married since June 2013. Tamra and Eddie made numerous changes to the Ladera house, including a gut renovation of the kitchen and new outdoor space. 'We've renovated almost the entire house,' Tamra said. 'The inside has been renovated. The outside has been painted. The courtyard's been redone. Now we're at the spot where [we're wondering if] we want to sink hundreds of thousands of dollars into our backyard. We just paid to have plans done. It's beautiful. It's like a resort. Or do we want to move? So we're kind of in that limbo right now,' Tamra told BravoTV.com in June. Eddie and Tamra, shown last month, have been married since June 2013 A countertop with space for stools was part of the renovation Marble countertops added a classy touch The tour showed two doors that Tamra revealed she planned on painting Tamra joined RHOC for season three in November 2007 and was a main cast member through season 14 in 2019. She returned to the Bravo show in 2023 for season 17 as a main cast member. Season 17 premiered in June with an episode titled 'Here Comes The Judge'. RHOC wrapped its season in October when the second and final season 17 reunion episode aired. Sharon Osbourne opted for a business chic look as she stepped out for some last minute holiday shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills on Monday. The reality star, 71, looked smart in a classy plaid blazer and black flared pants. Underneath her jacket she wore a white button-up sweater. The wife of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne finalized her outfit with a black purse and matching black high-heel boots. At one point the star stopped to admire the lavish Christmas lighting displays and decorations along the famous two-mile-long street, known for its ultra high-end designer and boutique shops. Following a successful shopping outing, Sharon who recently admitted that she 'needed to put weight back on' after losing 42lbs on Ozempic was pictured returning to her car with a grey retail bag in hand. Sharon Osbourne, 71, opted for a business chic look as she stepped out for some last minute holiday shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills on Monday The mom-of-three recently admitted that she 'needed to put weight back on' after losing a shocking 42lbs on Ozempic. The drug is also known as Wegovy - the brand name for semaglutide, which works in the brain to make users feel full. In an interview with DailyMail.com, the former X Factor judge weighed in on the effect her weight loss has had on her health. She said: 'Im too gaunt, and I cant put any weight on. I want to because I feel Im too skinny. Im under 100 lbs, and I dont want to be,' she explained, adding the warning, Be careful what you wish for.' According to the Ozempic website, using the drug can have uncomfortable side effects that include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. Sharon previously recalled the moment that she told herself she needed to stop losing weight after taking the drug. Speaking to Woman magazine, Sharon shared: 'I started using it in November last year. I was 142lb [10st 2lb] when I started using it. For the first two or three weeks I felt very nauseous.' 'The nausea went away, but once youre on it you dont feel hungry and you dont eat. Its not talked about but you can get a blockage in your bowel.' 'I havent been on it for three or four months. My weight has stabilized. I went down to about 97lb [6st 13lb] and it was like, "Oh no." I needed to put some weight back on, which I have.' The reality star looked smart in a classy plaid blazer and black flared pants. Underneath her jacket she wore a white button-up sweater The wife of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne finalized her outfit with a black purse and matching black high-heel boots At one point she stopped to admire the lavish Christmas displays and decorations along the famous two-mile-long street, known for its ultra high-end designer and boutique shops Following a successful shopping outing the star was pictured returning to her car Speaking about her experience with the drug, Sharon previously said: 'Ive been off it for a while now, but my warning is dont give it to teenagers, its just too easy...' 'You can lose so much weight and its easy to become addicted to that, which is very dangerous. I couldnt stop losing weight and now Ive lost 42 lbs. and I cant afford to lose any more.' In an interview with Piers Morgan in September, Sharon spoke about how the side effects affected her: 'I was about two three weeks where I felt nauseous the whole time. You get very thirsty and you dont eat.' She spoke about her concerns over the weight loss drug which left her 'feeling nauseous the whole time' as she appeared on Good Morning Britain. Sharon told hosts Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway: 'It does what it says on the packet, it absolutely does. But my only fear is that it is put in the right hands. I don't think it's for teenagers at all. 'I'm scared for 16 to 20-year-olds. It's easy to say; "This is it, I can eat what I want and keep taking this injection. I think it needs to be in the hands of older people that totally understand that there can be side effects to this. Sharon also spoke to the publication about the possibility of having surgery again is quite slim - and also doesn't know why there is a stigma around it. She added: 'Its difficult because I dont know whats going to drop in the next four or five years. Im at an age where I shouldnt really have any more surgery, so I dont think so. Sharon previously admitted that she was left looking like 'Quasimodo' after undergoing a facelift earlier this year. The star recently admitted that she 'needed to put weight back on' after losing 42lbs on Ozempic; (L) pictured in November, (R) pictured in March 2022, before she started taking the controversial weight loss jab She has been open about her fondness for getting plastic surgery over the years, but hasn't denied having regrets. She revealed that she last went under the knife in order to fix a previous operation that left her looking like the deformed protagonist in Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. The Daily Star quotes Sharon as saying: 'Theres not one part of my body that I haven't had twisted, lifted, elongated, whatever. 'Ive been messed up many times. This last one was a kind of fix-it job from the guy that did it before. 'I looked like Quasimodo, because I had one eye here, one eye there. It was wicked.' Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper 'isn't in a good way' after suffering a heart attack, the presenter's co-star has revealed. The Good Morning Britain star has cancelled all of her work commitments and is holding a bedside vigil as the lobbyist fights for his life. After news of Derek's latest health battle broke, Kate has been flooded with messages of support from her friends and co-stars, including her Smooth FM colleague Jenni Falconer. Speaking on her breakfast show on Tuesday, Jenni told listeners 'it doesn't look like he's in a good way.' She added: 'On behalf of everyone here at Smooth we're sending lots of love and Smooth best wishes to our very own Kate Garraway. Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper 'isn't in a good way' after suffering a heart attack, her co-star has revealed 'Kate's husband Derek as we all know has been struggling with long-lasting damage since he suffered from covid and it doesn't look good at the moment, it doesn't look like he's in a good way. 'So we're sending lots of love to Kate, Derek and the family especially at this time of the year.' Derek, 56, has been plagued with health woes after contracting Covid in 2020 and is now said to be fighting for his life after being taken dangerously ill last Monday. GMB presenter Kate, 56, is said to be holding a 24/7 vigil by his bedside and has cancelled all work commitments while his family 'pray for a miracle'. It is expected she will spend Christmas at her husband's bedside in hospital. 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. Following the heartbreaking turn of events it has been reported that Derek was 'in great spirits' and looking forward to Christmas with his family. The Good Morning Britain presenter was given a sweet message of support from her Smooth FM colleague Jenni Falconer 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 has been utterly incredible by his side while being an amazing mum to Darcey and Billy, and trying to manage their expectations of a family Christmas.' 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. 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?' Derek, 56, has been plagued with health woes after contracting Covid in 2020 and is now said to be fighting for his life after being taken dangerously ill last Monday 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 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. '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. Sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning looked sensational as they stepped out on the red carpet at the opening night of the Broadway show Appropriate on Monday. The two actresses turned heads in all-black ensembles as they posed for snaps as they made their way inside Hayes Theater, ahead of Elle's debut. Dakota, 29, showcased her petite figure in a 4,000 black Arpelle Dress in Virgin Wool and Mohair as she supported her younger sister, 25. Finishing off her ensemble, Dakota paired the garment with a matching coat, a Ganni logo-embroidered bucket bag and black sensible kitten heels. Elle's strapless dress showcased her unique and tattoos which are dotted across the Coraline star's arms and chest. Sisters Dakota, 29, (right) and Elle Fanning, 25, (left) looked sensational as they stepped out on the red carpet at the opening night of the Broadway show Appropriate on Monday The two actresses donned all-black ensembles as they posed for snaps as they made their way inside Hayes Theater as Elle turned heads for her Broadway debut The dark comedy focuses on members of a family who return to their recently deceased patriarch's home in Arkansas to deal with his estate. Although the siblings have their own reasons for visiting their homestead, the arrival of their estranged brother heralds the beginning of a complete breakdown of their visit. The rest of the cast includes Alyssa Emily Marvin, Sarah Paulson and Corey Stoll. Elle will take on the part of River, the fiancee of the youngest sibling. In late October, Elle told her followers she would be making her 'Broadway debut in #Appropriate by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.' 'Previews begin November 29th at the Hayes Theater.' The young star shared a photo of herself onstage writing, First step on The Hayes,' on November 2. Appropriate marks Paulson's return to Broadway in 13 years. She last appeared on stage in 2010, when she starred in a production of Donald Margulies' Collected Stories. Dakota wowed in a black Arpelle Dress in Virgin Wool and Mohair, worth 4,000, as she supported her younger sister during her Broadway debut Dakota stepped out for her Broadway debut in a black satin coat which trailed down to her ankles The Great star paired her chic look with an elegant, plain, simple black dress which brushed just past her ankles as her sister opted for a more revealing look to showcase her tattoos Dakota completed her classic outfit with a Ganni logo-embroidered bucket bag and a pair of backless pointed stilettoes Appropriate was written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who will be making his Broadway debut with the project Dakota appeared in high spirits as she left the theatre Appropriate was written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who will be making his Broadway debut with the project. The writer's previous plays, Gloria and Everybody, were both finalists for Pulitzer Prizes. The play previously debuted off-Broadway in 2014 and had a limited run in London in 2019. Brian Cox stepped out with his wife Nicole and his The Etruscan Smile co-star Rosanna Arquette as they enjoyed a stroll in Primrose Hill on Monday. The Succession star, 77, and actress Rosanna, 64, starred in the 2018 film which followed Brian's character Scotsman Rory who has to travel to the US for medical treatment. On the outing Brian cut a casual figure in a navy jacket and roll-neck jumper which he teamed with jeans and khaki trainers. Beside him Rosanna wore a checked blue coat and wrapped up warm in a beanie hat, while Nicole wore a quilted black leather jacket. Brian has been in London for The National Lottery's Big Bash which took place on Monday night at Wembley. Brian Cox stepped out with his wife Nicole (right) and his The Etruscan Smile co-star Rosanna Arquette (left) as they enjoyed a stroll in Primrose Hill on Monday The Succession star, 77, and actress Rosanna, 64, starred in the 2018 film which followed Brian's character Scotsman Rory who has to travel to the US for medical treatment Brian's outing comes as Succession has been named the top drama of 2023. The Jessie Armstrong-helmed masterpiece, starring Brian and Jeremy Strong, topped Radio Times' list of the top shows followed by Happy Valley and Blue Lights. Critics for the TV bible compiled the list to round out the year of television and named Succession, which aired its final series earlier this year, in the top spot. In April, the show concluded in its fourth season, with a shock twist garnering millions of viewers and becoming the most watched episode of the whole show. Sally Wainright's Happy Valley meanwhile, starring Sarah Lancashire, also aired its final series and came in second in the list of shows, while Blue Lights came in third. The final episode of Succession saw the fate and future of the Roy children and the company their late father Logan Roy (Brian Cox) created hanging in the balance. The entire series had been building up to the last few episodes, as all of Logan's children - Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Roman (Kieran Culkin), Shiv (Sarah Snook) and Connor (Alan Ruck) - get ready for the final Waystar Royco board vote on the merger with Lukas Matsson's (Alexander Skarsgard) GoJo. The 90-minute series finale is directed by Mark Mylod and written by series creator Jesse Armstrong, and after many twists and turns, it is Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen) who ultimately takes over as Waystar CEO, under new owner Matsson. On the outing Brian cut a casual figure in a navy jacket and roll-neck jumper which he teamed with jeans and khaki trainers Brian is seen as his character Rory in The Etruscan Smile which was released in 2018 At the time. the Daily Mail's TV critic, Christopher Stevens, gave the show five stars and said the ending was 'everything we hoped it would be.' He wasn't surprised about the 'strong language from the start and throughout' it was the very last episode of the 'sweariest @%&ing show in television history. We'd have been horrified if there wasn't strong language.' But he added: 'We should have been cautioned that what followed was 90 minutes of drama so bruising, so punishing that by the end my internal organs felt like Roman Roy's face looked stitched up and bleeding all over the place.' At the very least, we deserved some admonition: 'This program contains intense scenes of psychological and emotional meltdown. 'Do not continue watching if you can't bear to see your favorite characters rip themselves apart, their dreams ground into dirt, their weaknesses savagely exploited. This is self-destruction on a cosmic scale. 'More lacerating still was Roman's blurted revelation, during a boardroom punch-up, that he and Kendall probably weren't even their father's natural children. Shiv was the only blood relative. 'At that moment I feared for Jeremy Strong, a method actor who famously stays in character throughout filming. He picked up Culkin by the throat and started clawing at his eyes. 'Those offices have glass walls. Every executive, all the gathered employees and consultants, were there to witness this climactic disintegration. 'But they didn't see it the way we did. It was truly traumatic. Some of us could be scarred for ever. There really should have been warnings.' In February, Happy Valley came to an end after three seasons, 18 episodes and nine years. And the final episode of the BBC drama lived up to the incredible hype, with many viewers hailing the episode as 'a masterpiece' and 'one of the greatest television finales of all'. It comes as Succession has been named the top drama of 2023 (Brian Cox pictured in his role as Logan Roy) Brian has been in London for The National Lottery's Big Bash which took place on Monday night at Wembley (seen on stage with host Jason Manford) Sarah's lead performance as Sgt Catherine Cawood was lavished with praise from critics and fans alike, as her final showdown with James Norton's Tommy Lee Royce (or as she described it 'a bit of a tussle') was deemed the perfect way to end the series. While many fans were expecting a high-octane conclusion, and perhaps even Catherine's demise, writer Sally's decision to pivot her finale around a 15 minute long kitchen table war of words between Tommy and Catherine left viewers in awe. 'A stand-off worth waiting for - no guns, no knives, no punches but a battle of words which Catherine badly needed to say. Superb stuff by Sally Wainwright a tour de fore turn by Sarah Lancashire & a whirlwind of emotion from James Norton. What a finale,' declared one viewer. Others hailed Sarah's performance, with a fan deciding that 'she deserves all the BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Oscars and it still won't be enough.' Police in Salt Lake City are probing the incident involving rapper Blueface in which he shoved a fan into his entourage while yelling: 'Get her!' The incident occurred at the Gem Nightclub in Salt Lake City on Saturday night. 'You throwing s***, right? Come on up here. Don't be scared now,' as he shoves her he shouts: 'You know what to do, get her.' Videos show a scuffle involving the female fan and Blueface's fiancee, Jaidyn Alexis, with punches being thrown. Eventually, Alexis is restrained by security. The victim was then escorted out. The rapper is on probation stemming from a 2022 incident at a Las Vegas strip club which saw him initially accused of attempted murder. He agreed to plead guilty to battery and was sentenced to three years probation, a violation could see him spend between two and five years in prison. Here's a clearer angle of the Blueface incident pic.twitter.com/cnafXqYD1t Ghost Browser (@ghostbrowser8) December 19, 2023 Blueface shown with the woman who was accused of throwing ice at Jaiydn Alexis The crowd were shocked to see the rapper apparently throwing the woman into his entourage after he pulled her up on stage The video shows Alexis being physically restrained by security at the Utah event Blueface shown in court in October 2023 where he was handed a sentence of three years probation for his involvement in a shooting The SLC PD confirmed in a statement to KUTV that they are looking into Saturday's incident. 'The Salt Lake City Police Department is aware of videos posted on social media during a performance in Salt Lake City hosted by an out-of-state musician. This incident occurred on or about December 16, 2023.' 'The Salt Lake City Police Department is currently reviewing calls for service, any applicable police reports, and the videos posted online to achieve a complete understanding of the incident and the circumstances. No further information is available for release,' the statement read. The Las Vegas incident saw Blueface, whose real name is Johnathan Porter, accused of shooting a man named Kentavious Traylor in the hand in October 2022. As part of his probation, he is not allowed to be in Las Vegas unless it is for work and is forbidden from drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Blueface is also on the hook for $13 million in damages. 'I have completely lost faith in the justice system. I know people who more time for stealing bubble gum,' Traylor said after the sentence was handed down. Victim Kentavious Traylor snapped a photo during the sentencing hearing with half his face obscured, making sure to get Porter and his attorneys in the shot Blueface is seen here walking outside of the Las Vegas club on October 8, just before the shooting occurred In October this year, Blueface proposed to Alexis during an elaborate set up at a Los Angeles Rams game. Alexis, who's tied down to Blueface's MILF Music label, declared on X that her wedding is 'gonna be the coldest. I can't wait Omggg.' The couple go way back, as they started dating in high school, according to various outlets online. They share two children together, Javaugh, a boy, and Journey, a girl. Between 2020 and 2023, he dated fellow rapper Chrisean Rock, she gave birth the couple's child in September of this year. Blueface has a total of three children. Those who watched the shove video were outraged by Blueface's actions. 'I hope [the woman] press charges and where her friends at. We all would have jumped her and Blue. Lol,' one person wrote in the comments under the video. 'Wow, miss blue cheese felt disrespected so he man handled a girl who paid to see him, I'm disgusted that he is still walking free, just lock him up already,' said another. 'I'm pretty sure I can read the girl's lips when Jai is signaling her over there like come here. It looks like the girl says: "No it wasn't me baby.'" The Respect My Cryppin' hitmaker has not spoken publicly about the incident. Over the same time period, Blueface has been calling out fellow rapper Soulja Boy for a fight. That beef began with Soulja Boy saying something about Alexis. 'Now ima bully cuz dont ever let Jaidyn come out yo mouth f**k n***a,' he tweeted Sunday. Then, the rapper tried to set up a time and a place for the pair to meet up and fight. Blueface maintains that Soulja Boy did not show up. 'I'm slapping the s*** out of you and punching you on my terms,' Soulja tweeted. Alexis, who's tied down to Blueface's MILF Music label, declared on X that her wedding is 'gonna be the coldest. I can't wait Omggg.' The couple go way back, as they started dating in high school, according to various outlets online. They share two children together, Javaugh, a boy, and Journey, a girl. She's no stranger to showcasing her incredible figure on her social media. And Chloe Ferry sent temperatures soaring again on Monday as she shared a slew of new lingerie-clad snaps to her Instagram. The Geordie Shore star, 28, slipped into a black lace corset that showed off her surgically-enhanced assets, with matching sheer stockings. She also donned a sexy red number with a garter belt around her tiny waist as she lounged on her bed. Chloe then posed in a black bra and coordinating underwear to flaunt her toned stomach and give a peek at her tattoos. Chloe Ferry sent temperatures soaring on Monday as she shared a slew of new lingerie-clad snaps to her Instagram The Geordie Shore star, 28, slipped into a black lace corset that showed off her surgically-enhanced assets, with matching sheer stockings Chloe then posed in a black bra and coordinating underwear to flaunt her toned stomach and give a peek at her tattoos Her dark hair was left down and she sported a light palette of makeup for the sultry shots as she smouldered at the camera. The new photos come after Chloe was called out for another alleged Photoshop fail last week. She took to Instagram on Friday to share some snaps of herself in a skintight blue catsuit in a local cafe in Newcastle for a sponsored post. Chloe's outfit hugged every inch of her curves with the zip partially undone, teasing a glimpse of her ample assets as she enjoyed a sweet treat. Despite many fans showering the reality TV star with compliments, others accused her of photoshopping her snaps again after noticing the tiles looked a little strange behind her. One person questioned: 'Is that some crazy wavey floor tiles?' Another added: 'Girl if you're going to photoshop your pictures, stop standing on or in front of lined backgrounds lol' Other social media users appeared to ignore the Photoshop remarks and just commented on Chloe's appearance. The new photos come after Chloe was called out for another alleged Photoshop fail last week after social media users noticed the tiles looked a bit strange behind her The Geordie Shore star had been posing with a sweet treat for a sponsored post when fans noticed the alleged Photoshop fail Social media users commented on the tiles not looking how they usually would behind Chloe in the images One commenter called Chloe 'unbelievable looking,' while another gushed over her hair and many simply used emojis. The latest alleged Photoshop fail comes after Chloe was accused of editing a bikini snap earlier this year. The star had just back from soaking up the sun in Spain in September and shared a healthy dose of bikini shots with her fans over on her Instagram. Chloe posed in a skimpy khaki bikini which left little to the imagination. However, fans didn't hold back as they suspected all wasn't what it seemed with the snaps as they pointed out the apparent editing fail. Her followers spotted a blurred green smudge on the inside of her upper leg suggesting the photo had been tampered with. The observant fan commented on the post: 'It's been photoshopped Zoom in on the first pic near her inside leg you will see a smudge of green.' Before that, Chloe had been caught out earlier this summer back in July while holidaying in Ibiza. Other Instagram commenters insisted Chloe looked great, with one person calling the reality TV star 'unbelievable looking' The latest alleged Photoshop fail comes after Chloe was accused of editing a bikini snap earlier this year, after followers spotted a blurred green smudge on the inside of her upper leg Chloe showed off her enviable curves and surgically enhanced assets as she posed in a skimpy khaki bikini which left little to the imagination in the snaps shared in September The star was criticised by fans after she uploaded a picture of herself in a barely-there white bikini top and matching bottoms with high-waisted straps. Chloe posed for the snap alongside Wayne Lineker, 61, at his O Beach Club on the Balearic island. However all wasn't what is seemed as eagle-eyed fans noticed the picture appeared to have been altered as the wood in the background behind Chloe looked bent. Taking to the comments section, one person asked: 'Is it me or is that wood bent.' And another advised: 'First rule of photoshop don't stand next to straight lines.' Carrie Bickmore has been making the most of the summer holidays. On Tuesday, the former host of The Project shared a reel of highlights from her holidays to Instagram. Among the images was a racy photo of the 43-year-old doing a cartwheel on the beach in a green bikini. Further images showed her kicking back and relaxing in a hot pink bikini while sipping a drink, with her impressive figure on display. Carrie's Hit FM co-host Tommy Little was pleased with what he saw, with the star among the 'likes' on Carrie's Instagram post. Carrie Bickmore (pictured) has been making the most of the summer holidays. On Tuesday, the former host of The Project shared a reel of highlights from her holidays to Instagram 'Friends, family, fro-yos, frangipanis and fun. And before anyone freaks out it's a buoy in the last pic not a shark!' she wrote in her caption alongside the images. Since Carrie split with her husband Chris Walker, rumours have been swirling that she's dating Little, the co-host of his HIT Network program, the Carrie and Tommy Show. Fans are begging the couple to confirm their alleged romance, especially after they enjoyed a break in France together. Earlier this year, they hosted their Hit FM radio show from the city of love, which had fans convinced that they are romantically involved. Among the images was a racy photo of the 43-year-old doing a cartwheel on the beach in a green bikini Further images showed her kicking back and relaxing in a hot pink bikini while sipping a drink, with her impressive figure on display Carrie announced her split from her partner of eleven years Walker this year, while Tommy has reportedly been single since his breakup with girlfriend Natalie Kyriacou in 2021. Tommy rushed to the mother-of-three's side in January when she confirmed her split, leading insiders to speculate their friendship could evolve into something more. In recent months Tommy has shared several gushing tributes to Carrie on Instagram, and in one post called her the 'best in the business' who 'lifts up everyone around her and makes them look good'. Ahead of her last day on The Project last November, Tommy also treated the blonde to a private helicopter ride across Melbourne. Carrie's Hit FM co-host Tommy Little liked what he saw, with the star among the 'likes' on Carrie's Instagram post Since Carrie split with her husband Chris Walker, rumours have been swirling that she's dating Little (left), the co-host of his HIT Network program, the Carrie and Tommy Show He is often seen close to her at glitzy events, including the 2022 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) last October, where he didn't leave her side even as guests got up from their tables and mingled with others. The duo are also regularly posing for cosy selfies on social media, which has prompted curious fans to question whether romance is on the cards. Their professional relationship began in 2016 when Tommy joined Carrie on the panel of The Project. A year later, the pair began co-hosting Hit Network's Melbourne drive show in 2017, and immediately gained a cult following thanks to their organic banter. Carrie announced her split from her partner of eleven years Walker (left) this year Davina McCall bid an emotional farewell to her daughter Tilly as she prepared to fly home after visiting her in Australia on Friday. The presenter, 56, shared a sweet embrace with her daughter before heading to the airport in Sydney. Showing off her chic sense of style, Davina donned a smart white shirt, black cropped trousers and heeled loafers to head to the airport. Tilly donned a pale pink bikini top and denim shorts as she bid farewell to her mother by hugging her. Davina took to Instagram earlier this week to share an insight into her trip. Davina McCall bid an emotional farewell to her daughter Tilly as she prepared to fly home after visiting her in Australia on Friday Showing off her chic sense of style, Davina donned a smart white shirt, black cropped trousers and heeled loafers to head to the airport She wrote: 'I'm a bit quiet on here atm coz I'm 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 what's 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 I'm always ready,' she said. 'If I start my day in civvies I am not going to work out, it's 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 I'm using dumbbells, I'll still wear them,' she said. 'They're just half a kilogram, but you'll feel it. They're the single greatest piece of kit I've ever used.' The presenter shared a sweet embrace with her daughter before heading to the airport in Sydney Davina previously admitted she 'struggled' to see her daughter move out, after she opted to leave the UK for a new life in Australia 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 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. The funeral of Brookside star Dean Sullivan will take place in Liverpool today. The actor, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, died last month at the age of 68. Dean publicly confirmed he was living with the illness in May earlier this year - five years after his original diagnosis. A service is set to take place at Liverpool Parish Church at 1pm, followed by a private cremation. A funeral notice, published in the Liverpool Echo, asked for donations to be made to Prostate Cancer UK. The funeral of Brookside star Dean Sullivan will take place in Liverpool today Dean is pictured with his Brookside onscreen wife Sue Jenkins in Liverpool in September Dean had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and spoke in 2019 about his treatment and diagnosis to the Mirror. A statement from Dean's family confirmed the sad news of his death on Thursday. 'It is with deep sadness we must tell you that actor Dean Sullivan passed away on 29th November 2023 peacefully following a short illness. 'To millions he was and very much still is remembered as 'Jimmy', to family and friends he was 'Dino'. Dean's family wants to thank Arrowe Park Hospital for their unwavering and consistent support.' 'We ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief,' read the message from Hamilton Management and his family. His cause of death has not been confirmed. Sullivan was scheduled to appear in a Southport production of Jack And The Beanstalk from December 7, but pulled out on November 17 due to 'unforeseen circumstances.' The Atkinson Theatre, where he was expected to tread the boards for a three week run, confirmed his departure in a tweet shortly after his withdrawal. They wrote: 'There has been a change to the line-up for this year's Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime. 'Dean Sullivan will no longer be performing in the role of Fleshcreep, as previously advertised and the role will now be played by Mark Paterson.' The actor, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, confirmed he was living with the illness in May - five years after his original diagnosis (pictured with his co-stars Claire Sweeney, Sue Jenkins, and George Christopher) The former Brookside actor was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and was finally discharged by his consultant last year after undergoing radiotherapy treatment. Looking back on his battle with the disease in August, Sullivan told how he put himself 'in the hands of fate' during his ill health and tried to continue living his life. He told the Liverpool Echo: 'The way I dealt with it was that I just sort of put myself in the hands of fate. If this was my time, then this was my time so I was quite philosophical about it really. 'I know that people would worry themselves into an early grave as it were but I'm not that sort of person, I try to keep positive about things and I just got on with my life.' Liverpool born Sullivan told how he wasn't displaying most of the symptoms of prostate cancer other than a reduced flow. However, he felt like something wasn't right and went to the doctor, who just told him to keep an eye on it, but he returned to another doctor a few weeks later. He said: 'If I'd have listened to the first doctor, it might have been a different story so always trust your gut, 11 times out of 10, you're right, we've still got that fight or flight instinct.' The former Brookside actor was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and was finally discharged by his consultant last year after undergoing radiotherapy treatment The soap star is pictured at the Miss Swindon Beauty Contest with Jodie Oram in 1997 The actor admitted early detection was key to his successful radiotherapy treatment and urged other people to get checked if they are concerned. In 2019, Sullivan opened up about his 'shell shock' cancer diagnosis, admitting he never thought he had an issue with his prostate as he wasn't displaying many of the typical symptoms. He told The Mirror at the time: 'I remember being a bit shell shocked really, because even though we know these days that one in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer of some sort, you never think it will be you.' Sullivan admitted he didn't immediately share the news with his loved ones or friends because he isn't the type of person to 'elicit' support from their pals. He kept the news to a few close friends and family members, explaining: 'You're the one living with it and dealing with it and my way of dealing with it was not to let it be a major part of my life.' In 2019, Sullivan opened up about his 'shell shock' cancer diagnosis, admitting he never thought he had an issue with his prostate as he wasn't displaying many of the typical symptoms (pictured in 2016) He added: 'Also, there's the situation when you think 'I don't want to tell this story again', so only my closest family and friends knew. It was one of those when I thought 'just get on with it and what will be will be'.' Sullivan, from Liverpool, joined Brookside in 1986, four years after its launch and remained on the soap until it was axed in 2003. He was at the centre of many of the soap's most memorable storylines- including the moment Jimmy discovered the body of villain Trevor Jordache under a patio two years after his murder. Dean won two British Soap Awards during his time on the show - including a special recognition award and held the record of filming more episodes than any other actor on the show. In June Dean reunited with his Brookside daughter Claire Sweeney and wife Sue Jenkins for an appearance at the British Soap Awards Sullivan, from Liverpool, joined Brookside in 1986, four years after its launch and remained on the soap until it was axed in 2003 He was at the centre of many of the soap's most memorable storylines (pictured with Paul Usher in 1997) He also appeared in BBC's Doctors, ITV's The Royal and ITV's Crime Stories. Among his most recent roles was an appearance in 2022 Netflix short film Forgotten Word. The actor also performed on stage, playing Scullery in the North West premiere of Jim Cartwright's Road in Bolton, and starring in a one-man monologue tour of Chip In The Sugar by Alan Bennett. Back in June Dean reunited with his Brookside daughter Claire Sweeney, who played Lindsey Corkhill, and wife Sue Jenkins, who played Jackie, for an appearance at the British Soap Awards. Posing for the family reunion, Claire, who played Lindsey on and off for 12 years, admitted it felt very 'emotional'. Taking to her Instagram alongside the pair, she penned: 'Now this felt emotional. So happy to see @deansul @susie.jenks #brookside #family.' Claire led the tributes to her Dean on Thursday, posting on Instagram: 'I will miss you Dean,Love you. It was wonderful to be reunited together as a family this year for the Soap Awards. RIP Dean Sullivan.' Sarah Paulson and her partner Holland Taylor attended the red carpet event for the opening night of new Broadway show Appropriate on Monday. Actress Sarah, 49, - who stars in the production - shared a loving look with girlfriend Holland, 80, who supported her on the night as they chatted with a pal at the event. Sarah looked glamorous in a plunging black dress and statement gold accessories while Holland wore a chic roll neck jumper. She boosted her height with heeled boots and wore her light tresses slicked back while opting for glowing makeup. The pair - who have been together for the better part of a decade - didn't pose for official red carpet snaps together. Sarah Paulson (right) and her partner Holland Taylor (left) attended the red carpet event for the opening night of new Broadway show Appropriate on Monday Sarah looked glamorous in a plunging black dress and statement gold accessories while Holland wore a chic roll neck jumper The appearance comes after Sarah gushed about her 'incredibly sexy' partner of eight years on the Dear Chelsea podcast with comedian Chelsea Handler in September. 'I think she's the smartest, wisest, funniest, most extraordinary person I've ever met,' the Emmy winner gushed. 'So I can't imagine not being with her,' she said of Holland, 80. 'I just can't.' 'I just feel very, very lucky to be around someone so incredibly witty and funny and smart and, I think, incredibly sexy.' 'I find her to be the most beautiful woman,' Sarah said of The Morning Show actress. 'I tell her all the time, like, shes the most beautiful woman Ive ever seen and she always will be.' The Ratched star said her partner provides the kind of support she needs. 'She sort of pulls me out of my tendency to be anxious or sort of hysterical in doubting my own abilities. And shes sort of constantly reminding me of how capable I am.' She boosted her height with heeled boots and wore her light tresses slicked back while opting for glowing makeup Sarah participates in the curtain call during the Appropriate Broadway opening night at the Hayes Theater She looked like she was having a great time at the event as she chatted with her co-star Elle Fanning But from what the American Crime Story star said, Holland could use a taste of her own medicine. 'Shes constantly saying to me, "Why are you with me? Why are you doing this? What are you doing? Youre a very strange person,"' she revealed. 'She says all the time, "Youre very strange for doing this." And Im like, "really? Is it? I dont know."' The couple first met in 2005, but didn't begin dating until 10 years later. The pair reconnected over social media, and the rest, as they say, is history. In an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in January 2019, the Mrs. American actress admitted Holland sneaked into her DMs after they began to follow each other on Twitter. Sarah said her mom has told a story about visiting a psychic who told her 'your eldest daughter is going to live a wildly unconventional life.' L-R: Elle Fanning, Michael Esper, Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll and Natalie Gold are pictured on stage The appearance comes after Sarah gushed about her 'incredibly sexy' partner of eight years on the Dear Chelsea podcast with comedian Chelsea Handler in September Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart has revealed that her black and tan pooch helped save her life. In an Instagram post to her 26.5 million followers, the actress, 27, urged people to get a rescue dog as she opened up about her mental health stuggless. She confessed she's not sure she would be alive without her trusty companion, Milo, who was a smart red bow tie in the snap. Lili penned: 'Im not sure Id be here today without my Milo. Through my darkest battles with depression, he has been my angel. 'Heres a gentle sign, if youre looking for one, to rescue a dog (if youre able to). Best decision I ever made.' Lili Reinhart has revealed her rescue dog Milo helped her amid depression battles, confessing 'I'm not sure I'd be here today without him' The actress, 27, has been open about her 11 year struggle with her depression, with her panic attacks beginning at the tender age of 13 Lili's famous friends took to the comments, gushing over the adorable dog, including several of her Riverdale castmates. Madeleine Petsche commented: 'WE LOVE MILO,' while Vanessa Morgan called the sweet duo: 'Angels.' Charlie's Angels actress Lili has been open about her 'exhausting battle' with depression, revealing her panic attacks began at the tender age of 13. In an interview with Nylon, the blonde bombshell revealed her mental health had deteriorated when she felt 'like a prisoner' whilst shooting season five of Riverdale. In an Instagram story in May 2021, she admitted: 'Some days I feel really defeated by my depression. 'It's an exhausting battle that I've been fighting for 11 years. Some days, like today, it can feel intolerable.' Lili - who has also been diagnosed with OCD - gave a gentle reminder to her 'fellow warriors' that it is okay if you don't always feel up to the battle. She added: 'You don't need to justify your mental health to anyone. Prioritize yourself when needed, take time to rest. Surround yourself with good people and high vibrations. 'But remember you are always worth fighting for. And tomorrow could be such a beautiful day.' The star, 27, called her beloved Milo an 'angel' in her tribute to him, urging others to rescue a dog if they can Many famous faces took to the comments to express their love for the supportive dog, including Lili's Riverdale co-stars Madeleine Petsche, Camilla Mendes and Vanessa Morgan During filming of the fifth season of Riverdale in 2021, the actress revealed her mental health had 'detoriated' because she felt 'like a prisoner' (pictured left to right: KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones, and Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge) Lili first adopted Milo all the way back in February 2020 and has been absolutely besotted ever since. But it hasn't been plain sailing for the starlet's cute pooch, as he nearly lost his life when he was attacked in April 2020. The Hustlers star wrote: 'I almost lost Milo a week ago when he was attacked and I cant even begin to imagine what my life would be like without him now. 'Or without any of the close friends and family I have relied on for support throughout this pandemic. At the end of the day, all we have is each other.' She posted a tearful video when Milo underwent surgery for a 'pretty deep wound on his neck' after the attack. Milo soon recovered from the attack but was slightly 'skittish' around everyone for a while, according to the actress. In an interview with W magazine, the 23-year-old said: 'He is ok, hes a little skittish around pretty much everyone that is not me right now. 'He was my little shadow to begin with, and now he follows me everywhere.' For help and support in the UK contact Samaritans on 116 123. In the US contact Lifeline via call or text on 988 Although her sweet companion Milo has helped her through difficult time. it hasn't been a plain sailing journey for the pair Zara McDermott has revealed she's been admitted to hospital for a mystery procedure. The Love Island star, 27, concerned her Instagram followers on Tuesday as she shared a snap from her hospital bed. Zara, who did not reveal what the surgery was for, donned a festive pink pyjama set and had a cannula in her arm as she took the selfie. Alongside the picture, Zara penned: 'Had a little procedure done yesterday! Now ready for a super chilled Xmas.' Zara had her boyfriend Sam Thompson by her side while recovering, as he shared a snap with her and wrote: 'My tiny goose recovering after a little op' Zara McDermott has revealed she's been admitted to hospital for a mystery procedure on Tuesday Zara had her boyfriend Sam Thompson by her side while recovering, as he shared a snap with her and wrote: 'My tiny goose recovering after a little op' It comes just three days after she returned to the Strictly dance floor for the show's final on Saturday. Zara also celebrated her 27th birthday last week, after being reunited with boyfriend Sam as he returned to the UK after being crowned the winner of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! 2023. Radio presenter, Sam was crowned the winner on Sunday night's final , beating Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage , where he came out with over 50 per cent of the votes. Zara proudly clutched onto some balloons and flashed huge smile as she waited for him. Upon their emotional reunion, the couple shared a kiss and held each others faces, after spending four weeks a part. Sam was joined on his flight by best pal Pete Wicks who had flown out to greet him in the jungle while Zara has remained at the couple's home in London. She had previously explained to fans of the show that she wouldn't be in Australia due to her stint on Strictly Come Dancing. 'Pete is going. We've had a few laughs and jokes about this,' she explained in an Instagram post. Zara was reunited with boyfriend Sam Thompson as he returned to the UK after being crowned the winner of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! 2023 'But in all seriousness; Sam thought I was still going to be in Strictly (bless him, the optimism), so Pete cleared his whole diary for 2/3 weeks to be there.' Earlier, Sam shared a photo to his Instagram as he waited for his flight at Brisbane Airport after finally getting his phone back. Making his triumphant exit, the radio presenter admitted he was 'overwhelmed with gratitude.' Zara competed on the BBC show earlier this year with professional partner Graziano Di Prima , but they were sadly eliminated during Halloween Week. Speaking on the Saving Grace podcast, Zara admitted she 'couldn't understand' how so many couples were hit by the famous curse, and she was just 'really good friends' with Graziano. She said: 'It's really weird. The Strictly curse is a thing that people talk about that I physically can't understand. 'I can't understand how there is a Strictly curse. I became really good friends with my partner.' The Strictly Come Dancing star also celebrated her 27th birthday The Love Island star competed on the BBC show earlier this year with professional partner Graziano Di Prima, but they were sadly eliminated during Halloween Week Zara went onto hint that she did clash with her dance partner Graziano backstage, admitting they used to 'bicker like siblings.' She said: 'You very quickly become like brother and sister and you kind of have that bickery relationship. Also there are cameras in the room most of the time with you. 'For me, it was not the environment for anything like that to ever happen. 'I guess it has happened in the past, but people have affairs and relationships in the office all the time, so I feel like proportionately it probably doesn't happen that differently.' Two worlds collided as Ginger, Rocky, Babs and the gang joined Amelia Dimoldenberg on a Chicken Shop Date. Amelia, who runs the successful series where she interviews celebrities in fried chicken restaurants, met her match this week as the cast of Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget broke into the eatery. Fans hailed it as 'iconic' as the pesky poultry took it upon themselves to sabotage the chicken shop, after seeing Amelia's eyes light up at the thought of eating a nugget. The short skit, to celebrate the launch of the Netflix film which is out now, saw the birds on a mission to 'shut this joint down' - only for their plan to go awry when Amelia noticed them enter. While Rocky and Ginger scrambled, a not-so-quick Babs was caught out by the eagle-eyed presenter. Two worlds collided as Ginger, Rocky, Babs and the gang joined Amelia Dimoldenberg on a Chicken Shop Date Amelia, who interviews celebrities in fried chicken restaurants, met her match this week as the cast of Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget broke into the eatery She said to them: 'I can't believe it Babs and Frizzle from Chicken Run. I'm such a fan. I've just been sat here forever, waiting for my date to arrive. What are you doing here?' 'I hope you're not here to cause trouble'. Rocky and Ginger made it to the counter and managed to tie the chef's shoe laces, while a quick thinking Frizzle told Babs to knit something 'to distract her from her crushing romantic failures'. A peckish Ameila told them: 'I love the title Dawn Of The Nugget, my favourite' and held up a chicken nugget for the birds to see. But the chickens plucked up their courage and managed to trip up the chef and pull the emergency stop button. Out went the electricity and Amelia was left alone in the darkness. She could just make out a plume of feathers exiting the shop. Fans called it Amelia's best work to date. Fans hailed it as 'iconic' as the pesky poultry took it upon themselves to sabotage the chicken shop after seeing Amelia's eyes light up at the thought of eating a nugget The short skit saw the birds on a mission to 'shut this joint down' only for their plan to go awry when Amelia noticed them enter While Rocky and Ginger scrambled, a not-so-quick Babs was caught out by the eagle-eyed presenter And it seems the chicken ruled the roost as they managed to trip up the chef and pull the emergency stop button, leaving Amelia alone in the darkness Fans called it Amelia's best work to date. They wrote: 'This is the best one yet!! So iconic!!!' and 'This is a genius collaboration'. 'This is the best one yet!! So iconic!!!' and 'This is a genius collaboration'. 'Wait Amelia!!! This is your DREAM!!!' and 'Major'. It comes as children watching Chicken Run 2 told MailOnline the 'morality tale' won't make them give up chicken nuggets, despite vegan activists claiming the film would turn audiences off meat. Dawn of the Nugget, the sequel to the 2000 animated cult classic, sees thousands of hens being kept in a stupefied state in a Bond villain-styled huge chicken-processing factory. After spending their final days in the Fun Land Farms theme park - promoted as the idyllic place where 'chickens find their happy endings' - they are taken away to be slaughtered and turned into nuggets. READ MORE: Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget review You'll wish these chickens the best of cluck in this eggscelent sequel... I give it FIVE STARS! , writes Brian Viner Advertisement Director Sam Fell became vegetarian during the making of the movie and activist groups said this week they hoped it would have the same impact on cinema-goers. However, young filmgoers at the Greenwich Picturehouse in south east London told MailOnline they would carry on eating the crispy meaty treats. Saul Alvarez, eight, said of the film: 'I liked it. My favourite part was when the chickens broke out. But I still like chicken nuggets.' His friend Oliver, eight, said: 'I thought it was funny. I'll definitely still eat chicken nuggets.' Meanwhile, Bela Hall, 10, said: 'I preferred this one to the first one. We don't have chicken nuggets often but I'll still eat them.' Alfie Hall, 10, said: 'My favourite character was the chicken who knitted, Babs. I feel a bit bad but I still like chicken nuggets so I'll probably still eat them.' Isabella St-Amour, 10, added: 'The film was really good. I still like nuggets.' Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget is available to watch on Netflix now. Netflix viewers are hooked and demanding another season of the streaming giant's latest short adventure series, Yu Yu Hakusho, released on December 14. The five-part series follows the journey of Yusuke Urameshi, a delinquent fourteen-year-old who died in a road accident while trying to save a child. Yusuke was resurrected as a Spirit Detective to investigate cases involving the supernatural. The 90s anime re-emeregnce is based on the manga series of the same name by Yoshihiro Togashi and developed by Akira Morii and Kazutaka Sakamoto. The cast of Yu Yu Hakusho Live-Action includes Takumi Kitamura as Yusuke Urameshi, Jun Shison as Kurama, Kanata Hongo as Hiei, and Shuhei Uesugi as Kazuma Kuwabara. Netflix fans are hooked by 'incredible' new short adventure series, Yu Yu Hakusho, and have urged the streaming giant to release more episodes after it was released on December 14 The five-part series follows the journey of Yusuke Urameshi, a delinquent fourteen-year-old who died in a road accident while trying to save a child Yusuke was resurrected as a Spirit Detective to investigate cases involving the supernatural A synopsis from Netflix reads: 'After a selfless act costs him his life, teen delinquent Yusuke Urameshi is chosen as a Spirit Detective to investigate cases involving rogue yokai.' The series, which has an age restriction of 15, has people 'hooked already' as they reminisce about the original anime series. One fan penned: 'I need a season 2 of Yu Yu Hakusho asap.' 'Just started watching Yu Yu Hakusho and I'm hooked already! The storyline and characters are amazing. Can't wait to binge-watching this awesome anime with some popcorn.' 'I can't wait to watch Yu Yu Hakusho, it's finally streaming! Time to get some popcorn ready and enjoy this awesome anime.' 'Okay I'm impressed.' 'The live action did not disappoint. I binge watched it all.' 'They did SUCH a good job on the live action costumes.' The series, which has an age restriction of 15, has people 'hooked already' as they reminisce about the original anime series The first season was directed by Sho Tsukikawa, revealed in an interview with NME ahead of the series' premier in Tokyo, that while the show comes 30 years after its debut, the story still 'universal'. She told the publication: 'Even though it's set in Japan, fans around the world can relate to its themes of good versus evil and moments of character growth.' 'I think the pressure stemmed more from making something that would be able to meet a global standard, not just appeasing a Japanese audience,' she added when asked if she felt the pressure of condensing four volumes of manga into a five-episode series that runs under six hours. The 90s anime re-emeregnce is based on the manga series of the same name by Yoshihiro Togashi and developed by Akira Morii and Kazutaka Sakamoto James Corden took his family out for a fun-filled evening at Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park on Monday. The presenter, 45, was seen making his way around the festive themed park with his wife Julia Carey and their three children. James appeared to have been treated to complimentary tickets for the rides, as he was spotted clutching one while queuing with his son. Keeping the winter cold at bay, James wrapped up warm in a black padded jacket and a pink beanie. Matching her husband, Julia, 47, sported a cosy oversized black coat and a grey knitted beanie. James Corden took his family out for a fun-filled evening on Monday at Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park (pictured holding a comp ticket) James appeared to have been treated to complimentary tickets for the rides as he was spotted clutching one while queuing with his son Keeping the winter cold at bay, James wrapped up warm in a black padded jacket and a pink beanie The couple first met in 2009 after a mutual friend, Dominic Cooper, introduced them to each other. Three years later, the couple tied the knot and are now proud parents to Max, 12, Carey, nine, and Charlotte, six. They were seen tucking into several tasty treats and James even took a go on one of the rides. He was spotted doting on his daughter, holding her hand through the park and giving her a hug while waiting in line. James recently quit his job hosting The Late Late Show in May after eight years to spend more time with his family. It aired its last episode in April 2023, and James subsequently moved back to London with Julia and their three children. Explaining his decision to Extra, he said: 'My kids are getting older, their grandparents are getting older, and it perhaps just felt like the right time for us as a family to be freer in our decisions.' Speaking to Drew Barrymore about his exit, James admitted: 'Look it's not easy in any way to walk away from something that is so, I mean, I'll never work in a better environment than the one I work in now. 'Nothing about leaving the show was to do with not enjoying it. I love it. But the truth is it became a very easy decision because I always knew it was an adventure and I never, ever considered it to be the final destination. Matching her husband, Julia, 47, sported a cosy oversized black coat and a grey knitted beanie The couple first met in 2009 after a mutual friend, Dominic Cooper, introduced them to each other Three years later, the couple tied the knot and are now proud parents to Max, 12, Carey, nine, and Charlotte, six They were seen tucking into several tasty treats and James even took a go on one of the rides He was spotted doting on his daughter, holding her hand through the park and giving her a hug while waiting in line 'But I will know, at my core, that the best thing for me and the best thing for us as a family is to put down some roots in London, and it feels absolutely right in every single way.' Last month, James sparked speculation that another Gavin and Stacey reunion could be on the cards after being seen on a stroll with co-writer Ruth Jones in London. The pair both wrote and starred in the beloved series as Smithy and Nessa and fans are praying that their reunion could set the stage for the comedy to make another comeback. The BBC show returned for a Christmas Special back in 2019, but ended on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger when Nessa proposed to Smithy. Gavin and Stacey originally ran for three series between 2007 and 2010, before the cast reunited for the one-off Christmas special. It starred Mathew Horne and Joanna Page as the titular lovebirds, who navigate their family lives in Essex and Wales. The 2019 Christmas special was watched by 17.1 million viewers making it the UK's most-watched scripted TV programme of the 2010s. It comes as James recently landed his first US job since leaving The Late Late Show, kickstarting a new career in radio as the host of SiriusXM show titled This Life of Mine. James recently quit his job hosting The Late Late Show in May after eight years to spend more time with his family (pictured on show in 2020) It aired its last episode in April 2023, and James subsequently moved back to London with Julia and their three children Explaining his decision, he said: 'My kids are getting older, their grandparents are getting older, and it perhaps just felt like the right time for us as a family to be freer in our decisions' Last month, James sparked speculation that another Gavin and Stacey reunion could be on the cards after being seen on a stroll with co-writer Ruth Jones in London (pictured James, Joanna Paige, Mathew Horne and Ruth in 2019) Making the most of James' lengthy list of celebrity pals, the show promises in-depth chats with 'the world's biggest stars'. The weekly show, which will begin next year, will feature a look at all of the life moments that have shaped his guests' lives. James said: 'I am thrilled to be joining SiriusXM. Scott and the whole team have made me feel so welcome as I start this new chapter. 'It's a dream to have a space to engage in deep conversations with the people whose work and talent I greatly admire.' A source told MailOnline that he has no plans to move back to the US despite his new radio show, and will record in a 'variety of different locations.' It comes as James recently landed his first US job since leaving The Late Late Show, kickstarting a new career in radio as the host of SiriusXM show titled This Life of Mine Claire Sweeney joined Brookside star Dean Sullivan's on-screen wife Sue Jenkins at Liverpool Parish Church for the late actor's funeral on Tuesday. Paul Burrell was also in attendance as they led the stars paying tribute at the ceremony, with Dean's beloved dog Billy the Schnauzer also seen at the church. Late actor Dean, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, died last month at the age of 68 after battling prostate cancer. He publicly confirmed he was living with the illness in May this year - five years after his original diagnosis. Ahead of the 1pm service at Our Lady And St Nicholas, photos of the soap star were seen on screens inside the parish. Claire Sweeney was among the stars gathered to pay their respects to Brookside's Dean Sullivan at his funeral at Liverpool Parish Church on Tuesday Claire played the daughter of Dean Sullivan's character, Jimmy Corkhill. Lindsey in Brookside (left). Ever since the show she has had a star-studded career, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother and Coronation Street Sue Jenkins, who played Jackie Corkhill in the soap, wore a white turtleneck with a black blazer as she paid her respects Sue starred as Dean's long-suffering wife Jackie Corkhill (left) on Brookside, and was among many stars in attendance for his funeral The actor confirmed he was living with prostate cancer in May - five years after his original diagnosis (pictured with his co-stars Claire Sweeney, Sue Jenkins, and George Christopher) An order of service showed a recent photo of the actor and was titled 'In thanksgiving for the life of Dean Sullivan' Late actor Dean, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, died last month at the age of 68 (pictured in 2004) Dean's dog Billy the Schnauzer was also seen at the church and was petted by Sue Johnston An order of service showed, a recent photo of Dean and was titled 'In thanksgiving for the life of Dean Sullivan.' The service was followed by a private cremation. A funeral notice, published in the Liverpool Echo, asked for donations to be made to Prostate Cancer UK. Royal butler Paul was in attendance after once claiming that Brookside was Princess Diana's favourite TV programme. He told Digital Spy: 'She went to the set of Brookside and got to know some of the cast very well, especially Dean. He became a friend, who she regularly telephoned.' Dean had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and spoke in 2019 about his treatment and diagnosis to the Mirror. A statement from Dean's family confirmed the sad news of his death on Thursday. 'It is with deep sadness we must tell you that actor Dean Sullivan passed away on 29th November 2023 peacefully following a short illness. 'To millions he was and very much still is remembered as 'Jimmy', to family and friends he was 'Dino'. Dean's family wants to thank Arrowe Park Hospital for their unwavering and consistent support.' 'We ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief,' read the message from Hamilton Management and his family. Dean was scheduled to appear in a Southport production of Jack And The Beanstalk from December 7, but pulled out on November 17 due to 'unforeseen circumstances.' Actress Sue was in attendance wearing a longline green coat Sue didn't only play Ricky Tomlinson's on-screen wife in The Royle family, she also played his counterpart - Sharon Grant - on Brookside (pictured left on Brookside) Sue became emotional as she walked out of the church with Brookside creator Phil Redmond Paul Burrell was also in attendance as they led the stars paying tribute Former butler of Princess Diana, Paul, once claimed that Brookside was the royal's favourite TV programme (Diana pictured in 1985) Inside the venue a donation point was set up for Prostate Cancer UK Photos of the soap star were seen on screens inside the church Dean's coffin was adorned with floral tributes Actor Louis Emerick attended the service. He was best known for his role as Mick Johnson in the Channel 4 soap Paul Byatt, who played Michael Dixon, looked emotional at the service Actor Michael Starkey attended the service. He He best known for his role as Thomas 'Sinbad' Sweeney in Brookside Michael played the character Thomas 'Sinbad' Sweeney in Brookside for a whopping 16 years (Pictured left on Brookside) Vince Earl joined two female companions at the service Actress Pauline Fleming, who played Val Walker in Channel 4's Mersey soap, attended Alex Fletcher, known for her role as Jacqui Dixon in Brookside, attended the ceremony Actress Paula Frances looked sombre as she attended the ceremony Show writer Shaun Duggan (L), actoress Sarah White (M) and Patricia Crosby (R) attended The 1pm service took place at Our Lady And St Nicholas in Liverpool A horse and carriage led the cortege arriving for the funeral of Brookside actor Dean Floral tributes were arranged spelling out 'brother' and 'Deano' The former Brookside actor was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and was finally discharged by his consultant last year after undergoing radiotherapy treatment. Looking back on his battle with the disease in August, Dean told how he put himself 'in the hands of fate' during his ill health and tried to continue living his life. He told the Liverpool Echo: 'The way I dealt with it was that I just sort of put myself in the hands of fate. If this was my time, then this was my time so I was quite philosophical about it really. 'I know that people would worry themselves into an early grave as it were but I'm not that sort of person, I try to keep positive about things and I just got on with my life.' Liverpool born Dean told how he wasn't displaying most of the symptoms of prostate cancer other than a reduced flow. However, he felt like something wasn't right and went to the doctor, who just told him to keep an eye on it, but he returned to another doctor a few weeks later. He said: 'If I'd have listened to the first doctor, it might have been a different story so always trust your gut, 11 times out of 10, you're right, we've still got that fight or flight instinct.' The Atkinson Theatre, where he was expected to tread the boards for a three week run, confirmed his departure in a tweet shortly after his withdrawal. They wrote: 'There has been a change to the line-up for this year's Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime. 'Dean Sullivan will no longer be performing in the role of Fleshcreep, as previously advertised and the role will now be played by Mark Paterson.' Dean is pictured with his Brookside onscreen wife Sue Jenkins in Liverpool in September The soap star is pictured at the Miss Swindon Beauty Contest with Jodie Oram in 1997 In 2019, Sullivan opened up about his 'shell shock' cancer diagnosis, admitting he never thought he had an issue with his prostate as he wasn't displaying many of the typical symptoms (pictured in 2016) The actor admitted early detection was key to his successful radiotherapy treatment and urged other people to get checked if they are concerned. In 2019, Dean opened up about his 'shell shock' cancer diagnosis, admitting he never thought he had an issue with his prostate as he wasn't displaying many of the typical symptoms. He told The Mirror at the time: 'I remember being a bit shell shocked really, because even though we know these days that one in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer of some sort, you never think it will be you.' Dean admitted he didn't immediately share the news with his loved ones or friends because he isn't the type of person to 'elicit' support from their pals. He kept the news to a few close friends and family members, explaining: 'You're the one living with it and dealing with it and my way of dealing with it was not to let it be a major part of my life.' He added: 'Also, there's the situation when you think 'I don't want to tell this story again', so only my closest family and friends knew. It was one of those when I thought 'just get on with it and what will be will be'.' Dean, from Liverpool, joined Brookside in 1986, four years after its launch and remained on the soap until it was axed in 2003. He was at the centre of many of the soap's most memorable storylines- including the moment Jimmy discovered the body of villain Trevor Jordache under a patio two years after his murder. Dean won two British Soap Awards during his time on the show - including a special recognition award and held the record of filming more episodes than any other actor on the show. In June Dean reunited with his Brookside daughter Claire and wife Sue for an appearance at the British Soap Awards Dean, from Liverpool, joined Brookside in 1986, four years after its launch and remained on the soap until it was axed in 2003 He was at the centre of many of the soap's most memorable storylines (pictured with Paul Usher in 1997) He also appeared in BBC's Doctors, ITV's The Royal and ITV's Crime Stories. Among his most recent roles was an appearance in 2022 Netflix short film Forgotten Word. The actor also performed on stage, playing Scullery in the North West premiere of Jim Cartwright's Road in Bolton, and starring in a one-man monologue tour of Chip In The Sugar by Alan Bennett. Back in June Dean reunited with his Brookside daughter Claire Sweeney, who played Lindsey Corkhill, and wife Sue Jenkins, who played Jackie, for an appearance at the British Soap Awards. Posing for the family reunion, Claire, who played Lindsey on and off for 12 years, admitted it felt very 'emotional'. Taking to her Instagram alongside the pair, she penned: 'Now this felt emotional. So happy to see @deansul @susie.jenks #brookside #family.' Claire led the tributes to Dean, posting on Instagram: 'I will miss you Dean,Love you. It was wonderful to be reunited together as a family this year for the Soap Awards. RIP Dean Sullivan.' Dean made his final TV appearance on Celebrity Antique Road Trip earlier in the month The BBC show confirmed they had permission from Dean's family to air the episode Dean made his final TV appearance on Celebrity Antique Road Trip earlier in the month. The new Antique Road Trip episode saw him go head to head against Heartbeat icon Tricia Penrose on the show as they traveled across the UK with antiques experts in search of treasures before competing to make the most money at an auction. The BBC show confirmed they had permission from Dean's family to air the episode. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, they penned: 'We were incredibly sad to hear last week of the death of Dean Sullivan, known for his iconic performance as Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside. 'With the blessing of his family, the episode we recorded with Dean and his long-time friend @triciapenrose will air this evening as planned.' They later added: 'We hope you enjoy the programme, and our thoughts are with Dean's family and friends at this time.' Michaella McCollum put on a stunning display as she shared snaps from her latest sun-soaked getaway. The former model, who was jailed in 2013 for attempting to internationally smuggle drugs, took to her Instagram Stories on Thursday to give an insight into her trip. She showed off her incredible figure in a black-two piece, made up of skimpy bottoms and a one-shouldered top as she posed in front of the mirror. Michaella, 29, who is one half of the infamous 'Peru Two', posed up a storm for the camera as she took a video in her hotel room. She was joined by her twin sons Rio and Rafael, five, as they sweetly smiled for the cameras, with Michaella captioning the post: 'Pool ready.' Michaella McCollum put on a stunning display as she shared snaps from her latest sun-soaked getaway Michaella boasts more than 100,000 followers on her Instagram page and often gives an insight into her jet-setting life on the platform. Her twin sons were born in May 2018 following a short relationship and while she often posts photos of herself with her sons online, she has kept the identity of their father under wraps. Michaella, from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, graduated from the University of Ulster over the summer, ten years after she was jailed for smuggling cocaine. In July, she shared pictures in a cap and gown picking up a diploma for her BBA in Business Management, Marketing and Related Support Services at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. She also recently landed a job at international veterinary recruitment specialist Lloyd & Cowan, with her role entailing expanding the company's markets in English-speaking countries across the world. Ten years ago, Michaella was arrested in Peru after travelling with her friend Melissa Reid to the country from Ibiza, where they were employed by a drug-dealing gang to smuggle 1.5million worth of cocaine out of the country. Michaella and Melissa were caught arriving at Lima airport. They later cut a deal with the state prosecutor to confess, which reduced the maximum 15-year sentence they'd be handed if found guilty at trial. She was sentenced to six years and eight months in jail at Ancon 2, the notorious Santa Monica prison in Chorrillos, but was released on parole in March 2015 after serving less than half of her sentence. The former model, who was jailed in 2013 for attempting to internationally smuggle drugs, took to her Instagram Stories to give an insight into her trip with her sons Rio and Rafael, five She showed off her incredible figure in a black-two piece, made up of skimpy bottoms and a one-shouldered top as she posed in front of the mirror Michaella, from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, graduated from the University of Ulster over the summer, ten years after she was jailed for smuggling cocaine But they were released after serving three years, with Michaella returning to Northern Ireland in June 2016. She has written a memoir about her time in prison, which was made into a five-part documentary which was distributed worldwide. Appearing on Good Morning Britain in 2019, four years after her release from jail, Michaella recalled the terror of realising the gravity of her situation. She told presenters Susanna Reid, Piers Morgan and Charlotte Hawkins that she was 'numb' at first, and it 'took a while' for her to understand the seriousness of the situation she was in, but that when it sunk in, it was 'petrifying'. When asked by Susanna if she thought she would get away with smuggling 11kg of cocaine into Madrid, McCollum responded: 'I actually didn't even think about the consequences of what that would do to society or myself and my family... I wasn't really thinking at all. It was just so stupid.' As she was further grilled over her motivation for smuggling the drugs, for which she was going to be paid 5,000, she added: 'I was just stupid.' In a 2021 BBC documentary about her ordeal, Michaella told how the idea of spending 15 years in Ancon 2, one of South America's fearsome maximum-security women prisons, made her 'want to do something stupid'. 'The whole place was just so toxic, everything about it was toxic, the majority of the people were toxic,' she said. 'The first thing I noticed about Ancon was it was just so manic and crazy and noisy, it sounded like a zoo.' While awaiting trial at Virgen de Fatima prison, she told how her bunk in her cell was a 'piece of concrete' and she was 'crying all the time'. She also recalled when she asked to call her family, which was 'the worst phone call ever'. Michaella grabbed every opportunity she could to prove that she was trustworthy in prison, even working in its 'beauty parlour' Ten years ago, Michaella was arrested in Peru after travelling with her friend Melissa Reid to the country from Ibiza, where they were employed by a drug-dealing gang to smuggle 1.5million worth of cocaine out of the country 'My mum said, 'I thought you were dead',' she recalled, becoming emotional. 'And then I got really upset because I didn't know she was going through all of that. And I'm like, how am I going to tell her where I am. 'I said, 'I'm in Peru, I'm in jail,' and she was like, 'What, what?', and then the phone call ended, I didn't get to tell her the situation.' Michaella's brother later told her that her mother had passed out. 'She was just so overwhelmed by the anxiety and the stress,' she explained. 'I think she was just completely heartbroken.' 'When you're young you don't know it all. I made a dreadful mistake and I regret it, but what prison taught me made me who I am today and that's a better person than I would have been otherwise,' she said. 'I am a mam now and I am going to get on with being the best one I can.' Elizabeth Hurley set pulses racing in a sheer black lace gown as she attended a glitzy 60th birthday bash with a slew of celebrity pals on Monday. The model, 58, showed off her incredible figure in the sexy dress as she posed for a group snap with socialite Tamara Beckwith, gallerist Tim Jefferies and businessman Peter Svennilson. Beaming Elizabeth stunned in the group image, which Tamara shared on Instagram, as they attended the Narnia-themed event to celebrate businessman David Howden's birthday at the Cornbury Estate, in Charlbury. Tamara captioned the post: 'Black Tie & Lace. So many really good moments - impossible to choose 'Most of us have been friends for over 30+ years makes dinners merge into breakfast quite easily Elizabeth Hurley set pulses racing in a sheer lace gown as she attended a glitzy 60th birthday bash with gallerist Tim Jefferies, businessman Peter Svennilson and socialite Tamara Beckwith 'As always a superspoiling time when the host is @petersvennilson. Grateful for special times' Zara Tindall also cut a chic figure in a pearl embellished gown as she stepped out for the friends birthday party. Taking to Instagram, television personality Tamara shared a slew of snaps from the Narnia-themed event. Zara completed her ensemble, which featured puff sleeves and a side cut out, with pearl drop earrings. She pulled her blonde locks back into a chic bun and her glam makeup enhanced her flawless complexion. She captioned the snaps: 'This time last week some of us lucky ducks were invited to the mammoth celebration for dear Davids 60th Oh Where to start.. 'Rather too many nips of the 60s Cocktails meant my phone remained in my bag!! So tragically few unpublishable photos 'Most of time I was far too busy chatting with old friends all dressed up for full on Narnia The family speeches were rowdy & full of mischief - obviously all being Daddys girls Tamara looked as stylish as Elizabeth in a sophisticated sheer cream gown as she shared a stunning selfie from the party Zara Tindall also looked chic in a pearl embellished gown as she stepped out for the Narnia-themed birthday party 'Our hostess naturally outsparkled & out twinkled us all despite my very best effort!! The Narnia cupboard doors through to the dance floor were a beautiful touch!!' It comes after Elizabeth showed off her sensational figure in a plunging metallic swimsuit last week. The Bedazzled actress looked jaw-dropping in the busty one piece from her own brand Elizabeth Hurley Beach. She flaunted her ample assets and youthful physique while posing up a storm and working her best angles for the camera. The brunette beauty wore heels to boost her height and wore her dark tresses in a bouncy blow dry. She penned in the caption: 'Yay! Back in stock and selling fast - my favourite metallic Piper One Piece. Link in bio.' It comes after Elizabeth looked amazing as she hit the town with her son Damian wearing an all-black ensemble. Elizabeth and Damian are famously incredibly close, with the latter even acting as photographer for the former's red hot Instagram pictures. Damian has followed in his mother's fashionable footsteps, becoming one of the most sought after male models in the UK. He is signed to the London arm of IMG Models, which also represents US sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid, Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen and Christie Brinkley. Paul Burrell revealed after Dean Sullivan's funeral on Tuesday that the Brookside star and Diana, Princess of Wales, had a budding friendship and 'made her laugh'. The former Royal butler, 65, said Diana was a 'fan' of the star's hit television programme, which last aired 20 years ago, and made a secret visit to the set. Late actor Dean, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, died last month at the age of 68 after battling prostate cancer. Paul explained that the princess's secret visit was where she met Paul and started their blossoming friendship, which led to phone calls to the palace. He said: 'They struck up a friendship. I was a conductor of that friendship and when the princess passed, Dean came to me to mourn with me for the princess.' Paul Burrel revealed after Dean Sullivan's funeral on Tuesday that the Brookside star and Diana, Princess of Wales, had a budding friendship and 'made her laugh' Late actor Dean, known to millions as drug dealer Jimmy Corkhill in Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, died last month at the age of 68 after battling prostate cancer The former Royal butler Paul, 65, said Diana (pictured in 1985) was a 'fan' of the star's hit television programme, which last aired 20 years ago, and made a secret visit to the set He described Sullivan as a 'warm, gentle and kind person'. He added: 'I'm here to represent not only myself but the princess, above, because she'd want me to be here. 'I think it's appropriate I come to say goodbye to Dean. We'll miss him.' Speaking of when the two would have calls to and from the palace, Paul said: 'I'd put the call through and I'd listen to all the laughter upstairs. 'He made her laugh.' He said Diana sent Sullivan, who he described as a 'great royalist', a signed photo of herself and wrote to him many times. He added: 'I think he cherished that relationship with her.' Dean publicly confirmed he was living with the illness in May this year - five years after his original diagnosis. Paul explained that the princess's secret visit was where she met Paul and started their blossoming friendship, which led to phone calls to the palace An order of service showed a recent photo of the actor and was titled 'In thanksgiving for the life of Dean Sullivan' The actor confirmed he was living with prostate cancer in May - five years after his original diagnosis (pictured with his co-stars Claire Sweeney, Sue Jenkins, and George Christopher) Ahead of the 1pm service at Our Lady And St Nicholas, photos of the soap star were seen on screens inside the parish. An order of service showed, a recent photo of Dean and was titled 'In thanksgiving for the life of Dean Sullivan.' The service was followed by a private cremation. A funeral notice published in the Liverpool Echo asked for donations to be made to Prostate Cancer UK. Paul was in attendance after claiming that Brookside was Princess Diana's favourite TV programme. He told Digital Spy: ' She went to the set of Brookside and got to know some of the cast very well, especially Dean. He became a friend, who she regularly telephoned.' Dean had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and spoke in 2019 about his treatment and diagnosis to the Mirror. A statement from Dean's family confirmed the sad news of his death on Thursday. 'It is with deep sadness we must tell you that actor Dean Sullivan passed away on 29th November 2023 peacefully following a short illness. 'To millions he was and very much still is remembered as 'Jimmy', to family and friends he was 'Dino'. Dean's family wants to thank Arrowe Park Hospital for their unwavering and consistent support.' 'We ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief,' read the message from Hamilton Management and his family. Dean was scheduled to appear in a Southport production of Jack And The Beanstalk from December 7, but pulled out on November 17 due to 'unforeseen circumstances.' The former Brookside actor was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and was finally discharged by his consultant last year after undergoing radiotherapy treatment. Looking back on his battle with the disease in August, Dean told how he put himself 'in the hands of fate' during his ill health and tried to continue living his life. Inside the venue a donation point was set up for Prostate Cancer UK Photos of the soap star were seen on screens inside the church Dean's coffin was adorned with floral tributes The 1pm service took place at Our Lady And St Nicholas in Liverpool A horse and carriage led the cortege arriving for the funeral of Brookside actor Dean Floral tributes were arranged spelling out 'brother' and 'Deano' In 2019, Sullivan opened up about his 'shell shock' cancer diagnosis, admitting he never thought he had an issue with his prostate as he wasn't displaying many of the typical symptoms (pictured in 2016) Dean, from Liverpool, joined Brookside in 1986, four years after its launch and remained on the soap until it was axed in 2003 He told the Liverpool Echo: 'The way I dealt with it was that I just sort of put myself in the hands of fate. If this was my time, then this was my time so I was quite philosophical about it really. 'I know that people would worry themselves into an early grave as it were but I'm not that sort of person, I try to keep positive about things and I just got on with my life.' Liverpool-born Dean told how he wasn't displaying most of the symptoms of prostate cancer other than a reduced flow. However, he felt like something wasn't right and went to the doctor, who just told him to keep an eye on it, but he returned to another doctor a few weeks later. He said: 'If I'd have listened to the first doctor, it might have been a different story so always trust your gut, 11 times out of 10, you're right, we've still got that fight or flight instinct.' The Atkinson Theatre, where he was expected to tread the boards for a three week run, confirmed his departure in a tweet shortly after his withdrawal. They wrote: 'There has been a change to the line-up for this year's Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime. 'Dean Sullivan will no longer be performing in the role of Fleshcreep, as previously advertised and the role will now be played by Mark Paterson.' The actor admitted early detection was key to his successful radiotherapy treatment and urged other people to get checked if they are concerned. In 2019, Dean opened up about his 'shell shock' cancer diagnosis, admitting he never thought he had an issue with his prostate as he wasn't displaying many of the typical symptoms. He told The Mirror at the time: 'I remember being a bit shell shocked really, because even though we know these days that one in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer of some sort, you never think it will be you.' Dean admitted he didn't immediately share the news with his loved ones or friends because he isn't the type of person to 'elicit' support from their pals. He kept the news to a few close friends and family members, explaining: 'You're the one living with it and dealing with it and my way of dealing with it was not to let it be a major part of my life.' He added: 'Also, there's the situation when you think 'I don't want to tell this story again', so only my closest family and friends knew. It was one of those when I thought 'just get on with it and what will be will be'.' Dean, from Liverpool, joined Brookside in 1986, four years after its launch and remained on the soap until it was axed in 2003. He was at the centre of many of the soap's most memorable storylines- including the moment Jimmy discovered the body of villain Trevor Jordache under a patio two years after his murder. Dean won two British Soap Awards during his time on the show - including a special recognition award and held the record of filming more episodes than any other actor on the show. He also appeared in BBC's Doctors, ITV's The Royal and ITV's Crime Stories. Among his most recent roles was an appearance in 2022 Netflix short film Forgotten Word. The actor also performed on stage, playing Scullery in the North West premiere of Jim Cartwright's Road in Bolton, and starring in a one-man monologue tour of Chip In The Sugar by Alan Bennett. Dean made his final TV appearance on Celebrity Antique Road Trip in June 2023. The new Antique Road Trip episode saw him go head to head against Heartbeat icon Tricia Penrose on the show as they traveled across the UK with antiques experts in search of treasures before competing to make the most money at an auction. The BBC show confirmed they had permission from Dean's family to air the episode. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, they penned: 'We were incredibly sad to hear last week of the death of Dean Sullivan, known for his iconic performance as Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside. 'With the blessing of his family, the episode we recorded with Dean and his long-time friend @triciapenrose will air this evening as planned.' They later added: 'We hope you enjoy the programme, and our thoughts are with Dean's family and friends at this time.' Dean made his final TV appearance on Celebrity Antique Road Tripin June Candice Swanepoel showcased her fit form in a black bikini and a matching sarong from her brand Tropic Of C. The former Victoria's Secret beauty, 35, flashed her flat midriff in a tiny string black bikini featuring a knotted bandeau top. Candice later posed with a sarong slung low on her hips, with her blonde hair cascading down her back. The beauty founded the swimwear company Tropic of C in 2018. Candice Swanepoel showcased her fit form in a black bikini and a matching sarong from her brand Tropic Of C The former Victoria's Secret beauty, 35, flashed her flat midriff in a tiny string black bikini featuring a knotted bandeau top Candice chose a bandeau top that knotted in the center, adding high-hip bikini bottoms. The tiny swimsuit showcased her impossibly flat stomach and her long legs. The supermodel rocked gold hoop earrings , bracelet and rings to give her look a glamorous touch. The beauty recently sported a netted dress from her brand, highlighting her toned figure. She also donned a nude hued bikini beneath, opting for a triangle top and string bottoms. Candice recently attended the Alo Atelier event, which took place in October. The stunner looked incredible in a chocolate colored gown that featured cut out details. Candice chose a bandeau top that knotted in the center, adding high-hip bikini bottoms The beauty recently sported a netted dress from her brand, highlighting her toned figure She also donned a nude hued bikini beneath, opting for a triangle top and string bottoms She struck a pose in the eye-catching look Candice recently attended the Alo Atelier event, which took place in October. The stunner looked incredible in a chocolate colored gown that featured cut out details Candice is mom to sons Anaca, seven, and Ariel, five , with Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli; pictured December 2018 with her sons In summer 2019, Candice reportedly said she was single on social media after months of rumored split between the duo, according to Harper's Bazaar; pictured together in 2007 Candice is mom to sons Anaca, seven, and Ariel, five , with Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli. In summer 2019, Candice reportedly said she was single on social media after months of rumored split between the duo, according to Harper's Bazaar. They first began dating in 2005 when she was 17 and he was 23 while modeling in Paris; they got engaged in August 2015 and reportedly split in November 2018. Candice was most recently linked to Harry Styles. Last year, the blonde beauty was linked to Kanye West. On Tuesday, Netflix unveiled the first teaser for Spaceman, in which Adam Sandler plays Czech astronaut Jakub Prochazka, who discovers a talking giant alien spider called Hanus that may or may not be imaginary. 'Just like you, I fled my planet,' Hanus - voiced by Paul Dano - tells Jakub in a forest during the 20-second preview. 'Through galaxies, through black holes, through time. And then I found you.' The mysterious ancient creature becomes Prochazka's unlikely companion in the sci-fi film, and the two 'form an intense and emotional bond' over philosophical conversations. The 57-year-old comedian's orphaned character regrets leaving his devoted wife Lenka (Carey Mulligan) behind to embark on the dangerous solo mission to Venus, and he clashes with secret Russian rivals. On Tuesday, Netflix unveiled the first teaser for Spaceman, in which Adam Sandler plays Czech astronaut Jakub Prochazka, who discovers a talking giant alien spider called Hanus that may or may not be imaginary Adam wrapped Johan Renck's $40M-budget adventure drama way back in July 2021 but, due to the impact of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, it won't premiere until March 1 on the streaming giant. The R-rated film - based on Jaroslav Kalfar's 2017 novel Spaceman of Bohemia - is produced by Channing Tatum and also stars Isabella Rossellini, Kunal Nayyar, Sinead Phelps, John Flanders, and Petr Papanek as the younger Jakub. Sandler previously cut his dramatic teeth in films like Josh and Benny Safdie's 2019 crime thriller Uncut Gems and Paul Thomas Anderson's 2002 absurdist rom-com Punch Drunk Love. Spaceman does not appear to be apart of the Mark Twain Prize winner's lucrative $250M deal with Netflix as he already produced and starred in 10 films for them between 2015-2023, which amassed well over 2B views. Adam's last release - the animated film Leo - scored the biggest debut for a Netflix animated film with 34.6M views when it premiered November 21. 'Love working with Netflix and collaborating with them,' Sandler said in a statement in 2017. 'I love how passionate they are about making movies and getting them out there for the whole world to see. They've made me feel like family and I can't thank them enough for their support.' The Independent Spirit Award winner founded his production company Happy Madison Productions way back in 1999. Hanus - voiced by Paul Dano - tells Jakub in a forest: 'Just like you, I fled my planet. Through galaxies, through black holes, through time. And then I found you' The mysterious ancient creature becomes Prochazka's unlikely companion in the sci-fi film, and the two 'form an intense and emotional bond' over philosophical conversations The 57-year-old comedian's orphaned character regrets leaving his devoted wife Lenka (Carey Mulligan) behind to embark on the dangerous solo mission to Venus, and he clashes with secret Russian rivals Adam wrapped Johan Renck's $40M-budget adventure drama way back in July 2021 but, due to the impact of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, it won't premiere until March 1 on the streaming giant Sandler previously cut his dramatic teeth in films like Josh and Benny Safdie's 2019 crime thriller Uncut Gems (pictured) and Paul Thomas Anderson's 2002 absurdist rom-com Punch Drunk Love Spaceman does not appear to be apart of the Mark Twain Prize winner's lucrative $250M deal with Netflix as he already produced and starred in 10 films for them between 2015-2023, which amassed well over 2B views (pictured on March 20 with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos) Adam's last release - the animated film Leo - scored the biggest debut for a Netflix animated film with 34.6M views when it premiered November 21 Advertisement Jussie Smollett was seen reading Matthew Perry's harrowing memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, which details the late star's lifelong battle with addiction, after reportedly entering an outpatient rehab facility in mid-October. While sitting outside a coffee shop in Studio City, California on Tuesday afternoon, the 41-year-old disgraced actor, who recently lost his appeal of his conviction for staging an anti-gay, racist attack on himself, appeared engrossed in Perry's autobiography, which was released last year. During his laid-back outing, the Empire star cut a casual figure in a black hoodie over a grey t-shirt, sweatpants and a pair of black and white striped slides. After putting his book down, Smollett answered a phone call and opened his MacBook. Book worm: Jussie Smollett was seen reading Matthew Perry's harrowing memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, which details the late star's lifelong battle with addiction, after reportedly entering an outpatient rehab facility in mid-October Focused: While sitting outside a coffee shop in Studio City, California on Tuesday afternoon, the 41-year-old disgraced actor, who lost his appeal earlier this month of his conviction for staging an anti-gay, racist attack on himself , appeared engrossed in Perry's autobiography He seemingly tried to fly under the radar as he wore his hood over a burnt orange beanie and kept to himself. This fall, TMZ reported that Smollett was receiving treatment at an outpatient facility at an unknown location. 'Jussie has had an extremely difficult past few years. He has quietly been working very hard for some time now and we are proud of him for taking these necessary steps.' a spokesperson for the actor said in a statement, at the time. It's not known what exactly Smollett is headed to rehab for, but testimony during his latest trial hinted at heavy drug use. Smollett called for a new trial in March after being jailed for staging the attack on himself. During the police probe, Chicago cops concluded Smollett had hired brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo to carry out the crime. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail last year. In the 102-page appeal, they wrote: 'Mr. Smolletts constitutional rights to due process and to a fair trial were denied by prosecutorial misconduct including allegations that a defense witness was pressured to change his statementand shifting the burden during closing arguments.' Smollett was convicted in December of five counts of disorderly conduct for lying to police about being the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack that he claimed was perpetrated by Trump supporters who screamed 'this is MAGA country.' He told Chicago police he had been accosted on a darkened street by two masked strangers. Harrowing: Perry's autobiography was released last year Low profile: During his laid-back outing, the Empire star cut a casual figure in a black hoodie over a grey t-shirt, sweatpants and a pair of black and white striped slides Caffeinated: The actor sipped on a warm beverage as he sat outside Staying busy: After putting his book down, Smollett answered a phone call and opened his MacBook Casual: He seemingly tried to fly under the radar as he wore his hood over a burnt orange beanie and kept to himself According to his account of the attack, the assailants threw a noose around his neck and poured chemicals on him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs and expressing support for then-President Donald Trump. The two assaulters were Nigerian brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo, who are Black. The brothers, who testified in court, told the jury Smollett hired them to fake the attack because he wanted to boost his celebrity profile. Smollett later claimed in the days before the stunt, when prosecutors said he and the brothers were rehearsing the attack, they were actually getting together to smoke marijuana. He shocked the court by claiming he 'made out with' and 'masturbated' with Abimbola Osundairo during a visit to a bathhouse. Smollett filed an appeal of the December 2021 conviction for staging an anti-gay, racist attack on himself and then lying to Chicago police about it; pictured in 2019 Smollett was convicted of five counts of disorderly conduct for lying to police about being the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack he said was perpetrated by Trump supporters who screamed 'this is MAGA country. Police said Smollett cut his own cheek to make it look like he had suffered injuries in the attack Jussie Smollett was found guilty of orchestrating and reporting a false hate crime on himself (seen in 2019) The actor told the jury he thought the brothers staged the attack on him to try to scare him into thinking he needed bodyguards, and to give them the job. In March 2022, three months after a jury found him guilty of felony disorderly conduct, a judge sentenced the actor to 150 days in jail. Smollett was six days into his sentence when an appeals court ordered his release from custody pending an appeal of his conviction and sentence. The Osundairo brothers have since filed a defamation lawsuit, alleging that Smollett's comments were part of an effort to portray them as racist, homophobic and violent men who truly attacked him. Phoebe Dynevor stunned in a grey pinstripe suit as she made her way to The Today Show in New York City on Tuesday afternoon. The former Bridgerton actress, 28, wore a neon green top under her suit and also wore a pair of smart black boots. She wore a double-breasted black overcoat, but did not put her arms through its sleeves, opting instead to wear it over her shoulders. Phoebe held the coat closed with one hand, and smiled brightly as she exposed her chest to the cold air. The daughter of Coronation Street legend Sally Dynevor headed to the hit breakfast programme with a friend. Phoebe Dynevor, 28, stunned in a grey pinstripe suit New York City on Tuesday afternoon on her way to The Today Show The Bridgerton actress, 28, wore a neon green top under her suit and also wore a pair of smart black boots Phoebe shot to fame in series one of smash hit period Netflix drama Bridgerton, based on the book series of the same name, in 2020. She played the main character, Daphne Bridgerton, who falls in love with dashing rake Simon Basset (Rege-Jean Page) Phoebe appeared in series two of the show, albeit in a much smaller role, but announced she will not be appearing in its third. Bridgerton series three will air in two parts on May 16 and 13 June, 2024, respectively. It will feature the blossoming romance between Daphne's immediate elder brother Colin (Luke Newton), the third Bridgerton child, and family friend with a dark secret, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). Since her starring role in Bridgerton, Phoebe has appeared in the comedy-drama film Bank Of Dave and the erotic thriller Fair Play. Years before Bridgerton she was a series regular on British school drama Waterloo Road in its fourth and fifth series. Phoebe's mother Sally, 60, has portrayed Sally Metcalfe, most commonly known as Sally Webster, since 1986. Phoebe held the coat closed with one hand, and smiled brightly as she exposed her chest to the cold air The daughter of Coronation Street legend Sue Dynevor headed to the hit breakfast programme with a friend US Steel, the Pittsburgh steel producer that played a key role in the nations industrialisation, is being acquired by Nippon Steel in an all-cash deal valued at approximately USD 14.1 billion. The transaction is worth about USD 14.9 billion when including the assumption of debt. The price tag for US Steel is nearly double what was offered just four months ago by rival Cleveland Cliffs. US Steel, which rejected that offer, confirmed the offering price from Nippon early Monday. US Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, where it was founded in 1901 by J P Morgan, Andrew Carnegie. Nippon said that it will also honor all collective bargaining agreements in place with the United Steelworkers and other employees, and is committed to maintaining its relationship with workers. Soaring prices have helped fuel consolidation in the steel industry this decade. Steel prices more than quadrupled near the start of the pandemic to near USD 2,000 per metric ton by the summer of 2021 as supply chains experienced gridlock, a symptom of surging demand for goods and the lack of anticipation of that demand. Nippon, which will pay USD 55 per share for US Steel, said Monday that the deal will bolster its manufacturing and technology capabilities. It will also expand Nippons production in the US and add to its positions in Japan, India and the ASEAN region. Nippon said the acquisition is anticipated to bring its total annual crude steel capacity to 86 million tonnes and help it capitalise on growing demand for high-grade steel, automotive and electrical steel. The transaction builds on our presence in the United States and we are committed to honouring all of US Steels existing union contracts, Nippon President Eiji Hashimoto said in a prepared statement. US Steel CEO David Burritt said that the sale is beneficial to the United States, ensuring a competitive, domestic steel industry, while strengthening our presence globally. The acquisition has been approved by the boards of both companies and is targeted to close in the second or third quarter of 2024. It still needs approval from US Steel shareholders. When the government expects the foreign companies to do almost everything that a retailer do, how can the former deny the latter the right to sell The government is considering allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) in inventory-based models of e-commerce, subject to the rider that these will be solely aimed at export markets. A comprehensive policy on FDI in e-commerce has been under deliberation since 2018. In fact, during discussions with representatives of e-commerce firms and a domestic traders body viz. Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) held on August 2, 2023, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry made a presentation on the fundamentals of the proposed e-commerce policy. Against this backdrop, it is anomalous to deal with the subject matter in bits and pieces by carving out a special dispensation for e-commerce firms catering only to export markets. Even if the government was keen for such a carve-out, this ought to be done as an integral part of a holistic package for e-commerce. E-commerce is the process of selling goods and services over the Internet. In early 2016, the government allowed 100 per cent FDI under the so-called marketplace model. The marketplace is a platform where vendors sell their products to consumers even as its owner merely acts as a facilitator by providing services such as booking orders, raising invoices, arranging delivery, etc. She cant hold inventory or undertake direct selling. The policy intent was abundantly clear. The foreign investor in the marketplace wasnt supposed to invest in the inventory model. However, there were some exceptions. A foreign manufacturer is permitted to sell its products manufactured in India through e-commerce retail. Another way FDI can flow into e-commerce retail business is through single brand retail (SBR) trading entities operating brick-and-mortar stores (for instance, Swedish furniture retailer IKEA) - as opposed to multi-brand retail (MBR) or simply retail as it is understood in common parlance. Despite the policy intent requiring a clear demarcation between the two models one (read: marketplace) in which FDI was allowed and the other direct selling where it wasnt, a clever bureaucrat in DPIIT obliterated it while drafting the fine print of the policy document. The Press Note 3 (2016 series) prescribed two conditions. First, the foreign entity owning marketplace cannot permit more than 25 per cent of total sales on the marketplace from one vendor or its group companies. Two, it cannot directly or indirectly influence the sale price. In the absence of specifying who that vendor should be, it made way for a company linked to the owner of the marketplace to get in. The latter could set up four companies (call them subsidiaries or JVs) and control 25 per cent each of total sales on the platform. Contrary to the policy intent, which prohibited foreign investors in inventory models or direct selling, the fine print did just the opposite. Having allowed its entities to control almost all of the sales made on the marketplace, the second condition that the latter cant directly or indirectly influence the sale price is laughable. The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who were impacted the most by this backdoor entry of e-commerce giants Amazon, Walmart/Flipkart etc in direct selling complained to the government. In response, on December 26, 2018, the DPIIT clarified that the owner of the marketplace or its subsidiary or its joint venture (JV) with an Indian company cant have ownership of the seller. Further, a seller on the platform cant source more than 25 per cent of its inventory from a firm connected with the latter. Foreign investors can circumvent the first rider by having less than 50 per cent shareholding in the seller firm and arguing that they have no control (majority) over the latter. The marketplace owner can also sell his own product albeit through its wholesale arm on the platform. All that the wholesale arm needs to ensure is to restrict supplies to the seller within the 25 per cent threshold. It isnt just a case of boundaries getting blurred. The official notes recognize and give legitimacy to the connection between the marketplace owner and the seller. These dont prohibit foreign firms from keeping inventory and engaging in direct selling to consumers. They are doing it at the cost of millions of small traders. For instance, only three dozen firms out of the 400,000 sellers on the Amazon platform account for 67 per cent of sales on it. Meanwhile, in 2020/2021, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, issued the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, under Section 101 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The rules bar affiliated entities from selling on e-commerce platforms; restrict business-to-business sales in e-commerce; restrict flash sales; prevent abuse of dominant position by e-commerce firms and disallow sellers from using the name or brand associated with the marketplace e-commerce entities for the promotion of goods. When seen in juxtaposition with Press Note 3 (2016 series), all this is nothing more than plain rhetoric. Moreover, in the absence of a regulatory authority (this hasnt even been proposed in the draft e-commerce policy) and institutional mechanisms to track the actions of foreign firms, it isnt possible to ensure compliance with the rules. Now, mandarins in the commerce ministry want to exempt bigger e-commerce players like Amazon from a rule that prohibits the marketplace owner from holding inventory in case the product is meant for the export market. This is amusing as this rule was never put into practice even when it comes to domestic retail sales, courtesy of clever drafting by the bureaucrats. To enable these players to avail of the exemption, they are thinking of riders such as requiring them to keep the inventory for exports separate from their other operations and a mechanism like a custom bonded warehouse strictly separated from the domestic tariff area (DTA) and markets. The intent is that the product is meant for export once it enters the bonded space, it cant re-enter the DTA. The big question is: who will enforce the labyrinth of rules? At a fundamental level, what is the need for carving out a niche for marketplace owners in the field of exports? The ministry argues: that this will enable domestic producers including farmers, small artisans, and product owners to access the global markets. This argument is untenable. First, the MNCs are here to avail of the ever-expanding opportunities in the Indian market and our policymakers have so far helped them by suitably crafting the rules. Second, the former hasnt helped MSMEs sell in the domestic market. How can they be expected to help in exporting? The government should drop the proposal of roping in foreign e-commerce players to boost exports. Instead, it needs to focus on addressing the present mess. The idea of a marketplace is flawed. When, the government expects the foreign company to do almost everything that a retailer does viz. booking orders, raising invoices, arranging delivery, accepting rejection and so on, how can the former deny the latter the right to sell? The way forward is to shun this idea; instead, allow 100 per cent FDI in retail. Bureaucrats had already done it but in a subtle way. The government should make it obvious and straightforward. Moreover, 100 per cent FDI should be permitted to all retailers, online or offline, big or small for a level playing field. (The writer is a policy analyst, views are personal) With current pledges totalling only around $700 million, vulnerable countries affected by costly climate disasters are calling for additional funds Climate finance has taken centre stage in discussions surrounding global climate action, particularly at COP28 in Dubai. The finance day at COP28 witnessed a significant breakthrough in international financial architecture, with influential countries and financial institutions committing to innovative mechanisms that support low-income and vulnerable nations in their fight against climate change. Key announcements include the expansion of Climate-Resilient Debt Clauses (CRDCs) by prominent entities such as the UK, France, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, European Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and African Development Bank (AFDB). This move has garnered support from 73 countries, urging donors to extend the use of CRDCs by 2025 and provide fiscal space for climate action. During his address at COP28, Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of providing climate finance and technology to the Global South countries to help them fulfil their commitments. He called for progress in a new collective quantified goal on climate finance, replenishment of the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund, affordable finance from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) for climate action, and developed countries eliminating their carbon footprint before 2050. Climate finance refers to local, national, or transnational financing from public, private, and alternative sources to support mitigation and adaptation actions addressing climate change. The majority of the funds are allocated for disaster adaptation and mitigation. While there is no common ground on the definition and elements of climate financing, it remains highly debated and considered a vital tool to address the climate crisis. Developing countries advocate for climate finance to be new and additional, while developed nations debate whether it should consist of grants only or include loans and other forms of finance. This ongoing debate aims to delineate climate finance from existing financial sources. With current pledges totalling only around $700 million, vulnerable countries already affected by costly climate disasters are calling for additional funds through a newly formed disaster fund. According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released on November 16, developed countries provided and mobilized $89.6 billion in climate finance for developing countries in 2021. However, the estimated amount needed for the energy transition, climate adaptation, and disaster relief is staggering, reaching $2.4 trillion annually for emerging markets and developing countries. While opinions vary among stakeholders, experts believe that funds should be directed toward the most vulnerable populations. Partha Hefaz Shaikh from WaterAid Bangladesh suggests that climate finance should be allocated to water, hygiene, and sanitation, emphasizing the importance of supporting services to provide climate-resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services to those most affected by climate change. He highlights the need to prioritize households facing the greatest impact of the climate crisis. It is crucial to note that Bangladesh, ranked as the 7th most vulnerable to climate change according to Energy Tracker Asias Special Report, faces a potential 2-9% GDP loss by 2050, as warned by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Similarly, Kitty van der Heijden, Deputy Executive Director of partnerships at UNICEF, expresses concern that only 1% of all climate finance goes to education. She insists that this percentage must increase at COP28 to align with the rising temperatures and the urgent need for comprehensive climate action. (The writer is a senior journalist, views are personal) Media should, not only inform and educate people, but also empower individuals, foster social change and ensure political stability Media moulds behavioural dynamics and change to generate positive momentum or negative torque. Be it news media, visual media or social media, it has become an instrument for reform and transformation to create awareness in people to cause the paradigm shift and restore the trajectory of growth in a positive direction. Journalism as per its traditional lexiconic delineation includes aggregating, writing and presenting news or news articles for widespread distribution to inform the audience. The new connotation attached to media reflects its metamorphosis from the broadcasting of news to that of an agent of socio-economic change. Tom Stoppard a Czech-born British playwright expressed that I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term solution. Even Oscar Wilde went a step forward to state in America president reigns for four years and journalism governs forever and ever. Media renders voice for and voiceless, says for the unsayable (ineffable), reflects the predicaments of the impecunious and vulnerable groups and projects the path for progress. It has proved to be a crucial factor in connecting, informing and inspiring a society/nation to induce it to traverse the right path for inclusive and holistic development, information engineering for impressive growth has become a synonym for positive media dynamics. Presentation of unbiased pictures with truthful candour sans fear and favour should be the motto of the media. Though difficult in the age of mundanity and profanity, and media being no exception to the lures, but still media maintains and takes a positive role for the betterment of the nation barring exceptions. Five golden rules have evolved to form the guidelines for media including social media. Those are to create content value for the audience, focus on the content not on the platform, presentation of news contributions (positive) to the society/nation, the presentation and content with creative favour and guide the people with a positive mode. In short, it can be stated that these key roles can be played by mass communication to herald a new beginning. The first one is the dissemination of vital information to the public which is essential for decision-making and awareness. The second one is serving as a crucial tool for education and raising awareness about social and health issues promoting positive behaviour and practices. In a developing country, the media plays a very important role not only by promoting democracy but by providing a platform for political discourse. Media promotes economic development by flowing information, promoting business, directing growth and vectoring cultural exchanges to make things lively (to pave the way for social change). The social changes are effected by mass communication by highlighting social injustices, gender inequality and human rights violation cases. By mobilizing public opinion, the media can set steps for the cultural renaissance. Social cohesion can be affected by mass media providing platforms for people to connect and share ideas to promote national identity and unity. The important role of media in health promotion and disease prevention cannot be undermined. Media projects the requirements of the people to attract the attention of the government to take up development in a planned way. And most important thing is that mass media can shape the image of the nation on the global stage, promoting foreign investment and tourism. It is discernible that media has an all-pervasive influence on people in the modern age (social media included) to foster any change. Media can also play a destructive role in all these spheres mentioned above if it becomes biased, partisan and prejudiced. Hence positive, constructive and truthful media is the requirement of the time to project the nation on the path of inclusive, holistic development and affirmative growth. The suspensions spree continued in Parliament with 49 more Lok Sabha MPs from the Opposition benches suspended from the House for disrupting proceedings on Tuesday. This comes a day after 78 opposition members were suspended from Parliament. The Opposition criticised the government, calling Parliament a graveyard of the Constitution and comparing it to the North Korean assembly. The total number of sitting Parliamentarians suspended during this Winter Session, combining the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, now stands at 141. Before resuming the morning session of Parliament, the constituents of the Opposition INDIA bloc decided to strongly raise the demand for a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach issue in both Houses. The last time such a large number of MPs were suspended was under the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on March 15, 1989, by then Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar. A total of 63 MPs from the Opposition benches were suspended for the remainder of the week, which was three days during the Budget Session. The suspended MPs included VP Singh, Somnath Chatterjee, VC Shukla, Indrajit Gupta, and S Jaipal Reddy during the 8th Lok Sabha, sources said. In the current Parliament, the Opposition side has lost more than two thirds of its strength for the duration of the Winter Session, and only nine MPs of the principal Opposition Congress, including former party presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, are left in the Lok Sabha. The MPs suspended on Tuesday include National Conferences Farooq Abdullah, Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, and Karti Chidambaram, as well as Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, while moving a motion for the suspension of the MPs, accused the protesting members of being frustrated over the recent Assembly election results. INDIA Bloc MPs have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in Parliament on December 13. They had agreed not to bring placards. They are frustrated with their loss, so they take such steps. These people will not come back to the House next time if this behavior continues, Joshi said. They are insulting the chair and the people of India by bringing placards, he added. Joshi also informed the Rajya Sabha and regretted the fact that members of the Opposition had disgraced the upper house presiding officer, who is also the Vice President of India, by making fun and mimicking in public. Joshi sought immediate apologies to the Chair for having insulted him, and given their track record, similar things Congress has done in the past by also mocking the first tribal President of India. Amidst the ruckus, Parliament passed a bill extending protection from punitive action against unauthorised developments in Delhi for three years beyond December 31. Earlier in the day, The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Act, 2023, was passed by a voice vote in Lok Sabha after a brief discussion in which three members participated. In the Upper House, eight members participated in the discussions on the bill, and it was passed by a voice vote. In an unprecedented move, 78 opposition MPs were suspended from Parliament on Monday, marking the highest number of suspensions in a single day. This action drew sharp criticism from the Congress and other parties, accusing the BJP government of attempting to bulldoze key legislations in an Opposition-less Parliament. An additional 49 Lok Sabha members were suspended on Tuesday for disrupting House proceedings. The action taken on Tuesday has brought the total number of suspended opposition MPs from both houses to 141 since last Thursday. AAP member Sanjay Singh has been suspended as a Rajya Sabha member since July 24, and TMCs Derek OBrien in the ensuing session. The INDIA bloc parties had a strength of 138 in Lok Sabha, of which 43 MPs are now left in the House. Congress floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Trinamool Congress floor leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay are among those suspended in the Lok Sabha. So far, 13 of the 22 Trinamool Congress MPs have been suspended. From the DMK, which has a strength of 24 members in the House, 16 MPs have been suspended. Aam Aadmi Partys lone Lok Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Rinku was also suspended. While three NCP MPs belonging to the Sharad Pawar faction, including floor leader Supriya Sule, have been suspended out of the four who are supporting the opposition, from the National Conference, two of the three MPs, including Farooq Abdullah, were suspended. None of the six MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) have been suspended so far. All three MPs of the IUML, one each MP from VCK and RSP, two of the three Samajwadi Party MPs, including Dimple Yadav, two of three MPs of the CPI(M), and one of the two MPs of CPI have been suspended. Danish Ali, who was recently suspended from his parent party BSP, is also among the MPs suspended from the Lower House. The BSP is not a part of the opposition bloc. Reacting strongly to the developments, former NDA partner Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, The graveyard of the constitution is visible here. Opposition MPs whose job is to raise questions in Parliament are thrown for doing their job...This is the new India... See it, she said outside Parliament. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said Parliament will soon resemble the North Korean assembly. We are going to resemble the North Korean assembly, and the only thing missing is synchronised clapping when the PM walks in. This is going to be a token house, he said. The Delhi Police Counter Intelligence unit has written to Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, requesting access to the social media accounts of the six accused persons in the Parliament security breach case. They are seeking details of the now-deleted Facebook page Bhagat Singh Fan Club, where the accused individuals reportedly met. Sources indicate that Meta has also been asked to share WhatsApp chats of the accused, as their mobile phones have been damaged. Simultaneously, Delhi Police informed the court on Monday that the FIR registered for the Parliament security breach is very sensitive in nature. Consequently, the accused cannot be provided with a copy of the FIR at present. Opposing Neelams application for a copy of the FIR, Delhi Police emphasised that the leak of crucial information at this stage could influence the investigation. Teams from Delhi Police have been dispatched to six States Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra to probe the Parliament security breach that occurred on December 13. Police sources said that they will also examine the email accounts associated with the WhatsApp numbers of the accused to retrieve chat backups and identify other individuals they were in contact with just before their alleged involvement in the case. Additionally, the police have collected bank account details of all the accused to investigate if they received money for executing the December 13 incident. Various Delhi Police teams approached family members of the accused on Sunday, collecting details of their bank accounts. Bank passbooks of Neelam Devi and Sagar Sharma were seized from their residences in Jind and Lucknow, respectively. According to sources, Meta has been requested to share WhatsApp chats of the accused due to their damaged mobile phones. WhatsApp users need to attach an application with an email address... This email account is used to take backup of chats every 24 hours, said a source familiar with the investigation. The court of Special Judge received a submission from Delhi Police on Monday, asserting that the FIR registered over the Parliament security breach is very sensitive in nature. Therefore, the accused cannot be provided with its copy at present. The court, presided over by Special Judge Hardeep Kaur, has reserved the order on Neelam Azads application for December 19. During the arguments, Azads lawyer claimed that she was being harassed. Police informed the court that the copy of the FIR, lodged under stringent sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including terrorism, is in a sealed cover due to its sensitive nature. Further investigation is in progress, and the accused is in police remand. Some other persons who might be involved are still at large. Therefore, providing the copy of the FIR to the accused at this stage can influence the investigation, Public Prosecutor Akhand Pratap Singh told the court. Sources reveal that more than 50 teams are investigating the digital and bank details and background of the accused. The main mastermind, Lalit Jha, has been handed over to the special cell team in Janakpuri, South Western Range. Other accused individuals are being handled by specialized teams in different regions. All the accused have reportedly been unapologetic about their actions and were prepared to face the consequences. The Delhi Police have arrested six personsSagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Amol Shinde, Neelam Devi, Lalit Jha, and Mahesh Kumawatfor their alleged involvement in the Parliament security breach case. They have been booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. According to police reports, Lalit Jha, the mastermind of the Parliament security breach conspiracy, threw his mobile phone and burnt those of other accused in Rajasthans Nagaur. Police later recovered fragments of broken and burnt mobile phones at Jhas instance, which have been sent to the forensic department for data recovery. In a related development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has requested all chief secretaries of state governments to nominate candidates for the vacant post of joint secretary (Security) in the Lok Sabha Secretariat, following the Parliament security breach. A team from the Special Cell visited Manoranjans residence in Mysuru on Monday, recording statements from his parents and relatives. The family was questioned about his bank details and foreign visits. In another development, a team of Delhi Police managed to identify the shoe shop in Lucknows Alam Bagh from where Sagar had bought two pairs of shoes, for Rs 600 each, in which he hid the smoke canisters. The shop is just a kilometer from his house in Lucknow, according to a source. The team is actively searching for the cobbler who assisted Sagar in making cavities in his shoes. Sagars other family members and friends in Lucknow were also questioned by the police team. The Enforcement Directorate has issued a fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning on December 21 in the excise policy-linked money laundering case, officials said on Monday. He was first called by the federal agency to appear on November 2, but he did not depose alleging that the notice was vague, motivated and unsustainable in law. The summonses to Kejriwal, also the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), pertain to questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case and for recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the officials said. He has to appear at the ED headquarters here on December 21, they said. The development comes days after Delhi government officials said Kejriwal will leave for a 10-day Vipassana meditation course at an undisclosed location from December 19. AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are among those arrested in this case by the ED and the agency is expected to file a supplementary charge sheet in the case soon. After the first summons, the AAP had alleged that Kejriwal would be arrested as part of the BJPs plan to target top INDIA bloc leaders ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the ED notice was an attempt to finish the party that is in power in Delhi and Punjab. The ED has mentioned Kejriwals name multiple times in its charge sheets filed in the case and said the accused were in touch with him regarding the preparation of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. In one instance, the agency claimed in its charge sheet that it had recorded the statement of Butchibabu, an accountant allegedly linked to BRS leader K Kavitha, in which he said that there was a political understanding between K Kavitha and the chief minister (Arvind Kejriwal) and the deputy chief minister (Sisodia). In that process, K Kavitha also met Vijay Nair (AAP communications in-charge arrested in the case) on March 19-20, 2021. In another instance involving arrested accused Dinesh Arora, the ED said he told it that he met Kejriwal once at his residence. Similarly, the ED charge sheet said, YSRCP MP Magunta Sriniavasulu Reddy also held meetings with Kejriwal wherein Arvind Kejriwal welcomed his entry into the Delhi liquor business. It had said that Buchibabu and another accused Arun Pillai have revealed that they and Vijay Nair were working with the support and sanction of Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader and the then Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia for all excise policy-related activities- including formulation as well as implementation. It had also alleged that Vijay Nair arranged a video call through facetime (a video calling facility on iPhone) on his phone for another arrested accused Sameer (Mahandru) and Sh Arvind Kejriwal, where Sh Arvind said to Sh Sameer that, Vijay is his boy and that Sh Sameer should trust him and carry on with him. Kejriwal had then rubbished the contents of the ED complaint saying it has filed 5,000 charge sheets under the tenure of the current government. How many people have been sentenced? All the cases filed by ED are fake and they are used to topple governments or form them. ED does not file cases to eradicate corruption. They do it to buy MLAs, topple governments, Kejriwal had said. It is alleged that the Delhi governments excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licences to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge repeatedly 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. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, proposed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges name as the prime ministerial candidate of the Opposition bloc INDIA, as stated by MDMK leader Vaiko after the meeting in the national capital. This meeting coincided with the day when a large number of Opposition Parliamentarians were suspended for the remaining days of the Winter Session. However, Kharge emphasised that it is crucial to secure a victory first, and all other decisions can follow. Sources indicated that the allies stressed the need for the seat-sharing formula for the Lok Sabha 2024 to be in place by December 31. Present at the meeting were CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his Deputy Tejaswi Yadav, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, former Union Minister Lalu Prasad, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, and the Left party leaders. Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray was also in attendance. Sources have revealed that the leaders engaged in discussions on a joint campaign, seat-sharing arrangements, and the reconsideration of their strategy following the recent setback for the grand old party in the Assembly polls. The BJP emerged victorious in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, although it achieved success in Telangana, marking the second southern state after Karnataka in its accomplishments. The meeting took place amid intermittent challenges among crucial allies such as the Samajwadi Party, TMC, and AAP, with their leaders expressing discontent in public. Following the Tuesday meeting, Vaiko stated that Kharges name was proposed by Banerjee and Kejriwal. However, other leaders maintained that no final decision was reached on the issue during the meeting. After the Congress presidents name was proposed as a candidate for the countrys first Dalit prime minister in a meeting attended by 28 Opposition leaders, Kharge commented, I work for the downtrodden. Let us win first, then we will see. I dont seek anything. He added, First, we have to win and secure a majority, and then MPs will decide democratically, while briefing the media on whether he could be the PM candidate for the Opposition alliance. Upon her arrival in the national capital on Monday, Banerjee informed the media that any decision on the prime ministerial candidate for the alliance would be made after the election. When so many political parties come together, it is a democracy, with different states, diverse views, and varying opinions, but ultimately, INDIA is a platform where we are fighting together, said Banerjee. Kharge stated that INDIA bloc parties will focus on seat-sharing talks at the state level and hold public meetings across the country, emphasising that any decision on the prime ministerial candidate will be made after the elections. Sources have indicated that INDIA bloc parties have decided to finalise seat-sharing by the second week of January. Addressing the press conference after a meeting of top leaders of the INDIA bloc, Kharge said, All INDIA parties unanimously decided on how to take the alliance forward. At least 8-10 meetings will be conducted together across the country. If alliance members dont come on the same stage, people will not be aware of the alliance. Everyone agreed to this, he said. The Congress president mentioned that seat-sharing talks will be held at the state level, and if any issues arise, the INDIA bloc leadership will address them. Whether in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Bihar, UP, Delhi, or Punjab, the issues on seat sharing will be resolved, he said. Kharge also mentioned that INDIA parties passed a resolution condemning the suspension of Opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and will hold a protest on December 22. This was the fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc leaders. The alliance had its first meeting in Patna on June 23, the second meeting in Bengaluru on July 17 and 18, and the third in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forth nine resolutions on Monday, such as saving water, promoting local products, and ensuring farmers welfare, among others. He urged the countrymen to work towards fulfilling these resolutions. In his address at the inaugural function of the Swarved Mahamandir on the second and final day of his visit to his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, the Prime Minister said, My first request is to save every drop of water and raise awareness about water conservation. Second: Go from village to village and educate people about digital transactions, teaching them about online payments. Third: Work to make your village, your locality, your city, number one in cleanliness. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 19,150 crore in Varanasi, including a new Vande Bharat to New Delhi. UP prospers when Kashi prospers, and the country prospers when UP prospers, remarked the Prime Minister on the second day of his UP tour. A day earlier, the PMs address at the Kashi Tamil Sangam was translated for the audience using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Tamil language, considered to be the first in the country. On Monday, Modi went on to propose his fourth resolution: Promote local products as much as possible, use only Made in India products. The fifth resolution emphasises exploring ones own country before considering travel abroad. He said, As much as possible, first explore your own country, travel around in your own country, and if you want to go to another country, then you should not feel like going abroad until you see the whole country. I propose the sixth resolution: keep making farmers more and more aware of natural farming. I made this request to you last time, and I am repeating it now. This is a crucial campaign to save Mother Earth. My seventh request is to include Millets as Shri-Ann in your daily eating life, promote it widely; it is a superfood, Modi said. My eighth request is: whether its fitness, yoga, or sports, make it an integral part of your life. The ninth request is: be a supporter of at least one poor family; help them. This is necessary to eradicate poverty in India, the Prime Minister said. Other projects dedicated by the PM include the inauguration of the New Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Nagar-New Bhaupur Dedicated Freight Corridor Project, built at a cost of around Rs 10,900 crore, among other railway projects. The PM also flagged off the Dohrighat-Mau MEMU train and a pair of Long Haul goods trains at the newly inaugurated Dedicated Freight Corridor. He also flagged off the 10,000th locomotive made by Banaras Locomotive Works and launched the Unified Tourist Pass System under the Smart City Mission. On the occasion, the Prime Minister emphasized the development of Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti, farmers, and the poor as prerequisites for Viksit Bharat. These are the only four castes for me, and strengthening them will strengthen the nation, Modi emphasised. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and ministers from the Centre and state government were present on the occasion. Inaugurating the worlds largest meditation centre, Swarved Mahamandir, Modi said the country has declared freedom from the slave mentality and is feeling proud of its heritage. In the era of slavery, the oppressors who made an effort to weaken India first targeted our symbols. After independence, rebuilding these cultural symbols was essential, he said. Modi mentioned that after India gained independence, there was opposition to the rebuilding of the Somnath temple, and this thought process remained dominant for decades. The result of this was that the country slipped into the pit of an inferiority complex and forgot to feel proud of its heritage, he said. After seven decades of independence, the wheel of time has turned once again. The country has declared from the Red Fort freedom from a slave mentality and a feeling of pride in its heritage. The work that started from Somnath has now become a campaign. Today, the grandeur of Vishwanath is singing the tales of Indias glory, Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi charged Opposition parties on Tuesday with providing muted and indirect support to the security breach incident in Parliament. He asserted that, due to their conduct, they will remain in Opposition with further reduced numbers in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Addressing what he claimed to be the last BJP parliamentary party meeting this year, Modi set out the theme for the ruling alliances campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He took a swipe at the INDIA bloc over its meeting on Tuesday. Slamming Opposition parties for disrupting Parliament proceedings, Modi said that they were giving a political spin to the incident in frustration over their losses in the recent Assembly polls. He added that their goal is to oust his government, but the governments objective is to ensure a bright future for India. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi quoted the Prime Minister, stating, Some people are uniting in their intent to remove the BJP from power, while we, as patriots, are working for the betterment of India. They are utilising their strength to overthrow the government, whereas we are using our strength for the progress of India. Modi asserted the Oppositions conduct in Parliament will result in further reduction of their numbers in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, while the BJP aims to increase its tally. Pointing to empty rows in the auditorium where all BJP MPs had gathered, he mentioned that these will be filled after the 2024 polls. Referring to the December 13 incident of two persons jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors gallery and opening smoke cans, he emphasised that anyone who believes in democracy will not accept such an act. He added that this act should have been condemned unanimously. Unfortunately, what I have been witnessing is that the Opposition is expressing its frustration over losing in the elections and giving a political spin to the entire incident. They are even providing muted and indirect support to it, which is worrisome. Supporting the incident and suggesting things like what else could they have done is both worrisome and condemnable, he said, according to a source. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi recently said that issues like unemployment and price rise were behind the security breach. How can a party that believes in democratic values overtly or covertly justify it? the Prime Minister said, according to BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad. The conduct of these parties clearly indicates that they have made up their minds to remain in Opposition and are practising for it, Modi said, adding that the nation has also decided to keep them there and further reduce their strength. Modi asked BJP MPs to maintain restraint and adhere to democratic norms. We should expose the Opposition while keeping our voices under control and staying within the limits of democracy. In the coming days, regardless of whether others participate or not, we must actively engage in Parliaments proceedings, he said, noting that some important Bills are coming up for discussion in both Houses. It would have been good if the Opposition had participated in these debates, but perhaps good deeds are not in their fate, he said in a biting criticism of these parties, according to party leaders. The Prime Minister also urged BJP members to inform first-time voters about the situation in the country ten years ago, emphasising that those around 18 years old have only witnessed his governments development works and Indias rising global stature. They might not be aware of the corruption and misrule a decade ago, he added. He suggested that a campaign on these lines could be taken up on National Voters Day, which falls on January 25. Modi asked them to visit border villages to witness the development there and highlight it. He mentioned that Dhordo in Gujarat is a model village for the development of border areas and recently received a UN honour as the best tourist destination. Modi also drew attention to his use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during his address at Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi on Sunday, which translated his Hindi speech into Tamil in almost real-time. The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday dismissed pleas challenging the maintainability of a 1991 suit seeking the restoration of a temple at the site where the Gyanvapi mosque now stands in Varanasi. The court observed that the religious character of a disputed place can only be determined by the court. The high court dismissed five connected petitions filed over the years by the mosque management committee and the Uttar Pradesh Central Sunni Waqf Board. It held that the suit filed before the district court is not barred by the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which mandates that the religious character of a place cannot be changed from what existed on August 15, 1947. In a significant observation, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal pointed out that the Act did not provide a definition for the term religious character. He emphasised that this determination could only be made through evidence presented in court by the opposing parties. Either the Gyanvapi compound has a Hindu religious character or a Muslim religious character. It cant have dual character at the same time, stated Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal. He ordered that the trial in this case, which holds vital national importance, should be concluded as soon as possible, preferably within six months. In the national interest, it is necessary for the suit to proceed expeditiously and be decided with utmost urgency, with the cooperation of both contesting parties and without resorting to any dilatory tactics, he said. The order on the Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple issue follows other significant court rulings on temple-mosque disputes in Uttar Pradesh over the past few months. The Supreme Court previously granted approval for a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises by the Archaeological Survey of India, and the high court allowed a survey of the Shahi Idgah mosque adjoining the Krishna Janmasthan temple in Mathura. Hindu litigants argue that the two mosques were constructed after the demolition or partial demolition of temples, and the surveys are expected to reveal evidence supporting this claim. The high court acknowledged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey conducted at the Gyanvapi masjid, following directions by the trial court, which is hearing the petition of a group of women seeking regular access to Hindu deities depicted on the mosques rear wall. If necessary, the lower court may direct ASI for a further survey, the judge added. The dispute raised in the suit is of vital national importance. It is not a suit between two individual parties but affects two major communities of the country, he said, emphasising the need for a speedy trial. The case was filed by petitioners seeking the right to worship in the Gyanvapi mosque adjoining the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Muslim litigants had challenged the maintainability of the suit, citing the 1991 Act. However, the court clarified, The Act does not define religious character, and only conversion and place of worship have been defined under the Act. What will be the religious character of the disputed place can only be determined by the competent court after evidence is presented by the parties to the suit, it stated. Either the Gyanvapi Compound has a Hindu religious character or a Muslim religious character. It cant have a dual character at the same time. The religious character has to be ascertained by the court considering pleadings of the parties and evidence led in support of pleadings, it added. The Places of Worship Act had exempted only the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute from its purview. After a landmark Supreme Court verdict four years ago, the first phase of the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is nearly over. The consecration ceremony will take place next month. Expressing concern over an MP mimicking Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankar, the latter termed the act as shameful and ridiculous, labeling it as unacceptable. The Upper House witnessed several disruptions as Opposition members continued to raise a din over the breach of Parliament issue. When the Rajya Sabha assembled at 2 pm in the post-lunch period, Dhankhar referred to mimicry made of the Lok Sabha Speaker and also of the Rajya Sabha chairman by an MP in the Parliament complex. You are not aware of the kind of response that is against this institution in the minds of the people, and we had the occasion to see the lowest level. Imagine what must be going through my heart when your senior leader videographs a Member of Parliament mocking the institution of the chairman... Dont judge my background as that of a farmer, the chairman said, attracting the attention of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram. The institution of the chairman, he added, has been ravaged, and that too by a political party that has ruled for so long. A member of Parliament videographing another one, for what? I suffered, I tell you, on Instagram. Mr Chidambaram (who was present in the House), your party put out a video that was later withdrawn; it was shameful to me. You used Twitter, the official handle of the spokesperson, to demean me, insult me, insult my background as a farmer, insult my position as a Jat, insult my position as chairman, Dhankhar said. Soon after the house met at noon, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rebuked senior Congress member Digvijaya Singh for causing disorder and asked him to take his seat. I saw some time ago on TV channels... There is no limit to falling. I saw a senior leader of your party videographing the unparliamentary behaviour of another MP. He is even a bigger leader than you. I can only wish for good sense to prevail, he said, adding, There must be some limit... At least spare some places. The issue is that the office of the chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the office of the Speaker are very different. Political parties will have their cross-currents; they will have exchanges, but imagine a senior leader of your party videographing another member of a different party. Mimicry of the chairman, mimicry of the speaker... How ridiculous, how shameful, how unacceptable, he said. As Opposition members continued demanding a reply from the Union Home Minister on the Parliament security breach incident of December 13, the House was repeatedly adjourned. The opposition MPs have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach issue and seeking the revocation of the suspension of opposition members in the house. As many as 46 MPs of the Rajya Sabha have, so far, been suspended for unruly behaviour and for disrupting the proceedings of the house. The opposition benches wore a deserted look on Tuesday. The Congress had only a few members, including Digvijaya Singh and Deependar Hooda, in attendance, while some MPs from the TMC and the DMK were also present. As the officially listed papers were being laid on the table at the start of the proceedings, they rose in their places, shouting slogans, and demanding that Shah come to the House and give a statement on the security breach. They also protested against the unprecedented number of MPs being suspended for demanding a statement from the government, while the BJP MP who had given the intruders a pass to enter Parliament continued to remain in the House. Chairman Dhankhar did not allow any one of them to speak and declared that the four notices he had received under Rule 267 did not merit admittance. A notice under Rule 267 calls for the suspension of the business of the day to take up discussion on the issue being raised. What happened to Israel on October 7, 2023, is unparalleled and unique in history, and the international community of nations should take note of the unfortunate and shocking attack perpetrated by Hamas, according to Tammy Ben-Haim, Consul General of Israel to south India. The career diplomat cautioned India and other nations against the evil designs of Hamas terrorists. In an exclusive interview with The Pioneer on Monday, Ben-Haim described the act of Hamas as treachery of the highest order. Right now, our top priority is to bring home safely the 129 hostages held by Hamas. Although they had kidnapped 240 people, including the elderly and tiny tots as hostages on October 7, we have managed to get 100 persons released from their custody. The efforts to get the remaining hostages released are in full swing, said Ben-Haim, a career diplomat with 25 years of experience in the Israeli civil and diplomatic service. Ben-Haim said the attack by Hamas on Israel is a lesson for the entire world. This is not an attack based on religion, culture, or economy. It is an act of treachery and materialised only because of the tacit support extended by Iran. The Iranian Government provided Hamas with arms, weapons, billions of dollars, and other logistics. In addition to Hamas, organisations like Hezbollah, ISIS, and al-Qaeda were receiving all sorts of help from Iran, said the Israeli diplomat. She agreed that Israel was caught off-guard by the attacks on October 7. We had no presence in Gaza since 2005 because we had left the territory, and it was being ruled by Palestinians. Not a single Israeli was there in Gaza. But what happened was that the rulers of Gaza diverted the entire money to Hamas to build tunnels under the province. The tunnels had facilities for the safe and speedy passage of jeeps and armoured vehicles. They had converted schools, hospitals, and mosques into storehouses of weapons and military hardware. The entire money meant for the welfare of people, especially children and women, was diverted to the luxurious lifestyle of Hamas commanders and jehadis. said Ben-Haim. For 18 years, Hamas misappropriated and embezzled whatever financial aid was contributed by international development agencies. It was used to destroy Israel. There was no provocation of any kind from Israels side, which always maintained peace with Gaza and other Arab nations. But Hamas was waiting for a chance to strike at us, she said. The Israeli diplomat explained how babies were slaughtered, and girls and women in the age group of 18-30 were abused and molested by Hamas jehadis. Rapes and brutal murders are their modus operandi. Hamas uses the civilian population as human shields. Even after the October 7 incident, Hamas terrorists continued to shower Israel with rockets. Today, December 18 happens to be the 73rd day of their attacks. They have fired 1,200 rockets during the last 70 days, and the numbers keep on increasing as Israel is facing a difficult situation. We have to get the 129 hostages released from the custody of Hamas, and we have to fortify the nation against further attacks. We are facing attacks from the Lebanon border. Israeli ships in international seas are being attacked. To keep the world in a mode of war, Iran is doing whatever it can do. Terrorists and youngsters are taken to Iran for training in the use of AK-47 rifles and explosive devices. The 1973 Yom Kippur war between Israel and Arab nations that lasted 19 days was won by Israel. But it was a different story. The present battle has seen many civilians losing their lives. The price on the civilian population we pay is too high, said Ben-Haim. She said Iran is the root cause of these evil designs. It is playing the role of the mastermind by bringing together all terrorist organisations. Countries in Europe, the American continent, and Asia should sit together and take note of the situation. she said. Ben-Haim said Israels focus on Monday was to get the hostages released from Hamas. The rest of the things we will work out afterwards, she said. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday said that a 5-member committee will be formed under the chairmanship of School Education Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar, which will investigate the sexual harassment incidents in schools from year 2005 to 2023. While interacting with media persons after the winter session of the Haryana Assembly in Chandigarh, Khattar said that earlier the House had agreed to get the investigation done by a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the Jind school harassment case but some members said that the issue of the Assembly should remain in the Assembly, hence a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee was held again and decided that a 5-member committee will investigate the issue. The Chief Minister further said that thoughtful and constructive issues were discussed in the 3-day winter session. 157 questions were asked, out of which 60 were starred questions. 62 calling attention proposals were received, which were compiled into 13 due to the same topic. Khattar also mentioned the establishment of the Foreign Cooperation Department to deter the illegal migration of Haryana's youth. Through this department, efforts are made to skill the youth and provide employment opportunities abroad. Notably, Israel has requested 10,000 skilled workers, and there are demands for 40 from Dubai and 120 from the UK. The state government has issued an advertisement in this regard. In response to the query about the state song, the Chief Minister informed the formation of a 5-member committee led by MLA Laxman Singh Yadav. The names for the committee are to be approved by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Gian Chand Gupta. Notably, 14 states in the country have already adopted songs for their respective states. A conclusive decision on the state song for Haryana is anticipated during the upcoming budget session. The Chief Minister said that Rajya Sabha MP and BJP National President JP Nadda will participate in the ongoing International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra on December 21 and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will participate on December 22. Later Shah will also participate in the programme in Chandigarh. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will attend the closing day on December 23, Khattar added. He further informed that on December 28, 2023, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will hold a meeting with the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana regarding the SYL issue. Govt to soon start recruitment process for 63,000 posts Khattar, while speaking during the concluding day of the winter session of the State Vidhan Sabha, said that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has vacated the stay on the examinations of other groups of the CET, excluding 56 and 57 groups. The state government will soon commence the recruitment process for 63,000 posts, he added. Khattar further informed that Haryana has been awarded the 'Best Performing State' across the nation for the events organized in memory of the martyrs during the celebrations of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Around 31,000 programmess were organized in the State, he said. MLAs cant call meeting of officers Khattar said that members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) do not have executive powers and cannot officially summon a meeting of officers. However, being elected public representatives, the MLAs can seek information about development projects from officers. The chief minister said this while responding to a question by Rohtak Congress MLA BB Batra during zero hour. Batra was referring to an August 25 communication by the chief secretarys office. Khattar said that MLAs can visit government offices and obtain information about development projects in their area from officers. They will also be able to call officers to the rest house to discuss development issues. However, they cannot call a meeting of officers or chair open darbars. Unemployment rate in Haryana remained at 5.2 percent from July to September 2023 The Chief Minister while informing the House about the unemployment figures in the state said that according to the Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS) report, the unemployment rate in Haryana during July-September 2023 was 5.2 percent, while the national level figure is 6.6 percent. He further informed that during the same period, the unemployment rate in neighboring states was 14.5 percent in Himachal Pradesh, 8.8 percent in Punjab, and 12 percent in Rajasthan. The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of happiness for us that our government has been successful in reducing the states unemployment rate. The ruling AAP government on Monday asked the Privileges Committee of the Delhi Assembly to probe the BJPs allegations that 203 homeless people have died in the city this winter. This comes after AAP MLA from Burari, Sanjeev Jha, referring to Bidhuri's statement in the House of the Delhi Assemblys ongoing winter session, said he checked the Delhi Police website and found month-wise data on the number of deaths of homeless people in Delhi from June to December 15. "When I saw the cause of death... And these are unidentified people whose data is kept, it was mentioned as accidents or injuries, among other factors," Jha said. Jha said the matter raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party amounts to a subject of "privileges" and accused the saffron party of trying to mislead the House and people of Delhi. The AAP leader termed the matter as "sensitive" and urged Speaker Ram Niwas Goel to send the matter to the Privileges Committee. Goel then put Jha's proposal before the House which referred the matter to the Privileges Committee for a probe. Citing a Delhi Police report, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri shared the figure on Friday during the ongoing Winter Session. Bidhuri gave a notice for a calling-attention motion on Friday 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. The Speaker, however, rejected the motion, saying he would look into the Delhi Police report and then take a decision. The issue had resonated inside and outside the Delhi Assembly on Friday. Hitting back at the BJP, Delhi Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj had said the photos (of the deceased) are from November when winter was yet to set in in Delhi. A day before the Opposition INDIA Bloc meeting, AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee here on Monday. After meeting with Mamata, the AAP convener met former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut in the evening at his residence. Kejriwal did not comment on the discussions at the around 45-minute meeting at the South Avenue residence of TMC MP and Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee. AAP leader Raghav Chadha was also present during the meeting. Minutes before the meeting with Thackeray, the AAP stated, Uddhav Thackeray will meet Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in some time. Both the leaders will meet at the residence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Sanjay Raut will also attend the meeting Along with India alliance, ED notice can also be discussed as Kejriwal has received ED notice some time ago. Earlier on the day, Banerjee said the prime ministerial candidate of the alliance will be decided after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, emphasising that all the issues including seat sharing will be ironed out by the alliance partners to defeat the BJP. Kejriwal is scheduled to go to an undisclosed place to attend a 10-day Vipassana meditation course from Tuesday. The INDIA bloc meeting is scheduled in New Delhi on December 19. The alliance's proposed meeting on December 6 was postponed after several top leaders including Mamata Banerjee, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed inability to attend. This will be the fourth meeting of the opposition alliance and the first meeting since the results for five Assembly elections - Telangana, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, were announced. According to sources, the Trinamool Congress head has also got an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, December 20, at 11 am in Parliament. She is going to discuss the issue of pending funds from the Centre to West Bengal. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the State administration to accord top priority to those investment proposals inked during the recent Global Investors Summit -2023 which have better potential to provide employment opportunities. He said that work on grounding all the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) reached during the summit should be done at a fast pace. The CM was chairing a meeting of the senior officers of the State administration at his residence on Monday. He sternly told the officers that the investors should not face unnecessary hassles in the grounding of their projects. Dhami also directed that the single window system should be strengthened in the State. Dhami said that effective efforts should be made to make Uttarakhand free from drugs by the year 2025. He directed the officiating director general of police Abhinav Kumar that a campaign for making the state free from drugs should be undertaken in the State. The CM said that the campaign should be undertaken in a mission mode and educational institutes, health department and the organisations involved in the de-addiction activities should be involved in the campaign. He suggested that the campaign should be undertaken on a massive scale till March 2024. The parents of the students should be included in the campaign to make them aware about the ill effects of substance abuse, he added. The CM directed that work in the direction of good governance should be done expeditiously. He asked the secretary of Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA) Shailesh Bagauli to ensure that the maximum numbers of services are made online. On a stern note the CM said that all the departments should dispose of their files within the time limit. He said that the awareness about the online services should be increased in the general public so that they can easily avail the benefit of these services. He directed that the responsibilities of the officers having more pendency in disposal of the files. The CM said that more and more services should be included in the Apnu Sarkar portal. He said that it should be ensured that the people are able to get the maximum number of facilities in their homes. The additional chief secretary Radha Raturi, secretary R Meenakshi Sundaram, ADGP AP Anshuman, director general of information Banshidhar Tiwari and others were present in the meeting. Prof (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhopal, released a pioneering bilingual (Hindi and English) Physiology book at the institute. Written by Dr Varun Malhotra, Dr Ashish Kumar Dixit, Dr Danish Javed of AIIMS Bhopal and Professor M Shobitha of Sharda University, the book aims to meet the needs of Hindi-speaking students. Professor (Dr.) Ajai Singh expressed his pleasure to unveil this important book, which has been written especially for students who are more comfortable with Hindi. He highlighted the recognition of language as a potential barrier and emphasized the book's role in promoting inclusive education by breaking down linguistic barriers. A delegation of BJP legislators led by State BJP president Babulal Marandi and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Amar Kumar Bauri today marched to Raj Bhawan where the BJP MLAs met Governor CP Radhakrishnan and submitted a memorandum to him demanding legal action against the incumbent State Government. The memorandum signed by BJP legislators stated that the Hemant government's 4 years of failures and broken promises have forced the general public, youth, women, farmers, Dalits and tribals to protest. The people of the state are not only facing the crisis of basic facilities like roads, electricity, health, education but are also living in fear and terror. Sir, incidents of murder, robbery, kidnapping, rape, theft and dacoity are making headlines in newspapers every day. The morale of criminals has increased to such an extent that they are succeeding in committing murders even in jail. The government is not providing security to the traders even when they ask for them, they are being killed. Even policemen are not safe, it further said. The delegation said that power-supported corruption has created a record. With the loot of mines, minerals, sand, stones and land, Jharkhand has now become the witness of independent India's biggest cash scandal. The actions of the ruling coalition have brought disgrace and shame to the state. Sir, amidst the broken law and order system and acts of rampant corruption, a constitutional crisis has arisen in the state. The Chief Minister of the state is facing serious allegations of patronizing and promoting corruption. The Chief Minister himself is surrounded by ED action against corruption in the state. Many senior IAS officers of the state are in jail, it said. Sir, ED has written letters to the state government with solid evidence to register a case against officials, middlemen and brokers involved in corruption, but instead of taking action on it, the Chief Minister is sitting idle on it, said the memorandum. The delegation stated through the memorandum that the Chief Minister has defied all constitutional norms. ED has sent six summons to him for questioning but he is continuously running away from questioning. The statements being given by him against the investigating agencies on a daily basis have violated the constitutional limits. If the Chief Minister of the state starts openly violating the law, then how can this government talk to the general public about following the law? Now the circumstances of the state demand a constitutional solution. You are the constitutional head of the state. This delegation of the State Bharatiya Janata Party Legislature Party has come before you to appeal to the people with a message of distress, it stated and urged the Governor to take legal action in the light of the circumstances in the interest of the state without any delay. Apart from Marandi and Bauri, MLAs CP Singh, Biranchi Narayan, JP Patel, Naveen Jaiswal, Anant Kumar Ojha, Koche Munda, Kedar Hazra, Bhanu Pratap Shahi, Neera Yadav, Raj Sinha, Narayan Das, Amit Mandal, Dhullu Mahato, Alok Chaurasia, Manish Jaiswal, Samri Lal, Aparna Sengupta, Shashi Bhushan Mehta, Kishun Kumar Das and Pushpa Devi were in the delegation. BJP protest against Govt in all the districts The state BJP has decided to protest against the power-supported corruption prevalent in the state, collapsed law and order system and constitutional crisis. As per the instructions of the State President, on December 21, the party decided to protest against the Hemant government in all the districts. State General Secretary and Headquarters in-charge Dr. Pradeep Verma said that thousands of people and BJP workers will participate in the demonstration in all the districts. He said that a memorandum will be submitted to the Governor through the Deputy Commissioner demanding the dismissal of the state government. Former president of Delhi BJP and MLA from Rohini, Vijender Gupta, on Tuesday wrote a letter to Delhi Lieutenant Governor of Delhi V K Saxena, expressing his concern about the possibility of closure of 12 colleges opened during the BJP rule in Delhi by the Delhi Government. Drawing the attention of the Lieutenant Governor towards this issue, Gupta said the Delhi Government is pushing for closure of these colleges. Delhi's Education Minister Atishi has written a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in this regard, in which she has openly expressed her intention to surrender these 12 colleges to the Centre. She has written that the Central Government should take over these colleges under its control as the Delhi Government is unable to provide funds to these colleges, Gupta said. He said it is on record that when Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) came to power, it had announced opening 5 new colleges every year. Contrary to these announcements, this party has not opened even a single new college affiliated to Delhi University during its 10-year rule in Delhi. Not only this, the AAP government is bent on closing 12 colleges which were opened during the BJP rule in Delhi. Out of these 12 colleges, many colleges like Deendayal Upadhyay, Acharya Narendra Dev, Bhaskaracharya, Shaheed Sukhdev College have high ranking in the National Institutional Framework. Gupta said the following problems are being created by the Delhi Government to bring these colleges on the verge of closure. There is a delay of three to five months in the payment of salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff. Non-payment of retirement benefits due to retired and deceased employees. Non-payment of dues related to Medical claims, LTC, Children Education Allowance, arrears of Seventh Pay Commission. No recruitment on 600 teaching and 500 non-teaching posts. From the year 2020 and especially after the letter written by Atishi to the Central Government warning of stopping the funding of these colleges from 01 April 2024, the above problems have become more serious, which is a proof of the failure of the Education Policy of the Delhi Government. Gupta said the appointments of teachers in the colleges regulated by the University Grant Commission and maintained by the Central Government have almost been completed. But due to the situation created by the Delhi Government, the appointments of teaching and non-teaching staff could not be started in these 12 colleges. Considering the seriousness of the situation, Gupta appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to intervene against the Delhi Government to save the teachers, other employees and students of these colleges from problems created by Delhi Government to save the future of thousands of students studying in these colleges. CMPDI's, RI-IV, Nagpur on 19.12.2023 inked an MoA with Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and technology (CIPET): Center for Skilling and Technical support (CSTS), Chandrapur, Maharashtra for Providing Skill Development Training in the field of Machine operator to 120 underprivileged/ unemployed youth from Maharashtra state through CIPET: CSTS, Chandrapur under CSR.The MoA was exchanged between Rajesh Ralhan, Regional Director, CMPDI, RI-IV, Nagpur and Avneet Kumar Joshi, Director & Head, CIPET: CSTS, Chandrapur. The project is being funded by CMPDI, RI-IV, Nagpur under its CSR as a multi-year project for F.Y. 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 for 120 students in four batches and has an approved cost of Rs. 102 Lakhs for the skill development program. 60 beneficiaries would be trained in Machine Operator -Plastics Processing (MO-PP) and another 60 beneficiaries in Machine Operator -Injection Molding (MO-IM) Technology at CIPET, Chandrapur. The minimum educational qualification required for the candidates is Std. 10. The courses will be of six-month duration, aligned to NSQF (National Skills Qualification Framework) & approved by National Skills Qualification Committee (NSQC) - National Skill Development Agency (NSDA), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India. Electoral success of the Congress in Telangana is the key issue which has emerged as bone of contention in seat sharing between the Samajwadi Party and Congress in Uttar Pradesh. After electoral success in Karnataka and Telangana, the Congress, backed by the en bloc support of the Muslim community, is adopting hard bargaining tactics for seat sharing with the Samajwadi Party. UP Jodo Yatra commencing from Saharanpur on December 20, organised by the Congress will pass through districts with significant Muslim population and conclude at Naimisharanya. In poll results announced on December 3, the Congress lost Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and wrested power in Telangana from the Bharat Rashtra Samiti. In the INDIAN bloc, there are little or no issues in seat sharing in states where the Congress is locked in a direct fight with the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, the situation in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bengal is radically different, where regional parties are dominant partners. In both Karnataka and Telangana, the regional parties Janata Dal (Secular) and Bharat Rashtra Samiti, were the main losers as the majority of Muslim votes shifted towards the Congress. The success of the Congress in Karnataka and Telangana, attributed to the shifting of Muslim votes to the grand old party, haunts the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh and Mamata Banerjee in Bengal. This has compelled Mamata Banerjee to initiate talks with the Left Front. Earlier, she was adamant against having any truck with Left parties, and now she is engaging with her arch-rival for fear of the division of Muslim votes, said a political analyst. The Muslims with the poll results of Karnataka and Telangana have sent a clear message that only Congress was capable of fighting the BJP in general elections and regional parties can not deliver on this front, he said. He further added that if both the parties failed to reach an amicable settlement, then it would immensely benefit the BJP in UP and the same would happen in West Bengal. To counter the pressure mounted by the Congress, Akhilesh Yadav is maintaining a brave front, constantly underlining the Congress rout in three Hindi heartland states. The debacle of the Congress has demolished its ego, and it can no longer play the role of a big brother. It has to give regional parties in various states their due share of seats, said Akhilesh Yadav on Monday. However, if the electoral/political compulsions of the Samajwadi Party are analysed in the context of the electoral success of the Congress in Karnataka and Telangana, the Samajwadi Party has few options to follow the dictates of the Congress for seat sharing in Uttar Pradesh. Congress is insisting on minimum 25 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress claim is based on 2009 Lok Sabha elections when it had won 22 seats. The Muslim vote from Faizabad to Moradabad had shifted towards Congress as the Samajwadi Party had then forged alliance with the former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, an accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. The bluff and bluster of Akhilesh, along with his humiliation by the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath, has left the Samajwadi Party with no option but to strike a deal with the Congress. This is crucial for retaining its Muslim vote bank and securing its electoral prospects in the 2027 UP Assembly elections. The Uttar Pradesh government has given its approval to a resolution aimed at expeditiously completing construction of 2.40 lakh homes within the National Capital Region (NCR). This landmark decision comes as a relief for numerous homebuyers grappling with uncertainty due to stalled real estate projects. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, held here on Tuesday. The impetus behind this resolution lies in the diligent efforts of a committee chaired by Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog. The committee, tasked with finding solutions for the financial challenges faced by developers, provided key recommendations that have now been integrated into the decision-making process. The primary objective is to facilitate the swift revival of dormant projects, ensuring that homebuyers receive their properties without further delay. In addition to this, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet has initiated significant financial measures, including the issuance of municipal bonds for key cities such as Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Agra through the Municipal Bond initiative. Furthermore, the cabinet has approved the allocation of funds from the Infrastructure Development Fund specifically for credit rating investments, signalling a strategic move towards bolstering the financial health of urban development projects. In a strategic move, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the sale of premium liquor brands at airports, metro & railway stations across the state under the new excise policy. The new policy outlines an ambitious goal for the Excise department to generate revenue amounting to Rs 50,000 crore. To achieve this, an increase of 10% has been implemented in the licence fees. This step is anticipated to boost revenue streams for the state while catering to the demand for premium alcoholic beverages in key transportation hubs. Notably, the policy also grants permission for the establishment of wine plants within the state. This move aligns with the governments efforts to diversify revenue sources and provide opportunities for the wine industry to flourish in Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, the new policy mandates every liquor vendor to facilitate digital payment options for customers. This digital push aims to streamline transactions, enhance transparency, and align with the broader vision of promoting a cashless economy. More than four years after a man was shot dead during a robbery bid in Ashok Vihar, a Delhi court has discharged five accused, saying their disclosure statement was inadmissible as evidence and nothing connected them with the crime. The court, however, ordered framing charges against the sixth accused, noting that the weapon allegedly used in the murder was recovered from him and that he was seen chasing the deceased in CCTV footage. Additional Sessions Judge Vikram was hearing a case against Ajay Sharma, Deepak, Saleem, Hari Mohan, Jogender and Jitender alias Smakiya, who were accused of intercepting the victim Nasim, who was carrying Rs 1.75 lakh, and shooting him dead on February 28, 2019 in Ashok Vihar. Referring to two Supreme Court verdicts of 1996 and 2016, the court said, "Nothing confessed by accused persons before police officials is admissible as evidenceNo fact was discovered from the confessions which can connect them with the crime except the fact they were in contact on the telephone with each other." The court said there were no public witnesses to show the accused were present at the spot, nor was there any evidence, except for the disclosure statements linking the seized vehicles allegedly used in the offence with the crime. "The only material admissible in this case is the discovery of firearm from accused Ajay Sharma, who is otherwise already captured in CCTV footage chasing the deceased," it said in an order dated December 15. Underscoring that no prima facie case was made out against the five accused, the court discharged them. It, however, said Sharma will face trial for the offences under the Indian Penal Code section 302 (murder) and provisions of the Arms Act. According to the prosecution, Sharma, Deepak, Saleem and Hari Mohan were the ones to be arrested first and they confessed to the crime. Joginder and Jitender were arrested later on a tip-off, and they also gave disclosure statements about their involvement in the incident. Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has initiated legal proceedings against a former chairman of the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) and four former members for alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 312 medical officers (MO) during 2008-2009. Dr Satwant Singh Mohi, a former MLA from Shatrana and the then PPSC member, has been arrested in connection with the case, with raids underway to apprehend the remaining accused. An official spokesperson for the state VB revealed that the case was registered based on an enquiry report from a special investigation team (SIT). The accused individuals in this case include the PPSCs former chairman late SK Sinha, and four members late Brigadier (retired) DS Grewal, Dr Mohi, DS Mahal, Ravinder Kaur the daughter-in-law of senior Congress leader and former Minister Lal Singh, and Anil Sarin a BJP spokesperson. The genesis of the case dates back to November 22, 2013, when the Punjab and Haryana High Court had ordered the formation of an SIT to investigate irregularities in the recruitment of 312 medical officers by the PPSC in two phases that is for 100 and 212 posts. The Court's directive came in response to writ petitions challenging the alleged malpractices in the recruitment process. The matter was brought under the judicial scanner after a petition was filed in public interest by Punjabs former director-general of police KPS Gill and other petitioners. The SIT, comprised of Joint Commissioner CBI (retired) MS Baali, and the then Director General (Vigilance) Suresh Arora, submitted a report to the High Court, outlining blatant irregularities in the selection process for the 312 doctors during the 2008-2009 period. Subsequently, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the VB police station in the Patiala range under the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the former chairman and four members of the PPSC. The zero hour of the second day of the Winter Session of the Haryana Assembly saw allegations and counter-allegations leveled by Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala and Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal. The Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda objected to the proposed move to hand over assembly proceedings about allegations made by Chautala on December 15 against former education minister Bhukkal to a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Chautala had accused Bhukkal of sheltering Kartar Singh, the Jind school principal who was arrested recently for allegedly sexually exploiting girl students when she was the State Education Minister. Hooda insisted that the terms of reference should include inquiring into the background and activities of the principal, and not the proceeding of the assembly, while the state government insisted that the home department would be writing to the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court requesting him to depute a judge of the high court to inquire into the allegations leveled by Chautala against Bhukkal and her denial about it. Chautala reiterated his allegations on Monday too. As the pandemonium prevailed during Zero Hour in the House, Speaker Gian Chand Gupta adjourned the House for 15 minutes. Gupta said that the terms of reference of the inquiry will entail establishing the veracity of allegations and counter-allegations. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that the home department is writing to the high court in this regard. Hooda told the Speaker that he should uphold the dignity of the House. Gupta said that the decision to request an inquiry by a sitting high court judge was taken by the House. The Speaker can inquire, and the state government can inquire. The assembly proceedings should not be subjected to the scrutiny of the high court, Hooda said. As the argument between the opposition members and the Speaker continued, Hooda said that Congress could bring a privilege motion against Dushyant for making misleading and incorrect statements in the House. Khattar told the House that the decision to get the matter inquired by a high court judge was taken by the assembly during its December 15 sitting and no one objected to it at that time. The home department is writing to the high court. If the chief justice declines the request of the state government, then we can think of another option, he said. Bhukkal said that there should be an inquiry but the House is over and above the high court. However, Hooda, followed by various other Congress legislators, including Bhukkal and Bharat Bhushan Batra, continued to oppose it and said that instead, the Speaker or the Chief Minister or a committee constituted by the House should inquire into the matter. JJP legislator Ram Kumar Gautam, too, opposed the Houses decision of getting the matter inquired into by a sitting High Court Judge and said: Dont give your head in the hands of the judge. However, Khattar insisted that since the decision of the inquiry to be conducted by a High Court Judge was unanimously passed by the House, they should go ahead with it. We have asked the Home Department to write a letter to the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. We can not name any Judge to do this inquiry. It is the prerogative of the Chief Justice. If he denies our request, then we can look into it further. But, I suggest we proceed with it and write to the Chief Justice, he added. A day after Uttar Pradesh emerged as the second largest economy of the country, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna said that improved law and order, speedy redressal and conducive policies had made Uttar Pradesh the most preferred investment destination in India. Interacting with industry leaders during a panel discussion on enhancing industrial investment and policy effectiveness on Monday, the minister said that due to the pro-activeness of the state government, the state had been able to wrest the second position from Tamil Nadu and its contribution to the national gross domestic product (GDP) stood at 9.2 per cent, second only to Maharashtra, which contributed 15.7 per cent to the national GDP. Calling upon entrepreneurs to invest in Uttar Pradesh, the finance minister said that the state government was developing the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) on the lines of Noida, and it would spur industrialisation in the area. He emphasised on the fact that UP was already a leading producer of many products, including food grains, sugarcane and milk. Commenting on the increasing electricity demand in the state, the finance minister said that while the demand was around 13,000-14,000 megawatt in 2017, it had increased to above 30,000 MW today, which was an indicator of massive industrialisation. Calling upon industrialists to invest in the renewable energy sector, the minister said that while the price of solar energy had reduced over time, which was good news for the industries, there was a need to further bring it down. Speaking at the event, Minister for Industrial Development, Export and Investment Promotion, and NRI, Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had changed the face as well as the fate of UP and the state was now known for its mega events such as the Global Investors Summit and MotoGP, which hade pitchforked the state on the international map. This state has abundant natural resources, manpower and world class infrastructure for any industry to prosper and it is now addressed as the Express Pradesh as it is home to almost 40 per cent of the total expressways in India, he said. Stating that UP had one of the best industrial policy, apart from 25 sectoral policies, the minister said that it was due to these futuristic policies that the state had attracted more than Rs 37.50 lakh crore investment during the Global Investors Summit, and it had now become Rs 40 lakh crore. Earlier, while welcoming the entrepreneurs, Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC) Manoj Kumar Singh said that the aim of the workshop was to collect feedback from the investors on the policies rolled out by the government. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday said that from 2004 to 2014, cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes were either not registered or, if registered, were suppressed and victims of such atrocities had to run from pillar to post to get their cases registered. Speaking during the winter session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister said that in 2014, the current government came into power, acknowledging this concern and proactive measures were taken to rectify the situation. Strict directives were issued to police stations, ensuring that every individual seeking to register an FIR is facilitated without any impediment, said Khattar. Responding to questions about corruption cases, he explained that upon receiving a complaint of corruption, the initial step is the registration of an FIR. Subsequently, a thorough investigation is conducted, and based on the findings, appropriate actions are determined. He said that detailed information regarding how many cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 have been withdrawn, compromised, or canceled during the previous government's tenure should also be obtained and shared on the floor of the House. The Chief Minister said that during disputes, some people file cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act but when the state government formed the Scheduled Castes Commission, the Commission was asked to study these cases. The Commission also found that most of the cases were registered on trivial matters. Therefore, the increase in the number of FIRs should not be equated with an increase in crime. In our government, every FIR is being registered, and there is no difficulty for the general public in getting FIRs registered now. If corruption is found in any case, the state government will take action against the culprits, assured Khattar. Responding to a question asked by MLA, Abhay Singh Chautala regarding corruption cases registered in various Departments, Boards and Corporations, the Chief Minister said that whenever a complaint of corruption comes, the FIR is first registered, after the investigation is done and after investigation it is found whether action is to be taken. Therefore, it is wrong to say mere filing of a complaint means that a scam has occurred. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Industries Department, Government of Jharkhand and PepsiCo's bottling company Varun Beverages Limited today at the Chief Minister's Residential Office in the presence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren,. On this occasion, Soren said that our government has made a better industrial policy in the state. The effort of the state government is to establish more and more industries in different areas of the state. The CM said that under the new industrial policy, many good and reliable industrial institutions have continuously expressed their desire to invest in Jharkhand. Under the new industrial policy, investors are now being motivated to set up industries in the state. In the last few months, many well-known industry organizations have expanded their companies in Jamshedpur and other places. He said that a rule has been made by the state government to ensure that 75 per cent of the jobs in the industrial institutions established in the state go to the local people. The CM said that along with a better environment, security is also being provided to the investors in the state. Chairman of Varun Beverages Limited, Ravikant Jaipuria informed the CM that Varun Beverages Limited is an Indian company, which is known as the bottling company of PepsiCo. This company produces and bottles various beverages. He said that Varun Beverages Limited is going to invest Rs 456 crore in Patratu in Ramgarh district. The company will produce carbonated soft drinks like Pepsi, Seven Up, Mountain Dew, Mirinda, Tropicana Fruit Juice, Aquafina Water etc. Along with this, milk based drinks, value added dairy products and bottles for drinks will be produced. Besides, the company will generate 4 MW solar power energy and supply power for electric lighting in the surrounding area. He informed the Chief Minister that Varun Beverages Limited will provide employment to 600 people in the initial phase. On the occasion, a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Jitendra Singh, Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Jharkhand and Ravikant Jaipuria, Chairman, Varun Beverages Limited. On this occasion, Chief Secretary L. Khyangte, Secretary to the Chief Minister Vinay Kumar Choubey, Secretary of the Industries Department Jitendra Singh, Director of Industries Bhor Singh Yadav, MD of JIADA Shashi Ranjan and Chairman of Varun Beverages Limited Ravikant were present. Jaipuria, Secretary Devyani Kankhoje, Chief Finance Officer Pradeep Goyal, Chief Operating Officer Vishwas Aggarwal, General Manager Ish Sethi and other officials were present. Putting all speculations of leaving the opposition alliance to rest, Rashtriya Lok Dal national president Jayant Chaudhary attended a meeting of floor leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance for discussing the strategy for Parliament session. RLD national secretary Anupam Mishra, while giving this information, said Jayant Chaudhary would also attend the meeting of INDIA bloc to be held to discuss the strategy for Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The meeting of the INDIA bloc scheduled in Mumbai earlier was postponed in the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and other states. Now it has been rescheduled for Wednesday and Jayant Chaudhary will take part in that meeting too, Mishra said. He said the party was very clear that it would be with the INDIA bloc, which would be fighting the Bharatiya Janata Party in the coming Lok Sabha elections. Mishra further said the RLD would launch a Gaon Chalo Abhiyan (March towards villages campaign) across Uttar Pradesh from December 23 to December 31. The campaign will make the people aware of the faulty policies of the ruling party and motivate them to become members of the RLD. People of UP are showing interest in RLDs ideology and its fight to safeguard their interests. Also, youths of UP feel connected with Jayant Chaudhary in view of his clean politics, Mishra said. Party insiders said the top leadership had asked the UP leaders to galvanise youths, farmers and unemployed youths and women towards the RLD. This is homework that RLD is doing for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The party leadership aims to make its presence strong in all districts of UP so that it can claim more seats in the Lok Sabha elections from its alliance partners and make the partys status more formidable when it comes to negotiation of seats with any party, the sources said. The delegation of German Bank KfW paid a courtesy call on Neeraj Mandloi, Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Housing. The delegation appreciated the works being implemented by Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Company with the help of KFW. It is noteworthy that Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Company, an undertaking of the Urban Development and Housing Department, is working on the sewerage project in Mandla, Narsinghpur, Narmadpuram, Badwani and Sendhwa with the help of KFW Bank. The Mission especially described the work being done in the Narsinghpur Sewerage Project as quality and praiseworthy.Principal Secretary Neeraj Mandloi and Commissioner of Urban Development and Housing Department Bharat Yadav assured the KFW delegation that all the work will be completed in a phased manner within the stipulated time frame. The quality of works will be maintained continuously. It will also be ensured that all the residents of the city get benefits under the scheme. It is noteworthy that KFW Mission also expressed its desire to provide financial assistance for the second phase of Madhya Pradesh Urban Sanitation and Environment Programme.The KfW mission included portfolio manager Caroline Stetler, technical expert Rainer Kruse, sector expert Rohan Mankatra and safeguard expert Khumujam Khanilongshup. During the discussion with the mission, Additional Commissioner of Urban Development and Housing Department and Additional Managing Director of the company Shivam Verma, Chief Engineer of Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Company Deepak Ratnawat, Technical Officer Kamlesh Bhatnagar and all the concerned were also present. In a moment of pride and recognition, Metalwork Industries Ltd, based in Jamshedpur, was honoured with the esteemed Economic Times award for MSME of the Year 2023. The accolade comes after a rigorous selection process that spanned five months and evaluated over 15,000 companies nationwide. Metalwork emerged victorious, securing its position among the top eight companies in India. Metalwork, a stalwart in the industry with a three-decade legacy, is a proud member of the Sabind group, known for its diverse interests in Auto Components, Ferrous Foundries, and Real Estate. The company's global footprint extends to supplying auto parts and high-precision assemblies to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in nine countries, in addition to its significant contributions within India. Founded by Sanjay Sabherwal, a visionary first-generation entrepreneur, Metalwork has continually demonstrated excellence in its sector. Sabherwal, who is also the Past Chairman of CII Jharkhand State Council and Past Chairman Eastern Region for the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), remains actively engaged in various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects within the state. The recognition from the Economic Times is a testament to Metalwork's commitment to quality, innovation, and global competitiveness. As a key player in the automotive supply chain, Metalwork has not only thrived in the dynamic business environment but has also contributed significantly to the growth of the region. This accolade holds special significance, especially as it coincides with the Jharkhand state government's efforts to formulate and implement policies that encourage investment in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Metalwork's achievement serves as a beacon of inspiration for MSMEs in Jharkhand, reinforcing the potential for success and recognition on a national stage. The award underscores Metalwork Industries Ltd's dedication to excellence, setting a benchmark for others in the industry and highlighting the vibrancy and potential within the MSME landscape in the state. The State Government has spent Rs 42.54 crore on the renovation and repair of 102 houses allotted to ministers, chairpersons of boards and bureaucrats from November 2019 to November 2023, according to details furnished before the Legislative Assembly on Monday on the second day of the ongoing winter session. Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala put out the data in response to a question asked by Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) MLA from Ellenabad Abhay Singh Chautala. The details furnished by Dushyant Chautala revealed that the government spent Rs 2.45 crore from November 2019 to March 2020); Rs 10.18 crore from April 2020 to March 2021; Rs 17.76 crore from April 2021 to March 2022; Rs 6.93 crore from April 2022 to March 2023; and Rs 5.20 crore from April 2023 to November 2023. There are a total of 102 residences of various ministers/ officers on special duty (OSDs)/ officers of Haryana, including 84 in Chandigarh and 18 in Panchkula, allotted to chairpersons of various boards/ corporations. The renovation and repair work on these houses are carried out on demand of the occupant after obtaining prior approval from the government, the reply stated. Deputy CM Chautalas residence underwent repair worth Rs 3.52 crore, it stated. 24 cases of sexual exploitation against players reported with 17 cases under legal proceedings: Home Minister Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that a case of sexual harassment against Minister Sandeep Singh has been pending in the court and action against him would be taken as per the court's decision. "The case is currently in court," Vij said, adding "Any action will be taken based on the court's decision. He said 24 cases of sexual exploitation against players have been reported with 17 cases currently under legal proceedings. Vij provided details in response to a question asked during the winter session of the Vidhan Sabha here. He said in six cases, no evidence was found during the investigation, while in four cases the charges against the accused were not proven. In the case of Sandeep Singh, the Home Minister said "it falls under the jurisdiction of the Chandigarh administration". A committee, chaired by Additional Director General of Police Mamta Singh, was formed to investigate the matter against him and it has submitted its report, he added. National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India, under the chairmanship of Brigadier Birendra Thakar, reviewed the preparedness of Jharkhand State Disaster Management Authority and all concerned departments to deal with floods in Jharkhand. He said that if there is a flood in Jharkhand, then how will we rescue the people, how will we protect their life and property, we have to make strong preparations for this. Every life is precious and to save every life, we have to keep our preparations strong and all the concerned departments have to work in coordination with each other. A mock drill will be organized to deal with floods in Jharkhand. A table top exercise of the concerned Disaster Management Division was conducted on Tuesday in the auditorium of the Disaster Management Division located in Dhurwa. On this occasion, officials of all the concerned departments and officials of the districts were present through video conferencing. Brigadier Birendra Thakar said that at the time of floods and other disasters, all concerned departments and officials should be aware of their roles and responsibilities. At the time of disaster, all the departments will work together only then the result will be visible. He suggested the disaster management officials to notify the IRS module in Jharkhand. With this, if every department and officials know their role and responsibility, then rescue will be easier in times of disaster. He said that in the IRS system, different situations and their solutions at the time of flood and other disasters have been explained in detail. Mock drill will be conducted by NDMA and Jharkhand Disaster Management Authority on 21st December to deal with floods in Dhurva Dam. In this regard, information was taken about the preparations of the Jharkhand Disaster Management Authority and all related departments. Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Secretary, Disaster Management Department, threw light on the functioning of Jharkhand State Disaster Management Authority in detail. He identified the local disasters of Jharkhand and informed about the situation of flood due to heavy rains. In view of the situation of flood, emphasis should be given on pre-preparation and rescue, relief and rehabilitation along with its prevention so that people can be rescued in time, rescue Relief can be provided to the affected people as well as their rehabilitation. We have to work with this objective. He informed about the loss of life and property due to lightning in Jharkhand and accidents in mining areas, especially in Jharia of Dhanbad. On this occasion, all the concerned departments and all the districts gave information about their preparedness to deal with floods and disasters. Executive Magistrate of Ranchi District, Sanjay Kumar, through a presentation, threw light on the possibilities of floods and other disasters and disaster management in Ranchi district. Officials of Water Resources Department, Urban Development Department, Health Department and other related departments gave information about the preparations being made and steps to deal with the floods. Syed Ata Hasnain, Senior Representative of National Disaster Management Authority also expressed his views through video conferencing. On this occasion, an exhibition was organized by the NDRF team in the Disaster Management Division premises, in which the means, vehicles and equipment used during rescue were displayed. On this occasion, Deputy Director of Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, Lalit Indwar, Director of Central Water Commission, Pramod Narayan, Second in Command of National Disaster Response Force, Harvinder Singh, Manish Kumar from Railway Division, Army Medical Major Ruhi Isha from Transport Department. Raj Kishore Kumar, Sub Officer Jitendra Tiwari, Abhishek Anand from Meteorological Center Ranchi, Jitesh Kumar from NDRF, Deputy Director SKIPA, Suman Pathak and officials of related departments were present. The Uttarakhand government has come into an alert mode on JN.1, the new variant of Covid-19. The State health department issued an advisory for the JN.1 variant on Tuesday. The health secretary R Rajesh Kumar said the advisory has been issued in view of an increase in the number of patients of the new variant in some states of the country. He said that all the district magistrates and the chief medical officers have been directed to ensure that the guidelines for prevention of spread of Covid-19 are followed in the hospitals. He said that the patients suffering from respiratory illness, lung and heart ailments should be monitored and tested for influenza. Kumar said that though no patient of the new variant of Covid-19 has been reported in the State as yet, all the hospitals have been put on an alert as a precautionary measure. In the order the secretary said that the operational guidelines for revised surveillance strategy in context of Covid-19 should be followed and the patients suffering from Influenza like illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) should be tested for Covid-19. The details of all such patients should be compulsorily registered in the integrated health information portal (IHIP) under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). The guideline directs that the people should be made aware about the respiratory hygiene. Parliament on Tuesday passed a Bill extending protection from punitive action against unauthorised developments in Delhi for three years beyond December 31. Earlier in the day, The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Act, 2023 was passed by a voice vote in Lok Sabha after a brief discussion in which three members participated. In the Upper House, eight members participated in the discussions on the Bill and it was passed by a voice vote. The Lok Sabha passed the bill to extend protection against punitive action to unauthorised developments in Delhi for three years beyond the December 31 deadline with the BJP MPs accusing the AAP dispensation in the national capital and the previous Congress-led UPA government at the Centre of not doing enough. The Bill was passed by a voice vote after a brief discussion in which three members participated. The Bill seeks to provide protection to certain forms of unauthorised developments in Delhi from punitive action where adequate measures are yet to be taken. The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Act, 2023, extends the protection given to unauthorised buildings till 2026.Participating in a discussion on the Bill, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "Over a period of time because there has been a large influx from rural and semi-rural areas into Delhi... There has been a large amount of unauthorised building construction and encroachments resulting in a situation that by 2006, on account of Directives from the apex court and Delhi High Court, a process of sealing and demolitions commenced". "Then the government in 2016 deemed it fit to bring a law which would provide protection against sealing and demolition. Between 2006 and 2011, these laws were passed on an annual basis...There were attempts made by previous governments to deal with these issues but the problem largely remained unaddressed. "When we approached the Delhi government (AAP), we were told by the Delhi govt that the issue is being addressed and we believed them. In 2019 we got to know that the surveys they were supposed to conduct would take two more years... It was then that our government introduced the PM-UDAY scheme in October 2019 but almost immediately we had to face the pandemic and work was impacted," he said. South Delhi MP Ramesh Bidhuri alleged that both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have misled the people on the issue. "Provisional certificates were issued to people when Sonia Gandhi made a pre-poll promise to regularise the unauthorised colonies, however, nothing happened. They just made tall claims. Then in 2018, the Kejriwal government passed a false proposal that they are regularising the unauthorised colonies but nothing has happened till date," he said. Parvesh Verma, West Delhi MP, called for the inclusion of the Green Land Area (GDA) and land pooling policy in the 2041 master plan. Responding to the members, Puri said, "Out of the 2-2.5 crore people, 40 lakh benefited by authorisation of unauthorised colonies but still some sections not covered in the initial list but more will be benefited." "Land-pooling will benefit more than 70 lakh people. Delhi is not only a city growing in population but also in economic strength and a lot of rebuilding is taking place. This Bill seeks extension for three years which will give us time and cushion for carrying out wide-ranging consultation for orderly development of unauthorised colonies," he added. The Dehradun police on Monday arrested three absconding accused from Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli who had allegedly committed fraud of about Rs 50 lakh by tampering with ATMs and recyclers. The senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh said that the branch manager of CMS Infosys Limited Sudhakar Dhoundiyal gave a written application in the Nehru Colony police station on December 14 stating that their company works with various banks in depositing and withdrawing money from ATMs and recyclers- devices that dispense cash as well as allow customer to make deposits. He alleged that four of their employees Parveen Maurya, Shivam, Gaurav Kumar, and Rishabh along with their accomplices Manoj Yadav, Ankit Yadav and Ajay Pratap Singh had embezzled a total of Rs 49.88 lakh from Patelnagar branch of Bank of Baroda by stealing it from the ATM and the recycler machine on different dates. He said that considering the seriousness of the situation, a police team was formed that raided all the possible hiding place of the accused. The police arrested three accused Parveen, Shivam and Ankit from Raebareli late on Sunday and recovered Rs four lakh in cash. According to them, they had divided the stolen amount among one another. The police got the transit remand of the arrested accused and brought them to Dehradun on Monday, said Singh. He said that the police will arrest the remaining absconding accused soon. Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel on Monday referred the matter of the non-appearance of the finance departments principal secretary before the House despite a summons to the Privileges Committee. Before lunch, the Assembly passed a resolution summoning A C Verma, principal secretary, finance, to appear before the House at 2 pm for allegedly obstructing government funds earmarked for the House. As Verma did not turn up, the Speaker directed him to be present in the House at 5 pm or else the matter of his absence would be referred to the Privileges Committee. Verma, however, failed to appear yet again. "This is a huge insult to the House. I refer this matter to the Privileges Committee," Goel said. AAP legislator Mohinder Goyal threatened to launch a stir over the alleged obstruction of funds. "I will start a protest after 20 days. I am giving them time but I promise to keep troubling these people. At 10 am on the 21st day, I will hold protests outside the Lt Governor's residence as well as the houses and offices of these officers who are obstructing the work of the government," he said. "They have not listened to any committee till now. I will take the people of Delhi with me and those of you who want to join me can come," he added. Earlier in the day, the Assembly Speaker said because funds were not being released by Verma, the annual programmes of the Assembly on Diwali and Chhath could not be held this year. The function on Christmas will also not be held, he said during the ongoing Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly. Chief Whip of the Aam Aadmi Party, Dilip Pandey, then moved a resolution for summoning Verma to the Assembly. When the Assembly session resumed after lunch, Finance Minister Atishi raised the issue. "It seems a conspiracy is underway. The finance department refers files related to Delhi Vidhan Sabha to the law department. However, the law department has written on more than 40 files that no file related to the Assembly should come to them," she said. "Since 1993, the files of Delhi Vidhan Sabha were being sent to the finance department but now it is saying the files should not be sent to them," she added. Atishi also claimed that despite being the finance minister, her directions were not being followed by the finance department."After the GNCTD (Amendment) Act, officers refuse to listen to the ministers. Delhi's bureaucracy has been weaponised against the elected government," she alleged. According to Goel, the principal secretary, finance, had said that he was on leave and sent Niharika Rai, secretary, finance, to attend the proceedings. However, the BJP MLAs opposed this, saying a principal secretary is the head of a department unlike a secretary while the AAP MLAs termed the absence as "contempt of the House" and questioned how could the senior official be on leave when the Assembly was in session. Subsequently, Goel directed Verma to be present in the House or else the matter would be referred to the Privileges Committee. Meanwhile, Pandey's resolution that files related to the Assembly's financial matters be sent directly to the finance department was passed by the House. The Delhi Assembly on Monday passed a resolution seeking the presence of all concerned officers when issues related to people are raised in the House under Rule 280. The resolution was moved by Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mohinder Goyal. Rule 280 is an effective device for the Members to invite the government's attention to the issues relating to their Constituency, according to the Delhi Assembly website. "During the Assembly session on Friday, I had said that when we raise issues related to people in the House, then officers should be present in the gallery of the House. But, today the position here is still the same," he said, before moving the resolution. Goyal said during discussions on starred and unstarred questions, some officers are present, but not in full strength. "Today's, I urge you, Mr Speaker, to please ensure that their due presence will be there, only then I will raise my queries," Goyal said. He then moved a verbal resolution to the Speaker who then put it forth before the House and was approved by it. "I urge the secretary to send this resolution passed in the House to the CS (chief secretary) that all officers be present here under Rule 280," the Speaker said. The resolution was passed during the ongoing Winter Session of the Assembly. In a significant move to address the longstanding concerns of farmers, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced the formation of a committee aimed at resolving pending issues by March 31. The committee, chaired by the state Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, will focus on resolving pending issues, including compensation and jobs for the families of farmers who lost their lives protesting against the Centres three controversial farm laws (now repealed). Comprising senior IAS officers and representatives from farmers unions and agriculture experts, the committee aims to finalize its report by March 31, 2024. Initiating further pro-farmer measures, the Chief Minister announced a special drive from January 1 to April 13, organizing camps in villages, for the consensual division of land. He assured that land division would be done based on possession of ownership for residents without land ownership disputes, benefiting those seeking mutual consent for land division. In another farmer-friendly move, the Chief Minister lifted the ban on opening new accounts in cooperative societies in villages, offering farmers the opportunity to enjoy substantial benefits. He also committed to releasing all types of pending compensation to farmers by the end of the current fiscal year. Furthermore, the Chief Minister assured farmers that 242 lift pumps, providing water at the tail end of Sirhind Feeder, would receive free power from January 1. The Government is also considering granting permits to farmers to address the issue of stray and wild animals causing significant crop damage. Additionally, Mann highlighted the state's intention to raise the matter of introducing a One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for farmers' loans in cooperative banks with NABARD. Responding to concerns raised by farmers, the Chief Minister assured them that no private agency would be entrusted with the distribution of power in the state. On the critical issue of Minimum Support Price (MSP), Mann reiterated that it is the right of farmers, and the State Government would take all necessary steps, including legal and administrative measures, to ensure farmers receive MSP for their produce. A sub-committee, comprising bureaucrats and farmers representatives, were also set up to explore the possibility of introducing a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for crop loans taken by the farmers. The sub-committee comprises four farmer leaders and the states Special Secretary (Agriculture) Sanyam Aggarwal. After the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann left the meeting mid-way and left for New Delhi, the state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Agriculture Minister Khudian took charge of the deliberations, steering discussions toward addressing the urgent concerns of the farming community. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who passionately asserted his Government's determination to wage a war against the Centre to safeguard the state's rights over its river waters, set the tone for a spirited resistance. The farmer leaders, standing united under the banner of Samyukt Kisan Morcha, pledged unwavering cooperation in any action aimed at preserving the riparian rights of the state. Mann emphasized that Punjab has no spare water to share with other states. Asserting his unwavering stance, he confirmed his attendance at the meeting convened by the Union Water Resources Minister on December 28. The Chief Minister pledged to firmly present the state's case, safeguarding Punjab's water interests against any external claims, before the Union Government in the meeting. Punjab has no spare water to share with any other state and this will be conveyed firmly in the meeting, he said. At the same time, he quipped that he was not afraid of anyone and will safeguard the interests of the state during the meeting convened by the Union government. Bringing cheer to lakhs of employees and pensioners in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday announced a significant four per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA), effective from December 1, 2023. The decision, unveiled following a meeting with the Punjab State Ministerial Services Union (PSMSU) delegation at Punjab Bhawan, elevates the DA from 34 to 38 per cent. Expressing delight over the decision, Chief Minister Mann stated that the well-being of employees remains a top priority for the state administration. This decision will benefit lakhs of employees and pensioners, a critical segment of our state administration. Safeguarding their interests is non-negotiable, said Mann. The New Year bonanza marks a concerted effort by the Government to ensure the welfare of its employees. The Chief Minister not only addressed the immediate concern of DA but also delved into broader issues raised by employees. Promising to flag the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme with the Union Government, Mann emphasized the significance of seniority-based promotions for steno typists and speedy filling of vacant posts in ministerial services. A meeting will be arranged with Secretary Finance, Government of India, to further push up the case, said Mann, in the meeting, while also directing to prepare timescale for ensuring promotion channel in various departments for steno typists based on seniority. The Chief Minister asked the officers to ensure that the process for filling vacant posts in Ministerial services of all the departments through promotion was ensured within two months. Aiming for comprehensive employee well-being, Mann also announced the formation of a committee to address pending demands, including the restoration of the ACP scheme. He affirmed the Government's commitment to the holistic growth of the state and its people. The State Government is duty bound to carve out a Rangla Punjab for which support of every section of society is pivotalThe employees of the State Government will also act as a catalyst for making Punjab a frontrunner in every field. The State Government is committed for holistic growth of the state and prosperity of its people, he said. The decision comes at a crucial juncture, with the PSMSU having suspended their over-a-month-long pen-down strike just a day earlier. The strike, initiated on November 8, reflected the employee demands for the implementation of the old pension scheme, the release of pending 12 per cent DA, and regularization of contractual employees. Post the meeting, PSMSU president Amrik Singh shared that the Chief Minister assured not only the announced four per cent DA hike but also committed to fulfill the remaining eight per cent DA. The move signifies a step toward resolving longstanding issues, reinforcing the government's commitment to employee welfare. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kashi has been witnessing rapid development in the recent past, and it is best explained through the significant rise in the number of tourists to the temple city. The Tourism departments figures have revealed that more than 5.38 crore tourists visited Kashi till December 2 this year alone whereas the total number of people visiting Varanasi in the last two years has gone up to more than 13 crore. The increase in tourist flow has also created multiple avenues of employment in the city while boosting trade and business. The number of tourists coming to Uttar Pradesh has increased rapidly. Out of the 5.38 crore tourists that visited Kashi till December 2 this year, the number of Indian tourists was around 5,37,87000 thousand while the number of foreign tourists exceeded 13,700. In the meantime, the tourists flow to Kashi continues to rise. In 2023, the highest number of tourists (9,722,206) arrived in Kashi in August, followed by 7,262,891 in July. The tourists flow to Kashi was 4,429,590 in January, 4,267,858 in April, 4,134,807 in February, 3,781,060 tourists in March, 3,225,476 in May, 3,696,346 in June, 3,897,844 in September, 4,255,674 in October and 4,826,776 in November. Looking at the figures of December 1-2, the count was 3,07,430. Meanwhile, the flow of tourists and devotees to Kashi is likely to continue until New Year. Tourist statistics for the years 2018 to 2023 2023 (as of December 2): Indian tourists: 5,37,87,004 Foreign tourists: 13,777 Total tourists: 5,38,00,781 2018: Indian tourists: 60,95,890 Foreign tourists: 3,48,970 Total tourists: 64,44,860 2019: Indian tourists: 64,47,775 Foreign tourists: 3,50,000 Total tourists: 67,97,995 2020: Indian tourists: 8,76,303 Foreign tourists: 1,06,189 Total tourists: 9,82,492 2021: Indian tourists: 30,75,913 Foreign tourists: 2,566 Total tourists: 30,78,479 The Commissionerate police on Monday arrested two drug peddlers in the city and seized 660 grams of brown sugar from their possession. The estimated market value of the seized contraband is around Rs 66 lakh. Acting on a tipoff about illegal drug trade ahead of New Year celebrations, personnel of the Special Crime Unit carried out a raid near the CRPF Square flyover in the city and nabbed the two drug peddlers. The arrested drug peddlers, who are natives of Baleswar district, are being interrogated to ascertain the involvement of others in the racket. The police are yet to disclose the identities of the arrested duo. State Finance Minister Rameshwar Oroan on Monday tabled the second supplementary budget of Rs 8,111.77 crore for 2023-24 in Jharkhand Assembly, amid opposition BJP protests. The opposition BJP members were protesting against recovery of unaccounted cash from Congress MP Dhiraj Sahus residences demanding a debate on the issue. As the House assembled around 11am the saffron party legislators trooped into the well of the House raising slogans against the JMM-Congress-RJD government in the State. BJP chief whip Biranchi Narayan, demanded a debate on the recovery of unaccounted cash from the premises linked to Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu. The newly appointed Leader of the Opposition, Amar Bauri in the House said that issues of cash haul, ED summons to Chief Minister and CM repeatedly skipping the summons and deteriorating law and order were the state's burning issues, the house should have discussion on the issue. Buari said that as the Chief Ministers post is constitutional, he should honour the summons of a central probe agency. The way CM is avoiding the central agency is not a good example. We want a debate in the House why this government should not go and why shouldn't the CM resign from his post?'' Bauri said. However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Alamgir Alam said the Opposition is doing politics by raising issues which are not the matter of discussions in the House. ''It is a family business of Sahu but only his name is being raised. The Income Tax department has not submitted any official statement on the recovery and raids, but the BJP is raising the issue,'' he said. As far as ED summons are concerned, the CM is replying to the probe agency,'' he said. Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto said the House should avoid issues which are not linked to the assembly. He requested the agitating legislators to go back to their seats but they did not pay heed and continued to protest, which forced the speaker to adjourn the House till 12.30 pm. When the House resumed at 12.36pm amid uproarious scenes by the opposition, Finance Minister Rameshwar Oraon tabled the second supplementary budget for 2023-24. Out of the Rs 8,111.77 cr supplementary budget, a major share of Rs 1,413.34 crore has been allocated to rural works department, Rs 1,403 crore to drinking water and sanitation department and Rs 1,099.3 crore to rural development department. Thereafter, the House was adjourned till 11am on December 19. Earlier in the morning, opposition and ruling party members had a faceoff at the entrance of the Assembly. While the BJP-led opposition staged a protest demanding CM's reply over skipping ED summons and cash haul, the JMM also protested demanding protection of forests. JMM legislator Sudivya Kumar said, ''The Centre is trying to sell forests to the capitalists, which we protest. Forests belong to the tribals and it should remain with them. We demand protection of forests,'' he said. Ranka Police Station in charge Shankar Kushwaha was injured in an encounter with banned extremists group JJMP in Ranka police station area of Garhwa district late Sunday night. The incident took place at around 11 pm in Dhengura forest area when a police team led by Shankar Kushwaha was out on an anti-Naxal operation on a tip off from its police station towards Dhengura village. During the operation, a gunfight broke out between the police team and Jharkhand JanMukti Parishad (JJMP) Naxals in which Kushwaha was shot in the chest. But because he was wearing a bulletproof jacket, the bullet had no impact. Another bullet hit his wrist causing injury in his hand. Garhwa SP Deepak Kumar Pandey said that in injured condition, he was brought to Sadar Hospital where after first aid he was referred to Ranchi for better treatment. Currently he is undergoing treatment at Medica Hospital and is out of danger. Some blood stains were found at the spot, possibly some Naxalites were also shot, the SP said. Security forces are engaged in raids in the forest looking for the injured extremists or bodies of the same. Meanwhile, ADG (Operations) Sanjay Anand Lathkar has appreciated the common wisdom of the officer in charge, in wearing the bullet proof jacket when he and others were out to take on the JJMP ultras in the jungles of Ranka. Lathkar said. "He and others wore bulletproof jackets. How life saving it is, is to be found in the case of Kushwaha who was hit in the chest but this bullet proof jacket got the bullet to ricochet finally hurting his left wrist breaking his radius bone." Lathkar said, The injured police officer had to change the magazine of the AK 47. He raised his hand and came in the shot." Police team of Chiniya, Ramkanda and Ranka were out to take on the JJMP in the forest of Ranka when this encounter broke out, said Lathkar. Samajwadi Party is confident that it will have an edge over Congress and bargain from the position of strength for sharing seats for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. SP believes that after losing elections in three significant states (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) Congress is no longer in a position to dictate its terms to SP and all other regional parties constituting the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The SP leadership perceives that the recent assembly election result has given it an advantage in seat distribution within the alliance. Consequently, the Congress might face limitations in securing as many seats as previously demanded due to a perceived lack of merit post-elections. Ahead of the elections in the three Hindi heartland states, Congress had expected to win all three states. Armed with this perception, the Congress had staked its claim as per the number of seats won by it in 2009 Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress had won 22 seats in 2009, largely on the basis of massive support from the Muslims. For 2024 Congress is eyeing the Muslim vote bank and the party is also taking out the UP Jodo Yatra from Saharanpur from December 20 to Naimisharanya in Sitapur district. The yatra will pass through districts having a significant Muslim population. A Congress leader said, Though the Muslim electorate turning towards Congress would be seen in the upcoming national elections (UP has around 19 per cent Muslim population), Congress wants to resurrect the party in Uttar Pradesh. Congress is in wilderness in UP since it lost power in the state in 1989. Sources in SP said after the disastrous performance of the Congress in three Hindi heartland states, the grand old party has lost the status of big brother in INDIA bloc. SP president Akhilesh Yadav has already categorically stated that seat sharing in the INDIA bloc will be easy now after the defeat of Congress in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, as the ego that the party carried for long has been neutralised. Now we are united and ready to take on the zero-tolerance government (National Democratic Alliance government) which has been reduced to zero. In this government, people are fed up with their policies and want a change as the ruling party was not able to fulfill the electoral promises it made, the SP president said. There is a common impression within SP leadership that Akhilesh Yadav will have more leverage over the Congress in UP. Not because SP performed well in Madhya Pradesh but because Congress unceremoniously declined to be part of the alliance at the last moment and that too unilaterally. Meanwhile, the meeting of INDIA bloc parties on Tuesday is likely to focus on seat-sharing in key states with some leaders pushing for an agreement before December 31, and on redrawing the joint strategy to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party after the recent reverses in assembly polls. The key challenge before the leaders of various opposition parties, who have come together to fight the BJP unitedly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is also to come up with an alternative common programme as a counter to the ruling dispensation. Sources said a section of opposition leaders is of the view that the seat-sharing should be finalised before December 31 so as to help focus on evolving a joint campaign strategy and present a common programme to the people. The immediate challenge before the INDIA bloc is also to build a consensus on having a convener, a spokesperson and a common secretariat, as it is a tricky issue due to differences among the constituents. The Special Task Force (STF) of the Crime Branch (CB) on Monday sought permission of the court to take Kashmiri fraudster and suspected terrorist Ishaan Bukhari on a seven-day remand for custodial interrogation. Bukhari is currently lodged at the Ragadi jail in Jajpur district. Moreover, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) and Punjab and Kashmir police are also likely to join the probe to ascertain Bukharis possible terrorist links. As per reports, Bukhari was in contact with some Pakistani ISI agents. It is suspected that some sensitive data of Indian security installations might have already been leaked to the ISI by Bukhari. Four mobile phones were recovered from Bukhari out of which two were switched on. The working mobiles phones have been sent for CDR analysis while the other two have been sent to the State Forensic Science Lab (SFSL) for recovery of data. Bukhari was arrested by a special team of STF following a raid at Neulpur in Jajpur district on Saturday for his alleged links with some suspicious anti-national elements. Senior STF officials said the accused is also wanted by the Kashmir Police in connection with a case of cheating and forgery there and a non-bailable warrant is pending against him. Bhopal's real-life social worker Syed Abid Hussain, famous as Bajrangi Bhai Jaan, born in Rudrapur Bhagahi Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, who has made a unique identity at the global level, was honored with an international prestigious award in Indore for his remarkable research work. Dr Vijay Bajaj and Dr Jyoti Bajaj, Founder President of the Global Human Rights Organization, said that Syed Abid Hussain was honored with the International Prestigious Award (International Prestigious Award 2023) at the award ceremony at Hotel South Avenue on 17 December 2023. Actor Gulshan Grover, and Dr. Dinesh Upadhyay, BJP senior leader and former member, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Goraksha Sadashiv Dhotre, Maharashtra Head of BJP Film Producer Cell, Ram Kumar Pal, Prime Minister, National President of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Sangathan were present as celebrity guests at the function. Executive Chairman Including other famous personalities participated. In the award ceremony, personalities who did excellent work in various fields were also honored. It is worth noting that Syed Abid Hussain is the first social worker of India to return home of innocent Indians stranded abroad, who has so far succeeded in bringing back more than 750 Indians, which also includes hundreds of mortal remains of those who unfortunately lost their lives. Even in case someone dies abroad, Abid Hussain helps the family. Abid Hussain has told that he has received dozens of honors so far, one more honor has been added to his social life, he feels proud of this and thanked Dr. Vijay Bajaj and Dr. Jyoti Bajaj, Founder President of Global Human Rights Organization. The Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (UCCIL) celebrated the Vijay Diwas on December 16, the victory day celebrated in India for its victory over Pakistan in the Bangladesh Liberation War and in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Governor Raghubar Das graced the event as chief guest. The Board of Directors of UCCIL felicitated Governor Das who remembered and mentioned the glory that Odisha has brought to the country throughout its long history of war and peace. He said that Odisha has forever been giving birth to valorous and indomitable heroes. President UCCIL Dr Brahma Mishra welcomed the guests and the audience among whom there were many veterans of war and kith and kin of martyrs who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation, besides many retired senior administrative and police officers of the top brass. Retired Brigadier Laxmi Charan Pattanayak who was formerly also the Chairman of OPSC spoke who about the 1971 War and the war heroes. Among others, former Air Marshal J N Burma, PVSM, AVSM, VSM and Dhaneswar Kumar Sharma, IG, BSF spoke. In view of the increasing cybercrime cases in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government has made a significant decision to establish cybercrime police stations across 57 districts of the state. The project is estimated to cost Rs 1.25 billion. The proposal was approved in a cabinet meeting held at Lok Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday. A total of 20 proposals were presented during the cabinet meeting and 19 were approved. After the meeting, Finance Minister Suresh Khanna addressed mediapersons, shedding light on additional measures adopted by the government. Notably, approval has been granted to the establishment of cybercrime police stations in all 57 districts of the state. The districts where these specialised units will be set up include Unnao, Rae Bareli, Sitapur, Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Kanpur Dehat, Etawah, Fatehgarh, Kannauj, Auraiya, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Baghpat, Hapur, Sultanpur, Barabanki, Amethi, Ambedkarnagar, Etah, Hathras, Kasganj, Mathura, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Maharajganj, Deoria, Kushinagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, Rampur, Bijnor, Amroha, Sambhal, Pratapgarh, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi, Mau, Ballia, Siddharthnagar, Sant Kabirnagar, Lalitpur, Jalaun, Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli. This initiative aims to enhance the states capability to combat cyber threats and provide specialised assistance to individuals and businesses affected by cybercrimes. Khanna emphasised Uttar Pradeshs pioneering role in tackling cybercrime, showcasing a commitment to apprehending offenders, ensuring due legal processes, and upholding the states preeminence in combating digital threats. About the current situation of cybercrime in the state, Khanna pointed out that UP is at the top in terms of convictions. Our conviction rate is much better than the national average. The national conviction rate in cybercrime cases is 46.5 per cent, whereas that in UP is 87.8 per cent. So far, there have been 838 convictions in UP, whereas Madhya Pradesh, which is at second spot, has had only 59 convictions. A total of 7,122 arrests have been made in the state, while 2,582 arrests have been made in Maharashtra. In 2022, Uttar Pradesh has registered 10,117 cybercrime cases, he explained. In another decision, the cabinet approved the opening of an Advanced Paediatric Centre at SGPGI. Under the proposal, the 575-bed facility will be established in two phases. It will consist of over 20 departments and six units. The estimated cost of the project is over Rs 199 crore The first phase will include the setting up of 12 departments, four units, and 308 beds whereas the second will see the inclusion of an additional 265 beds, nine departments, and two units. The chief minister has issued a directive for completion of the construction work within 18 months, Khanna said. Advocate Welfare Fund: Providing relief to advocates, the government has also approved the proposal to increase the Advocate Welfare Fund by Rs 100 crore. The finance minister said that on the death of an advocate, their family gets help from this fund. Earlier, the amount given to an advocates family was Rs 1.5 lakh, which has been increased to Rs 5 lakh. At present, this fund is of Rs 200 crore; however, the governments target is to increase it to Rs 500 crore. The patients of viral fever are reportedly increasing in the state capital and doctors are advising if cough or fever is not getting cured even after taking medicine, then do not ignore it, because these days the number of viral fever patients has increased in hospitals. Usually the virus gets cured in 2-3 days, but it is taking more than a week to cure. According to doctors, if you are coughing and it is not stopping, swelling is also increasing in the evening, then consult a doctor immediately, it could be pneumonia instead of upper respiratory. More than 1000 patients are reaching the hospitals of Bhopal every day. Viral fever usually occurs like ordinary fever. According to doctors, severe body ache, sore throat and pain, light spots on the skin, pain in muscles and joints, feeling of weakness, high fever with headache, complaint of cough and other symptoms are associated with viral fever. The number of patients suffering from viral fever and infection are more than 160 in Hamidia, more than 170 in AIIMS Bhopal, more than 150 in all eight units of BMHRC, more than 150 of JP Hospital, more than 100 Bairagarh Berasia Health Center and other private hospitals more than 300. Dr. Rajneesh Joshi, Head of the Department of Medicine, AIIMS Bhopal, said that the weather changes in the months of December, January and February. With this the effect of some infected diseases increases. This includes cough, cold and mild fever. It is important to take precautions to prevent diseases, for this especially keep in mind to wash hands properly. If anyone in the house has a cough or cold, that person should wash more often, so that infection can be prevented. Wash your hands first at home, wash your hands several times. Doctor Rajneesh Joshi said that usually the virus gets cured in two to three days, some types of such infections take a longer time to cure. If fever has gone away and the cough has gone down, then it can be said that you are moving towards recovery. Some people who already have some diseases and there is no reduction in shortness of breath and cough, then they must be careful, and if all this is not getting better within three to five days, then it can be pneumonia instead of upper respiratory. Scheduled from December 21 to 24, the Vishwarang Mahotsav 2023, adorned with vibrant shades of literature, culture, and arts, is all set to take place in Bhopal. Rabindranath Tagore University will host this extensive festival, welcoming representatives from over fifty countries, including India. This marks the fifth edition of 'Vishwarang,' where Hindi language leaps onto the international stage, serving as a platform for significant cultural dialogues among various Indian languages. Vishwarang 2023 will be inaugurated by esteemed storyteller and former Education Minister, Government of India, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank. Distinguished dignitaries, including Mr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Trust, Dr. Madhuri Ramdhari, General Secretary of World Hindi Secretariat, and Mr. Anil Joshi, President of Global Hindi World, will grace the occasion with their esteemed presence. The festival will unfold within the expansive grounds of Rabindranath Tagore University, creating a conducive environment for cultural exchange. Launch of World Hindi Report based on 54 countries. Addressing the media in a press conference, Santosh Choubey, Director of Vishwarang and Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University, mentioned that the key highlight of this year's Vishwarang will be the launch of the 'World Hindi Report' covering 54 countries, which will showcase an assessment of the reach of the Hindi language across the Globe. On this occasion, Co-Director of 'Vishwarang' Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Dr. Aditi Chaturvedi Vats, Mr. Leeladhar Mandloi, Mukesh Verma, Convener of Get Set Parent Children Literature Festival Dr. Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi, Registrar of RNTU Vijay Singh and Vishwarang's cultural coordinator Vinay Upadhyay also shared valuable information about the various activities. Santosh Choubey also stated that the fifth edition of 'Vishwarang' aims to explore the evolving global landscape through approximately 50 sessions covering a diverse range of topics in language, literature, arts, and science and technology. The event will strive to cultivate a vibrant atmosphere by initiating various projects, including the Language Festival, Literature Festival, Color Festival, and Art Festival. Mr. Santosh Choubey stated that Vishwarang embodies the fascination with the multi-dimensional creative realms of art, literature, and culture. It involves having an interest in these aspects, the intention to engage with them, enthusiasm, and curiosity across the diverse spectrum of life and the world through various expressive mediums. The festival aspires to create a new environment, reflecting the celebratory desire for artistic expression. In collaboration with over a hundred literary-cultural institutions, including Rabindranath Tagore University, Scope Global Skills Univeristy, CV Raman University, Vanamali Srijanpeeth, and Tagore World Art and Culture Center, 'Vishwarang' has orchestrated an event to foster ideological dialogue and cultural traditions among Hindi and other Indian languages. Its impact on a global scale mark it as a distinctive cultural festival, uniquely organized by a private university. The INDIA bloc has a tradition of insulting people who come from backward and humble backgrounds and hold constitutional positions, the BJP claimed on Tuesday, slamming the opposition after TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee mimicked Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar mockingly. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said at a press conference that Dhankhar comes from a humble background and has OBC (Other Backward Classes) roots. The way he has been made fun of shows INDIA bloc leaders have little regard for the Constitution and parliamentary norms and they stand for confrontation and disruption, he alleged. With 141 of opposition MPs suspended from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for disrupting proceedings, many of them held a protest at Parliament's main entrance for lawmakers on Tuesday. Trinamool Congress member Kalyan Banerjee, suspended from Lok Sabha, mimicked Dhankhar's mannerism to make a point about his alleged partisanship and was cheered by his colleagues. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also witnessed their mock proceedings briefly. Poonawalla noted Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had once insulted President Droupadi Murmu by calling her "rashtrapatni" and added that opposition members have also derided and insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also from the OBC community and a humble background. Chowdhury had later apologised for his comments. Gandhi was even convicted by a court for insulting those with Modi surname, the BJP leader said. Opposition leaders are holding Parliament to hostage and have prioritised their and their parties' interests over the country's, he alleged. "They have a longstanding tradition os insulting those holding constitutional positions." Speaking to reporters, he cited a glowing International Monetary Fund report on Indian economy to assert that even global agencies have put their stamp of approval on "Modi's guarantees" after people's repeated endorsement of them. India's per capita income has doubled under this government while the earning of middle class has grown by four times and the expenditure on social welfare has zoomed from Rs 6.6 lakh crore to Rs 22.4 lakh crore, he said. The GST and direct tax collections have grown at a record pace, he added. Indian economy has grown from fragile five under the Congress-led UPA government to top five under the Modi government, he said. The recent assembly polls results have again shown that people have rejected the opposition's guarantees of corruption, commission, dynasty and personal ambitions and endorsed Modi's vision and mission to make India developed, he said. The IMF on Monday released its annual Article IV consultation with India, according to which the country, underpinned by prudent macroeconomic policies, is on track to be one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world this year. In a swipe at the meeting of INDIA bloc, he said its leaders have been fighting with each other and are now trying to unite their parties amid differences in their hearts. A court in Bangladeshs capital on Monday denied a bail request from a top opposition leader who was jailed, pending investigation, following an October anti-government protest that turned violent and is therefore unable to guide his party ahead of a general election next month. Magistrate Rajesh Chowdhury made the ruling during a Chief Metropolitan Court hearing where Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secretary-General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir appeared. The same court also denied a bail petition from another senior party leader, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, a former commerce minister. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is boycotting the Jan. 7 election after its demands for a caretaker government to organize the voting were not met. The party accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of rigging the 2018 vote and says it does not have any faith the next election will be conducted fairly. Supporters argue the election will not reflect the will of voters without the main opposition partys participation. Alamgir is the partys key leader since the ailing Zia is hospitalized and faces 17 years of imprisonment following her conviction in two corruption cases that her party says were politically motivated. The boycott of the election by Zias party means voters in the South Asian nation of 166 million have little choice but to reelect Hasina as she seeks a fourth consecutive term. Hasina, Zias archrival, has pledged a free and fair election. The partys decision to boycott the polls comes amid a monthslong crackdown on opposition politicians and other government critics. It says more than 20,000 party people have been arrested across the country since Oct. 28, the day of a massive rally where a police official was killed, allegedly by Zias supporters. Alamgir was arrested on sabotage charges the day after the event. The magistrate on Monday denied a request for Alamgir and Khasru to be transferred to police custody for 10 days so they could be interrogated, saying police could question them in jail, if necessary. More than 200 people protested Monday against the continued arrival of Rohingya refugees by boat on an island in Indonesia. Over 1,500 Rohingya, who fled violent attacks in Myanmar and now are leaving camps in neighboring Bangladesh in search of better lives, have arrived in Aceh off the tip of Sumatra since November. They have faced some hostility from fellow Muslims in Aceh. The protesters, many of them residents and students, called on authorities and the UN refugee agency to remove all Rohingya refugees from Sabang island. They also want humanitarian organizations helping the refugees to leave. The latest arriving boat carried 139 Rohingya, including women and children. Our demand is to reject them all. They must leave. Because Sabang people are also having a hard time, they cannot accommodate any more people, said one protester, Samsul Bahri. Last week, Indonesia appealed to the international community for help. Indonesia once tolerated such landings of refugees, while Thailand and Malaysia push them away. But the growing hostility of some Indonesians toward the Rohingya has put pressure on President Joko Widodos government to take action. The president earlier this month said the government suspected a surge in human trafficking for the increase in Rohingya arrivals. Police in Aceh have detained at least four people suspected of human trafficking in the past two weeks. On Monday, police in Banda Aceh detained the captain of one boat, himself a refugee, and charged him with smuggling people from Bangladesh. We examined 11 witnesses and some admitted to handing over 100,000 taka ($904) money to him, and others handed over the money through their parents and relatives, police chief Fahmi Irwan Ramli said. About 740,000 Rohingya were resettled in Bangladesh after fleeing their homes in Myanmar to escape a brutal counterinsurgency campaign carried out in 2017 by security forces. Accusations of mass rape, murder and the burning of entire villages are well documented, and international courts are considering whether Myanmar authorities committed genocide and other grave human rights abuses. Efforts to repatriate the Rohingya have failed because of doubts their safety can be assured. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLC lessened its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 27.9% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 56,475 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 21,805 shares during the period. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $5,327,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Harbor Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 4.4% during the 3rd quarter. Harbor Group Inc. now owns 208,469 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $19,665,000 after purchasing an additional 8,798 shares in the last quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $188,000. StrongBox Wealth LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 24.7% during the 3rd quarter. StrongBox Wealth LLC now owns 8,409 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $793,000 after purchasing an additional 1,667 shares in the last quarter. WealthCare Investment Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 5.6% during the 3rd quarter. WealthCare Investment Partners LLC now owns 21,159 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,967,000 after purchasing an additional 1,128 shares in the last quarter. Finally, M&R Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. M&R Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,030 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $380,000 after purchasing an additional 160 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Trading Down 0.8 % Shares of IJR opened at $106.17 on Monday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $94.67 and its 200-day moving average price is $97.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $74.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 1-year low of $87.32 and a 1-year high of $108.24. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IJR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Hawaiian Bank grew its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX Free Report) by 149.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 22,065 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after buying an additional 13,229 shares during the quarter. First Hawaiian Banks holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $1,165,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fiduciary Alliance LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 209.4% during the 2nd quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 594 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. bought a new position in Boston Scientific during the first quarter worth $32,000. 89.11% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Boston Scientific from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Mizuho raised their price objective on Boston Scientific from $56.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. Needham & Company LLC reduced their price objective on Boston Scientific from $65.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 27th. StockNews.com upgraded Boston Scientific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $61.00 target price on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $60.95. Boston Scientific Trading Down 0.5 % Shares of BSX opened at $55.51 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $53.16 and its 200 day moving average price is $52.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $81.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 67.69, a P/E/G ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.78. Boston Scientific Co. has a 1-year low of $44.35 and a 1-year high of $56.90. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.50 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.02. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 15.46% and a net margin of 8.93%. The firm had revenue of $3.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.48 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.43 EPS. Boston Scientifics revenue was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Boston Scientific Co. will post 2.01 earnings per share for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Boston Scientific news, EVP Wendy Carruthers sold 11,671 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.79, for a total transaction of $581,099.09. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 51,795 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,578,873.05. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Boston Scientific news, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 15,867 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.00, for a total transaction of $872,685.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 197,992 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,889,560. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Wendy Carruthers sold 11,671 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.79, for a total value of $581,099.09. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 51,795 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,578,873.05. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 254,602 shares of company stock worth $13,330,195. 0.71% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Boston Scientific (Free Report) Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through MedSurg and Cardiovascular segments. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions; devices to treat various urological and pelvic conditions; implantable cardioverter and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators; pacemakers and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers; and remote patient management systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eighteen research firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and thirteen have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $94.67. CP has been the topic of several analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $128.00 to $125.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $133.00 to $128.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. StockNews.com lowered Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $91.00 to $83.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, Susquehanna decreased their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $93.00 to $90.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Canadian Pacific Kansas City Canadian Pacific Kansas City Trading Up 0.3 % Canadian Pacific Kansas City stock opened at $76.16 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $72.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $76.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market cap of $70.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.00. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a 12 month low of $68.92 and a 12 month high of $85.40. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The transportation company reported $0.69 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.01. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a return on equity of 8.45% and a net margin of 37.10%. The company had revenue of $2.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.49 billion. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Canadian Pacific Kansas City will post 2.81 EPS for the current year. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be given a $0.1384 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $0.55 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.73%. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys payout ratio is 16.82%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC acquired a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 750.0% in the 4th quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC now owns 340 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. Sands Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, McIlrath & Eck LLC acquired a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.93% of the companys stock. About Canadian Pacific Kansas City (Get Free Report Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada and the United States. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; and merchandise freight, such as energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals and consumer, automotive, and forest products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Hawaiian Bank increased its holdings in shares of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH Free Report) by 15.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 10,470 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,420 shares during the period. First Hawaiian Banks holdings in Choice Hotels International were worth $1,283,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of Nova Scotia boosted its holdings in shares of Choice Hotels International by 3.1% during the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 4,046 shares of the companys stock worth $475,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Choice Hotels International by 8.7% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 37,801 shares of the companys stock worth $4,430,000 after acquiring an additional 3,030 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of Choice Hotels International by 1.8% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 456,556 shares of the companys stock worth $53,656,000 after acquiring an additional 8,123 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its stake in shares of Choice Hotels International by 3.0% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 92,125 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,796,000 after buying an additional 2,711 shares during the period. Finally, Duality Advisers LP boosted its stake in shares of Choice Hotels International by 179.2% in the second quarter. Duality Advisers LP now owns 7,207 shares of the companys stock valued at $847,000 after buying an additional 4,626 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 68.78% of the companys stock. Get Choice Hotels International alerts: Choice Hotels International Stock Performance Shares of Choice Hotels International stock opened at $113.83 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 19.21. Choice Hotels International, Inc. has a twelve month low of $109.19 and a twelve month high of $136.02. The stock has a market cap of $5.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.62, a P/E/G ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 1.22. The companys fifty day moving average is $113.84 and its 200 day moving average is $119.74. Choice Hotels International Increases Dividend Choice Hotels International ( NYSE:CHH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported $1.82 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.87 by ($0.05). Choice Hotels International had a return on equity of 373.39% and a net margin of 18.42%. The business had revenue of $425.60 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $429.72 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.56 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Choice Hotels International, Inc. will post 6.02 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 17th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be paid a $0.2875 dividend. This is a boost from Choice Hotels Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 29th. This represents a $1.15 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.01%. Choice Hotels Internationals payout ratio is currently 20.83%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have commented on CHH shares. Argus started coverage on shares of Choice Hotels International in a research report on Monday, September 25th. They set a buy rating and a $145.00 price objective for the company. Truist Financial restated a hold rating and set a $143.00 price objective on shares of Choice Hotels International in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Choice Hotels International in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Choice Hotels International from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $115.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Choice Hotels International from $139.00 to $128.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $129.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on CHH About Choice Hotels International (Free Report) Choice Hotels International, Inc together with its subsidiaries, operates as a hotel franchisor. The company operates through Hotel Franchising & Management and Other segments. It franchises lodging properties under the brand names of Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Clarion Pointe, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, WoodSpring Suites, Everhome Suites, Cambria Hotels, Ascend Hotel Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson, Park Plaza, Country Inn & Suites, Radisson Inn & Suites , Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Individuals, and Radisson Collection. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Choice Hotels International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Choice Hotels International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Hawaiian Bank raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 8.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,157 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,384 shares during the quarter. First Hawaiian Banks holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $1,681,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter worth $753,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the second quarter worth $27,000. Barrett & Company Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth $32,000. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the second quarter worth $37,000. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the third quarter worth $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.70% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.25, for a total value of $942,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 198,447 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,703,629.75. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Philip Morris International Price Performance Shares of PM stock opened at $94.88 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $92.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $94.29. The company has a market cap of $147.29 billion, a PE ratio of 18.42, a price-to-earnings-growth 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. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.62 by $0.05. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 129.48% and a net margin of 9.62%. The firm had revenue of $9.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.21 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.53 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.08 EPS for the current year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st will be paid a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.48%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 100.97%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have issued reports on PM shares. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on Philip Morris International from $111.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 13th. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $113.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 2nd. StockNews.com started coverage on Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. UBS Group cut their price target on Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, 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. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $109.27. View Our Latest Research Report on Philip Morris International Philip Morris International Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Hawaiian Bank trimmed its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 47,257 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 609 shares during the quarter. First Hawaiian Banks holdings in Pfizer were worth $1,568,000 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 the company. Quinn Opportunity Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter valued at approximately $10,304,000. Fulton Bank N.A. grew its stake in shares of Pfizer by 4.7% during 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 last quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter valued at approximately $2,072,000. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter valued at approximately $220,000. Finally, Atlas Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter valued at approximately $273,000. 68.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have recently commented on PFE shares. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of Pfizer from $44.00 to $33.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $28.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $39.00 to $35.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. TheStreet lowered shares of Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Monday, September 25th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $40.35. Pfizer Trading Up 1.6 % Shares of NYSE:PFE opened at $27.05 on Tuesday. Pfizer Inc. has a 12 month low of $25.76 and a 12 month high of $52.16. The company has a quick ratio of 2.05, a current ratio of 2.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $30.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is $33.92. The firm has a market cap of $152.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.78, a PEG ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.61. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by $0.15. Pfizer had a net margin of 15.30% and a return on equity of 16.72%. The business had revenue of $13.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.77 billion. As a group, research analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, January 26th will be issued a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.21%. This is a positive change from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 25th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 89.62%. Pfizer Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Hawaiian Bank lowered its holdings in Jabil Inc. (NYSE:JBL Free Report) by 2.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 12,006 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 360 shares during the quarter. First Hawaiian Banks holdings in Jabil were worth $1,523,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. FMR LLC raised its position in Jabil by 27.5% in the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 8,552,930 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $754,026,000 after purchasing an additional 1,844,254 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in Jabil by 71.2% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,232,495 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $549,457,000 after purchasing an additional 2,591,893 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its position in Jabil by 3.0% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,454,878 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $275,000,000 after purchasing an additional 127,736 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP purchased a new stake in Jabil in the first quarter valued at $384,818,000. Finally, LSV Asset Management raised its position in Jabil by 5.8% in the second quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 4,026,017 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $434,528,000 after purchasing an additional 221,458 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.88% of the companys stock. Get Jabil alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently issued reports on JBL. Raymond James boosted their price objective on Jabil from $120.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. Barclays cut their price objective on Jabil from $144.00 to $135.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on Jabil from $150.00 to $146.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. Argus boosted their price objective on Jabil from $125.00 to $145.00 in a report on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price objective on Jabil from $126.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $133.88. Jabil Price Performance Shares of NYSE JBL opened at $130.21 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $126.92 and its two-hundred day moving average is $115.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 0.75. Jabil Inc. has a 1-year low of $64.74 and a 1-year high of $141.38. The company has a market cap of $16.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.32. Jabil (NYSE:JBL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 14th. The technology company reported $2.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.58 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $8.39 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.35 billion. Jabil had a return on equity of 41.09% and a net margin of 2.36%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.61 EPS. Analysts forecast that Jabil Inc. will post 8.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. Jabil Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were given a dividend of $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.25%. Jabils dividend payout ratio is currently 5.46%. Jabil announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase plan on Thursday, September 28th that permits the company to repurchase $2.50 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the technology company to repurchase up to 15.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Transactions at Jabil In other news, SVP May Yee Yap sold 7,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $132.04, for a total transaction of $1,003,504.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 30,798 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,066,567.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, Director Christopher S. Holland sold 16,300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.37, for a total value of $2,076,131.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 17,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,165,290. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP May Yee Yap sold 7,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $132.04, for a total value of $1,003,504.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 30,798 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,066,567.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 314,601 shares of company stock valued at $40,201,576. 2.75% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. 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). Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JBL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Jabil Inc. (NYSE:JBL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Jabil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jabil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Metropolitan Bank (NYSE:MCB Get Free Report) and Bank of the Philippine Islands (OTCMKTS:BPHLY Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, earnings and risk. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Metropolitan Bank and Bank of the Philippine Islands top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Metropolitan Bank alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Metropolitan Bank $257.43 million 2.27 $59.28 million $4.88 10.84 Bank of the Philippine Islands N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Metropolitan Bank has higher revenue and earnings than Bank of the Philippine Islands. Institutional and Insider Ownership Profitability 89.0% of Metropolitan Bank shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.0% of Bank of the Philippine Islands shares are held by institutional investors. 7.5% of Metropolitan Bank shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares Metropolitan Bank and Bank of the Philippine Islands net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Metropolitan Bank 14.52% 14.75% 1.40% Bank of the Philippine Islands N/A N/A N/A Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings for Metropolitan Bank and Bank of the Philippine Islands, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Metropolitan Bank 0 0 4 0 3.00 Bank of the Philippine Islands 0 0 0 0 N/A Metropolitan Bank currently has a consensus target price of $56.25, suggesting a potential upside of 6.35%. Given Metropolitan Banks higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Metropolitan Bank is more favorable than Bank of the Philippine Islands. Summary Metropolitan Bank beats Bank of the Philippine Islands on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Metropolitan Bank (Get Free Report) Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Metropolitan Commercial Bank that provides a range of business, commercial, and retail banking products and services to small businesses, middle-market enterprises, public entities, and individuals in the New York metropolitan area. The company offers checking, savings, term deposit, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. It also provides lending products, including commercial real estate, construction, multi-family, and one-to four-family real estate loans; commercial and industrial loans; consumer loans; acquisition and renovation loans; loans to refinance or return borrower equity; loans on owner-occupied properties; working capital lines of credit; trade finance and letters of credit; and term loans. In addition, the company offers cash management services, as well as online and mobile banking, ACH, remote deposit capture, and debit card services. It operates banking centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Great Neck, and Long Island. Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in New York, New York. About Bank of the Philippine Islands (Get Free Report) Bank of the Philippine Islands, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services to retail and corporate clients in the Philippines. It operates through Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, and Investment Banking segments. The Consumer Banking segment offers deposit taking and servicing; and consumer lending, such as home mortgages, auto loans, and credit card finance, as well as remittance services to individual and retail markets. The Corporate Banking segment provides deposit taking and servicing, loan facilities, trade, and cash management to corporate and institutional customers, such as high-end corporations and middle market clients. The Investment Banking segment offers corporate finance, securities distribution, asset management, trust, and fiduciary services, as well as proprietary trading and investment activities. The company also provides financing, securities dealer, investment management, land holding, operations management, business systems, foreign exchange, real estate, pre-need, non-life insurance, leasing, and rental services. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 1,176 branches, and 2,457 automated teller machines and cash accept machines. The company also serves its customers through alternative electronic banking channels, such as telephone, mobile phone, and the internet. Bank of the Philippine Islands was founded in 1851 and is based in Makati City, the Philippines. Receive News & Ratings for Metropolitan Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Metropolitan Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Iochpe-Maxion (OTCMKTS:IOCJY Get Free Report) and Canoo (NYSE:GOEV Get Free Report) are both small-cap auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, valuation, institutional ownership, earnings, profitability and risk. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Iochpe-Maxion and Canoos gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Iochpe-Maxion alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Iochpe-Maxion $1.70 billion 0.18 -$95.40 million N/A N/A Canoo $2.55 million 74.05 -$487.69 million ($0.79) -0.33 Iochpe-Maxion has higher revenue and earnings than Canoo. Insider and Institutional Ownership Risk & Volatility 36.2% of Canoo shares are owned by institutional investors. 12.7% of Canoo 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. Iochpe-Maxion has a beta of 1.2, indicating that its stock price is 20% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Canoo has a beta of 1.34, indicating that its stock price is 34% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Iochpe-Maxion and Canoos net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Iochpe-Maxion N/A N/A N/A Canoo N/A -122.06% -53.03% Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Iochpe-Maxion and Canoo, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Iochpe-Maxion 0 0 0 0 N/A Canoo 0 0 2 0 3.00 Canoo has a consensus price target of $2.02, suggesting a potential upside of 675.64%. Given Canoos higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Canoo is more favorable than Iochpe-Maxion. Summary Canoo beats Iochpe-Maxion on 6 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Iochpe-Maxion (Get Free Report) Iochpe-Maxion S.A. produces and sells automotive wheels and structural components for commercial and light vehicles in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates in two divisions, Maxion Wheels and Maxion Structural Components. The company offers heavy steel wheels; light steel wheels for automobiles, pick-ups, and SUVs, as well as light and medium commercial vehicles; wheels for agricultural machinery; and light aluminum wheels for automobiles. It also provides heavy structural components, including frames, side members, and cross members. In addition, the company offers light and automotive structural components, such as stampings for passenger vehicles, handbrake levers, pedal and welded assemblies, structural parts, and other automotive components. Further, it produces railway wheels, freight cars, and castings, as well as industrial castings. The company was founded in 1918 and is headquartered in Cruzeiro, Brazil. About Canoo (Get Free Report) Canoo Inc., a mobility technology company, designs, engineers, develops, and manufactures electric vehicles for commercial and consumer markets in the United States. The company offers lifestyle delivery vehicles, lifestyle vehicles, multi-purpose delivery vehicles, and pickups. It also provides multi-purpose platform architecture is a self-contained, fully functional rolling chassis that directly houses the critical components for operation of an EV. Canoo Inc. was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Torrance, California. Receive News & Ratings for Iochpe-Maxion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Iochpe-Maxion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Adviser Investments LLC decreased its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 7.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 130,371 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,424 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF accounts for about 1.2% of Adviser Investments LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest holding. Adviser Investments LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $55,985,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of IVV. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 117,228.0% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 195,582,257 shares of the companys stock valued at $75,144,659,000 after purchasing an additional 195,415,560 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 212,409.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 53,346,337 shares of the companys stock worth $23,776,996,000 after acquiring an additional 53,321,234 shares during the period. Providence Capital Advisors LLC boosted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 38,525.9% during the 1st quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 11,421,288 shares of the companys stock worth $27,783,000 after acquiring an additional 11,391,719 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $2,101,052,000. Finally, IMC Chicago LLC boosted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 122.2% during the 2nd quarter. IMC Chicago LLC now owns 534,522 shares of the companys stock worth $238,242,000 after acquiring an additional 2,941,401 shares during the period. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of NYSEARCA IVV opened at $476.18 on Tuesday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a one year low of $376.49 and a one year high of $477.14. The firm has a market capitalization of $368.40 billion, a PE ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.00. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $445.41 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $444.24. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Launching the new scheme virtually from the Camp office here on Monday, the Chief Minister said that 4.25 crore people from 1, 48,000 lakh families would be covered under the scheme. (Image By Arrangement) VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy launched the enhanced YSR Aarogyasri scheme that will now provide free medical treatment of up to Rs 25 lakh to people, whose annual income is less than Rs five lakh. Launching the new scheme virtually from the Camp office here on Monday, the Chief Minister said that 4.25 crore people from 1, 48,000 lakh families would be covered under the scheme. He also formally launched the distribution of new YSR Aarogyasri cards. He said, "This will prevent people from falling into a debt-trap due to increasing costs of medical treatment. MLAs, staff of village secretariats, volunteers, ANMs and ASHA workers would be involved in the massive public awareness campaign that takes off on Tuesday. The facility will cover 3,257 ailments in 2513 hospitals. Medical treatment under Aarogyasri would also be available at 85 super specialty hospitals in Hyderabad, 35 hospitals in Bangalore and 16 in Chennai. The number of people who have received treatment under the scheme has gone up to 53 lakh while it was at a meagre 22.32 lakh during the Telugu Desam regime." The Chief Minister said, "The government has been gradually expanding the network of medical facilities. There has been a massive rise in the number of 104 and 108 vehicles. There are 936 vehicles today while there were only 226 during the TD rule. Apart from adding 17 new medical colleges to the existing 11, we have filled 53, 126 doctors, nurses and para medical staff vacancies. While bone-marrow and heart transplantation have been brought under Aarogyasri, the government has so far spent Rs 1900 crore only on cancer patients with no cap on treatment expenditure as against the Rs five lakh limit during TD rule. While they spent Rs 5900 crore during their entire tenure towards Arogyasri in TD rule, the present government has been spending an average of Rs 4100 crore every year besides spending Rs 1309 crore under Arogya Asara." Reddy stated that the government has taken care to fill specialist doctors vacancies. He said that the official machinery is also taking steps to supply WHO quality medicines to people at the doorstep with the cooperation of the postal department besides making 562 types of medicines available in government hospitals. With 10,032 village health clinics being equipped with CHOs, ANMs and three to four ASHA workers and with 105 sorts of medicines and 14 types of diagnostic tests, the government has taken the preventive health care system to the next level, he said. The Chief Minister pointed out that the Nadu-Nedu programme is also helping hospitals attain national standards and the government is committed to turn the state into Arogya Andhra Pradesh. He asked officials to continue the Aarogyasri public awareness campaign along with the second phase of Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha beginning on January 1. Suspended TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicks presiding officers in an impromptu skit depicting the proceedings of the House during a protest at the Makar Dwar over the suspension of MPs amid the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi (PTI Photo/Vijay Verma) New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday suspended another batch of 49 Opposition MPs as both the government and the Opposition hardened their stances, leading to an unprecedented situation in Parliament. After Tuesday's suspension, the total number of Opposition members suspended during the Winter Session of Parliament now stands at 141 95 members from the Lok Sabha and 46 Rajya Sabha MPs. After the latest suspension, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc has lost more than two-thirds of its strength in the Lok Sabha for the duration of the Winter Session. The I.N.D.I.A. bloc parties had a strength of 138 in the Lok Sabha, of which 43 MPs are now left in the House. Only nine MPs of the principal Opposition party Congress, including former party presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, are left in the House. The opposition alliance at its meet elsewhere announced countrywide protests on December 22 against the suspension of its MPs. Congress' floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Trinamul Congress' floor leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay in Lok Sabha are among those suspended. So far, 13 of the 22 Trinamul Congress MPs have been suspended. From the DMK, which has a strength of 24 members in the Lower House, 16 MPs have been suspended. The National Conference's Farooq Abdullah, Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Karti Chidambaram and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav are among those who were suspended for "misconduct" on Tuesday as they demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach. Supriya Sule of the NCP, S. Jagathrakshakan and D.N.V. Senthil Kumar of the DMK, Giridhari Yadav of the JD(U), Danish Ali, who has been suspended from the BSP, and Sushil Kumar Rinku of the AAP are among other MPs suspended from the Lok Sabha. Shah attended the Lok Sabha in the post-lunch session as the House took up discussion on the new three criminal laws after the suspension of 49 Opposition MPs. He is expected to give a reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday to the discussion on these bills. The Congress alleged that a "complete purge" is being executed so that "draconian bills" are passed without any meaningful debate and the BJP MP "who facilitated entry of the two intruders" into the Lok Sabha on December 13 goes scot-free. "It is clear that they want an Opposition-mukt Lok Sabha and they will do something similar in the Rajya Sabha. At this point, unfortunately, we have to start writing obituaries for parliamentary democracy in India," said Congress MP Tharoor. Abdullah asked what would have happened if the Union home minister had made a statement in Parliament on the security breach. Earlier in the day, as soon as the Lok Sabha session started, the Opposition members were on their feet; some even entered the Well of the House shouting slogans against the government and holding placards. Some MPs were carrying a morphed picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the whole House condemned the display of a morphed picture of the Prime Minister and demanded action against the MPs carrying it. Speaker Om Birla said it was completely against the rules to bring placards into the House. "This House belongs to you. We have all decided that no one will bring placards inside the House. But you have come here with placards. Even you have come to the podium. Is this correct? Please go back to your seat. I am giving you a last warning," he said. However, the Opposition members ignored Birla's pleas and continued their protests leading to the adjournment of the proceedings. When the House met again at 12.30 pm, minister of state for parliamentary affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal brought the motion to suspend the Opposition members. With most of the Opposition member's seats vacant, the Lok Sabha passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill 2023; the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill 2023 in the post-lunch session. The two rows of benches on the Opposition side were nearly empty, with only two MPs sitting, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and Simranjit Singh Mann. Mann kept shouting towards the chair: "You are not being democratic. Mr Speaker, you are running the House with no Opposition." As the House took up to pass the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) bill through a voice vote, Mann said, "As there is no opposition, who would say no?" Some of the members of the BJD, BSP, YSRCP and Akali Dal (Badal) were present during this period. After this, the Lok Sabha took up discussion and passed the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill 2023. The Rajya Sabha also witnessed several disruptions on Tuesday as the Opposition members continued to create uproar in the House over the Parliament security breach issue. Rahul Gandhi Captures Mimicry Snap as Dhankar Labels It Shameful. Hyderabad: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, among the 78 MPs suspended from Parliament, mimicked Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar during an Opposition protest. Rahul Gandhi recorded the imitation on his phone. #WATCH | TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimics Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar in Parliament premises pic.twitter.com/naabLIzibY ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2023 Dhankar criticized the act, calling it "ridiculous" and "unacceptable." During the House's noon reconvening, Dhankhar expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the distinction between the offices of the Rajya Sabha Chairman and the Speaker. Simultaneously, 49 more Opposition MPs faced suspension from Lok Sabha over 'misconduct' amid chaos related to demands for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the recent Parliament security breach. This follows the suspension of 78 MPs from both Houses the previous day. In Rajya Sabha, 45 MPs were suspended on Monday, with 34 facing suspension for the rest of the Winter Session. The remaining members' suspension is under review by the Privileges Committee. In Lok Sabha, 34 MPs were suspended on Monday, and 31 will remain suspended for the remainder of the ongoing session. "The summonses to Mr Kejriwal, who is also the national convenor of the AAP, pertain to questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case and for recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)," the officials said. (File Image: PTI) New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Monday issued a fresh summons to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning on December 21 in the excise policy-linked money-laundering case. Soon after the summon, the AAP dubbed the excise policy case as "fake" and "bogus", while the BJP said that the AAP supremo should join the probe without giving any excuses. Prior to this, he was summoned to appear before the agency on November 2 but he skipped it, alleging that the notice was "vague, motivated and unsustainable in law". The summonses to Mr Kejriwal, who is also the national convenor of the AAP, pertain to questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case and for recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the officials said. This comes days after Delhi government officials said that Mr Kejriwal will leave for a 10-day Vipassana meditation course at an undisclosed location from December 19. AAP MP Sandeep Pathak said their lawyers are studying the notice. "Anybody who questions the PM gets suspended or arrested. PM Modi fears and hates Mr Kejriwal. Modiji is most scared by Kejriwals politics and his Delhi model of governance. Our lawyers are studying the notice and we will see what has to be done," the AAP MP added. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said even last time when the ED had summoned him, the AAP supremo had sought an extension in view of the election campaign. "Now there are neither elections nor any other pressing political or administrative work, and so if he is honest then should join the probe," he said. AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are among those arrested in this case by the ED, and the agency is expected to file a supplementary chargesheet in the case soon. Earlier, Mr Kejriwal had also rubbished the contents of the ED complaint, saying it has "filed 5,000 chargesheets under the tenure of the current government." "How many people have been sentenced? All the cases filed by the ED are fake and they are used to topple governments or form them. ED does not file cases to eradicate corruption. They do it to buy MLAs, topple governments," he had said. It is alleged that the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licences to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge repeatedly refuted by the AAP. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjeee being greeted during a meeting with party MPs in New Delhi, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: The muscle-flexing by the INDIA bloc allies has started just a day before the all-important meeting of alliance leaders in New Delhi on Tuesday. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, in Delhi for the meeting, said the INDIA bloc will decide its prime ministerial candidate after the 2024 general election, expressing confidence that the alliance will iron out all issues, including over seat-sharing, and defeat the BJP. She also dismissed suggestions that the alliance has lost time in putting things in order, saying: "It is better late than never". She expressed confidence that a three-way alliance is very much possible in West Bengal between her TMC, the Congress and the Left. "The BJP is not strong, we are weak. We need to work together to overcome it," Ms Banerjee told reporters, in reply to a question on the BJPs rising influence, especially in the Hindi belt. She also said that she doesn't discriminate between the Hindi belt and other regions. When asked if she wants an alliance with the Congress in West Bengal, the chief minister said that she is "open to talk and discuss" the matter. "Somebody must bell the cat I don't have any problem if they have genuine things. But in West Bengal, they have only two seats.", she said. Speaking about the outcome of the meeting, she said: "I think all will be together. There is an opportunity to discuss this (seat-sharing) matter Tomorrow is a great opportunity to discuss it in detail The majority of political parties will agree to one-to-one seat-sharing, maybe one or two may not agree I don't have any motto or vendetta". Reacting to the expulsion of MPs from both the Houses of Parliament, Ms Banerjee said: "If they think that the House is supreme, why are they afraid?... If they suspend all the members, how will they raise their voice? They are passing three important bills There is a system in democracy Who will raise the voice of the people? The voices of the people have been choked." The meeting assumes significance as it is taking place almost after a gap of four months. The last meeting called by the Congress abruptly had to be changed to a parliamentary floor leaders meeting as the top leaders were busy. Revanth would also hand over the party high command the PAC resolution urging Sonia Gandhi to contest from Telangana.(PTI file image) Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has left for New Delhi on Tuesday morning. According to sources, he would expected to All India Congress Committee (AICC) leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and discuss Cabinet expansion and selection of MLCs and Parliamentary elections. He would also hand over the party high command the PAC resolution urging Sonia Gandhi to contest from Telangana. He is also likely to meet some ministers and seek the release of pending funds to the state from the Centre and other issues. There is information that Revanth had also sought appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Telangana CM would return to Hyderabad completing all works this evening. Deputy Chief Minister and finance minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. (DC File Image) HYDERABAD: The Congress government is all set to "expose" the financial mismanagement of the previous BRS regime by releasing a White Paper on Wednesday, and the principal opposition BRS is firm on making a presentation to put its version of the events. Deputy Chief Minister and finance minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will release the White Paper, while BRS senior leader T. Harish Rao has submitted a representation to Speaker G. Prasad Kumar seeking permission for his party to make a presentation. With the session likely to be stormy, Congress leaders said the party needed to take a relook at its floor management. The indifference of some ministers and lack of experience of newly elected members came to the fore during the debate on motion of thanks to the Governors address, leaving Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to wage a lone battle against the aggressive Opposition. "Revanth Reddy left his mark though it was his maiden address as Chief Minister. But, the treasury benches were silent all through and they did not react even to the CMs reference to the Six Guarantees and Sonia Gandhis political sacrifice of losing power at the Centre by granting statehood to Telangana. This is in contrast to the practice of the ruling party members thumping desks to express support to the Leader of the House," a senior leader pointed out. Congress members should also raise their voice against the Oppositions aggression, the leader added. Sources said the Deputy Chief Minister will focus on how the BRS pushed the state government into a debt trap by increasing borrowings from Rs 69,000 crore in 2014 to Rs 5.5 lakh crore in 2023. For the current fiscal (2023-24), the state government is eligible to borrow Rs 38,334 crore; the BRS government had taken loans for 85 per cent of the limit by December. On behalf of the BRS Legislature Party, Harish Rao, who held the irrigation and finance portfolios in the BRS government, said in a letter written to the Speaker that "in the event the government is allowed to make a presentation, we, as the principal opposition party, too should be offered a similar opportunity so we can present our side of the story." Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addresses a press conference after the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance's (INDIA) meeting, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (PTI) New Delhi: The leaders of 28 political parties of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc met in the national capital on Tuesday. Sources say that Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal proposed the name of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as the Prime Ministerial face of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, at a meeting of 28 Opposition parties here on Tuesday. Kharge is learnt to have downplayed the suggestion by asserting that the alliance should first win the required MPs and then talk about the Prime Minister candidate. After the meeting, MDMK leader Vaiko said that Banerjee and Kejriwal had proposed Kharge's name. The alliance failed to find a convener or set up a secretariat for the alliance in the national capital. After the conclusion of the meeting, the Congress said: "In all 28 parties participated in our fourth meeting and kept their thoughts before the committee of the alliance. It is a matter of happiness that a unanimous decision was taken on how the alliance should go forward." On the issue of seat sharing, Kharge said it will be done at the state level. If there is any issue then it will be taken up at the central level. "Whether it's Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Bihar, UP, Delhi or Punjab, issues on seat-sharing will be resolved," he added. When asked if he could be the Prime Minister candidate for the Opposition alliance, Kharge said, "First we have to win and get a majority, then MPs will decide democratically." According to sources, most of the tricky issues between the alliance partners are expected to be settled by this month. The Congress chief said that the bloc has decided to hold 8-10 meetings across the country. "If alliance partners don't come together on one stage, then people will not know about it. It's a good thing that the meeting lasted for 2-3 hours." The Congress on Tuesday formed a five-member committee to hold discussions on forging alliances with other parties for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, with senior party leader Mukul Wasnik as its convener. Other members of the national alliance committee are former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. Former Union minister Salman Khurshid and senior leader Mohan Prakash are also members. On suspension of Opposition MPs from Lok Sabha, Kharge stated: "We have passed a resolution that suspension is undemocratic. We will all have to fight to save democracy and all of us are ready to do that. We raised the issue of security breach in the Parliament. We have been saying for a long time that Union home minister Amit Shah or Prime Minister Narendra Modi should come to the Parliament and speak in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha about the issue, but they are refusing to do so." The Congress president stated that in the meeting, it has been decided to hold a nationwide protest against the suspension of MPs on December 22. "This is the first time 151 members of Parliament have been suspended in the country. We will fight against this. This is wrong. We have united to fight against this," he further stated. Senior leaders who attended the meeting included Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, M.K. Stalin, Mehbooba Mufti, Farooq Abdullah, Uddhav Thackrey, Lalu Yadav and Nitish Kumar. The growing imperative for strengthened defenses Europe finds itself at a critical juncture. It is currently facing the need to fortify its defense capabilities amidst evolving global dynamics. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, echoing concerns shared by many European leaders. He recently emphasized the urgency of bolstering Europes defense infrastructure. This imperative stems from a predicted shift in the United States security priorities. This shift could potentially reduce its focus on Europe in favor of the Indo-Pacific region. U.S. pivot to Indo-Pacific: Implications for european security The anticipated shift in the USs attention toward the Indo-Pacific region brings forth the realization that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its security. Pistorius highlights this impending change, suggesting that regardless of the next US administration, there will likely be a decrease in American involvement in Europe. Consequently, Europe faces the challenge of filling the security void and ensuring that its defense capabilities remain robust. Get alerts: Threats from Russia and the call for strengthened defenses Russias heightened arms production raises significant concerns for Europes security landscape. This increase in arms production has been used primarily to sustain its incursion in Ukraine. Pistorius underscores the potential threats posed by Russia to the Baltic states, Georgia, and Moldova. The need for Europe to enhance its armed forces, overhaul its industry, and prepare its society within a relatively short timeframe of 5-8 years has been heightened by these emerging security risks. Proposal for EU defense bonds: A financial path forward Amidst these challenges, Charles Michel, the head of the European Council, suggests the issuance of EU defense bonds to fortify the defense sector financially. This proposal to issue defense bonds aims to leverage both public and private funds. The bonds could potentially emerge as a new asset class to support Europes defense initiatives. This new bond measure must be passed unanimously, and garnering unanimous support among EU member states for joint borrowing might prove challenging in the post-pandemic economic landscape. EUs defensive evolution: Addressing financing and support Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, advocates for increased support for the defense sector from the European Investment Bank (EIB). Despite concerns among investors, von der Leyen stresses the importance of recognizing the defense industrys contribution to the Unions security. Integrating financial support for weaponry, ammunition, and explosives into the EIBs scope necessitates consensus among the EUs 27 member states. It remains unclear if von der Leyen could acquire that type of support. Looking ahead: Navigating security realities As Russia continues its reinforcement in Ukraine, the security landscape remains complex and challenging. European leaders assert that this evolving situation underscores the need for greater support rather than a reason to withhold assistance. The discussions around fortifying Europes defense infrastructure and financing mechanisms will likely persist, shaping the regions security dynamics in the coming years. Portside Wealth Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 5,350 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $353,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new position in Equity Residential in the second quarter valued at $24,600,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 17.7% in the second quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 48,650 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,210,000 after acquiring an additional 7,321 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 5.0% in the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 102,891 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $6,788,000 after acquiring an additional 4,863 shares in the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 14.0% in the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 64,078 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,844,000 after acquiring an additional 7,871 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Signaturefd LLC boosted its stake in shares of Equity Residential by 20.3% during the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 4,109 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $271,000 after buying an additional 693 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.79% of the companys stock. Get Equity Residential alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Equity Residential In other Equity Residential news, Chairman David J. Neithercut sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.18, for a total transaction of $1,454,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 3,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $197,346.56. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 1.69% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have recently issued reports on EQR. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on Equity Residential from $71.00 to $57.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 10th. Wedbush initiated coverage on shares of Equity Residential in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. They issued a neutral rating and a $62.00 target price for the company. Evercore ISI cut their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $70.00 to $66.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. Mizuho lowered Equity Residential from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $62.00 to $58.00 in a report on Monday, December 11th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on Equity Residential from $68.00 to $65.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $65.39. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Equity Residential Equity Residential Stock Performance NYSE:EQR opened at $61.58 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 0.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $57.19 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $61.83. Equity Residential has a twelve month low of $52.57 and a twelve month high of $69.45. The company has a market capitalization of $23.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.39 and a beta of 0.84. Equity Residential Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 12th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.6625 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 29th. This represents a $2.65 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.30%. Equity Residentials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 147.22%. Equity Residential Profile (Free Report) Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 2,323 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $145,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. KWB Wealth boosted its position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 3.5% in the second quarter. KWB Wealth now owns 4,706 shares of the companys stock worth $310,000 after buying an additional 157 shares during the period. Belpointe Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 12.7% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,521 shares of the companys stock valued at $79,000 after buying an additional 171 shares during the period. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp grew its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 0.5% in the second quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 39,371 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,592,000 after purchasing an additional 178 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 34,883 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,798,000 after buying an additional 214 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ritholtz Wealth Management grew its position in Molson Coors Beverage by 4.8% in the second quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 5,343 shares of the companys stock worth $352,000 after acquiring an additional 245 shares in the last quarter. 73.95% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets TAP has been the topic of several analyst reports. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $72.00 to $65.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Wedbush reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $70.00 target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research note on Monday, November 6th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $68.00 to $66.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $64.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Molson Coors Beverage has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $65.65. Molson Coors Beverage Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSE:TAP opened at $61.94 on Tuesday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $59.83 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $63.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.53. Molson Coors Beverage has a one year low of $48.49 and a one year high of $70.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.36 billion, a PE ratio of 53.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 0.92. Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data 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 company had revenue of $3.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.24 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a net margin of 1.86% and a return on equity of 9.16%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Molson Coors Beverage will post 5.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. Molson Coors Beverage Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st were paid a dividend of $0.41 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.65%. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio is presently 142.61%. Molson Coors Beverage Company Profile (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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Portside Wealth Group LLC bought a new position in e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 3,190 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $364,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC grew its stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty by 86.2% during the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 6,603 shares of the companys stock valued at $754,000 after buying an additional 3,056 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Inc purchased a new stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,839,000. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System grew its stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty by 12.7% during the 2nd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 26,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,039,000 after buying an additional 3,000 shares during the period. Mirabella Financial Services LLP purchased a new stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty during the 2nd quarter valued at $948,000. Finally, Mane Global Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty during the 2nd quarter valued at $8,712,000. 92.44% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get e.l.f. Beauty alerts: e.l.f. Beauty Stock Performance Shares of ELF stock opened at $147.78 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 69.06, a P/E/G ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 1.57. The companys fifty day moving average price is $112.29 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $115.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 2.86 and a quick ratio of 1.89. e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. has a 12 month low of $48.10 and a 12 month high of $148.08. Insider Activity e.l.f. Beauty ( NYSE:ELF Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.22. The business had revenue of $215.51 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $197.27 million. e.l.f. Beauty had a net margin of 15.88% and a return on equity of 29.82%. On average, research analysts anticipate that e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. will post 2.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, CEO Tarang Amin sold 11,760 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $96.81, for a total value of $1,138,485.60. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 140,671 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,618,359.51. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, SVP Joshua Allen Franks sold 1,750 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.59, for a total transaction of $179,532.50. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 94,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,650,846.48. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Tarang Amin sold 11,760 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $96.81, for a total transaction of $1,138,485.60. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 140,671 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,618,359.51. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 31,150 shares of company stock worth $3,124,354. 5.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ELF has been the subject of several research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $150.00 to $139.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $155.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $164.00 to $152.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. UBS Group started coverage on shares of e.l.f. Beauty in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a buy rating and a $138.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of e.l.f. Beauty from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $110.00 to $115.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $132.42. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on e.l.f. Beauty e.l.f. Beauty Profile (Free Report) e.l.f. Beauty, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides cosmetic and skin care products under the e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. Skin, Well People, and Keys Soulcare brand names worldwide. The company offers eye, lip, face, face, paw, and skin care products. It sells its products through national and international retailers and direct-to-consumer channels, which include e-commerce platforms in the United States, and internationally primarily through distributors. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for e.l.f. Beauty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for e.l.f. Beauty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL acquired a new stake in Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE:AYI Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 6,600 shares of the electronics makers stock, valued at approximately $1,076,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in AYI. Raymond James & Associates increased its stake in shares of Acuity Brands by 6.2% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 20,688 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $3,916,000 after buying an additional 1,200 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its position in Acuity Brands by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 12,834 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $2,429,000 after purchasing an additional 379 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its position in Acuity Brands by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,982,396 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $564,568,000 after purchasing an additional 25,598 shares during the period. APG Asset Management N.V. acquired a new stake in Acuity Brands during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,395,000. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can increased its position in Acuity Brands by 9.1% during the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 19,747 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $3,850,000 after purchasing an additional 1,647 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.58% of the companys stock. Get Acuity Brands alerts: Acuity Brands Price Performance Acuity Brands stock opened at $202.39 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.79, a PEG ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.44. Acuity Brands, Inc. has a 52-week low of $149.30 and a 52-week high of $207.00. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $177.51 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $168.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a current ratio of 2.34. Acuity Brands Dividend Announcement Acuity Brands ( NYSE:AYI Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 4th. The electronics maker reported $3.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.73 by $0.24. Acuity Brands had a return on equity of 21.41% and a net margin of 8.75%. The company had revenue of $1.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.02 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.72 EPS. Acuity Brandss quarterly revenue was down 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Acuity Brands, Inc. will post 12.55 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 18th were issued a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.26%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, October 17th. Acuity Brandss dividend payout ratio is currently 4.83%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Acuity Brands from $180.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Acuity Brands from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 13th. Finally, Robert W. Baird increased their price target on Acuity Brands from $170.00 to $180.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Acuity Brands currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $186.60. Check Out Our Latest Report on AYI Acuity Brands Company Profile (Free Report) Acuity Brands, Inc provides lighting, lighting controls, building management system, location-aware applications in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (ABL); and the Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG). The ABL segment provides commercial, architectural, and specialty lighting solutions, as well as lighting controls and components for various indoor and outdoor applications under the A-Light, Aculux, American Electric Lighting, Cyclone, Dark to Light, eldoLED, Eureka, Gotham, Healthcare Lighting, Holophane, Hydrel, Indy, IOTA, Juno, Lithonia Lighting, Luminaire LED, Luminis, Mark Architectural Lighting, nLight, OPTOTRONIC, Peerless, RELOCWiring Solutions, and Sensor Switch. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AYI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE:AYI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Acuity Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Acuity Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with criminal damage and assaulting a police officer. Michael McMahon (32) of Clon Elagh in Derry, was charged with, on December 17, cutting off his electronic tag and kicking a police officer. Police were called to his address on Sunday night after being alerted that he had cut off his tag. When they arrived, McMahon's mother told them that he'd had two alcoholic drinks and had 'gone mad', later revoking her address as a bail option. McMahon proceeded to kick one of officers that arrested him. When being interviewed, McMahon said that he knew cutting off the tag was an offence but said it had been 'annoying him' then he claimed to have no memory of kicking the officer. Police opposed bail, telling the court that McMahon has 30 previous convictions and three charge sheets before the court and they believed he was at risk of reoffending if released. Defence Barrister Sinead Rogan said that the incident was 'minor' in a 'sliding scale' of offences McMahon has committed, adding that he was seeking to be released on bail to his own address. Bail was refused and he will appear again on January 11. A programme designed to support the regeneration of disused heritage buildings in Derry has been welcomed. The programme, led by Derry's Inner City Trust, is one of a number of successful funding awards announced last week by the Architectural Heritage Fund throughout the UK, and the only award made in Northern Ireland under the current round of funding. The funding award of 170k will be used to assist the Inner City Trust in developing a programme which will identify eligible target heritage buildings in the City deemed to be at risk. The programme will provide dedicated technical resources to assist in carrying out technical surveys/assessments as well as assisting in the identification of capital funding resources to regenerate the target buildings once selected. Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Jason Barr. said: I am delighted to see the award by the Architectural Heritage Fund to design a programme that will assist in identifying key eligible heritage at risk buildings in the City. "The City has a diverse and rich collection of built heritage assets including listed buildings and historic city walls, so its encouraging to see a programme that will promote the regeneration and re-use of heritage buildings deemed to be at risk. "The project aligns with the Council's Heritage Plan 2022-27 and I look forward to Council working with the Inner City Trust in the development of this exciting programme. Helen Quigley, Strategic Projects Advisor with the Inner City Trust, said: I am very pleased with the announcement by the Architectural Heritage Fund to support this important programme, which will assist in undertaking the necessary preparatory technical work in identifying potential heritage buildings. "The Inner City Trust has a successful track record in the design and delivery of heritage-led regeneration projects such as the Bishops Gate Hotel and that this experience will assist greatly in the development of this new and exciting programme. PICTURED ABOVE: The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Jason Barr, pictured congratulating Helen Quigley, Inner City Trust, on receiving a share of funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund from its Heritage Development Trust Programme towards targeting the regeneration and reuse of heritage buildings. Included from left are Tony Monaghan, Regeneration Manager, DCSDC, Rev. Robert Millar, Chair, ICT, Karen Phillips, Director of Environment and Regeneration at DCSDC and John Meehan, Inner City Trust. Institutional abuse campaigner Jon McCourt has been conferred with the Freedom of Derry and Strabane at a special ceremony in the Guildhall. Mr McCourt is one of the most high profile and leading campaigners for victims of historical institutional abuse in Ireland and is the founder and chairman of Survivors North West who represent victims of historic abuse at children's homes and other residential and state institutions. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue, officially conferred the honour on Mr McCourt at a special meeting of Full Council in the Chamber before hosting his family and friends at a private reception in the building's Whittaker Suite. It was a huge honour for me to confer this honour on Jon McCourt on behalf of all the citizens of our City and District and victims of historical abuse all over the world," she said. "This is our Councils highest accolade in recognition of his courage and dignity in tirelessly campaigning for justice for all those who have experienced the horrors of abuse. "Our community is a safer and fairer place thanks to Jon's bravery in speaking up so eloquantly and his tenacious pursuit of truth and justice. "I hope this award goes some way towards showing our gratitude that he did that and he rightfully takes his place alongside the select and illustrious groups of people who have received the honour." Jon McCourt grew up in Derry and was a member of the civil rights movement in the 1960s and 70s. He has been a community and peace activist since the 1970s and has campaigned in those areas for decades working with victims of Troubles violence and in youth and community relations projects. The decision to confer the Freedom of the City and District was made at a Council meeting earlier this year following a notice of motion by People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin. Other recipients of the Freedom of the City include the former Bishops of Derry, the late Most Rev Dr Edward Daly, and the Most Rev Dr James Mehaffey; Nobel Laureate, former SDLP leader John Hume and musician Phil Coulter. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said that awarding the Freedom of Derry and Strabane to Jon McCourt is a fitting tribute to his work as a campaigner for victims of institutional abuse. Mr Eastwood said that without the efforts of Mr McCourt and his fellow campaigners their suffering would never have been acknowledged and addressed. The Foyle MP said: I congratulate Jon McCourt as he today joins the handful of people who have been awarded the Freedom of Derry and Strabane for an outstanding contribution to life here. This recognition is tribute to his tireless work as a victims campaigner for many decades. I cannot begin to imagine what Jon and other victims of historical institutional abuse went through and am amazed that they found the strength to continue fighting for their ordeal to be acknowledged, despite the far too often unwillingness of the state to cooperate with them. Without the efforts of Jon and others what really went on in these institutions and the suffering caused would never have come to light. Jon is a shining example of standing up for whats right, even when all the odds are against you and I hope that this award today goes some way to showing him how proud the people of Derry are of his efforts. Seoul, South Korea -- December 19, 2023 --OPENEDGES Technology, Inc. (OPENEDGES), a total memory subsystem IP provider, proudly announces the addition of industry veteran Takashi Yamada as its new Tech Sales Director for Japan. In his new role, Yamada will be executing strategic sales and marketing initiatives within the dynamic Japanese semiconductor market. With over 30 years of extensive experience in the bus and memory system IP development, Yamada most recently led the development of DRAM memory systems, controllers, and bus for Socionext. His instrumental contributions include the creation of memory system architecture such as LP5X/5, LP4X/4, DDR5 for high resolution cameras and automotive SoCs. Before Socionext, Yamada served as Associate Director/Chief Architect of the System LSI Business and significantly contributed to PANASONIC Corps R&D efforts before its consolidation by Socionext. He played a key role in the development of memory system architectures, verification environment implementation, and securing patents related to architecture, memory subsystems, and packaging. In a move to strengthen its position in the Japanese semiconductor landscape, OPENEDGES has established a dedicated Japanese office in Yokohama. This strategic expansion aims to reinforce OPENEDGES service capabilities, effectively meeting the escalating demands of customers in the Asia-Pacific region. I am thrilled to join OPENEDGES team, said Takashi Yamada, the newly appointed Tech Sales Director for Japan at OPENEDGES Technology. I see OPENEDGES as an industry frontrunner in total memory subsystem IPs, distinguished by superior features and exceptional performance. Im eager to leverage my extensive 30+ years of semiconductor industry experience to expediate the companys expansion into Japan. Welcoming Mr. Yamada to OPENEDGES is an invaluable addition, said Sean Lee, CEO of OPENEDGES Technology. We are enthusiastic about his arrival, and expansion recognizing the immense value he brings with his in-depth expertise in semiconductor industry. Yamadas expertise has been showcased through presentations at influential industry events, including the recent LPDDR5/DDR5 Design Challenges and the Need for Flexibility speech at the Design Solution Forum 2023, Mobile Forum in JEDEC2014 across Seoul, Taipei, and San Jose, and the Cadence Memory Conference in 2015. His impactful contributions extend to holding over 25 global patents in areas such as DRAM architecture and systems, emphasizing his influence and authority in the semiconductor industry. About OPENEDGES Technology, Inc. OPENEDGES Technology, Inc. is a leading silicon IP provider of memory subsystem IPs for the semiconductor industry. They offer a wide range of state-of-the-art solutions, including DDR memory controllers, DDR PHY, NoC interconnect, and NPU IPs that are widely adopted by customers worldwide. Their IPs comply with JEDEC standards, including LPDDR5x/5/4x/4/3, DDR5/4/3, GDDR6, and HBM3, ensuring their compatibility with the latest DDR technology trends. In 2019, they acquired The Six Semiconductor, Inc. (TSS), specializing in high-speed memory PHYs across multiple technologies. OPENEDGES IPs deliver the increased performance, bandwidth, capacity, and efficiency to meet the ever-increasing data demands. As a publicly listed company on the Korean Stock Exchange Market (394280. KQ), OPENEDGES is well-positioned to continue its growth and maintain its leadership in the memory subsystem IPs market. Learn more about the company and its offerings by visiting the official website at www.openedges.com. HIGHLIGHTS Instagram offers a way to make your chats more personalisedby allowing you to choose chat theme or colour. In this article, we will tell you how to set a theme or colour for your Instagram chat, and how to turn on Dark mode on Instagram. Dark mode cannot be turned on or off in the Instagram app for iPhone and can only be adjusted in your iPhone's device settings. In the vibrant world of social media, Meta-owned Instagram has become a hub for sharing moments, expressing creativity, and connecting with friends. Amidst the countless photos and stories, the direct messaging feature stands out as a personalised space for private conversations. Now, imagine adding a unique touch to your chats that reflects your style. Instagram offers a way to make your chats more personalisedby allowing you to choose chat theme or colour. With just a few taps, you can infuse your conversations with your style and preferences, creating a more enjoyable and engaging chatting experience. This simple guide will help you to easily customise your chats on Instagram with themes and colours. Also read: Instagrams Quiet mode: What it is & how to use it How to change Instagram chat themes and colours Step 1: Open the Instagram app. Step 2: Tap the arrow icon or messenger icon present at the top right corner of the feed. Step 3: Tap a conversation from your Chats list. Step 4: Tap the chat name at the top. Step 5: Now, tap the Theme option. Step 6: Select a chat theme or select a colour by scrolling down. Your chat will automatically switch to your chosen theme. Also read: How to tag someone on your Instagram story: Easy guide Now that youve mastered customising your Instagram chats with themes and colours, take your personalisation to the next level by using the Dark mode. Lets check out how to turn on Dark mode on Instagram. How to turn on Dark mode on Instagram How to turn on Dark mode on Instagram from Android Step 1: Open the Instagram app. Step 2: Tap on your profile picture present in the bottom right to go to your profile. Step 3: Tap the three horizontal lines present at the top right corner. Step 4: Select the Settings and privacy option. Step 5: Navigate and tap the Accessibility option. Step 6: Tap the Dark mode option. Step 7: From here you can turn Dark mode on or off by tapping the circle next to On or Off. You can also choose to adjust the Dark mode for Instagram based on your devices settings by selecting the System default option. Its important to note that turning on Dark mode on Instagram from your Android device will only enable Dark mode in the Instagram app. How to turn on Dark mode on Instagram from iOS Dark mode cannot be turned on or off in the Instagram app for iPhone. It can only be adjusted in your iPhones device settings. If you turn on Dark mode in your iPhones device settings, you may see Dark mode activated on several apps, not just Instagram. Also, Dark mode cannot be turned on or off in the Instagram app for iPhone. HIGHLIGHTS Telegram automatically deletes your account if it has not been in use for 6 months. If you are found violating the terms of service, then Telegram can ban your account. Telegram doesnt offer an option where you can recover your deleted account. Telegram is quite a popular messaging app. After WhatsApp, Telegram is one of the most used texting apps. Moreover, it is not just a messaging platform but people use it a lot for business, shopping, and movies too. I have told you how to set up your Telegram account on the web. But what if you lose access to your account? Dont worry I will tell you how you can recover your Telegram account in such a situation. When can your Telegram account get deleted? There are various reasons why your Telegram account might get deleted. You might have deleted it on your own Sometimes social media gets a bit overwhelming and you might want to take a break from Telegram. Thats when you might wish to delete your account. You havent used Telegram for a while If you do not use your Telegram account for 6 months at a stretch, then Telegram will automatically delete your account. Violation of Policy If you are found violating the terms of service, then Telegram can ban your account. Now before I get into how you can recover your Telegram account, there are certain points that you should take note of. Firstly, once your account is deleted you lose all your messages, shared media, and contacts. However, your groups and channels will stay, but without a creator. Secondly, once you delete your account, you might not be able to sign in again using the same mobile number for a couple of days. Lets now get into how we can recover our Telegram account once deleted. Also read: Here are 5 Telegram features you might not be using How to recover your Telegram account once deleted? Unfortunately, Telegram doesnt offer an option where you can recover your deleted account. So once deleted, your account is gone permanently, along with the messages and media. But heres something that you can do. Creating a new account using the same number Once your account is permanently deleted, theres no way to get it back. Fortunately, you can create a new account using the same number. However, like I said previously, your messages and media will not come back. Follow these steps: Download the Telegram App on your smartphone. Open the app and tap on the Start Messaging button. Now select your country to generate the code. The next step for you is to type in your mobile number. Click on Continue. Recheck and confirm if your mobile number is correct and tap on Continue. Telegram will then send you a verification code. Type in the code. Your account is now active just enter your first and last name (from the old account), and insert a picture from Gallery. If you deleted your account by mistake or it was banned, you can contact the Telegram support team to help you recover your account. Heres what you need to do. From mobile: Open the Telegram app Enter your country Type in your banned mobile number Confirm your mobile number and click on continue It will say This mobile number is banned. You now have to click on Help here. It will open your mail. Draft a mail with your concern and send it to the Telegram support team. The support team will take over a week to review your concern and get back. Also read: Telegram Web: Heres how to setup and use it on your PC From web: Go to telegram.org/support Type in your problem in the space provided Type in your email id Enter your mobile number Click on the Submit icon Your complaint will now be registered. You just have to wait for a reply from Telegram. HIGHLIGHTS The sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models would be suspended in the US. Masimo, a player in the medical tech industry, has been engaged in multiple legal battles with Apple. Apple had violated two of the patents that were associated with the pulse oximeter feature in the Apple Watch. Apple has stated that sales of its premium Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models would be suspended in the US, which is a significant step taken by the company. The decision has been revealed by Apple to 9to5Mac. The action which takes effect later this week is in reaction to an International Trade Commission (ITC) decision regarding a lengthy patent dispute involving the medical technology company, Masimo. Why is Masimo involved? Masimo, a player in the medical tech industry, has been engaged in multiple legal battles with Apple, revolving around the claims that Masimos patents are violated by the Apple Watchs blood oxygen sensor technology. This legal dispute has originated from several lawsuits that Masimo has brought against Apple through the years. Why the sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are being stopped? In June 2021 the ITC became more actively engaged when Masimo lodged a complaint due to dissatisfaction with the proceedings of a district court case that began in early 2020. The ITCs decision in October concluded that Apple had violated two of the patents that were associated with the pulse oximeter feature in the Apple Watch. Also read: Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2: India price and new features Following the decision, a 60-day Presidential Review Period had been initiated, scheduled to conclude on the 25th of December. Anticipating the potential for a veto from the Biden administration, Apple is implementing measures to halt the sales of the affected models on its website from 21st December and in retail locations after 24th December. The repercussions of the ban extend to Apples suppliers, consumers, and the broader economy as Apples wearables business brought in a substantial $13.48 billion in revenue during the Q1 2023 holiday quarter, amplifying the potential consequences. As the experts weigh the economic significance of a potential Apple Watch ban, Apple emphasizes the negative impact on the valuable health-related features of the Apple Watch. The company is appealing to the Biden administration to reassess ITCs decision, pointing out the adverse impact it could have on both the suppliers as well as the consumers. Also read: How Google Pixel Watch 2 competes with Apple & Samsung smartwatches The legal dispute between the two: Apple and Masimo involves multiple countersuits and accusations, creating a complex legal narrative. Though Apple might plan to appeal ITCs decision, the future outcome remains undecided. To conclude, Apple is anticipating additional information regarding the status of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. market. Marshall, as a brand, has built a legacy over the years of being one of the best brands in the business of making consumer audio products. At Digit, we recently reviewed their two new Bluetooth Speakers Marshall Acton III and Marshall Woburn III. Both these speakers were an instant hit amongst the folks at the Test Centre and when the Marshall Middleton showed up, we expected nothing less from it. The Marshall Middleton did deliver on all the promises it was packing. So much so that we awarded it the Digit Zero1 Award 2023 in the Best Performing Bluetooth Speakers category. The Middleton went past heavyweights like the Devialet Mania and the JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi to claim the crown. So, lets have a look at what makes the Marshal Middleton special and how it claimed the top spot in the Best Performing Bluetooth Speakers category in the Digit Zero1 Awards 2023 Build and Design The Marshall Middleton is a quintessential Marshall speaker when it comes to its design and build. You do not get a lot of colours. Just the good old combination of Black and Golden, which we have come to love and associate with Marshalls products. On the outside, you get the leather finish on a rubberised material, which is again a very Marshall aesthetic, with the branding up and centre. However, unlike its bigger cousins, the Acton and the Woburn, the Middleton is a much smaller speaker, and comes with rubberised feet, an IP rating, a metallic grill at the front, and hook for the lanyard, which can be used to attach this ultra-portable speaker to a backpack or something similar. As for the controls, apart from the central knob, which has a click and quad-directional movement, the rest of the controls are integrated into the top of the speakers rubberised finished body. That helps with the overall durability of the speaker, ensuring there are no ingress points to hamper the IP rating. However, in my time of using the speaker, I missed the much more tactile feeling controls which I have come to expect from Marshalls speakers. The central control knob is still metallic and retains the tactile feel of the controls we find on Marshalls speakers. The overall build and design of the speaker is solid. It retains the quintessential guitar-amp aesthetic of Marshall speakers. The feet ensure that the speaker stays put, and the metallic grill on top ensures that during the course of outdoor use, the speaker will retain its aesthetic appeal when you bring it back in. Overall, there is not much to complain about in terms of the build and design of the Marshall Middleton. The speaker is built and designed to retain the essence of a luxury speaker that you would flaunt in your house, and at the same time, also ensure that when you take it out, it is able to power through all that you send its way. Features Few but well done If you have read about or explored Marshalls Bluetooth speakers, then you would know that the brand does not pack all the fancy stuff that are generally present in mainstream speakers in the market. Marshall Middleton is no different in that regard. In my Best Buy Awards Testing this year as well, Marshall Middleton scored the second-lowest score in terms of features, just above the Devialet Mania, but not by a lot. Marshall has gone with what I have come to see as a quality-over-quantity approach. This is a common theme in the products from brands that are traditionally more included towards giving the user a better listening experience over features. Their products are not what we traditionally know as lifestyle products. They cater to a subset of consumers who are willing to compromise on features in exchange for great audio and build quality that compliments it. The Middleton has a few bells to ring around though. The brand has added support for daisy chaining speakers, which allows you to create a truly wireless stereo setup using Marshalls speakers. You get app support, which I honestly dont quite understand. The most you can do from here is enable Stack Mode which is their name for the daisy chaining feature, and control bass and treble, thats about it. The bass and treble can be controlled from the speaker itself. The only use of this app is for the Stack Mode. A few more integrations and a graphic EQ that allows users to customise their sound at a more in-depth level would be a great thing to have in my opinion. Marshall, please fix. Also, while you are at it, please add high-quality CODEC support. Thanks! Due to the form factor and the positioning of this speaker, you get an official IP rating for this speaker. The Marshall Middleton has an IP67 rating which means the speaker can withstand a few splashes of water and is fairly resistant to dust. So, unlike other Marshall speakers, you actually do not need to worry about the speaker when you are out an about with it. And, the fact that the speaker has an in-built battery, which doubles up as a power bank as well, makes the case better for Marshall Middleton, which is otherwise, quite low on features. Marshall Middleton The king of performance The part which won the Marshall Middleton Digit Zero1 Award 2023 in the Best Performing Bluetooth Speakers category the performance. Marshall aced every test we threw at it. In terms of the sound, the Marshall Middleton boasts a fairly balanced sound signature. The bass, the mids, and the highs, all three fluencies and their sub-frequencies,, are balanced to the point where I can be confident in recommending this speaker to a person who listens to classical music and to someone who is into the much bassier hip-hop music. Due to its compact size, the speaker is not able to produce the sub-bass that its bigger cousins were able to produce, or for that matter, some of the competing speakers as well. However, the balanced profile ensures that the speaker is more versatile than the others, and the missing parts of the sub-bass frequencies can be forgiven. In terms of loudness, the Marshall Middleton put in fairly impressive numbers. The speaker recorded a respectable 86dB of SPL reading, which was the second-lowest of the lot. However, the other speakers were much bigger in terms of their size, and hence were able to provide a much louder sound output. What also amazed me about the speaker was its wide soundstage and excellent layering and separation. If you ever plan on trying this speaker out, I would recommend you use the track Hotel California for the test. We use the track here at the Test Centre, and everyone was surprised as to how well this speaker was able to separate the different frequencies that are present in the track. And, be it gaming or movie watching, there was no noticeable lag that I experienced with this speaker. What about the battery life? The part where this speaker overtook the otherwise equally matched Devialet Mania, was the battery life . The Marshall Middleton comes with a claimed battery life of over 20 hours. In my setting, the speaker lasted around seven and a half hours. Now, this is much less than what is advertised. And, your settings while using the speaker will definitely make a difference in this number. The speaker has a USB-C port for charging. The same port can be used for charging and providing a power output as well, in case you need a power bank at hand in a crunch situation. If you want to make the most of the speakers battery, then you can also connect to the speaker using the 3.5mm audio jack that has been provided on the speaker, right next to the charging port. Should you buy the Marshall Middleton? The last word on Marshall Middleton from me is the speaker screams quality and makes for a great buy if you are looking for the best listening experience. The speaker won the Digit Zero1 Award 2023, in the Best Performing Bluetooth Speakers category for a reason. It provides great sound, at a fair price and ensures that regardless of the genre that you are listening to, you are in for a treat. However, if you are looking for a feature-rich alternative to the Marshall Middleton, then I would say, you can look at the Sony SRS-XE300, which launched last year, or the JBL Charge 5. Both these speakers are packed with features and come with a sound signature out of the box, which, in my experience, would be great for almost everyone who is into a slightly bass-demanding genre of content or music Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Vietnamese IC design emerges amid growing interest from IC design giants Amid a growing electronics ecosystem emerging in Southeast Asia, Vietnam's potential was recognized by chipmakers as Nvidia initiated its expansion, eyeing an IC design center in the country. With rising demand for mature-node chips, relocation efforts by global electronics suppliers, and global chip investments from companies like Amkor and Marvell, US-based EDA tool provider Synopsys foresaw a growing IC design industry in Vietnam. As per local media, when meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Nvidia said it plans to invest US$250 million in Vietnam. Huang's visit followed a warming bilateral relationship between the US and Vietnam as US President Joe Biden visited Vietnam in September, announcing the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that covers semiconductors. More similar investments and visits by US semiconductor companies and their executives are expected to follow. Given the growing scale of Vietnam's domestic market, locally designed chips have the opportunity in low-end applications before entering the systematic level, attracting major IC design houses, such as Marvell and Nvidia, to expand Vietnam as one of their global design hubs. In September 2023, Synopsys announced its collaboration with the Authority of ICT Industry of Vietnam (AICTI), under the Ministry of Information and Communications, to advance semiconductor development in Vietnam and support AICTI's plans to establish a Vietnam semiconductor research institute. AICTI is drafting a semiconductor strategy by utilizing Synopsys' technology in proto-design and simulation to optimize System-on-Chip software and hardware co-design. Robert Li, chairman and president of Synopsys Taiwan and vice president for sales at Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and India, said Vietnam could follow successful examples, such as Taiwan, without starting everything from scratch, adding that Synopsys had undertaken various training programs around the world, enabling newcomers to integrate into and contribute to the company seamlessly. India emerges as a global hub for RISC-V design, says Sequoia-backed fabless startup India is one of the fastest-growing countries in the technology segment. The recent push to encourage the semiconductor industry is adding impetus to this, with OSAT businesses being set up. Taking this one step further, G S Madhusudan, CEO of the Chennai-based startup InCore Semiconductors, pointed out that India is poised to be the epicenter for RISC-V chip design. This is significant as some of the major companies like Meta recently expressed their interest in RISC-V, hinting at moving away from x86 architecture. "India, for instance, accounts for 30 to 40 percent of chip design activities globally, with a higher percentage in physical design," Madhusudan said. "Companies like Google have shifted their physical design teams to India. Hence, India is becoming a design epicenter, especially in the RISC-V space. Given this context, an Indian core supplier, integrated with major design companies like TCS, HCL, Tessolve, and Wipro, becomes a preferable choice." InCore, established in 2018 and supported by funding from PeakXV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), was created with the mission to harness the expertise and insights gained from the Shakti Microprocessor project at IIT Madras. This initiative aims to innovate and develop advanced commercial processor technologies. Standing out with configurability Fundamentally, there are several key players in this space - SiFive in Taiwan, Codasip in the UK, and companies like Imagination Technologies. MIPS is also entering the market. Chinese and Russian competitors generally don't cater to global markets due to internal policies. In contrast, most companies focus broadly on embedded spaces and IP cores. "InCore's competitive edge is derived from its strategic positioning within one of the key markets and its integration within a broader, more expansive ecosystem compared to our rivals," explained Madhusudan. "While there is no shortage of global talent, what sets us apart is not solely the caliber of our coding. It's our commitment to customer service, the simplicity with which features can be integrated, and the degree of customization we offer." InCore Semiconductors stands out for its high configurability. In contrast to its competitors, who offer a range of 20 to 30 distinct cores, InCore offers access to core generators. As a result, each client benefits from a core that is both tailor-made and optimized for their specific needs. This level of automation is not limited to core generation - it extends to the realms of documentation and verification. However, the company emphasizes that the core is just one aspect of its offeringsthe entirety of the ecosystem holds equal significance in its service model. Market strategy InCore's strategic focus is on leveraging its India-based operations to target local market segments initially, which facilitates easier validation of its products. Despite this local focus, it has attracted interest from the international aerospace and automotive industries in recent years. The company has recently achieved a notable design win and is collaborating with partners to deliver tailored solutions to these markets. "These partnerships are not just about providing core technology; they are also about co-creating solutions that result in semi-integrated products similar to Foxconn's model, which is attractive to many Indian companies looking for high-margin opportunities," Madhusudan said. "InCore's approach allows them to offer ready-made solutions that can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of their clients, thereby reducing time to market and minimizing risk." InCore is addressing the challenges faced by Indian service companies, particularly the linear revenue model that relies on scaling teams for additional chip designs. They advocate for a model where revenue growth is achieved through standardized solutions that can be adapted for multiple customers. Customer satisfaction InCore Semiconductors prioritizes customer success by providing extensive support from the initial chip design phase to the final stages of application development. InCore places importance on informing customers about the nuances of RISC-V technology, ensuring a smooth integration process. "As a fabless company, we specialize in chip design while leveraging the expertise of established multinational corporations for physical design, silicon validation, and volume production," Madhusudan said. "We have forged partnerships that enable us to fulfill large-scale supply commitments, such as delivering 20 million units for certain clients." InCore aims to function as a comprehensive solutions provider, overseeing the progression from initial specifications to the software that follows silicon production. The effectiveness of InCore's operations is attributed to a carefully built ecosystem of partners over several years, which facilitates complete solutions and optimizes each partner's contribution. The founding team at InCore Semiconductors. Credit: InCore. TSMC announces Mark Liu's decision to retire in 2024 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) today announced that its Chairman Mark Liu has decided not to seek the nomination of TSMC board membership for the next term and will retire from the company after the 2024 Annual Shareholders Meeting. TSMC's Nominating, Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee of the board recommends vice chairman and CEO C.C. Wei to succeed as the company's next Chairman, subject to the election of the incoming board in June 2024. TSMC has not disclosed the candidate to succeed Wei as the CEO. As chairman, Liu is the main decision-maker behind TSMC's investment in Phoenix, Arizona the United States, Kumamoto, Japan, and Dresden, Germany. Mark Liu joined TSMC in 1993 and assumed the role of chairman after TSMC founder Morris Chang's retirement in June 2018. During his tenure, Mark Liu has reaffirmed the company's commitment to its mission and focus on enhancing corporate governance and competitiveness, particularly in technology leadership, digital excellence, and global footprint, according to a TSMC press release. Seattle architect Ito honored by AIA for socially conscious design [enlarge] Itos projects include permanent supportive housing community Bertha Pitts Campbell Place on First Hill Douglas Ito, managing principal of Seattle firm SMR Architects, has been awarded the 2024 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. This distinguished national honor is bestowed annually upon an architect or organization that champions and actively addresses social issues such as affordable housing, inclusiveness, or universal accessibility. The board of directors and the strategic council of the American Institute of Architects selected Ito for this year's honor in recognition of his leadership in affordable housing and how his work embodies the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. In a press release, AIA celebrated Ito's 26-year career, during which time he has designed the entire spectrum of affordable housing, from shelters to multifamily apartments, proving himself an ardent proponent of mission-driven projects that generate significant social impact and transform communities. Photos by William Wright Photography [enlarge] and the 57-unit Artspace in Mount Baker. Ito joined SMR Architects after attending the master's program at the University of Washington and has been a key leader at the 39-person firm ever since. AIA highlighted his work designing housing for a range of low-income populations that include the formerly homeless, immigrants, and seniors. The press release states that SMR has added more than 2,400 affordable housing units across Washington, many of which Ito navigated through the Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard or LEED certification. These projects include Bertha Pitts Campbell Place, a 100-unit permanent supportive housing community on First Hill, which opened last June, and Artspace, a unique affordable housing building with 57 units for artists, located adjacent to the Mount Baker light rail station. Artspace opened in 2014. In addition to designing affordable communities, Ito has a storied history supporting initiatives focused on social equity and ending homelessness. He has been a vocal advocate for Washington's most vulnerable residents as a member of the city of Tacoma's Affordable Housing Technical Advisory Group, as president of the AIA Washington Council's board of directors, and as a member of the Washington State Department of Commerce's Affordable Housing Advisory Board. Photo courtesy of Housing Development Consortium [enlarge] Ito is a longtime supporter of affordable housing initiatives. He also served on the Housing Development Consortium's board for eight years, including through a pivotal moment in Seattle's history of funding affordable housing. As president of the board, Ito stewarded a successful campaign for the city's 2016 housing levy, a $290 million initiative that exceeded its goals of adding 2,150 new rental units and assisting 280 low-income homeowners. With that levy set to expire this year, Ito was asked to join the 2023 Housing Levy Committee as a co-chair and advocated for its successful renewal and expansion at $970 million. Ito was also recognized for his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He leads SMR's efforts to diversify its own ranks as well as the consultants it partners with. By receiving this award Ito has been elevated to AIA Fellow. I am honored to be selected for the 2024 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award and elevation to AIA Fellowship. It is wonderful to be recognized for work that has been a focus of my entire career at SMR Architects; expanding affordable housing options, sustainability, and accessible design, Ito told the DJC. I hope receiving (the award) brings increased visibility to the power of thoughtful, equity-centered design and sparks conversation on how we can continue improving access, dignity, and belonging through architecture. This recognition indicates the profession is moving in an encouraging direction. Still, more progress awaits, and I look forward to continuing my work expanding affordable and inclusive housing, Ito added. The Whitney M. Young Jr. Award has been given annually since 1972. It is named for civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr., who challenged architects to assume their professional responsibility to address pressing social issues. (Ito) shows that architecture and architects have come a long way from Whitney M. Young Jr.'s speech on the matter of affordable housing, Tammie Sueirro, executive director of AIA Washington Council, wrote in a letter nominating Ito for the award. Dedicating his career to eradicating homelessness by advocating for and designing affordable housing for those most vulnerable in our communities, he exhibits the activist, idealist nature of Whitney M. Young Jr. Subscriber content preview DALLAS (AP) Southwest Airlines is paying $140 million to settle a government investigation over a meltdown last holiday season that led to thousands of canceled flights. The airline will pay a $35 million fine and get credit for compensation provided to travelers. . . . Subscriber content preview NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee transportation officials on Monday recommended that new, optional toll lanes be added to some highways around Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville. At a news conference, the Tennessee Department of Transportation said the sections would include Interstate 24 between downtown Nashville and Murfreesboro; Interstate 65 between downtown Nashville and Spring Hill; Interstate 24 in Chattanooga around Moccasin Bend; and Interstate 40 west of downtown Knoxville near where it splits with Interstate 75. . . . Subscriber content preview Photos by Built Work Photography [enlarge] Foras studio features a large hummingbird mural by local artist Angelina Villalobos. Landscape architecture firm Weisman Design Group is now Fora Landscape Architects. The rebrand was initiated to coincide with the firm's 40th anniversary this year. The company also celebrated its anniversary in the fall with the grand opening of a new studio space at 1430 N.E. 65th St. in Seattle's Roosevelt neighborhood. . . . Palestinians living in Ireland have made emotional appeals to the Government to do more to secure the safe passage of their loved ones from Gaza. Several families gathered in Dublin on Tuesday to implore the authorities to help their relatives flee the ongoing Israeli bombardment of the enclave. The cases highlighted included Irish citizens who have still not managed to get out of Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Others involved Palestinians who have made Ireland home and who are desperately trying to get their loved ones to safety. Batoul Hania managed to escape Gaza in recent weeks with her four children but her husband, Zak, an Irish passport holder, remains in the region unable to leave. Her relative, Isra, whom she travelled with and who is an Irish citizen, is in the same situation, with her husband Muhamed also being prevented from leaving. I came from there, I came from hell and I know every little thing about that, said Batoul Hania. Her family were originally evacuated from north to south Gaza, a journey they had to make on foot. It was like going through hell, shattered pieces, blood here and there, the smell of the dead bodies, shooting, queuing us for 45 minutes in the hot sun, she said. Just having the horrifying scenarios that they (Israeli Defence Forces) will grab anyone from us, while queuing in front of their tanks and in front of the horrifying soldiers, who were pointing their rifles against our kids faces. Ms Hania said the Irish embassy in Cairo helped secure the family a route out via the Rafah crossing. We were surprised on the day we had to leave Zak and Muhamed, the men, and just go with the kids, she said. And this was very heart-breaking for us because its really splitting families, I know that the Israelis are very, very excellent at this, at splitting families apart. She added: Zak is an Irish citizen, he has the privilege and he has the right to go out so we still wonder why his name was not on the list. Ms Hania is also trying to secure the passage of her parents, Fatima and Abdul Raouf, and her brother, Ahmed. Fatin Al Tamimi, who has lived in Ireland for 35 years, is trying to get her sister, Heba, and her family out of Gaza. Hebas home has already been destroyed in the Israeli bombing. Because of the destruction and the misery they are living in, she is begging me to leave, said Ms Al Tamimi. I know my sister is not Irish, but Im Irish and I want her safety. I want to see her safe. I want to see my nieces and nephews safe. I want them out. So, please, they (Irish Government) dont have to bring them to Ireland, they dont have to accommodate them in any way, just give them the right, safe way to leave Gaza desperately for a better life or to survive. Among other cases highlighted at the event were Akram and Hanan Samour whose daughter, Saja, is trapped in Gaza; Nada Musleh whose husband, Abdallah, remains in the enclave; and Nour Ashour who has a number of relatives still in Gaza, including her sister, Aya Al Muhtadi, and their father, Mohammed. People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett, said the Government must initiate an emergency response to help get Palestinians with Irish links out of the enclave. I think everybody can understand just how serious the situation is and how terrified the families are, he told reporters at the close of the event at Buswells Hotel, Dublin. So, I just want to reiterate the plea that the Government would respond to the families, respond to us and understand that this is not a normal situation. And that, you know, talk of long visa processes or any of that, this is totally different. The people who have talked to you (at the event) dont know if their family members will be alive tomorrow and were asking for an emergency response from the Government to help them get their family members to safety. Thats what we hope will come out of it. Irelands deputy premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said the Government had not been given reasons why some Irish citizens had not yet been allowed to leave via the Rafah crossing. He said the Government continued to work to secure the safe passage of Irish citizens and their dependants from Gaza. We dont take these issues lightly, he said. But the bottom line is Israel does have a very strong determining say as to who leaves. The Egyptians also play a role, their role is more on the receiving side of those who are allowed out of Gaza. Were not in control of who eventually gets out. We can make representations, we do everything we can to get Irish citizens out, along with their dependants as well. And its a very tragic situation for the families. Tanaiste Mr Martin also criticised Mr Boyd Barretts stance, claiming he was trying to turn the situation into a wedge issue and make it about which party is more pro-Palestinian than the others. A spokesman for the Tanaistes department said: A small number of Irish citizens remain in Gaza. The Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing 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. Exit from Gaza is subject to the final decision of the relevant local authorities. The relevant authorities have made clear to all countries with citizens in Gaza that the current focus for facilitated departures from Gaza is on foreign and dual nationals and immediate dependants accompanying them. The failure to restore the Stormont powersharing institutions is a denial of democracy, Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin has said. Mr Martin said he was disappointed after talks between the UK Government and Northern Ireland parties finished on Tuesday with no return of the Assembly before Christmas. The Tanaiste said he could not see a reason why the Stormont Executive could not return this week. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said talks with the parties over a financial package, and with the DUP over the Windsor Framework, have concluded. But DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said there was still no agreement which addressed his concerns over post-Brexit trading arrangements. Mr Martin said: First of all, Im very disappointed with how this has transpired. I think a lot of progress was made and there was a lot of discussion going on between the British Government and the DUP in respect of the working out of the Windsor Agreement and the additional reassurances that the British Government had given the DUP in respect of unfettered trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and vice versa. So, its very difficult to come to any conclusion as to why we dont have the restoration of the executive and institutions this week, because it seems to me Im not clear whats left to negotiate in respect of those issues. Fairly detailed discussions did take place between the UK Government and the DUP, and then the financial package was revealed by the UK Government, and the Northern parties were engaged in talks all week. Mr Martin said the lack of powersharing in Northern Ireland was a denial of democracy. He said: Its 18 months now since the election and the people of Northern Ireland deserve a government, and the situation is becoming very challenging fiscally, its becoming very challenging for the civil servants and the departments to manage health, education, housing, and so on because of the funding issues, and its very, very serious. Now, whether or not this can be brought to a conclusion in the first week of January or the second week in January remains to be seen. But we will be having discussions with the Secretary of State before the week is out, in the next day or two, and in that context we will be discussing next steps. Because the Irish government is very concerned that because of the failure of strand one, strand two is not operating, which is the north-south bodies, which is an integral part of the Good Friday Agreement, and thats simply not sustainable. He added: My view is that the results of the election should be honoured ie, there should be a Sinn Fein first minister, DUP deputy first minister. Ive a difficulty in voiding, if you like, the election result. On the other hand, we do need to look at the reform agenda. My ideal would have been to have the executive restored, the assembly restored, and then look at reforming it in such a way that no party could ever again have a veto on the restoration of the assembly and the restoration of an executive. Because in a normal situation, when an election happens, a parliament is convened and a government gets formed. Its not acceptable that in this day and age we have a situation in Northern Ireland where you dont have a parliament and you dont have a government. The issue of shoplifting and the effects on retailers was discussed at a Dail committee last week where Dundalk retailer Colin Fee and Louth TD Ruairi O Murchu discussed the problems faced by shopkeepers. Mr Fee, who owns forecourt stores in Dundalk and is president of the Retail Grocery Dairy and Allied Trades Association (RGDATA), was one of a number of witnesses to give evidence at the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. In his interaction with Mr Fee, Deputy O Murchu said Ireland has a reputation for having the best shoplifters going, when new detection technologies are being talked about, and he asked if the Dundalk store owner agreed. Mr Fee said: I do not know what other countries are like but we are a nation of cute hoors. It is a problem that has always been there but it is much bigger than people realise. People look at it as petty stuff. However, a large number of small things become a big number. They start getting more aggressive and that is when it starts hurting when the staff feel threatened. The Sinn Fein TD said he had once spent a summer as a security guard. He said: I was told you do not put your hand on anybody unless you think they can get a six-month sentence. We have all seen where the witnesses are dealing with a greater level of aggression. It is particularly seen in hospital settings, where you can be dealing with very chaotic characters. A security guard will probably not take that risk and the people at the other end are probably aware of that. It is an issue that needs to be addressed. If you go through court reports, you will find it is the same names. If you break them down individually, they are not crimes that will get a person a life sentence. These are probably chaotic people. When they are not busy shoplifting, they are eating tablets and whatever else. It is a wider societal issue but the witnesses have to deal with it. I am not saying there is any way to absolutely police that. There needs to be some element of sanction, and chaotic circumstances need to be addressed. We also need to at least try to address it in relation to future generations. Sometimes, the problem for the witnesses is they will be dealing with these people head on. We can all talk about what needs to be done in respect of intergenerational trauma, addiction and mental health issues, but it is not always pretty when you have to deal with it in your shop and it is going off on one of your staff members. Mr Fee said it was not pretty at the coalface. He said: If you have a site in a disadvantaged area, 95% of the people are nice, law-abiding, good people. It is just a small minority. My biggest problem is that there seems to be no deterrent. Earlier, I mentioned a guy who has four, five or six bench warrants against him. He came back in and robbed again. In fairness to the gardai, they got him. He has done us perhaps 20 times. As I said, we started reporting everything. We had five or six but he was up for other stuff in other shops as well. Two gardai took him to another court an hour's drive away to get him. The judge let him out and he came back and shoplifted in our shop that night. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A Palestinian solidarity protest in Dundalk has heard how the government has to build consensus with European countries who are willing to stand up for Gaza. The protest, which was held at Market Square on Sunday and organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), heard from a number of speakers, including Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu, who said that 18,800 Palestinians had been killed by Israel, including over 8,000 children in the last two and a half months. Deputy O Murchu said: I dont know how anyone can stand over those kind of numbers. Its absolutely disgraceful. We have seen the United Nations Security Council where we saw the disgraceful veto by America, against a resolution just calling for a ceasefire. He continued, saying that while there has been "some movement" by the European Union, it was "taking an absolutely ridiculous amount of time". Deputy O Murchu said he had spoken recently at an EU event in Madrid and what some European countries were saying was "absolutely disgraceful". He said he agreed with the Irish government on one thing the EU is losing all credibility. The Louth TD said: We need to maintain protests like these this matters to the Irish people; we dont want to be associated with genocide. "The Irish government can press ahead, with others. We need to make sure that pressure is put on Israel because it never had to suffer for any of the humanitarian breaches, or breaches of international law or war crimes it has committed. "We need to make sure that happens at a county council level, at a government level and at an EU level. We need to work with countries that will move and are willing to take action. "To witness genocide live on TV is utterly sickening in the modern age. What is needed is a durable ceasefire, a durable peace and, beyond that, justice for the Palestinian people in the form of self-determination." In what could be a significant boost to the local economy Oriel Wind Farm has announced it is continuing to progress its plans for an offshore wind farm in the North Irish Sea and intends to apply for planning permission for the project to An Bord Pleanala early next year. The proposed wind farm will be located off the Co Louth coast and will have a generating capacity of up to 375 megawatts (MW), which is the equivalent of the energy used to power about 300,000 homes. It is hoped that if given the go ahead the development and operation of the windfarm project will deliver a range of local economic and community benefits to Louth as well as to the general Northeast region. Pending approval the wind farm will be developed by Parkwind and ESB. We have been busy in recent months continuing to advance this key renewable energy project, which we believe will be Irelands first commercial scale offshore wind farm, said Garrett Connell, Parkwind Country Manager for Ireland. While Oriel did not secure a contract under the Offshore Renewable Energy Support Scheme auction earlier this year, the development of the project has continued apace during the past six months. We have made huge progress in putting some of the final touches to our planning application, which we intend to lodge early in the New Year, Mr Connell added. The core of the Oriel Windfarm hasnt changed its a renewable energy project that will help meet Irelands target of having 80% of its electricity generated by renewable sources by 2030. One of the first offshore wind farms to be planned in Ireland, in recent years, the Oriel team has completed a large number of detailed scientific site studies and consultations, determining the final design and location of the facility. Oriel will include 25 offshore wind turbines, with each turbine capable of generating 15 megawatts of power. If brought to fruition the Oriel project will significantly reduce Irelands carbon emissions, while also reducing the States reliance on imported fossil fuels, such as coal and gas. Once operational, the group says Oriel will save 600,000 tonnes of carbon per year which is about the same amount of carbon produced by 220,000 cars. Oriel Wind Farm held the latest in a series of public consultation events in January and February of this year to inform local stakeholders in relation to the status of the project, and to seek their views in relation to the proposed development. In advance of a planning application being submitted early next year, Oriel says it has also been engaging with key State agencies in recent months. Oriel was granted a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD in December of last year. A MAC is a new type of formal consent that must be granted by the Irish government before a proposed offshore windfarm project can apply for planning permission to An Bord Pleanala (ABP). The awarding of the MAC late last year meant that Oriel could formally engage with representatives of ABP in recent months on the process for making a planning application. We will advertise the application in the local and regional press before it is made, Mr Connell said. Following submission of the application, An Bord Pleanala will hold a public consultation where interested parties can make observations on the project directly to the Bord, he added. The planning process is expected to take up to 12 months and if successful, construction of the Oriel wind farm could begin in 2026 and become operational by 2027. Information on the proposed project is available at www.orielwindfarm.ie. The project also has a public information office in Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and if you would like to meet with the project team this can be arranged through the website or by calling (01) 963 0313. Polar IceTech has been honoured as the first company in Ireland to achieve the Business All-Star Best In Class Sustainable Cleaning Company 2024 accreditation from the prestigious All-Ireland Business Foundation. The accreditation is awarded to companies that demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability. This includes implementing practices and policies that minimise the companys carbon footprint, reduce waste generation, conserve resources, and promote eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Polar IceTech specialises in dry ice cleaning which uses reclaimed and recycled food grade CO2 which is carbon neutral and contains no chemicals or toxins. It has been proven to clean delicate and high value equipment in a shorter time than traditional cleaning methods and allows companies to continue their production lines without significant interruption. The company, which is based in Midleton, is one of the only companies offering the service in Ireland on a full-time basis and has been working with businesses across a number of sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, electrical, food, and historical restoration. Polar IceTech employs 10 people and has a customer base across Ireland and the UK. The All-Ireland Business Foundation is a national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best In Class in Irish business. The Best In Class Sustainable Cleaning accreditation places a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability in reporting sustainability efforts, including regular monitoring, measurement, and disclosure of key performance indicators related to environmental impact reduction. Overall, the accreditation recognises companies that prioritise environmental responsibility and actively strive towards a cleaner and greener future. Damien McDonnell, CEO of Polar IceTech, said: We have made it our mission to change the way industry cleans and have proven to deliver positive results for the companies who have availed of the service. We know that many companies across all sectors are trying to improve their sustainability methods and our dry ice cleaning service will go a long way towards helping them achieve their targets as there is no waste water and no chemicals are used in the process. The Best In Class accreditation from All-Ireland Business Foundation is an incredible achievement for the entire team at Polar IceTech as it acknowledges the unique service we provide and I would like to thank them for the honour. We hope to continue moving forward and making a difference to companies right around the country. Polar IceTech has also achieved All-Ireland Business Foundation All-Star status for the third year in a row THE first stage in the development of a flood relief scheme for Ballinhassig has commenced. Eight homes in the area suffered significant flooding from the Owenabue River on several occasions, most recently during Storm Babet in October this year. A spokesperson for the OPW told The Echo: The signing of a contract with Malachy Walsh and Partners marks the first stage of the development of a flood relief scheme which will protect eight residential properties located close to Ballinhassig Village. The successful consultant was identified following an extensive tender process. Cork County Council will manage the delivery of the flood relief scheme in partnership with the Office of Public Works [OPW], who is funding the scheme. Devastation The Mayor of County Cork Frank OFlynn said: The importance of providing flood mitigation measures to communities vulnerable to flooding could not be over emphasised, saying Storm Babet highlighted the devastation suffered by property owners in flood risk areas including the Ballinhassig residents. Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick ODonovan, added: My office and Cork County Council will continue to work together with Malachy Walsh and Partners to progress this scheme. As with all OPW flood relief projects, this scheme, when constructed, will be adaptable to continue to protect against todays flood risk and the growing risk from climate change into the future. Community action Denis McCarthy, chairman of the Ballinhassig Village Association, told The Echo last week that after being flooded in 2009, money was allocated from the OPW and the local authority for a flood barrier, but that after 14 years, they decided to take matters into their own hands. Through a GoFundMe page, they raised over 16,000, with more funds also raised via cash donations, which they used to begin work on a temporary flood barrier to protect the residents. Their clay horseshoe around the eight affected properties was completed yesterday, just one week after work began. Speaking to The Echo about the latest announcement, Denis McCarthy welcomed the progress, saying: Its the first step. He explained that the feeling in the community was that the publicity we got for our project helped to kickstart something, so its a big clap on the back for the whole community. Its a double good news, because we also finished the work today [December 18] on site, he said. The houses now are safe for Christmas, which was our target, on the same day that the OPW have started the process. Having the houses protected while they wait for the permanent scheme is a big relief to the residents he said, adding that there is still a lot of work required before the OPW project will be completed. His hope is that the Ballinhassig project will inspire other communities, Mr McCarthy said. The restoration of a 200-year-old Cork period home, once owned by the Presentation nuns, has been partially supported by a conservation grant from Airbnb. Richmond House in Fermoy was one of three winners of the Airbnb capacity awards, alongside Frybrook House, Boyle in Roscommon and The Gatekeepers Lodge at Whitewood House, Nobber, Co Meath. Earlier this year, Airbnb, the San Francisco-based home-sharing company, partnered with Historic Houses of Ireland to help support the conservation of heritage homes and sites in Ireland. That partnership established the capacity awards, a fund available to members of Historic Houses of Ireland to support the development, maintenance, and restoration of their properties. The funding will also support the owners in preparing their historic homes for the tourism market. Applications for the grants were assessed by a panel of representatives from Historic Houses of Ireland and Airbnb, and each of the three successful applicants received an award of 2,500 to assist with preparing the property for the tourism market. History of home Richmond House, which overlooks Fermoy from the south side, lay vacant for some time before being acquired by its current owners, Fiachra O Cinneide and Debbie Gaffney in 2020. An eight-bay, two-storey structure built in the Italianate-style circa 1830, Richmond House first appeared on the Ordnance Survey map of 1840. Richmond House in Fermoy, County Cork was among the three winners of the Airbnb Capacity Awards. The first owner of the house was a Mr H Smyth in 1837, and in 1847 it passed into the hands of Captain George Walker, believed to have been related to the Johnnie Walker whisky family, and there is a pond on the property which was a holding pond for a local distillery. The house was in the hands of the Presentation Sisters from 1920 to 2020. Since they bought the house, Fiachra O Cinneide and Debbie Gaffney have been busy transforming it into an arts, education, and community hub as well as their family home. The capacity award funding will finance specialist lime plastering and heritage sash window repairs for a two-bedroom apartment in the house, hastening the propertys readiness to welcome guests. New life Mr O Cinneide said he and Ms Gaffney were delighted to have received the Airbnb capacity award, which, he said, had provided them with much-needed funding. We are passionate about breathing new life into this beautiful period property and sharing our journey with as many people as possible, he said. We are honoured to receive this award, which will allow us to complete this first phase of our project and start us on our journey of welcoming guests to our beautiful home. Airbnbs head of public policy for Ireland Derek Nolan said Irelands historic houses offer a depth of history and add uniqueness to the local tourism offer. Careful restoration of these historical homes provides additional tourism accommodation which is badly needed in some areas, he said. The opening of Richmond House to guests in 2024 will provide a welcome boost to tourism in Fermoy and beyond. Historic Houses of Ireland chairman Thomas Cosby said the organisation was delighted to be partnering with Airbnb to bring resources and expertise to its members. Historic houses often form a vital part of their communities, whether through employment, as part of the local tourism ecosystem, or as a community and arts venue. We are excited to do our part in bringing these properties back to their original glory, he said. International protection applicants are to be moved into a Fermoy B&B in the very near future, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has confirmed to The Echo. A group of protesters has been camped near the entrance to Abbeyville Guesthouse in the town centre for a number of weeks to object to the proposed occupation of the house by up to 56 people. In a statement issued yesterday, a spokesperson for the department said it had a legal obligation to provide accommodation to IP applicants and strongly condemned any attempt to promote division and hostility towards those who come here seeking safety. Many communities across Ireland have also demonstrated great solidarity and welcome for those who come here seeking refuge. It is anticipated that Abbeyville House, Fermoy, Co Cork, can be brought into use in the very near future to provide accommodation to IP applicants, said the department spokesperson. The department has engaged with local representatives, the local authority and are providing accurate information about the proposed use of the property. In its statement the department said its Community Engagement Team had sent an email to public representatives and other interested parties last week to update them on progress. Councillor William OLeary of Fianna Fail said that one email did not constitute engagement and said that the people camped outside the building had justifiable concerns. A garda investigation is underway following a burglary at a business premises in Kinsale last night. The incident happened at a premises on the Eastern Road in the town. Gardai confirmed that a sum of cash and a number of items were taken in the course of the incident. In a statement, a garda spokesperson said: "Gardai are investigating an incident of burglary which occurred at a business premises on Eastern Road, Kinsale, Co. Cork last night, 18th of December 2023. "A sum of cash and a number of items were taken in the course of the incident." The spokesperson said that there are no arrests at this time. Investigations are ongoing. Investigations are underway following a number of incidents in a north Cork town at the weekend. Gardai said they are investigating a number of public order incidents which occurred in Charleville, on Saturday. A garda spokesperson said that no arrests have been made. In a statement, gardai said: "Gardai are investigating a number of public order incidents which occurred in Charleville, Co. Cork, on Saturday 16th December 2023. "Investigations are ongoing. "No further information is available at this time." A Cork hospital has been named the second-most overcrowded hospital in the country in 2023. According to new figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), over 121,526 patients have gone without a bed in Irish hospitals in 2023- making it the worst year for hospital overcrowding on record. The Organisation said that the five most overcrowded hospitals in 2023 were: University Hospital Limerick (21,141 patients), Cork University Hospital (12,487 patients), University Hospital Galway (8,914 patients), Sligo University Hospital (8,094 patients), St. Vincents University Hospital (6,555 patients). According to the INMO figures, more than 17,400 admitted patients were left waiting for beds at hospitals in Cork during 2023. In addition to the 12,487 admitted patients who waited for beds at CUH, it said 1,058 patients waited for beds at Bantry General Hospital and 3,868 patients were on trolleys at the Mercy University Hospital over the year. Some 517 patients are on trolleys in Irish hospitals today. INMO General Secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha voiced concern over the figures. For the second year in a row we have broken overcrowding records. The year is not even over and 121,526 patients have been admitted to hospital without a bed. Over 3,450 children have been on trolleys so far this year, an increase of 24% on the previous year. "This is not something to celebrate and was entirely predictable," she said. Ms Ni Sheaghdha was critical of the impact of the HSE recruitment freeze on the situation and appealed for urgent action on the issue. Double Grammy award winner Gregory Porter has been announced as the first headline act at the Guinness Cork Jazz festival next year. Fresh off his performances on The Late Late Show and the Graham Norton show, Gregory Porter will play the festival in 2024. Mr Porter is making a triumphant return to Ireland after a seven-year hiatus. Porter's announcement as the first headliner for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2024 comes on the heels of the festival's immensely successful 2023 edition. The festival is one of the biggest and longest-running events on the Irish music calendar. It attracts almost 100,000 people to the stages and streets of Cork city centre and beyond annually. The festival features over 1,000 musicians from more than 20 countries, and a Guinness Music Trail in over 70+ pubs, theatres, clubs and hotel venues across the city, Douglas and Kinsale. 'Extraordinary talent' Festival Director Mark Murphy said that they are thrilled to announce Gregory Portery as their first headline act. "His talent is extraordinary and sets the bar as we create another stellar weekend line-up which will feature jazz greats and Irish and international musicians and emerging talent who are pushing the boundaries of the genre. "Were also again planning pop-up surprise events, late-night parties, collaborations and brass bands marching through the city streets, so dont miss out. Rory Sheridan, Head of Partnerships at Diageo Ireland said that their aim is to continue to raise the profile of the event nationally and internationally. New album Meanwhile, Gregory Porter has also just released his first-ever Christmas album, "Christmas Wish," a heartwarming tribute to the festive season and the timeless works of legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Dinah Washington, and Nat King Cole. The album, featuring three original tracks, showcases Porter's signature class and sophistication. It was recorded in iconic studios including Sear Sound Studio in New York City and London's Crossways Studio and Abbey Road Studios. Joining Porter on stage at the Cork Opera House is his talented ensemble, including longtime pianist Chip Crawford, Emmanuel Harrold on drums and percussion, Gregoire Maret on harmonica, Jahmal Nichols on bass, Ondre Pivec on Hammond organ, and Tivon Pennicott on flute, soprano saxophone, and tenor saxophone. Tickets for Gregory Porter's headline performance at the festival in October of next year will go on sale tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon on guinnesscorkjazz.com. They are priced at 55 + booking fee 60 + booking fee for seats. A WOMAN who says she cant get planning permission to build houses on her late fathers land has brought a High Court challenge against a decision by An Bord Pleanala that the property is eligible for the residential zoned land tax (RZLT). The action has been brought by Helen Lucey, who is the coroner for North Kerry. She has launched a challenge against the boards decision to uphold an earlier finding by Cork County Council that the lands should be included on maps of sites where the land tax applies. The proceedings are also against the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Ireland and the Attorney General. Cork County Council is a notice party in the proceedings. She says that she was left lands in Tonafoa, Dunmanway, Co Cork, zoned residential, by her late father. She had intended to seek planning permission to build houses on the lands, or sell the land to a builder, having received planning permission. 'A waste of process' Ms Lucey, from Cahirdown, Listowel, Co Kerry, claims that a planning professional she engaged informed her that it would be a waste of process as Cork County Council is currently refusing all planning permissions in the Dunmanway area. This is because the local wastewater treatment plant lacks the capacity to service new developments. That situation is not expected to change until the plants capacity increases. Last March, she was informed that the lands had been included in a map, complied by the council, of properties that are the subject of the RZLT. She appealed that decision to An Board Pleanala. Submissions were made to the board outlining the difficulties in obtaining planning permission. However, the board dismissed her appeal, and upheld the councils decision. As a result, she has launched judicial review proceedings, where she seeks various orders including one quashing the boards decision. She claims that the decision is unfair, unlawful and is irrational. It is also claimed that the 2022 guidelines issued by the minister in relation to the RZLT were allegedly made without proper jurisdiction and otherwise in accordance with the law. It is also submitted that the board erred in its decision and failed to take relevant considerations into account or give proper reasons for its decision. Permission for challenge The matter came before Ms Justice Niamh Hyland on Monday. The judge, on an ex-parte basis granted the applicant permission to bring the challenge. The matter was transferred to the new Planning and Environment court list, and will be heard in the new year. A 56-year-old woman serving a life sentence for the murder of her brother following a "family dispute" over their childhood home has appealed her conviction, arguing that a search warrant granted by a District Court judge was not valid. Helen Jones, last of Cahergal Avenue, Mayfield, Cork, was convicted in December 2021 by a unanimous jury verdict of the murder of her 52-year-old brother Paul Jones, at his home on Bandon Road in Cork on September 4, 2019. A co-accused in the case, her then partner Keith OHara, was also found guilty of the murder. Jones, who was convicted at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork following a month long trial, was sentenced by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath to the mandatory term of life imprisonment. The trial heard Paul Jones was found inside the door of a house in Bandon Road in Cork wearing only his underwear and covered in blood. The trial heard there was a family dispute about the family home at Cahergal Avenue, Ballyvolane in Cork which was before the civil court and which had caused a lot of disharmony in the family. On the night of September 4, 2019 Jones and OHara took a taxi to the property at Bandon Road and an altercation occurred with Mr Jones at the door of the house. Eyewitnesses accounts stated that all three ended up in the hallway inside the front door where the altercation continued before the front door shut. A postmortem revealed Mr Jones sustained 25 stab wounds to his body. The cause of death was noted as multiple stab wounds and a chop wound to the head. His body was not discovered until approximately two or three days after his death, the court heard. At the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, Brendan Grehan SC, for Jones, argued that the trial judge erred in finding that the search warrant, issued on September 10, 2019, was lawful and erred in law in admitting evidence gathered on foot thereof. It was submitted that the trial judge erred in ruling that he was satisfied that a detective garda had sworn on oath the information put before the District Court judge, during evidence and submissions in a voir dire at trial. The court heard that on December 2, 2021, in a voir dire, Detective Sergeant Joe Young gave evidence of his application for a search warrant made on September 10, 2019 at Cork District Court in relation to a property at Cahergal Avenue, Ballyvolane in Cork, where Helen Jones was residing at the time. Search warrant A search warrant was subsequently issued on foot of this application and a number of items were removed from the house. The appellant submitted that there was no mention from either the detective sergeant or prosecution counsel that the information given to the district court judge was given on oath as is required by the legislation under which the detective sergeant was applying. Mr Grehan told the three-judge court that there were effectively two matters that arise in this case; the first related to what a sworn oath is in terms of an applicant who is seeking a warrant and the second is that matters of this nature are not recorded in the District Court, which means there can be a deficit of information when it comes to exploring these matters. Mr Grehan said during the trial, the detective sergeant was cross-examined and accepted when it was put to him by counsel that he swore an oath that he would well and truly answer any questions touching upon the application. He said he spoke to the District Court judge about the case but confirmed the judge did not ask him any questions. Asked if any notes were made by the judge of the issuing of the warrant, the garda replied: I dont believe so. Counsel said submissions were then made at trial to the effect that there wasnt any information that there was sworn evidence. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy asked if in effect what was being argued was that the oath taken was meaningless because the District Court judge did not ask any questions. Does that matter? she asked. In my submission it must matter because we have the rule of law and statutory requirements and they have to be adhered to, said Mr Grehan. In relation to the lack of recording in relation to the application for the search warrant, Mr Grehan said as there was no record kept, we are relying on someones recollectionAs imperfect as it is. He highlighted a Supreme Court ruling in relation to a case related to a search warrant in which the court stated that it is best practice to keep a record when a search warrant is granted. He said the central point was how can you review something successfully afterwards if there is a doubt to precisely what happened because there is no record. "There should be no room for dispute at all about what happened," counsel added. Record Mr Grehan said he believed the matters were interrelated because if there was a record you wouldnt have the difficulties of what was said arising. Jane Hyland SC, for the DPP, submitted that the trial judge was correct in finding that the warrant was valid. Ms Hyland said the search warrant application was before a District Court judge, not a peace commissioner, and the information provided by the detective sergeant was a particularly detailed submission. She said in addition to the detailed grounds set out, the information was sworn in three separate locations with his signature. Counsel said the fact the oath was in a form where the detective garda swore to answer any questions did not render the oath meaningless. In circumstances where there were very detailed grounds set out it was a matter for the District Court judge to decide whether he needed any further information, she said. The fact that he didnt should not be a cause for concern. Counsel said the relevant legislation does not set out the basis of which an oath is to be formulated and insofar as the district court judge was concerned the fact that no questions were asked does not, in itself, render the oath invalid. In respect of the recording of the oath, Ms Hyland said there is a note of how the search warrant was applied for. I say that the court in this instance had no difficulties in respect of that, there was a very clear basis on which the search warrant was granted. The District Court judge was an impartial arbitrator of the case that was before him, said Ms Hyland. I say that the information constitutes a record on the basis on which the warrant was applied for. Counsel went on to say that whilst she acknowledged that a recording is best practice, the lack of a recording does not render the search warrant invalid or the fruits of the search inadmissible. Ms Justice Kennedy said the court would reserve judgement in the matter. Eoin Reynolds A man who transported more than 2.5 million worth of cannabis to reduce his gambling debt by 13,000 has failed in an appeal against the severity of his nine-year prison sentence. George Finglas, with an address on the North Circular Road, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty last year to possession of more than 128kg of cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply. He appealed the severity of his sentence on the basis that it was excessive. Ms Justice Tara Burns delivered the judgement of the three-judge Court of Appeal on Tuesday, rejecting all grounds of appeal. She said that the sentencing judge had made no error in principle in setting the nine-year sentence and found the sentence was not disproportionate. Evidence On February 2nd, 2021, Revenue officials inspecting freight at Dublin Port using a sniffer dog discovered two pallets of cannabis herb covered over by portable gas heaters. Gardai from the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau set up a surveillance operation and carried out a controlled delivery of the consignment to an industrial estate in west Dublin. At a hearing in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court last year, Detective Garda Jerome Twomey told Edward Doocey BL, prosecuting, that a person arrived at these premises before Finglas arrived separately in a rented van. The first person then directed Finglas and another man to unload the pallets into the rental van. Finglas drove the cannabis to a commercial premises in Lusk, Co Dublin where gardai decided to move in and arrest Finglas. Search Officers found three mobile phones in the rented van, including an encrypted phone. The encrypted phone was open and unlocked and investigators were able to read some of the messages. There were messages referring to 129 bits for collection which Det Gda Twomey said was a reference to the drugs. Another message to Finglas stated: Another 13,000 wages for you this week mate. The cannabis herb weighed 128.45kg, with an estimated street value of 2.56 million. After four interviews, Finglas gave gardai a prepared statement in which he admitted moving the drugs and said he did so under direction. He said he was told to take the drugs to the second premises and strip them down. He said he had built up a debt of 25,000 from a gambling problem and was in fear of the people to whom he owed the money. The court also heard that Finglas had no previous convictions and entered an early guilty plea for the offence. His lawyers argued during his sentencing hearing that Finglas was identified as a "vulnerable person by more ruthless criminals who exploited this debt and directed the applicant to take possession of the drugs". During the 2023 Oscars ceremony, host Jimmy Kimmel joked, When I look around at this room, I cant help but wonder, Is Ozempic right for me?' With that joke, Kimmel touched on a reality that reaches beyond the borders of Hollywood and into merchant portfolios. The demand for trendy drugs like Ozempic is a growing problem with serious risks not just for the users who face the potential health implications but for the payment providers who bear the financial consequences of this rapidly growing segment of illegal transactions. In its monthly review of more than 6.6 million e-commerce websites and 4 billion pages of web content, payments risk intelligence firm G2 found it clear that trending drugs are driving up risk in the payments ecosystem. As legitimate pharmacies increasingly move online to dispense medication more conveniently, industry experts estimate that, at any given time, there are also between 30,000 and 40,000 active illegal online pharmacies. These bad actors sell prescription-only medicine including controlled substances without requiring a prescription. Though its the illicit merchants who commit the crimes, its payment providers that pay the fines. Pharma-related assessments represent more than 40% of all assessments in North America, and recent fines range from $25,000 to $150,000 per instance. When it comes to in-demand drugs driving risk in 2023, here are four that payment providers should watch closely: 1. Semaglutide Semaglutide, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, gained immense popularity in 2023 as a weight loss drug. Its celebrity following has captured public attention and driven increased demand by average citizens. Violative merchants are selling this product without requiring a prescription on e-marketplaces, social media platforms, and illegal pharmacy websites. Semaglutide is also sometimes marketed as GLP-1 on peptide websites that offer unapproved drugs to the bodybuilding community. Payment providers must ensure that their merchants selling Semaglutide are properly authorized. 2. Apetamin Apetamin, an unapproved drug in the United States, contains cyproheptadine, a prescription-only antihistamine that increases appetite and causes users to gain weight. Manufacturers overseas produce Apetamin and then illegally import it into the U.S. Commonly sold through social media targeting individuals seeking a slim, thick physique, Apetamin often appears on beauty product websites marketed as a vitamin syrup. In April, the FDA warned consumers about serious adverse effects associated with Apetamin, including convulsions, hallucinations, coma, and even death. 3. THCO Websites specializing in hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBD and delta-8 THC, sometimes offer TCHO, a synthetic and psychoactive cannabis compound. In February, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) asserted that THCO does not occur naturally in the cannabis plant and, therefore, does not fall under the definition of hemp. Since THCO does not qualify as a hemp-derived cannabinoid, the DEA considers it a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S. Acquirers that onboard CBD merchants should ensure those merchants are not selling THCO. 4. Xylazine In the U.S. and the U.K., dealers are increasingly using Xylazine, a prescription-only large animal tranquilizer, as a cutting agent for street drugs like heroin and fentanyl. Xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of fatal drug poisoning. According to the DEA, there was a dramatic increase in xylazine-related overdose deaths across the U.S. between 2020 and 2021. The U.S. Congress recently introduced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act to deal with this growing threat. If passed, this law will significantly increase penalties for the unlawful use of this drug. While authorized merchants like veterinary pharmacies may still sell Xylazine legally, websites offering illegal drugs sometimes list it under the guise of research chemicals. Role of Payment Providers in Combatting Illegal Pharma Sales Enforcement of drug laws when it comes to illegal online activity is notoriously difficult. In the U.S., law enforcement agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FDA put pressure on third-party intermediaries within their jurisdiction, such as payment providers, who may be unknowingly facilitating these illegal transactions. If prosecuted, the financial repercussions can be severe. In addition, financial institutions can suffer significant reputational damage. Because violative merchants make efforts to conceal illegal drug offerings, the level of risk for payment providers is much greater than most realize. To remain compliant with federal law, avoid severe card brand fines, and keep reputations intact, payment providers can take the following actions: Complete Up-Front Risk Assessments During Merchant Onboarding Payment providers are under pressure to board new merchants quickly in near real-time to avoid losing to the competition. Aggressive payment processors grant merchant accounts within minutes, putting extreme pressure on the competition to speed up. To conduct proper due diligence while still meeting the demand for speed, payment risk experts can collect and analyze a spectrum of data to produce a risk score that predicts a merchants behavior over the next 12 months. A payment provider can use this risk score to determine if the risk level is acceptable and set risk-adjusted fees accordingly. Automate Know Your Customer (KYC) Due Diligence Automation is the friend of any payment provider that desires fast, accurate, and efficient KYC verification. Manual KYC due diligence is the slowest, most costly, and inconsistent portion of the merchant underwriting process, and it leaves the door open to missing serious red flags. In minutes, KYC automation can validate merchant-supplied information and uncover additional pertinent details needed to make informed underwriting decisions. Conduct Ongoing Merchant Monitoring Payment providers must consider the risks in their merchant portfolios to be highly dynamic and constantly evolving. Merchants can change the nature of their activities over time, dramatically altering the risk profile after onboarding. Also, bad actors may initially present seemingly benign front sites to obtain merchant accounts. Evidence of suspicious activity and high-risk transaction patterns only become evident with subsequent monitoring and investigation. Continuous monitoring puts payment providers in a position to act quickly, which is an important consideration as many fines and assessments are connected to the length of time of the infraction. Conclusion Outside of the immediate compliance and financial penalties for processing illegal pharma transactions, payment providers play a greatly underappreciated role in combatting a serious global problem. When they monitor and act upon drug-related risk information, they help to protect the well-being of their customers along with the integrity of the larger financial system. By remaining vigilant for illegal attempts to capitalize on in-demand drugs, providers can protect themselves and make a meaningful social contribution. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. The pandemic saw an increase in remote business meetings and started a general trend toward less business travel. Monty Rakusen / DigitalVision / Getty Images According to a new analysis by Travel Smart, a campaign by the European Federation for Transport and Environment, about half of over 200 global business firms reduced their business-related travel emissions by over 50% from 2019 to 2022. Much of this reduction in emissions could be attributed to less air travel since the pandemic. The Travel Smart campaign analyzed travel of 217 global firms from 2019 to 2022. Of the total firms analyzed, 104 were found to reduce travel emissions by at least 50%, in part thanks to virtual meetings that reduced the need for corporate travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis found that tech company SAP had the greatest reduction in travel emissions, about 86%, followed by Pfizer with a 78% reduction and PwC with a decline in emissions of about 76%. On average, business travel emissions for these global firms declined by about 51% from 2019 to 2022, according to the findings. Overall its a positive picture to see so many companies not returning to pre-2019 levels of flying. Lessons from the pandemic have been learnt: the way forward is collaboration with more online meetings, more travel by train and less by plane, Denise Auclair, Travel Smart campaign manager, said in a statement. The European Federation for Transport and Environment noted that business travel emissions need to decline by 50% during this decade compared to pre-pandemic levels to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the target set by the Paris Agreement to avoid catastrophic impacts of climate change. While many companies met and surpassed this goal so far, 113 companies did not cut emissions by half, according to the campaign. The Travel Smart analysis said that JP Morgan Chase had a 13% decline in business travel emissions compared to 2019 levels, followed by Merck at a 17% decline and Johnson & Johnson at a 28% decline. Twenty-one of the 113 companies even ended up with higher travel-related emissions than pre-pandemic levels, including L3Harris, Boston Scientific and Marriott International, the analysis said. Had these 113 companies cut business travel emissions by half, the Travel Smart campaign said they could have saved over 1.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. However, Boston Scientific refuted the findings, telling Reuters, It reflects the companys Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) disclosure for business travel prior to Boston Scientific receiving approval of its net-zero, science-based scopes 1, 2 and 3 targets. Although global firms have seen an average 50% decline in travel-related emissions since 2019, the Smart Travel campaign is urging the 171 of 217 studied firms that dont have reduction targets to set a goal to limit emissions by 50% or more. The European Federation for Transport and Environment estimated that aviation emissions could increase by 38% from 2019 to 2050 without technology improvements, more efficient fuels, regulations, and a decline in air travel. The era of uncontrolled business flying is coming to an end. Governments are taking notice and cracking down on unnecessary flights. This makes sense for the planet but also for the businesses themselves, who can cut costs and prioritise the well-being of their employees, Auclair said. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 19, 2023 CONTACT Leha Byrd ECSU Communications and Marketing Email or 252-335-8745 Elizabeth City, N.C. The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Community Connections Performance and Lecture Series will host, A Tribute to Max Roach - Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Jazz Vocalist Shenel Johns will also be part of the event performances. The show is 7 p.m., Jan. 24, 2024 in the universitys Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center. Early bird tickets are now on sale through Jan. 15 and are $45. General admission tickets are on sale Jan. 16-24 for $55. All seating is open. For accessible seating options, email ada504-coordinator@ecsu.edu. The event serves as a springboard for the Max Roach Centennial Celebration and Music Festival, hosted by the ECSU Department of Music and Visual Arts, scheduled for April 11-13, 2024. Roach was an African American drummer, composer and band leader acclaimed for his instrumentation and jazz prowess. He died in 2007. We are pleased to offer this opportunity for the community to experience such stellar performers in the jazz realm, said Kevin Wade, associate vice chancellor for Student, Alumni, and Constituent Engagement. Community Connections events are sponsored and supported by a combination of ECSU student fees, a private donation from Trustee Phyllis Bosomworth, Microsoft, First Citizens Wealth Management, Duke Energy Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information contact ecsucommunityconnections@ecsu.edu. _____________________________________________________________ Elizabeth City State University provides students with a high-quality, affordable education as one of North Carolinas leading four-year public institutions that is part of the University of North Carolina System. ECSU develops leaders who are courageous, resilient, and empowered through excellent student-centered, experiential learning. We offer baccalaureate, professional, and masters degrees across a wide variety of interests. Excellence is the standard at Elizabeth City State University success is our legacy. Come to Discover. Leave to Conquer. Visit www.ecsu.edu. Republic of Ireland open to exploring bovine tuberculosis vaccines for cattle The Republic of Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) has expressed openness to exploring bovine tuberculosis (TB) vaccines for cattle, as shared by Dr Damien Barrett, senior superintending veterinary inspector at the DAFM, Agriland reported. Dr Barrett revealed that colleagues in the United Kingdom are actively developing a vaccine known as Detecting Infected among Vaccinated Animals (DIVA), designed to differentiate between an immune reaction due to vaccination and infection. He informed Ireland's Committee on Agriculture, Food, and the Marine that safety trials for DIVA have essentially been completed, demonstrating no harm. During discussions with UK counterparts, Dr Barrett mentioned that the vaccine's availability in the market is estimated to be at least 10 years away. In response to a query by Senator Paul Daly about the DAFM's stance on TB vaccines for cattle, Dr Barrett expressed an open-minded approach, stating that they would explore and pursue such vaccines when and if they become available. The challenge with existing TB vaccines for cattle lies in their potential to cause vaccinated cattle to fail the tuberculin test, posing significant implications for exports. Dr Barrett highlighted the need for certification and support from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to ensure a product's designation as "TB-free" post-vaccination. The ongoing trials in the UK involve using the same vaccine for cattle and humans, described by Dr Barrett as "lifelong," particularly for badgers. In efforts to control TB, over 8,000 badgers have been vaccinated this year, with culling and vaccination occurring simultaneously in regions with high-risk breakdowns. Dr Barrett said that the spread of TB within species, such as badgers, is more significant than between species like badgers and cattle. Recent data from the DAFM revealed a notable increase in TB breakdowns, with almost 5,000 herds affected in the last twelve months. To maintain TB-free status, the EU requires a rate of 0.2% of herds, according to Dr John Griffin, chair of the Scientific Working Group of the TB Forum. The TB programme in Ireland has incurred a cost of EUR 65 million (US$70 million) year-to-date, with EU support ceasing in 2023. - Agriland US officials accused of not adequately addressing FMD risk as beef imports from Paraguay permitted US 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 in the United States. A new US Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule that ended a 25-year prohibition on those imports went into effect on December 14. The prohibition was the result of Paraguay's struggles to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The USDA estimated that a severe outbreak in the US has the potential to cost more than US$200 billion. FMD was eradicated in the US nearly 100 years ago, according to the USDA. Paraguay's last known outbreak of the disease was about a decade ago, but the USDA does not consider the country free of the disease as its cattle are still routinely vaccinated against it. The USDA analysed the risks to domestic livestock posed by the import of chilled or frozen beef from Paraguay at the country's 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. However, beef industry groups and some federal lawmakers have opposed the change, claiming that the risk analysis was based on outdated information. They said the USDA's last visit to Paraguay was more than nine years ago. Aditionally, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and officials from seven other US states asked former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, the US 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." Agriculture officials in Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming also signed the letter. The letter mimicked the criticism that has been leveled for months by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. The association alleged that the conclusions of the USDA's risk analysis were predetermined by government officials who wish to bolster international relations with Paraguay. "While winning friends and allies in South America may be part of the long-term interests of US diplomacy, it should not be done on the backs of US cattle producers or by putting at risk the health and livelihood of the safest and most efficient cattle and beef production system in the world," Kent Bacus, an executive of the association, said in a news release last month. This month, US Rep. Randy Feenstra 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 jeopardise the financial well-being of cattle producers and their families," Feenstra said. - Des Moines Register Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry Some people maliciously harassed and illegally entered the Chinese Consulate-General in Manchester,injuring Chinese staff and threatening the safety of the Chinese diplomatic premises, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday, noting that China has lodged representations to the UK.Wang said at Wednesday's media briefing that the peace and dignity of Chinese embassies and consulates abroad are inviolable. "We hope that the UK will earnestly fulfill its responsibility and take effective measures to strengthen the protection of the premises and staff of Chinese embassy and consulates in the UK," Wang said.Wang's remarks came after reports that British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly summoned Yang Xiaoguang, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Britain, on Tuesday over the incident.Global Times BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Monday met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee, who is on a duty visit to Beijing. During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Lee on Hong Kong's current situation and the HKSAR government's work. Lauding Lee's work over the past year, Xi said Lee has led the HKSAR government in shouldering responsibilities and delivering good results. The HKSAR government has resolutely safeguarded national security, reformed the District Council system in Hong Kong, smoothly completed the District Council Ordinary Election, and brought Hong Kong out of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and toward a comprehensive recovery, Xi said. The HKSAR government has maintained the region's distinctive status and advantages, bolstered the drivers for development and worked hard to solve the most pressing issues and difficulties of the people, Xi said, adding that all these have consolidated the HKSAR's turn for the better and facilitated its entry into a new stage in which it has restored order and is set to thrive. Xi said the central authorities fully acknowledged the work of Lee and the HKSAR government. The central authorities will fully, firmly and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" policy for a long time and fully implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong," Xi said. The central authorities will fully support the chief executive and the HKSAR government in uniting and leading all sectors of society to seize the historic opportunities brought about by the nation's development, and consolidate and elevate Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, thus promoting Hong Kong to achieve greater development. Noting that the vitality and strength of "one country, two systems" will inevitably continue to emerge, Xi expressed full confidence in Hong Kong's brighter prospects. Li Qiang, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Shi Taifeng, Chen Wenqing, Xia Baolong and other senior officials attended the meeting. Thecaptain jack casino codes 2022 news network of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is calling for public feedback on a new online database providing resume information and news on party and government officials. Launched on Oct. 29, gbzl.people.com.cn so far holds information about more than 1,600 incumbent officials in units including universities, large state-owned enterprises, mass organizations, as well as offices under the State Council. All of the information is gathered from public news and material published on related websites, the CPC news network said. The database is still being built upon and netizens can submit their feedback via email. Xinhua CPC invites feedback on new officials databaseadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinas exports rose 9.9 percent year on year to 186.35 billion U.S. dollars in September, official data showed Saturday. The export volume hit a record monthly high and the growth was higher than the 2.7 percent year on year increase posted in August, according to figures from the General Administration of Customs (GAC). Imports ended three months of consecutive drops in September, up 2.4 percent from a year earlier to 158.68 billion U.S. dollars. Trade surplus rose slightly to 27.67 billion U.S. dollars from 26.66 billion U.S. dollars in August, the GAC said. The countrys total foreign trade went up 6.3 percent year on year to 345.03 billion U.S. dollars in September and expanded 6.2 percent year on year to 2.84 trillion U.S. dollars in the first nine months. In the Jan.-Sept. period, exports grew 7.4 percent from a year earlier to 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars while imports gained 4.8 percent to 1.35 trillion U.S. dollars, bringing the trade surplus to 148.31 billion U.S. dollars. During that period, trade with the European Union, Chinas largest trade partner, fell 2.7 percent year on year to 410.99 billion U.S. dollars, the figures showed. Trade with the United States, the countrys second largest trade partner, increased 9.1 percent to 355.42 billion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, Chinas trade with Japan dipped 1.8 percent to 248.76 billion U.S. dollars, faster than the 1.4 percent decline recorded in the first eight months. Xinhua Chinas export growth picks up in Septemberadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Thetop 100 cryptocurrency list hacking group suspected of cyberattacks against two giant casino operators has quickly made a name for itself for its skills in social engineering, such as tricking someone to gain access to a computer system or another storehouse of sensitive information. Known as Scattered Spider and UNC3944, the group spun a web of chaos this week after launching a cyberattack at MGM Resorts International, according to five people familiar with the incident. The cyberattack resulted in downed websites and slot machines and staffers to check people into hotel rooms manually. The group has been causing havoc across North American companies in 2023, according to Adam Meyers, senior vice president of intelligence at Crowdstrike Holdings Inc., who said in an interview last month that the attacks had escalated to a couple a week. online slots reviewsshows grade level based on the word's complexity. day student New Word List Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. Thisshows grade level based on the word's complexity.Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. nouna student who attends regular classes at a preparatory school or college but who does not reside at the institution. Words nearby day student How to use in a sentence He added: People say he deserves his day in court Do we have enough time? Bill Maher: Hundreds of Millions of Muslims Support Attack on Charlie Hebdo|Lloyd Grove|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST Bill Maher: Hundreds of Millions of Muslims Support Attack on Charlie Hebdo|Lloyd Grove|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST For many years afterward it was a never-ending topic of conversation, and is more or less talked of even to this day. New Yorks Most Tragic Ghost Loves Minimalist Swedish Fashion|Nina Strochlic|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST New Yorks Most Tragic Ghost Loves Minimalist Swedish Fashion|Nina Strochlic|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST We talked about the science the whole time the other day, Krauss told The Daily Beast in a phone interview. Sleazy Billionaires Double Life Featured Beach Parties With Stephen Hawking|M.L. Nestel|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST Sleazy Billionaires Double Life Featured Beach Parties With Stephen Hawking|M.L. 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Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson There are three things a wise man will not trust: the wind, the sunshine of an April day, and woman's plighted faith. Pearls of Thought|Maturin M. Ballou Pearls of Thought|Maturin M. Ballou The proceedings of the day commenced with divine service, performed by Unitarian and Baptist ministers. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!QuestionDays of Awe, days of grace, days of wine and roses, dayspring, daystar, day student, daytime, day-to-day, Dayton, Daytona Beach, day-tradeDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 China Monday reiterated its attitude toward the Syrian conflict as Syrian opposition groups struck a deal to form a new coalition, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Monday. At a regular press briefing in response to a question regarding the coalition, Hong said China believed the relevant parties in Syria should implement former UN secretary-general Kofi Annans six-point peace plan. He said they should also implement relevant Security Council resolutions, and the communique of the Geneva foreign ministers meeting of the Action Group for Syria, in order to end the gunfire and violence. China hoped all parties in Syria would support mediation efforts by the UNs special envoy for the conflict Lakhdar Brahimi and begin a political transition at an early date, the spokesman said. We hope relevant parties moves can help achieve those goals mentioned above, Hong added. Syrias opposition groups struck a deal Sunday to form a coalition called Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces to negotiate with President Bashar al-Assad, according to reports. Xinhua China reiterates stance on Syrian conflictadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is a European Option?money betting sites ufc 254 bovada A European option is a version of an options contract that limits execution to its expiration date. In other words, if the underlying security such as a stock has moved in price, an investor would not be able to exercise the option early and take delivery of or sell the shares. Instead, the call or put action will only take place on the date of option maturity. Another version of the options contract is the American option, which can be exercised any time up to and including the date of expiration. The names of these two versions should not be confused with the geographic location as the name only signifies the right of execution. Key Takeaways A European option is a version of an options contract that limits rights exercise to only the day of expiration. Although American options can be exercised early, it comes at a price since their premiums are often higher than European options. Investors can sell a European option contract back to the market before expiry and receive the net difference between the premiums earned and paid initially. Investors usually don't have a choice of buying either the American or the European option and most indexes use European options. The Black-Scholes option model is often used to value European options. Understanding a European Option European options define the timeframe when holders of an options contract may exercise their contract rights. The rights for the option holder include buying the underlying asset or selling the underlying asset at the specified contract pricethe strike price. With European options, the holder may only exercise their rights on the day of expiration. As with other versions of options contracts, European options come at an upfront costthe premium. It is important to note that investors usually don't have a choice of buying either the American or the European option. Specific stocks or funds might only be offered in one version or the other, and not in both. Most indexes use European options because it reduces the amount of accounting needed by the brokerage. Many brokers use the Black-Scholes model (BSM) to value European options. European index options halt trading at business close Thursday before the third Friday of the expiration month. This lapse in trading allows the brokers the ability to price the individual assets of the underlying index. Due to this process, the settlement price of the option can often come as a surprise. Stocks or other securities may make drastic moves between the Thursday close and market opening Friday. Also, it may take hours after the market opens Friday for the definite settlement price to publish. European options normally trade over the counter (OTC), while American options usually trade on standardized exchanges. Types of European Options Call A European call option gives the owner the right to acquire the underlying security at expiry. For an investor to profit from a call option, the stock's price, at expiry, has to be trading high enough above the strike price to cover the cost of the option premium. Put A European put option allows the holder to sell the underlying security at expiry. For an investor to profit from a put option, the stock's price, at expiry, has to be trading far enough below the strike price to cover the cost of the option premium. Closing a European Option Early Typically, exercising an option means initializing the rights of the option so that a trade is executed at the strike price. However, many investors don't like to wait for a European option to expire. Instead, investors can sell the option contract back to the market before its expiration. Option prices change based on the movement and volatility of the underlying asset and the time until expiration. As a stock price rises and falls, the valuesignified by the premiumof the option increases and decreases. Investors can unwind their option position early if the current option premium is higher than the premium they initially paid. In this case, the investor would receive the net difference between the two premiums. Closing the option position before expiration means the trader realizes any gains or losses on the contract itself. An existing call option could be sold early if the stock has risen significantly, while a put option could be sold if the stock's price has fallen. Closing the European option early depends on the prevailing market conditions, the value of the premiumits intrinsic valueand the option's time valuethe amount of time remaining before a contract's expiration. If an option is close to its expiration, it's unlikely an investor will get much return for selling the option early because there's little time left for the option to make money. In this case, the option's worth rests on its intrinsic value, an assumed price based on if the contract is in, out, or at the money (ATM). European Option vs. American Option European options can only be exercised on the expiration date, whereas American options can be exercised at any time between the purchase and expiration dates. In other words, American options allow investors to realize a profit as soon as the stock price moves in their favor and enough to more than offset the premium paid. Investors will use American options with dividend-paying stocks. In this way, they can exercise the option before an ex-dividend date. The flexibility of American options allows investors to own a company's shares in time to get paid a dividend. However, the flexibility of using an American option comes at a pricea premium to the premium. The increased cost of the option means investors need the underlying asset to move far enough from the strike price to make the trade return a profit. Also, if an American option is held to maturity, the investor would have been better off buying a lower-priced, European version option and paying the lower premium. Lower premium cost Allows trading index options Can be resold before the expiration date Settlement prices are delayed Cannot be settled for underlying asset early Example of a European Option European Option ProsEuropean Option Cons An investor purchases a July call option on Citigroup Inc. with a $50 strike price. The premium is $5 per contract100 sharesfor a total cost of $500 ($5 x 100 = $500). At expiration, Citigroup is trading at $75. In this case, the owner of the call option has the right to purchase the stock at $50exercise their optionmaking $25 per share profit. When factoring in the initial premium of $5, the net profit is $20 per share or $2,000 (25 - $5 = $20 x 100 = $2000). Let's consider a second scenario whereby Citigroup's stock price fell to $30 by the time of the call option's expiration. Since the stock is trading below the strike of $50, the option isn't exercised and expires worthless. The investor loses the premium of $500 paid at the onset. The investor can wait until expiry to determine whether the trade is profitable, or they can try to sell the call option back to the market. Whether the premium received for selling the call option is enough to cover the initial $5 paid is dependent on many conditions, including economic conditions, the company's earnings, the time left until expiration, and the volatility of the stock's price at the time of the sale. There's no guarantee the premium received from selling the call option before expiry will be enough to offset the $5 premium paid initially. What Is a Capital Project?apg slot A capital project is a long-term, capital-intensive investment to build upon, add to, or improve a capital asset. Capital projects are defined by their large scale and large cost relative to other investments that involve less planning and resources. Key Takeaways A capital project is an often-pricey, long-term project to expand, maintain, or improve upon a significant piece of property. A capital project is distinct from other company projects as it is large in scale, high-cost, and requires considerable planning relative to other investments. Capital projects often refer to infrastructure, like roads or railways, or, in the case of a corporation, the development of a manufacturing plant or office. Understanding Capital Projects A capital project is a large-scale project with a high cost that is capitalized or depreciated. Regular capital investments, such as new facilities, structures, or systems, may be necessary to accelerate growth within a company or government. For example, if a company wants to build a new warehouse or purchase new manufacturing equipment to increase efficiency on the factory line. Capital projects typically consist of the public sector building or maintaining infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and dams, and companies upgrading, expanding, or replacing their facilities and equipment. Capital projects must be managed appropriately, for they require a significant commitment of company resources and time. The project assumes a calculated risk with the expectation that the capital asset pays off. Management of risk is a key driver of successful project development and delivery of a capital project. Examples of Capital Projects The most common examples of capital projects are infrastructure projects such as railways, roads, and dams. In addition, these projects include assets such as subways, pipelines, refineries, power plants, land, and buildings. Capital projects are also common in corporations. Corporations allocate large amounts of resources (financial and human capital) to build or maintain capital assets, such as equipment or a new manufacturing project. In both cases, capital projects are typically planned and discussed at length to decide the most efficient and resourceful plan of execution. Capital projects are big investments and, therefore, face a lot of scrutiny, especially when paid for with public funds or the money of a publicly traded company. The goal is for these investments to pay off but sometimes they are poorly planned and executed and end up losing significant capital. Capital Project Funding These projects are big, take time to complete, and can cost a lot of money, meaning it is often necessary to obtain equity or debt financing to make them happen. To receive funding, capital projects are obligated to prove how the investment provides an improvement (additional capacity), new useful feature, or benefit (reduced costs). Additional funding sources for these projects include bonds, grants, bank loans, existing cash reserves, company operation budgets, and private funding. These projects may require debt financing to secure funding. Debt financing may also be required for infrastructure, such as bridges. However, the bridge cannot be seized if the builder defaults on the loan. Debt financing ensures that the financier can recover funds if the builder defaults on the loan. Economic conditions and regulatory changes can affect the start or completion of capital projects, as in the case of Brexit, which caused the cancellation or delays of some projects in Britain. In the U.S., Congress is responsible for funding public capital projects, such as roads, power lines, bridges, and dams. What Are Capital Projects in Government? Government capital projects are large-scale, costly projects to maintain or improve public assets, such as parks, roads, and schools. What Is a Non-Capital Project? Most public offices set thresholds for what qualifies as a capital project. For example, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a capital project is defined as a project that creates at least 5,000 gross square feet of building space or exceeds $3 million in total project cost. Projects that fall under each jurisdiction's thresholds, which can also include life expectancy, may instead be called non-capital projects. What Makes a Capital Project Successful? Careful planning and realistic estimates. Affordable funding needs to be secured, costs need to be well-managed, and the project must have a very good chance of becoming profitable. One or two setbacks could turn a capital project into a financial disaster. The Bottom Line Capital assets are key revenue generators and the backbone of many companies. Those wishing to expand and become more profitable will need to invest in capital projects and do so in the most cost-effective way possible. Over time, it is smart, well-executed investments that separate the good stocks from the weak ones. James CY Soong,online blackjack strategy trainer chairman of the People First Party (PFP) in Taiwan, on Thursday sent separate messages to President Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping, the newly elected general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. Soong spoke highly of Hus contributions to improving relations across the Taiwan Strait. In his message to Xi, Soong congratulated Xi on his election as the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. Hu and Xi expressed their gratitude in their replies. Hu, Xi reply to messages from Taiwans James Soongadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The fifth China International Import Expo in Shanghai Photo: VCG China's modernization has been an epic journey over the past decades. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China has become an attractive destination for many foreigners. Many such expats in the country have fulfilled their career aspirations, while some have found love and started families in China.Why do they choose to live in China? How do expats in China view and interpret China's achievements and persistence measured from various perspectives?The Global Times interviewed multiple international residents in China from all walks of life, some of whom have made tangible contributions to China's development, to learn about their understanding of the essence of Chinese culture, and gain an insight into how far China has advanced in its pursuit of development and rejuvenation over the last decade.As one intimately familiar with the China International Import Expo (CIIE), a world-class international business platform, 33-year-old Kuno Gschwend, general manager of Swiss Centers China (SCC), busily put final touches to the expo venue two days ahead of the expo's opening.Thanks to his rich experience in attending the event, Gschwend is quite familiar with the entire organizational process in arranging relevant activities right down to booth design. "I'm happy to see that even though the pandemic has had some influence, the CIIE has remained open," Gschwend told the Global Times."Since the beginning, the CIIE has been a sign of China's willingness to cooperate and trade with the world," Gschwend said. "It's for China to show how imported products are important to the market and that it's willing to provide such an opportunity."With increased focus on premium goods from a longer list of global heavyweights, a total of 145 participatory countries, regions, and international organizations have signed up for the fifth annual CIIE expo, according to the CIIE organizer, and the platform increasingly shows its importance in the global market.Spearheading SCC service delivery to Swiss businesses entering the Chinese as well as Asian markets, Gschwend expects to introduce more Swiss products to Chinese consumers and elevate Swiss company branding in the region. Its 136-square-meter booth at the CIIE showcased 20 Swiss brands, mostly from the food and beverage industry.Despite global downturns fueled by the pandemic, trading between Switzerland and China remained largely unscathed.The business administration degree holder is also quadrilingual, boasting fluency in German, French, English, and Chinese, all of which have helped accelerate Gschwend's career trajectory.In 2019, Gschwend attended his CIIE expo as the deputy general manager, and as the general manager this year. "The CIIE has delivered huge benefits, such as facilitating the introduction of new products to China and increasing sales revenues and media coverage for its participants." Kuno Gschwend Photo: Courtesy of Gschwend Living and working abroad has been very memorable and influential for Gschwend. "My first touchpoint with China was in 2014, when I was an exchange student at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies," Gschwend recalled. After completing his studies in Switzerland, he returned to Xiamen University in 2016 to learn Putonghua. He currently lives and works in Shanghai, a metropolis of more than 25 million residents.As expected, Gschwend grappled with nuances of living in China as a foreigner, facing linguistic challenges, and working to understand important aspects such as business culture in China.He enjoys traveling to different regions across China such as Southwest China's Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. He actively made social connections, chatting with both neighbors and strangers."I can speak Chinese and mostly get along very well with all the locals," said the Shanghai resident who enjoys a warm reception from his fellow Shanghainese thanks to his impeccable Putonghua.Gschwend has also gotten to witness marriages and births, as well as the loss of loved ones experienced by his local connections.He said that Chinese and Swiss people are basically striving for a better life and face similar life challenges."There exists a stronger sense of pride among the Chinese people and they realize that some things work better in China than they do in other countries," Gschwend said. China's modernization has been an epic journey over the past decades. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC),China has become an attractive destination for many foreigners. Many such expats in the country have fulfilled their career aspirations, while some have found love and started families in China.Why do they choose to live in China? How do expats in China view and interpret China's achievements and persistence measured from various perspectives?The Global Times interviewed multiple international residents in China from all walks of life, some of whom have made tangible contributions to China's development, to learn about their understanding of the essence of Chinese culture, and gain an insight into how far China has advanced in its pursuit of development and rejuvenation over the last decade. Terry Townshend watches birds in Northwest China's Qinghai Province in 2019. Photo: Courtesy of Townshend Late October, Terry Townshend climbed to the roof of a building in Beijing to check out a hand-sized recording device placed there which he had set up to "capture the sounds of migrating birds" at Beijing's Olympic Park, the largest green space in Asia."Through this we can hear all the birds flying over the building every night," Townshend, an ecologist from the UK, told the Global Times about his most recent project.Every fortnight he came here to collect data and share it to universities' research centers for this year's birds tracking study.As a birdwatcher living and having worked in Beijing for over a decade now, Townshend founded a website and formed a group for fellow enthusiasts called Birding Beijing. He works to raise environmental awareness among people, especially among young people, to help save some of China's most endangered birds, initiating projects to track some of Beijing's iconic birds, in addition to his own job as a former environmental advisor to the local government and now a fellow at a US-China independent environmental institute.Though observing the migratory birds in Beijing is now one of Townshend's main activities, his bond to China was forged 12 years ago, when the British conservationist was invited on an advisory capacity to aid China's environment improvements.At the end of 2009, when the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was held in Copenhagen, China made a key speech at the conference to stress the importance of the issue of climate change, and advocate for more cooperation in coping with climate change around the world.Also in the same year, the non-governmental organization Townshend once worked with was invited by the Chinese government to cooperate in boosting support for China's general environmental laws on climate change. As the lead of the project, Townshend came to China for the first time.After getting to know the country, he then decided to stay here for further research and chose to settle in Beijing."Most people may not realize [it] but Beijing is in fact right in the middle of a major migration route for countless global migratory birds that travel from as far north as the Arctic Circle to the southern hemisphere, for example, from Siberia all the way to Australasia," he noted. "Beijing is truly a service station on the highway for birds.""Though I don't know exactly, in all these years I've seen probably 900 different species of wild animals including birds, and around 430 of bird species in Beijing alone," he said, "[that was] more than I ever saw in the UK," he said. Terry Townshend and local birdwatchers observe birds in the Summer Palace of Beijing in 2015. Photo: Courtesy of Townshend Here in the capital of China, the most common bird is the Beijing swift (Apus apus pekinensis). Known as the birds "who never land in their whole life," the mystery of this old aboriginal breed was unveiled after they were firstly recognized by experts in Beijing in 1870.Mid this year, a paper on "accurately revealing the migration pattern of Beijing swifts" was published by Chinese and foreign research teams in an international journal Movement Ecology, which attracted much attention on this bird species.From 2014 to 2018, with his liaison, an international research team was set up to track the migration route beginning at the Summer Palace.After arriving in Beijing in April, the swifts begin their journey to Africa in late July. They first head northwest to Mongolia, fly north of the Himalayas, then south through Iran and central Arabia into tropical Africa, before they arrive in Namibia and the Western Cape."China has been valuing the recovery of nature in recent years, especially the planting of trees," Townshend said."However, trees are only valuable when they are the right trees in the right place. But it's also very important to have grassland and open areas and scrub land, because many species depend on these habitats. Many species don't like trees. We have to recognize that and provide the different types of habitats that they need," he advised.Yet with the efforts that has been made in carrying out various targeted protections toward wetlands, plus the achievements published by the Chinese government and the future vision of The Wuhan Declaration made at COP14, the future looks bright for China's biodiversity.During the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14) held Wuhan and Geneva, The Wuhan Declaration was adopted calling for strong will and practical actions to promote the conservation, management, as well as a sustainable use of wetlands worldwide.Years ago, in the Yellow Sea Wetland in Yancheng, East China's Jiangsu Province, an important migratory bird nesting area, the government issued bans on reclamation, solved pollution caused by industrial development along the coastal cities, and applied for the World Natural Heritage title in 2019 for the wetland's ultimate recovery.Based on the latest 2022 data released by the central government, 602 wetland natural reserves were established, more than 1,600 wetland parks and numerous wetland protection communities were established, and the wetlands protection rate reached 52.65 percent across the country."These advances in fact illustrate China's changing mindset on the importance of the environment. In recent decades China has experienced huge economic growth, but at the same time it was at the cost of air, soil, and water pollution. But over the last 10 years we've seen a shift in the way of economic growth toward a higher quality growth. That means recognizing that you cannot have a strong economy without a strong environment."And this all around support and growing awareness of environmental diversity also occurs in people's everyday activities. Townshend recalled to the Global Times that when he first came to China, it was even easier to find a new bird species in Beijing than to find another bird watcher."But now at any park on any day of the week you will find bird watchers. The number of bird watching societies in China has increased from three in the year 2000 to over a hundred today," Townshend said."There has been huge positive change in the past 10 years, but of course there is still a lot more that can be done," he said. Chinas exchange rate policy would destabilize the world economy, said European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht on 27 September. China artificially lowers the rate of the yuan, which is a negative factor. Thus, the PRC would destabilize the world economy Karel De Gucht said. Despite a number of distinct advantages for Beijings currency intervention, in particular, a more comfortable environment for Chinese exporters, a strong national currency prevents the containment of the trade balance and foreign reserves the first largest in the world. In this case, according to the commissioner, the current situation also brings some of the advantages of the European economy, enabling consumers to purchase raw materials of Chinese products at lower prices. The share of Chinese raw materials for European export is 75%. Thus, cheap Chinese imports indirectly helps our exporters, Karel De Gucht explained. In early September 2011. Chinese authorities have announced plans to make the yuan freely convertible currency by 2015. Currently, the yuan is partially convertible currency the government maintains tight restrictions on foreign exchange transactions involving the movement of capital. The renminbi is controlled by the Chinese central bank, the rate is determined by reference to a basket of currencies. At the same time the Western countries believe that the yuan is artificially undervalued, giving Chinese exports an unfair advantage. In order to control exchange Beijing has to sell yuan in the domestic market and accumulate huge foreign reserves, which in 2011. exceeded $3 trillion and growing. However, in recent years China has gradually weakens the control over capital movements. For example, in August 2011. authorities promised to allow foreign investors to buy selected securities on stock exchanges in mainland China. Analysts say that such measures contribute to the internationalization of the yuan, and bring it, although slowly, to the status of international reserve currency. In June, Dai Xianglong, former governor of the Bank of China, said that the yuan would become an international currency in 15 to 20 years. ( Previous Report ) EU: Chinas Monetary policy Would Destabilize the World Economyadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Citizens lay flowers to commemorate the victims of a bomb attack on the Istiklal avenue near Taksim Square in Istanbul,sultans gold slot Turkiye, Nov. 16, 2022. Turkiye has detained 50 suspects over the deadly bomb attack in central Istanbul earlier this week, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Shadati) ANKARA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has detained 50 suspects over the deadly bomb attack in central Istanbul earlier this week, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Tuesday. The detainees include a Syrian woman who was caught soon after the incident for suspectedly planting the bomb that exploded on Istiklal avenue, Bozdag told the parliament. "Afterward, many people who assisted this terrorist and were considered in contact with this terrorist were also detained," he said. Turkish police said on Monday that the Syrian woman confessed that she had received the attack order from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its offshoot in Syria, the People's Protection Units (YPG). Both are listed as terrorist organizations by Turkiye. The explosion on Sunday afternoon hit a crowded avenue, leaving six dead and 81 wounded. Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted on Tuesday that 58 of the injured had been discharged from hospitals, while 17 were still receiving treatment and six in intensive care. Thelindsey haun net worth Chinese authorities have closed Tibet to foreign tourists until the end of July for the second time this year marking the sixtieth anniversary of the peaceful liberation of the region. Right now we do not accept foreign tourists, said an employee of the China Travel Service, which said they had received an instruction to do so until July 26. Another travel agent has confirmed the closure. To get on the roof of the world, foreign tourists usually travel in groups and get a special pass permit, in addition to the Chinese visa. Following the 2008 riots, which had caused fires and looting in Lhasa, foreigners were not allowed to go to Tibet for over a year. The year 2011 marks the 60th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Tibet. Tibet Prohibits Foreigners Until Late Julyadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline In recent years, various arms of the Danish government have been participating in and helping the Ministry of Justice develop a nationwide strategy to defeat money laundering and any potential to wittingly or unwittingly assist in financing terrorism. The Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden issued a brief statement on 20 July announcing its intent and happiness to participate in using the strategy. In addition to the inclusion of Spillemyndigheden in the strategy, the government also includes the Danish Business Authority, the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority, and the Bar Council as cooperators. The government strategy document is available online in Danish only (see .PDF here). A joint ministerial press release (Danish only) lauds the advances in recent years in making it increasingly difficult to operate organized crime in the country and mentions the need to enhance and augment the current strategy that will run through 2025. The First Pillar The strategy is based on five pillarsand will seek to implement 21 strategic objectivesbefore the end of the period. The Ministers have found that money laundering has become more sophisticated, complex, and lucrative for organized criminals. The government seeks, among other things, to see private actors and the authoritiesshare, compare, and coordinateregarding the trends they see occurring. One thing the government says must happenis an increase in tracking, identifying, and seizing the proceedsof economic crime through increased focus resulting from multilateral cooperation. The gambling sector and non-profits are seen as areas to pay attention to along with money transfer and currency exchange companies, cryptocurrency, neo-banks, and the trade in high-value goods. The Rest of the Strategy Adding to thefirst pillar are four moreincluding a coherent, risk-based, and targeted inspection effort; digital and technological solutions; increasing international cooperation, and finally an overall strengthening of the battle to identify, dismantle, and cripple complex crimes including organized crime. The increase in utilizing tech and digital solutions; increased international cooperation, and cooperation between the private and public sectors are elements that have the potential to affect the gambling industry. In the joint press release, Justice Minister Mattias Tesfaye states: Gang criminals and international tax evaders use money laundering to disguise their illegal profits. That must be stopped. Economic crime goes across national borders, and the fight against economic crime goes across authorities. Therefore, the government has already taken a number of initiatives to help stop the fraud. Among other things, established a new unit in the police, which will deal with this type of special crime, and which will be at the table of a new operational cooperation with private actors in the fight against money laundering. The MJ went on to say there is more that must be done and that the focused and commonstrategy will help fight organized crimeand the people behind it. Source: Denmark promises nationwide money laundering crackdown, iGaming Business, July 20, 2022 What Is a Call?highest paying casino games A call, in finance, will usually mean one of two things. A call option is a derivatives contract giving the owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy a specified amount of an underlying security at a specified price within a specified time. A call auction occurs over a set time when buyers set a maximum acceptable price to buy, and sellers set the minimum satisfactory price to sell a security on an exchange. Matching buyers and sellers in this process increases liquidity and decreases volatility. The auction is sometimes referred to as a call market. "Call" may alternatively refer to a company's earnings call, or when an issuer of debt securities redeems (calls back) their bonds. Key Takeaways A call can refer to either a call auction or a call option. A call option grants the right, but not the obligation, for a buyer to purchase an underlying instrument at a given strike price within a given timeframe. Call options are commonly used for speculating on up-moves, hedging, or writing covered calls. The call auction is a type of trading where prices are determined by trading during a specified time and period. A call auction is a trading method used in illiquid markets to determine security prices. Call Options Call Option Basics 4:10 For call options, the underlying instrument could be a stock, bond, foreign currency, commodity, or any other traded instrument. The call owner has the right, but not the obligation, to buy the underlying securities instrument at a given strike price within a given period. The seller of an option is sometimes termed as the writer. A seller must fulfill the contract, delivering the underlying asset if the option is exercised. When the strike price on the call is less than the market price on the exercise date, the holder of the option can use their call option to buy the instrument at the lower strike price. If the market price is less than the strike price, the call expires unused and worthless. A call option can also be sold before the maturity date if it has intrinsic value based on the market's movements. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2020 The put option is effectively the opposite of a call option. The put owner holds the right, but not the obligation, to sell an underlying instrument at the given strike price and period. Derivatives traders often combine calls and put to increase, decrease, or otherwise manage, the amount of risk that they take. Example of a Call Option Suppose a trader buys a call option with a premium of $2 for Apple's shares at a strike price of $100. The option is set to expire a month later. The call option gives her the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the Cupertino company's shares, which are trading at $120 when the option was written, for $100 a month later. The option will expire worthless if Apple's shares are changing hands for less than $100 a month later. But a price point above $100 will give the option buyer a chance to buy shares of the company for a price cheaper than the market price. Call Option FAQs How Do Call Options Work? Call options are a type of derivative contract that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a specified number of shares at a predetermined price, known as the strike price of the option. If the market price of the stock rises above the options strike price, the option holder can exercise their option, buying at the strike price and selling at the higher market price in order to lock in a profit. On the other hand, options only last for a limited period of time. If the market price does not rise above the strike price during that period, the options expire worthless. What Does It Mean to Buy a Call Option? Investors will consider buying call options if they are optimisticor bullishabout the prospects of its underlying shares. For these investors, call options might provide a more attractive way to speculate on the prospects of a company because of the leverage that they provide. For an investor who is confident that a companys shares will rise, buying shares indirectly through call options can be an attractive way to increase their purchasing power. What Are Put Options? Puts are the counterparts to calls, giving the holder the right to sell (and not buy) the underlying security at a specific price at or before expiration. How Do I Sell a Call Option? Options are frequently traded on exchanges. If you own an option you can sell it to close out the position. Or, you can sell (known as 'writing') a call to take a short position in the market. If you already own the underlying security, you can write a covered call to enhance returns. What Happens If My Call Expires in-the-Money? Expiring in-the-money (ITM) simply means that at its expiration its strike price is lower than the market price. This means that the holder of the option has the right to buy shares lower than where they are trading, for an immediate profit. The process of converting the contract into those shares at that price is called exercising. Note that a call that expires with a strike higher than the market price will be out-of-the-money (OTM) and expire worthless, since who would want to purchase shares for higher than you can get in the open market? Call Auctions In a call auction, the exchange sets a specific timeframe in which to trade a stock. Auctions are most common on smaller exchanges with the offering of a limited number of stocks. All securities can be called for trade simultaneously, or they could trade sequentially. Buyers of a stock will stipulate their maximum acceptable price and sellers will designate their minimum acceptable price. All interested traders must be present at the same time. At the termination of the auction call period, the security is illiquid until its next call. Governments will sometimes employ call auctions when they sell treasury notes, bills, and bonds. It is important to remember that orders in a call auction are priced orders, meaning that participants specify the price they are willing to pay beforehand. The participants in an auction cannot limit the extent of their losses or gains because their orders are satisfied at the price arrived at during the auction. Call auctions are usually more liquid than continuous trading markets, while continuous trading markets give participants more flexibility. Example of a Call Auction Suppose a stock ABC's price is to be determined using a call auction. There are three buyers for the stockX, Y, and Z. X has placed an order to buy 10,000 ABC shares for $10 while Y and Z have placed orders for 5,000 shares and 2,500 shares at $8 and $12 respectively. Since X has the maximum number of orders, she will win the bid and the stock will be sold for $10 at the exchange. Y and Z will also pay the same price as X. A similar process can be used to determine the selling price of a stock. PHNOM PENH,24 betting apps android Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects have played an important role in helping ASEAN countries broaden their development road and grow their economy, according to ASEAN officials and experts. Kao Kim Hourn, a minister attached to the prime minister of Cambodia, said BRI is one of the important frameworks helping Cambodia attract investment for infrastructure development. "As a country that had suffered heavily from war and conflict, our infrastructure was not there, so we need investment to develop roads, bridges, and ports among others," he told Xinhua in a recent interview. "BRI has been one of the key priorities for Cambodia to develop our infrastructure." Kim Hourn, who will take over the post of ASEAN secretary-general in January 2023, said BRI has provided tremendous benefits not only to Cambodia, but also to all participating countries. "Cambodia, as a country that produces a lot of rice and contributes to ensuring food security, also needs investment in the irrigation system, and this kind of infrastructure projects require a lot of capital, so BRI is a framework that can help us attract investors," he said. BRI, a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was initiated by China in 2013 to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes. Vasim Sorya, undersecretary of state and spokesman for Cambodia's Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the BRI mega-projects in Cambodia, including the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, hydropower plants, Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, the new Siem Reap International Airport, Morodok Techo National Stadium, roads and bridges are very beneficial to Cambodia's socio-economic development. "These projects have provided and will continue to provide a lot of tangible benefits to the economy and people of Cambodia," he told Xinhua. "The BRI projects here are sincere with no strings attached, and their aim is to help boost our socio-economic development and improve our people's livelihoods." Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, said BRI has played a very important role in helping countries cushion the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. "BRI remains a driving force to continue expanding cooperation among countries in the region and the world at large for the cause of peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development," he told Xinhua. "It is becoming the new engine of global economic growth." Other Southeast Asian nations such as Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, have also greatly benefited from BRI, Matthews said. The China-Laos Railway, a landmark project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, runs 1,035 km, including 422 km in Laos, from the city of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, to Lao capital Vientiane. It started operation in December 2021. "I traveled to Oudomxay province by the train. It took only over two hours and it was convenient." Bounleuth Luangpaseuth, vice president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Xinhua. As a docking project between the Belt and Road Initiative and Laos' strategy to convert itself from a landlocked country to a land-linked hub, the railway will slash the travel time between Vientiane and Kunming to about 10 hours. "The Laos-China Railway transformed Laos from a land-locked country into a land-linked hub in the region. The railway will be an important piece of infrastructure that increases the nation's transportation connectivity with other parts of the region. The railway would definitely play an important and positive role in promoting trade and investment in Laos, and it will create thousands of local jobs," Luangpaseuth said. In an interview with Xinhua, General Chairman of the Indonesian Chinese Entrepreneur Association Abdul Alek Soelystio said the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership represents closer, higher-level and wider scope cooperation between the two sides. "The cooperation between China and ASEAN will not be limited to the field of goods trade, and will be expanded to closer and more professional cooperation on service trade in the future," the entrepreneur said. In his perspective, China has effectively promoted ASEAN's economic development through the Belt and Road Initiative, global cooperation on the industrial chain and supply chain, as well as various favorable policies provided by the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. For example, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, which links China's Belt and Road Initiative and Indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum strategy, is expected to start operation in June 2023. With a design speed of 350 km per hour, the railway built with Chinese technology will cut the journey between Jakarta and Bandung, capital of West Java province, from more than three hours to around 40 minutes. Another example of the BRI project synergizing with the development scheme of an ASEAN country could be found in Vietnam's capital Hanoi, a city crowded with millions of motorbikes and cars, where commuters are longing for alternative ways of traffic. Built by the China Railway Sixth Group and as an important project of the synergy of BRI and Vietnam's "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, the Cat Linh-Ha Dong line, more than 13 km with 12 stations covering three districts in Hanoi, has transported around 7.2 million people since last November. With a designed speed of 80 km per hour, each train has four carriages capable of carrying up to 1,000 people. Local newspaper Vietnam News reported that on average 32,000 passengers take the line every day, and 70 percent of them use monthly tickets. Like many other capitals, Hanoi sees a large number of passengers, mostly workers and students, at rush hour, and serious traffic congestion and environmental pollution, which made developing the railway system necessary, said Vu Hong Truong, CEO of Hanoi Metro, a state-owned enterprise for railway operation and maintenance. The Cat Linh-Ha Dong line has gradually reduced traffic congestion in Hanoi, he said. Passengers line up to check in at Air China's counters at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest, Hungary, on July 7, 2022. A direct flight from Beijing landed at Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport Thursday, marking the official resumption of regular passenger flights between Hungary and China. Photo:Xinhua Chinese embassies in India, Canada, Singapore, South Korea and many other countries on Sunday and Monday adjusted and optimized pre-boarding requirements for travelers bound for China, based on the 20 optimized measures announced on Friday in view of the current COVID-19 pandemic.According to an announcement released by the Chinese Embassy in India, all travelers headed to China on flights will only be required to take one nucleic acid test within 48 hours prior to boarding and apply for a health code with a negative result.Under the previous requirement, travelers had to obtain two negative results within 48 hours.Moreover, according to the adjusted regulations, travelers do not need to take nucleic acid tests at designated spots anymore. They can take the test wherever it is convenient and apply for a health code from the embassy or consulate where the test was taken. The airline will no longer check the place where the code was issued.The Chinese embassies in Canada, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Australia issued announcements with similar travel adjustments on Sunday.The Chinese Embassy in Canada reminded travelers that nucleic acid testing must be completed at a testing facility approved by the local health department and it cannot be replaced by a rapid testing kit.Earlier, Chinese embassies in the US and the UK made similar announcements and emphasized that travelers do not need to be retested during transit.In addition, people who have been previously infected, close contacts of the infected, and those with suspected symptoms no longer need additional documentation to apply for a travel health code. Children under three years of age do not need to be tested.These embassy circulars also remove the previous requirement for a designated testing facility.On Monday afternoon, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea issued an update stating that flights from South Korea to China require only one negative nucleic acid test result within two days prior to boarding. If the traveler is in transit at a Korean airport, s/he only needs to provide the negative result that is still valid for the second flight, and does not need to be tested again.The embassies also reminded travelers to continue pre-trip self-health monitoring and personal health protection during the journey.These updated requirements are inspiring for travelers hoping to travel to China from abroad, a Chinese student surnamed Li, who is planning to return to China from the US, told the Global Times on Monday.This will make international travel to China, which has been relatively difficult for some time, substantially easier, she said, noting that she hopes the policy changes will further drive down fares on international flights.On Friday, China made its latest move in scientific and precise epidemic control and prevention work to fight COVID-19 by releasing 20 optimized measures, including shortening quarantine periods for international arrivals and close contacts of confirmed cases from 7+3 (seven days of centralized quarantine and three days of health observation at home) to 5+3.China also ended COVID-19 flight suspensions on the same day, which immediately triggered a spike in searches for international flights to their highest level in a year, reflecting massive pent-up demand.Prior to the adjustment, Chinese carriers were allowed to operate only one outbound flight per week on one route to any country, and foreign airlines to operate just one flight a week into China, and were subject to the "circuit breaker."Global Times China promised Monday to import more Indian commodities including IT, pharmaceutical and agricultural products in order to make trade between the two countries more balanced. Visiting Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming and his Indian counterpart Anand Sharma said after a ministerial meeting on trade and economic relations here that the two countries will also set up a joint working group (JWG) to look into trade-related issues within 90 days. The decision was taken at the 9th meeting of India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology. There has been this issue of data reconciliation, the methodology of calculating the numbers on trade. Both Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming and I have proposed that the issues pertaining to trade data and the methodology should be looked into by a Joint Working Group of senior officials of the two countries. We both have agreed to establish the JWG which will address all trade-related issues, but also go beyond that. The mandate will include trade and investment. It will be set up at the earliest, and will give its recommendations and assessment in three months. But the working group will continue to work on investment and trade matters thereafter also, Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said. Both sides also agreed to encourage mutual investment during the meeting. I have invited Chinese companies to invest in the proposed National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NMIZs), and I am happy that the response has been very positive and encouraging, said Sharma. Both countries had also agreed to work on a five-year plan on economic cooperation, he added. Chen said when the global economy has not come out of crisis, there is great meaning to expand bilateral economic cooperation with India which will also send a positive message to the world. While stressing trade is the basis of economic cooperation between the two countries, Chen said China hopes to increase bilateral trade with India to 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2015 from 75 billion dollars at present. He said China encourages its enterprises to shift some of their production bases from China to India if they are needed here. Sharma said it is unreasonable that the direct investment into each other by China and India only totals about one billion U.S. dollars and called for more investment. He said India welcomes Chinese investment in the nine envisaged economic development zones in the country, also known as NMIZs, which will become manufacturing bases. However, he stressed that India welcomes only highly skilled and qualified professional personnel from China in its visa policy towards the country because jobs are precious in India. He denied that some Indian policies towards Chinese telecom companies are discriminatory with such practices as anti-dumping and barring contracts between Chinese suppliers and Indian users under the excuse of safeguardingnational security. Xinhua China promises to import more Indian commodities to attain balanced tradeadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Thepoker set warehouse golden poker Foreign Affairs Committee of Chinas National Peoples Congress, and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference have issued statements, voicing strong indignation toward and condemnation of Japans so-called purchase of the Diaoyu Islands and its affiliated islets. The Foreign Affairs Committee of Chinas National Peoples Congress says Japans act is another severe infringement upon Chinas territorial sovereignty, which seriously damages Sino-Japanese relations. The statement points out that the unilateral actions taken by the Japanese government are totally illegal and invalid according to international law. It says that the Japanese governments claims on the Diaoyu Islands not only disregard historical facts, but also deny the outcomes of the victory of the war against fascism and pose a grave threat to international order. The top legislature urges Japan to clearly understand the dangers of the current situation, and to settle the dispute in a proper manner, or it shall have to bear all serious consequences arising thereafter. The statement warns that the Chinese government will take necessary measures to safeguard territorial sovereignty, and maintain historical facts and justice. The statement issued by the CPPCC Foreign Affairs Committee says all political parties, all ethnic nationalities and people of all walks of life have expressed strong indignation and severe condemnation over Japans move. The CPPCC will never allow any country to meddle in Chinas sacred territory and it firmly supports the Chinese government in taking necessary measures to defend its territorial sovereignty. The statement says the development of Sino-Japanese relations embodies unremitting efforts of several generations of the two countries, which are worthy of maintaining. It says that to continue to push forward Sino-Japanese strategic and mutually beneficial relations conforms to the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples. The top advisory body urges Japan to immediately stop all damage to Chinas territorial sovereignty, stop playing with fire on the Diaoyu Islands issue, and make joint efforts with the Chinese side to take concrete actions to safeguard the overall situation of Sino-Japanese relations. Yang Weihan CCTV NPC & CPPCC condemn Japans Purchase of Diaoyu Islandsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday sent messages of condolence respectively to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte over the crash of a Malaysian passenger plane in eastern Ukraine. In the message to Najib,online gambling information Li said he was shocked to learn of the crash of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which left 298 passengers and crew members dead. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I hereby express sincere sympathy to the Malaysian government and people and convey deep condolences to all the deceased on board, Li said. In the message to Rutte, Li said that he was shocked to learn that a large number of Dutch passengers were killed in the MH17 crash. I, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, express sincere sympathy to the Dutch government and people and convey deep condolences to the deceased from your country, Li said. The Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, a Boeing 777-200, crashed in eastern Ukraine on Thursday, leaving all the 298 passengers and crew members dead, including 192 Dutch passengers. Tang Danlu Chinese premier extends condolences to Malaysian, Dutch PMsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The leaders of China and Japan have met for the first time since the recent escalation of a dispute between their two nations about a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. Chinese President Hu Jintao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda had an informal 15-minute conversation on Sunday on the sidelines of a regional summit in the Russian city of Vladivostok. Chinese state media quote Hu as saying that Tokyo must recognize what he called the severity of the dispute over the Japanese-controlled islets and avoid making wrong decisions. The islets are known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China and claimed by both nations. Prime Minister Nodas government angered China in July when it announced plans to buy some of the islands from a private Japanese family and place them under state control. Hu told Noda that Beijing opposes any such move as illegal and invalid. Japanese media say Noda called for both nations to resolve the dispute by developing their relations in a comprehensive, mutually beneficial and strategic way as they mark the 40th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties. Tensions flared up last month when Japanese and Chinese nationalists sailed to the islands and swam ashore to assert their countries claims, prompting the two governments to accuse each other of provocation. The waters surrounding the archipelago contain rich fishing grounds and potential oil reserves. The Japanese leader also expressed sympathies to Hu regarding the deadly earthquake that hit southern Chinas Yunnan province on Friday. China, Japan discuss island dispute at APEC meetingadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Online gambling software provider ORYX Gaming has extended its foothold in the Croatian market through a partnership with local land-based casino operator Senator. Under the terms of a recently signed deal between the two companies, the provider has utilized its turnkey solution to take Senator online. ORYX has provided the operator with its ORYX iGaming platform to power its newly created online gaming environment as well as with access to its ORYX Hub content aggregator and a selection of its proprietary and third-party aggregated casino content. The providers ORYX Hub solution currently includes a massive library of over 10,000 casino titlesfrom more than 100 industry providers, including ORYX itself as well as third-party content makers such as NetEnt, Greentube, EGT Digital, Playn GO and more. As part of the agreement, the Croatian operator will also utilize its provider partners real-time data and player engagement platforms, including tools such as Real Time Campaign management and Jackpots, Achievements, Leaderboards and Tournaments, and more. Senator runs 17 land-based gambling establishments in Croatia as well as in Macedonia, Kenya, Mauritius, as well as Central and South America. Its online casino launch in Croatia in partnership with ORYX marks its first foray in the world of digital gambling. Croatian Expansion The deal between Senator and ORYX will further see the operator leverage the providers proprietary set of toolsto help it build a successful online business. These include player and payments management, CRM and promotions, analytics and reporting, CMS, fraud, and promotions, bonuses, and rewards, among others. The partnership with Senator, marks ORYXs latest expansion effort in Croatia where it already boasts significant presence. The software provider works with the likes of Favbet and Mozzart Bet in that market. The deal also strengthens the companys presence across Europe where it holds licenses by the Malta Gaming Authority and the Romanian National Gambling Office (ONJN), and its online casino games are certified in 18 other major regulated jurisdictions. Of their further expansion in Croatia, ORYX Managing Director Matevz Mazij said that the local market is enjoying great growth and they have had great success in that territory so far. Mr. Mazij said of their new partner that it is established and respected local operator and that it is an honor to have been chosen by Senator to facilitate its online casino debut. The ORYX official further noted that with their turnkey solution and diverse content, they will help the casino operator hit the ground runningwith a premium online offering. Senator COO Dimitar Deskoski said that they are excited to use their knowledge and expertise to launch an online gaming operation for both their existing player base and a completely new audience as digital gambling goes from strength to strength in Croatia. He went on to say that they believe ORYXs products offer them the best conditions for their first online venture and perfectly position them for future growth. Source:ORYX takes Senator online in Croatia with turnkey solution, ORYX Gaming PR, March 4, 2021 What Is a Bank Identification Number (BIN)?triple seven casino roulette round The term bank identification number (BIN) refers to the first four to six numbers on a payment card. This set of numbers identifies the financial institution that issues the card. As such, it matches transactions to the issuer of the card being used. BINs can be found on various payment cards, including credit cards, charge cards, and debit cards. The BIN system helps financial institutions identify fraudulent or stolen payment cards and can help prevent identity theft. Key Takeaways A bank identification number is the first four to six numbers that appear on payment cards. BINs are found on credit cards, charge cards, prepaid cards, debit cards, and gift cards. The BIN helps merchants evaluate and assess their payment card transactions. The number allows merchants to accept multiple forms of payment and allows transactions to be processed faster. BINs can help financial institutions identify fraudulent or stolen cards and prevent identity theft. How Bank Identification Numbers (BINs) Work The bank identification number is a numbering system developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to identify institutions that issue payment cards. The ANSI is a nonprofit organization (NPO) that creates business standards in the U.S. while the ISO is an international nongovernmental group that creates standards for various industries. All payment cards come with a BIN number. This is a set of four to six numbers randomly assigned to debit cards, credit cards, charge cards, gift cards, electronic benefit cards, and other payment cards. The number is embossed on the front of the card and appears in print just below as well. The first digit specifies the major industry identifier. The digits that follow specify the issuing institution or bank. For example, Visa credit cards start with a four, which falls under the banking and financial category. When a customer makes an online purchase, the customer enters their card details on the payment page. After submitting the first four to six digits of the card, the online retailer can detect which institution issued the customers card including: The card brand or Major Industry Identifier, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diner's Club The card level, such as corporate or platinum The card type The issuing bank's country When the customer initiates a transaction, the issuer receives the authorization request to verify if the card and account are valid and whether the purchase amount is available. This process results in the charge being either approved or denied. Without a BIN, the credit card processing system would be unable to determine the origin of the customer's funds and would be unable to complete the transaction. The BIN number allows merchants to accept multiple forms of payment and allows faster processing of transactions. What Are BINs Used For? BINs have a variety of useful applications. The primary purpose is to allow merchants to evaluate and assess payment card transactions. They also allow merchants to identify originating banks along with their address and phone number, and whether issuing banks are in the same country as the device used to make the transaction. It also verifies the address provided by the customer. But more importantly, the numbering system helps identify identity theft or potential security breaches by comparing data, such as the address of both the issuing institution and the cardholder. Bank identification numbers are also commonly referred to as issuer identification numbers (IINs). Benefits of a BIN BINs are used to increase the speed and efficiency of checkout when paying with a debit or credit card. As a customer swipes their card, the store's payment processor scans the BIN on their card and validates their account with the card issuer. This also determines if the transaction is authorized and compliant with any relevant national laws. Example of a Bank Identification Number (BIN) Here's a hypothetical example to show how BINs work. Let's say a customer uses their bank card at the gas pump when they fill up their tank. Once they swipe the card, the system scans the BIN to detect the specific institution that issued the card. An authorization request is then put on the customer's account. The request is authorized within a few seconds, and the transaction is approved if the funds are available or declined if the customer doesn't have enough funds to cover the charge. What Is a Bank Identification Code? A bank identification code, which is also known as a bank identifier code, is a special code made up of eight to 11 digits. It is an international standard that identifies a bank or non-financial institution whenever someone makes an international purchase or transaction. A BIC can be connected or non-connected. The former is part of the SWIFT network and are called SWIFT codes while the latter is generally used for reference only. How Do You Use a Bank Identification Number? Consumers generally don't use BINs but it is important to know what they mean. The first digit is the major industry identifier while the remaining digits specify the issuing financial institution. When you make a purchase or transaction, the issuing institution receives a request for authorization. This request attempts to verify the legitimacy of the account and whether the funds are available. If everything checks out, the transaction is approved. If not, the institution declines it. What Is BIN Scamming? BIN scamming is a fraud scheme. It occurs when a fraudster calls impersonating someone from your bank, claiming that your account information has been compromised. The scammer may give you information to try to gain your trust. Once you're hooked, they try to confirm the number of your card and begin by asking where you bank. When they have that information, they give you the bank identification number and ask that you confirm the remaining digits on the card along with any other information they can get from you. Why Are BIN Numbers Important? BINs allow merchants to accept multiple payments at the same time. They also make payment processing much faster. BINs help banks and financial institutions identify cards that have been compromised or stolen because it provides information about the type of card being used, the type of bank, and other information about the issuing company and cardholder. The Bottom Line Bank identification numbers are used to identify which payment cards belong to which issuing financial institution. But aside from that, they help facilitate financial transactions and ensure that consumers are protected from identity theft and fraud. That's why it's so important to keep your financial information, including your BIN, confidential. Remember, your bank will never call or send you an email to inform you that your account information has been compromised. If you ever receive a call, don't engage with the scammer. Instead, hang up and notify your bank. You can also file a complaint with the FTC on the agency's website. Death Valley National Monument New Word List Save This palace of chance no deposit codesWord! Save ThisWord! nouna national monument in eastern California, including most of Death Valley: site of Badwater, lowest point in the United States, 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level. 2,980 square miles (7,718 square kilometers). Words nearby Death Valley National Monument How to use in a sentence I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. The Muslim Cop Killed by Terrorists|Michael Daly|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST The Muslim Cop Killed by Terrorists|Michael Daly|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Asia Bibi, as she is known, was arrested and sentenced to death. In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST The most notorious states are Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, where death is an acceptable legal remedy. In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Father Joel Roman Salazar died in a car crash in 2013; his death was ruled an accident, but the suspicion of foul play persists. Mexicos Priests Are Marked for Murder|Jason McGahan|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST The death toll, which experts believe has been significantly undercut by secret burials, stands at 7,905. The Race for the Ebola Vaccine|Abby Haglage|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST The Race for the Ebola Vaccine|Abby Haglage|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST This is the place where the Muscovite criminals are banished to, if they are not put to death. The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe San Antonio de Bexar lies in a fertile and well-irrigated valley, stretching westward from the river Salado. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various Elyon is the name of an ancient Phnician god, slain by his son El, no doubt the first-born of death in Job xviii. Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway Your sacrifice shall be the agony of agonies, the death of deaths, and yet you'll find yourself unable to resist. Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu Good is set against evil, and life against death: so also is the sinner against a just man. The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Question Death Valley National MonumentFirst recorded in 193035death tax, death tourist, deathtrap, Death Valley, death-valley curve, Death Valley National Monument, death warrant, deathwatch, death wish, deathy, deattributeDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 The longer a language is spoken and written, the more it changes. When two-word phrases are used frequently, they often become hyphenated or compounded. Such is the case with health care. In Western society, health care is one of the primary concerns of day-to-day life for many people. The policies surrounding health care service delivery, and their associated costs, are a large part of the national discourse in many countries. Some countries have different spelling conventions for these words, depending on how they are used in a sentence. Continue reading to learn about these spelling differences. What is the Difference Between Healthcare and Health Care? In this post, I will compare health care vs. healthcare. I will use each variation in at least one example sentence, so you can see it in its proper context. Plus, I will give you a mnemonic device that will help you choose either healthcare or health care in your own writing. Is healthcare one word or two? Lets find out. When to Use Health Care What does health care mean? Health care (two words) is a noun. It refers to maintenance of ones wellbeing, either by medical means or otherwise. Here are some examples, The national debate about health care has reached a fever pitch. Health care costs are rising at a rate that is unsustainable for most Americans. Health care is for the unhealthy, said Greg, who was not known for his wisdom. The positive this time is that consumers have money to spend, Lundgren said, pointing to robust sales of cars, home improvement and health care. New York Post When this term is used as an adjective, it is hyphenated to form health-care, like in the below examples, Health-care costs are rising at a rate that is unsustainable for most Americans. Sylvia quit her job because she found an employer who offered a better health-care plan. U.S. health-care spending grew 4.8 percent last year, as the country has emerged from a period of historically low health spending growth, according to new federal estimates. The Washington Post For anyone using AP Style, The AP Stylebookrequires health care to be spelled as such: health care. When to Use Healthcare What does healthcare mean? Healthcare (one word) is a variant of the same term. It is not yet considered standard, but it is being used more and more often as time progresses. See the below charts, This next graph isolates the use of healthcare as an adjective, where it is actually surpasses health-care in popularity, These data are not exhaustive, and the charts should not be considered scientifically accurate. Still, they illustrate clear usage trends, and healthcareis clearly becoming more popular with each passing year. Trick to Remember the Difference Heres a helpful trick to remember health care vs. healthcare. For now, healthcare is still not accepted as standard in American English, despite its increasing popularity. At least in formal writing, you will want to stick with health care as a noun and health-care as an adjective for American audiences. As I mentioned above, place like The AP Stylebookstill require the two-word health care. For British audiences, healthcare is an accepted adjective, but health care is still more common as a noun. Remember that healthcare is a compound adjective in British English, much like another British English adjective, gobsmacked. This memorable term, which is spelled as a single word, should help you remember to spell healthcare as a single-word adjective in British English. Summary Is it healthcare or health care? Health care is an incredibly important subject, so its best to know how to write about it. Health care is a noun that refers to maintenance of ones wellbeing. When used as an adjective, it becomes health-care in American English, and healthcare in British English. Healthcare and gobsmacked are two British English compound adjectives that are spelled as a single word. Remembering the similarities between these two words will help you remember when to use healthcare, and as what part of speech. English can be confusing, so dont forget to check this site any time you have questions. If you are ever stuck choosing health careor healthcare, you can revisit this page for guidance. Theplanet 7 casino 0 no deposit bonus codes 2021 mayon volcano last two flu seasons in the U.S. were mercifully mildone of the few silver linings of the pandemic, as COVID-19 mitigation measures likely also prevented many cases of influenza. But our luck may run out this year. Australia, which often serves as an (imperfect) predictor of whats to come for the U.S., has had its worst flu season in half a decade this year, CNN reports. Flu season also started early in Australia this year, another possible harbinger of whats to come in the Northern Hemisphere. Dr. Alicia Fry, chief of the epidemiology and prevention branch within the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) influenza division, cautions that if youve seen one flu season, youve seen one flu seasonmeaning the virus is unpredictable and guesses about it arent always accurate. Whether it will be a severe season or a mild season, or what to expect, or what viruses might circulatethat we really just dont know, Fry says. Nonetheless, there are some factors that could set up the U.S. for a more serious flu season this year, says Dr. Brandon Webb, an infectious disease specialist at Utahs Intermountain Medical Center. Flu season severity varies quite a bit from year to year, depending on factors including immunity in the population and which influenza strain is circulating. Individuals who get influenza the year prior probably carry over some incomplete or partial immunity, Webb explains. Since few people got infected during the past two flu seasons, were looking at globally, and especially in the U.S., record low community immunity levels to influenza. The relaxation of COVID-19 mitigation measures like masking, social distancing, and remote working and schooling could also allow influenza to spread as it did before the pandemic, Fry says. Read More: You Can Still Get Long COVID If Youre Vaccinated and Boosted The possibility of a heavy flu season colliding with the still widely circulating SARS-CoV-2 virus is concerning for the health care system, Webb says. If we have even a moderate-to-high influenza season that generates 300,000 or 400,000 hospitalizations and are also having to deal with a fall or winter COVID wave, that could put a strain on hospital systems around the country, he says. The best thing for individuals to do is get vaccinated sooner rather than later, Fry says. On Sept. 1, federal health officials recommended that people 12 and older get a new bivalent COVID-19 booster, which targets currently circulating Omicron variants. The updated shots are available to adolescents, teenagers, and adults who are at least two months out from their last COVID-19 vaccine dose (though some experts recommend waiting a bit longer). Meanwhile, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot by the end of October. If a person wants to get both at the same time, they can, Fry says. In a Sept. 6 press briefing, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha concurred. I really believe this is why God gave us two armsone for the flu shot and the other one for the COVID shot, he said. Someday, it may be even easier to get dual protection against COVID-19 and the flu. Vaccine makers Moderna and Novavax are working on shots that would target both viruses in a single injection. Its not clear if or when these combination shots might be available, but their development offers a glimpse into what living with both COVID-19 and influenza may look like moving forward. Many unknowns remain about even this years looming flu season. Webb recommends keeping an eye on both COVID-19 and influenza rates and taking precautions accordingly. People at higher risk for severe respiratory disease, including elderly people and those with underlying conditions, might want to consider wearing a mask in crowded settings. At least one thing makes Webb optimistic about this years flu season: Despite all the talk of pandemic fatigue, he thinks theres been a cultural shift in the way people manage infectious diseases. People are, in general, much more aware now about the importance of infection control, Webb says. I would hope that we have a different culture in terms of recognizing that when youre ill, its best to stay home. President Barack Obama has announced new sanctions on Iran, just as the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate are preparing to introduce their own legislation. President Obama has signed an executive order that imposes new sanctions on Irans energy and petrochemical sectors to prevent the country from getting around existing sanctions. The deputy national security adviser for strategic communications, Ben Rhodes, said the Obama administration is sharpening the choice for the Tehran government. Iran has an opportunity through diplomacy to come in line with their international obligations with respect to their nuclear program; however, we have also made it clear that if Iran fails to meet its obligations, we will steadily ratchet up the pressure, Rhodes said. The United States and several other Western countries have united to impose sanctions on Iran, saying they are concerned that Irans nuclear program is in reality an effort to develop nuclear weapons. Iran says that its programs to enrich uranium are solely for civilian purposes. The International Atomic Energy Agency has also voiced concern about possible military applications of Irans nuclear program. The U.S. Treasury Department also announced sanctions Tuesday against two financial institutions, the Bank of Kunlun in China and Elaf Islamic Bank in Iraq, for facilitating transactions for Iranian banks that are already subject to international sanctions. Todays action exposes these banks continued business with designated Iranian banks, and effectively cuts them off from the U.S. financial system, said David Cohen, the under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence with the U.S. Treasury Department. Cohen said the banks had been helping Tehran to finance its nuclear program and international terrorism. Senior Obama administration officials rejected suggestions that the international sanctions against Iran are not having a real impact on that countrys nuclear program. National Security official Ben Rhodes says the impact is significant, and will continue to be felt even more severely in Tehran over the coming weeks. Frankly, several years ago it was the international community that was divided about how to deal with Iran, whereas the Iranian leadership was very united. What we see today is not just a unified international community, but you see sharp divisions within the Iranian political system, he said. The White House sanctions come just as both houses of Congress work to introduce their own sanctions against Iran this week before leaving for a five-week recess. Some lawmakers have grown impatient and criticized President Obama for not being tough enough on Irans nuclear ambitions. Cindy Saine Obama imposes new sanctions on Iranadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The32 red sport free bet major European low cost airline Ryanair signed at Paris Air Show Tuesday a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese aerospace group Comac on the development of future short-medium haul aircraft. While analysts see this agreement a new way for the Irish company to put pressure on the two current market leaders, Boeing and Airbus, such a partnership can also prefigure the termination of new entrants along with the American and European giants. The company, whose fleet is currently composed exclusively of Boeing, announced in May have met with officials of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China and Russias United Aircraft Group. Discussions with the U.S. manufacturer of an order of about 200 aircraft had overturned in 2009, Ryanair had not completely closed the door to an agreement when Boeing was struggling financially. The agreement reached Tuesday with Comac consulation provides a mutual program of C919, a device still in draft form but China plans to deliver the first model in 2016. The Chinese group, has signed two agreements Monday at Le Bourget, with Safran for wiring and C919 with CFM International for the operation of the aircraft. Chinese Aerospace Manufacturer Comac Signed Agreement with Ryanairadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Thevegas bets login bet9ja sure games U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) on Friday initiated four Section 337 investigations involving two kinds of Chinese products. This is the second time in four days that the U.S. government used trade remedy actions. The first product at issue is protective cases that used for handheld portable electronic devices. The probe is based on a complaint filed by Speculative Product Design, LLC based in California on December 26, 2012, said the USITC in a statement. Shengda Huanqiu Shijie of Shenzhen and another three companies from China were identified as respondents in the investigation. The accuser claimed Section 337 violations involving patents infringement, and requested an exclusion order and cease and desist orders, according to the federal bipartisan panel. The other product is smart phone and associated touch keyboard software that permits a user to input information with increased speed and/or accuracy. Four communications companies based in Massachusetts complained Chinas Shanghai Hanxiang (Coo Tek) Information Technology Co. Ltd. and another U.S. company in New York state infringed their patents. They also requested an exclusion order and cease and desist orders. The institution of the investigation does not mean the USITC has made any decision on the merits of the case. Within 45 days the body will set a target date for completing the investigation. Should the complaint be approved, the panel will issue remedial orders, such as a ban on importation of accused products. Daniel Ikenson, director of Center for Trade Policy Studies at Cato Institute, told Xinhua that the USITC action was redundant, because the patent holders had the right to sue at a regular court. More importantly, he added, Section 337 violates the rules of the World Trade Organization, and it is merely a protectionist relic that needs to go. In January this year, the United States launched one antidumping and three Section 337 investigations against Chinese products. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged Washington to abide by its commitment against protectionism and help maintain a free, open and just international trade environment. Xinhua U.S. launches investigation into two Chinese productsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Vice Premier Wang Qishan on Monday met with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt,the sandbox sand crypto expecting more economic cooperation between the two countries. President Hu Jintaos visit to Denmark this June furthered the healthy development of the China-Denmark comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said, while Thorning-Schmidt agreed that Hus visit injected new vitality into the development of bilateral relations. Economic cooperation is the ballast stone for China-Denmark relations, Wang said, adding that the two economies are highly complementary and the prospects for bilateral cooperation are broad. China is in a stage of rapid industrialization and urbanization, and it is gradually realizing huge market potential while Denmark is implementing economic reform and emerging market strategy, according to Wang. The vice premier said that he hopes the two sides will continue to strengthen cooperation in fields including trade, investment, finance, tourism, culture, agriculture, energy saving, environmental protection and sustainable development. Thorning-Schmidt said that she hopes the two sides will continue to strengthen high-level exchanges, promote people-to-people communication and deepen comprehensive mutually beneficial cooperation. The Danish government firmly supports the one-China policy, said the prime minister. Wang and Thorning-Schmidt also met with some entrepreneurs from Denmark after their meeting. Xinhua Vice Premier Wang Qishan urges economic cooperation with Denmarkadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is A Bailout?royal paradise casino & resort A bailout is when a business, an individual, or a government provides money and/or resources (also known as a capital injection) to a failing company. These actions help to prevent the consequences of that business's potential downfall which may include bankruptcy and default on its financial obligations. Businesses and governments may receive a bailout which may take the form of a loan, the purchasing of bonds, stocks or cash infusions, and may require the recused party to reimburse the support, depending upon the terms. Key Takeaways A bailout is the injection of money into a business or organization that would otherwise face imminent collapse. Bailouts can be in the form of loans, bonds, stocks, or cash. Some loans require reimbursementeither with or without interest payments. Bailouts typically go to companies or industries which directly impact the strength of the overall economy, rather than just one particular sector or industry. Click Play to Learn What a Bailout Is Bailout Explained 1:45 Bailouts are typically only for companies or industries whose bankruptcies may have a severe adverse impact on the economy, not just a particular market sector. For example, a company that has a considerable workforce may receive a bailout because the economy could not sustain the substantial jump in unemployment that would occur if the business failed. Often, other companies will step in and acquire the failing business, known as a bailout takeover. The U.S. government has a long history of bailouts going back to the Panic of 1792. Since that time, the government has assisted financial institutions during the 1989 savings and loan bailout, rescued insurance giant American International Group (AIG), funded the government-sponsored home lenders Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and stabilized banks during the 2008 "too big to fail" bailout, officially known as the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA). During the Panic of 1792, debt from the Revolutionary War led the government to bail out the 13 United States. Further, the financial industry is not the only one to receive rescue funds throughout the years. Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LMT), Chrysler, General Motors (GM), and the airline industry also received government and other bailout support. In 2010, Ireland bailed out the Anglo Irish Bank Corporation to the tune of 29.3 billion. Greece received European Union (EU) bailouts which topple the scale at around 326 billion. However, Greece is not alone in needing outside help to manage debts. Other rescues include South Korea in 1997, Indonesia in 1999, Brazil in 1998, 2001 and 2002, and Argentina in 2000 and 2001. Also, it is essential to understand, many of the businesses which receive rescue funding will eventually go on to pay back the loans. Chrysler and GM repaid their Treasury obligations as did AIG. However, AIG also received aid in ways other than merely financial, which is harder to track. Real World Example As you can see, bailouts take many shapes and forms. Also, with each new bailout, the record books are reopened and a new biggest recipient award updated. Consider some of these other historical financial rescues. Financial Industry Bailout The U.S. government offered one of the most massive bailouts in history in 2008 in the wake of the global financial crisis. The rescue targeted the largest financial institutions in the world who experienced severe losses from the collapse of the subprime mortgage market and the resulting credit crisis. Banks, which had been providing an increasing number of mortgages to borrowers with low credit scores, experienced massive loan losses as many people defaulted on their mortgages. Financial institutions such as Countrywide, Lehman Brothers, and Bear Stearns failed, and the government responded with a massive assistance package. On Oct. 3, 2008, President George W. Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which led to the creation of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). TARP allowed for the United States Department of the Treasury to spend up to $700 billion to purchase toxic assets from the balance sheets of dozens of financial institutions. As of April 2021, TARP had disbursed $443 billion to financial institutions. This figure represented the biggest bailout in financial history to that date. Bear Stearns, which became one of the largest investment banks with $2 billion in profits in 2006, was acquired by JP Morgan Chase in 2008. Auto Industry Bailout Automakers such as Chrysler and General Motors (GM) were also knocked down during the 2008 financial crisis. The automakers sought a taxpayer bailout as well, arguing that, without one, they would not be able to stay solvent. Automakers were under pressure as slumping sales plunged amid the dual impacts of surging gas prices and an inability for many consumers to get auto loans. More specifically, the high prices at the pump caused sales of the manufacturers' SUVs and larger vehicles to plummet. Simultaneously, the public found it difficult to get financing, including auto loans, during the financial crisis as banks tightened their lending requirements, further hampering auto sales. While intended for financial companies, the two automakers ended up drawing roughly $63.5 billion from TARP to stay afloat. In June 2009, Chrysler, now Fiat-Chrysler (FCAU), and GM emerged from bankruptcy and remain among the larger auto producers today. As of April 2021, the U.S. Treasury has recouped $377 billion of the $443 billion it dispersed, and GM and Chrysler paid back their TARP loans years ahead of schedule. The U.S. Treasury ultimately wrote off approximately $66 billion, including stock losses. What Is an Exempt Transaction?join dotty bingo An exempt transaction is a type of securities transaction where a business does not need to file registrations with any regulatory bodies, provided the number of securities involved is relatively minor compared to the scope of the issuer's operations and that no new securities are being issued. Key Takeaways Exempt transactions do not require registrations to be filed. Exempt securities are tax-exempt in most cases. There are some regulations for exempt transactions such as anti-fraud provisions. Understanding Exempt Transactions An exempt transaction is a securities exchange that would otherwise have to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) but does not because of the nature of the transaction in question. Exempt securities which have tax-exempt status are the instruments that the government backs, Exempt transactions cut down the amount of paperwork needed for relatively minor transactions. For example, it would be a big hassle to perform a filing with the SEC every time a non-executive employee wanted to sell back some of the company's common shares he or she purchased as part of an employee stock purchase plan. A private placement or Reg D offering is a type of exempt transaction in which the securities are not offered to the public, but are instead sold privately to an accredited investor. According to the SEC, an accredited investor can be: An insurance company, bank, business development company, small business investment company, or registered investment company An employee benefit plan administered by a bank registered investment company, or insurance company A tax-exempt charitable organization Someone with at least $1 million in net worth, excluding their primary residence A person with more than $200,000 in income, or joint income of more than $300,000 with a spouse in both of the previous two years An enterprise owned by accredited investors A general partner, executive officer, or director of the company selling the securities A trust with assets of at least $5 million, as long as it has not been formed just to buy the securities in question Even with exempt transactions, investors and companies are responsible for any misleading or false statements. Exempt transactions are also not exempt from the general provisions of regulating codes, including reporting requirements. Special Considerations Other types of exempt transactions include Reg A offerings, also known as small business company offerings, which permit the issuing company to raise no more than $5 million in 12 months. This allows smaller companies to access securities markets to raise capital. Rule 147 offerings, or intrastate offerings, are also exempt. Transactions with financial institutions, fiduciaries, and insurance underwriters may be considered exempt. Unsolicited orders, which are those executed through a broker at the request of his or her client, are also considered exempt. Usually, an exempt transaction involves a small amount of money or an accredited or sophisticated investor, or does not, for some other reason, warrant a full registration. However, even exempt transactions are subject to some regulations, such as anti-fraud provisions. Investors and companies can still be held liable to misleading or false statements made on behalf of the company, the offering, or the securities, even if the transaction is exempt. And while exempt transactions may not need to be registered with state securities regulators, those state authorities retain the authority to investigate fraud, collect associated state fees, and enforce state filing requirements. Therefore, companies should take care to remain in compliance with state securities regulations, even if their offerings and transactions are exempt under federal filing regulations. New concepts for understanding the world will be presented at an international security forum in Beijing later this grand sierra resort theaterweek, as previous ones promoted by the West can no longer adapt to reality, the forums organizer said on Monday. The participants are expected to come up with some new concepts for understanding the world, Yan Xuetong, dean of the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University, told a press briefing in the lead-up to the seventh World Peace Forum. The forum has brought together veteran politicians and leading think-tankers from around the world every year since 2012. According to Yan, the theme for this years event is Constructing a Security Community: Equality, Equity, and Justice. He said participants will discuss ways to cope with not only conventional security threats, but also unconventional ones, especially those in the economic sphere. If all nations have a common need for economic security, then building a shared community of security should be taken into consideration, Yan said. Main topics of discussion at the upcoming forum, the scholar said, are related to re-evaluating major country relations, the relationship between multilateralism and unilateralism, as well as the role of regional organizations in global security. Regarding conventional security issues, the forum will focus on persistent challenges to the international order, the wave of anti-establishment thought, relations between major countries, nuclear nonproliferation, and combating terrorism, according to a press release. Trade disputes and economic security will be new hotspot topics in unconventional security issues, while artificial intelligence and its impact on international politics will also be included in the discussion. Notable ex-politicians invited to the forum this year include former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, former Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, former president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, and former president of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy. New concepts on intl relations to be presented at security forum in Beijingadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is an Exotic Option?canadian players have so many online casinos to choose from Exotic options are a category of options contracts that differ from traditional options in their payment structures, expiration dates, and strike prices. The underlying asset or security can vary with exotic options allowing for more investment alternatives. Exotic options are hybrid securities that are often customizable to the needs of the investor. Key Takeaways Exotic options are options contracts that differ from traditional options in their payment structures, expiration dates, and strike prices. Exotic options can be customized to meet the risk tolerance and desired profit of the investor. Although exotic options provide flexibility, they do not guarantee profits. Understanding Exotic Options Exotic options are a variation of the American and European style optionsthe most common options contracts available. American options let the holder exercise their rights at any time before or on the expiration date. European options have less flexibility, only allowing the holder to exercise on the expiration date of the contracts. Exotic options are hybrids of American and European options and will often fall somewhere in between these other two styles. A traditional options contract gives a holder a choice or right to buy or sell the underlying asset at an established price before or on the expiration date. These contracts do not obligate the holder to transact the trade. The investor has the right to buy the underlying security with a call option, while a put option provides them the ability to sell the underlying security. The process where an option converts to shares is called exercising, and the price at which it converts is the strike price. Exotic Option vs. Traditional Option An exotic option can vary in terms of how the payoff is determined and when the option can be exercised. These options are generally more complex than plain vanilla call and put options. Exotic options usually trade in the over-the-counter (OTC) market. The OTC marketplace is a dealer-broker network, as opposed to a large exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Further, the underlying asset for an exotic can differ greatly from that of a regular option. Exotic options can be used in trading commodities such as lumber, corn, oil, and natural gas as well as equities, bonds, and foreign exchange. Speculative investors can even bet on the weather or price direction of an asset using a binary option. Despite their embedded complexities, exotic options have certain advantages over traditional options, which can include: Customized to specific risk-management needs of investors A wide variety of investment products to meet investors' portfolio needs In some cases, lower premiums than regular options Exotic options usually have lower premiums than the more-flexible American options. Exotic options can be customized to meet the risk tolerance and desired profit of the investor. Exotic options can help offset risk in a portfolio. Some exotic options can have increased costs given their added features. Exotic options do not guarantee a profit. The reaction of price moves for exotics to market events can be different than traditional options. Types of Exotic Options ProsCons As you may imagine, there are many types of exotic options available. The risk to reward horizon spans everything from highly speculative to more conservative. Below are several of the most common types you may see. Chooser Options Chooser options allow an investor to choose whether the option is a put or call during a certain point in the option's life. Both the strike price and the expiration are usually the same, whether it is a put or call. Chooser options are used by investors when there might be an event such as earnings or a product release that could lead to volatility or price fluctuations in the asset price. Compound Options Compound options are options that give the owner the rightnot obligationto buy another option at a specific price on or by a specific date. Typically, the underlying asset of a traditional call or put option is an equity security. However, the underlying asset of a compound option is another option. Compound options come in four types: Call on call Call on put Put on put Put on call These types of options are commonly used in foreign exchange and fixed-income markets. Barrier Options Barrier options are similar to plain vanilla calls and puts, but only become activated or extinguished when the underlying asset hits a preset price level. In this sense, the value of barrier options jumps up or down in leaps, instead of changing price in small increments. These options are commonly traded in the foreign exchange and equity markets. As an example, let's say a barrier option has a knock-out price of $100 and a strike price of $90, with the stock currently trading at $80 per share. The option will behave like a standard option when the underlying is below $99.99, but once the underlying stock price hits $100, the option gets knocked out and becomes worthless. A knock-in would be the opposite. If the underlying is below $99.99, the option does not exist, but once the underlying hits $100, the option comes into existence and is $10 in the money (ITM). Barrier options can be used by investors to lower the premium for buying an option. For example, a knock-out feature for a call option might limit the gains on the underlying stock. There are four types of barrier options: Up-and-out is when the price of the asset rises and knocks out the option Down-and-out is when the price declines and knocks out the option Up-and-in initiates an option when the price rises to a specific level Down-and-in knocks in on a price decline Binary Options A binary option, or digital option, pays a fixed amount only if an event or price movement has occurred. Binary options provide an all-or-nothing payout structure. Unlike traditional call options, in which final payouts increase incrementally with each rise in the underlying asset price above the strike, binaries pay a finite lump sum if the asset is above the strike. Conversely, a buyer of a binary put option is paid the finite lump sum if the asset closes below the stated strike price. For example, if a trader buys a binary call option with a stated payout of $10 at the strike price of $50 and the stock price is above the strike at expiration, the holder will receive a lump-sum payout of $10 regardless of how high the price has risen. If the stock price is below the strike at expiration, the trader is paid nothing, and the loss is limited to the upfront premium. Besides equities, investors can use binary options to trade foreign currencies such as the euro (EUR) and the Canadian dollar (CAD), or commodities such as crude oil and natural gas. Binary options can also be based on the outcomes of events such as the level of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the value of the gross domestic product (GDP). Early exercise may not be possible with binaries if the underlying conditions have not been met. Bermuda Options Bermuda options can be exercised at preset dates as well as the expiry date. Bermuda options might allow an investor to exercise the option only on the first of the month, for example. Bermuda options provide investors with more control over when the option is exercised. This added flexibility translates to a higher premium as compared to European-style options, which can only be exercised on their expiration dates. However, Bermuda options are a cheaper alternative than American-style options, which allow exercising at any time. Quantity-Adjusting Options Quantity-adjusting options, called "quanto-options" for short, expose the buyer to foreign assets but provide the safety of a fixed exchange rate in the buyer's home currency. This option is great for an investor looking to gain exposure in foreign markets, but who may be worried about how exchange rates will trade when it comes time to settle the option. For example, a French investor looking at Brazil may find a favorable economic situation on the horizon and decide to put some portion of allocated capital in the BOVESPA Index, which is the largest stock exchange in Brazil. However, the investor is concerned about how the exchange rate for the euro and Brazilian real (BRL) might trade in the interim. Typically, the investor would need to convert euros to Brazilian real to invest in the BOVESPA. Also, withdrawing the investment from Brazil would require converting back to euros. As a result, any gain in the index might be wiped out should the exchange rate move adversely. The investor could purchase a quantity-adjusting call option on the BOVESPA denominated in euros. This solution provides the investor with exposure to the BOVESPA and lets the payout remain denominated in euros. As a two-in-one package, this option will inherently demand an additional premium that is above and beyond what a traditional call option would require. Look-Back Options Look-back options do not have a fixed exercise price at the beginning. Instead, the strike price resets to the best price of the underlying asset as it changes. The holder of a look-back option can choose the most favorable exercise price retrospectively for the period of the option. Look-backs eliminate the risk associated with timing market entry and are typically more expensive than plain vanilla options. For example, say an investor buys a one-month look-back call option on a stock at the beginning of the month. The exercise price is decided at maturity by taking the lowest price achieved during the life of the option. If the underlying is at $106 at expiration and the lowest price during the life of the option was $71, the payoff is $35 ($106 - $71 = $35). The risk to look-backs is when an investor pays the more expensive premium than a traditional option, and the stock price does not move enough to generate a profit. Asian Options Asian options take the average price of the underlying asset to determine if there is a profit as compared to the strike price. For example, an Asian call option might take the average price for 30 days. If the average is less than the strike price at expiration, the option expires worthless. Basket Options Basket options are similar to plain vanilla options except that they are based on more than one underlying. For example, an option that pays out based on the price movement of not one but three underlying assets is a type of basket option. The underlying assets can have equal weights in the basket or different weights, based on the characteristics of the option. A drawback to basket options can be that the price of the option might not correlate or trade in the same manner as the individual components would to price fluctuations or the time remaining until expiration. Extendible Options Extendible options allow the investor to extend the expiration date of the option. As the option reaches its expiration date, extendable options have a specific period that the option can be extended. The feature is available for both buyers or sellers of extendable options and can be helpful if the option is not yet profitable or out of the money (OTM) at its expiry. Spread Options The underlying asset for spread options is the spread or difference between the prices of two underlying assets. As an example, say a one-month spread call option has a strike price of $3 and utilizes the price difference between stocks ABC and XYZ as the underlying. At expiry, if stocks ABC and XYZ are trading at $106 and $98, respectively, the option will pay $5 ($106 - $98 - $3 = $5). Shout Options A shout option allows the holder to lock in a certain amount in profit while retaining future upside potential on the position. If a trader buys a shout call option with a strike price of $100 on stock ABC for one month, when the stock price goes to $118, the holder of the shout option can lock in this price and have a guaranteed profit of $18. At expiry, if the underlying stock goes to $125, the option pays $25. Meanwhile, if the stock ends at $106 at expiry, the holder still receives $18 on the position. Range Options Range options have a payoff based on the difference between the maximum and minimum price of the underlying asset during the life of the option. These options eliminate the risks associated with the entry and exit timing, making them more expensive than plain vanilla and look-back options. Why Trade Exotic Options? Exotic options have unique underlying conditions that make them a good fit for high-level active portfolio management and situation-specific solutions. Complex pricing of these derivatives may give rise to arbitrage, which can provide great opportunities for sophisticated quantitative investors. Arbitrage is the simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset to exploit the price differences of financial instruments. In many cases, an exotic option can be purchased for a smaller premium than a comparable vanilla option. The lower costs are often due to the additional features that increase the chances of the option expiring worthless. However, there are exotic-style options that are more expensive than their traditional counterparts, such as, for example, chooser options. Here, the "choice" increases the chances of the option closing ITM. Although the chooser may be more expensive than a single vanilla option, it could be cheaper than buying both a vanilla call and put if a big move is expected, but the trader is unsure of the direction. Exotic options may also be suitable for companies that need to hedge up to or down to specific price levels in the underlying asset. Hedging involves placing an offsetting position or investment to offset adverse price movements in a security or portfolio. For example, barrier options can be an effective hedging tool because they come into existence or go out of existence at specific barrier price levels. Exotic Option Example Say an investor owns equity shares in Apple Inc. The investor purchased the stock at $150 per share and wants to protect the position in case the stock's price falls. The investor buys a Bermuda-style put option that expires in three months, with a strike price of $150. The option premium costs $2, or $200 since one option contract equals 100 shares. The option protects the stock position from a decrease in price below $150 for the next three months. However, this Bermuda option has an exotic feature, allowing the investor to exercise early on the first of each month until expiry. The stock price declines to $100 in month one, and by the first day of the option's second month, the investor exercises the put option. The investor sells the shares of Apple at $100 per share. However, the strike price of $150 for the put option pays the investor a $50 gain. The investor has exited the overall position, including the stock position and put option, for $150 minus the $2 premium paid for the put. If Apple's stock price rose after the option was exercised in month two, say to $200 by the option's expiration date, the investor would have missed out on the profits by selling the position in month two. Although exotic options provide flexibility and customization, they don't guarantee that the investor's choices and decisions of which strike price, expiration date, or whether to exercise early or not will be correct or profitable. Investopedia does not provide tax, investment, or financial services and advice. The information is presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. What Is a Letter of Credit?silver oak 200 no deposit bonus A letter of credit, or a credit letter, is a letter from a bank guaranteeing that a buyers payment to a seller will be received on time and for the correct amount. If the buyer is unable to make a payment on the purchase, the bank will be required to cover the full or remaining amount of the purchase. It may be offered as a facility. Due to the nature of international dealings, including factors such as distance, differing laws in each country, and difficulty in knowing each party personally, the use of letters of credit has become a very important aspect of international trade. Key Takeaways A letter of credit is a document sent from a bank or financial institute that guarantees that a seller will receive a buyers payment on time and for the full amount. Letters of credit are often used within the international trade industry. There are many different letters of credit including one called a revolving letter of credit. Banks collect a fee for issuing a letter of credit. What Is A Credit Reference? How a Letter of Credit Works 1:17 Buyers of major purchases may need a letter of credit to assure the seller that the payment will be made. A bank issues a letter of credit to guarantee the payment to the seller, essentially taking responsibility that the seller will be paid. A buyer must prove to the bank that they have enough assets or a sufficient line of credit to pay before the bank will guarantee the payment to the seller. Banks typically require a pledge of securities or cash as collateral for issuing a letter of credit. Because a letter of credit is typically a negotiable instrument, the issuing bank pays the beneficiary or any bank nominated by the beneficiary. If a letter of credit is transferable, the beneficiary may assign another entity, such as a corporate parent or a third party, the right to draw. The International Chamber of Commerces Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits oversees letters of credit used in international transactions. How Much a Letter of Credit Costs Banks will usually charge a fee for a letter of credit, which can be a percentage of the total credit that they are backing. The cost of a letter of credit will vary by bank and the size of the letter of credit. For example, they may charge 0.75% of the amount that they are guaranteeing. Types of Letters of Credit The types of letters of credit include a commercial letter of credit, revolving letter of credit, travelers letter of credit, and confirmed letter of credit. Commercial Letter of Credit This is a direct payment method in which the issuing bank makes the payments to the beneficiary. In contrast, a standby letter of credit is a secondary payment method in which the bank pays the beneficiary only when the holder cannot. Revolving Letter of Credit This kind of letter allows a customer to make any number of draws within a certain limit during a specific time period. Travelers Letter of Credit For those going abroad, this letter will guarantee that issuing banks will honor drafts made at certain foreign banks. Confirmed Letter of Credit A confirmed letter of credit involves a bank other than the issuing bank guaranteeing the letter of credit. The second bank is the confirming bank, typically the sellers bank. The confirming bank ensures payment under the letter of credit if the holder and the issuing bank default. The issuing bank in international transactions typically requests this arrangement. Example of a Letter of Credit Citibank offers letters of credit for buyers in Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East who may have difficulty obtaining international credit on their own. Citibanks letters of credit help exporters minimize the importers country risk and the issuing banks commercial credit risk. Letters of credit are typically provided within two business days, guaranteeing payment by the confirming Citibank branch. This benefit is especially valuable when a client is located in a potentially unstable economic environment. Advantages and Disadvantages of a Letter of Credit Obtaining letters of credit may be necessary in certain situations. However, like anything else related to banking, trade, and business there are some pros and cons to acknowledge. Advantages and Disadvantages of a Letter of Credit Can create security and build mutual trust for buyers and sellers in trade transactions. Makes it easier to define the specifics of when and how transactions are to be completed between involved parties. Letters of credit can be personalized with terms that are tailored to the circumstances of each transaction. Can make the transfer of funds more efficient and streamlined. Buyers typically bear the costs of obtaining a letter of credit. Letters of credit may not cover every detail of the transaction, potentially leaving room for error. Establishing a letter of credit may be tedious or time-consuming for all parties involved. The terms of a letter of credit may not account for unexpected changes in the political or economic landscape. How does a letter of credit work? AdvantagesDisadvantages Often in international trade, a letter of credit is used to signify that a payment will be made to the seller on time, and in full, as guaranteed by a bank or financial institution. After sending a letter of credit, the bank will charge a fee, typically a percentage of the letter of credit, in addition to requiring collateral from the buyer. Among the various forms of letters of credit are a revolving letter of credit, a commercial letter of credit, and a confirmed letter of credit. What is an example of a letter of credit? Consider an exporter in an unstable economic climate, where credit may be more difficult to obtain. Bank of America would offer this buyer a letter of credit, available within two business days, in which the purchase would be guaranteed by a Bank of America branch. Because the bank and the exporter have an existing relationship, the bank is knowledgeable of the buyers creditworthiness, assets, and financial status. What is the difference between a commercial letter of credit and a revolving letter of credit? As one of the most common forms of letters of credit, commercial letters of credit are when the bank makes payment directly to the beneficiary or seller. Revolving letters of credit, by contrast, can be used for multiple payments within a specific time frame. Typically, these are used for businesses that have an ongoing relationship, with the time limit of the arrangement usually spanning one year. The Bottom Line Letters of credit can play an important part in trade transactions. There are different types of letters of credit that may be used, depending on the circumstances. If you need to obtain a letter of credit for a business transaction, your current bank may be the best place to begin your search. You may, however, need to expand the net wider to include larger banks if you maintain accounts at a smaller financial institution. Dozens of residents of the Virginia City of Richmond went out Tuesday afternoon to protest a proposal for the construction of a casino resort in the citys Stratford Hills area. The proposal was made by Rhode Island casino operator Ballys Corporation and was one of the three bids that advanced to the next stage of Richmonds selection process for a preferred casino developer. A crowd of protesters carrying signs on Tuesday rallied on both sides of the citys Forest Hill Avenue to voice their opposition to Ballys scheme. They raised concerns of different nature, including noise, traffic, and environmental issues. One Richmond resident, Jason Haase, said that the gambling resort could disturb wildlife. Mr. Haase, who studies the genealogy of the area, also noted that the land in and around the proposed Ballys casino site were once home to a community of freed slaves and that community members buried family members there. According to the Richmond resident, the land was once owned by Samuel Green and his son Robert Green, who were free people. He further told local news outlets that the site Ballys wants to build its casino resort on was once a home site with seven structures and that it also probably includes the Green Family Cemetery. Mr. Haase noted that he is not opposed to a casino in Richmond, but he really thinks Ballys should do a professional archaeological study before building its property on a portion of land where there is a high potential to be home to multiple gravesites. Being Good Neighbors Responding to residents environmental concerns, Ballys Senior Project Manager for Richmond Michael Monty said in a recent statement that they have carried out thorough environmental studies and that they are committed to preserving and enhancingthe natural beauty of our site, including any wildlife and wetlands. As for traffic, Mr. Monty pointed out that they would cut off public access to their property from Forest Hill Avenue. Of Mr. Haases concerns, the Ballys Richmond official said that they have reviewed a cemetery deed for a property located north of their proposed casino site and that they have not seen any valid sources that would indicate any graves on our site.Mr. Montys statement went on that they would address any information they have received regarding cemetery sites and that they are dedicated to being a good neighborto their host community. As mentioned above, Ballys proposal is one of the three that are still under consideration by Richmond city officials, with plans presented by The Cordish Companies and a partnership between Urban One and Colonial Downs being the other two. Ballys scheme is the most expensive one of the three with an estimated $650 million investment. The companys resort will include a hotel, a casino with slot machines, table games and a sportsbook, dining and retail outlets, and a performance space, among other amenities. It is up to city officials to decide which one of the three developers in the race will be selected as their preferred casino developer. However, Richmond voters have the final say on whether a property of this kind should be built within city limits. They will be able to cast their vote on the matter in a November citywide referendum. Source:Community members protest Ballys casino plan, one neighbor says it could pave over a historical burial site, WRIC ABC 8News, April 6, 2021 Staff members work at FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa in Coega, South Africa. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] As a truck with a FAW logo slowly rolled off the production line in an assembly workshop in Coega, South Africa, on Friday, China FAW Group, announced that the plant had produced 10,000 vehicles since operations began. The automaker, based in Changchun, Jilin province, set up its assembly plant with an area of 87,000 square meters, in the Coega Industrial Development Zone in July 2014. It is the first self-operated overseas plant of FAW and is selling its products in all the major cities in South Africa. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next >>| 1/6 Next A visitor takes a photo at the booth of TikTok,betting with a bookie a social media app of Chinese tech firm ByteDance, during a gaming fair in Cologne, Germany, in August. [Photo/Agencies] Short-video app TikTok is working on an initiative called "Project Texas" to address the US government concerns about data security, its CEO said on Wednesday. Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, said Project Texas is designed to isolate sensitive data of its US users so that only staff in the United States can access it. The move is part of the company's broader push to beef up data management and to ease US officials' concern about data security. The effort is "extremely difficult and expensive to build," Chew said at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore on Wednesday. "It's unprecedented. No company has attempted this," Chew said. "I'm very confident that through the detailed discussions that we're going to have, we will come up with a solution that will reasonably address the national security concerns." Chew made his comments after US FBI Director Christopher Wray alleged on Tuesday that the US operations of Chinese-owned TikTok raise national security concerns, according to foreign news reports. In response to such reports, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday that the US side is spreading false information and using it as an excuse to suppress the Chinese enterprises concerned, which has become a common practice of the US. China firmly opposes such attempts and hopes that the US side will adopt a more responsible approach, and earnestly respect and abide by fair, open and nondiscriminatory international rules, Mao said. Nepalese entrepreneur Shankar Koirala presents traditional Nepalese handicrafts to visitors during the fifth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Nov 5. [ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY] Nepalese trader hails event for improving his polygon matic games sure multibetlife, giving him chance to pay it forward Just four years ago, Shankar Koirala could be considered somewhat of an itinerant merchant who would peddle traditional Nepalese handicrafts at trade fairs around the world. He estimates that, on average, he would earn about 50,000 yuan ($7,060) during each of these fairs, just enough to lead a modest life and keep his business in Pokhara, Nepal, running. Though life was not particularly tough, he concedes that it lacked the stability he desired. This all changed in 2020 after he took part in the third China International Import Expo. He initially thought the event would be no different than the other fairs he had taken part in, but he was quickly proven wrong. In just six days, the Nepalese entrepreneur raked in 300,000 yuan. "I never expected the CIIE to be such a powerful place for promoting foreign products. I've been to many trade fairs around the world, but I've never gotten such a good result," he said. Buoyed by this successful event, the Nepalese businessman went on to set up his company Angel Hands in the Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub, a permanent trading platform of the CIIE, that same year. Located adjacent to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the venue for the CIIE, the hub is home to a host of companies that had participated in the previous editions of the expo, allowing them to sell their goods all year round. The move proved to be a masterstroke as it allowed him to better promote his goods and communicate with clients. At the 2021 CIIE, Angel Hands generated 500,000 yuan in sales. "If the CIIE never happened, I think I would still be based in Nepal and constantly travel to other countries to sell my products. You could say the CIIE has changed my life for the better," said the 29-year-old. "Before the expo existed, I was always searching for a direction. But the CIIE has allowed me to find my way. Life is now stable. Every day is a busy day but also a happy day." This happiness, he notes, does not stem solely from the growing success of his business. Rather, it has more to do with him being able to do what he considers meaningful in life. Love of country Influenced by Hollywood movies he had watched on television, Koirala spent much of his younger years dreaming of traveling to the United States, where he would live a different life, one away from the countryside, field crops and farm animals. "I wanted to become something different in life. I thought maybe I could become an engineer or run a big business one day," said Koirala. Ironically, it was the very same sentiment that made him change his mind when he got older. Perturbed by the fact that many of his peers were looking to leave the country to seek greener pastures, Koirala set his mind on staying put and doing something more meaningful contributing to his country's development by showcasing the beauty of Nepal's traditional products. "Nepal's handmade products are exquisite and of high quality. All we need to do is advertise them around the world. But many people from my generation just wanted to go abroad to study and work. There weren't many who wanted to do something for their own country," he said. In 2012, when he was just 19, Koirala took it upon himself to champion this cause, setting up a small shop in his hometown to sell traditional handicrafts. He quickly came to learn about the spending power of the Chinese. "Chinese tourists really like our local handicrafts, and they would often buy in bulk. Given that they were my biggest customers, I started learning Mandarin to better communicate with them," he said. Eager to learn more about China, Koirala traveled to Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Chengdu, Sichuan province, and Beijing in 2013 to visit some of his customers and do some sightseeing. In 2015, he started attending trade fairs in China to expand his sales channels. Sharing opportunities In 2020, Koirala decided to expand his product lineup to include handicrafts made by the Women's Skills Development Organization, a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping disadvantaged and marginalized women in Nepal through skills training. His reason was simple he wanted to continue helping his nation by allowing his disadvantaged compatriots to tap into the new opportunities presented by the CIIE. One of the WSDO handicrafts that Koirala sells in Shanghai is the Ranju bag, which was designed by an acquaintance of the same name who had lost her family during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. Having witnessed how WSDO helped the woman not just regain her footing, but also thrive in life, Koirala knew the organization would be an ideal fit for both his business and his conscience. "I feel happy selling WSDO products because they are Nepalese handicrafts and they are for a good cause," he said. "Many of the women who make these products have sad backgrounds. Some of them have been abandoned by their husbands, and others have lost their families and have nowhere to go. When I help sell these handicrafts through the CIIE and my company, I am in a way helping improve their lives." Koirala also makes it a point to work with artisans living in remote regions like Manang and Mustang as they usually have little to no means of selling their crafts. Acts of kindness But Koirala's acts of kindness have not been limited to his home nation. Earlier this year, when Shanghai was locked down due to COVID-19, the kind man signed up to become a volunteer, helping deliver supplies to members of the Fenglin Road community in Xuhui district. "Many of the people living in my community are elderly citizens, so I felt it was necessary for young people like me to lend a helping hand with moving heavy supplies. I also thought it was the right thing to do because China had previously rendered much aid to Nepal during the pandemic," he said. This penchant for paying it forward, Koirala muses, likely stems from his mother, who he describes as ever willing to help those in need. He recalls how she never hesitates to lend money to friends and relatives despite the constant nagging she receives from him. "We're a family of farmers. We're not rich. But whenever someone pops by the house in need of help or money, she never refuses. I only found out the value of her actions when I got older I realized that whenever she was in a bind, all those whom she had helped before would quickly come to her aid," he said. "I learned that what goes around comes around. This is the beauty of kindness." What Is Disinvestment?100 correct score prediction free Disinvestment is the action of an organization or government selling or liquidating an asset or subsidiary. Absent the sale of an asset, disinvestment also refers to capital expenditure (CapEx) reductions, which can facilitate the re-allocation of resources to more productive areas within an organization or government-funded project. Whether disinvestment results in the divestiture or the reduction of funding, the primary objective is to maximize the return on investment (ROI) related to capital goods, labor, and infrastructure. Key Takeaways Disinvestment is when governments or organizations sell or liquidate assets or subsidiaries. Disinvestments can take the form of divestment or a reduction of capital expenditures (CapEx). Disinvestment is carried out for a variety of reasons, such as strategic, political, or environmental. Understanding Disinvestment Disinvestments, in most cases, are primarily motivated by the optimization of resources to deliver maximum returns. To achieve this objective, disinvestment may take the form of selling, spinning off, or reducing capital expenditures. Disinvestments may also be undertaken for political or legal reasons. Types of Disinvestment Commoditization and Segmentation Within the target market for commoditized goods, a company may identify product segments delivering higher profitability than others, while expenditures, resources, and infrastructure required for manufacturing remain the same for both products. For example, a company may determine that its industrial tool division is growing faster and generating higher profit margins than its consumer tool division. If the difference in the profitability of the two divisions is large enough, the company may consider disinvesting (e.g. selling) the consumer division. After the disinvestment, the company could allocate both the sales proceeds and recurring capital expenditures to the industrial division to maximize its ROI. Ill-Fitting Assets A company may opt for the disinvestment of certain assets of a company it has acquired, particularly if those assets do not fit with its overall strategy. For example, a company focused on domestic operations may sell the international division of a company it has purchased, due to the complexities and costs of integration, as well as operating it on an ongoing basis. As a result of the disinvestment, the acquiring company can reduce the total cost of the purchase and determine the optimal use of the proceeds, which may include reducing debt, keeping the cash on the balance sheet, or making capital investments. Political and Legal Organizations may decide on the disinvestment of holdings that no longer fit with their social, environmental, or philosophical positions. For example, the Rockefeller Family Foundation, which derived its wealth from oil, divested its energy holdings in 2016 due to false statements from oil companies regarding global warming. Companies considered to be monopolies may be legally required to disinvest holdings to ensure fair competition. For example, after being found to be a monopoly after eight years in court, AT&T divested its seven regional operating companies in 1984. After disinvestment, AT&T retained its long-distance services, while the operating companies, referred to as the Baby Bells, provided regional services. Example of Disinvestment Disinvestment in fossil fuels is the most prominent and recent example of political and environment-related disinvestment. In 2011, students on college campuses began demanding that their endowment foundationswhich are some of the richest institutional investors in the worldbegin divesting their stakes in fossil fuel companies because they were major carbon polluters. The movement spans 37 countries and has resulted in the divestiture of $6.2 trillion worth of assets, according to a September 2018 report from Arabella Advisors. One thousand institutional investors, including insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds, have committed to divest assets related to fossil fuels. The report attributes the surge in fossil fuel-related divestments to moral pressure that gave way to financial and fiduciary imperatives as the movement grew and stocks for major oil companies fell. Meanwhile, Weyerhaeuser Co. (WY) is an example of strategic disinvestment. The Washington-based company was a manufacturer of paper and paper products until 2004. Since that year, it has divested operations by selling its pulp-and-paper manufacturing businesses to focus on real estate and timber. What Are Distressed Securities?free demo play slots Distressed securities are financial instruments issued by a company that is near toor currently going throughbankruptcy. Distressed securities can include common and preferred shares, bank debt, trade claims, and corporate bonds. A particular security can also be considered distressed if it fails to maintain certain covenants (obligations incorporated into the debt or security, such as the ability to maintain a certain asset to liability ratio, or a particular credit rating.) As a result of the issuing company's inability to meet its financial obligations, their financial instruments suffer a substantial reduction in value. However, because of the implicit riskiness of distressed securities, they can offer high-risk investors the potential for high returns. Key Takeaways Distressed securities are securities issued by a company that is near toor in the midst ofbankruptcy. The company may also have breached covenants (conditions of the security issuance), which is frequently a precursor to the bankruptcy itself. Certain high-risk investors, sometimes known as hawks, are willing to invest in distressed securities in the hope of making a quick buck. Understanding Distressed Securities Distressed securities often appeal to investors who are looking for a bargain and are willing to accept risk. In some cases, these investors believe the company's situation is not as bad as it looks, and as a result, they anticipate their investments will increase in value over time. In other cases, investors may foresee the company going into bankruptcy. However, they feel confident that there might be enough money upon liquidation to cover the securities they have purchased. In many cases, the companies that issue distressed securities end up filing for Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy; as a result, individuals interested in investing in these securities need to consider what happens in the case of bankruptcy. In most bankruptcies, equitysuch as common sharesis rendered worthless. This makes investing in distressed stocks extremely risky. However, senior debt instruments, such as bank debt, trade claims, and bonds, may yield some payout. In particular, if a business files Chapter 7 bankruptcy it will stop operations and go into liquidation. At this point, its funds are dispensed to its creditors, including bondholders. Conversely, under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a business restructures and continues operations. If reorganization is successful, its distressed securities, including both stocks and bonds, may yield surprising amounts of profits. Example of a Distressed Security Securities are labeled as distressed when the company issuing them is unable to meet many of its financial obligations. In most cases, these securities carry a "CCC" or below credit rating from debt-rating agencies, such as Standard and Poor's or Moody's Investor Services. Distressed securities can be contrasted with junk bonds, which traditionally have a credit rating of BBB or lower. Typically, the anticipated rate of return on a distressed security is more than 1,000 basis points above the rate of return of a so-called risk-free asset, such as a U.S. Treasury bill or Treasury bond. For example, if the yield on a five-year Treasury bond is 1%, a distressed corporate bond has a rate of return of 11% or higher, based on the fact that one basis point equates to 0.01%. A business representative from Shiseido introduces products to potential buyers at the first pre-expo matchmaking session of the third CIIE. [Photo/China Daily] SHANGHAI - Global cosmetics giant Shiseido Group will enhance investment to boost its innovation capabilities in China,fair go promo cryptowatch binance the company said in a statement. The company will continue to invest in building its second-largest research and development center in the country to cater to the demands of its largest overseas market, according to its new growth plan released Tuesday at a reception marking the company's 150th anniversary. The company will see more investment in local innovation in China, bolstered by the establishment of an innovation fund worth up to 1 billion yuan ($142.12 million). To accelerate its green growth and support China's circular economy, the company plans to have over 150 refillable products on the Chinese market by 2023, the statement said. "We are full of confidence in the huge potential in China and are even more committed to our long-term investment in the market," said Shiseido Group CEO Masahiko Uotani, calling China "a key growth engine" of the company's growth. SONG CHEN/CHINA DAILY Thebest way to win on pokies resignation of Liz Truss as British prime minister after only 44 days in office and the appointment of Rishi Sunak as the new prime minister, the third in two months, show inability of UK-style democracy to ensure political stability. The same is true for US-style democracy, but not to such an extent. Western democracy is a club for the rich, based on party politics. Western polities' argument is that the grassroots can vote to choose their representatives in parliament, not the country's leader. And although the constituents can protest against government policies, such protests often fall on deaf ears because the politicians are too busy holding onto their positions of power. Truss's downfall came about due to her plans to lower the tax burden on multi-million-pound corporations and individuals, hoping for "trickle-down economics" to help the poor. But the critics cried foul, saying the plan allows the rich to get richer and pushes the poor deeper into poverty. In the United States, top politicians (including House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi) are all millionaires. They care little about their constituents despite the country's poverty rate reaching 11.7 percent, higher than the world average of 10.1 percent, and instead keep on printing currency bills to fight unnecessary, unjust wars across the world. Drug addiction and mass shootings, too, plague the administration as it concentrates its efforts on foreign, not domestic, policies. China, on the other hand, has eradicated absolute poverty, the only major country to do so. It has improved the quality of life of its 1.4 billion people. And by doing so, it has also improved the living environment including land development, transportation connectivity, clean energy generation including through hydroelectricity stations. China has also taken measures to ensure internet services reach even the most remote villages. This is the result of socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics. In the West, politics is not about the welfare of the constituents, but more about survival in power or gaining power by disagreeing with everything the incumbent government does or proposes. Democracy, as seen by the West, is power in chaos. Democracy, as seen by China, is people's power, with the opinions of all sections of society including the grassroots taken into consideration before finalizing a law or a measure. What the West refuses to acknowledge is all citizens of the People's Republic of China who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote and stand for election. They can vote to choose the deputies at town- and county- levels. And the deputies to local people's congresses, elected by citizens, vote to choose deputies at a higher-level. This is somewhat akin to the democratic voting systems in the UK, the US and other Western jurisdictions where eligible voters choose their members of congress or parliament, who in turn vote to choose the country's leadership. In China, the word for democracy is minzhu, which literally translates to "people govern themselves". And being such a large and diverse country, China also allows for voting among ethnic constituents. President Xi Jinping has described this system as one that puts people first, makes them responsible citizens and helps them reap the benefits of good governance. American Sinologist Josef Gregory Mahoney, a professor of politics and international relations and the director of International Graduate Program in Politics at East China Normal University (Shanghai), wrote in an op-ed on CGTN that Western democracies, including the US, have increasingly showed their inability to put people first, have failed to ensure or advance basic human rights at home and instead have become "entrenched in systemic chokepoints, and have been unable to move past historic foundations of oppression and exploitation, both at home and abroad". Policy-making in China is not confined to politicians, as in the West, but also includes the grassroots people. That the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee is the country's top political advisory body fully demonstrates the features and advantages of China's socialist democracy by advocating broad consultation in decision-making and problem-solving. Academic studies show policy choices established by public consultation appear to be closely aligned with public opinion. A policy change in China is a long-drawn-out process due to the extent of public consultations, which trickles down from the top to the regional, provincial, city, town and village level. The process taps into individuals' thoughts and needs and is not hampered by political or organizational input as witnessed in the West where politicians' ideas and decisions prevail. With the advent of modern technology, the Chinese government has increasingly utilized online consultation as a means of providing citizens with opportunities to give feedback on draft laws and regulations. Indeed, online consultation has become an instrument of governance reform, which the CPPCC has embraced as a means of cultivating popular support. As Xi has said, the CPPCC is a great political consultative system created by the Communist Party of China. It encompasses everyone irrespective of party affiliation, all people's organizations and ethnic groups from all walks of life, in order to advance socialist consultative democracy. The author is a PR consultant and veteran journalist. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily. If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at [email protected], and [email protected]. China's Permanent Representative to the UN Zhang Jun speaks at the UN headquarters in New York.(Photo: Xinhua) China has always hoped that the UN General Assembly resolutions will reflect the situation in Afghanistan in a comprehensive and objective manner, rather than be biased toward individual countries, Chinese envoy at the United Nations said on Thursday explaining Chinas decision of abstaining from the vote on issues relating to Afghanistan.Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said that the draft resolution, regrettably, is unbalanced especially on a series of important issues such as unfreezing Afghan assets abroad, investigating crimes committed by foreign forces in Afghanistan, and the risk of proliferation of weapons left behind in Afghanistan. These issues should not be ignored in the resolution, said Zhang.The Afghan people are waiting for an explanation of the crimes committed by foreign troops in Afghanistan, and the countries that are mainly responsible for the current situation must seriously reflect on the mistakes and take appropriate assistance for the countrys development. The practice of political blockade and isolation will not solve the problem, but will exacerbate the suffering of the Afghan people, said the Chinese envoy.With the hasty withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan last year, the 20-year war in Afghanistan ended in chaos. History has once again proved that military intervention doesnt work in Afghanistan, and that the fate of the country must be in the hands of the Afghan people themselves.As a neighbor of Afghanistan, China has actively supported the countrys peaceful development. In the past year, the Chinese government provided 300 million yuan in emergency aid to Afghanistan and actively implemented 1 billion yuan in bilateral aid.Starting next month, China will implement zero tariff on 98 percent of items imported from Afghanistan, which is another important initiative to support the local people with practical actions to generate income and improve their livelihood.China will continue to work with the international community to support Afghanistan's participation in regional cooperation and connectivity, unleash its geopolitical advantages, and achieve stability and prosperity.Delegations from other countries including Pakistan also pointed out that the international community needs to engage meaningfully with the Afghan Taliban if it is to help Afghanistan develop.Global Times What Is Ex Works (EXW)?dragon quest dream vegas deposit Ex works (EXW) is an international trade term that describes when a seller makes a product available at a designated location, and the buyer of the product must cover the transport costs. Ex works (EXW) is one of the 11 current Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), a set of standardized international trade terms that are published by the International Chamber of Commerce. Key Takeaways Ex works (EXW) is a shipping arrangement in which a seller makes a product available at a specific location, but the buyer has to pay the transport costs. Once buyers have their goods, they are responsible for other risks, such as loading the goods onto trucks, transferring them to a ship or plane, and meeting customs regulations. Ex works is an Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), one of 11 standardized international trade terms that are published by the International Chamber of Commerce. What Is International Trade? Understanding Ex Works (EXW) 1:27 Ex works, as a contract option, is particularly good for the seller and not so good for the buyer. The seller is only required to safely package the goods, label them appropriately, and deliver them to a previously agreed-upon location, such as the seller's nearest port. The seller must also help the buyer get export licenses or other required paperwork, although the buyer must pay the actual fees for the documents. Once the buyer has the goods, it is up to the buyer to cover any expenses and account for any risks that pertain to the goods. Risks could include loading the products onto a truck, transferring them to a ship or plane, dealing with customs officials, unloading them at their destination, and storing or reselling them. Even if the seller helps the buyer by, for example, loading the product onto a ship, it's still up to the buyer to pay up if anything goes wrong during the loading. With ex works, the seller can load the goods on the buyer's designated method of transport, but is not required to do so; all the seller is required to do is make the product available at a selected location, while the buyer pays for transport. Example of Ex Works Ex works costs are calculated by businesses that want to cut costs by removing the so-called seller's value-added for shipping. For example, suppose company A has priced a pair of printers from company B at $4,000, with an ex works shipping cost of $200. To save money, company A finds a third-party shipper that will deliver them the printers for $170. So to save the $30 on shipping, they make a deal with company B that is ex works. An ex works agreement is different from a free-on-board (FOB) agreement, in which the seller covers the cost of getting its goods to a shipping terminal and pays all the customs costs to get the goods on board. Meanwhile, the buyer still has to pay to find, contract, and pay the shipping company, as well as the customs costs incurred when the goods reach their country of destination. The buyer also pays the insurance costs. In practice, ex works is sometimes a bad choice due to the customs rules of certain jurisdictions. In the European Union, for example, a non-resident individual or corporation cannot finish the export declaration documents, so the buyer could be left stranded. In such cases, the free carrier (FCA) term is preferable. Free Carrier means the seller is responsible for delivering goods to a specific destination. Special Considerations Ex works, free on board, and free carrier are all part of the International Chamber of Commerce's Incoterms. They are used in international trade contracts to outline matters including the time and place of delivery and payment, the time when the risk of loss shifts from the seller to the buyer, and the party responsible for paying the costs of freight and insurance. The Incoterms aren't actual contracts and don't supersede the governing law in their jurisdiction. Incoterms can be modified by explicit clauses in a trade contract. Incoterms were first established in 1936 and the current versionIncoterms 2020has 11 terms. These are often identical in form to domestic terms, such as the American Uniform Commercial Code, but may have different meanings. Additionally, different countries and the jurisdictions that govern import and export may have different methods of calculating duties on shipping based on their Incoterms. As a result, parties to a contract have to indicate the governing law of their terms. What Is Ex Works? Ex works is a term used in shipping arrangements where the seller is only required to deliver goods at a predetermined location, and the buyer bears responsibility for shipping costs. Along with these costs, the buyer assumes responsibility for the related risks of the goods which may include anything from customs regulations to loading and transferring to other ships. Ex works falls under the set of Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) which are a standard framework of 11 terms that are designed to clarify various trade contracts. What Is the Difference Between Free-on-Board and Ex Works? In shipping arrangements, the difference between free on board and ex works is based on transferring the liability of goods between the buyer and seller. In free-on-board contracts, the seller takes responsibility for bringing goods to a terminal in addition to customs costs and loading the goods onto the ship. The buyer, meanwhile, is liable for shipping costs, insurance, and customs costs at the final point of arrival. In other words, once the goods are shipped, the buyer assumes liability and ownership of the goods, known as FOB origin or FOB shipping point. By contrast, in an ex works agreement, the seller is only responsible for the delivery of goods to an agreed-upon location. What Are the Pros and Cons of an Ex Works Agreement? With an ex works agreement, the seller saves costs on shipping and customs, along with liability for damaged goods after being delivered, packaged, and labeled at the shipping terminal. While this may be optimal at times for sellers, it is not always possible due to customs requirements in certain jurisdictions. Take the European Union, for example, which restricts non-resident corporations from completing export declaration forms. In this case, an ex works contract would be detrimental to both the seller and the buyer, while a free carrier contract, that bears shipping responsibility on the seller, could offer a more suitable alternative. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan said on Tuesday that Australia will continue to build and strengthen relationships with China. China is vegas caesar palaceexpected to have a leadership transition at the 18th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party scheduled to be held on November 8. Swan said at the 2012 China Advanced Leadership Program conference that despite the transition, China and Australia will remain intertwined.He said the leadership transition comes at a time when enormous shifts are also taking place in the economic and social fabric of the Chinese nation. As we forge further ahead into the 21st century, Chinas transformations, its urbanisation, its extraordinary mega-cities, the growing middle class, are not just a sign of progress, they also symbolise Chinas return to pre-eminence in the global economy, he said. The immense scale and pace of Chinas transformation, along with the rise of other countries in the region, is going to see Asia achieve some incredible milestones in the years ahead, Swan said. The Australian government released its Australia in the Asian Century White Paper on Sunday, which sets out how Australia can capitalise in the rise of Asia in the coming decade and beyond. The white paper aims to emulate some of the foresight of Chinese and Australian leaders past, recognising that Australias future will be very much affected by our region and spelling out a set of pathways that will enable us to face its challenges and opportunities, Swan said. To succeed in the Asian century requires us to continue to show forward-thinking and committed leadership, he said. Xinhua Australia expects strong relationship with Chinaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The Benin Bronzes on display in Washington DC, the US File photo: AFP Sculptures known as the Benin Bronzes on display during a press preview of the new exhibition halls at the new Berlin Palace Humboldt Forum File photo: VCG Nigeria's famed Benin Bronzes, artifacts stolen during British colonial rule and scattered across the globe, have a new online archive that aims to become a digital record of the treasures.Thousands of metal plaques, sculptures and objects in the 16th to 18th centuries were looted from the ancient Kingdom of Benin and ended up in museums and with art collectors across the US and Europe. Many experts hail them as the zenith of African art.As Nigeria negotiates their return, "Digital Benin" provides a centralized hub of images and descriptions of more than 5,000 artifacts held in 131 institutions around the world."It is unique, new possibility to see all the objects together and to compare them," Barbara Plankensteiner, director of Germany's MARKK museum and one of the project's founders, told AFP. "It is really helpful for research for Nigerian scholars to be able to access knowledge they had not been able to before."The project, which began planning and research two years ago, was launched at an official event at the weekend in Benin City, in southern Nigeria's Edo State, the heart of the former Benin Kingdom.The platform contains a vast collection of images and details of artifacts categorized by the type of object from figureheads to shields and ceremonial roosters.It details all the institutions where artifacts are held, from the British Museum with more than 900 objects to places like Toledo Museum of Art which has just one commemorative Queen Mother head statue. Readers can also scroll through the story of the Benin Kingdom, its royalty, its chiefs and festivals, with a special section dedicated to oral history.The project comes online as international momentum grows for the restoration of African artifacts from former colonial powers Britain, France, Germany and Belgium.Nigeria's neighbor Benin earlier in 2022 inaugurated an exhibition of artworks and treasures returned by France after two years of negotiations. Those 26 pieces were stolen in 1892 by French colonial forces from the capital of the former Kingdom of Dahomey.Germany is in the process of returning hundreds of Benin Bronze artifacts to Nigeria, where a new museum is being built in Benin City to house artifacts.Many of the artifacts were originally taken in 1897, when a British military expedition attacked and destroyed Benin City, looting thousands of metal and ivory sculptures and carvings."These are our properties," Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki said at the event to open the platform."They were taken from us and they should be returned to us."The Kingdom of Benin, which despite its name was located in what is now southwestern Nigeria, traces its roots back to the first century BC.It expanded through military conquest and commerce, which with the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century developed into trade in slaves, ivory and spices.AFP Trump goes after 'Ron DeSanctimonious' again after Florida governor's re-election closeVideo Fox News Kevin Corke reports on the battle for control of Congress with key races in Arizona, Nevada and Georgia still too close to call and discusses former President Trump taking a dig at Gov. Ron DeSantis. Comedy Central host Charlamagne Tha God sounded the alarm for Democrats that they have "nobody" who can win the presidency in 2024. During a panel discussion about the midterms on Thursday's installment of "Hell of a Week," Charlamagne acknowledged Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is "looking strong" after he won re-election by a nearly 20-point margin, saying he's "like Trump but with a functioning bladder." While he speculated whether DeSantis is able to "take the party away" from former President Donald Trump, one thing Charlamagne seemed certain of was that neither one of them will face a formidable Democratic foe in the next election cycle. CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD HITS BIDEN FOR DEFENDING HUNTER: CHOSE TO LOCK UP INSTEAD OF HELP BLACK DRUG OFFENDERS "Hell of a Week" host Charlamagne Tha God sounded the alarm that Democrats have "nobody" to defeat either former President Trump or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024. (Screenshot/Comedy Central) "We know in 2024, it's gonna be DeSantis or Trump, but I think what should scare people is that the Democrats don't got nobody," Charlamagne said. "So I disagree with that," Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., pushed back. "Who do you think the Democrats got?" Charlamagne asked. AS DESANTIS SAILS TOWARDS RE-ELECTION, FLORIDA NEWSPAPERS ENDORSE CRIST IN HOPES OF OUSTING BULLY GOVERNOR "I think we have a long bench," Bowman responded. "So we have Elizabeth Warren, who's a possibility-" "C'mon," Charlamagne mocked the suggestion. Bowman also floated Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, even himself. "You think America is ready to vote for a progressive like that?" Charlamagne asked about Ocasio-Cortez. "Absolutely, absolutely," Bowman responded. "The largest growing voting block in the country are millennials and Gen Z. That's her base, that's her generation, she could absolutely get it done." HOUSE DEMOCRAT CAMPAIGN CHIEF BLASTS AOC AFTER NEW YORK LOSSES: I DIDNT SEE HER ONE MINUTE' HELPING "And again, Jamaal Bowman might be on the ballot in 2024. Who knows," Bowman continued. "It's about shifting the consciousnesses of America and painting a vision of what's possible. No one on the Republican side can do that and no tradition Democrats are doing that like our more progressive base in the House. "I mean this respectfully, I ain't hearing nobody that can beat DeSantis and Trump," Charlamagne told the lawmaker. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) speaks at the National Action Networks (NAN) three-day annual national convention on April 07, 2022 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Charlmagne later swiped Democrats for taking a victory lap following the results of the midterm elections, which can still result in Republicans retaking Congress. "That's not a win if the GOP gets the House and the Senate," the Comedy Central host said. Bowman responded by pointing out how Republicans came drastically short of the "red wave" that was expected, saying their potential single-digit gains in the House of Representatives "is not a win." BILL MAHER MARVELS AT GOP POPULARITY AMONG HISPANIC VOTERS: DEMOCRATS' PANDERING HASN'T WORKED "That means they still have to work with us to get things done in the House, especially when you have a Democratic president," Bowman said. "There was a red wave in New York state though, which is very problematic because this is a Democratic state and it's because Democrats continued to out-Republican the Republican." "What does that mean?" Charlamagne asked. "So, you know, we take their narrative on crime, for example, and try to tell it in a better way when we should be, again, shifting the consciousness of focusing on poverty, focusing on mental health, focusing on substance abuse, focusing on the issues that we know lead to crime in the first place and focusing on rehabilitation," Bowman said. "Democrats have failed at that and we failed, to your point, of connecting to the grassroots and connecting with real people in the hood who have been disengaged. We have to do a better job of targeting them and bringing them into the process." Congressional candidate Mike Lawler delivers a speech to supporters before knowing the final results during an election night party, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, in Pearl River, N.Y. ((AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)) As Bowman pointed out, Republicans made big gains in New York despite falling short at the top of the ticket. While GOP gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin failed to oust Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, he is being credited for helping carry several House candidates to flip blue seats red. CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP Among them are Rep.-elect Mike Lawler, who defeated Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in charge of getting his party's candidates over the finish line. Joseph A. Wulfsohn is a media reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn. Storm Gerrit puts sailings over festive period at risk With the weather becoming unsettled from this evening (December 19) and Storm Gerrit moving in, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company have issued multiple warnings for ferry cancellations/disruptions over the coming days. The current forecast predicts severe gale force winds reaching highs of 60 mph hitting the Irish Sea from this evening and the Company is warning that all sailings up until Christmas Eve (December 24) are subject to potential disruption. Conditions are currently looking more favourable during the day on tomorrow (December 20) and the Company is hopeful that the Douglas to Heysham 8:15am sailing and its return from Heysham to Douglas at 1:45pm, will go ahead. The Company is continuing to monitor weather forecasts closely and will advise affected passengers on any changes to the schedule as soon as possible. So far, the sailings that are at risk are: Tonights (December 19) 8:45pm Manxman sailing from Douglas to Heysham Overnight sailing (December 20) 2:45am from Heysham to Douglas The Master of the ship will make a final decision on these sailings at 5:30pm this afternoon. Tomorrow (December 20) nights sailing scheduled for 7:15pm from Douglas to Heysham The return trip from Heysham to Douglas scheduled for 2:15am on December 21. The Master of the ship will make a final decision on these sailings at 5:30pm tomorrow (December 20) afternoon. Tom Birchall announces immediate retirement Tom Birchall has announced his immediate retirement from racing. Alongside older brother Ben, the Birchalls have taken 14 TT race victories and been the dominant force on three wheels over the last decade, winning every single race that they finished since 2013 with only 3 DNFs blotting a near-perfect run of results. Away from the Isle of Man, Tom leaves the sport as both a 4-time Sidecar World Champion and a British Champion. Tom Birchall said: Its not been an easy decision to make by any means, but its now 20 years since I first got in an outfit alongside Ben and its 10 years since we took our first TT win, something we dreamt about as kids when we used to come on family holidays to watch. And so having achieved what we have and having broken that 120mph barrier this year, the timing feels as right as it can do. Ben has confirmed he will race with a new passenger in 2024 as he continues to close down on the record number of TT wins for a Sidecar driver a title currently held by Dave Molyneux with 17 race victories. An announcement on who will line up alongside him is expected in the new year. Some holiday misery for Apple: It will soon pause sales of its latest Apple Watches in the US due to an International Trade Commission (ITC) ban. The company will suspend sales online this week and at Apple retail locations after December 24. Ho ho ho. Its all down to a patent dispute over the wearables blood oxygen sensor. Cast your minds back: Medical tech company Masimo sued Apple in 2021 for alleged violations of light-based blood-oxygen monitoring patents. In October, the ITC upheld a judges ruling from earlier this year that the Apple Watch did violate Masimos patents. The ITCs order blocks all Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 imports to the US after December 25. The case went to the White House for a 60-day Presidential Review Period. Although President Biden has one more week to decide whether to veto the ITC ruling, Apple has pre-emptively complied with the commissions decision. President Biden reportedly owns an Apple Watch but also a load of other watches too. Mat Smith You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The biggest stories you might have missed An electric car completed the worlds first-ever drive from the North to the South Pole Adobe terminates its $20 billion Figma acquisition amid regulatory scrutiny Beats headphones and earbuds are up to 49 percent off right now 2023 in review: The year the economics of tech caught up with reality Heres everything you should do to up your digital security before next year NordVPN comes to the Apple TV The ones we bought. Engadget We test and review tons of gadgets every year, and (for some reason) we also buy a lot of things for ourselves. This year, those purchases included coffee-making upgrades, fancy keyboards and even pricey digital pianos. But there are plenty of other things weve bought and loved this year that have yet to make it on the site. Here, our staff looks back at the things that were worth the money. Continue reading. The Webb telescopes NIRCam filters are to thank for this. NASA / ESA / CSA The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has a treat to celebrate the upcoming second anniversary of its launch: an image of the icy planet Uranus. The picture, resembling a glowing blue marble rippling in a black ocean, was funneled through the telescopes infrared filters to capture wavelengths we wouldnt see with the naked eye. Yeah, it looks like the CBS logo. Continue reading. They asked an assistant attorney general to determine whether Apple violated antitrust laws. More socks for Apples legal department this Christmas. A bipartisan group of US senators and representatives have urged the Department of Justice to investigate whether Apple violated antitrust laws by attempting to block Beeper Minis access to iMessage. Senators have asked an assistant attorney general to look into Apples potentially anticompetitive conduct. Hopefully, senators will have learned lessons from the other times theyve tried to grill technology companies without the technical expertise for their questions to make sense. Continue reading. Queen Camilla has demonstrated that it's possible to win back the public's favor, according to a royal expert. There are rumors that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry want to return to the royal fold. However, there are mixed opinions about their potential comeback because the royal couple, now based in California, has been plagued with negative headlines after they trashed the royal family. Royal expert Duncan Larcombe, award-winning journalist and former royal editor for The Sun for over 10 years, weighed in on the matter. According to him, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex still have a chance to reunite with the royal family. "I think the Sussexes are aware the Prince and Princess of Wales are still furious, and Kate's name coming out in that book will have reignited William's anger," Larcombe told New Magazine, per GB News. "There's always a way back. Look at Camilla -- she was the most hated person in Britain, and now she's the Queen. If that's possible, anything's possible." However, he also acknowledged that considering the things that happened recently, "it's pretty unthinkable." An unnamed source added that if the Sussexes wanted to reunite with the members of the firm, they should "not speak ill of the royals again." "Meghan and Harry have to agree not to speak ill of the royals again. That's a must," another royal insider shared the same with Life & Style magazine. "It would be an utter embarrassment if they were to be kicked out of the family for a second time." Prince Harry and Markle have maintained their silence about the controversial book "Endgame" that seemingly attacked the royals, despite the numerous people calling them out to deny the race row and distance themselves from Omid Scobie's publication. However, there have been various claims that they want to reunite with the royal family. An insider told OK! magazine that Prince William's brother wants to spend Christmas in the United Kingdom because he has been "lonely" in California and received a lot of invitations from his pals in his home country. Meanwhile, Prince Harry's biographer, Angela Levin, also said he wants to return to the royal fold. However, the "Harry: A Biography of a Prince" author was convinced that it was for another reason -- because "everything else he's done has failed." "He wants to come back. He wants to be a member of the Royal Family again, but my goodness, he is a very changed Harry, and he's going to do what he wants," Levin claimed. "The fact that he has no respect for his father, no respect for his birth, I think he is going to be a big danger because he will go into competition with the Royal Family themselves." While some are hopeful for the Sussexes' future with the royal family, British journalist, broadcaster and author Nichi Hodgson said Prince Harry has a chance but not Markle. According to Hodgson, the Brits might accept Prince Harry back if he divorced Markle because the people had a "distaste for her." K-Pop boy group Stray Kids was captured vibing and dancing to SB19's "Gento" performance at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards. On AAA's official YouTube channel, a reaction video compilation of the eight members of Stray Kids' reaction to the different stages was published on Monday. The first clip showed the group's reaction during Filipino pop group SB19's performance of its hit song "Gento." As seen in the compilation video, the Stray Kids members stood up one by one as soon as SB19 started singing "Gento." During the chorus, the Korean idols were captured vibing to the backup dancers that went down the stage -- putting their hands up, bopping their heads, mimicking the steps and clapping. Aside from "Gento," the P-Pop idols also performed their other songs, "Crimzone," "Mana" and "Bazinga," at the awards show. During SB19's "Crimzone" performance, the Stray Kids members also cheered, vibed and clapped, especially during the P-Pop group's main vocalist Stell's high notes. Like Stray Kids, the K-Pop girl group NewJeans was also captured enjoying SB19's special stage as members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein jammed and danced along as they cheered on the Filipino boy group. SB19 recently gained global popularity among artists in different countries, including South Korea, Japan, China and Indonesia, after the release of its hit song "Gento." Because of "Gento's" killer rap verses and electrifying choreography, several K-Pop and J-Pop idols jumped in on the "Gento" dance challenge on TikTok, including members of Kep1er, CRAVITY, THE BOYZ, MIRAE, YOUNITE, TEMPEST, ATBO, 2NE1, &TEAM, Johnny's Jr, Bullet Train, Ryujugo, MYoNE, TFN, INI and Yogayonara!!!, among many others. During the AAA 2023, SB19 received the Best Artist Award (Music) and Hot Trend Award, alongside NewJeans, Lim Young-woong, Ahn Hyo-seop and 2PM's Lee Jun-ho. In their acceptance speech, the group expressed gratitude to A'TIN -- the group's devoted fanbase -- and emphasized that SB19's victory is for the entire nation. Meanwhile, Stray Kids took home the Stage of the Year Award and Fabulous Award, alongside Lim Young-woong, NewJeans and Filipino actors Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo. The Stray Kids 3RACHA unit, composed of Bang Chan, Changbin and Han, was given the Best Creator Award. Ruby Franke, the once-popular host of the now-defunct YouTube channel "8 Passengers," faces jail time after pleading guilty Monday to four felony counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse. The 41-year-old Utah mother of six was charged in September with six counts of felony child abuse over allegations that she starved, abused and tried to convince her children they needed to be punished to repent for being "evil and possessed," CBS News reported. Franke appeared in a Utah court Monday to accept a plea deal that reduced the charges from six to four counts, as seen in a video from Monday's court proceedings uploaded on YouTube by Fox 13 News Utah. Franke's sentencing is scheduled for 2024, and she will remain incarcerated until then. The disgraced YouTuber agreed to serve time in jail, according to the outlet. The sentencing will be left up to the judge. The maximum penalty for each count is 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The disturbing case came to light in August when Franke's 12-year-old son allegedly escaped from her podcasting partner Jodi Hildebrandt's home and went to a neighbor to ask for food and water, according to police. A neighbor told police that the child looked "emaciated" and was covered in wounds, ABC News reported at the time. The boy also had "deep lacerations from being tied up with rope," court documents obtained by the outlet said. Another child was later found in a similarly dire condition at Hildebrandt's residence. The discovery led to Franke and Hildebrandt's arrest and charges. In the video from the court proceedings, Franke expressed remorse for her actions, stating, "With my deepest regret and sorrow for my family and my children, guilty." "We are pleased that Ms. Franke has accepted responsibility for her criminal actions, and that justice is being served to the extent possible in this type of situation," said Eric Clarke, the Washington County, Utah, attorney, in a statement. The case has not only resulted in legal consequences but has also upended Franke's professional life. The "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, known for portraying the Franke family's strict parenting style, was removed by YouTube following her arrest. In a Friday statement, obtained by People, Franke's legal team had indicated her intention to plead guilty, claiming that she was influenced by Hildebrandt and led astray. The statement described Franke as a "devoted mother" who allegedly fell victim to Hildebrandt's manipulation, leading to a "distorted sense of morality." Franke's attorneys claimed that she was committed to taking responsibility for her actions. The statement also acknowledged that Franke's husband, Kevin Franke, had filed for divorce, and that she "offered her full cooperation" to help reunite the children with their father. Tuesday, December 19, 2023 In my numerous conversations with fellow immigrants in America over the years, I have found that the one thing that endlessly fascinates us is the egalitarian nature of American society. Most of us spent our formative years in hierarchical societies. In many of those places, although all kinds of laws existed on the books, the rich and powerful had little respect for them. People in the upper echelons of society frequently acted with impunity and there was nothing or anyone to hold them accountable. In contrast, we find in America a society that does not tolerate such latitude. Whether one is rich or poor, powerful or without influence, the expectation is that everyone will be held accountable for any of their perpetrated actions that are injurious to the public. We do recognize that even in this land of accountability, the playing field is not always level. Wealthy Americans for instance are better able to escape the clutches of the law when they fall afoul because they can pay for the best legal services. Quite often, the best that the indigent can hope for are overburdened public defenders who have neither the time nor the resources to mount effective defenses for their clients in court cases. At times that leads to imprisonment for offenses that might otherwise not merit such punishment. But by and large, American society functions quite well because of this strongly held principle that no one is above the law. As someone who is a fervent admirer of this American exceptionalism, I was rather dismayed by the recent news that Hunter Biden, the son of the president, had defied a Congressional subpoena. He had been summoned to appear before an oversight committee to answer questions about his business dealings. The younger Biden has accused Republicans of engaging in a politically motivated campaign to tie his father to his criminal indictments in an effort to damage his presidency. Even if he thinks his argument has merit, that cannot excuse his defiance. Ironically, the person who issued the subpoena for Hunter Biden was none other than Republican Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio, who himself defied a subpoena to appear before the Jan. 6 Committee to answer questions about any involvement he might have had in the U.S. Capitol insurrection. His case was referred to the Congressional Ethics Committee but it is unclear if anything will come out of it. That Rep. Jim Jordan felt he had the moral authority to subpoena someone speaks volumes about the toxic partisan environment we live in these days. Extreme political tribalism is giving license to some people to act with the kind of impunity that has done irreparable damage to many societies around the world. Although this cultural transformation didnt happen overnight, there is no question that former President Trump has played a huge role in accelerating it. Nowadays, Americans simply shrug when they witness behaviors that would have horrified them just a decade ago. This desensitization has occurred because through his blatant disregard for norms, the former president has single-handedly removed the shock factor from Americas socio-political landscape. It is beginning to feel as though there is no shame in anything anymore in America. I have never personally subscribed to the idea that the people who voted for Trump did so mostly out of bigotry. I have longtime friends in various parts of the country who voted for him both in 2016 and 2020. Having known these friends for so long, I can say with a great deal of confidence that they are not racists. My sense is that a large portion of Trump voters based their choices on his policies. But, even his most ardent supporters have to be extremely careful about enabling his norm-breaking. A societal culture is one of those things that is almost impossible to rebuild once it is lost. Do we really want to get to a point where powerful people become so emboldened that they begin to ignore court orders, including, God forbid, Supreme Court rulings? Americas hard-earned reputation as a law-and-order society should not be carelessly squandered. It is a hugely important competitive advantage, both politically and economically. The worlds best and brightest want to come here because they want to live in a society that is stable and will afford them the freedom to make maximum use of their talents. Our cultural respect for the sanctity of contracts makes our country an attractive investment destination for people from all corners of the globe. That is one of the main reasons Americas economy is the strongest and most dynamic in the world. That could all change quickly if the rest of the world begins to lose confidence in America as a bastion of stability. I grew up in a society that used to function reasonably well. Unfortunately, the glue that held it together gradually frayed over time. Today, it has become highly dysfunctional socially, politically, and economically. That is why this corrosion of national culture in America worries me so much. Could Donald Trump make a comeback? Will anyone in Russia challenge Vladimir Putin? With half the world heading to the polls in 2024, and some 30 countries electing a president, here are five key elections to watch: - Trump-Biden rematch? - On November 5, tens of millions of Americans will choose a president in a contest which could keep incumbent Joe Biden in power until the age of 86. Poll after poll shows that a majority of voters think the gaffe-prone Democrat is too old to be commander-in-chief, despite his likely rival, ex-president Donald Trump making similar slip-ups at 77. Disinformation looks set to be a feature of the campaign, a hangover from the last foul-tempered contest which ended with Trump supporters storming the US Capitol to try to halt the certification of Biden's victory. Trump goes into the Republican party nomination contest the clear favourite, despite multiple criminal trials hanging over him. Biden's campaign suffered another blow after the Republican-led House of Representatives voted in December to open a formal impeachment inquiry into whether he profited unduly from his son's foreign business deals while he was vice-president under Barack Obama. - Putin eyes six more years - A newly-confident Russian President Vladimir Putin, energised by his troops' success in holding their positions in Ukraine two years into the war, is hoping to extend his 24-year rule by another six years in March elections. On December 8 he announced he is running for a fifth term, which would keep him in power until 2030. In 2020 he had the constitution amended to allow him to theoretically stay in power until 2036, which could potentially see him rule for longer than Joseph Stalin. With the war in Ukraine used to lock up or silence dissenters and opponents, there is little chance of anyone standing in his way. His long-time nemesis Alexei Navalny is serving a 19-year jail sentence. - Modi's great power play - Nearly one billion Indians will be called on to vote in April-May when the world's most populous nation goes to the polls in an election in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his nationalist BJP party are seeking a third term. Modi's political career and success have been based on support from India's one-billion-plus Hindus and, critics say, stoking enmity toward the country's large Muslim minority. Despite a crackdown on civil liberties on his watch, he goes into the vote the clear favourite, with his supporters crediting him with boosting his country's standing on the global stage. - EU test for populists - The world's largest transnational poll in June will see more than 400 million people eligible to vote in the European Parliament election. The vote will be a test of support for right-wing populists, who have the wind in their sails after the victory of Geert Wilders' anti-Islam, anti-EU PVV Freedom Party in November's Dutch elections and last year's win for Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy. Brussels can take heart however from Poland, where former European Council president Donald Tusk has returned to power on a solidly pro-EU platform. - First Mexican woman president? - A leftist former mayor of the capital and a businesswoman with Indigenous roots are both vying to make history in Mexico in June by becoming the first woman president of a country with a tradition of machismo. Former Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum is running on behalf of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's Morena party. Her outspoken opponent Xochitl Galvez has been selected to represent an opposition coalition, the Broad Front for Mexico. eab/cb/fg Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Snow showers. High -7F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches.. Tonight Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low -24F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. This is an excerpt from Carl Cannons foreword to River City One: A Novel (Simon and Schuster, 2023) by John J. Waters. What follows is part two in a two-part series on how Americans come home from war. Part one can be read here. Standing on the cliff at Pointe du Hoc sixty years after D-Day, I encountered a German tourist at the same spot. He stepped aside in deference to me, an obvious American, and instructed his family to do the same. I had been gazing out at the Normandy coastline while envisioning the seven thousand ships in the Allied armada that had come to liberate a continent. What this man, who was not even alive when Hitler wreaked havoc on Europe, was thinking I can only imagine. The words that came to my mind were from Ulysses Grant at Appomattox. As Robert E. Lee surrendered, Grant found himself trying to reconcile his respect for the bravery of the Confederates, including Lee, with contempt for the depraved institution that had induced them to take up arms against their own nation in the first place. It was a cause, Grant wrote, that was one of the worst for which a people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse. As twenty-first century America undergoes one of its periodic reckonings on race, we are reexamining slaverys legacy. Yes, its true that Jim Crow was a conscious attempt to maintain white supremacy in the South. But thats not all. I believe it was also driven by the same motivation that fueled the odious Lost Cause narrative as well as hagiographic books ranging from Gone with the Wind to Lees Lieutenants: namely, a revisionist impulse to show all that killing and suffering hadnt been for nothing. This is not to say that the battle-tested Union men who marched with Grantor those in the Greatest Generation, for that matterdidnt pay any psychic price. We know better. More than fifty years after the fact, a onetime American soldier named Earl Crumby who earned a Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge, wept while describing for writer Tim Madigan the kind of details veterans do not describe to children. Crumbys wife of many decades had died a few years earlier, but his tears that day werent for her. As dearly as I loved that woman, her death didnt affect me near as much as it does to sit down here and talk to you about seeing those young boys butchered during the war, he told Madigan. It was nothing but arms and legs, heads and guts. Youd think you could forget something like that. But you cant. Other writers have explored not just what combat veterans have to see, but also what they have to do. In My Dog Skip, Willie Morris autobiographical coming-of-age story about growing up in Mississippi, Willies next door neighbor Dink Jenkins comes back from the fighting in Europe a shell of his former self. Dink tells young Willie, It aint the dying thats scary, boy, its the killing. Willies father is sympathetic. He lost a leg in the Spanish Civil War and a piece of his heart in the process. What all these characters Ive mentioned have in commonand what John Walker does in the pages that followis reveal that when they come home from war, they must learn to live again as a civilian. America, the nation that perfected the idea of the citizen-soldier, now has an all-volunteer military, which has evolved into a professional fighting force with its own subculture. And a self-perpetuating one. Historian Andrew Bacevich, a West Point man who commanded a combat platoon in Vietnam, has pointed out that the lack of a military draft has made it far too easy for politicians who never heard a shot fired in anger to send Americans into battle zones. The makeup of todays armed forces also places an undue burden on the small minority of families willing to fight democracys wars. Multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan were a curse to many of these men. But not only a curse. For some, the War on Terror was more than a calling; it became a lifestyle. Then it was over. Saving the world from evil makes most stateside jobs seem mundane by comparison. What are people supposed to do with themselves when their main purpose in life has come and gone before theyve turned thirty-five? Find love, raise children, pursue a meaningful career would be societys answer. The warriors burden has never made it that simple. Two Spartans survived the famous Battle of Thermopylae: One of them, Pantites, was dispatched to warn Spartas allies. He returned too late to fight with King Leonidas and the three hundred Spartans martyred by King Xerxes massive Persian army after betrayal by a Greek shepherd. Out of shame, Pantites hanged himself. The other survivor, Aristodemus, had been excused from the action because of an eye infection, but was still shunned by the Greeks for his supposed cowardice. He atoned by giving his life while fighting furiouslyand recklesslythe following year against the Persians at the Battle of Plataea. The modern world is less dramatic, if no less tragic. Legendary Navy SEAL and decorated Iraq combat veteran Chris Kyle was fatally ambushed at a Texas shooting range along with a friend named Chad Littlefield, a man with a passion for assisting veterans. As it happened, the mentally ill and drug-impaired veteran they were trying to help shot them in the back. Almost all fighters in the field long for hearth and home. When they get there, they must figure out how to live again without the constant rush of adrenaline. If going to war makes them feel like heroes, then it stands to reason that the very act of returning to civilian life can make even a reflective person worry that theyve abandoned the mission. To stave away the demons, some of them write. And those of us who give up a good seat on an airplane, or stand and cheer for veterans and their families at the ballpark, or who tell men and women in uniform, Thank you for your service, can do more. For starters, we can read their memoirs and their novels. And after doing so, we can look with deep skepticism on elected officials who are too eager to send young Americans off to war. Carl M. Cannon is the Washington bureau chief for RealClearPolitics and executive editor of RealClearMedia Group. Reach him on Twitter @CarlCannon. The government's multi-million pound fund to increase capacity for live animal import checks for maritime trade routes in England closes tomorrow. Eligible businesses can apply for up to 10 million to build a Border Control Post (BCP) for live animal imports from the EU. The Animal Biosecurity Infrastructure Fund covers construction and building materials, buying land, staffing and other costs. However, Defra has confirmed that it does not fund control points that are located in Kent. From late 2024, new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks on live animal imports from the EU will be carried out at BCPs. The aim of the fund is to increase capacity, support trade continuity and promote high standards of animal welfare and biosecurity for live animal imports. Trade in live animals is seen as key to enabling UK livestock farmers to access and export high value breeding animals to the EU. The UK imported an average of 65 million livestock between 2017-2019 and exported around 23 million over the same period. The NFU said it welcomed the launch of the fund, as trade since Brexit had 'stagnated' due to a lack of reciprocal BCPs in the UK since its departure from the EU. It said: "It is critical that the fund be used to establish BCPs which support alternative routes to the Dover - Calais crossing to provide options for importers, mitigate the risk of travel disruption and reduce road travel time for live animals." Those interested in the fund must confirm with Defra that they intend to apply for funding, known as pre-qualifying, by 11:59pm on 20 December. An awards scheme intended to celebrate and reward female contributions to British agriculture has launched for nominations. National Women in Agriculture is providing the opportunity to champion the achievements of women from all corners of agriculture. The initiative was initiated at the start of this year as there is no existing scheme which offers recognition for female farmers. The awards event will be held in the House of Commons, London, on 9 May 2024, welcoming entries from across the country. Carole Brunton, who is the chair of Women in Agriculture Scotland, has encouraged women to participate in the scheme. It would be fantastic to see nominations highlighting advancements in technology and sustainability, to the development of new business models and practices that pave the way for the next generation of women in farming and food production. "Agriculture relies upon community and collaboration; gatherings like this one will allow us to come together as a community of women to mentor one another, spark new ideas through conversation, and form valuable friendships. Lifetime Achievement, Farming Woman of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and Business of the Year are among the 12 awards set to be announced at the London ceremony. Entries close on the 12 January 2024. A designation has been confirmed for the ABP Guildford abattoir to accept animals for slaughter from the Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) in Kent. This is the first abattoir outside the zone to be able to accept animals for slaughter from the TCZ, which was set up last month following a bluetongue outbreak. It comes as further cases of the virus were confirmed over the weekend within the TCZ, bringing the total number of cases to 23 since 11 November. Dr Joseph Henry, chair of the Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) bluetongue working group, welcomed the designation as a positive development. He said: The Guildford site can now accept animals on licence, so if you need to move animals, please apply for licences. The hope is that other abattoirs will now follow suit to obtain designated status as this will further help ease the situation in the TCZ for farmers to be able to move animals to slaughter." Whether for welfare needs or to send to slaughter, if farmers need to move animals, they are being encouraged to apply now. Dr Henry added: Please be as prepared as possible by planning and applying for a licence ahead of time work with your vet to identify if there are welfare risks to your livestock. Forage shortage, flooding, and poaching will also be a consideration for farmers at this point consider if your animals are able to exhibit the five freedoms; freedom from thirst and hunger, discomfort, pain and disease, fear and distress or the ability to exhibit normal behaviour. Kent is still seeing positive cases of bluetongue being confirmed, but so far these are all non-clinical, being picked up from the surveillance within the existing TCZ. Defra says there is still no evidence of the disease circulating at this stage. The TCZ is not being extended and movement restrictions continue to apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants in the zone. Recent cases confirmed include a case in a sheep on a new holding, then a further three cases in cattle were identified from the same herd as five positives previously confirmed. These cases are all within the Kent TCZ in the Sandwich Bay area, bringing the total number of cases to 23 associated with nine different farm businesses. Dr Henry concluded: It is still fundamental for farmers to beware when buying animals in, take action to report any signs, and always, remain vigilant." Disruption to the UK biofuels market has been avoided as the EU has confirmed it will not implement major changes to its assurance scheme recognition process. The bloc has reconsidered a move that would have ended accreditation recognition for UK-based voluntary schemes assuring materials for biofuels under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II. The rule change posed the potential for UK biofuel materials such as grain, maize and oilseeds to no longer be accepted by EU markets into the new year. The announcement follows months of intense efforts from the farming industry, assurance bodies and governments in the UK and across Europe. In June, the European Commission notified assurance scheme owners AIC, Red Tractor Assurance (RTA) and Scottish Quality Crops (SQC) of its intention to withdraw accreditation for UK-based RED II assurance schemes at the end of 2023. It said the decision was made because it only recognises schemes accredited in EU Member States, and the UK is now regarded as a third country following Brexit. In early November, assurance scheme bodies met with the Commission in a bid to address concerns and seek an urgent resolution to mitigate the potential loss of scheme recognition. With a matter of weeks left until its end-of-year deadline, the Commission informed that it would postpone the implementation of the relevant regulation on certification. Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), an agri-supply trade association which played a large part in negotiations, said the development would be a relief to farmers. Rose Riby, AIC's head of arable marketing, said: "The decision is hugely welcomed as it removes the potential for UK voluntary scheme recognition to be withdrawn in the near future, maintaining access to the EU market as a valuable outlet for biofuels. "This positive development will be of significant relief to UK farmers, growers and businesses trading in the biofuels market and should offer some reassurance. "AIC's engagement with the Commission, stakeholders, members and scheme participants on this matter will continue into 2024 as all parties seek a more permanent solution for the industry. A farmer has helped foil a multi-million pound large-scale drug operation after he found kilo-block drug packages within his normal delivery of animal feed. Two men have been sentenced by Isleworth Crown Court for the importation of class A and B drugs with a street value of nearly 30 million. Varun Bhardwaj, 39 from Hounslow and Anand Tripathi, 61 from Middlesex, imported cocaine, cannabis and cigarettes into the UK hidden in shipments of perishable goods. Police began investigating the case in April 2022 following a 999 call made by a farmer near Bridgwater, Somerset, who was shocked to find drugs hidden within his normal delivery of animal feed. This delivery was inspected by serious crime officers and was found to contain 189 kilos of cocaine with a street value of more than 15 million. Tatab Ltd, a customs clearing agent based in Hounslow was inextricably linked to the importation and transport of this illegal shipment. Anand Tripathi was the director and company secretary of Tatab a company that facilitates the import and export of goods. Varun Bhardwaj, who tried to distance himself from Tatab saying he had limited involvement with the company was found to be the operations manager and reported to Tripathi. Varun Bhardwaj and Anand Tripathi have been sentenced to prison for 19 and 15 years respectively In November 2022 officers arrested both men. At the same time UK Border Force was holding another container at the Port of Felixstowe linked to the men. This time the shipment contained oranges from South Africa and on inspection 49 kilos of cocaine were discovered and seized with a street value of almost 4m. The investigation then linked the pair with a further two shipments dating back to September 2021 and January 2022 where cocaine and cannabis were hidden inside containers of yams. Richard Partridge, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said the cost and damage to lives that drugs cause in UK society was incalculable. These two men played vital roles in trying to flood UK streets with huge quantities of illegal drugs," he said. "This successful operation and their substantial sentences serves as a warning that authorities in the UK work together to disrupt and prosecute smugglers. Varun Bhardwaj and Anand Tripathi were sentenced to 19 years and 15 years in prison following a 71-day trial. Farmers are being called on to help train robots to spot slugs and the damage they cause to crops as part of a ground-breaking trial. Set to start in spring, it will equip the slug sleuths with special rigs designed to improve the complex machine-learning algorithms used to identify the slimy pests. The trial is part of SLIMERS, a 2.6m Defra-funded project to develop new management strategies to help farmers achieve more sustainable slug control in arable crops. The new work will run in-parallel with another component of the project which analyses the distribution of slugs in arable fields. This information will help the team to develop more sustainable approaches to the use of pellets by targeting only the patches where the pest gathers. The SLIMERS project is now seeking support from farmers to investigate slug control using the application of biological agents (nematodes) with an autonomous robot. Technical lead for SLIMERS, Dr Jenna Ross, says: We developed the concept of autonomous slug control through the SlugBot project, funded by Innovate UK. This work enabled robots to identify slugs and then spot-treat them with advanced alternative biological control methods. These new trials will put that proof of concept to the test in real field situations. But we need farmers to use their skill and judgement to train the robot AI. Special rigs, equipped with the latest camera technology, have been designed and are currently being built by SLIMERS project partner, Small Robot Company (SRC). Farmers will use these to mimic a robot moving through the field and direct the rig to the patches where slugs gather to devour the crop. Thousands of multi-spectral images of slug infestation will be gathered and fed into the machine-learning algorithms that will soon be used to find slugs and treat them without any human intervention. Ray King, lead mechanical engineer at SRC, explains: Robots learn as they go- the more images we gather, the better they will be at identifying this important pest. Farmers interested in taking part are invited to join a webinar on 10 January, where Ray will give an insight into the technology SRC has developed and explain how the trial will work. The farmer slug sleuths recruited to use the rigs to train the AI will be paid to carry out the work and gather the data by the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN). Farmers who know their fields know where slugs gather and where the damage is greatest, notes BOFIN founder, Tom Allen-Stevens. The work on patch treatment of slugs previously funded at Harper Adams University by AHDB and now being developed under SLIMERS has refined this by proving that other slug patches also occur in all fields. Targeting all these areas with slug pellets results in commercially viable and environmentally sustainable control. In practice these patches also offer the target areas for the robot to operate in, reducing the area they need to search. At the webinar well explain how farmers will be paid to help transfer this knowledge to the robot AI. Cereal production in Scotland is in line with the ten-year average despite challenging weather conditions seen this year. Figures for the 2023 Scottish harvest show that cereal production and yield fell, by 6% and 2% respectively, from their record 2022 figures. However, overall cereal yield remained just above the ten-year average, according to the Chief Statistician's report. The figures provide estimates of land use area, yield and production for spring and winter barley, wheat, oats and oilseed rape for 2023. The release follows extreme weather conditions throughout this year which has led to one of the more challenging harvests seen in Scotland in recent years. Overall cereal production decreased to just under 3.1 million tonnes, despite a small increase in planted area. Barley and wheat production both decreased from their 2022 figures, mostly due to lower yields. Despite this dip, production and yield remain at or just above the ten-year average for these crops. Oats production this year continued to decrease over time against the ten-year average, the figures show. Production and yield fell, by 7% and 4% respectively, compared to 2022. However, yields remain close to the ten-year average. Oilseed rape production was at its highest level in the past two decades, with production at 166,000 tonnes - an increase of 10% from 2022. Planted area was also at its largest level in 20 years, according to Alastair McAlpine, Scotland's Chief Statistician. "This, combined with above average yield, made for a very good year for oilseed rape production," he said. Among rural circles in Maharashtra, one name that is popular with the women is Sunanda Tai Pawar. A philanthropist and womens rights activist who has been consistently working for over two decades for initiatives to uplift rural communities. She has worked towards creating employment and earning opportunities, and had engagement with the younger generation and addressing critical topics such as good touch and bad touch with children. Apart from setting up self-help groups for women in remote villages and working for water conservation Sunanda Tai has established Bhimthadi Jatra, a cultural carnival to provide women entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their talent through artifacts, homemade food items and be part of self-help groups. She then launched Sobati, an initiative to teach girls and women of all age groups the importance of period hygiene and overall hygiene. She also has several other initiatives to her credit as she continues to work towards the upliftment of women and healthcare in general. We spoke to her on her motivation, impetus, inspiration and more Can you describe a few of the incidents that motivated you to take up certain causes? In the realm of social work, my role as the secretary for the Agricultural Development Trust exposed me to the challenges faced by around 40 drought-affected villages near Baramati in Maharashtra. Witnessing the suffering of both people and animals during droughts motivated me to initiate efforts in water conservation. With my sons support, we successfully extended this initiative to benefit 80-90 villages, eliminating the need for water tankers. Additionally, addressing the health concerns arising from inadequate menstrual hygiene in rural women became a cause close to my heart. Through the Sobati initiative, Ive been actively involved in educating and empowering women in these communities. What kinds of changes have you seen in the landscape regarding rural hygiene? How have girls benefitted from them? Sobati focuses on educating girls from fifth standard to graduation on various aspects of health, with a particular emphasis on menstrual hygiene. The positive impact of our sessions is evident as girls express gratitude for the valuable insights provided. Beyond health education, we strive to guide them in making informed career choices, fostering holistic development. People living in urban pockets hardly know about self-help groups in rural areas. Can you tell us how these play the role of a catalyst for social development? While urban areas may face challenges in forming self-help groups due to the higher percentage of working women, rural self-help groups have become catalysts for change. Over recent years, a surge in women entrepreneurs has led to increased financial independence. My aim has always been to empower women economically, as this independence cultivates confidence. Witnessing these women start their businesses and, in turn, providing platforms for others exemplifies the transformative power of self-help groups in fostering social development. How have the experiences of working in the field touched you? Have they changed you as a person? Working in rural areas has sensitised me to persistent issues such as electricity and water shortages. Ive adopted basic measures like conserving water and energy and actively promote routine health check-ups. The rising incidence of cancer among rural women underscores the importance of early detection, prompting me to advocate for timely screenings within these communities. What is your average day like? Can you take us through it? My day typically begins with household responsibilities and personal well-being activities such as yoga. Mornings are dedicated to addressing school and college matters through calls. Once I step out for fieldwork, my focus shifts entirely to the tasks at hand. I strive to remain dedicated and efficient throughout the day. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Growing up in a rural community has deeply connected me to the challenges faced by women and girls. They serve as my inspiration, driving my commitment to creating a better society for them. My work is fuelled by a desire to improve the lives of those I deeply relate to. From your experience what are the three things you can tell our readers to do to live fuller lives every day? Extend A Helping Hand: Amid our daily responsibilities, its crucial to be aware of those around us who may need assistance. Offering help, no matter how small, can make a significant difference. Share Knowledge And Skills: Professionals from urban areas such as teachers, doctors and lawyers, can contribute to rural development by sharing their expertise. Imparting lessons and guidance can positively impact the lives of women and the younger generation in rural India. Stay Attuned To Surroundings: While managing our daily tasks, its essential to remain observant and responsive to the needs of others. Small gestures of support can contribute to a more compassionate and interconnected society. Images courtesy Sunanda Tai Pawar Also Read: This Karnataka Woman Is Reviving Tribal Embroidery Art And We Are Loving It The US yesterday announced a 10-nation coalition to counter missile and drone attacks from Yemeni Houthi rebels on ships on transit in the Red Sea after several prominent maritime companies ceased their ships from entering the Red Sea due to the increasing attacks on the vessels. Companies like Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), CMA CGM, Equinor, OOCL, HMM, Evergreen, Yang Ming, Frontline, Euronav and BP have halted their operations in the Red Sea. The US has announced a 10-nation coalition to counter missile and drone attacks from Yemeni Houthi rebels on ships on transit in the Red Sea. Operation Prosperity Guardian includes the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain. Some of the countries will conduct joint patrols, while others will offer intelligence support. Operation Prosperity Guardian is bringing together multiple countries to include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity, US secretary of defense Lloyd J Austin III said in a statement in Bahrain. Some of the countries will conduct joint patrols, while others will offer intelligence support. Attacks on tankers, cargo ships and other vessels in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels have increased in recent months, badly affecting the maritime transit route that carries up to 12 per cent of global trade traffic. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Tara Sutaria, who made her debut in 2019 with Student Of The Year 2, recently discussed her journey in the film industry. In a recent conversation, she explained why she is not bothered by the competition, despite the rise of new talents such as Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor who made their debut in The Archies.In an interview with a leading news portal, Tara expressed that she doesn't view it as a competition. Having started her career alongside Ananya Panday, she emphasised that what people perceive as competition is not the same for her. She believes that everyone has carved their own niche in terms of features, acting, dialogue delivery, and dancing. She also mentioned that the industry doesn't feel too crowded for her, and she doesn't sense any strange competition in her journey so far.Tara explained that although she recognises the existence of healthy competition among young actors, it hasn't had any adverse effects on her. She stressed that her perspective on life and career differs significantly from others, as she firmly believes in the ample space and opportunities available to everyone in the industry. Tara isn't worried about measuring herself against others, asserting that each actor is unique and cannot be confined to the same category. She expressed contentment with her current position.Meanwhile, on the work front, Tara was last seen in Apurva. Jonathan Majors, best known for playing Kang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was found guilty of assaulting and harassing his ex-girlfriend. The court reportedly found Majors got into a physical altercation with choreographer Grace Jabbari in March.Jonathan Majors is looking at up to a year in jail. Following the guilty verdict, Marvel dropped the actor from his role as Kang in the MCU. As per reports, the studio will not be working with the actor anymore.Majors was arrested in March after a confrontation with Jabbari in Manhattan. He called 911 after Jabbari fell unconscious in their apartment. The police found a fractured finger and a cut behind the ear. The actor will reportedly be sentenced on February 6, 2024.The actor made his MCU debut as Kang the Conqueror in the series Loki. He then made an appearance in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. He was set to appear in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. The film was slated for a March 1, 2026 release. Marvel was creating a major story arc around Majors, making the future of the MCU uncertain. Ira Khan Nupur Shikhare Wedding Date: Superstar Aamir Khan and first wife Reena Dutta's daughter, Ira Khan, is all set to get married to her longtime beau, Nupur Shikhare, next year in January. While recently the lovebirds kicked off their pre-wedding festivities, as per a new update, Aamir and Reena have planned an extravagant celebration for their child, and their wedding invitation has also surfaced online. Ira Khan-Nupur Shikhare wedding details & invite Lovebirds Ira Khan and Nupur Shikhare, who got engaged in November 2022, are set to tie the knot on January 13, 2024. According to a special report by Zoom TV, the wedding ceremony will take place in Mumbai and will be attended by Bollywood celebs. The report also mentions that Ira's parents, Aamir and Reena, are beaming with joy, and the family is busy with the wedding preparations. World Mental Health Day: Aamir Khan, Daughter Ira Open Up On Seeking Therapy; 'Isme Koi Sharam Nahi Ira Khan-Nupur Shikhare wedding invite Meanwhile, Ira Khan and Nupur Shikhare's wedding invitation has surfaced online, which is nothing but classy and all things minimalist. We are not sure if it is the official wedding invite but the white-themed card with gold and black hints looked elegant. While Ira and Nupur's initials on the top make it more sophisticated. The message on the card read, "It gives us great pleasure to invite you to celebrate the marriage of our children Ira & Nupur. Please join us to bless the couple. 13th January Saturday. Love Pritam, Reena and Aamir. Blessings only." Earlier, Ira had sent a customised puzzle to her bridesmaids, which they were required to solve to reveal the wedding date. When Ira spoke about not being sure about dating Nupur Previously, in an interaction with India Today, Ira Khan revealed that initially she didn't want to date Nupur and said, "Initially, I was like 'we should not date because I don't want to get into a relationship with you, because I don't know what is going on in my head, who's if you want to deal with it or not.'" Aamir Khan REVEALS Daughter Ira's Wedding Date With Nupur Shikhare, Says: Uss Din Main Bahut Rone Wala Hoon "And I went back and forth about that thought for so long. Later, I realized he was an adult. Why don't I ask him? So, I asked him, I was like 'listen, all these thoughts are going on in my head.' And that's how we started dating," she added. Many Bollywood actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Deepika Padukone, and others have their wax statue at the famous London's Madame Tussauds wax musuem. Recently, Ranveer Singh joined them, and the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani actor has got two statutes there. While one is dressed in a suit, another is in an Indian traiditonal attire. Ranveer took to Instagram to share the pictures and wrote, "Growing up, I was fascinated by old photos of my parents alongside some of the world's most famous & prominent personalities, only to realize that they were wax figures at London's famed Madame Tussauds. The allure of that mythical museum stayed with me, making it surreal to now have my very own wax figure there. Gratitude fills me as my figure stands amongst the most accomplished personalities in the world. An unforgettable moment, compelling me to reflect on the magical cinematic journey that has led me to this moment." While of course many celebs congratulated him on social media, his wifey Deepika's comment on Instagram has surely grabbed our attention. The actress commented, "Now I get 3 of you!?!?" Ranveer and Deepika's social media PDA has always grabbed everyone's attention and their fans love it. The couple was in the news a few weeks ago for being a part of Koffee With Karan season 8. A lot of revealations about their relationship was made on the show. Talking about their movies, Deepika is gearing up for the release of Fighter which is slated to release on 25th January 2024. The movie stars Hrithik Roshan as the male lead and the teaser and the track Sher Khul Gaye have impressed one and all. Meanwhile, Ranveer currently has only one film that's officially announced and it is Singham Again. However, there are reports of him starring in multiple films. Surging Outsider Shines Light on GOP Opponents' Unserious Debate Performances MCKINNEY, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 18, 2023 / Today, CEO and Pastor Ryan Binkley unveiled his presidential campaign's latest television ad. The 30-second commercial, "Laughing Matter," draws a stark contrast between Binkley's solutions-based run for the White House and his opponents' insults-driven performances in the Republican Party's sanctioned debates. The ad, which will air on television in Iowa and nationally on digital platforms, is also live on the campaign's YouTube channel. "The party elites in Washington put their thumbs on the scale at every turn to ensure these four candidates stayed in the national spotlight," Binkley explained. "Instead of delivering in-depth discussions on how we're going to save our nation, they've only given us four televised food fights." The bold, fast-paced video begins with a compilation of the worst lowlights from the first four GOP primary debates before transitioning to Binkley's impassioned call to end the chaos and unite the nation to secure our border, tackle our national debt and turn back to God. "Voters deserve better than the chaos, cynicism and broken promises of politics-as-usual," continued Binkley. "If the American people want something different, we have to vote for someone different." Binkley is the first Republican 2024 presidential candidate to visit all of Iowa's 99 counties. He says voters are taking notice of his campaign's emphasis on restoring our nation's faith in God and each other while providing real solutions to the problems that plague the country. "Our nation desperately needs a spiritual, economic and cultural revival," Binkley concluded. "While my opponents were workshopping their latest fat jokes, I've developed and released comprehensive solutions to balance our budget, tackle our debt, secure our border and transform our healthcare." Binkley is the CEO of Generational Group and pastor of Create Church who lives in Richardson, Texas, with his wife, Ellie. They have five children. To learn more about the campaign, visit Binkley2024.com. For press access to downloadable assets, media can go to the online press kit. Contact Information Diane Moca Communications Director press@binkley2024.com 214-494-1792 SOURCE: Binkley for President 2024 View the original press release on newswire.com. Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2023) - TrustBIX Inc. (TSXV: TBIX) ("TrustBIX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to the Company's news releases dated August 14, 2023 and October 16, 2023, the Company has closed on the second and final tranche (the "Final Tranche") of its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"). Under the Final Tranche, the Company issued 1,300,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.02 per Unit for gross proceeds of $26,000. Pursuant to the Private Placement the Company issued an aggregate of 4,500,000 Units of the Company at a price of $0.02 per Unit for gross proceeds of $90,000. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of TrustBIX ( "Common Share") and one (1) Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), whereby each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) Common Share at a price of $0.05 for a period of one (1) year from the date of closing. The securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a four-month hold period from the time of closing of the Private Placement. TrustBIX Inc. conducted the Placement under various prospectus exemptions ("Exemptions") in accordance with National Instrument 45-106, Prospectus Exemptions. Certain insiders of the Company participated in the Private Placement for an aggregate total of 550,000 Units for gross proceeds of $11,000. The participation of these insiders in the private placement constitutes a Related Party Transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The board of directors of the Company determined that the transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 for the related party transaction, as neither the fair market value of securities issued to the insiders nor the consideration paid by the insiders exceeded twenty-five percent (25%) of the Company's market capitalization. The securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a four-month hold period from the time of closing of the Private Placement. No finder's fees or other compensation was paid in connection with the Private Placement. As the financing is below $0.05, the Company is relying on the minimum pricing exemption provided by the Exchange and is providing a brief description on the use of proceeds being raised. The proceeds will be used for ongoing working capital and expenses associated with the completion of the acquisition of Alberta Food Security Inc., as previously announced on August 31, 2023. TrustBIX also announces a non-brokered private placement ("Private Placement") of up to 20,000,000 common shares ("Common Shares") at a price of $0.005 per Common Share for gross proceeds of up to $100,000, subject to regulatory approval. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a statutory hold period lasting four (4) months and one (1) day following the closing date. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Private Placement for general working capital and growing the business. The Common Shares issued under the Private Placement will be sold to investors pursuant to prospectus exemptions available under National Instrument 45-106, including exemptions for: accredited investor, employee, executive officer, director and consultant, and existing security holders. About TrustBIX (TSXV: TBIX) The vision is to create a world where we trust more and waste less by leveraging BIX and its technology solutions. TrustBIX delivers independent validation of provenance and sustainable practices within multiple supply chains and industries. BIX Location Services offer solutions to supply chains that bring situational awareness for high-value assets. ViewTrak Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides a suite of hardware and software solutions to the livestock industry in North America and China. www.trustbix.com Forward-Looking Information This press release contains certain forward-looking information and reflects the Company's present assumptions regarding future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, levels of activity, performance, and/or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. When used in this document, the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "propose", "anticipate", "believe", "forecast", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions used by any of the Company's management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's internal projections, expectations, future growth, performance and business prospects and opportunities and are based on information currently available to the Company. Since they relate to the Company's current views with respect to future events, they are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments except as required by applicable securities legislation, regulations or policies. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Hubert Lau President and CEO Telephone: (780) 456-2207 Email: info@trustbix.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 of accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191507 Thousands of dishes from countries around the world such as Thailand, India, Japan, Korea, China... and the cuisine of all regions of Vietnam, all converge in Ho Chi Minh City, making this city an attractive destination for tourists. HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ho Chi Minh City, attracting 4.6 million visitors in the first 11 months of 2023, continues to stand out as Vietnam's top destination. The city's allure lies in its open, culturally diverse atmosphere, creating a unique blend known as 'transformative cuisine'. This culinary haven seamlessly integrates dishes from various regions worldwide, creatively altered within Vietnamese kitchens. An exemplary dish, "Banh mi", originally from France, underwent transformation in Vietnam, becoming a globally recognized delight. The Vietnamese adapted the French baguette, creating a crispy, hollow crust and unique fillings such as pate, meat, and pickled vegetables. "Banh mi" secured its place in the Oxford Dictionary in 2011. Ho Chi Minh City's transformative cuisine excels in harmonizing the culinary cultures of North, Central, and South Vietnam. Notably, Pho - the iconic Northern dish - undergoes a remarkable transformation in the south, acquiring a sweeter broth, distinct noodle variations, and additional accompaniments. Recognizing the significance of cuisine in tourism, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism has launched the campaign "Ho Chi Minh City - All you can eat", taking transformative cuisine as the highlight to spread cultural and culinary values. Mr, Le Truong Hien Hoa - Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism shared: "Ho Chi Minh City Tourism has been implementing many activities to promote the city's tourism. The "Ho Chi Minh City - All you can eat" campaign will contribute to stimulating tourism demand, increasing the number of inbound visitors through culinary experiences and exploring local culture. The campaign not only promotes cuisine but also builds a diverse culinary map for tourists, and at the same time, promotes Vietnam's rich cuisine to international tourists, making culinary tourism a popular product to attract international tourists from around the world to Vietnam." In addition, we hope that the "Ho Chi Minh City - All you can eat" campaign will be a leverage to attract tourists from key and potential markets around the world to come to the city. And, the campaign will also contribute to increasing the awareness of the "Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City" brand and defining the city's tourism industry as a "top-of-mind" destination in Asia in the minds of tourists. Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism also said that the promotional videos of Ho Chi Minh City's transformative cuisine will be broadcast in prime time and alternately throughout the day on CNN Asia, Discovery, Asian Food Network (AFN) television channels. At the same time, the videos will also be posted on Discovery and AFN's digital platforms and social media networks. Furthermore, during November, the Heritage Guide showcasing tourism in Ho Chi Minh City is extensively distributed on all Vietnam Airlines' international and domestic flights. Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center Address: 140 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Website: www.visithcmc.vn Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/visitvibranthochiminhcity Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2303076/All_you_can_eat_KV_27Nov.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/enjoy-the-culinary-quintessence-of-the-world-in-ho-chi-minh-city-302018407.html CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen weakened against other major currencies in the early Asian session on Tuesday. The yen fell to 6-day lows of 157.02 against the euro and 181.97 against the pound, from yesterday's closing quotes of 155.90 and 180.45, respectively. Against the U.S. dollar and the Swiss franc, the yen slid to 6-day lows of 143.78 and 165.79 from Monday's closing quotes of 142.74 and 164.56, respectively. Against Australia, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars, the yen slipped to nearly a 2-week low of 96.61, a 1-week low of 89.50 and a 6-day low of 107.36 from yesterday's closing quotes of 95.71, 88.66 and 106.51, respectively. If the yen extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 160.00 against the euro, 186.00 against the pound, 148.00 against the greenback, 169.00 against the franc, 98.00 against the aussie, 91.00 against the kiwi and 110.00 against the loonie. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / Bluetti, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, has donated 20 solar power kits to support Oke Odan Baptist Primary School, Yewa South in Ogun state, through its 'Lighting an African Family (LAAF) CSR project'. This generous act aims to inject light into households and communities grappling with persistent power challenges within Africa to reduce electricity shortage. The LAAF project is the brand's commitment to make clean energy available to millions of African households, so that more families can live in a bright environment and children can have equal learning opportunities. The official donation event took place recently where Bluetti handed the equipment to the school including selected outstanding pupils. The event witnessed live demonstrations of the usage and functionalities of the power stations. The Sales Manager of Bluetti Nigeria, Jeffery Zhang, who was at the event, said the brand has always been committed to promoting the application of renewable energy and practicing corporate social responsibility. According to him, "the devices will provide stable lighting and energy supply, solving the power shortage problem that the school often faces while adding that Bluetti will continue to work hard to enable more families to live in a bright environment; so that every child has equal learning opportunities, every mother has a more convenient life, and every father has more opportunities and possibilities. LAAF is a continuous project and institutions and regions in need are welcome to contact us." he said. Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Patience Akintomide, Headteacher, Baptist Day Primary School, Oke Odan, who could not conceal his delight stated that the donation of the power stations is of far-reaching significance, giving room to provide pupils with rich educational resources despite unstable power supply. While thanking Bluetti, the school teacher who approached Bluetti for the support, explained that, as a 21st-century teacher, technology is one of the advantages to leverage for effective content delivery; however, the absence of instructional materials makes the internet the only option but electricity is a hindering factor. He added that "this donation would tremendously impact the school's daily operations and Bluetti is indeed out to improve the living conditions of people that don't have access to electricity through the LAAF initiative". Electricity Shortage in Nigeria: A Growing Concern Nigeria continues to face a daunting challenge of consistent and stable electricity supply, particularly people living in rural areas. The issue has had adverse effects on general development. This deplorable state of electricity supply and infrastructures in the rural areas breeds an urgent call for corporate interventions and charitable donations which Bluetti has championed to put smiles on the faces of Africans. Bluetti LAAF program is a long-term Corporate Social Responsibility project which is intended for impoverished families and communities, any region or institution within this category can contact Bluetti for such donations at https://nga.bluettipower.com/ About BLUETTI BLUETTI has been committed to promoting sustainability and green energy solutions since its inception. By offering eco-friendly energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use, BLUETTI aims to provide exceptional experiences for our homes while also contributing to a sustainable future for our planet. This commitment to sustainable energy has helped BLUETTI expand its reach to over 100 countries and gain the trust of millions of customers worldwide. Media contact: EvelynZou Marketing Specialist for BLUETTI pr@bluetti.com SOURCE: Bluetti Power Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Nidec Corporation (TOKYO: 6594; OTC US: NJDCY) (the "Company" or "Nidec") has announced that we will complete an investment of 15.8 million GBP in Gore Street Energy Storage Fund PLC ("GSF"), an investment trust fund that operates an energy storage system business, through the Company's subsidiary, Nidec Motor Corporation ("NMC"), on December 19, 2023 (US time). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231218260385/en/ Image of Nidec installed BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) (Photo: Business Wire) 1. Fund Profile (1) Company name Gore Street Energy Storage Fund PLC (2) Listing London Stock Exchange (3) Headquarters London (4) Foundation 2018 (5) Business manager CEO Alex O'Cinneide CFO/CIO Suminori Arima (6) Business content Distribution of investment returns obtained from the operation of energy storage systems (7) Operational portfolio UK 40%, Republic of Ireland 40%, U.S. 10%, Germany 10% (8) Total assets 543.3 million GBP as of September 30, 2023 (9) Operational capacity 371.5 MW as of December, 2023 2. Purpose of the Investment By forming a strategic partnership in the rapidly-growing energy storage system market with GSF, an existing customer of ours, Nidec shall be guaranteed participation in the bidding process for GSF's future battery energy storage systems. This pipeline will include 360 MW of projects which GSF has already announced over the next five years. Nidec has a significant presence in the European BESS market with 2,725 MW installed as of the first half of fiscal year 2023, and is planning to expand its business outside of Europe. GSF is also strengthening its portfolio, targeting markets around the world outside of its current Europe-oriented portfolio, aligning with our strategy. 3. Effect on Financial Performance for the Current and Next Fiscal Year The transaction is expected to have no significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial performance for this fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. If necessary, the Company will make additional disclosure on a timely basis in accordance with the rules of the Tokyo Stock Exchange upon determination of further details. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the intent, belief, strategy, plans or expectations of the Nidec Group or other parties. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the risks to successfully integrating the acquired business with the Nidec Group, the anticipated benefits of the planned transaction not being realized, changes in general economic conditions, shifts in technology or user preferences for particular technologies, whether and when required regulatory approvals are obtained, other risks relating to the successful consummation of the planned transaction, and changes in business and regulatory environments. The Nidec Group does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein or the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231218260385/en/ Contacts: Masahiro Nagayasu General Manager Investor Relations +81-75-935-6140 ir@nidec.com Karelian Diamond Resources Plc - Update on sample results and diamond exploration programme in Kuhmo region PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, December 19 This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310. Karelian Diamond Resources plc ("Karelian Diamonds" or "the Company") 19 December 2023 SEARCH FOR SOURCE OF THE KUHMO GREEN DIAMOND NARROWED Positive results from basal till samples taken up-ice from green diamond discovery site Garnets identified in two sample locations which suggests close proximity to kimberlite source Karelian Diamond Resources plc ("Karelian Diamonds") (AIM: KDR) is pleased to announce that the Company has received results, from Overburden Drilling Management Limited ("ODM") in Canada, in relation to basal till samples excavated at various target locations in the Kuhmo region of Finland. The results suggest that two of the sample locations may be close to the source of the green diamond previously discovered by the Company (as announced by the Company on 31 January 2017). ODM is a specialised laboratory for testing diamondiferous kimberlite indicator minerals. The targets sampled were up-ice from the location of the green diamond discovery along a kimberlite indicator mineral train and were identified by geophysics and kimberlitic indicator analysis. Samples from the two locations returned anomalous concentrations of thirty-six purple to red peridotitic garnets (G9/10 Cr-pyropes garnets). Six of the peridotitic garnets were in the large range (0.5 to 1.0mm size). Partial alteration mantles, otherwise referred to as "Kelyphitic rims", were present on the peridotitic garnets. Kelyphitic rims are fragile and tend not be preserved on the peridotitic garnets if they have been transported any large distance. The presence of G9/10 peridotitic garnets indicates that the material sampled has been derived from the diamond stability field where diamonds are formed. The number and size of the peridotitic garnets, and the presence of Kelyphitic rims, suggests close proximity to a kimberlite source, from which the green diamond may have been derived. Orange mantle garnets were also present in samples from these two locations. Orange mantle garnets can include eclogitic pyrope almandine garnets (G3) which, if present, are significant, as they tend to be associated with richer diamond grades. These orange mantle garnets will be tested in due course to establish whether or not eclogitic mantle materials are present. Kimberlite indicator minerals were absent in locations further up-ice from the two anomalous locations. This, together with geophysical data, suggests that the kimberlite indicator mineral train, up-ice from the green diamond discovery, ends at an electromagnetic geophysical anomaly within which the kimberlite source of the green diamond may be located. Given that indicator minerals were not present in samples further up ice, the positive sample result provides further evidence that the green diamond kimberlite source is closer to and within our targeted area. This release has been approved by Kevin McNulty PGeo, who is a member of the Company's technical staff and holds a BSc/MSc in Geology and Remote Sensing, in accordance with the guidance note for Mining, Oil and Gas Companies issued by the London Stock Exchange in respect of AIM Companies, which outlines standards of disclosure for mineral projects. Further results will be issued as the programme progresses. Professor Richard Conroy, Chairman, Karelian Diamond Resources PLC commented: "These results are most encouraging and are a major step forward in the Company's diamond exploration programme, in the highly prospective Kuhmo region. They also suggest that we may be getting very close to locating the source of the green diamond which the Company discovered." Further Information: Karelian Diamond Resources plc Professor Richard Conroy, Chairman +353-1-479-6180 Allenby Capital Limited (Nomad) Nick Athanas / Nick Harriss +44-20-3328-5656 Peterhouse Capital Limited (Broker) Lucy Williams / Duncan Vasey +44-20-7469-0930 Lothbury Financial Services Michael Padley +44-20-3290-0707 Hall Communications Don Hall +353-1-660-9377 http://www.kareliandiamondresources.com Mondi Plc - Circular relating to proposed Special Dividend, Share Consolidation and Notice of General Meeting PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, December 19 Mondi plc (Incorporated in England and Wales) (Registered number: 6209386) LEI: 213800LOZA69QFDC9N34 JSE share code: MNP ISIN: GB00B1CRLC47 LSE share code: MNDI NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 19 December 2023 Publication of Circular and Notice of General Meeting relating to a proposed Special Dividend and associated Share Consolidation Mondi plc ("Mondi" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, following the announcement made on 7 December 2023 that it intended to return the net proceeds from the sale of all the Group's Russian assets, which include both Mondi Syktyvkar sold in October 2023 and the three converting operations sold in June 2023, amounting to approximately 775 million, by way of a special dividend, a circular setting out the full details of the proposed Special Dividend and associated Share Consolidation and related matters (the "Circular") has been published today. The Circular outlines that, in line with previous announcements, the Company intends to return approximately 775 million to Shareholders by way of a proposed Special Dividend of 1.60 per Existing Ordinary Share in the capital of the Company. In addition, in order to maintain the comparability, so far as possible, of the Company's share price before and after the Special Dividend, it is proposed that the Special Dividend be accompanied by a Share Consolidation resulting in Shareholders receiving 10 New Ordinary Shares for every 11 Existing Ordinary Shares that they hold. The Special Dividend and the Share Consolidation require the approval of Shareholders to be implemented by the Company. Accordingly, the Circular contains further details of these matters and incorporates a notice convening a General Meeting of Shareholders to be held at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL, United Kingdom at 12:00 p.m. (UK time) on 15 January 2024, with the option to participate (but not vote) electronically, where the Resolutions pertaining to the Special Dividend and Share Consolidation will be proposed to Shareholders for consideration and vote. Capitalised terms used but not otherwise defined in this announcement have the same meaning given to them in the Circular. Special Dividend Assuming that the conditions described below are satisfied, the Board is proposing to pay the Special Dividend in euro to Shareholders on the Register as at 5:00 p.m. (SA time) on 26 January 2024 (in respect of Shareholders on the South African Branch Register) and as at 6:00 p.m. (UK time) on 26 January 2024 (in respect of Shareholders on the UK Register), subject to the exceptions below (as described in the Circular). An equivalent amount in pound sterling will be paid to Shareholders on the UK Register as at 6:00 p.m. (UK time) on 26 January 2024 that are resident in the UK, except that: any such Shareholder resident in the UK may elect to receive their Special Dividend in euro; and any such Shareholder resident outside the UK may elect to receive their Special Dividend in pound sterling. An equivalent amount in South African rand will be paid to Shareholders appearing on the South African Branch Register as at 5:00 p.m. (SA time) on 26 January 2024. As the Company operates a Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP"), eligible Shareholders may have their Special Dividend reinvested in additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. The eligibility requirements, election periods and other pertinent details regarding the DRIP are set out in the Circular. The Special Dividend is subject to the approval of the Shareholders at the General Meeting. It is also conditional on: (i) the approval by the Shareholders of the Share Consolidation; and (ii) Admission in respect of the New Ordinary Shares taking place by or as soon as practicable after 8:00 a.m. (UK time) on 29 January 2024 on the premium segment of the Official List and the main market of the London Stock Exchange and by or as soon as practicable after 9:00 a.m. (SA time) on 29 January 2024 on the main board of the JSE. Share Consolidation Assuming that the conditions described below are satisfied, the effect of the Share Consolidation will be to reduce the number of Ordinary Shares in issue by approximately the same percentage of the market capitalisation as is proposed to be returned via the Special Dividend. Therefore, the market price of each Ordinary Share in the Company is intended to remain at a broadly similar level following the Special Dividend and the Share Consolidation. As all Existing Ordinary Shares will be consolidated, while each Shareholder will hold fewer Ordinary Shares following the Share Consolidation, each Shareholder will still hold the same proportion of the Company's Ordinary Share capital (i.e. the total number of Ordinary Shares in issue) after the Share Consolidation as immediately before (subject to any fractional entitlements, which will be dealt with in the manner described in the Circular). Although the New Ordinary Shares will have a different nominal value (being 0.22 each) to the Existing Ordinary Shares, they will be traded on the London Stock Exchange and the JSE in the same way as the Existing Ordinary Shares and will carry the same rights under the Articles to the Existing Ordinary Shares. The Share Consolidation will apply to Shareholders on the Register as at 5:00 p.m. (SA time) on 26 January 2024 (in respect of Shareholders on the South African Branch Register) and as at 6:00 p.m. (UK time) on 26 January 2024 (in respect of Shareholders on the UK Register). The Share Consolidation is subject to the approval of Shareholders at the General Meeting. It is also conditional on: (i) the approval of the Shareholders of the Special Dividend; and (ii) it becoming unconditional that Admission in respect of the New Ordinary Shares will take place by or as soon as practicable after 8:00 a.m. (UK time) on 29 January 2024 on the premium segment of the Official List and main market of the London Stock Exchange and by or as soon as practicable after 9:00 a.m. (SA time) on 29 January 2024 on the main board of the JSE. Additional resolutions At the General Meeting, approval by Shareholders will also be sought to amend the annual authorities to enable the Company to make market purchases of its own shares, as well as to allot New Ordinary Shares and to disapply pre-emption rights, to cover the period between the date of the General Meeting and the 2024 AGM. These additional authorisations are conditional on the approval by Shareholders of the Special Dividend and the Share Consolidation, as well as Admission in respect of the New Ordinary Shares taking place by or as soon as practicable after 8:00 a.m. (UK time) on 29 January 2024 on the premium segment of the Official List and main market of the London Stock Exchange and by or as soon as practicable after 9:00 a.m. (SA time) on 29 January 2024 on the main board of the JSE. Further details of these additional Resolutions are set out in the Circular. Expected timetable The expected timetable for the General Meeting, the Special Dividend and Share Consolidation is set out below: Publication, mailing and General Meeting Publication of the Circular, including the Notice of General Meeting 19 December 2023 Latest time and date for receipt of Forms of Proxy and CREST Proxy Instructions and proxy appointments via the Proxymity platform from Shareholders 12:00 p.m. on 11 January 2024 Record time and date for entitlement of Shareholders on South African Branch Register to vote at the General Meeting 5:00 p.m. (SA time) on 11 January 2024 Record time and date for entitlement of Shareholders on UK Register to vote at the General Meeting 6:30 p.m. on 11 January 2024 General Meeting 12:00 p.m. on 15 January 2024 Last date for transfers between the UK Register and South African Branch Register 19 January 2024 Principal events for Shareholders on the UK Register Latest time for dealings in Existing Ordinary Shares on the London Stock Exchange 4:30 p.m. on 26 January 2024 Record time and date for Shareholders on the UK Register for entitlement to the Special Dividend and for the Share Consolidation 6:00 p.m. on 26 January 2024 Deadline for currency elections in respect of Special Dividend 26 January 2024 Effective date for the Share Consolidation 29 January 2024 Ordinary Shares marked ex-Special Dividend on the London Stock Exchange 8:00 a.m. on 29 January 2024 Commencement of dealings in New Ordinary Shares on the London Stock Exchange (after the Share Consolidation) 8:00 a.m. on 29 January 2024 CREST accounts credited with New Ordinary Shares (after the Share Consolidation) 29 January 2024 Exchange rate set (EUR/GBP) in respect of Special Dividend 1 February 2024 Despatch of share certificates in respect of New Ordinary Shares by the UK Registrar As soon as practicable after 29 January and no later than 12 February 2024 Despatch of cheques in respect of fractional entitlements and crediting of CREST in respect of fractional entitlements 12 February 2024 Payment of the Special Dividend to Shareholders (by CREST payment, bank account transfer or by cheque) 13 February 2024 Principal events for Shareholders on the South African Branch Register Exchange rate set (EUR/ZAR) in respect of Special Dividend 11:00 a.m. (SA time) on 19 December 2023 Last date to trade for Shareholders on the South African Branch Register for entitlement to vote at the General Meeting 8 January 2024 Finalisation Date 11:00 a.m. (SA time) on 16 January 2024 Last day to trade in Existing Ordinary Shares on the JSE 5:00 p.m. (SA time) on 23 January 2024 Ordinary Shares marked ex-Special Dividend and Share Consolidation on the JSE, listing and commencement of trading of Ordinary Shares under the new consolidated share capital structure with new ISIN GB00BMWC6P49 on the JSE 9:00 a.m. (SA time) on 24 January 2024 Publication of SENS announcement on the cash value of fractional entitlements to New Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Share Consolidation Before 11:00 a.m. (SA time) on 25 January 2024 Record time and date for Shareholders on the South African Branch Register for entitlement to the Special Dividend and for the Share Consolidation 5:00 p.m. (SA time) on 26 January 2024 Commencement of dealings in New Ordinary Shares on the JSE under ISIN GB00BMWC6P49 (after the Share Consolidation) 9:00 a.m. (SA time) on 29 January 2024 CSDP accounts credited with New Ordinary Shares through the Strate System (after the Share Consolidation) 29 January 2024 Despatch of share certificates in respect of New Ordinary Shares by the SA Registrar As soon as practicable after 29 January and no later than 12 February 2024 Payment of the Special Dividend to Shareholders (by bank account transfer) and CSDP accounts credited in respect of Special Dividend 13 February 2024 Dividend Reinvestment Plan Record date for participation in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan for the Special Dividend and deadline for receipt of Dividend Reinvestment Plan elections 26 January 2024 Commencement of purchases of New Ordinary Shares for Dividend Reinvestment Plan participants From 13 February 2024 All references to time in this announcement are to UK time unless stated otherwise. If any of the times or dates above change, the Company will give notice of the change by issuing an announcement through a Regulatory Information Service and a Stock Exchange News Service. Share certificates on the South African Branch Register may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between 24 January 2024 and 26 January 2024, both dates inclusive, nor may transfers between the UK Register and South African Branch Register take place between 22 January 2024 and 26 January 2024, both dates inclusive. Unless the counterparties specifically agree otherwise, in respect of trades executed on the London Stock Exchange, a buyer of the Company's Existing Ordinary Shares ahead of the date on which the Ordinary Shares are marked ex-Special Dividend will assume the benefit to the Special Dividend, and the relevant seller would need to pass the benefit to the buyer, even if the seller is the recorded owner at the relevant record time. Availability of the Circular Printed copies of the Circular will be posted as soon as reasonably practicable after publication of this announcement to Shareholders and any other person entitled to receive a copy (other than those who have elected for, or who have been deemed to have elected for, notification by electronic communication). A copy of the Circular and certain other documents in relation to the Share Consolidation and Special Dividend are available for inspection: on the "Investors" section of the Company's website at www.mondigroup.com/investors; and in South Africa, at the registered offices of the JSE Sponsor, during normal South African business hours, and can be made available through a secure electronic manner at the election of the person requesting inspection by emailing the Company Secretary at GM.questions@mondigroup.com. A copy of the Circular (containing the Notice of General Meeting) has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism, where it will shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. - END - Enquiries Investors/analysts: Fiona Lawrence +44 7425 878 683 Mondi Group Head of Investor Relations Media: Chris Gurney +44 7990 043 764 Mondi Group Head of Corporate Communication Richard Mountain (FTI Consulting) +44 7909 684 466 Editor's notes Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is integrated across the value chain - from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and films, to developing and manufacturing sustainable consumer and industrial packaging solutions using paper where possible, plastic when useful. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy, with our ambitious commitments to 2030 focused on circular driven solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate. In 2022, Mondi had revenues of 8.9 billion and underlying EBITDA of 1.8 billion from continuing operations, and employed 22,000 people worldwide. Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), where the Group is a FTSE100 constituent, and also has a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP). Sponsor in South Africa: Merrill Lynch South Africa Proprietary Limited t/a BofA Securities. Important notices Merrill Lynch International, which is authorised in the UK by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated in the UK by the FCA and the Prudential Regulation Authority, is acting as financial adviser and corporate broker, and Merrill Lynch South Africa (Proprietary) Limited t/a BofA Securities ("MLSA") is acting as JSE sponsor for the Company and for no one else in connection with the Special Dividend and the Share Consolidation, and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to clients of Merrill Lynch International or MLSA nor for providing advice in connection with the Special Dividend, the Share Consolidation and/or any other matters referred to in this announcement. None of Merrill Lynch International, MLSA nor any of their affiliates, directors or employees owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, consequential, whether in contract, in tort, in delict, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Merrill Lynch International or MLSA in connection with this announcement, any statement contained herein, the Special Dividend, the Share Consolidation or otherwise. This announcement is not intended to, and does not constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, any offer, invitation, solicitation or recommendation of an offer to purchase, sell, subscribe for or otherwise dispose of or acquire any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction and neither the issue of the information nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with, or act as an inducement to enter into, any investment activity. No shares are being offered to the public by means of this announcement. This announcement does not constitute either advice or a recommendation regarding any securities, or purport to contain all of the information that may be required to evaluate any investment in the Company or any of its securities and should not be relied upon to form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment or investment decision whatsoever. Past performance is not an indication of future results and past performance should not be taken as a representation that trends or activities underlying past performance will continue in the future. Shareholders are advised to read the Circular and the Notice of General Meeting (to be made available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism), which contains the terms and conditions of the matters dealt with in this announcement, with care and in full. Any decision to approve the Special Dividend, the Share Consolidation and/or other matters dealt with herein should be made only on the basis of the information included in the Circular and the Notice of General Meeting. Any Shareholder that is in doubt as to its position, including, without limitation, any action required of them or their position in connection with the Share Consolidation and Special Dividend (including the DRIP), should consult an appropriate professional adviser without delay. The Company does not accept any responsibility, and will not be held liable, for any action of, or omission by, any CSDP, agent, broker, legal adviser, accountant, banker, other financial intermediary or other professional adviser including, without limitation, any failure on the part of any CSDP, agent, broker, legal adviser, accountant, banker, other financial intermediary or other professional adviser of any beneficial owner of Ordinary Shares to notify such beneficial owner of the matters dealt with in this announcement or the Circular or to take any action on behalf of such beneficial owner. Shareholders are advised to carefully read the Circular. Any response to the Share Consolidation and Special Dividend (including the DRIP) should be made only on the basis of the information in the Circular. If you are in any doubt as to the action you should take, you should consult your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other professional adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 immediately, if you are in the United Kingdom, or another appropriately authorised independent professional adviser if you are taking advice in a territory outside the United Kingdom. The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in jurisdictions other than the United Kingdom and South Africa may be restricted by law and, therefore, any persons who are subject to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United Kingdom or South Africa should inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable requirements. This announcement has been prepared for the purposes of complying with English law, the Listing Rules and the JSE Listings Requirements, and the information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws and regulations of any jurisdiction outside of the United Kingdom or South Africa. This announcement is being distributed to all Shareholders. A copy of this announcement can be found on the "Investors" section of the Company's website at www.mondigroup.com/investors. Forward-looking statements This announcement may include certain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions, including statements with respect to the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "plans", "anticipates", "targets", "aims", "continues", "expects", "intends", "hopes", "may", "will", "would", "could" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. These statements are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information available to them at the date of this announcement and reflect the Directors' beliefs and expectations. By their nature, these statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. A number of factors could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, developments in the global economy, changes in regulation and government policies, spending and procurement methodologies, currency fluctuations, or a failure in the Group's health, safety or environmental policies. No representation or warranty is made that any of these statements or forecasts will come to pass or that any forecast results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements may, and often do, differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements in this announcement speak only as of their respective dates, reflect the Directors' current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Group's operations and growth strategy. You should specifically consider the factors identified in this announcement which could cause actual results to differ before making any decision in relation to the Special Dividend (including the DRIP) and the Share Consolidation. Subject to the requirements of the FCA, the London Stock Exchange, the Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Market Abuse Regulation, the JSE, the JSE Listings Requirements (and/or any regulatory requirements) or applicable law, the Company explicitly disclaims any obligation or undertaking publicly to release the result of any revisions to any forward-looking statements in this announcement that may occur due to any change in the Company's expectations or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement. No statement in this announcement is or is intended to be a profit forecast or to imply that the earnings of the Group for the current or future financial years will necessarily match or exceed the historical or published earnings of the Group. Any information contained in this announcement on the price at which shares or other securities in the Group have been bought or sold in the past, or on the yield on such shares or other securities, should not be relied upon as a guide to future performance. None of the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement have been reviewed or reported on by external auditors or other experts of the Company. Rogue Baron Plc - Equity raise, potential new investment and appointment of joint broker PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, December 19 For Immediate Release 19 December 2023 ROGUE BARON PLC ("Rogue Baron" or "The Company") Equity raise, potential new investment and appointment of joint broker Rogue Baron PLC (AQSE: SHNJ), a leading company in the premium spirit sector, is pleased to announce that it has raised 50,000 by way of issue of 14,285,714 new ordinary shares in the Company at a price of 0.0035 per share. Vodka brand Rogue Baron has and continues to undertake due diligence in respect of the potential acquisition of a premium vodka brand with sales in the UK and particularly in London. Rogue Baron hopes to be in a position to complete the acquisition by the end of January 2024. Admission to Aquis Growth Market Application will be made for the 14,285,714 new ordinary shares to be admitted to trading on the Aquis Growth Market ("Admission"). It is expected that Admission of the new ordinary shares will become effective at 8.00 a.m. on or around 28 December 2023. The new ordinary shares will be issued credited as fully paid and will rank in full for all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid after Admission and will otherwise rank on Admission pari passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares. Total Voting Rights Following Admission, the Company's issued share capital will comprise 112,357,692 Ordinary Shares with voting rights. The Company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in treasury. The figure of 112,357,692 Ordinary Shares may therefore be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change in their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. Appointment of Joint Broker The Company is pleased to announce that it has appointed Clear Capital Limited as its joint broker with immediate effect. The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. For further information, please contact: Ryan Dolder rdolder@roguebaron.com Aquis Corporate Adviser: Peterhouse Capital Limited Guy Miller +44 (0) 20 7469 0936 Aquis Corporate Broker: Peterhouse Capital Limited Lucy Williams +44 (0) 20 7469 0936 Joint Broker: Clear Capital Limited Bob Roberts +44 (0) 20 3869 6080 YAMAGIWA Corp.(CEO: Shinya Matsukawa), a Japanese lighting company boasting a rich 100-year legacy, renowned for its high-quality and innovative lighting solutions, is thrilled to announce its debut participation in "MAISON OBJET PARIS" in January 2024, held in Paris, France. The company will present the TALIESIN lighting fixture series, a design by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the three great Masters of Modern Architecture. Additionally, the exhibition will showcase a total of 7 collections, including Toyo Ito's MAYUHANA, Shiro Kuramata's K Series, and newer releases. YAMAGIWA has been selected to exhibit within the 'SIGNATURE' sector, a curated space showcasing leading brands in furniture and decorative design, renowned for blending iconic designs with luxury and elegance. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231219828265/en/ Venue image of Yamagiwa's stand at Maison et Objet 2024 (Photo: Business Wire) The venue design was conceptualized around the harmonization of design and sustainability to create an organic space utilizing cardboard boldly. Consideration was given to reducing environmental impact by using recyclable materials. Following the Milan Design Week in April 2023, it will mark the global unveiling of lighting created through Japanese craftsmanship. Exhibition Information Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre Sector: SIGNATURE Hall: 7 Stand number: D91 18th to 22nd January 2024 https://www.maison-objet.com/paris/les-exposants/yamagiwa-signature TALIESIN This series of lighting fixtures represent original Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces. Manufactured in collaboration with Japanese craftsmen, YAMAGIWA is the only authorized brand in the world outside of North America to receive permission from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to reissue these lighting fixtures. Inspired by the natural effects of lighting in nature, he believed the sun and moonlight that filtered through leaves and branches to be beautiful; this has now been captured in the TALIESIN series. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) is one of the most legendary figures in American architecture of the twentieth century. He was recognized in 1991 by the American Institute of Architects as "the greatest American architect of all time." He designed over 1,000 structures in his seventy-year career. His masterpieces, "Fallingwater" and "Guggenheim Museum" have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. YAMAGIWA Founded in 1923 in Japan, YAMAGIWA is a leading Japanese manufacturer of lighting. Under the tagline 'The Art of Lighting,' it crafts products known for timeless design and aesthetic quality, paying particular attention to Japanese culture. Items are made by skilled craftsmen using traditional working methods. https://en.yamagiwa.co.jp/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231219828265/en/ Contacts: Media Inquiries Kasumi Kubota Yamagiwa Corp. Public Relations 3-16-13 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan press@yamagiwa.co.jp SUQIAN, China, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TrinaTracker has launched its optimal combination intelligent tracking solution composed of the newly upgraded Vanguard 1P and 700w+ modules. The upgraded Vanguard 1P, unveiled on December 15, is a high-quality product that offers increased safety and greater reliability. It meets the needs of customers who require trackers in composite application settings. TrinaTracker uses a rapid installation solution that reduces installation costs and improves construction efficiency in complex installation environments. The new Vanguard 1P features a contracted pipe design that halves torque tube connection time. Its multi-drive system shortens drive installation time by 30%. The split spherical bearings and the quick purlin installation system can reduce installation time by 20% and 30% respectively. The upgraded Vanguard 1P is equipped with the latest proprietary SuperTrack smart algorithm and the Trina Smart Cloud monitoring platform. Compared with traditional algorithms SuperTrack can deliver energy gains of up to 8%. Self-learning and self-optimizing approaches are adopted to sense optimized parameters in real-time, reducing power losses due to shading in complex terrains. The Trina Smart Cloud monitoring platform can monitor and diagnose the operating status of the tracker in real-time. It offers special features such as data sharing, a 3D digital map and health diagnosis, which can effectively solve operational and maintenance problems in complex terrains. In addition, TrinaTracker's latest design and flexible arrangement allow for the efficient use of irregular plots of land, overcoming the challenge of underused areas. By using the newly upgraded Vanguard 1P, the number of trackers per MW can be cut by 43%, the number of posts per MW can be cut by 4%, and installed capacity can be increased by 16% compared with conventional 1P trackers, thus further reducing BOS costs. Quan Peng, head of R&D in the Tracker Division of Trina Solar Co Ltd, said: "The new-generation Vanguard 1P combines the core strengths of adaptability to terrain, construction, climate and peripherals. It is perfectly suited for 700W+ modules. Compared with 630W modules, using the combination of newly upgraded Vanguard 1P and 700W+ modules can lower BOS costs by RMB 0.038/W and improve IRR by up to 0.4% under typical working conditions in flat terrains." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2304051/1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/in-world-premiere-trinatracker-launches-optimal-combination-solution-composed-of-newly-upgraded-vanguard-1p-and-700w-modules-302018656.html HELSINKI, Finland, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Helsinki Partners' 90 Day Finn and Venture Nordic Programs are open for applications. The programs offer unrivalled opportunities for C-suite executives, international fund managers and business owners looking to expand business to Europe.? Want to experience the world's happiest country? City-owned Helsinki Partners - a city marketing, investment and talent attraction company - opened its coveted 90 Day Finn and Venture Nordics programs during Slush 2023. The 90 Day Finn Program is Helsinki Partners' pioneering initiative, earning high acclaim from the likes of Forbes, The BBC and Fortune. Since its launch in 2019, the program has continuously evolved and improved to attract over 6000 applicants and 40 influential alumni members. Today, its foundation is the framework for new initiatives like Venture Nordics. Both programs offer unique access to Helsinki's ecosystem, ranked as the best business environment in the world and one of the fastest-growing VC investment ecosystems in Europe.? 90 Day Finn 2024: Open for applications? Applications for 90 Day Finn are open until the 29th of February, 2024. Fifteen participants will be selected to join the program in Helsinki, Finland, from August to November 2024.? The 90 Day Finn Program gives 15 business professionals the chance to spend up to 90 days living and working like a Finn. From business visits to networking opportunities and family-friendly leisure events, the 90 Day Finn Program is designed to support business development and offer unique access to the Nordics. Now in its 4th year, the program bolsters Nordic innovation and strengthens international business opportunities. With innovation at its core, Helsinki Partners works with the alumni members to improve the program year-on-year. This year, Helsinki Partners announced it will hone its ideal candidate to C-suite executives, corporate decision-makers and influential industry leaders looking to set up operations in Europe. These profiles are known to benefit the most from the program. There's also a new option to shorten the experience to 30 days instead of 90 days. "The 2024 version of 90 Day Finn will kick off with a 30-day intensive immersion, recommended for all participants, and continue with an optional 60-day period", says Sami Haikio, Program Manager, 90 Day Finn at Helsinki Partners.? Apply Now Venture Nordics 2024: Open for applications Applications for the Venture Nordics program are open until the 18th of February, 2024. Up to 10 participants will be selected to join the program in Helsinki, Finland, from the 30th of May to the 7th of June 2024.? Helsinki Partners announced the launch of Venture Nordics, a new program for international fund managers and Limited Partners (LPs). It's ideal for VCs looking to expand business to Europe or invest in Nordic funds in Finland. The program is built on the same foundational framework as 90 Day Finn but with more focus on investment and operational strategies in Finland.? Why a dedicated program for international fund managers looking to invest in Europe? Helsinki ranks alongside prolific unicorn factories like Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen, earning 6th place in the Global Innovation Index.? Arguably one of Europe's most overlooked investment hubs, investors like Leo Capital are increasingly setting up operations in the world's happiest country. Venture Nordics is a 9-day immersive journey into Finland's venture ecosystem. It aims to support international investors with exclusive access to uncover European investment gems. Four to 10 participants will get the chance to network with Finland's top venture capitalists (VCs), Limited Partners (LPs), startups and other key ecosystem players across burgeoning sectors like gaming, software, greentech and medtech. Apply Now More information, image requests and interviews Vappu Manty Director, PR & Communications vappu.manty@helsinkipartners.com +358 50 401 3548 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/90dayfinn-kone-visit,c3250080 90DayFinn Kone visit https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/90dayfinn-welcome-event-2023,c3250243 90DayFinn welcome event 2023 https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/i/90dayfinns-2023,c3250246 90DayFinns 2023 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/helsinki-opens-90-day-finn-and-venture-nordics-programs-2024-302018700.html Games Workshop Group (GAW) has signed an agreement with Amazon Content Services, a subsidiary of Amazon.com, to prospectively develop GAW's intellectual property (IP) into film and television content and to grant associated merchandising rights, initially focused on the Warhammer 40k universe. The partnership follows the announcement in December 2022 when management said an agreement had been reached in principle. Although the content will mainly be focused on GAW's Warhammer 40k, Amazon has the option to develop other IP within GAW's fantasy universe following the initial release. The first year has been set out as a period for creative discussions, after which the agreement will go ahead if both GAW and Amazon sign off on the creative guidelines. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Duck Creek Reinsurance extends its market leading capabilities to support insurance carriers globally LONDON, Dec. 19, 2023continues to offer global carriers the necessary tools to integrate into the world's leading reinsurance market. The LORS capability within Duck Creek Reinsurance offers all the code sets used in LORS and USM messages, enabling Lloyd's members and Duck Creek customers to directly connect to and interact with the Lloyd's technology platform and processes. Duck Creek Reinsurance is equipped with the required data structure to support LORS Outward Reinsurance Advice Message to advise underwriters of transactions which are new, amended, or replaced by brokers, as well as Underwriter Response Messages which are used to advise underwriter authorisations, objections, and data changes. Duck Creek's LORS integration also will confirm successful batch processing or report errors and will automatically notify insurance carriers regarding ceding movements and processing status. The Duck Creek Reinsurance LORS module includes full audit trail functionality giving insurers the ability to delete pre-authorised items or groups of items where they are in error and to request authorisation for signed items to be cancelled. "Duck Creek's LORS integration demonstrates our commitment to the London reinsurance market. As we build upon over three decades of market-leading reinsurance management capabilities, Duck Creek Reinsurance is delivering the core functionality and innovation to enable global growth for our reinsurance customers," says Julien Victor, managing director, reinsurance management. "Duck Creek is also involved in the Lloyd's Blue Print 2 initiative and we are proud to lead the market with cloud-based technology that supports many of the world's most prominent insurance carriers' reinsurance programs spanning the London, European, APAC, Bermuda, and USA territories." Duck Creek Reinsurance is a SaaS-based cloud platform that connects with any policy or claims system, data warehouse, and downstream general ledgers to track all the information related to reinsurance contracts (treaties and facultative contracts), claims, accounting data, technical data, auxiliary data, financial data, and more). Duck Creek Reinsurance has built-in reporting and can also connect to popular corporate reporting solutions. Duck Creek Reinsurance is a flexible solution tailored to international organizations using multiple currencies and multiple GAAP requirements. About Duck Creek Technologies Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.comto learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information - LinkedInand Twitter. Contact Drake Manning drake.manning@duckcreek.com Significant Progress in Educator Adoption and Student Engagement Reported Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2023) - Screencastify, the top-tier video creation platform, commemorates a significant milestone in its collaboration with the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP): educators involved in the MCP initiative have created over one million instructional videos since the partnership's announcement in 2022. This accomplishment signifies a major leap forward in the adoption of video as an essential educational tool in K-12 classrooms. The milestone underscores the integration of Screencastify's video tools within MCP's transformative Virtual Mentorship Program and represents a broader trend of educational innovation. Screencastify and Modern Classrooms Project Amplify Impact of Video in the K-12 Classroom To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/191408_e63e181ff4b4f98c_001full.jpg The update underscores substantial progress, with a notable increase in the number of educators leveraging Screencastify to facilitate blended learning environments and drive student engagement. The collaboration showcases the potential of video in transforming the educational landscape, empowering teachers to craft customized learning experiences. "Screencastify has always had a singular goal of empowering teachers and students of all kinds to improve learning through the power of video," said Vishal Shah, CEO of Screencastify. "Anyone who has spent time in the classroom knows that the task at hand perpetually feels unconquerable. But one place to start is in equipping educators with new methods that fundamentally restructure how they use space and time in the classrooms," said Kareem Farah, CEO and co-founder of Modern Classrooms Project. Since the alliance's inception, Screencastify has not only enhanced features and user experience based on real-time feedback from classroom educators such as Cecelia Gillam, an MCP expert mentor, but also significantly expanded its user base. Screencastify now boasts substantial usage in over 70% of U.S. school districts, underscoring its pivotal role in the toolkit of modern educators. About Screencastify: Screencastify is the leading video creation platform, making video recording, editing, sharing, and viewing simpler for a global user base since 2016. Enabling meaningful communications in education, business, and personal arenas, Screencastify continues to innovate and support the evolution of digital learning. For more information, visit https://www.screencastify.com. About Modern Classrooms Project: The Modern Classrooms Project (MCP), founded by veteran K-12 educators, champions blended, self-paced, and mastery-based instructional methods. Committed to educational transformation, MCP empowers educators worldwide, impacting over 65,000 teachers to date. Contact Info: Name: Bilal Mahmood Email: b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Organization: Screencastify Website: https://www.screencastify.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191408 Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Fyde Treasury has pioneered a solution for a secure, non-custodial, "liquid vault" tailored for all cryptocurrency holders, from beginners to power users. Fyde Treasury, a blockchain technology company led by a former NASA scientist, has closed a $3.2 million seed funding round marking a major stride towards tackling a critical industry concern the management and scalability of on-chain crypto treasury holdings. The round was spearheaded by OP Crypto Ventures, with investments from Arrington Capital, Big Brain Holdings, and Merit Circle, among other notable funds and angel investors. "We are more than excited to collaborate with Fyde in a long-lasting partnership. As Fyde progresses and their platform is released, we're thrilled to function as the bridge between ourselves and other portfolio companies within the DAO. Each and every single one of them faces the same challenges of managing a treasury." Tommy Quite, CFO Co-Founder of Merit Circle Fyde's founding team draws on a wealth of experience hailing from global financial institutions, web3, and academia. Team members hold distinguished PhD backgrounds and research positions from institutions such as Stanford, Cambridge, UCLA and business degrees from London Business School. Unleashing On-Chain Treasury Management In the realm of cryptocurrency, effective treasury management entails overseeing the value of tokens created by blockchain smart contracts. Fyde Treasury has pioneered a solution for a secure, non-custodial, "liquid vault" tailored for holders of cryptocurrencies. Owners deposit a variety of digital assets into the liquid vault, retain ownership over their tokens and gain enhanced performance. This enables users to receive a systematic approach to mitigating risk in DeFi in a simple, painless solution. Additionally, users will be incentivised to trade the liquid vault token $TRSY, offering a reliable and efficient payment avenue. The protocol is stress tested and optimised by a simulation engine. This system uses heuristic and stochastic agent-based modelling to model tokenomic designs and create aligned incentive structures between blockchain companies, decentralised computers, and token holders. The injection of funds will propel Fyde's mission to confront the substantial challenges of overseeing multi-billion dollars of on-chain crypto treasury tokens. The imperative for a decentralised solution has become increasingly urgent in the wake of the setbacks faced by centralised, non-transparent crypto companies in 2022, coupled with the persistent volatility within the sector and the growing instability of conventional banking systems. Fyde Treasury Protocol has recently launched on Ethereum in December 2023. The team extends an invitation to join Fyde Treasury Protocol during their liquidity on-ramping process and accrue FYDE points. About Fyde Treasury Fyde Treasury is designed to unleash the crypto treasury management ecosystem by introducing a liquid vault that enables a solution useful for beginners to power users in a compliant and crypto native manner. It effectively handles the four pillars of crypto treasury management: asset diversification, yield generation, token liquidity, and governance preservation. The company was founded in Q3 2022. For more information about Fyde Treasury, please visit Website or contact gm@fyde.fi Social Media: Twitter Linkedin View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231219912941/en/ Contacts: Behrin Naidoo Head of Strategic Finance Co-Founder Phone: +44 (0) 7547 141446 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2023) - INCA ONE GOLD CORP. (TSXV: INCA) (OTCQB: INCAF) (FSE: SU92) ("Inca One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD$1,000,000 (the "Private Placement" or "Offering"). The Private Placement will consist of the issuance of 10,000,000 units (the "Units") at a subscription price of CAD$0.10 per Unit. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one transferable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable to purchase an additional Share of the Company at an exercise price of CAD$0.15 for a period of 36 months from the closing date ("Closing Date"). The proceeds from the Offering will be used for general working capital requirements. Insiders of the Company will also subscribe for Units under the Private Placement. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a statutory hold period of 4 months plus a day from the Closing Date in accordance with applicable securities legislation. Finder's fees may be paid in connection with this Offering. Closing of the Private Placement is subject to the approval of the TSXV. The securities described herein have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the Act or unless an exemption from registration is available. AGM Results Additionally, Inca One is pleased to report that all matters were approved at the Company's annual general shareholders meeting (the "Meeting") held on December 14, 2023. At the Meeting, the Company's shareholders re-elected all of the Company's current board of directors, Bruce Bragagnolo, Edward Kelly, Rodney Stevens and Adrian Morger, as well as approved the re-appointment of the Company's current auditor, Grant Thornton LLP. The Company's shareholders also approved the adoption of a 10% rolling Long Term Incentive Plan. About Inca One Inca One Gold Corp is an established gold producer operating two fully permitted, gold mineral processing facilities in Peru. The Company possesses a combined 450 TPD permitted operating capacity at its two fully integrated plants, Chala One and Kori One and has produced more than 130,000 ounces of gold, generating over US$200 million in sales from its processing operations. Inca One is led by an experienced and capable management team that has established the Company as a trusted leader in servicing permitted, artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) in Peru. Peru is one of the world's largest producers of gold, and its ASM sector is estimated by government officials to be valued in the billions of dollars annually. To learn more, visit www.incaone.com. Figure 1. Inca One's gold processing facilities in Peru (left: Chala One facility; right: Kori One facility) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2645/191521_0c3ce2ff64d8d94d_001full.jpg On behalf of the Board, Edward Kelly President and CEO Inca One Gold Corp. For More Information Contact: Konstantine Tsakumis ktsakumis@incaone.com 604-568-4877 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. Statements regarding the Company which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties by their very nature. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements due to factors such as: (i) fluctuation of mineral prices; (ii) a change in market conditions; and (iii) the fact that future operating results may not be accurately predicted based on this limited information to date. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update any changes to such statements. Inca One believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. 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 these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state. 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/191521 Retail Technology Innovation Hub's 2023 Awards shortlists EDITED as Technology Vendor of the Year Leading global retail intelligence platform EDITED was named a finalist for RTIH Technology Vendor of the Year for 2023 during last week's ceremony at the Barbican Centre in London. The AI-powered tech company also won an Editor's Choice Award. The Technology Vendor of the Year Award celebrates companies that have developed innovative technology and work with retailers to transform the customer experience, back-end operations, or both. Moreover, RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson selected his stand-out entries from the 17 categories and named EDITED a winner of the RTIH Editor's Choice Award. EDITED was selected for these awards because its work is driving fundamental transformation in the retail industry, including delivering enhanced profit margins, increased sales, and a competitive edge to brands through its AI-driven metrics. EDITED's platform optimizes pricing strategies, automates pricing and discount adjustments, provides insights into market trends, and offers a holistic view of competitors' promotional activities. "We are honored to be shortlisted for the Technology Vendor of the Year Award by RTIH and recognized as an Editor's Choice winner. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire EDITED team. We are grateful for the acknowledgment of our efforts in driving transformative change within the retail industry, and we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that empower brands and elevate the retail landscape," said Doug Kofoid, EDITED CEO. About EDITED EDITED is the world's leading AI-driven retail intelligence platform that empowers brands and retailers with real time decision-making power that drives profit and inspires customers. We help retailers increase margins, generate more sales, and drive better business outcomes through AI-powered market and enterprise intelligence that fuels automation. By connecting business analytics and external market data, the world's most successful brands and retailers use EDITED's platform to get closer to their best customers and future-proof their business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231219346878/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: press@edited.com Audrey Buck E: audrey.buck@edited.com C: 336-529-8611 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A US-led multi-nation security initiative has been launched to strengthen operations focusing on the security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of its Task Force 153, which focuses on security in the sensitive region. Austin, who was touring the Middle East for meetings with Israel's political and military leadership to discuss the Israel-Hamas war, said this is an international challenge that demands collective action. He cited the recent escalation in Houthi attacks from Yemen targeting commercial vessels, which threaten the free flow of commerce, endanger innocent mariners, and violate international law. 'The Red Sea is a critical waterway that has been essential to freedom of navigation and a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade. Countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor launching ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) at merchant vessels from many nations lawfully transiting international waters.' The latest such incident occurred in the Southern Red Sea on Monday, when the chemical/oil tanker Swan Atlantic was attacked by a one-way attack drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen. The Cayman Islands flagged vessel was damaged in the attack. USS Carney, operating in the Red Sea, was the closest U.S. warship in the region. The guided missile destroyer responded to distress call from Swan Atlantic, the US Central Command said. At approximately the same time, the bulk cargo ship M/V Clara reported an explosion in the water near their location as a result of attack by Houthi militants. Operation Prosperity Guardian is bringing together multiple countries to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity, the U.S. Defense Secretary said in a statement. Besides the United States, the participants in the security initiative include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX NEUCHATEL, Switzerland, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Daniel Graf has joined Aktiia in the role of President and Independent Board Member. Daniel has an extraordinary career trajectory, known for his work at Uber as Vice President of Product. Prior to his work at Uber, Daniel was instrumental at Google, leading a pivotal overhaul of the Google Maps app, catalyzing a marked surge in user engagement through improved functionality. His expertise in product innovation, user experience, and driving aggressive growth adds significant experience and depth to Aktiia's leadership team. With Daniel on board, Aktiia is better prepared to succeed in future challenges and maintain its pioneering role to discover new insights to ease the global burden of blood pressure. "I am honored to steer a company at the vanguard of confronting one of the world's most pressing healthcare challenges. Aktiia's pioneering technology is more than a tool for monitoring blood pressure - it's a beacon leading us towards a new era in global health," stated Daniel. About Aktiia Aktiia was founded in Switzerland in May 2018 out of a passion to create the best tool for diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Aktiia's founders, Mattia Bertschi (CEO) and Josep Sola (CTO), contributed to research and development at CSEM, a prestigious Swiss research institute. For 15 years they worked incessantly to decipher the language of the heart to deepen our understanding of blood pressure. Aktiia's diverse team of 40 extraordinary people has been crucial in transforming years of innovative research into a global healthcare tool. Aktiia's technology combines common optical sensors and proprietary clinically validated algorithms to measure blood pressure at the wrist. Extensively validated for accuracy, the device has received a worldwide acknowledgement, enabling Aktiia to proudly offer the most complete and user-friendly blood pressure companion to date. With over 1.4 billion people suffering from high blood pressure, and over 18 million deaths/year, our mission to change the way we think about blood pressure is more urgent than ever. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/daniel-graf-joins-aktiia-as-the-new-president-and-independent-board-member-302018906.html As cold waves hit multiple parts of China, prompt countermeasures have been taken to prevent power outages and alleviate the impacts of extensive snowfall and other freezing conditions. In Shimen County, central China's Hunan Province, staff workers of the power supply company braved coldness to inspect the power lines that serve 15,000 local residents. In Qianjiang district of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, power supply department has dispatched more than 100 staffers to carry out the de-icing work on the 44 kilometers of power lines. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Turin, 19th December 2023. IVECO BUS, the urban, intercity and tourist bus brand of Iveco Group N.V. (EXM: IVG), has signed a contract to supply 153 new electric buses to Azienda Trasporti Milanesi S.p.A. (ATM), Milan's public transport company, marking a major milestone in the city's transition to sustainable mobility. The contract, worth more than 120 million euros, is part of ATM's strategic plan to offer increasingly sustainable and accessible mobility. ATM is committed to converting its entire urban fleet to 1,200 electric buses and making necessary changes in the surrounding ecosystem, which include the renewal of depots and the creation of new facilities that will be fully integrated into the design of the city. The arrival of the new IVECO BUS electric vehicles represents a crucial step in ATM's Full Electric plan: by 2026, half of the buses in service in Milan will be electric. The tender for the new buses comprises 153 new 12-metre electric buses and their full-service maintenance for ten years. The first deliveries are expected by the first quarter of 2025 and all the remaining buses are to be delivered by June 2026. An investment of this size is confirmation that public transport in Milan is facing disruptive environmental and energy challenges and that IVECO BUS is able to provide viable solutions as one of ATM's main suppliers. Over the years, IVECO BUS has contributed to Milan's mobility and today its vehicles constitute 45% of the entire ATM fleet (550 buses out of 1,200). Domenico Nucera, President, Bus Business Unit, Iveco Group, commented: "We are proud to play an important role in Milan's journey towards more sustainable mobility. The competitive total cost of ownership offering of IVECO BUS, combined with our close proximity to ATM, allows us to provide a tailored solution that meets the specific needs of this fast-paced city." Iveco Group N.V. Media Contacts: Francesco Polsinelli, Tel: +39 335 1776091 Fabio Lepore, Tel: +39 335 7469007 E-mail: mediarelations@ivecogroup.com Investor Relations: Federico Donati, Tel: +39 011 0073539 E-mail: investor.relations@ivecogroup.com Attachments Social Links, a leading open-source intelligence (OSINT) software provider, strengthens its strategic partnership with TechBiz Forense Digital, the largest integrator in the segment, pioneer, and leader in the national market in offering digital solutions for forensic science in the country, with the objective of expanding forensic technology services in the Brazilian and Latin American markets. "With a team of highly qualified professionals, we guide, train, and serve our clients in all Brazilian states. Our partnership combines market experience with Machine Learning Social Links solutions, allowing our customers to streamline the entire intelligence cycle. The expansion of this agreement corroborates our commitment to partnership with the sector's greatest experts and the most innovative manufacturers to strengthen the forensic technology scenario," said Rafael Velasquez, partner and commercial director of TechBiz Forense Digital. TechBiz Forense Digital, a company from the TechBiz Group, stands as the foremost integrator and a pioneering force in delivering digital solutions in Brazil. Their expertise and comprehensive approach in the investigation, anti-fraud, and audit technologies have solidified their position as the top provider in Latin America. "TechBiz has been an integral part of our journey and its leadership in the Brazilian market is unmatched," expressed Stella Gonzalez, Director of LATAM Channels at Social Links. "We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration will bring and the positive impact on the forensic technology sector as we strengthen our long-standing partnership to expand OSINT and Digital Forensics services in Latin America." Earlier this year, Social Links earned the leader category in the inaugural Frost Radar: Open-Source Intelligence Solutions 2023, the first exhaustive review of the OSINT industry. As per the report, "Earning a perfect score for Innovation, Social Links offer comprehensive OSINT platform solutions that include essential data analysis and visualization tools, AI and machine learning integration, group identification, tagging, and deep/dark web analysis." About TechBiz Group For almost 20 years, the TechBiz Group has been operating in the technological solutions market for preventing, investigating, and combating physical and digital threats. We are a conglomerate of companies that, through technology, support public and private institutions in preventing and combating threats and crimes, whether in the distribution, development, or training in solutions, contributing to the construction of a fairer and safer society. We expanded our operations, creating an ecosystem to combat crime and fraud, through tools for digital forensics and investigation, information security, incident response, anti-fraud, and auditing. https://techbiz.com.br/ About Social Links Social Links is a leading open-source intelligence (OSINT) software provider. We assemble massive volumes of data from open sources, including social media, messengers, blockchains" and the Dark Web, to analyze and visualize a holistic picture for streamlining data-driven investigations. Social Links is a privately held American company with HQ in the US, offices in Miami and Amsterdam, and an R&D center in Riga. https://sociallinks.io/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213963341/en/ Contacts: pr@sociallinks.io VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / North Shore Uranium Ltd. (TSXV:NSU) ("North Shore" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on exploration plans at its 55,699 hectare Falcon Property ("Falcon" or the "Property") located at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan. The Company has identified a number of high priority uranium targets on the Property and is fully funded to drill several of these targets in Q1 2024. Falcon is a highly prospective uranium exploration property with a limited exploration history in an area of the Athabasca Basin that is seeing increased exploration activity and recent discoveries.Significant grass roots uranium discoveries in 2021 by Baselode Energy Corp. and 92 Energy Limited approximately 40 kilometres to the north, illustrate the potential for new basement-hosted discoveries in this area. In 2022, both the Company and Skyharbour Resources Ltd. ("Skyharbour") completed fixed-wing gravity-magnetic-radiometric surveys that covered over 80% of Falcon. Reinterpretation of the earlier electromagnetic ("EM") data complemented by the recently acquired geophysical data is allowing the company to identify new high priority targets that have never been tested by drilling. North Shore's proposed 2023-2024 exploration program at Falcon is comprised of the following three components: Ongoing interpretation of historical and new geophysical and geological data to assist with prioritizing targets for detailed exploration; A Q1 2024 maiden drill program focusing on several high priority targets; and Prospecting, mapping and sampling related to the high priority targets in the summer of 2024 in preparation for future drill programs. The Q1 2024 drill program will be focused on several targets along a well-defined, dominantly northeast-southwest-trending EM conductor system at the southeastern end of the claim block (Figures 1 and 2). There has been no previous drilling in this area. Gravity, magnetic and radiometric data are being analyzed to assist with pinpointing the highest priority drill locations along the EM conductors for drilling. The helicopter-supported program will be based out of Skyharbour's McGowan Lake Camp which is located approximately 55 kilometres to the north along an all-weather road. Mr. Brooke Clements, President and CEO of North Shore stated "It's a great time to be exploring for uranium in the Athabasca Basin, a tier-one jurisdiction for uranium exploration, development and mining. The uranium spot price has recently surged past US$85/lb., the highest we've seen in more than 15 years. We have identified a number of high priority targets on our Falcon Property and are excited to move forward with our exploration program and get the drill turning in Q1 2024." The Company has engaged TerraLogic Exploration Inc. ("TerraLogic"), of Cranbrook B.C., to manage its Q1 2024 drill program at Falcon. TerraLogic has experience in the Athabasca Basin and a proven track record working with the mining and exploration industry, combining advanced data management and proven exploration techniques with a focus on precious metal, base metal and uranium exploration. In addition, Condor North Consulting ULC, recognized experts in the field of geophysical data processing and interpretation, have been retained to perform a detailed interpretation of the existing geophysical data to assist in optimizing drill target locations (Figure 2). Figure 1: Falcon Property Summary Map. The map contains information about a property adjacent to the Falcon Property which North Shore does not have the right to explore. Figure 2. Ongoing geophysical interpretation is being performed by Condor North Consulting ULC. This map shows discrete EM conductor picks along flight lines from airborne surveys completed in 2006 and 2007 with a total field magnetics background. Falcon Property Background Information Falcon consists of 15 mineral claims; four of the claims comprising 12,791 hectares are 100 percent-owned by the Company and the remaining 11 claims totaling 42,908 hectares are subject to an option agreement with Skyharbour (Figure 1). Under the terms of the option agreement, North Shore can earn an 80% interest in the 11 claims and has the option to purchase the remaining 20% interest after it has earned its initial 80% interest. Falcon is located at the eastern edge of the Athabasca Basin and approximately 35 kilometres east of the Key Lake uranium mill and former mine. The new uranium discovery potential at Falcon is significant including shallow Athabasca-style basement mineralization associated with EM conductors and pegmatite-hosted mineralization similar to that discovered at the Fraser Lakes Zone B uranium resource located just three kilometres south of the property. About North Shore Uranium The near-term business objectives of North Shore Uranium are to become a major force in the exploration for economic uranium deposits at the eastern margin of Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin, a tier-one jurisdiction for discovering new mineable high-grade uranium deposits. The Company will work to achieve those objectives by conducting exploration programs on its two properties, the Falcon Property and the West Bear Property, and evaluating opportunities to increase its portfolio of properties in the region. Qualified Person Mr. Brooke Clements, MSc, P.Geol., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and the President and CEO of North Shore, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this press release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information: Please contact: Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Telephone: 604.536.2711 Email: b.clements@northshoreuranium.com www.northshoreuranium.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. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect","project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's current plans and business objectives. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to: assumptions regarding future uranium prices, debt and equity financing market conditions, receipt of regulatory approvals, and other factors. The cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to the Company and persons acting on its behalf. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward- looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. SOURCE: North Shore Uranium Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / Northern Superior Resources Inc. ("Northern Superior" or the "Company") (TSXV:SUP)(OTCQX:NSUPF) is pleased to announce that Mr. Gregory Duras, B.Admin., CPA, CGA, has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Duras is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience working in the resource sector in corporate development, financial management, cost control positions, and spearheaded large corporate transactions and financings. He's held the position of Chief Financial Officer at several publicly traded companies, including Consolidated Uranium Inc., which was recently acquired by IsoEnergy Ltd. in a C$200M transaction. He holds a Bachelor of Administration degree from Lakehead University and completed his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 1998. Simon Marcotte, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Superior, stated: "As we steadfastly advance our aggressive strategy in the dynamic landscapes of Quebec and Ontario, we recognize the importance of leveraging key expertise to fuel our growth. Greg's extensive experience, particularly in the realm of mergers and acquisitions, is poised to play a pivotal role going forward. On behalf of the entire Northern Superior team, I extend a heartfelt welcome to Greg, expressing our collective anticipation for the valuable contributions he is sure to bring to the Company." The Company expresses its sincere appreciation to Jeannine Webb for her dedicated service over the past several years and extends best wishes for success in all her future endeavors. About Northern Superior Resources Inc. Northern Superior is a gold exploration company focused on the Chibougamau Camp in Quebec, Canada. The Company has consolidated the largest land package in the region, with total land holdings currently exceeding 62,000 hectares. The main properties include Philibert, Lac Surprise, Chevrier and Croteau. Northern Superior also owns significant exploration assets in Northern Ontario highlighted by the district scale TPK Project. The Philibert Project is located 9 km from IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Gold project which was awarded the "Discovery of the Year" by the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) in 2019. Philibert host a new maiden 43-101 inferred resource of 1,708,800 ounces Au and an indicated resource of 278,900 ounces of Au[1]. Northern Superior holds a majority stake of 75% in the Philibert Project, with the remaining 25% owned by SOQUEM, and retains an option to acquire the full 100% ownership of the project. Chevrier hosts an inferred mineral resource of 652,000 ounces Au (underground and open pit) and an indicated mineral resource of 260,000 ounces Au.[2] Croteau hosts an inferred mineral resource of 640,000 ounces Au.[3] Lac Surprise hosts the Falcon Zone Discovery, interpreted to be the western strike extension of IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Deposit. Northern Superior is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SUP and the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol NSUPF. For further information, please refer to the Company's website at www.nsuperior.com or on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). [1] Northern Superior announces 1,708,809 gold ounces in inferred category and 278,921 gold ounces in indicated category at 1.10 g/t in maiden NI 43-101 pit constrained resource estimate at Philibert; Northern Superior Resources Inc. press release dated August 08, 2023. [2] NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimation for the Chevrier Main Deposit, Chevrier Project Chibougamau, Quebec, Canada, October 20, 2021, Prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 by Lions Gate Geological Consulting Inc. IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc. for Northern Superior Resources Inc. [3] Chalice Gold Mines Limited and Northern Superior Resources Inc. Technical Report on the Croteau Est Gold Project, Quebec, September 2015, Prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 by Optiro Pty Ltd ("Optiro") to Chalice Gold Mines Limited and Northern Superior Resources Inc. Northern Superior Resources Inc. on Behalf of the Board of Directors Simon Marcotte, CFA, President and Chief Executive Officer Contact Information Simon Marcotte, CFA President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: (647) 801-7273 info@nsuperior.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about the proposed transaction; and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward-looking information". Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "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 information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of Northern Superior, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the ability of the parties to execute the proposed transaction. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the parties cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither party nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. Neither party undertakes, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. SOURCE: Northern Superior Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2023) - Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SMN) (OTCQB: SMREF) is pleased to provide a corporate update and year end review of 2023. Highlights from 2023: Option to acquire the JD Project in the Toodoggone District: The Company signed a letter of intent to option a 100% interest in the JD Project in the Toodoggone gold-copper district in north-central B.C. (see November 9, 2023 news release). The project provides a unique opportunity to explore for high-grade epithermal-related gold-silver mineralization as well as porphyry-related copper-gold systems. Initial Mineral Resource Estimate at Buck Main: Commencement of an initial Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) was announced on the Buck Main epithermal-related gold-silver-zinc system (see October 24, 2023 news release) with expected completion in the first quarter of 2024. Completed 5,700 metres of drilling at multiple zones across the Buck project: Successfully expanded the extent of the known mineralized footprint of the Buck Main zone while testing additional high-priority target areas for potential discovery (see June 20, 2023 and November 16, 2023, news releases). Acquisition of the CR Project: The Company expanded its land position at the Buck Project with the acquisition of the CR Project from Teck Resources (see June 1, 2023 news release), a drill-ready porphyry copper-molybdenum project contiguous with the Buck Project. Closed oversubscribed financing: The Company closed an oversubscribed non-brokered financing of $2.89 million (see May 11, 2023, news release), which allowed for continued exploration at Buck Main as well as advancing additional exploration targets across the Buck Project. Appointment of Executive Chairman: Director Brian Lock was appointed Executive Chairman of the Board (see May 17, 2023 news release). "This past year has been transformative for Sun Summit," stated Sharyn Alexander, Sun Summit's President. "We saw the expansion of the Buck Project through ground staking and a project acquisition. Our continued exploration efforts have led to the initiation of a Mineral Resource Estimate on Buck Main zone, which is a significant step in adding substantial value to the project and leverage to the Company. The Company has also expanded its project portfolio with the addition of the JD Project in the prolific Toodoggone region of B.C., which is characterized by high-grade gold and silver mineralization in an emerging and historic mining district. With 2024 fast approaching, the team at Sun Summit will be focusing on substantial value creation while exploring and advancing our exploration targets. We thank our shareholders for their loyalty and support and look forward to providing additional updates as our work progresses in the new year." 2024 Exploration Plans Exploration planning for both the Buck and JD Projects has commenced and will include detailed data compilation and target refinement followed by field exploration and systematic follow-up of high-priority drill targets at known prospects. The JD Project is characterized by epithermal-related systems which are poorly explored and represent high-grade gold and silver mineralization potential (see November 9, 2023 news release). In addition, numerous underexplored porphyry-related copper-gold targets warrant considerable exploration efforts. The project area hosts broad zones of multi-element geochemical surface anomalies, highlighting strong discovery potential across several targets at the JD Project. Future work will include a robust data compilation and review to define and rank high-priority targets for initial ground work. The initial Mineral Resource Estimate at Buck Main is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024 (see October 24, 2023 news release). Recent drill results at Buck Main also indicate strong continuity of broad, near-surface, bulk tonnage-style disseminated gold-silver-zinc mineralization along strike and at depth beyond the limits of previous drilling (see November 16, 2023 news release). The system remains open laterally and at depth, and successful delineation of additional mineralization outside of the known mineralized footprint could trigger a future update or expansion of the initial MRE. Recent field programs the CR and Mount Morice targets, west of the Buck Main zone, resulted in the discovery of a new zone of copper mineralization and the potential for epithermal gold-silver-zinc mineralization (see September 19, 2023 news release). These high-priority targets warrant detailed systematic follow-up and provide strong evidence of the area's potential for target expansion and discovery. Additional field work in this area will facilitate continued definition of these targets and advance many to drill-ready stage. National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure This news release has been approved by Sun Summit's Vice President Exploration, Ken MacDonald, P. Geo., a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He responsible for the technical information contained in this news release. Community Engagement Sun Summit is engaging with First Nations on whose territory our projects are located and is discussing their interests and identifying contract and work opportunities, as well as opportunities to support community initiatives. The Company looks forward to continuing to work with local and regional First Nations with ongoing exploration. About the Buck Project The Buck Project is situated in a historic mining district near Houston, B.C., with excellent nearby infrastructure that allows for year-round, road-accessible exploration. The project is 60 kilometres southeast of Smithers and is located west of the past producing Equity Silver Mine (Newmont) and north of the Huckleberry copper mine (Imperial Metals). The project is host to the Buck Main intermediate-sulfidation, epithermal-related, gold-silver-zinc system characterized by continuous zones of disseminated and breccia-hosted, bulk tonnage-style mineralization. Vein-hosted, high-grade mineralization has also been intersected near the center of Buck Main. Exploration at the Buck Project is focused on investigating the lateral and vertical extent of gold-silver-zinc mineralization at the Buck Main system, and also defining additional drill targets across the entire land package through systematic exploration programs. About the JD Project The JD Project is located in the Toodoggone gold-copper district in north-central British Columbia, a highly prospective deposit-rich mineral trend. The project covers an area of over 15,000 hectares and is in close proximity to active exploration and development projects, such as Thesis Gold's Lawyers and Ranch projects, TDG Gold's Baker-Sable projects, Centerra's Gold's Kemess East and Underground projects, as well as the past-producing Kemess South open pit copper-gold mine. The project is 450 kilometres northwest of the city of Prince George, and 25 kilometres north of the Sturdee airstrip. It is proximal to existing infrastructure in place to support the past-producing Kemess mine, including roads and a hydroelectric power line. The JD Project is in a favourable geological environment characterized by both high-grade epithermal gold and silver mineralization, as well as porphyry-related copper and gold mineralization. Some historic exploration, including drilling, geochemistry and geophysics, has been carried out on the property, however the project area is largely underexplored. About Sun Summit Sun Summit Minerals (TSXV: SMN) (OTCQB: SMREF) is a mineral exploration company focused on expansion and discovery of district scale gold and copper assets in British Columbia. The Company's diverse portfolio includes the Buck Project in central B.C, and the JD Project in the Toodoggone region of north-central B.C. Sun Summit is committed to environmental and social responsibility, with a focus on accountable development and building respectful and beneficial relationships with Indigenous and local communities. Further details are available at www.sunsummitminerals.com. For further information, contact: Sharyn Alexander President info@sunsummitminerals.com Matthew Benedetto Simone Capital mbenedetto@simonecapital.ca Tel. 416-817-1226 Forward-Looking Information Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences, without limiting the generality of the following, include: risks inherent in exploration activities; the impact of exploration competition; unexpected geological or hydrological conditions; changes in government regulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market fluctuations; the ability to raise funds through private or public equity financings; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory burdens; weather and other natural phenomena; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation, Sun Summit disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191523 ANDERNACH, Germany, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LTS, a leading pharmaceutical technology company, announced today that it has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to support the development of microneedle array patches (MAP) for self-administration of contraceptives for women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The grant will fund $4.3 million over a duration of 25 months. Poor access to contraceptives presents a significant burden for women living in LMICs. According to a 2022 study, one in 14 women worldwide who want to use contraceptives cannot access them*. This amounts to an unmet need of 162 million women, the majority of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. MAPs are an innovative drug delivery technology that offers advantages in comparison to established drug delivery applications for contraception such as fewer side effects and potentially improved bioavailability with therapeutic and cost benefits. The MAP contraceptive is planned as a long-acting application (6 month). In comparison to other existing long-acting forms it can be self-administered, is discreet and does not require healthcare provider visits. Bas van Buijtenen, CEO of LTS, comments: "At LTS, we care passionately about bringing patient friendly drug delivery to people worldwide. We are honoured to receive support from the Gates Foundation in creating solutions for populations that would otherwise be at risk of being left behind. With this program, we aim to deliver improved access to contraception, boosting health and empowering women." "The LTS MAP team is excited to have support from the Gates Foundation for the development of a long-acting contraceptive Microneedle Array Patch with LTS", said Dr. Frank Theobald, Head of MAP Program at LTS. "LTS has made great progress recently with respect to pre-clinical and clinical data, taking major steps towards the up-scaling and commercialization of the MAP technology. Based upon those progresses made, we would like to emphasize that our MAP technology is no longer a vision, but real alternative for drug delivery of small molecules, vaccines, biologics, and mRNA. Support from the foundation will help to develop the MAP technology further and bring it to the next level of maturity and it will allow women in LIMCs to get access to a reliable and effective way of contraception and improve their economic situation. That will support them in establishment of gender equality in their communities." LTS has also received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support new formulation methods for mRNA, such as dissolvable microneedle array patches. About LTS We CARE. We CREATE. We DELIVER. The driving philosophy behind LTS. As a trusted technology partner for the pharmaceutical industry, we develop and manufacture innovative drug delivery systems such as Transdermal Patches ("TTS") and Oral Thin Films ("OTF") as well as wearable drug delivery devices ("OBDS"). LTS' commercial offering encompasses more than 20 marketed products and a diverse pipeline of more than 40 development projects targeting multiple disease indications. LTS's innovation pipeline contains both partner-funded as well as proprietary, LTS-funded projects. LTS maintains its leading position through the continuous refinement of its core TTS and OTF technologies and by advancing emerging drug delivery technologies, including Microneedle Array Patches ("MAP") for the transdermal delivery of small and large molecules, biological actives and vaccines. With its SorrelTM wearable drug delivery platform LTS offers patient friendly solutions for complex drugs delivery at home. Founded in 1984, LTS operates today from four sites: in Andernach, Germany, West Caldwell, NJ, USA, St. Paul, MN, USA and Netanya, Israel. LTS has also a representative office in Shanghai, China. Picture is available at AP *Haakenstad A, Angelino O, Irvine C, Bhutta ZA, Bienhoff K, Bintz C, Causey K, Dirac MA, Fullman N, Gakidou E, Glucksman T, Hay SI, Henry NJ, Martopullo I, Mokdad AH, Mumford JE, Lim SS, Murray CJL, Lozano R. 2022. Measuring contraceptive method mix, prevalence, and demand satisfied by age and marital status in 204 countries and territories, 1970-2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Online: The Lancet. Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)00936-9/fulltext Contact Dr Iris Schnitzler iris.schnitzler@ltslohmann.com +49 2632 992589 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lts-receives-4-3-million-grant-for-the-development-of-contraceptive-microneedle-array-patches-302018154.html Anglesey Mining Plc - Half-year Report PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, December 19 Half yearly report for the six months to 30 September 2023 Chairman's Statement and Management Report During the reporting period significant advances were made at the company's key asset, Parys Mountain, with the following developments: Submission of the Pre-Application Inquiry to the North Wales Mineral Planning Authority and hosting an on-site hearing for over 20 statutory consultee groups. Further resource update work for the Morfa Dhu zone (White Rock and Engine Zone) with 93% of the contained resources now being in the Measured and Indicated categories. Commencement of confirmatory metallurgical test work and pre-concentration trade-off with 340kg of Morfa Dhu material sent to Grinding Solutions Limited. Preliminary results were received subsequent to the end of the period with overall recoveries either in-line or better than those received from previous test work. Detailing the planned drilling programme for the Northern Copper Zone, the first drilling of this high potential area since 1972. Drilling recommenced in October 2023 and the first hole was completed on 11 December at a depth of 635 metres. Visual logging of the core suggests two zones of sulphide mineralisation were intersected with the Northern Copper Zone interpreted to be between 351 - 540 metres and a second zone, potentially the Garth Daniel Zone, between 560 - 586 metres (all downhole depths). As expected, the interpreted Northern Copper Zone has varying levels of sulphide accumulation. The lower zone of sulphide accumulation between 560 - 586 metres demonstrates areas with very high levels of chalcopyrite. A first batch of samples will be dispatched to the assay laboratory prior to Christmas with results expected in Q1 2024. Progress at the 49.75% owned Grangesberg iron ore project in Sweden included ongoing discussions with potential development partners and the commencement of planning for the environmental baseline gap analysis with a locally based consulting group, as was recommended in the Pre-Feasibility Study Update. Board of Directors and Management Following the resignation of Jo Battershill and the results of the annual general meeting held in late October 2023 the company is actively engaged in the search for a new Chief Executive Officer and Non-Executive Chairman. We are very pleased that Jo Battershill has agreed to remain on the board as a non-executive director. Financial The group had no revenue for the period. The loss for the six months to 30 September 2023 was 604,787 (2022 comparative period 468,656) and expenditure on the mineral properties in the period was 174,748 compared to 320,887 in the same period in 2022. This reduction was primarily due to a cessation in Parys Mountain drilling activity. Net current assets as at 30 September 2023 were 711,635 compared to 86,781 as at 31 March 2023 with the increase being due to equity private placements in May and July 2023, which raised a total of 1.5 million to fund current operations. Summary We continue to firmly believe that Anglesey Mining is in a good position to advance its two key assets at Parys Mountain and Grangesberg over the next year. At Parys Mountain, drilling of the Northern Copper Zone is expected to generate strong results leading to the conversion of significant areas of the resource from the Inferred category through into the higher confidence Indicated category. From a development study perspective, it is important that the Northern Copper Zone is upgraded to the Indicated resource category as this will allow the incorporation of this zone into any potential mineral reserve. Metallurgical test work will also be required on the Northern Copper Zone to confirm the +93% recoveries demonstrated by the original test work completed in 1969 at the Lakefield Plant in Ontario, Canada. As suggested in the initial review of the Northern Copper Zone in 2022, we believe that the system could be significantly larger than currently modelled, although this will require additional drilling to test prospective areas. At Grangesberg, we continue to explore options to advance the project. This initially requires finalising some of the recommendations from the preliminary feasibility study update, including baseline studies for the environmental impact assessment and updating the mining reserve to include some improvements to the proposed mine plan. We are also exploring a number of options to optimise the ownership structure of Grangesberg Iron AB following our acquisition of an additional 29.8% stake in February 2023. Outlook Persistent global uncertainties and difficult financial markets have resulted in challenging conditions in which to operate. However, we continue to be encouraged by growing investor interest in Anglesey Mining which was demonstrated by the successful raising of 1.5 million during the reporting period. We believe that investors are finally recognising the progress made over the last two years after a period of relative inactivity. Over the course of the next year, we look forward to advancing the Parys Mountain project and to optimising the ownership and potential of the Grangesberg iron ore project. In closing, on behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank our shareholders for their ongoing support, and to confirm that I remain very confident that the assets held by Anglesey Mining will deliver significant value as they continue to be progressed over the next year. Andrew King Interim Chairman 19 December 2023 Unaudited condensed consolidated income statement Notes Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2023 Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2022 All operations are continuing Revenue - - Expenses (476,872) (388,972) Equity-settled employee benefits (24,572) - Investment income 800 20 Finance costs (104,296) (79,789) Foreign exchange movement 153 85 Loss before tax (604,787) (468,656) Taxation 8 - - Loss for the period 7 (604,787) (468,656) Loss per share Basic - pence per share (0.2)p (0.2)p Diluted - pence per share . (0.2)p (0.2)p Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income Loss for the period (604,787) (468,656) Other comprehensive income Items that may subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss: Change in fair value of investment (155,557) (176,428) Foreign currency translation reserve 8,021 4,967 Total comprehensive loss for the period (752,323) (640,117) All attributable to equity holders of the company Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial position Notes 30 September 2023 31 March 2023 Assets Non-current assets Mineral property exploration and evaluation 9 16,346,569 16,171,821 Property, plant and equipment 204,687 204,687 Investments 10 1,877,628 2,033,185 Deposit 124,586 124,586 18,553,470 18,534,279 Current assets Other receivables 53,354 49,635 Cash and cash equivalents 941,208 247,134 994,562 296,769 Total assets 19,548,032 18,831,048 Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables (282,927) (209,988) (282,927) (209,988) Net current assets 711,635 86,781 Non-current liabilities Loans (3,813,430) (4,194,721) Long term provision (50,000) (50,000) (3,863,430) (4,244,721) Total liabilities (4,146,357) (4,454,709) Net assets 15,401,675 14,376,339 Equity Share capital 11 9,711,764 8,463,039 Share premium 12,948,103 12,443,741 Currency translation reserve (64,117) (72,138) Retained losses (7,194,075) (6,458,303) Total shareholders' funds 15,401,675 14,376,339 All attributable to equity holders of the company Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows Notes Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2023 Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2022 Operating activities Loss for the period (604,787) (468,656) Adjustments for: Investment income (800) (20) Finance costs 104,296 79,789 Equity-settled employee benefits 24,572 - Shares issued in lieu of salary 50,000 - Foreign exchange movement (153) (85) (426,872) (388,972) Movements in working capital (Increase) in receivables (3,719) (18,375) Increase/(decrease) in payables 58,774 (131,982) Net cash used in operating activities (371,817) (539,329) Investing activities Investment income 800 - Mineral property exploration and evaluation (165,062) (355,542) Net cash used in investing activities (164,262) (355,542) Financing activities Issue of share capital 1,380,000 797,951 Loan repayment (150,000) (78,345) Net cash generated from financing activities 1,230,000 719,606 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 693,921 (175,265) Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 247,134 922,177 Foreign exchange movement 153 85 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 941,208 746,997 All attributable to equity holders of the company Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in group equity Share capital Share premium Currency translation reserve Retained losses Total Equity at 1 April 2023 - audited 8,463,039 12,443,741 (72,138) (6,458,303) 14,376,339 Total comprehensive loss for the period: Loss for the period - - - (604,787) (604,787) Change in fair value of investment - - - (155,557) (155,557) Exchange difference on translation of foreign holding - - 8,021 - 8,021 Total comprehensive loss for the period - - 8,021 (760,344) (752,323) Shares issued 1,248,725 624,362 - - 1,873,087 Share issue expenses - (120,000) - - (120,000) Equity at 30 September 2023 - unaudited 9,711,764 12,948,103 (64,117) (7,194,075) 15,401,675 Comparative period Equity at 1 April 2022 - audited 7,991,541 11,453,789 (84,926) (5,040,074) 14,320,330 Total comprehensive loss for the period: Loss for the period - - - (468,656) (468,656) Change in fair value of investment - - - (176,428) (176,428) Exchange difference on translation of foreign holding - - 4,967 - 4,967 Total comprehensive loss for the period - - 4,967 (645,084) (640,117) Shares issued 326,050 780,020 - - 1,106,070 Share issue expenses - (80,965) - - (80,965) Equity at 30 September 2022 - unaudited 8,317,591 12,152,844 (79,959) (5,685,158) 14,705,318 All attributable to equity holders of the company Notes to the accounts 1. Basis of preparation This half-yearly financial report comprises the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the group for the six months ended 30 September 2023. It has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, the requirements of IAS 34 - Interim financial reporting (as adopted by the UK) and using the going concern basis. The directors are not aware of any events or circumstances which would make this inappropriate. It does not constitute financial statements within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and does not include all of the information and disclosures required for annual financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 which is available on request from the company or may be viewed at www.angleseymining.co.uk/accounts. The financial information contained in this report in respect of the year ended 31 March 2023 has been extracted from the report and financial statements for that year which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those accounts did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 and was not qualified. The half-yearly results for the current and comparative periods have not been audited or reviewed by the company's auditor. 2. Significant accounting policies The accounting policies applied in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those set out in the annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023. There are no new standards, amendments to standards or interpretations that are expected to have a material impact on the group's results. The group has not applied certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that have been issued but are not yet effective. They are either not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements or they are not currently relevant for the group. 3. Risks and uncertainties The principal risks and uncertainties set out in the group's annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 remain the same for this half-yearly period. They can be summarised as: development risks in respect of mineral properties, especially in respect of permitting and metal prices; liquidity risks during development; and foreign exchange risks. More information is to be found in the 2023 annual report - see note 1 above. 4. Statement of directors' responsibilities The directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that: (a) the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of IAS 34 Interim financial reporting (as adopted by the UK); and (b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules (4.2.7 R and 4.2.8 R). This report and financial statements were approved by the board on 19 December 2023 and authorised for issue on behalf of the board by Andrew King, interim chairman and Jo Battershill, chief executive officer. 5. Activities The group is engaged in mineral property development and currently has no turnover. There are no minority interests or exceptional items. 6. Earnings per share The loss per share is computed by dividing the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of 0.6 million by 406 million - the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. The comparative figures were a loss to 30 September 2022 of 0.47m divided by 282 million shares. However where there are losses the effect of outstanding share options is not dilutive. 7. Business and geographical segments There are no trading revenues. The cost of all activities charged in the income statement relates to exploration and evaluation of mining properties. The group's income statement and assets and liabilities are analysed as follows by geographical segments, which is the basis on which information is reported to the board. Income statement analysis Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2023 UK Sweden - investment Canada - investment Total Expenses (476,872) - - (476,872) Equity settled employee benefits (24,572) - - (24,572) Investment income 800 - - 800 Finance costs (99,231) (5,065) - (104,296) Exchange rate movements - 153 - 153 Loss for the period (599,875) (4,912) - (604,787) Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2022 UK Sweden - investment Canada - investment Total Expenses (388,972) - - (388,972) Equity settled employee benefits - - - - Investment income 20 - - 20 Finance costs (74,356) (5,433) - (79,789) Exchange rate movements - 85 - 85 Loss for the period (463,308) (5,348) - (468,656) Assets and liabilities ' Unaudited 30 September 2023 UK Sweden investment Canada investment Total Non current assets 16,675,842 633,170 1,244,458 18,553,470 Current assets 993,244 1,318 - 994,562 Liabilities (3,821,291) (325,066) - (4,146,357) Net assets/(liabilities) 13,847,795 309,422 1,244,458 15,401,675 Audited 31 March 2023 UK Sweden investment Canada investment Total Non current assets 16,501,094 633,170 1,400,015 18,534,279 Current assets 295,560 1,209 - 296,769 Liabilities (4,122,208) (332,501) - (4,454,709) Net assets/(liabilities) 12,674,446 301,878 1,400,015 14,376,339 8. Deferred tax There is an unrecognised deferred tax asset of 1.6 million (31 March 2023 - 1.6m) which, in view of the group's results, is not considered to be recoverable in the short term. There are also capital allowances, including mineral extraction allowances, exceeding 13.7 million (unchanged from 31 March 2023) unclaimed and available. No deferred tax asset is recognised in the condensed financial statements. 9. Mineral property exploration and evaluation costs Mineral property exploration and evaluation costs incurred by the group are carried in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements at cost, less an impairment provision if appropriate. The recovery of these costs is dependent upon the successful development and operation of the Parys Mountain project which is itself conditional on finance being available to fund such development. During the period expenditure of 174,748 was incurred (six months to 30 September 2022 - 320,887). There have been no indicators of impairment during the period. 10. Investments Labrador Grangesberg Total At 1 April 2022 1,914,185 110,157 2,024,342 Net change during the period (514,170) 523,013 8,843 At 31 March 2023 1,400,015 633,170 2,033,185 Net change during the period (155,557) - (155,557) At 30 September 2023 1,244,458 633,170 1,877,628 Labrador - Canada The group has an investment in Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, (LIM) a Canadian company which is carried at fair value through other comprehensive income. The group's holding of 19,289,100 shares in LIM (12% of LIM's total issued shares) is valued at the closing price traded on the OTC Markets in the United States. In the directors' assessment this market is sufficiently active to give the best measure of fair value, which on 30 September 2023 was 10 US cents per share. As at the 13 December 2023 the share price was 5.5 US cents per share. Grangesberg - Sweden The group has, through its Swedish subsidiary Angmag AB, a 49.75% ownership interest in Grangesberg Iron AB an unquoted Swedish company (GIAB) which holds rights over the Grangesberg iron ore deposits. Under a shareholders' agreement, Angmag has a reciprocal right of first refusal over the remaining 50.25% of the equity of GIAB, together with management direction of the activities of GIAB subject to certain restrictions. The shareholders' agreement has an initial term of 10 years from 28 May 2014, extendable on a year-to-year basis, unless terminated on one year's notice. The directors assessed the fair value of the investment in Grangesberg under IFRS 9 and consider the investment's value at 30 September 2023 to be 633,170. 11. Share capital Ordinary shares of 1p Deferred shares of 4p Total Issued and fully paid Nominal value Number Nominal value Number Nominal value At 1 April 2022 2,480,708 248,070,732 5,510,833 137,770,835 7,991,541 Issued in the period 471,498 47,149,816 - - 471,498 At 31 March 2023 2,952,206 295,220,548 5,510,833 137,770,835 8,463,039 Issued in the period 1,248,725 124,872,469 - - 1,248,725 At 30 September 2023 4,200,931 420,093,017 5,510,833 137,770,835 9,711,764 The deferred shares are non-voting, have no entitlement to dividends and have negligible rights to return of capital on a winding up. On 16 May 2023 a placing of 66,666,659 new ordinary shares was made at 1.5 pence per share to several institutions and two of the directors, to raise a total of 1,000,000. At the same time Juno converted part of its loan, at the issue price, into 14,589,149 new ordinary shares and a bonus payment of 50,000 was made in shares, again at the same price. On 31 July 2023 a placing of 33,333,329 new ordinary shares was made at 1.5 pence per share to several institutions, to raise a total of 500,000. At the same time Juno converted part of its loan, at the issue price, into 6,950,000 new ordinary shares. 12. Financial instruments Group Financial assets classified at fair value through other comprehensive income Financial assets measured at amortised cost 30 September 2023 31 March 2023 30 September 2023 31 March 2023 Financial assets Investments 1,877,628 2,033,185 - - Deposit - - 124,586 124,586 Other receivables - - 53,354 49,635 Cash and cash equivalents - - 941,208 247,134 1,877,628 2,033,185 1,119,148 421,355 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 30 September 2023 31 March 2023 Trade payables (141,485) (94,796) Other payables (141,442) (115,192) Loans (3,813,430) (4,194,721) (4,096,357) (4,404,709) 13. Events after the reporting period At the AGM held on 27 October 2023 the chairman, John Kearney, was not re-elected to the board and consequently ceased to be chairman and a director from that date. Non-executive director Andrew King was appointed Interim Chairman in his place. Danesh Varma resigned as financial director on 14 November 2023. 14. Related party transactions Juno Limited Juno Limited (Juno) which is registered in Bermuda held approximately 20% of the company's issued ordinary share capital during the period. The group has an Investor Agreement with Juno under which Juno agreed to participate in any future equity financing, at the same price per share and on the same terms as other arm's-length participants, to maintain its percentage, with the subscription price to be satisfied by the conversion and consequent reduction of debt and the company agreed to pay Juno in cash ten percent of the net proceeds of such equity financing in further reduction of the debt. In addition, Juno has certain nomination and reporting rights, including the right to nominate two directors to the board, so long as Juno holds at least 20% of the company's outstanding shares and one director so long as Juno holds at least 10% of the company's outstanding shares. The family interests of Danesh Varma have a significant shareholding in Juno. Following the share issues of May and July 2023, 21,539,148 shares and 10,769,573 warrants over shares were issued to Juno and the consequently debt due to Juno was reduced by 323,087. In addition, cash repayments of 150,000 were made in the period. All this was in conformity with the Investor Agreement. Since the period end the company has been notified that Juno has sold 100% of its shareholding in the company. Grangesberg John Kearney and Danesh Varma, as nominees of the company, are directors of Grangesberg Iron AB. Danesh Varma has been associated with the Grangesberg project since 2007 when he became a director of Mikula Mining Limited, a company subsequently renamed Eurang Limited, previously involved in the Grangesberg project. He did not take part in the decision to enter into the Grangesberg project when this was approved by the board in 2014. The group has a liability to Eurang Limited, amounting to 325,066 as at 30 September 2023. There are no other contracts of significance in which any director has or had during the year a material interest. Anglesey Mining plc Directors Andrew King Interim chairman Jo Battershill Chief executive Namrata Verma Non executive Registered office address - Parys Mountain, Amlwch, Anglesey, LL68 9RE Phone 01407 831275 Email mail@angleseymining.co.uk London office Suite S1, The Old Church, 89B Quicks Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 1EX Registrars Link Group, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL Share dealing phone 0371 664 0445 Helpline phone 0371 664 0300 Company registered number 01849957 Web site www.angleseymining.co.uk Shares listed AIM - AYM For further information, please contact: Anglesey Mining plc Jo Battershill, Chief Executive - Tel: +44 (0)7540 366000 Davy Nominated Adviser & Joint Corporate Broker Brian Garrahy / Daragh O'Reilly - Tel: +353 1 679 6363 WH Ireland Joint Corporate Broker Katy Mitchell / Harry Ansell - Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 1666 LEI: 213800X8BO8EK2B4HQ71 Roseau, Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a proactive move demonstrating Dominica's commitment to the integrity of its Citizenship by Investment Programme, the country has implemented watertight regulations to reinforce the legal framework of the Programme and its Unit. The new regulations are the next step in Dominica's due diligence vision. The new regulations strengthen the position of the Citizenship Unit, with the added support and oversight by the Committee, led by the Government's attorney general. These new regulations formally protect the Government of Dominica's ongoing commitment to due diligence. By consolidating its regulations into a single set of regulations that encompasses all aspects of the citizenship by investment process. Dominica's international partnerships are more important than ever to maintain, given the nation's integral role as a leading member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth of Nations and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). In a step indicating Dominica's multilateralism and deep commitment to its international partners, the nation builds on cross-country collaboration by denying citizenship to applicants who were denied any visa or right to enter the EU, UK, USA, or Canada, and to any other country that Dominicans can travel visa-free to. The new regulations also enshrine into law information sharing between the CBI Unit and the Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC).???This means that information sharing between CBI countries and other jurisdictions is, and will remain, paramount. Therefore, Dominica continues to take a proactive approach in making sure international partners are kept apprised of the CBI process and advancing the due diligence protocols to ensure the country continues to meet international best practice. Dominica is ensuring all loopholes are closed and are strengthening every part of the Programme. Dominica set the standard for CBI due diligence earlier this year as the first country to introduce mandatory interviews as part of the country's CBI application process. These regulations continue the work of the nation's CBI Unit to uphold the Programme's reputation of transparency and accountability. The Six Principles, agreed upon in the US-Caribbean roundtable, deepen the collaboration between the Caribbean and US in maintaining the highest standards for integrity in CBI programmes. There are minor changes in the regulations which affect applicants, but the majority of the new regulations tighten the responsibilities and requirements of Authorised Agents and Licenced Promoters. The CBIU has formalised its commitment to ensuring its Authorised Agents and Licenced Promoters uphold the highest standards with the promotional guidelines now enshrined in the regulations. Dominica made changes in 2022 to applicable dependants which are reflected in this consolidated version of the CBI Regulations. One additional change that affects applicants concerns the degree of dependency of certain eligible dependants. Under the new changes, adult children must now be fully supported to be eligible dependants. The tightening of regulations also affects applicants who change their names. Under the new rules, Dominica has the power to deprive citizenship if applicants seek to change their name within five years of receiving their certificate of naturalisation. Authorised Agents (AAs) have the most to pay attention to with the new rules. The new regulations shore up Dominica's CBI Programme through adding enhanced requirements and responsibilities for AAs. AAs must be a citizen of Dominica and have their offices registered in Dominica with at least three staff. AAs must also undergo independent due diligence checks, indicating Dominica's commitment to integrity at every point in its programme. The new regulations also increase the fees for AAs to register and renew their licences, reflecting AAs responsibility and enhanced requirements. Licenced Promoters are also affected by the new regulations, consistent with the nation's focus on watertight regulations to apply to each and every person involved in the Programme. The new regulations formalise the requirements for applying to become a Licenced Promoter and increase the application and renewal fees for Licenced Promoters. The new regulations also make sure that Licenced Promoters are acting in accordance with the promotional guidelines. The promotional guidelines themselves, previously in the circular, have been incorporated into the regulations as a schedule. The new regulations are explicit in the do's and don'ts of the promotion of the Programme globally. Dominica's CBI Programme retains its commitment to its robust due diligence procedures and stringent regulations. The Government's commitment to continuous improvement demonstrates its proactive approach. The enshrinement of the Six Principles into these regulations indicate Dominica's push to adapt to evolving global standards and reinforce the Programme's credibility. Consistent with the nation's ongoing efforts to uphold stringent due diligence practices, the Government of Dominica remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of integrity and transparency in its CBI Programme. Recognising the importance of closing all loopholes, Dominica has taken decisive action to reinforce its regulations and strengthen the Programme's framework by addressing any vulnerabilities head-on. Dominica aims to dispel any doubts and maintain its reputation as a responsible and trustworthy destination for investment. Dominica is proud of its role in the global community and its rewarding international partnerships. Investors can be confident in the transparency and accountability of the Programme, knowing that their contributions will be utilised to drive sustainable development initiatives that benefit both the country and its citizens. Indeed, the CBI Programme has contributed to Dominica's remarkable vision to be the world's first climate-resilient nation. CBI has assisted in realising this vision, through funding a geothermal power plant and building climate-resilient infrastructure. Thanks to CBI, the nation can build 5,000 climate-resilient homes, and deepen its investments in green energy. CBI has also enhanced the country's ecotourism offering, funding an international airport, new bridges, and new roads. This infrastructure allows ecotourists to make full use of the island's multiple natural parks, four and five-star ecohotels, and protected marine parks. These reinforced regulations not only strengthen the integrity of the CBI Programme but also reinforce Dominica's position as a leading destination for investment. The Government of Dominica's unwavering dedication to enhancing the CBI Programme demonstrates its commitment to upholding rigorous compliance standards, even in the face of scrutiny. Mondi Plc - Special Dividend ZAR/euro Exchange Rates PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, December 19 Mondi plc Incorporated in England and Wales Registered number: 6209386 Tax registration number: 454 12394 14454 LEI: 213800LOZA69QFDC9N34 LSE share code: MNDI ISIN: GB00B1CRLC47 JSE share code: MNP 19 December 2023 Mondi Group - Special Dividend ZAR/euro Exchange Rate Shareholders are referred to the circular published by Mondi plc ("Mondi" or the "Company") on Tuesday 19 December 2023 in respect of the proposed special dividend and associated share consolidation and related matters (the "Circular"). On 19 December 2023, Mondi announced that a special dividend of 160 euro cents per ordinary share will be paid on Tuesday 13 February 2024 to all Mondi ordinary shareholders on either the UK main register or the South African branch register on Friday 26 January 2024. Mondi will pay its dividend in euro. However, ordinary shareholders resident in the United Kingdom will receive the dividend in sterling (unless such shareholders have elected to receive their dividend in euro). The last date for euro currency elections will be Friday 26 January 2024. The exchange rate applicable to euro/sterling elections will be set on Thursday 1 February 2024. Shareholders holding their shares on the South African branch register will receive the dividend in South African rand cents, converted at a rate of EUR 1 to ZAR 20.26652. Therefore, the equivalent gross special dividend in South African rand cents per ordinary share will be 3,242.64320. For shareholders holding their shares on the South African branch register, the dividend will, for South African dividends tax purposes, be taxed like local dividends. As such, for South African tax resident shareholders holding their shares on the South African branch register, dividends withholding tax will be withheld from the dividends payable to these shareholders at a rate of 20%, unless a shareholder qualifies for an exemption, resulting in a net dividend of 2,594.11456 South African rand cents per ordinary share. Shareholders holding their shares on the South African branch register who are not tax resident in South Africa are exempted from South African dividends withholdings tax. For the purposes of South Africa dividends tax reporting, the source of income for the payment of the dividend is the United Kingdom. As the Company operates a Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP"), eligible shareholders may have their special dividend reinvested in additional ordinary shares in the Company. The eligibility requirements, election periods and other pertinent details regarding the DRIP are set out in the Circular and the declaration announcement. Additional Information The special dividend will be paid from distributable reserves. Mondi had a total of 485,553,780 ordinary shares in issue of which 222,104,667 were held on the South African branch register, excluding treasury shares, at the dividend declaration date of 19 December 2023. About Mondi Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is integrated across the value chain - from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and films, to developing and manufacturing sustainable consumer and industrial packaging solutions using paper where possible, plastic when useful. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy, with our ambitious commitments to 2030 focused on circular driven solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate. In 2022, Mondi had revenues of 8.9 billion and underlying EBITDA of 1.8 billion from continuing operations, and employed 22,000 people worldwide. Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), where the Group is a FTSE100 constituent, and also has a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP). Sponsor in South Africa: Merrill Lynch South Africa Proprietary Limited t/a BofA Securities. Legal Notice The disclaimers, forward looking statements and important notices set out in the long-form announcement released by the Company today, 19 December 2023, in relation to the publication of the Circular and Notice of General Meeting relating to a proposed Special Dividend and associated Share Consolidation, are specifically incorporated by reference into this announcement as if restated and repeated in this announcement in full. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / Optimind Pharma Corp. (CSE:OMND) ("Optimind" or the "Company"), an emerging provider of psychedelic therapies, is pleased to announce that Manitari Pharma Corporation ("Manitari") has received its Controlled Drug and Substances Dealer's License ("Dealer's License") on December 8, 2023. This license allows Manitari to process psilocybin and psilocin, the active compounds derived from psychedelic mushrooms. Under the Dealer's License, Manitari can possess up to 400 grams of psilocybin and psilocin at any time and can transfer the extracted material to other companies who hold a valid Dealer's License. Manitari is a joint venture in which Optimind has a 40% ownership interest. Management Transition and Vision David Goodman, a member of the Company's Board of Directors, assumes the mantle of Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") with a forward-looking vision for Optimind's continued growth and innovation. Former CEO and Director, Tom Sipos, has gracefully stepped down due to personal reasons. The Company expresses gratitude to Mr. Sipos for his valuable contributions and extends best wishes for his future endeavors. Strategic Decision and Expansion Plans The Company has decided not to proceed with the acquisition of Wolf Acquisitions 1.0 Corp., previously announced on October 12, 2023, aligning its focus with key growth opportunities, and optimizing resources for its core initiatives. "We congratulate Manitari Pharma on achieving this transformative milestone. This Dealer's License is a testament to our joint commitment to advancing psychedelic therapies, fostering hope for improved mental health treatments," commented David Goodman, Chief Executive Officer at Optimind. "This regulatory approval marks a pivotal moment for Manitari Pharma's mission. Health Canada's validation of our site plans solidifies our path toward revolutionizing mental health care, starting with empowering the First Nations community and extending our impact globally," shared Anna Freeman, Chief Executive Officer at Manitari Pharma. Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy The joint venture with Manitari Pharma is dedicated to raising awareness about the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Advocacy efforts target federal approvals for treating depression and anxiety, which disproportionately affect indigenous communities. The urgent need to address depression, PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and addictions within First Nations communities remains a top priority, considering suicide rates due to mental illness among these communities are three times higher than the North American average. Innovation and Collaborations In addition to Optimind's existing therapies like ketamine-assisted-treatment, the company actively collaborates with leading researchers and developers specializing in psilocybin-associated treatments. These collaborations aim to expand treatment offerings and continuously advance psychedelic therapies based on evidence-based research. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility Optimind is committed to fostering mental health initiatives within First Nations communities, emphasizing community outreach, education, and support programs. The company firmly believes in contributing to social well-being alongside its business objectives. Future Prospects The recent achievements and strategic realignment position Optimind on a trajectory of sustained growth and leadership within the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapies. The company remains dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions that positively impact mental health on a global scale. About Optimind Optimind is an emerging provider of psychedelic therapies. We help people suffering from PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and other mental illnesses and disabilities by providing ketamine-assisted-treatment and other psychedelic-enhanced-psychotherapy modalities so that they can heal and live life fully. We are also partnered with developers of psilocybin-associated treatments to further expand our treatment and program offerings. For more information, visit www.Optimindpharma.com . Caution regarding Forward Looking Information: THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED NOR DOES IT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results of the Company. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulations under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. 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 the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein, such as, but not limited to dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; the ability to obtain intellectual property rights related to its technology; limited operating history; general business, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties, and in particular, uncertainties related to COVID-19;risks related to factors beyond the control of the company, including risks related to COVID-19; risks related to the Company's shares, including price volatility due to events that may or may not be within such party's control; reliance on management; and the emergency of additional competitors in the industry. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except required by law. For more information, please contact: Investor Relations Corey Matthews info@optimindpharma.com SOURCE: Optimind Pharma View the original press release on accesswire.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Accenture (ACN) said it continues to expect fiscal 2024 GAAP EPS to be in the range of $11.41 to $11.76, an increase of 6% to 9% over fiscal 2023. Adjusted EPS is projected to be in the range of $11.97 to $12.32, an increase of 3% to 6%. This excludes $0.56 for business optimization costs in fiscal 2024, the company noted. The company continues to expect fiscal 2024 revenue growth to be in the range of 2% to 5% in local currency. Also, the company continues to expect to return at least $7.7 billion in cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Accenture projects revenues for the second quarter to be in the range of $15.40 billion to $16.00 billion. First quarter GAAP net income was $2.01 billion, compared with $2.00 billion for the first quarter of prior year. GAAP EPS was $3.10 compared to $3.08. Excluding a $0.17 decrease for business optimization costs, adjusted EPS was $3.27, an increase of 6%. On average, 19 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $3.14, for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. First quarter revenues were $16.2 billion, an increase of 3% in U.S. dollars and 1% in local currency from a year ago. Analysts on average had estimated $16.2 billion in revenue. New bookings were $18.45 billion, a 14% increase in U.S. dollars and a 12% increase in local currency from last year. Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture, said, 'Our deep and trusted client relationships are again reflected in the 30 clients with quarterly bookings of more than $100 million. And we continue to lead our industry in Gen AI with over $450 million in new bookings.' Accenture's total cash balance at November 30, 2023 was $7.1 billion. Shares of Accenture are down 1% in pre-market trade on Tuesday. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Univar Solutions Inc. ("Univar Solutions" or "the Company"), a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, announced today that it has been named on TIME's Best Companies for Future Leaders 2024 list. This award is presented by TIME and Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The list can be viewed on TIME.com. "We're pleased to have received a leadership score of 91 with a ranking of 61 on this inaugural list," said David Jukes, president, and chief executive officer. "Growing our people and culture is core at Univar Solutions as we put the customer at the center of all we do." The list of the "Best Companies for Future Leaders" was assembled based on the analysis of approximately 2,000 of the most influential leaders in the USA, coming from the worlds of business, government, academia, and society. The three-step analysis is as follows: An initial list of 2,000 of the most influential people in business, government and society was compiled. Extensive research identified publicly available education and professional stops on each leaders Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume. Data was cleaned and analyzed and aggregated (where necessary). Employee counts and figures were used to account for differences in the size of organizations and ensure an even playing field for prospective companies of all sizes. The highest rated organizations are awarded a spot on the Educational and Professional experience lists. "With the purpose to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe, Univar Solutions is a place where our people can make a difference," said Jennifer McIntyre, chief people & culture officer. "Our Univar Solutions Academy offerings, which provide developmental options for every stage of one's career, are one way that Univar Solutions not only values its talent but works to develop its people to the benefit of the company and society." Effective leadership is not limited to the boardroom; it extends to all aspects of life, from community engagement to professional endeavors. Understanding the formative experiences and paths of American leaders can offer insights into how skills are honed and applied across different domains. The scope of the project includes all companies in the United States that played a part in shaping today's leaders along their paths to the top positions that they now occupy. Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, business relevant data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys. View the entire list at: https://time.com/collection/best-companies-for-future-leaders/ About Univar Solutions Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, the Company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. While fulfilling its purpose to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe, Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and focus on Growing Together. Learn more at www.univarsolutions.com. Forward-Looking Statements and Information This communication contains "forward-looking statements" under applicable law regarding financial and operating items relating to the Company's business. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or other comparable terms. All forward-looking statements made in this communication are qualified by this cautionary language. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company's control, that could result in expectations not being realized or could otherwise materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Although the forward-looking statements are based on what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, we caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this communication is not a guarantee of future events or results, and that actual events or results may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this communication. For additional information regarding factors that could affect the Company, please see the Company's most recent annual report and other financial reports, including the information set forth under the caption "Risk Factors." Any forward-looking statements represent the Company's views only as of the date of this communication and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any subsequent date, and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update any forward-looking statement. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2303976/TIME_ABCompaniesFL2023s_Var02.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1094780/UnivSol_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/univar-solutions-named-on-times-best-companies-for-future-leaders-2024-list-302018630.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Food processing company Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. or ADM (ADM) announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement to acquire UK-based FDL, a leading developer and producer of premium flavor and functional ingredient systems. FDL, with $120 million in projected 2023 sales, offers significant innovation capabilities along with strong presence in the $900 billion European foodservice channel. ADM is continuing to add to its broad portfolio of flavor ingredients and solutions as it builds a global leader in nutrition. Since acquiring WILD Flavors in 2014, ADM has added multiple new offerings to its flavors portfolio through acquisitions. The company has also expanded its flavors capabilities globally with acquisitions and its growing network of innovation centers spanning Europe, Asia, Latin America and North America. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. ADM intends to complete the transaction by end of January 2024. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / GreenBank Capital (CSE:GBC)(OTC PINK:GRNBF)(FRA:2TL) ("GreenBank" or the "Company") is pleased to give its shareholders a year- end review and update on its operations during 2023. Current Status 2023 has been very challenging for the markets overall, and GreenBank is no exception with a significant reduction in its market cap. Below is a graph comparing Greenbank's share performance to the CSE composite index, which indicates the extent to which our share price has more or less correlated with the market generally over the past 2 years. The CSE index is down 73.66% and GBC 93.22% over the 28-month period from September 2021 until 17th December 2023. It is important to understand this when looking at the overall performance of Greenbank's shares. Figure 1: comparison of the CSECOMP index and GBC share performance from September 2021 to 17 December 2023 Despite the poor share price performance, some of Greenbank's underlying assets have been making progress during this period. Beelivery has been one of the few, if not the only, company amongst its peers in the UK, to make a profit. Codikoat has made significant progress and raised further funds at almost twice the original valuation at which GreenBank invested. Flex Capital (Kiind) is expected to be ready to launch its debut product during 2024. Staminier is in a midst of a corporate restructuring, and we are expecting to see the result of that work in the coming year. Ubique Minerals, although having suffered significant setbacks in its ambitions in Namibia in relation to the acquisition of an operating mine, has kept a steady progress at its Daniels Harbour project and is working at progressing its Namibian investee company Resource Five Hundred. The Company expects steady news flow from Ubique during the next 12 months. In late August I took over as CEO and Chairman from Terry Pullen following a revisiting of the overall company strategy. Since then, we have acquired the Suni Iron Project in Ontario, and we are actively working toward the funding of the next stages of that and considering how that will be structured within the group of GreenBank investments. The Company expects to look at various ways to monetise its investment in the project and we are currently in discussion with the management team and potential funders with a view to taking this exciting project forward. Cease Trade Order (CTO) As announced on the 20 November 2023, the Company expected to have delays in the filings of its financial statements. A cease trade order (the "CTO") was issued by the Ontario and British Columbia Securities Commissions in respect of the Company's securities, and pursuant to Policy 3 of the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Company's shares have been suspended as of December 5, 2023. According to Policy 3 the company has 90 days to rectify the situation or else be delisted without further notice. It is important for shareholders to know that the CTO and CSE suspension are due ONLY to the failure to file the annual accounts before November 28, 2023, filing deadline. The Company expects to file its financial statements and related management discussion and analysis before the end of January 2024. Funding As announced on the November 15, 2023, the Company announced an offering to raise up-to C$1.25m and to convert approximately C$700,000 in debt. This is a part of the Company's strategy to reduce, as far as is sensible, the debts within the Company. Due to the cease trade order, these transactions have been postponed until such time as the CTO has been revoked. The Company might consider selling some of its investments to generate funds if it finds that appropriate and needed. The Company has been faced with legal fees and additional management time in relation to the actions of certain shareholders and the making of unfounded allegations over the last few months. The Company and the directors are looking to see if there might be grounds for legal action against that certain shareholder for libel and misuse of the Company's data to recoup some of those costs. Staminier (GreenBank holds 48.5% equity ownership in Staminier) As announced on November 15, 2023, Staminier has informed the Company that is has agreed in principle to sell the Substantia Group Limited back to its previous owners. GreenBank is supportive of this decision for the following reasons: Staminier would hold liquid assets (GreenBank and Ubique shares) in lieu of operating assets (the Substantia Group). GreenBank believes there is upside potential in the liquid assets in the relatively short term. The Substantia Group has not performed in accordance with expectations. This will effectively again make Staminier a holding company only. The transaction could ease future discussions and implementation of the strategy involving the Future Fund. Staminier awaits a response from the Future Fund to its previously announced request for the extension to the term of the Convertible Loan Agreement (CLA). As per the press release August 3, 2022, GreenBank took an assignment of C$8.53m of the amounts owing under the CLA in exchange for the issue of 20.7m Greenbank common shares to Presthurst Limited, the vendor of the loan. As disclosed in the August 3, 2022 news release, the acquisition of the loan was a related party transaction for purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, but one that was exempt from valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements. The loan acquisition was a very strategic move and puts GreenBank in a much stronger position to protect the value of its investment in Staminier, as it gave Greenbank rights under the CLA with regards to the conversion of the CLA (and in certain circumstances Greenbank may force a conversion). Regardless of whether the CLA loans are converted or repaid, or in extremis, if Staminier were to be wound-up, GreenBank will have security ranking behind only the Future Fund. Consequently, the CLA puts Greenbank in a much stronger position to recover its current investment in Staminier and to realize upon any gains in Staminier than was the case when Greenbank was simply a shareholder of Staminier. NARC, a Staminier investee, is now in the process of raising funds at a price of 260 (or C$379) per share, which is just under 4x times the price per share at which Staminier initially invested. At that price Staminier's 11,488 shares in NARC would have a valuation of C$4.35m. NARC Management has also reported to Staminier and GreenBank management that they are continuing to make pleasing progress in the development of NARC's mass multiplayer on-line role-playing game, Beyond Ever After. GreenBank has agreed with the NARC management team that it will have the opportunity to take part in the ongoing NARC placement, which GreenBank will consider. For further information, please contact: Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson, CEO and Chairman, GreenBank Capital Tel: +354 8697296 Email: vilhjalmur@jvcapital.co.uk About GreenBank GreenBank is a business-transformation firm, which aims to nurture early stage and growth companies to their full potential. Through modern approaches to the provisions of consultancy services, GreenBank takes a stake in companies it hopes to nurture and gives the opportunity to the founders and executives of those companies to benefit from the years of collective experience of the GreenBank management team. The team is based in Reykjavik, London and Toronto and works diligently across borders to ensure that businesses in the GreenBank portfolio reach their core objectives. The businesses the Company typically works with are start-ups or early-stage and include mining and mineral exploration companies. From this emergent state, GreenBank aims to quickly implement strong business practices by, where possible and required, deploying operations, communications, data strategy and financial expertise. Whether a business desires to become a successful private company, list publicly, or is seeking a profitable exit, GreenBank tries to add value at every stage as a strategic partner. GreenBank is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, under the symbol "GBC", and on the OTC markets (OTC PINK:GRNBF) as well as the Frankfurt Boerse (FRA:2TL). Forward Looking Information This news release contains statements that include "forward looking information" as defined in applicable Canadian securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to GreenBank's investment strategy. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of GreenBank to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: challenges in identifying and concluding investment transactions with attractive companies on favourable terms, or at all, future prices and the supply of metals; the results of drilling; inability to raise the money necessary to conclude investment transactions with third-party companies or to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the Suni project, environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; accidents, labour disputes and other risks inherent in business, such as; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; or failure to obtain regulatory approvals. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to GreenBank's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although GreenBank has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and GreenBank disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: GreenBank Capital Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2023) - Moonbound Mining Ltd. (CSE: MML) (the "Company") announces that it intends to undertake a non-brokered private placement consisting of the issuance of up to 16,666,666 common shares (each, a "Share") of the Company at a price of $0.30 per Share for gross proceeds of up to $5,000,000 (the "Offering"). The aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of the Offering are expected to be used for working capital as well as for the advancement of its projects. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after closing of the Offering. Finder's fees may be paid in connection with the Offering in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Any participation by insiders in the Offering will constitute a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") but is expected to be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101. None of the securities sold in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About the Company Moonbound Mining Ltd. is a mineral exploration company which currently has two exploration projects and is seeking to acquire additional mineral exploration properties. The current projects include the Yak Property, located in northwestern British Columbia, Canada, and the Strathmore Property, which includes seven mining licenses located in Namibia, South Africa. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). On Behalf of the Board of Directors Ann Fehr Chief Executive Officer (604) 908 1679 info@moonboundmining.com Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. Forward-Looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future. Forward-Looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the proposed Offering, the expectations of management regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering, closing conditions for the Offering, and the expiry of hold periods for securities distributed pursuant to the Offering. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements including that: the Company may not complete the Offering on terms favorable to the Company or at all; the proceeds of the Offering may not be used as stated in this news release; the funds raised from the sale of the Shares may not be renounced in favour of the Shareholders; the Company may be unable to satisfy all of the conditions to the Closing; and those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. 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/191559 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2023) - Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. (TSXV: PEMC) ("Pacific Empire", "PEMC" or the "Company"), a British Columbia copper-gold explorer, announces that it intends to issue, pursuant to a non-brokered private placement, up to 20,000,000 common shares of the Company ("Shares") at a price of C$0.01 per Share for gross proceeds of up to $200,000. In addition, the Company announces that it intends to issue up to 15,000,000 Flow-Through shares of the Company ("FT Shares") at a price of C$0.015 per FT Share for gross proceeds of up to $225,000 (collectively, the "Offering"). The funds will be used for exploration on its flagship Trident copper-gold-silver porphyry project and for general working purposes. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or around January 10, 2024 and is subject to all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company also announces that it has received notice that Teako Minerals ("Teako") has elected to terminate the Option Agreement on the Company's Pinnacle project, whereby Teako had the right to acquire a 70% interest in the Pinnacle project. About Pacific Empire Pacific Empire is a copper exploration company based in Vancouver, British Columbia and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PEMC. The Company has a district scale land position in north-central British Columbia totaling 22,541 hectares. British Columbia is a "Green" copper jurisdiction with abundant hydroelectric power, access and infrastructure in close proximity to the end market. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, "Brad Peters" President and Chief Executive Officer Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. Tel: +1-604-356-6246 brad@pemcorp.ca www.pemcorp.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. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation: closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or around January 10, 2024, the funds will be used for exploration on its flagship Trident copper-gold-silver project and for general working purposes, are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers, directors or promoters with certain other projects; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume and the additional risks identified the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. Forward-Looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWSWIRE SERVICES NOR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191562 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 19, 2023SYH)SYHBF)) ("Skyharbour" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that partner company, North Shore Uranium ("North Shore") has provided an update on the exploration activities at the 55,699 hectare Falcon Property ("Falcon" or the "Property") located at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan. North Shore has identified a number of high priority uranium targets on the Property and will commence drilling several of these targets in Q1 2024. Location Map of Falcon Project: https://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Sky-SouthFalconOption.jpg?v=0.1 Falcon is a highly prospective uranium exploration property with a limited exploration history in an area of the Athabasca Basin that is seeing increased exploration activity and recent discoveries. Significant grass roots uranium discoveries in 2021 by Baselode Energy Corp. and 92 Energy Limited approximately 40 kilometres to the north, illustrate the potential for new basement-hosted discoveries in this area. In 2022, both North Shore and Skyharbour completed fixed-wing gravity-magnetic-radiometric surveys that covered over 80% of Falcon. Reinterpretation of the earlier electromagnetic ("EM") data complemented by the recently acquired geophysical data is allowing North Shore to identify new high priority targets that have never been tested by drilling. North Shore's 2023-2024 exploration program at Falcon is comprised of the following three components: Ongoing interpretation of historical and new geophysical and geological data to assist with prioritizing targets for detailed exploration; A Q1 2024 maiden drill program focusing on several high priority targets; and Prospecting, mapping and sampling related to the high priority targets in the summer of 2024 in preparation for future drill programs. The Q1 2024 drill program will be focused on several targets along a well-defined, dominantly northeast-southwest-trending EM conductor system at the southeastern end of the claim block. There has been no previous drilling in this area. Gravity, magnetic and radiometric data are being analyzed to assist with pinpointing the highest priority drill locations along the EM conductors for drilling. The helicopter-supported program will be based out of Skyharbour's McGowan Lake Camp which is located approximately 55 kilometres to the north along an all-weather road. Map of Historical Exploration and 2024 Drill Areas: https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Falcon-Property-Summary-Map-December-2023.jpg Mr. Brooke Clements, President and CEO of North Shore stated: "It's a great time to be exploring for uranium in the Athabasca Basin, a tier-one jurisdiction for uranium exploration, development and mining. The uranium spot price has recently surged past US$85/lb., the highest we've seen in more than 15 years. We have identified a number of high priority targets on our Falcon Property and are excited to move forward with our exploration program and get the drill turning in Q1 2024." North Shore has engaged TerraLogic Exploration Inc. ("TerraLogic"), of Cranbrook B.C., to manage its Q1 2024 drill program at Falcon. TerraLogic has experience in the Athabasca Basin and a proven track record working with the mining and exploration industry, combining advanced data management and proven exploration techniques with a focus on precious metal, base metal and uranium exploration. In addition, Condor North Consulting ULC, recognized experts in the field of geophysical data processing and interpretation, have been retained to perform a detailed interpretation of the existing geophysical data to assist in optimizing drill target locations. Map of Geophysical Data: https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Ongoing-geophysical-interpretation-is-being-performed-by-Condor-North-Consulting-ULC.png Falcon Uranium Project: The Falcon Property, which constitutes part of North Shore's Falcon Property, contains eleven mineral claims comprising approximately 42,908 hectares approximately 50 km east of the Key Lake mine. Nine of the claims are from Skyharbour's original South Falcon Uranium Project and the remaining two claims are from Skyharbour's Foster River Project. Historical uranium mineralization discovered at Falcon is shallow and is hosted in several geological settings including classic Athabasca-style basement mineralization associated with well-developed EM conductors. At the EWA target, up to 0.492% U 3 O 8 and 1,300 ppm lead was encountered in outcrop grab samples (Sask. Mineral Deposits Index [SMDI] 5038). Historical grab sampling at Knob Lake (SMDI 1014) also encountered up to 0.01% U 3 O 8 in an outcrop of pegmatite, while anomalous nickel, copper, and molybdenum were found in historical grab samples from the Fraser North target area (SMDI's 1125 and 1126). A well-defined northeast-trending, locally folded, electromagnetic conductor system runs throughout the Property, which was defined by airborne and ground geophysical surveys by JNR Resources ("JNR") in the 2000's. In 2008 JNR conducted a drill campaign at the property area. Of the 47 holes drilled that year, 28 holes (totaling 7,348 metres) were drilled on the South Falcon Uranium Property at the Walker (14 holes), Walker South (7 holes), and EWA target areas (6 holes). At the Walker and South Walker targets, which lie along the aforementioned EM conductor system, structurally disrupted and variably altered metasediments (including graphitic pelitic gneisses) with anomalous boron, copper, molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, arsenic, and vanadium were encountered in several drill holes. During this same drill campaign, the Fraser Lakes Zone B uranium deposit was discovered approximately four kilometres east of the Walker South target on a refolded extension of the EM conductor system. At the EWA target, which lies along a separate northeast-trending EM conductor, anomalous uranium, boron, lead, and molybdenum were encountered in structurally disrupted pegmatites; the best result was 0.235% U 3 O 8 over 0.5 m (within a 3.5 m interval of 0.113% U 3 O 8 ) in hole WYL-08-501 (Sask. Mineral Assessment File 74H02-0045). Furthermore, in 2022, Skyharbour completed a FALCON airborne gravity gradiometer and magnetic survey over nine of the eleven claims at the Falcon Property. This new geophysical data will assist North Shore in prioritizing areas along the EM conductor system for drilling. Over 30 kilometres of the EM conductor system remains untested on the Falcon Property. North Shore's initial focus will be on the two claims formerly part of the Foster Project (geophysics), and on generating drill targets on three claims at the southeastern end of the EM conductor systems including Knob Lake, which shows similarities to the Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit approximately 6 km to the northeast and several other high-priority targets elsewhere along the main EM conductor system. Significant potential exists on the project for basement-hosted, unconformity-related uranium deposits like those further to the north in the Wollaston Domain (i.e. Eagle Point, Rabbit Lake, Key Lake and others), as well as for pegmatite/granite-hosted (i.e. alaskite-type) U-Th-REE mineralization like at the Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit on Skyharbour's adjacent South Falcon East Property, currently under option to Tisdale Clean Energy. The Option Agreement: Pursuant to the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer may acquire an initial 80% interest in the Property by (i) issuing common shares of the Resulting Issuer ("Shares") having an aggregate value of CAD $1,225,000; (ii) making aggregate cash payments of CAD $525,000; and (iii) incurring an aggregate of CAD $3,550,000 in exploration expenditures on the Property over a three-year period. Schedule to earn an initial 80% interest: Date Cash Payments (CAD $) Exploration Expenditures (CAD $) Value of Shares Issued (CAD $) On Closing $50,000(1) $0 $150,000(2) By Dec. 31st, 2023 $0 $250,000 $0 On or before the day that is 13 months after Closing $100,000 $250,000 $200,000(3) On or before the second anniversary of Closing $150,000 $1,300,000 $350,000(3) On or before the third anniversary of Closing $225,000 $1,750,000 $525,000(3) TOTAL $525,000 $3,550,000 $1,225,000 (1) $25,000 paid on signing the Agreement and $25,000 paid at Closing. (2) At a price of $0.30 per Share. (3) Cash or shares at North Shore's option at a price per Share using the five (5) VWAP at the time of issuance, subject the minimum pricing rules of the TSX Venture Exchange. Once the Resulting Issuer has earned an initial 80% interest in the Property, the Resulting Issuer may acquire the remaining 20% interest in the Property within 90 business days by (i) issuing Shares having a value of CAD $5,000,000, and (ii) making a cash payment of CAD $5,000,000 to Skyharbour. If the Resulting Issuer does not elect to acquire the remaining 20% interest, a joint venture will be formed with Skyharbour holding a 20% participating interest. The Resulting Issuer will be the operator of the exploration programs during the earn-in stage and for the joint venture if formed. Two claims totaling 10,673 hectares that form part of Skyharbour's Foster River Property are subject to a one percent (1%) NSR royalty payable to Skyharbour. The remaining nine claims totaling 32,235 hectares that comprise Skyharbour's South Falcon Point Property are subject to a two percent (2%) NSR royalty payable to Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison") with North Shore having the right to purchase one percent of the royalty from Denison at anytime by paying $1 million. All Shares will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. Qualified Person: The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by David Billard, P.Geo., a Consulting Geologist for Skyharbour as well as a Qualified Person. About North Shore Uranium Ltd: North Shore is a mineral exploration company focused on uranium exploration at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin through its Falcon property which will increase from 12,800 to 55,700 hectares with the addition of the claims subject to the Agreement, and the West Bear property located 90 kilometres to the northeast. About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.: Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with twenty-four projects, ten of which are drill-ready, covering over 518,000 hectares (over 1.2 million acres) of land. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced-stage uranium exploration property with high-grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone that returned drill results of up to 6.0% U 3 O 8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Adjacent to the Moore Uranium Project is Skyharbour's recently optioned Russell Lake Uranium Project from Rio Tinto, which hosts historical high-grade uranium drill intercepts over a large property area with robust exploration upside potential. The Company is actively advancing these projects through exploration and drill programs. Skyharbour has joint-ventures with industry-leader Orano Canada Inc. and Azincourt Energy at the Preston and East Preston Projects, respectively, whereby Orano and Azincourt earned majority interests in the projects through exploration expenditures, cash payments and share issuances. Skyharbour also has several active earn-in option partners including: ASX-listed Valor Resources at the Hook Lake Uranium Project; CSE-listed Basin Uranium Corp. at the Mann Lake Uranium Project; CSE-listed Medaro Mining Corp. at the Yurchison Project; Yellow Rocks Energy, a private Australian entity, at the Wallee and Usam Island projects; North Shore Energy Metals at the South Falcon Project; and TSX-V listed Tisdale Clean Energy at the South Falcon East Project which is host to the Fraser Lakes Zone B Uranium and Thorium Deposit. Collectively, Skyharbour has now signed earn-in option agreements with partners that total to over $37 million in partner-funded exploration expenditures, over $28 million worth of shares being issued and over $19 million in cash payments coming into Skyharbour, assuming that these partner companies complete their entire earn-ins at the respective projects. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions. Skyharbour's Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin: https://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/SKY_SaskProject_Locator_V2A_20230727.jpg To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd.. SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD. "Jordan Trimble" Jordan Trimble President and CEO For further information contact myself or: Nicholas Coltura Investor Relations Manager Skyharbour Resources Ltd. Telephone: 604-558-5847 Toll Free: 800-567-8181 Facsimile: 604-687-3119 Email: info@skyharbourltd.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any 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 an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements, including the Private Placement. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, regulatory approvals, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.comfor further information. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2023) - Graph Blockchain Inc. (CSE: GBLC) (OTC Pink: REGRF) (FSE: RT50) ("GBLC" or "Graph Blockchain" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will change its name to "New World Solutions Inc." The Company's new stock symbol on the Canadian Securities Exchange will be "NEWS", and the Company expects its shares will commence trading under the new name and ticker symbol at market opening on or about December 22, 2023. No action will be required by existing shareholders with respect to the name change. Certificates representing common shares of the Company will not be affected by the name change and will not need to be exchanged. "This name change better reflects who we are as a company with our commitment to technology that brings about solutions to new world problems," said Paul Haber, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company. About Graph Blockchain Graph Blockchain Inc. is at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) and blockchain technology The company's portfolio includes Babbage Mining Corp., specializing in Proof of Stake mining, enhancing its role in the expanding EV market. Additionally, Graph Blockchain has interests in the cryptocurrency space through Beyond the Moon Inc., aiming to deliver a broad spectrum of investment opportunities to shareholders by capitalizing on the transformative power of EVs and blockchain. For additional information on Graph Blockchain and other corporate information, please visit the Company website at www.graphblockchain.com. For further information, please contact: Paul Haber, C.P.A., C.A., C.Dir Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman Graph Blockchain Inc. Phone: (416) 318-6501 Email: phaber@graphblockchain.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". Forward-looking information in this news release is based on certain assumptions and expected future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the risks associated with the blockchain in general. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results, or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191580 The "European Wood Pellets Market Outlook to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. European wood pellet markets are experiencing renewed growth with gas shortages, rising carbon prices, and EU energy policy. This study looks ahead to 2030 and considers how these market forces will drive tighter competition for raw materials and increased pellet imports. It also considers challenges and opportunities for players throughout the value chain, from developing new feedstocks and adapting manufacturing processes, to global pellet supply strategies. Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, EU renewable energy policies will continue to drive growth in pellet demand. The EU has recently increased its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets to 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), previously set at 40%. It has also raised the target for renewable energy to 42.5% of energy supply by 2030, up from 32%. These targets will be translated into specific national targets for each member state, with each member responsible for meeting their targets through renewable energy subsidies, carbon taxes, and credits. This will ensure ongoing demand growth for biomass in general, and wood pellets in particular. Even as wind, solar, and heat pumps gain importance, biomass will play a central role in the clean energy transition until at least 2030. Modelling by the European Commission suggests that biomass will continue to grow until 2035 and remain the primary renewable energy source until 2050. The latest forecast for European pellet demand anticipates a 3.6% annual growth from 2022 to 2030, compared to the 7.0% annual growth seen from 2014 to 2022 with additional demand of more than 10 million tonnes across all market segments (power, CHP, residential and non-residential heating). Currently, Europe imports approximately 12 million tonnes of wood pellets, primarily for the power sector, while the residential sector is mainly supplied by locally produced pellets. Europe's pellet imports could increase to between 18 and 22 million tonnes, depending on the success of efforts to expand domestic pellet production, which in turn largely hinges on raw material availability. Over 80% of the raw materials used in European-produced pellets are sawmill residues, including sawdust and shavings. With weak demand for lumber expected to continue until at least 2025, residue supply will be constrained. Even when growth returns to the sawmill industry, it's unlikely to keep pace with pellet demand. This implies increased competition for residues, which may impact the wood panel industries, as they are increasingly turning to recycled wood. The competition can also extend to the pulp and paper industries, as pellet mills compete for pulpwood and chips. To prevent increased competition and higher raw material prices, it's essential to develop alternative raw material supplies for the pellet industry, including forest residues and purpose-grown energy crops. One challenge is that these raw materials are better suited for industrial pellets, a segment largely dominated by imported pellets. Much of the growth in Europe' pellet demand will be captured by pellet producers in the US and Canada while many European producers continue to focus on the residential segment and traditional feedstocks. Questions the report helps answer How will European wood pellet demand grow in 2023-2030? How will demand develop by market segment, and where will supply come from? What drives wood pellet prices? How much wood pellets will Europe need to import from other world regions? What is the raw material mix for European pellet production? How could that evolve? What is the cost and availability of alternative raw materials for pellets? How is the European pellet market likely to evolve to 2030? What implications will tighter raw material markets have for suppliers and buyers? Key Topics Covered: The importance of European pellets Forces driving pellet demand growth Demand drivers for wood pellets in Europe overview and discussion EU greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy targets 1990-2050 EU renewable energy targets by member state 2020, 2030 EU GDP, energy demand, and energy efficiency 2000-30 EU energy supply by source; renewable vs. other 2000-30 EU renewable energy supply 2000-20 by source, including biomass EU forecast renewable energy by source to 2050, including biomass Wood pellet advantages disadvantages vs. unprocessed biomass Wood pellet value proposition vs. alternatives in main applications Levelised cost of electricity for biomass vs. other renewables Breakeven price for coal and carbon vs. pellets in power plants 2023 Q1 Residential heating costs, pellets vs. alternatives 2010-24 Other advantages of pellets; geopolitical, safety, supply volatility Demand outlook Price dynamics Supply potential and role of imports Raw materials and sourcing European pellet raw materials; description and share in 2022e Pellet raw material mix by country, 2021 Trends in pellet raw material mix, 2018-22e Impact of lumber (sawnwood) demand on pellet raw material supply Swedish bioenergy raw material prices 2000-23 Raw material types; characteristics, value hierarchy, end-users Wood purchasing power of pellets vs. other key users Pulplogs vs. sawdust prices, Austria and Sweden 2010-23 Sawdust supply and demand dynamics Sawdust prices in Sweden and Austria 2010-23 Sawdust supply and demand in 2022, development of key drivers Alternative raw materials for European pellets; cost and supply potential European recycled wood supply and demand Recovered wood grades and uses European forest residue supply potential by type Forest residue generation and utilization (Sweden example) European energy crops supply potential and typical cost structure Future scenarios and implications Key uncertainties for pellet markets to 2030, link to scenarios Carbon emissions prices on leading exchanges globally 2008-23 EU sustainability initiatives and potential impacts on wood supply Forecast European softwood lumber demand to 2025 US pellet production and export to EU, 2012-22 Expected US pellet capacity expansion Scenarios for EU wood pellet market to 2030 Implications for players throughout the pellet value chain Development of Sweden pulpwood vs. bioenergy prices 1995-2023 Black pellets: advantages and examples of recent investments For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/zfvubd 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231219793666/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the "Company") (CSE:BLLG)(FSE:7BL)(OTCQB:BLAGF) is pleased to announce that the Company and the Lake Babine Nation (LBN) have signed a mine restart agreement that supports the commencement of underground mining at the Dome Mountain Gold Mine located a short 50-minute drive from Smithers, British Columbia. "The Lake Babine Nation has worked closely with Blue Lagoon Resources for more than a year now to get to know the company, review their restart proposal, and discuss how this project could move forward in a way that is safe for our yintah and respectful of our Aboriginal title and rights. We now have an agreement confirming how we will work together once Dome Mine resumes operations and how the Lake Babine people will share in the benefits of this operation. I really appreciate Blue Lagoon's commitment to seeking Lake Babine's consent for this project and for doing business the right way on our yintah, and I look forward to a successful and sustainable restart of Dome Mine.," said Lake Babine Nation Chief Murphy Abraham. "We are honored and humbled to be accepted by the Lake Baine Nation as a trusted partner in restarting the Dome Mountain underground gold mine," said Rana Vig, President and CEO of Blue Lagoon Resources. "In the same spirit that this document was drafted and signed, the Company intends to meet and exceed every term of the agreement fundamentals, maintain a sustainable environment of respect, transparency and friendship and work with the Lake Babine Nation to develop educational and economic opportunities that will benefit Lake Babine community members for years to come," he added. About the Lake Babine Nation The Lake Babine Nation is one of the largest Indigenous nations in British Columbia, with a total registered membership of over 2,500. The Nation's territory in central British Columbia centres around Babine Lake, the Province's longest natural lake. Lake Babine Nation is implementing its inherent rights of self-government, self-determination, Aboriginal title, and other section 35 rights through the Lake Babine Nation Foundation Agreement, which it signed with British Columbia and Canada in September 2020. The Foundation Agreement is a 20-year reconciliation agreement that provides a high level 20 year road map to implement Lake Babine's section 35 rights progressively and collaboratively. For further information, please contact: Rana Vig President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 604-218-4766 Email: rana@ranavig.com The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the "Company") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration activities may not show quality and quantity necessary for further exploration or future exploitation of minerals deposits, volatility of gold and silver prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, permitting and other approvals, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. SOURCE: Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2023) - European Energy Metals (TSXV: FIN) (FSE: W28) ("European Energy" or the "Company") is pleased to further report on and summarize the conclusion of an extremely successful Phase I exploration program on its Central Finland Lithium Project (see also release dated December 7, 2023). Key Takeaways: Located multiple lithium bearing pegmatites on its reservations, taking a total of 1,099 rock chip grab samples in the process: Nabba Reservation - Kyrola Zone 350m by 110m spodumene-bearing boulder field discovery, where 49 rock chip grab samples ran from 3.84% Li2O to 0.003% Li2O, with 15 of the 49 samples returning grades in excess of 0.50% Li2O (Li2O = lithium oxide). Glacial history suggests the boulder field source may be 300m-500m to the northwest. Nabba Reservation - Kaitnabba Zone spodumene-bearing boulder cluster discovery, where 2 rock chip grab samples returned 1.57% and 1.01% Li2O Lappajarvi East Reservation - Pisto Zone outcropping megacrystic, two-mica granite and quartz-feldspar-muscovite-tourmaline pegmatite swarm mapped over several km's returned multiple rock chip samples in the 100's of ppm lithium with a highlight value of 250 ppm lithium the multi-element geochemistry suite shows similarities to one of the lithium bearing pegmatite zones at the Keliber project to the east Submitted applications for two exploration licenses totaling 4,550 hectares (ha) within the Nabba reservation including the 2,812 hectare Nabba license encompassing the Kyrola discovery. exploration licenses are required to commence trenching and drilling Significantly increased the land package through acquisition and staking acquired 7 highly prospective mineral reservations totaling 31,065 hectares through the acquisition of BB Gold Inc. and its wholly owned Finnish subsidiary Sisu Exploration Oy staked three additional mineral reservations totaling 23,000 hectares proximal to the Company's current licenses. "European Energy Metals enjoyed considerable initial 'first pass' success in central Finland, already potentially discovering a significant drill target, at the Kyrola spodumene-bearing pegmatite boulder field," commented CEO Jeremy Poirier. "With exploration license applications to permit mechanical trenching and diamond drilling already in process at Nabba, European Energy Metals is poised for continued success well into 2024," he concluded. Figure 1. The Finland Lithium Pegmatite Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9006/191493_a8b50b1344c35b64_001full.jpg Figure 2. Nabba Reservation Highlights To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9006/191493_a8b50b1344c35b64_002full.jpg Table 1: Kyrola Prospect Grab Sample Highlights Sample_# Li2O_Pct Li_ppm Cs_ppm Ta_ppm Be_ppm Sn_ppm D056277 3.84 17850 14.8 17.7 87.2 107 F920052 2.62 12150 53.3 49.7 230 136 D056274 2.26 10500 46.8 40.9 96 91 F920401 2.22 10300 37.2 46.4 220 142 F920006 1.92 8910 35.7 79.3 230 131 F920204 1.87 8690 36.1 16.25 142.5 73 F920053 1.75 8120 57.9 53.1 184.5 87 F920001 1.63 7560 24.2 23.7 161.5 114 D056270 1.16 5400 32.2 21.6 201 54 F920002 1.12 5180 30.6 12.6 162 61 D056260 1.06 4910 49.6 61.7 250 84 (LI2O - lithium oxide, LI - lithium, Cs - cesium, Ta - tantalum, Be - Beryllium, Sn - tin) Figure 3. Nabba Reservation Kyrola Prospect over LiDar To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9006/191493_a8b50b1344c35b64_003full.jpg Kyrola The most significant discovery during the Phase 1 program was the 350m long by 110m wide northwest-southeast trending spodumene-bearing pegmatite boulder field on the Nabba Reservation. The extent of the boulder field is constrained only by low-lying overburden covered areas and farm fields. A total of forty-nine (49) rock chip grab samples were collected from the field and individual samples assayed 3.84% to 0.003% to Li2O. The mean assay of these samples was 0.53% Li2O. Fifteen samples assayed greater than 0.50% Li2O, eleven assayed greater than 1.00% Li2O, 4 assayed greater than 2.00% Li2O and 1 assayed greater than 3.00% Li2O. The boulders are generally angular and range in size from small hand size cobbles up to +1.5m in diameter. The boulders are also weakly anomalous in cesium, tantalum, beryllium and tin. The boulders mineralogically are comprised of albite-spodumene-quartz-muscovite pegmatite with lesser accessory minerals such as tourmaline, garnet and beryl. They are typically massive to weakly zoned and appear to be mineralogically similar to the known Keliber deposits in the region, suggesting they may be part of the same mineralizing event. Based on the known glacial history of the area and glacial dispersion of pegmatite boulders at the Keliber deposits (Ahtola et al, 2015), it is interpreted that the source of the boulders is likely to be to the northwest of the boulder field, and possibly within 300 m-500 m. Further studies will be required to confirm and define targets for drilling. Kaitnabba Another cluster of spodumene bearing pegmatite boulders were discovered approximately 9 km southwest of the Kyrola prospect, also within the Nabba Reservation. Two boulders assayed 1.57% and 1.01% Li2O respectively. The boulders range in size from 0.2m to 0.4m diameter and are also mineralogically similar to the Keliber deposits. They are also anomalous in cesium, tantalum, beryllium and tin. Table 2: Kaitnabba Prospect Highlights Sample_# Li2O_Pct Li_ppm Cs_ppm Ta_ppm Be_ppm Sn_ppm F920426 1.57 7300 45.3 62.4 224 143 F920094 1.00 4670 52 39.7 282 97 Pisto Located on the company's Lappajarvi East Reservation this prospect consists of an outcropping megacrystic two-mica granite and quartz-feldspar-muscovite-tourmaline pegmatite swarm. Rock chip sampling over an area of several km identified anomalous lithium in the 100's of ppm, with a highlight value of 250 ppm lithium. Many of the samples are also anomalous in arsenic. The presence of arsenic associated with lithium is also noted at Keliber's Kellokallio Prospect approximately 11 km East-Northeast of Pisto where spodumene-bearing pegmatite dyke(s) associated with wide zones of highly anomalous arsenic (eg. 10m-40 m assaying 1000 to 4500 ppm arsenic). The best reported lithium intercept was 0.97% Li2O over 3.15 m. In this context the possibility of using arsenic as a pathfinder element for lithium in the area will be considered. Gold occurrences in the region are also often associated with arsenic. Kaatiala Located 100km south of Nabba, the 3,200ha property is host to a 40m wide quartz-feldspar-muscovite-tourmaline (+/- spodumene) pegmatite body that was mined from 1942 to 1968 for quartz and feldspar. Rock chip sampling of the waste piles around the old mine revealed the presence of lithium. The highest lithium values obtained were 0.09%, 0.20% and 0.25% Li2O. Table 3: Best results from Kaatiala Prospect Sample_# Li2O_Pct Li_ppm Cs_ppm Ta_ppm Be_ppm Sn_ppm F920411 0.25 1170 93.1 28.6 16.7 193 F920081 0.20 940 49.3 13.45 12.7 64 F920413 0.09 440 39 34.6 10.3 39 Discussion The company's projects are in the Kaustinen-Seinajoki region which is highly prospective for LCT pegmatite deposits, as evidenced by the success of the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and subsequently Keliber Oy in discovering significant Li-bearing spodumene pegmatite prospects and deposits in the region. The initial success in identifying lithium-rich pegmatitic boulders from the Phase 1 program is very encouraging, as the area is topographically flat and extensively covered by a thin veneer of glacial overburden. On the basis of these results the Company has recently submitted applications for Exploration Licenses ("EL's") covering an area of 4,550 hectares within it's 11,690 hectare (ha) Nabba Reservation, including the area around the Kyrola Prospect. The Nabba EL (2,812ha) and Nabba 2 EL (1,738ha) are located on the northern half of the Company's Nabba Reservation and adjacent to the Keliber Projects of Sibanye-Stillwater (NYSE:SBSW). Under an Exploration License or EL, the Company would be permitted to undertake more advanced exploration such as detailed base-of-till (BoT) sampling, trenching and diamond drilling. The Nabba ELs lie <8 km west of Keliber's Spodumene Concentrator Plant and several previously known lithium-spodumene pegmatite prospects/deposits occur within 1 km of the Nabba licences, including the Emmes Deposit which hosts NNW-SSE trending Li-bearing, spodumene pegmatites, and a resource of 1.08 Mt grading 1.22% Li2O (source: GTK). It appears the Nabba area may be well-endowed. European Energy Metals cautions investors grab samples are selective samples by their nature and are not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the property. The Company further cautions the presence of lithium mineralization on Keliber Oy's properties is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the Company's mineral reservations. QA/QC Statement Samples were submitted to ALS Laboratories in Sodankyla Finland. ALS inserted internal standards, blanks and pulp duplicates within each sample batch as part of their own internal monitoring of quality control protocols. European Energy Metals monitors precision and bias performance by inserting certified lithium standards (OREAS 750 and OREAS 753) as well as blanks into each batch submitted to ALS at a rate of 1:25. The major element oxides and trace elements including Li, Cs, Ta and Be were analysed by ALS analytical package ME-MS89L + B-MS89L involving digestion by Na2O2 fusion followed by ALS's super trace ICP-MS methodology. QAQC results to date do not indicate any analytical accuracy issues with all standards returning values Li values within 3 standard deviations of their certified mean and blanks returning expected values. Mike Basha, P.Eng., P.Geo. (NL), VP Exploration of European Energy Metals Corp., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has prepared this press release and compiled the results discussed herein. About European Energy Metals Corp. European Energy Metals Corp. is a junior mining company currently focussed on the Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum Finnish Pegmatite Project in central Finland. Governing bodies in Europe and Finland are legislating environmentally friendly and energy independent laws and policies. One of the key components is access to REE and, specifically, lithium. The company's concessions are located within 15 kms of the Keliber mine and production complex, currently under construction and expected to begin production in H2 2025. An estimated 600 million investment by Keliber's parent company Sibanye-Stillwater Limited in partnership with the Finnish Minerals Group (www.mineralsgroup.fi) is underway in the Kautinen Region and will see the development of open-pit and underground mining from several deposits, construction of a central spodumene concentrator plant and a lithium hydroxide chemical plant at tidewater in Kokkola. When completed, this complex will comprise a complete hard-rock spodumene pegmatite lithium supply chain (source: www.sibanyestillwater.com). Pursuant to an earn-in agreement with Capella Minerals Ltd (TSXV: CMIL), European Energy Metals has the right to earn an 80% interest in the Finnish Lithium Project by issuing 2,000,000 shares, paying Cdn$500,000 and incurring Cdn$2,500,000 dollars in exploration expenditures staged over a 4 year earn in period. A detailed assessment of the historic and government exploration data compiled by the Finnish Geological Survey ("GTK") identified a series of permissive tracts for LCT pegmatites. The concessions comprising the Finnish Lithium Project were identified as a result of this pegmatite research. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Jeremy Poirier, CEO Telephone: 604-722-9842 Email: info@europeanenergymetals.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including the presence of lithium mineralization at, and the exploration and development potential of, the Finland Pegmatite Project. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include the costs of any anticipated work programs and the ability to fund such costs, required approvals in connection with any work programs and the ability to obtain such approvals, risks inherent in exploration as well as those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191493 Global Risk Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of a diverse range of P&C claims adjusting, global complex/large loss, and environmental risk management solutions, has announced the retirement of William "Bill" Kramer as Chief Executive Officer of GRS' Complex Claims Solutions USA business unit (CCS). GRS also has named Adam Humphrey as Kramer's successor. Kramer joined GRS in 2020, when the company acquired William Kramer Associates, a leading specialty claims adjusting firm launched in 1996. Bill Kramer began his career in claims in 1978, as a staff adjuster on a variety of property claims. During his 46-year career, he handled some of the largest and most complex losses the insurance industry has experienced. With extensive experience in oil, petrochemical and manufacturing claims, he became one of the world's top executive general adjusters. Before launching William Kramer Associates, Kramer worked for both Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection Insurance Company, now part of Munich Re Group, and Thomas Howell Group, which Crawford Company acquired in 1996. Succeeding Kramer as CEO of GRS' Complex Claims Solutions USA unit is Adam Humphrey, CEO of the company's Complex Claims International business. Humphrey joined GRS in 2021, bringing more than two decades of experience in managing technical and complex insurance claims worldwide. "GRS has been fortunate to have a deep bench of highly skilled claims leaders, in Bill Kramer Adam Humphrey, Rodney Winkler and others," said Mike Reeves, Executive Director of GRS' Complex Claims Solutions Group. "Bill has worked in many different parts of the world, on some of the most high-profile losses in our industry. He established a global reputation as one of the market's leading loss adjusters." "With Adam's leadership supported by Rodney, the CCS USA business will remain in steady hands and all of us at GRS wish Bill well for a happy and productive retirement," Reeves added. About Global Risk Solutions Global Risk Solutions, Inc., enables corporate and insurance industry clients to respond to property casualty claims, natural catastrophes, and environmental pollution events quickly and effectively by delivering people, process, and technology to manage risk and contain cost. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, with global reach and offices located in London, Dubai and throughout the USA, we offer a diverse range of claims adjusting and environmental risk management services. For more information, visit www.globalrisksolutions.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231219237817/en/ Contacts: Mike Reeves Executive Director, Complex Claims Solutions Group Global Risk Solutions, Inc. mreeves@globalrisksolutions.com +44 (0) 20 3857 5183 Adam Humphrey CEO, CCS Group Global Risk Solutions, Inc ahumphrey@globalrisksolutions.com New patents validate LoopMe's AI leadership while protecting company technology that powers marketplace bid price optimization and real-time bidding in advertising auctions LoopMe, a leading technology company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve brand advertising performance, today announced that it has been granted two patents for the novel technology enabling its Intelligent Marketplace for buyers and sellers. The first patent, "Automated Hybrid, Optimized Advertising Auction System and Method," is for LoopMe's innovative approach to advertising auction bid floor and bid value optimization in real-time, a method that is outperforming human operators and other systems in operation. The patent has been validated against state of the art research by big tech and major universities at AdKDD, one of the biggest global machine learning conferences, along with receiving the best paper award at the event. "Our newest patent increases market efficiency by automatically setting real-time auction parameters a significant advancement for the programmatic advertising ecosystem," said Dr. Leonard Newnham, Chief Data Scientist at LoopMe. "Correctly setting the bid floor results in fewer wasted bids and fewer requests being sent by DSPs. Since a large DSP can receive many billions of requests per day, the reduction of costs can be substantial." In real-time advertising auctions, correctly setting the bid floor, which is the lowest bid a bidder can make, is important as it communicates the minimum price to have a reasonable chance of getting an advertiser's ad placed on a mobile device. If the bid floor is set too low, bidding becomes inefficient as it encourages low bids that have no chance of winning. The systems are continuously updating over 1 million parameters to dynamically and rapidly respond to changing market conditions and behaviors, far outperforming any human. The second patent, "Real-time Bidding," was granted to LoopMe for the unique capability of setting an optimal bid price for each individual ad request in real-time auctions. This feature enhances efficiency and allows LoopMe to safely and accurately outbid competitor bids to the publisher, which ultimately increases the win rate. This means more of the DSPs connected to LoopMe will get more ads displayed on user devices. "Less than a half of patent applications pass the scrutiny of the U.S. patent office so having two new patents granted is a big win for LoopMe," added Newnham. Both of LoopMe's new patents reinforce the company's leading position in the programmatic advertising market, enabling the latest technology behind LoopMe's AI-led Intelligent Marketplace, which was shown to yield a 40x increase in DSP buying efficiencies. The Intelligent Marketplace manages more than 300 billion ad requests per day and serves 50,000+ leading apps and sites for clients like Magnite, PubMatic, StackAdapt, Xandr and Unity. With over 2 billion monthly active users in its DMP, the Intelligent Marketplace also enables access to all DSP partners to LoopMe's Marketplace Audiences and its proprietary first-party data. LoopMe's Intelligent Marketplace also provides significant sustainability benefits the dynamic filtering capabilities suppress 98% of supply that won't receive a bid, which reduces the amount of impressions being returned along with decreasing emissions. This personalized demand-side traffic shaping capability makes LoopMe's Intelligent Marketplace greener by design, delivering a fully certified, sustainable supply path for its global partners, and in alignment with LoopMe's carbon net zero emission achievement. These two new patents bring LoopMe's patent portfolio to three, including the patent for PurchaseLoop Brand's Real-Time Optimization and Industry Benchmarking Capabilities, granted in July 2021. For more information on Intelligent Marketplace, please visit https://loopme.com/marketplace-supply/. About LoopMe LoopMe is a technology company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve brand advertising performance and outcomes. LoopMe was the first to apply AI to brand advertising and its Intelligent Marketplace, finding solutions to industry challenges that haven't previously been solved. With consumer insights and AI at its core, LoopMe makes brand advertising better, outperforming industry benchmarks for leading global brands. Our vision is to change advertising for the better, by building technology that will redefine brand advertising. LoopMe was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in the UK, with global offices across New York, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Dnipro, Krakow and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.loopme.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231219775543/en/ Contacts: Rachel Conforti rachelc@loopme.com December 19, 2023 Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA) today announced that it has completed the cancellation of 15,134,054 of its shares. The cancelled shares were acquired as part of the EUR 1.5 billion share repurchase program for capital reduction purposes that was announced on July 26, 2021. Philips will complete the share repurchase program in April 2024, which is expected to result in a further cancellation of 4.4 million shares in Q2 2024. Philips' current issued share capital amounts to EUR 182,703,193 representing 913,515,966 common shares. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BEIJING, Dec 19, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The 10th Anniversary Event of China Communications Construction Company's (CCCC) Joint Construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was hosted in Beijing on December 15th.The event, themed "In the Prosperous Silk Road's Glow, Together We Construct a Brighter Tomorrow," announced and commended CCCC's top 10 projects under the BRI, including the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway Project, the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge Project, the KKH Phase-II (Havelian-Thakot) Project, among others.Pakistani ambassador to China Khalil Hashimi presented awards to these projects. He called the KKH Phase-II (Havelian-Thakot) Project a lifeline of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying it reflects the wisdom of the Chinese side in multiple aspects.The project marked in-depth cooperation between Pakistan and the CCCC, and also between Pakistan and China, Hashimi noted, adding that he looks forward to more outcomes of cooperation between the two countries.The event also unveiled CCCC's top 10 outstanding Chinese and international employees, who have been deeply involved in the infrastructure development of relevant countries and made important contributions to local socioeconomic development and people's livelihood.South Sudanese Ambassador to China, Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba noted that as an internationally leading infrastructure construction company, CCCC boasts the most outstanding construction teams in the world.The ambassador extended his gratitude to CCCC for its dedication and efforts in South Sudan, saying he looks forward to closer cooperation between more excellent teams from CCCC and his country, and more practical results in transportation infrastructure and the development of local talents in South Sudan.Over the past decade, CCCC has actively responded to the BRI, leveraged its full-industry-chain advantages, and upheld the ESG philosophy. It has launched the "Build Your Future Dream" social responsibility brand around the world to fulfill its economic, environmental, and social responsibilities.During the event, CCCC released its ESG reports for the BRI and its top 10 cases of CSR and brand building for the BRI.The BRI has brought positive impacts to Sri Lanka in terms of foreign trade, tourism, and ecological conservation, said K. K. Yoganaadan, the Charge d'Affaires of the Sri Lankan Embassy in China.The Colombo Port City, in particular, has achieved remarkable accomplishments in environmental protection, which has safeguarded and enhanced the ecological environment and marine biodiversity in surrounding waters, Yoganaadan added.Wang Yueran, huanqiu.comEmail: luojie@huanqiu.comPhone: 13002252096Website: http://www.huanqiu.comSource: China Communications Construction Co LtdCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Ground-breaking data protection solution for Azure AD (Entra ID) wins more awards Keepit, a global leader in SaaS data protection, is proud to announce its double triumph at the prestigious 2023 Security Today CyberSecured Awards. The company secured top honors in two categories: Data Loss Prevention and Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity. WINNER #1 in the category: Data Loss Prevention WINNER #2 in the category: Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity PRODUCT: Keepit Backup and Recovery for Azure AD (Entra ID) Security Today, a leading source for security professionals, unveiled the winners in a press release on December 14, 2023, recognizing Keepit's outstanding contributions to the cybersecurity landscape. The CyberSecured Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in cybersecurity solutions. Keepit's winning product, Keepit Backup and Recovery for Azure AD (Entra ID), was highlighted for its groundbreaking capabilities in cloud protection. The solution addresses critical gaps in cloud security strategy by offering the most extensive coverage of Azure AD cloud objects on the market. Key features of Keepit Backup and Recovery for Azure AD: Comprehensive coverage: Keepit covers a wide range of Azure AD objects, including Users, Groups, Roles, Administration Units, App Registrations, Enterprise apps, Conditional Access Policies, Intune Device Policies, BitLocker Recovery Keys, Audit Logs, and Sign-In Logs. Keepit covers a wide range of Azure AD objects, including Users, Groups, Roles, Administration Units, App Registrations, Enterprise apps, Conditional Access Policies, Intune Device Policies, BitLocker Recovery Keys, Audit Logs, and Sign-In Logs. Unparalleled security: Keepit is the only data protection provider to store customer data in a separate, dedicated infrastructure. This guarantees that backed-up data is fully isolated from the SaaS vendor's cloud, providing enhanced security and compliance. Keepit is the only data protection provider to store customer data in a separate, dedicated infrastructure. This guarantees that backed-up data is fully isolated from the SaaS vendor's cloud, providing enhanced security and compliance. Global business continuity: Customer data is stored in two separate physical data centers across six regions worldwide, ensuring uninterrupted business continuity. Customer data is stored in two separate physical data centers across six regions worldwide, ensuring uninterrupted business continuity. Rapid deployment and recovery: Keepit's solution allows companies to go from having no backup of Azure AD to a running backup in just a few minutes, with minimal training or administration required. Keepit's solution allows companies to go from having no backup of Azure AD to a running backup in just a few minutes, with minimal training or administration required. Extensive platform support: In addition to Azure AD, Keepit offers backup and recovery solutions for Microsoft 365, Dynamics, Power Platform, Azure DevOps, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Zendesk. Last line of defense for an overlooked threat Azure AD, a prime target for hackers, faces 50 million password attacks per day, making it 50 times more likely to be compromised than consumer Microsoft accounts. Keepit's solution ensures the protection of critical identity and application objects and is the last line of defense for companies who want and need to prevent data loss and ensure business continuity. "We come across many organizations who are only just realizing how vulnerable they are to attacks on Azure AD, because there's no backup for the access identities and policies. Without access to Azure AD, users will have no access to the entire M365 environment, so when Azure AD is compromised it has huge implications. Our ability to offer a solution to that risk is a lifesaver for our customers, and with Keepit's Azure AD solution, they have assurance they will never, ever lose access to their Microsoft 365 data," says Michele Hayes, CMO at Keepit. Keepit's commitment to innovation, security, and reliability has positioned the company as a leader in the cybersecurity industry. The dual recognition at the 2023 Security Today CyberSecured Awards underscores Keepit's dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions for data protection and business continuity. Earlier this year, Keepit Backup and Recovery for Azure AD (Entra ID) also won "Product of the year 2023" from Redmond Magazine and "Overall Risk Management Solution Provider of the Year" from CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards. For more information about Keepit and its award-winning solutions, please visit keepit.com. About Keepit Keepit provides next-level SaaS data protection for companies with data stored in the cloud. Keepit is the world's only vendor-neutral and independent cloud dedicated to SaaS data protection based on a blockchain-verified solution. Keepit protects data in key business applications including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure AD, Google, and Salesforce. Headquartered in Copenhagen with offices and data centers globally, Keepit is trusted by thousands of companies worldwide to protect and manage their cloud data. For more information visit www.keepit.com or follow Keepit on Linkedin. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231219913002/en/ Contacts: RedIron Public Relations Kari Ritacco Kari@RedIronPR.com CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clinical Alarm Management Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $2.7 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $5.4 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The clinical alarm management market presents significant growth opportunities due to the implementation of government initiatives supporting the adoption of Healthcare Information Technology (HCIT) solutions, increased government healthcare expenditure, and the presence of skilled IT experts in emerging Asia Pacific markets like India and China. The growing adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) further contributes to these prospects. However, challenges arise as some traditional healthcare providers, lacking IT knowledge, exhibit hesitancy towards adopting clinical alarm management solutions. Some view the noise and chaos caused by alarms as normal, leading to the perception that implementing these solutions is a time-consuming task with limited or no clinical benefits. These dynamics present potential challenges and threats to the market landscape. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=69939577 Browse in-depth TOC on "Clinical Alarm Management Market" 292 - Tables 55 - Figures 319 - Pages Clinical Alarm Management Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $2.7 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $5.4 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% Market Size Available for 2021 - 2028 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product, Type, Deployment Mode, End User, Region Geographies Covered North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, and the Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, and the Rest of Asia Pacific), South America, and Middle East & Africa (GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Emerging Markets Key Market Drivers Rising prominence and usage of big data & mhealth tools "Consulting & Implementation Services segment accounted for the largest share of the global Clinical alarm management market, by services." Based on the type of services, the clinical alarm management market is bifurcated into consulting & implementation, training & education, and integration & support. In 2022, the consulting & implementation services segment accounted for the largest share of the clinical alarm management market in the forecast period. The increasing adoption of clinical alarm management solutions by healthcare providers due to the complexities associated with implementing & managing alarm management systems, combined with the access to experts with specialized knowledge and the advantage of customizing the solution according to the needs of the organization, are the determinants that collectively propel the dynamic growth of this market segment. "Clinical decision support tools segment is expected to register the highest growth in the clinical alarm management market, by software." Based on the type of software, the clinical alarm management market is bifurcated into connectivity software, clinical decision support tools, and other software. The clinical decision support tools segment is expected to register the highest growth in the projected timeframe. Clinical decision support tools offer a solution by integrating with alarm systems, which helps in leveraging patient data, and applying intelligent algorithms to analyze and contextualize alarms. Escalating complexities in healthcare environments and, the need for timely & accurate responses from clinicians mitigating alarm-related challenges are some of the factors attributing to the growth of this segment. "Hospitals segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of the clinical alarm management market in 2022." Based on the end user, the Clinical alarm management market encompasses hospitals & surgical centers, maternity care centers & fertility centers, home care settings, long-term & tertiary care centers, trauma & emergency care centers, ambulatory care centers & opds, and other end users. Notably, the hospital segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Hospitals are adopting clinical alarm management solutions to improve patient safety and reduce alarm fatigue among healthcare staff. Clinical alarms warn caregivers of immediate or potential adverse patient conditions, and they are essential for providing appropriate care to patients. Additionally, centralized system administration, standardized clinical system interoperability, and improved scalability and flexibility significantly contribute to the elevated growth rate observed within this segment. "Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest growth in the clinical alarm management market in 2022." Based on region, the global market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2022, Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest growth over the forecast period. The growth of the Asia Pacific region can be attributed to the growing need for the implementation & integration of medical devices & HCIT solutions, the growing elderly population, and the distribution of infectious diseases and their outbreaks in this region. The region's commitment to fostering innovation through collaborations between companies further bolsters its position in the clinical alarm management market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=69939577 Clinical Alarm Management Market Dynamics: Drivers: 1. Rising prominence and usage of big data & mhealth tools Restraints: 1. High investments required to build IT infrastructure Opportunities: 1. Emerging Markets Challenge: 1. Data Security Concerns Key Market Players of Clinical Alarm Management Industry: The prominent players in clinical alarm management market are Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA (Germany), Baxter International, Inc. (US), Stryker (Vocera Communications) (US), GE Healthcare (US), Ascom Holdings AG (Switzerland), Spok, Inc. (US), Masimo (US), Connexall (Canada), Cornell Communications (US), Mobile Heartbeat (US), Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. (China), Intercall Systems, Inc. (US), Medtronic Plc (Ireland), Johnson Controls (Ireland), West-Com Nurse Call Systems (US), Oracle (Cerner Corporation) (US), Teldio corporation (Canada), Alpha Communications (US), Nihon Kohden Corporation (Japan), TigerConnect (US), JCT Healthcare Pty Ltd. (Australia), Amplion Clinical Communications, Inc. (US), AmpleLogic (India), and Tunstall Group (UK). Players adopted organic as well as inorganic growth strategies such as product launches and enhancements, and investments, collaborations, joint ventures, funding, partnerships, acquisition, expansions, agreements, sales contracts, and alliances to increase their offerings, cater to the unmet needs of customers, increase their profitability, and expand their presence in the global market. Breakdown of the supply-side, demand side, primary interviews by company type, designation, and region: By Supply Side: Tier 1 (31%), Tier 2 (28%), and Tier 3 (41%) By Demand Side: Purchase Managers (40%), Hospital Directors/VPs/Managers/Department Heads (35%), and Others (25%). By Designation: C-level Executives (31%), Director-level (25%), and Managers (44%) By Region: North America (45%), Europe (20%), Asia Pacific (28%), and RoW (4%) Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=69939577 Recent Developments: In June 2023, Ascom and Niels-Stensen-Kliniken Group signed a contract to support the installation of the Ascom smart alarming system solution and IP-DECT infrastructure. The project is worth more than 1 million Swiss francs, including services. In April 2023, Koninklijke Philips N.V. and Northwell Health entered a seven-year agreement to help the health system standardize patient monitoring, enhance patient care, and improve patient outcomes while driving interoperability and data innovation. In April 2023, Mobile Heartbeat partnered with Akkadian Labs to integrate the company's Akkadian Provisioning Manager with Mobile Heartbeat's MH-CURE. The partnership aims to streamline the provisioning process for Mobile Heartbeat users, hence, improving the clinical communication and collaboration experience for healthcare professionals. In March 2023, UniHA, the leading cooperative purchasing network for French public hospitals, selected Ascom as a unique provider for its multisource medical alarm management systems. The project includes software, mobility solutions and services. Clinical Alarm Management Market - Key Benefits of Buying the Report: The report can help established firms as well as new entrants/smaller firms to gauge the pulse of the market, which, in turn, would help them garner a greater share. Firms purchasing the report could use one or a combination of the below-mentioned five strategies. This report provides insights into the following pointers: Analysis of key drivers (increasing alarm fatigue, high prevalence of chronic diseases, growing geriatric population, need for cost containment in healthcare delivery, rising prominence and usage of big data & health tools), restraints (lack of interoperability, high investments required to build IT infrastructure), opportunities (rising demand for HCIT globally, growing adoption of EHRs), and challenges (lack of knowledge among traditional healthcare providers, data security issues) influencing the growth of clinical alarm management market. Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research and development activities, and product launches in the clinical alarm management market. Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative emerging markets. The report analyzes the markets for various types of clinical alarm management solutions across regions. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about products, untapped regions, recent developments, and investments in the clinical alarm management market. Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, strategies, products, distribution networks, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players in the clinical alarm management market. Related Reports: Clinical Decision Support Systems Market - Global Forecasts to 2028 mHealth Solutions Market - Global Forecasts to 2028 Healthcare IT Integration Market - Global Forecasts to 2026 Nurse Call Systems Market - Global Forecasts to 2025 Clinical Workflow Solutions Market - Global Forecasts to 2025 The Global Biotechnology Industry Outlook - 2024 About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 22.50 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/clinical-alarm-management-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/clinical-alarm-management.asp Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/clinical-alarm-management-market-worth-5-4-billion--marketsandmarkets-302018215.html US start-up Roomless secures $2.6 million funding from leading European investors. The funding was led by Paribu Ventures and Revo Capital with participation from DeBa Ventures as well as angel investors Wilmington, Delaware--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2023) - Myne Technologies Inc., a US start-up founded in 2023 and doing business as Roamless, announced today that it has raised $2.6 million from leading European investors. The funding was led by Paribu Ventures and Revo Capital with participation from DeBa Ventures and a group of angel investors. The funds will be used for expansion into new markets. The company plans to have data service in more than 200 countries by the end of 2024. Next-Gen eSIM provider Roomless secures $2.6 million funding To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8552/191581_9b194131243bfad5_001full.jpg Offering a flexible and accessible travel internet and international calling experience to travelers, Roamless was launched in public beta in October 2023. Having reached 15,000 users, it is currently available in 62 countries with data service, as well as international calling to 200 countries. In contrast to the existing solutions and eSIM marketplaces, Roamless operates with its proprietary eSIM technology and employs a pay-as-you-go model. Roamless stands out by providing users with a unique experience, free from expiring eSIM plans, hidden fees and expensive roaming charges Has a user-centric product vision "We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of this initial fundraise for Roamless. This investment not only validates the strength of our team, and our user-centric product vision, but also enables us to accelerate our mission to lead a digital transformation in the telecom industry, similar to what we experienced in payments and banking. We are grateful for the support of our early stage investors and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead," said Emre Demirel, Co-Founder & CEO at Roamless. "The relatively new eSIM technology has caught our attention due to its rapid growth potential driven by increasing customer awareness and the multitude of opportunities within the market. We believe that Roamless is a very strong solution for providing instant connectivity worldwide. We trust in the high motivation and competence of the founding team with expertise in telecommunications and software, and we are excited to support their growth journey," commented Cenk Bayrakdar, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Revo Capital, one of the companies leading the funding. Has the potential to serve the global audience Utku Dorduncu, Director at Paribu Ventures, the other company acting a leading role in the funding, said: "We constantly try to identify the next trends and invest in strong teams developing disruptive technologies not only in the blockchain space but also in different verticals. Roamless has been a great fit with its exceptionally strong founding team, advanced back-end infrastructure and highly differentiated and disruptive eSIM product, which has the potential to become a platform for a wide range of services to a global audience. Additionally, we will investigate potential areas of collaboration between Paribu's extensive user community of over 6 million for the advantage of the Roamless platform." On the verge of a transformation in telecom "We believe that we are on the verge of a transformation in the telecom industry similar to the one we witnessed in fintech the last decade, thanks to eSIM and other new technologies. We are confident that teams like Roamless, bringing together experiences from different backgrounds, will be pioneers in this transformation," added Barbaros Ozbugutu, Founding Partner, DeBa Ventures. Myne Technologies Inc. was founded by Ali Gazioglu, Asim Alp, Emre Demirel, Selim Aykut and Cengiz Oztelcan, an experienced group of executives from global telecom and ICT industries. Ali Gazioglu (CPO) and Asim Alp (CTO) have been active in the telecom industry for over a decade as co-founders of Linxa, a leading B2B telecom software company based in the UK and Turkey. Emre Demirel (CEO) is a former partner at Turkven Private Equity. Selim Aykut (CXO) is a former Director at Accenture/Fjord and later at ATOLYE Dubai. Cengiz Oztelcan (Board Member), is a long-running telecom and ICT executive with various CEO roles across the industry. Visit Roamless.com to experience the new, hassle-free way to stay connected during your travels. Media Contact: Selim Aykut Co-Founder & CXO Roamless info@roamless.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191581 CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MarketsandMarkets recently published a research report on Global MedTech Industry Outlook 2024. Despite the economic uncertainties and post-COVID slump in recent times, MedTech companies have demonstrated strong resilience throughout 2023. Overall, the market within the MedTech sector expanded by 4 - 5% during this period. Continued tech innovation, mergers, and acquisitions (M&A), commercialization of new product lines, and emergence of new business models are contributing to the sustained growth of the market. The Global MedTech Industry Outlook for 2024 aims to provide insights into the anticipated performance of the MedTech sectors, covering recent advancements in imaging technologies and the development of innovative surgical solutions. The report will assess the industry's performance in 2023 relative to 2022 and highlight the significant breakthroughs and notable transformations in the MedTech landscape during 2023, with expectations of continued momentum into 2024. Inquire Now: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=64921163 The MedTech Industry Outlook 2024 is structured to provide: Analysis of factors, that influenced the performance and characteristics of the MedTech sector in 2023 as compared to 2022, Revenue estimations and growth rate projections for key sectors across MedTech between 2023 and 2024, Highlights of the key trends to watch out for in 2024, Recommendations and prioritized list of growth opportunities for 2024, Best practices and success stories that exemplify how market participants overcame challenges to build and deploy solutions using innovative business models. Act as the knowledge base for an interactive session with the industry experts at MarketsandMarkets. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=64921163 The MedTech Industry Outlook 2024 report is an insightful toolkit for incumbent market participants, tech players, SME's, the investment community as well as the long list of players who form part of the upstream supply chain in this sector. Some of the key developments witnessed by the MedTech industry in 2023: Dawn of ambulatory care facilities across the mature markets coupled with an uptick in ambulatory surgical volumes particularly driven by cardiology, vascular, and orthopedics. For example, Surgery Partners (US) collaborated with Intermountain Health (US) Methodist Health System (US) to expand outpatient surgical services in the country. across the mature markets coupled with an uptick in ambulatory surgical volumes particularly driven by cardiology, vascular, and orthopedics. MedTech firms are strategically aligning for customer success. In 2023, Terumo and Siemens Healthineers India have formed a partnership to enhance cardiac care in India. This collaboration involves joint efforts in areas such as physician training and development, accessibility to advanced medical technologies, and increased reach in Tier 2 and 3 cities. aligning for customer success. AI/ML-powered tech revolution is driving the value-based care model while assisting the provider facilities with more precise and personalized patient care. MedTech Industry Future Growth Anchored in Precision Medicine. 2024 is expected to be a transformative year in MedTech propelled by precision medicine in a pivotal role, worldwide. This trend will be driven by the convergence of genomic datasets, innovative molecular & imaging technologies coupled with advanced data analytics algorithms. This evolution is particularly evident through individualized patient care based on genetic, molecular, and lifestyle factors. For instance, existing cancer management approaches are getting disrupted with tailored approaches developed based on patients' unique genetic mutations. Through genomic sequencing, clinicians are utilizing more targeted therapies for cancer (such as Theranostics), thereby maximizing clinical effectiveness with lower side effects. Further, integrating AI and ML algorithms is expected to refine patient diagnostics further to result in a significantly higher accuracy with early disease detection capabilities. The global Precision medicine market is anticipated to grow at >11% Y-o-Y during 2023 - 24, reaching a market value of USD 29.1 billion. Various factors fueling this growth trajectory include a strong focus of MedTech giants on related product development (For example, GE & Philips focus on theranostics), supportive regulatory guidelines to actively deploy related modalities globally, and greater availability of patient data through wearables and digital health apps. Therefore, overall, the strategic outlook in 2024 is anticipated to observe a paradigm shift toward a more effective, personalized, and patient centric healthcare model that will result in reduced healthcare costs and higher margins for caregivers. Some of the other key trends that the MedTech industry is likely to witness in 2024: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making significant contributions to various aspects of MedTech, enhancing diagnostics, patient screening, personalized medicine, and therapeutic modalities. According to recent data, over half of the global healthcare organizations intend to deploy AI plans and widely utilize the technology by 2025. Below are most anticipated growth areas to look out for in 2024: AI In radiology is emerging as "2nd opinion expert" within hospitals and diagnostic centers, with GE, Philips, and Siemens expected to be the front runners. Remote patient monitoring space to garner higher investor confidence in 2024: Mainly driven by higher patient adoption, greater reimbursements, and increasingly supportive govt policies. Augmented reality (AR) becomes extended reality (XR): AR/VR moving beyond immersive experience and moving towards key disease areas. Non-Healthcare companies such as Meta, Google, and Apple are front runners in 2024, along with traditional med-tech companies like Stryker (Mako). ESG becomes a foundation of MedTech strategy, shaping responsible innovation and patient-centered focus as well as institutional KPI's. Request FREE Sample Pages Now: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=64921163 Key MedTech Industry Market Players The prominent MedTech players include Abbott (US), Becton Dickinson (US), Boston Scientific Corporation (US), Cardinal Health (US), Fresenius Medical Care (Germany), Fujifilm Corporation (Japan), GE Healthcare (US), Johnson & Johnson (Japan), Medtronic (Ireland), Philips Healthcare (Netherlands), Roche (Switzerland), Samsung Medical (South Korea), Siemens Healthineers (Germany), and Stryker Corporation (US), among others. In 2023, industry leaders strived to maintain their competitive leadership positions with product launches, technological advancements, regulatory approvals, and strategic deals. In 2024, key players will continue investments in research and development (R&D), product differentiation in imaging and surgical applications, greater portability of medical devices, and focus on AI-based unique offerings. Related Reports: The Global Biotechnology Outlook 2024 About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/global-medtech-industry-outlook.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-medtech-industry-outlook-2024--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302018882.html Regulatory News: Mercialys (Paris:MERY) has achieved second place in the benchmark for the representation of women in management structures on the SBF 120 for the second consecutive year. This ranking recognizes the results achieved by Mercialys under its dedicated policy to ensure gender equality across all dimensions of the Company. Launched in 2013 in connection with monitoring the French Cope-Zimmermann Act, this annual ranking, commissioned by the French Ministry for Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination, assesses the commitment by companies from the SBF 120 to supporting the representation of women in their management structures and, more widely, gender equality in the workplace. Specifically, this benchmark measures the percentage of women in management structures and leadership roles, as well as fair pay and efforts to raise awareness and provide training for management structures on parity aspects. Mercialys' excellent ranking reflects the best practices put in place by its governance structures, with a Board of Directors that has ensured parity since 2017, while 56% of its current directors are women, and a Management Committee in which more than 60% of its members are women. The balanced representation of women in key governance and operational management positions and a remuneration policy that is centered around equality are integral parts of the Company's core objectives. In addition to a clear logic for fairness, Mercialys views diversity as a key catalyst for innovation and performance to further strengthen its leading position on the retail real estate market. Elizabeth Blaise, Deputy Chief Executive Officer: "We are honored to have made the podium in this benchmark. Our ranking recognizes the tangible results achieved through Mercialys' commitment to gender equality. This commitment is guided by not only a moral principle, but also a firm belief that the rich perspectives opened up by a diverse team support our Company's model. Businesses are at the heart of the societal challenge of equality, and Mercialys is dedicated to playing a full and proactive role within this". This press release is available on www.mercialys.com. About Mercialys Mercialys is one of France's leading real estate companies. It is specialized in the holding, management and transformation of retail spaces, anticipating consumer trends, on its own behalf and for third parties. At June 30, 2023, Mercialys had a real estate portfolio valued at Euro 3.0 billion (including transfer taxes). Its portfolio of 2,054 leases represents an annualized rental base of Euro 172.8 million. Mercialys has been listed on the stock market since October 12, 2005 (ticker: MERY) and has "SIIC" real estate investment trust (REIT) tax status. Part of the SBF 120 and Euronext Paris Compartment B, it had 93,886,501 shares outstanding at June 30, 2023. IMPORTANT INFORMATION This press release contains certain forward-looking statements regarding future events, trends, projects or targets. These forward-looking statements are subject to identified and unidentified risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Mercialys' Universal Registration Document available at www.mercialys.com for the year ended December 31, 2022 for more details regarding certain factors, risks and uncertainties that could affect Mercialys' business. Mercialys makes no undertaking in any form to publish updates or adjustments to these forward-looking statements, nor to report new information, new future events or any other circumstances that might cause these statements to be revised. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231219477296/en/ Contacts: Analyst and investor Olivier Pouteau Tel: +33 (0)6 30 13 27 31 opouteau@mercialys.com Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, December 19 For immediate release 19 December 2023 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 98,620 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 851.59 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17 January 2023. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 26,240,864; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 198,750,439. The figure of 198,750,439 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 STOCKHOLM, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the implementation of the two new incentive programs adopted by the Annual Shareholders' Meeting of EQT AB held on 30 May 2023 ("EQT Share Program" and "EQT Option Program", respectively), the Board of EQT AB has today resolved, by virtue of the authorizations granted by the Annual Shareholders' Meeting, to (i) issue 59,306,376 class C2 shares, increasing the share capital with approximately SEK 5,965,964.95, (ii) repurchase all class C2 shares and (iii) reclassify all class C2 shares into ordinary shares. After the issuance, repurchase and reclassification, the total number of shares in EQT is 1,245,929,967 shares, of which 1,244,700,306 are ordinary shares and 1,229,661 are class C-shares. The 59,306,376 ordinary shares issued will be held in treasury, and over time delivered to participants, based on the outcome of the incentive programs. EQT holds 1,800,000 ordinary shares in treasury since before and will, after the issuance, repurchase and reclassification, hold 61,106,376 ordinary shares in treasury. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB subscribed for all class C2 shares at a subscription price corresponding to the quota value. All class C2 shares have thereafter, in accordance with the Board's resolution, been repurchased by EQT AB for the same price. Following the repurchase, all class C2 shares have been reclassified into ordinary shares. The purpose of the issuance, repurchase and reclassification is to ensure that ordinary shares are available, as required, to be delivered to participants in the EQT Share Program and EQT Option Program, respectively. Contact Olof Svensson, Head of Shareholder Relations, +46 72 989 09 15 EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/3896437/2505660.pdf Press release 20231219 https://news.cision.com/eqt/i/eqt-ab-group,c3250706 EQT AB Group View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/issuance-repurchase-and-reclassification-of-class-c2-shares-under-the-eqt-share-program-and-eqt-option-program-302019274.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / Long before technologies like ChatGPT and Midjourney exploded onto the scene, artificial intelligence (AI) was already an integral part of our daily work. From predictive analytics to process automation, AI's capabilities have reshaped the business world, taking on a host of labor-intensive, repetitive tasks and freeing up workers for higher-level innovation. As much as both workers and industry benefit from AI's expanding reach, it's essential to consider its wider implications, particularly its environmental impact on water resources. The Water-Intensive Reality of AI While the benefits of AI are undeniable, there's a significant downside that demands attention - its water consumption. New research has highlighted the extensive water usage associated with training and deploying AI models within data centers. A study conducted by the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Texas, Arlington revealed astonishing figures: Training GPT-3 in a state-of-the-art US data center could directly consume 700,000 liters of clean freshwater - an amount equivalent to that used for the manufacture of 370 BMW cars or 320 Tesla electric vehicles. Even seemingly minor AI interactions, such as a simple ChatGPT conversation, come with a water footprint, and with millions of users worldwide, this adds up. The trickle-down effect of AI water usage Environmental concerns extend beyond AI's immediate users. In 2021 alone, Google's US data centers were projected to consume billions of liters of fresh water for cooling purposes. This exponential growth in AI coincides with a looming global water crisis, with over half of the world's population predicted to face severe water stress by 2030. The urgency to address AI's role in water shortages is evident, especially as these tech giants strive to achieve "water positive" status by 2030, committing to replenishing more water than they consume. Assessing AI Sustainability A proactive approach that aligns AI initiatives with environmental stewardship can reinforce your organization's sustainability commitments and safeguard your ESG rating. Achieving this alignment requires an ethical and functional assessment of your water practices. Key questions to consider AI can be leveraged in many ways within the workplace from automating tasks to processing data to running chatbots and more, it's your responsibility as a business leader to understand the environmental implications of using AI. The following questions are a good starting point for gaining clarity about your implementation of AI and its impact on water. Are there alternatives to water cooling that we may want to explore? How does the integration of AI align with our organization's broader sustainability and environmental goals? Are our AI initiatives consistent with our commitment to responsible resource management and reduced ecological impact? Are we accounting for both direct and indirect water consumption across the AI lifecycle, including training, inference, and data center operations? Have we explored and considered AI technologies that exhibit lower water consumption without compromising performance? Have we evaluated the risk of exacerbating water scarcity issues in regions where our AI technologies will be deployed? How can we strike a balance between optimizing carbon efficiency and minimizing water consumption? Download our Water Risk Assessment Methodology to learn more. Indirect water impact Water is a shared resource and the impacts of using AI extend beyond the four walls of your business operations. To account for your organization's AI use, a comprehensive assessment should be conducted. This assessment involves a multifaceted evaluation of how AI implementation interacts with existing water systems and availability. Here are key steps to consider. Water footprint analysis: Conduct a comprehensive analysis to quantify the water footprint associated with various AI processes and technologies. This analysis should encompass the entire lifecycle of AI deployment, from data center operations to energy consumption. Conduct a comprehensive analysis to quantify the water footprint associated with various AI processes and technologies. This analysis should encompass the entire lifecycle of AI deployment, from data center operations to energy consumption. Scenario modeling: Create models that simulate the potential effects of increased AI implementation on water usage and availability in different scenarios. This involves considering factors such as the scale of AI deployment, geographical location, and the status of the local water supply. Create models that simulate the potential effects of increased AI implementation on water usage and availability in different scenarios. This involves considering factors such as the scale of AI deployment, geographical location, and the status of the local water supply. Regional water assessment: Collaborate with local water management authorities and experts to understand the existing water challenges in the regions where AI technologies are being deployed. This partnership can provide valuable insights into potential conflicts or synergies between AI deployment and water availability. Collaborate with local water management authorities and experts to understand the existing water challenges in the regions where AI technologies are being deployed. This partnership can provide valuable insights into potential conflicts or synergies between AI deployment and water availability. Life cycle analysis: Consider the entire life cycle of AI technologies, from raw material extraction for hardware production to end-of-life disposal. Analyze how each phase of the life cycle contributes to indirect water consumption. Consider the entire life cycle of AI technologies, from raw material extraction for hardware production to end-of-life disposal. Analyze how each phase of the life cycle contributes to indirect water consumption. Risk evaluation: Identify potential risks associated with increased AI implementation, such as the exacerbation of water scarcity issues or conflicts with other water-intensive industries. Evaluate the likelihood and severity of these risks to inform decision-making. Committing to Sustainable AI AI clearly isn't going anywhere, and it can be a valuable tool that will change the way we work. As a responsible business leader, it's up to you to find the most sustainable approach to adding AI to your suite of business technology. To ensure that your AI investment promotes sustainable water use practices, consider the following steps. Evaluate AI solutions: Before implementing AI technologies, assess their water footprint. Choose solutions that demonstrate efficient water usage and prioritize vendors committed to sustainable practices. Water-aware AI features: Opt for AI models and technologies that offer features for optimizing water consumption. Look for options that allow scheduling AI tasks during water-efficient hours or locations. Data center considerations: If applicable, partner with data centers that prioritize water-efficient cooling methods and employ renewable energy sources to power AI processes. Read: Saving Water from the Digital Cloud: the Water-Energy Nexus in Data Centers Monitor and optimize: Implement real-time monitoring of AI processes' water consumption. Use data-driven insights to identify areas for optimization and minimize water waste. Transparent reporting: Include water consumption data in your organization's sustainability reports. Transparency demonstrates a commitment to responsible AI adoption and encourages accountability. Educational initiatives: Raise awareness within your organization about the importance of sustainable AI adoption. Provide training and resources that empower decision-makers to make environmentally conscious choices. Lobby for change: Advocate for industry-wide standards and regulations that promote water-conscious AI adoption. Participate in discussions with regulatory bodies to influence policies that incentivize sustainable practices. Legislative Action Encouraging Sustainable AI In recognition of AI's potential contribution to water shortages, governments and regulatory bodies are taking steps to ensure that technological progress aligns with sustainable practices. Several jurisdictions have begun considering the water consumption of AI technologies as part of their legislative agendas. For instance, in regions where data centers are concentrated, legislators are recognizing the significant water usage associated with AI operations. Proposed legislation in areas such as Virginia requires thorough assessments of the environmental impact of data centers, including their water usage, carbon emissions, and impacts on agriculture. These initiatives highlight a growing awareness of the need to integrate environmental considerations into the development and deployment of AI solutions. Read: ESG Considerations for Data Centers: Leading the Way to a Sustainable Digital Future Sustainability consulting for ethical AI integration Organizations can play a pivotal role in mitigating AI's impact on water resources by proactively seeking the guidance of experts and making a commitment to responsible technology integration. For companies committed to corporate responsibility, sustainability consulting provides a clear path forward. Engaging with experts well-versed in the intricacies of AI's environmental impact helps organizations integrate technology while upholding ethical and sustainable practices. Discover how Antea Group's sustainability consulting services can help you align your AI initiatives with global water conservation efforts. About Antea Group AnteaGroup is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world's most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com.? View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Antea Group on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Antea Group Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Antea Group View the original press release on accesswire.com BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust Plc - Result of AGM PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, December 19 BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc LEI - 5493003R8FJ6I76ZUW55 Results of Annual General Meeting BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc announces that, at the Annual General Meeting held on 12 December, all 15 resolutions were duly passed on a poll. These results were published on the Company's website on 12 December and can be found at https://www.blackrock.com/uk/literature/proxy-statement/blackrock-greater-europe-investment-trust-plc-agm-proxy-voting-results-2023.pdf The full text of the resolutions can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting set out in the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2023, which has previously been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and is available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism The results of the poll were as follows: Votes For % Votes Against % % of Available Voting Rights* Votes Withheld Resolution 1 13,487,727 99.97 3,739 0.03 13.38 10,210 Resolution 2 13,271,586 98.92 144,925 1.08 13.31 87,821 Resolution 3 13,284,558 99.11 119,180 0.89 13.30 97,594 Resolution 4 13,493,695 99.98 2,936 0.02 13.39 7,701 Resolution 5 13,392,057 99.57 58,140 0.43 13.34 54,135 Resolution 6 12,037,463 91.92 1,058,130 8.08 12.99 405,789 Resolution 7 13,404,921 99.69 41,385 0.31 13.34 58,026 Resolution 8 13,408,878 99.71 39,615 0.29 13.34 55,839 Resolution 9 13,412,957 99.62 51,275 0.38 13.36 40,100 Resolution 10 13,455,360 99.80 27,351 0.20 13.37 21,621 Resolution 11 13,419,473 99.55 60,696 0.45 13.37 24,163 Resolution 12 13,334,546 98.98 137,984 1.02 13.36 31,802 Resolution 13 11,918,447 88.51 1,547,677 11.49 13.36 38,208 Resolution 14 13,441,550 99.73 36,344 0.27 13.37 26,438 Resolution 15 13,443,930 99.73 36,344 0.27 13.37 24,058 *Available Voting Rights equals 100,812,161 19 December 2023 ISELIN, N.J., Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aarav Solutions, a leader in IT Consulting and Product Engineering Services, today announced a significant step in its organizational growth and strategic development. Raj Darji, CEO of Aarav Solutions, announced the promotion of Bhavin Patel to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). "Bhavin Patel has been a cornerstone in our journey towards operational excellence and innovation," said Raj Darji, CEO of Aarav Solutions. "His promotion to COO is a reflection of his outstanding contributions and our commitment to nurturing talent within our organization. Bhavin's exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and deep industry knowledge have been pivotal in our success. I am confident that in his new role, Bhavin will drive our strategic vision forward, optimizing our processes and enhancing client satisfaction." In his new role as COO, Bhavin Patel will oversee the operations of Aarav Solutions, playing a key role in developing and executing business strategies that drive growth and profitability. He will also focus on customer success strategies, including retention, renewals, and rationalization, while building and leading a high-performing operational team. "I am profoundly honored to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer at Aarav Solutions," said Bhavin Patel. "Over the past two years, our journey together has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to embark on this new chapter with a team that exemplifies dedication, innovation, and excellence. As we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry, my focus will be on enhancing our operational efficiencies, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, and driving strategic initiatives that further our commitment to client success and organizational growth." Raj Darji added, "As we chart the course for Aarav Solutions' future, I am confident that Bhavin's leadership will be instrumental in leading our organization to new heights of success. I look forward to working closely with him in his new capacity." Bhavin will continue to be based in London. About Aarav Solutions With offices and operations strategically located in the USA, Canada, the UK, Singapore, and India, Aarav Solutions is well-positioned to offer specialized IT consulting and digital transformation services globally. The organization serves a wide-ranging and diverse client base, which includes industries such as Telecommunications, Banking and finance, Government, Power, and Utilities, among various other B2B segments. The company recently launched its Co-create labs , a paradigm shift in delivering IT services. For more information, visit www.aaravsolutions.com or contact@aaravsolutions.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2304496/Aarav_Solutions_COO_Bhavin_Patel.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aarav-solutions-announces-bhavin-patel-as-new-chief-operating-officer-302019345.html Patients are willing to share their medical records with digital health apps if doing so will support their care but will not ask their doctor questions through the patient portal if forced to pay for those messages BOSTON, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Outcomes4Me Inc. , the developer of the first direct-to-patient, personalized, and evidence-based cancer navigation platform, announced today the results of its second annual State of Patient Empowerment Report. The report is based upon a survey of more than 450 breast cancer patients and data from more than 850 medical records requests across 667 medical centers in every U.S. state. The study uncovered that only half of patients (51%) felt their care team was fully accessible to answer questions during active treatment and only a third of patients were fully satisfied with the information they received from their care team during both active treatment and survivorship. Specifically, patients reported that their own life goals and preferences were not systematically discussed during treatment: Only 18% of patients were informed about how their treatment might affect pain management Only 36% of patients were informed about how their treatment might influence their reconstruction options Only 42% of patients were informed about how their treatment could contribute to lymphedema At the same time, many patients were not presented with the latest, evidence-based options to guide their treatment choices. For example: only 28% of patients were alerted to clinical trials as a treatment option, despite the fact that clinical trials are considered as an important treatment option and are often the best approach to manage patients with cancer according to the NCCN. "We are committed to measuring patient empowerment within cancer each year," said Maya R. Said, Sc.D., Founder and CEO at Outcomes4Me. "Unfortunately, we uncovered that little has changed since last year when it comes to patient-provider relationships and patient access to innovation. Patients remain at a disadvantage if they rely solely upon their provider for information to guide their care. Strains on the healthcare system and staffing challenges within the oncology workforce, combined with the fact that the majority of cancer patients receive their care in a community-oncology setting, lead to significant knowledge disparities among cancer patients." Information challenges are coupled with some patients' inability to access their own health data in a timely fashion. Even though under the Cures Act patients are entitled to their medical records within 30 days of requesting them, the study found that only 45% of all medical records requests are fulfilled within that timeframe and, overall, only 42% of all institutions are fully compliant with the law. Information and access gaps are driving self-advocacy online: 69% of patients use online resources at least several times a week to manage their care, while 34% of patients sought a second opinion from another provider. Additionally, 60% of patients in active treatment said they would be prevented from asking questions through a health portal if they were charged money for doing so; and, 87% of patients are seeking further information about their cancer from sources other than their care team. The report also revealed that many patients are using the information they get to proactively shape their care. For example, more than a third of patients learned about clinical trials through online resources and 1 in 4 discussions about clinical trials between patients and physicians about clinical trials was initiated by the patient. Additionally, more than half of patients would be willing to share their medical records with an online platform if doing so would help them to manage their cancer care. "Despite all of the challenges they face, our data shows that patients are taking a proactive approach to their care," Dr. Said continued. "While this year's study provides many sobering statistics about all of the work we have left to do, I am energized by patients' embrace of and reliance on technology to ensure they can be true partners in their care experiences, which will ultimately close the care gap within cancer." To review the comprehensive data analysis and access the complete 2023 State of Patient Empowerment Report, please visit www.outcomes4me.com/patientempowerment/ . About Outcomes4Me Outcomes4Me is an AI-driven patient empowerment platform that helps cancer patients take a proactive approach to their care, gaining access to personalized, evidence-based treatment options and information. The company is on a mission to democratize healthcare by providing real-time, evidence-based clinical information to cancer patients, ensuring they can effectively navigate through their disease and improve their outcomes. In doing so, Outcomes4Me is working to promote health equity by generating deeper insights that improve care, and accelerating research and access to innovation. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Outcomes4Me is a woman-led company of seasoned healthcare, oncology, pharmaceutical, consumer and technology veterans. For more information, visit www.outcomes4me.com . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-study-finds-the-majority-of-cancer-patients-use-online-resources-at-least-several-times-a-week-to-manage-their-care-302019367.html Legal Assistant Amie Douglass, currently employed at Saluda Law, LLC, obtains Associates in Applied Science, Paralegal from Midlands Technical College. LEXINGTON, SC / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / Saluda Law, LLC is pleased to announce that Legal Assistant Amie Douglass has obtained her Associates in Applied Science, Paralegal from Midlands Technical College. This educational achievement is the result of Douglass' hard work and commitment to her education while maintaining employment. Saluda Law, LLC is excited about this development and the positive impact it will have on fulfilling the firm's commitment to serving its clients. Attorney Judah VanSyckel Whistleblower Attorney Judah VanSyckel at his desk. Black and white photo. Douglass works with Attorney Judah VanSyckel out of the Lexington, South Carolina office. Her duties are wide reaching and she is often the first point of contact for many of the firm's clients. Douglass has experience with criminal defense matters and civil cases. She has significant experience in gathering discovery from the various prosecutors' offices in the numerous criminal matters that the firm handles. In the civil justice arena, she has experience working on False Claims Act cases and other civil matters like personal injury cases such as car wreck cases that the firm handles. Prior to beginning work as a Legal Assistant, Douglass had significant managerial and customer service experience in the food and beverage industry. Saluda Law, LLC's core practice areas include criminal defense and whistleblower matters. The firm's criminal practice has included clients whose charges were in the South Carolina Summary, Family, and Circuit Courts and the Federal District Court for the District of South Carolina. The firm's whistleblower practice includes False Claims Act qui tam cases, FIRREA/FIAFEA matters, and IRS Whistleblower matters. Other matters are considered on a case-by-case basis, including personal injury cases, such as car wrecks, truck wrecks, and catastrophic injury cases. Saluda Law, LLC has also recently filed several lawsuits that included claims under the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act (SCUTPA). VanSyckel has experience with both criminal and civil matters in federal and state courts. He has represented defendants charged with white-collar offenses like money laundering, unlicensed money transfer business, wire fraud, and theft of government property. He has filed multiple False Claims Act lawsuits in the Federal District Court for the District of South Carolina as part of his whistleblower practice. VanSyckel has also represented defendants charged with murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, breach of trust, obtaining goods under false pretenses, DUI, and other offenses. Admitted to practice in the state courts of South Carolina, VanSyckel is also admitted to the Federal District Court for the District of South Carolina, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Saluda Law, LLC has one primary office and two satellite locations. VanSyckel's primary office is located at 137 E. Main Street, Office 1, Lexington, SC 29072, and can be reached by phone at 803-939-6927. The firm has a satellite office in Saluda, SC at 109 West Church Street, Saluda, SC 29138, and can be reached at 864-803-5575. This location is currently open for video conference, telephone conference, and in-person meetings by appointment only. The firm also has a satellite office in McCormick, SC which is located at 119a N. Main Street, McCormick, SC 29835, and it is also open by appointment and can be reached by telephone at 864-465-4092. Contact Information: Teresa Pierce Legal Assistant teresa@saludalaw.com 803-939-6927 Amie Douglass Legal Assistant amie@saludalaw.com 803-939-6927 SOURCE: Saluda Law, LLC View the original press release on newswire.com. The collaboration focuses on applied research and innovation to spur actionable insights that help drive progress in social sustainability. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for driving market transformation toward healthy buildings, organizations and communities, and GRESB, the global ESG benchmark for real estate and infrastructure, announced today a strategic partnership to accelerate social sustainability by improving reporting and disclosure capabilities across key social factors, including health, equity and well-being. With heightened societal expectations and an evolving regulatory landscape, companies and their investors are increasingly motivated to address social sustainability, the "S" in ESG. To help investors, fund managers and companies prioritize social sustainability, the IWBI-GRESB partnership will seek to: Develop resources to help investors, companies and asset operators incorporate social performance into the investment engagement process Co-create a social sustainability dashboard with performance indicators utilizing data from the GRESB Real Estate Assessment. Convene stakeholders to explore best practices and reporting structures that support social components and interventions that address social sustainability. Provide other supporting materials to help investors use information from the GRESB and IWBI social sustainability reports and tools. "Through the rapid global adoption of the WELL Building Standard, the world's leading standard focused on advancing people's health and well-being, IWBI is at the vanguard of helping organizations around the world deliver on strategies to strengthen social sustainability," said Chris Pyke, Chief Innovation Officer, GRESB. "Our new partnership will allow us to create new tools to help investors understand and advance the social sustainability of real asset companies and funds around the world." As defined by the UN Global Compact, social sustainability is the process of identifying and managing business impacts, both positive and negative, on people. Social sustainability is the core of the "S" component of ESG. These aspects of ESG have been shown to correlate with commercial opportunities and risks facing real asset investors and managers. "With unprecedented speed, GRESB has positioned its pioneering ESG benchmark for real estate and infrastructure as the premier go-to framework, gaining universal recognition by investors and extending its influence to nearly all corners of the globe," said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, IWBI. "Through this strategic partnership with GRESB, we are seizing the moment to accelerate progress in social sustainability, creating new tools to help investors and managers deliver positive impacts for people and communities." Integrating a stronger emphasis on health, well-being and social equity within sustainability strategies and reporting will also help close the gaps in existing ESG frameworks around social sustainability. "Our collaboration with GRESB is poised to help shape the future of prioritizing people and social performance," said Kelly Worden, Vice President of ESG, IWBI. "By working together, we can serve as a pivotal force in promoting this shared mission, helping guide investors and organizations in navigating the complexities of social sustainability." The WELL Standard is the leading global framework for scaling health across buildings, organizations and communities. Developed over a decade and backed by more than 7,000 studies and other evidence demonstrating the latest scientific research, the WELL Standard outlines key building-level interventions and organizational strategies across 10 categories: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind and Community. Today, WELL is being used in more than 125 countries, by more than 25% of the Fortune 500 companies and across 4.9 billion square feet of real estate. About International WELL Building Institute: The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the world's leading organization focused on deploying people first places to advance a global culture of health. IWBI mobilizes its community through the administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and its WELL ratings, management of the WELL AP credential, the pursuit of applicable research, the development of educational resources, and advocacy for policies that promote health and well-being everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here. International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, , Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries. Media contact: media@wellcertified.com View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International WELL Building Institute on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: International WELL Building Institute Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-well-building-institute Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: International WELL Building Institute View the original press release on accesswire.com ST. JOHN'S, NL / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV:SIC)(OTCQB:SICNF) ("Sokoman" or the "Company") today announces that, further to its November 29, 2023 and December 6, 2023 news releases, it has filed documents with the TSX Venture Exchange seeking final approval to close their private placement financing (the "Financing"). The Financing consists of 53,892,847 $0.065 flow-through units (the "FT Units") and 3,200,000 $0.065 non flow-through units (the "NFT Units") for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,711,035. Each FT Unit consists of one flow-through common share of the Company entitling the holder to receive the tax benefits applicable to flow-through shares in accordance with provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and one-half of a common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"), each full Warrant being exercisable for one additional common share of the Company, each of which will not qualify as a flow-through share, at an exercise price of $0.13 for 12 months from the date of issue. Each NFT Unit consists of 1 common share of the Company and 1 common share purchase warrant (the "NFT Warrants"), each NFT Warrant being exercisable for an additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.13 for 24 months from the date of issuance. Three (3) insiders have subscribed for $29,500 or 453,846 FT Units, that portion of the Private Placement a "related party transaction" as such term is defined under MI-61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation requirement of MI-61-101 under sections 5.5(a) and (b) of MI-61-101 in respect of the transaction as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves the interested party, is not more than 25% of the Company's market capitalization. All securities issued pursuant to the FT Financing and the NFT Financing (together the "Financings") will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period. In connection with the Financings, the Company is paying finders' fees in cash and broker warrants as permitted by the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") as follows: GloRes Securities Inc.: $54,795.30 and 841,620 broker warrants, exercisable at $0.10 for 12 months Marquest Asset Management Inc.: $12,675 and 195,000 broker warrants, exercisable at $0.10 for 12 months Castlewood Capital Corporation $24,000.60 and 369,240 broker warrants, exercisable at $0.10 for 12 months Stonegate Securities Ltd. $24,000.60 and 369,240 broker warrants, exercisable at $0.10 for 12 months Haywood Securities Inc. $780 and 12,000 broker warrants, exercisable at $0.10 for 12 months CIBC Private Wealth Management $1,170 and 18,000 broker warrants, exercisable at $0.10 for 12 months KJ Harrison Partners Inc. $1,560 and 24,000 broker warrants, exercisable at $0.10 for 12 months Accilent Capital Management $4,500.60 and 69,240 broker warrants, exercisable at $0.10 for 12 months RedPlug Inc. $49,920 and 768,000 broker warrants, exercisable at $0.10 for 12 months BMO Nesbitt Burns $5,850 The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the FT Units, pursuant to the provisions in the Income Tax Act (Canada), to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as both terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") on or before December 31, 2024, and to renounce all of the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Units effective December 31, 2023. The Company intends to spend approximately 25% of the gross proceeds on the Fleur de Lys Gold project, and the remaining balance on its flagship Moosehead Gold project. About Sokoman Minerals Corp. Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company with projects in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects; the 100% flagship, advanced-stage Moosehead, as well as the Crippleback Lake; and East Alder (optioned to Canterra Minerals Corporation) along the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte in northwestern Newfoundland, that is targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. The Company also recently entered into a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three, large-scale, joint-venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland. Sokoman now controls, independently and through the Benton alliance, over 150,000 hectares (>6,000 claims - 1500 sq. km), making it one of the largest landholders in Newfoundland, in Canada's newest and rapidly emerging gold districts. In October 2023, Sokoman and Benton completed an agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc., a major developer of lithium projects and processing plants in the USA, and exactly the right partner to have to advance the lithium project. The agreement provides for Piedmont to earn up to 62.5% of the Killick Lithium Project (formerly Golden Hope project) by funding up to $12 million in exploration expenses and issuing $10 million common shares in three stages. The Killick Lithium Project has been transferred to Killick Lithium Inc. (Killick), a 100%-owned subsidiary of Vinland Lithium Inc. (Vinland). Newly created Vinland has received $2 million in financing from Piedmont for a 19.9% interest, with the balance of ownership between Sokoman and Benton. Sokoman and Benton will continue to operate the exploration efforts at Killick through the earn-in stages. Sokoman and Benton will retain a royalty of 2% NSR on future production. Piedmont will have exclusive marketing rights for the promotion and sale of any lithium products produced from the Project on a life-of-mine basis, and the right of first refusal on 100% offtake rights to the lithium concentrates. The Company also retains a 1% NSR interest in an early-stage antimony/gold project (Startrek) in Newfoundland, optioned to Thunder Gold Corp (formerly White Metal Resources Inc.), and in Labrador, the Company has a 100% interest in the Iron Horse (Fe) project which has Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) potential. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property. The Company would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for past financial support of the Moosehead and Fleur de Lys gold projects through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program. For more information, please contact: Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President & CEO? T: 709-765-1726 E: tim@sokomanmineralscorp.com Cathy Hume, VP Corporate Development, Director? T: 416-868-1079 x 251 E: cathy@chfir.com Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.com Twitter: @SokomanMinerals Facebook: @SokomanMinerals LinkedIn: @SokomanMineralsCorp 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. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Sokoman Minerals Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Sokoman Minerals Corp. SOURCE: Sokoman Minerals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com WINNIPEG, MB / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / FP NEWSPAPERS INC. (TSXV:FP) ("FPI") is pleased to announce that FP Canadian Newspapers Limited Partnership ("the Company") unionized employees located at the Winnipeg Free Press have ratified a new 3-year collective agreement which provides wage increases, as well as benefits improvements for all employees, including part-time employees, and outside carriers. The new agreement provides inside union employees with a general wage increase of 8.75% over the next 3-year period. The agreement was ratified by its union members on December 10, 2023, with a 94.5% acceptance of the Company's proposal. "We are pleased to have reached a fair and reasonable outcome," said Dave Kreklewetz, Chief Financial Officer, FP Newspapers Inc.. "Despite the continued challenges imposed daily on the newspaper industry, the company remained committed to bargaining in good faith and make every effort to present a reasonable and sustainable offer to meet the needs of both its valued employees and the business. The overwhelming support from the union reflects the fact the company met the needs of its employees, and we look forward to having this strong working relationship serve our growing audience." About FPI FPI owns securities entitling it to 49% of the distributable cash of FP Canadian Newspapers Limited Partnership ("FPLP"). FPLP owns the Winnipeg Free Press, the Brandon Sun, and their related businesses, as well as the Canstar Community News division, the publisher of six community newspapers in the Winnipeg region, and The Carillon in Steinbach with its related commercial printing operations. The businesses employ 364 full-time equivalent people in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Steinbach Manitoba. Further information can be found at www.fpnewspapers.com and in disclosure documents filed by FPI with the securities regulatory authorities, available at www.sedar.com. For further information please contact: Dave Kreklewetz, CFO FP NEWSPAPERS INC. Phone: 204-771-1897 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding management's intent, belief or current expectations with respect to market and general economic conditions, future costs and operating performance. Generally, but not always, forward-looking statements will be indicated by words such as "may", "will", "intend", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "plan", "forecast", "expects" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of FPI, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Certain risks and uncertainties are discussed in FPI's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. In addition, although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon assumptions that management of FPI believe to be reasonable, such assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, FPI assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Because forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, readers should not place undue reliance on them. SOURCE: FP Newspapers Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Fresh Express has recalled spinach distributed to seven states as it may contain listeria, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Although there have been no reports of illness, the recall was initiated after routine sampling conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture yielded a positive result for Listeria in a single randomly selected package of spinach. The recalled products were sold in 8-ounce Fresh Express bags, as well as 9-ounce bags under the Publix brand name. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The two recalled spinach items were distributed to retailers in seven states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Fresh Express has notified retailers so they can pull the product off of shelves, and have also asked customers to throw away the bag if they have purchased it. Refunds are available both from the place of purchase and by calling Fresh Express. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / Pampa Metals Corp. ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") (CSE:PM)(FSE:FIR)(OTCQB:PMMCF) is pleased to announce that, in response to strong demand, it has upsized the fully subscribed non-brokered private placement (the "Placement") announced on December 8, 2023. The Placement will now consist of 10,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.16 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $1,600,000. Each Unit will consist of one fully paid common share and a half share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant (a "Warrant") shall entitle the holder to acquire an additional common share at a price of $0.30 for a period of 3 years after the closing of the Placement. The first tranche of the Placement will close on Wednesday 20 December, with a second and final tranche anticipated to close on Friday 22 December. Proceeds of the Placement will fund follow-up diamond drilling at the newly acquired Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project, where the Company recently reported 130m from 362m @ 1.31% CuEq*, within a broader interval of 558m from 362m @ 0.73% CuEq* which remains open at depth (refer 5 December 2023 News Release). Preparatory work is underway, and drilling is scheduled to commence in mid-January. Joseph van den Elsen, the Company's President and CEO, stated: "We are delighted with the market response to our newly acquired flagship project and demand for the Placement. Having already mobilized, we look forward to follow-up testing of the depth and lateral extension of the relatively shallow and significant, high-grade intervals of reported mineralization at Piuquenes and the development of an aggressive, multi-campaign exploration program." In connection with the Placement, the Company will pay finder's fees of up to 7% in cash and 7% in finder's warrants from the sale of Units to third parties sourced by finders. Finder's warrants will be on the same terms as those issued under the Placement. Any securities issued in connection with the Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period, in accordance with securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, as applicable. The latest Company Presentation can be accessed at https://pampametals.com/investor/. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO INVESTORS CONTACT Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO Joseph@pampametals.com ABOUT PAMPA METALS Pampa Metals is listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE:FIR), and OTC (OTCQB:PMMCF) exchanges, and wholly owns a portfolio of projects highly prospective for copper, molybdenum, and gold along proven and highly productive mineral belts in Chile, the world's largest copper producer. In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option & JV Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. Qualified Person Technical information in this news release has been approved by Mario Orrego G, Geologist and a Registered Member of the Chilean Mining Commission and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Orrego is a consultant to the Company. * %CuEq values are calculated based on copper and gold metal prices: Cu = US$3.20/lb, Au = US$1,700/oz and Ag = US$ 20/oz. The formula utilized to calculate %CuEq is: Cu Eq Grade (%) = Cu Head Grade (%) + [(Au Head Grade (g/t) / 31.104) * (Au Price (US$/oz) / Cu Price (US$/lb) / 22.04) + [(Ag Head Grade (g/t) / 31.104) * (Ag Price (US$/oz) / Cu Price (US$/lb) / 22.04. Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals expects to occur, including the expectation of a fully subscribed Placement, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Pampa Metals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Japan will on Wednesday release November numbers for imports, exports and trade balance, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Imports are expected to sink 8.6 percent on year after dropping 12.5 percent in October. Exports are called higher by an annual 1.5 percent, easing from 1.6 percent in the previous month. The trade deficit is pegged at 962.4 billion yen following the 661.0 billion yen shortfall a month earlier. Taiwan will see November figures for export orders; in October, orders were down 4.6 percent on year. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. In a remarkable display of creativity and dedication, Brookside Commerce, an esteemed assisted-living community in Commerce, Georgia, has won the coveted first-place title in the Cedar Communities' highly competitive 2023 Model Room Contest. COMMERCE, GA. / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2023 / "The Winter Wonderland-themed room at Brookside Commerce stands as a shining example of excellence and innovation. This recognition is a testament to Brookside Commerce's commitment to providing residents with an extraordinary living experience," says Kaydee Foster, Spokesperson for Cedar Communities. Winter Wonderland Brookside Commerce's Award Winning "Winter Wonderland" Room. Kaitlyn Raper, Administrator at Brookside Commerce, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment, stating, "This award reinforces Brookside Commerce as a place where warmth, elegance, and community converge. We are dedicated to creating an exceptional living environment for our residents, and this recognition from Cedar Communities is truly an honor." As Cedar Communities celebrates Brookside Commerce's triumph, they invite individuals seeking an unparalleled assisted-living experience to explore the magic of the award-winning Winter Wonderland room. Join Brookside Commerce for an exclusive tour to witness firsthand the comfort, amenities, and joy that define life in their community. Discover what makes Brookside Commerce home for many residents. Schedule your tour today and embrace a life of distinction, comfort, and community at Brookside Commerce. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact: Kaitlyn Raper Brookside Commerce 199 West W Gary Road, Commerce, GA 30529 706-336-5848 Kaitlyn@brooksidegeorgia.com www.Brooksidecommerce.com About Brookside Commerce: Brookside Commerce, located in Commerce, Georgia, is a premier assisted-living community setting the standard for excellence. Their Winter Wonderland room, crowned first place in Cedar Communities' 2023 Model Room Contest, reflects a commitment to providing an exceptional living environment. Explore the possibilities and make Brookside Commerce your next home, where comfort meets distinction. Contact Information Karen Foster Corporate Generalist and Relationship Manager karen@cedarlp.com 516-268-3400 SOURCE: Cedar Communities View the original press release on newswire.com. Argonaut Private Equity, a Tusla, Ola.-based private equity firm focused on investing in Middle America, closed Argonaut Private Equity Fund V, with $500m in capital commitments. APE V is comprised of institutional investors, including pensions, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices, among others. Since the Funds first close in 2022, Argonaut has continued to invest in its specialty niche of diversified industrial businesses across Middle America. To date, the fund has deployed approximately 39 percent of its commitments across 7 platform acquisitions, including Bandera Utility Contractors, Center Rock, Miller Contracting Services, Petroplex Acidizing., Tulsa Inspection Resources, Allstream Services & Rental, and Chemoil Energy Services. Founded in 2002 and led by Steve Mitchell, CEO and Managing Director, and Kelby Hagar, President and Managing Director, Argonaut Private Equity is a private equity firm with $2.9 billion of assets under management. Argonaut partners with companies to develop a strategy for accelerating growth and enhancing operations. Since inception, the firm has deployed over $2.5 billion across 40 platform companies while consistently creating value through hands-on operational improvements. These include implementing lean manufacturing processes, upgrading software systems, bolstering talent development, and engaging in add-on acquisitions. FinSMEs 19/12/2023 Backer, a San Francisco, CA-based fintech company focused on tax-advantaged 529 Savings Plans, raised $9.5M in funding. The round was led by WndrCo. Baker has also acquired Saving For College, a Miami, FL based provider of a 529-related media property and education savings resource for American families. Saving For College provides an education savings destination for parents and financial professionals, providing them with information and tools to understand the benefits of 529 Savings Plans and how to meet the challenge of rising college costs. Led by CEO Jordan Lee, Backer is a fintech company focused on 529 plans, which makes saving for education simple, helping families tap into tax-free investing with support from family and friends. Since its debut in 2017, the Backer consumer savings app has been used by more than 200,000 parents and kids. FinSMEs 19/12/2023 Iris&Romeo Announces Retail Expansion into Sephora And Series A Funding Partnership From True Beauty Ventures Iris&Romeo, a San Francisco, CA-based clean beauty brand, raised an undisclosed amount in Series A funding. True Beauty Ventures led the round. The company intends to use the funds to improve retail readiness through supply chain sufficiencies, elevating brand-first content, and securing key hires to complement its current team. Led by CEO Tara Desai, and founder Michele Gough-Baril, Iris&Romeo is a clean beauty brand whose products are said to be brought into the world thoughtfully, consciously, and beautifully to simplify morning routine and deliver skin wellness. The company is also launching at Sephora. FinSMEs 19/12/2023 Mobile Pixels, a Massachusetts-based provider of portable monitor solutions, raised more than $8m on Kickstarter. The funds will enable Mobile Pixels to continue to develop DUEX Float. Led by Jack Yao, Founder and CEO, Mobile Pixels is a provider of lightweight, portable laptop monitors that began its journey in June 2018, with the launch of DUO on Kickstarter. Almost immediately, the campaign achieved viral status, amassing over $1m in funding from both Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Since then, the company has launched additional six Kickstarter campaigns, introducing products like TRIO, DUEX Plus & DUEX Lite, DUEX Max, Geminos, Trio & Trio Max, and DUEX Float. The company is also backed by MIT and Northeastern. FinSMEs 19/12/2023 Partech, a Paris, France-based tech investment firm, launched its 360M venture fund. Partech Venture added a diverse cohort of investors ranging to sovereign funds and leading multinational corporates, including the likes of Allianz France, BNP Paribas, Bpifrance, CDP Venture Capital, Edenred, FDJ Ventures, JCDHolding, and Lombard Odier Investment Managers. Read more on VCWire.tech, our new website dedicated to the tech venture capital industry. FinSMEs 19/12/2023 Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan recently showered praises on cousin Ranbir Kapoor and called him a phenomenal actor. Also showering praises on her Ajnabee costar Bobby Deol, Bebo said that one cannot be a good star by simply having six packs. In an interview with the Film Companion, when asked if one needs to be a good actor to be a great star, Kareena replied, Im so happy that we are finally there. She added, If you are great, talented, and people have liked you, connected with you, stardom will follow. It is not like, Oh he has got six-pack abs, he is looking so hot, he is a big star. Arree please yaar! Sometimes, I feel like telling those actors, Please wear your T-shirt first. I cant even look at you right now. Citing the example of Bobby Deol, who was also part of the interview, she said, Now, if you are a good actor, you are going to survive a long time. While Bobby said it is a tough task for an actor to find a role which can showcase his or her talent, Bebo shared, Now Bobby is doing different characters. Now he is exploring his talent, which he always had and now finally hes getting this opportunity. You cant shut a good actor. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) On the professional front, Kareena Kapoor was last seen in her OTT debut Jaane Jaan. The Netflix movie was directed by Sujoy Ghosh of Badla and Kahaani fame. It also featured Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat in prominent roles. She will be next seen in Hansal Mehtas The Buckingham Murders. It was previously premiered at the BFI London Film Festival. Apart from this, she will also feature in The Crew and Rohit Shettys Singham Again co-starring Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar and others. With just two days left before Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, and Vicky Kaushal starrer Dunki hits theatres, a few interesting deets have come around about the film, including an unknown fact from the makers end. Recently, the cast shared a captivating video, sharing some behind-the-scenes moments while shooting for Dunki. In one such tale, the lead actors along with director Rajkumar Hirani spoke about how they shot in a real jail surrounded by real criminals. Notably, the film has created a lot of anticipation among fans, leaving them curious about what it revolves around. The criminals were dangerous: Shah Rukh Khan While indulging in an interesting conversation, the trio recalled a scene from the film. As a picture showing SRK in a tuxedo and Taapsee Pannu in a bridal outfit and both of them inside a jail was displayed, director Rajkumar Hirani said that it was a jail scene. It was a jail scene. When I used to see English films, I used to think that their jails were different from ours and this is when I thought that if I got a chance I would like to shoot in their jail. The dream was fulfilled. This was a real cell and the prisoners were also there, he said. Adding more to it, SRK chimed in and noted that the criminals were dangerous, while Taapsee mentioned that the structure where they were filming had people inside who were looking out from the windows and shouting. To this, the Jawan actor hilariously said, I thought they were fans. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) Apart from that, director Rajkumar Hirani not only unveiled the Banda song from the film but also spilled beans about the films story, stating that it is inspired by some true events. About Dunki Talking about Dunki, the Rajkumar Hirani directorial marks the first collaboration between the actor and the director. Including a stellar cast of actors like Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Taapsee Pannu, and Anil Grover apart from SRK, the film will hit theatres on 21 December 2023. The films main story revolves around the illegal movement of people to foreign destinations like the USA and Canada for better work opportunities. The camera zooms into Satyajit Rays favourite shooting locations. When he decided to make Pather Panchali (Song of the Little Road), he would go on location scouting. One of them was the Boral village. The village finally ended up turning into Pather Panchalis outdoor location. The film became so legendary that, visitors to Boral village today will, interestingly, find a concrete tablet set up by the villagers which pays tribute to Pather Panchali and its creator. Aparajito was Rays next for which the master travelled to Benares. Father was very fond of Benares. This reasons why, much later, he wrote and filmed Joy Baba Felunath (The Elephant God) which is centered on Benares as far as the outdoors go. Even during Aparajito (The Unvanquished), the old Benares city was undergoing changes in its urban face. Father had a pronounced weakness for visually and pictorially exciting locales, emphasises Sandip. Benares clearly reflected this aspect when it comes to the citys facets locationally. Sinuous lanes and temples, not to mention the Biswanath Mandir. Its very picturesque, too. The location threw up interesting compositions wherever the camera was positioned. Of course, the city has seen vast changes ever since father shot there. After Aparajito, Ray made two films back to back Jalshaghar (The Music Room) and Paras Pathar (The Philosophers Stone). Jalshaghars outdoors revolve around Nimtita and the palace of the Raychowdhury family. Paras Pathar is, of course, based back home in Calcutta. Father was frantically hunting around for the right palace to shoot Jalshaghar. He was also constantly on the phone with Tarashankar Bandopadhyay, the author. Then, he visited Murshidabad. Its there that he learnt of the Nimtita Palace from locals and was bowled over witnessing the palace. But, there was no jalshaghar (music room) in the palace. Father decided to go for it and discussed with his art director Bansi Chandragupta about building the jalshaghar on the sets at Aurora Films Studio. The fountain in front of the palace was not functioning. So, that was, again, constructed by Bansi Chandragupta. But, overall father was very impressed with the terrace and verandah. Extremely excited, he returned to Calcutta and put through a call to Tarashankar Bandopadhyay. On hearing that father had stumbled upon the Nimtita Palace, Tarashankarbabu exclaimed that Jalshaghar, the novel, hovers around the Roychowdhury zamindari family of Nimtita. Mentionably, Rabi Roychowdury, who was part of fathers unit and an assistant director, hailed from that family, informs Sandip. Father became abreast of Nimtita as a location inside out after Jalshaghar. Besides, the Nimtita zamindars wielded huge influence. So, one didnt see a hurdle shooting there even in future. Abhijan (The Expedition) had found the master shooting in Hetampur and Dubrajpur in Birbhum district. The maestro was hugely impressed by the Mama Bhagne Pahar (hillocks) and shot a strikingly symbolic sequence with the hills in the background. Kapurush, of Kapurush O Mahapurush The Coward and The Holy Man was shot in a tea plantation in North Bengal. Father had turned Malbazar (the junction) into his base from where one could visit various areas in the region, Sandip mentions. Nimtita entered into the masters list of cherished locations. This explains Rays revisiting Nimtita to shoot the exteriors of Devi (The Goddess) and for the shooting of Samapti (The Conclusion). In fact, Rabindranath, the documentary, was shot in tandem with Samapti. When it began pouring during the shooting of Samapti, Satyajit Ray also shot some footage of the rain for the Tagore documentary, according to Sandip. Darjeeling was also a huge favourite of fathers. Kanchenjungha unfolds in Darjeeling. Charulata was shot virtually entirely on the sets. Except for a horse carriage sequence and the one on the sea beach at Gopalpur. Father had visited Gopalpur On Sea on quite some occasions and stayed at the Oberoi Palm Beach Hotel, often to write scripts. In fact, part of Charulatas scripting was done at Gopalpur. Gopalpur was a very quiet and isolated place in those days. There is a famous letter he wrote from Gopalpur to Bansi Chandragupta discussing the sets. A great deal of research work embraced the pre-production phase. Father was pushed to an extent when a major portion of a films making was based outdoors. Although, he was always keen on outdoor shooting. He had intensely hunted for virgin terrain which was devoid of electricity when it came to Shatranj Ke Khilari (The Chess Players). We had to rediscover Wajid Ali Shahs Lucknow of the 1850s. We not just stayed put in Lucknow for a while to scour around, but visited Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad. Salarjung boasted of a fantastic wing which had preserved textiles of yore. Father photographed several textiles with their designs, says Sandip, providing details of incisive research work that went into the making of Shatranj. In the same breath, collectors were contacted to source props. Shooting locations were identified in Lucknow. Besides, one required to embark on a good deal of searching for the village in Lucknow where Mirza Sajjad Ali and Meer Roshan Ali engage in their chess bouts. The army march was shot in the exteriors in Jaipur. The prime reason for this decision was because father banked on the overseas staff at the embassies in Delhi to ride horseback. It was an open invitation to the employees of embassies from producer Suresh Jindal. Many of the embassies staffers, who could ride horses, responded to fathers and Suresh Jindals call and came over to Jaipur, some with their families, to participate in the army march. Shatranj Ke Khilari enjoyed a huge deal of publicity with all top stars spearheading the roles of the protagonists. Everyone knows that the film featured, amongst others, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Saeed Jaffrey and, of course, the redoubtable Sir Richard Attenborough. And, the topping on the cake was Satyajit Ray, Sandip says. The master was also fascinated with Daltongunj and the Palamau jungle, which figured in Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest). We ran into Mohan Biswas in Daltongunj. Mohan Biswas was a very influential businessman in Daltongunj. Everyone there would respect him tremendously. He went all out to help us. We were there for sometime location hunting mainly spotting the circuit house and the Kechki bungalow, informs Sandip. Picking out locations for Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne (The Adventures of Goopy and Bagha) and Hirak Rajar Deshe (The Kingdom of Diamonds) was the toughest. Sonar Kellas locations are specified in the book. So, it was easier that way. We had first gone to Delhi and then Jaipur and Jodhpur. We camped at Jodhpur and journeyed to Jaisalmer and Bikaner. But, the film which acted as a compass was Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne. When it came to Goopy-Bagha, we were absolutely blank. We were clueless about homing into the final locations in Rajasthan. Theres no mention of locations in Upendrakishore Roychowdhurys (Satyajit Rays grandfather) fanatasy tale, stresses Sandip. You have one location which is a village in West Bengal and, in step, the snowscape of Kufri and the Jaisalmer and Bundhi forts. When one is uncertain, the hunt is that much more painstaking. Jaisalmer and its fort totally captivated father. It wasnt easy travelling there in the sixties. There was no train service. One had to travel by car across a difficult terrain. Mesmerised by the fort, father decided right there that this would be the Halla Rajar (Halla kings) fortress in the film. At the same time, Jaisalmer was the location where the camel march in the film was staged. And, since we were stationed in Rajasthan, we went back to Delhi and from there to Simla in Himachal Pradesh for Kufris snow stretches. At the same time, we zeroed in on Birbhum as the locale for shooting in a Bengal village. But, that, too, was after some searching around, Sandip illuminates. One must add here that Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne ran into a serious predicament on the production front. After the songs were recorded, the producer backed out. The movie was on the verge of fizzling out. Then, Satyajit Ray took on another film project and shot Chiriakhana (The Menagerie). Father was not supposed to make Chiriakhana at all. He was only meant to write the script and score the music. His assistants were slotted to execute the job of directing. But, that didnt work out. So, father had to take over. Then, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne returned on his plate after Purnima Dutta of Purnima Picturers stepped in as producer. Except Pather Panchali and Goopy Gyne, a serious hiccup in the sphere of production has, to my knowledge, not occurred in fathers film making years. The producers dumping Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne initially was a very messy affair, Sandip rues. It was just Satyajit Rays resilience that he could bounce back every time. Tracing back somewhat, Apus home, in Tallah beside the railway yard in Apur Sansar (The World of Apu) was also a very interesting location. That, also, involved a search. The view from the terrace of the railway tracks and trains chugging by was visually very moving. Although, the interiors of Apus home were created on the sets of the studio. Asked on trains being a near constant motif in the maestros films, Sandip agrees that they are seen on celluloid or heard passing by. Its either to underline a change of location in the film or the movement of life. The train in Nayak (The Hero) was entirely created in the studio. It was exacting for audiences to believe that it was fully built on the sets. Father was extremely interested in shooting outdoors. It was that unique feel of outdoor destinations. The only documentary he made on a locale was Sikkim. However, he did have to travel to quite an extent for documentaries such as Rabindranath and Inner Eye. He even emabarked on a trip to Kathmandu, and loved it, for the Inner Eye documentary on his art mentor in Kala Bhavan, Benode Behari Mukhopadhyay. Theres invariably a connect between a Feluda novel or novella with fathers favourite locales. And, father took Professor Shanku to places he would have loved visiting, but couldnt because of logistical reasons, Sandip observes. Even the making of Satyajit Rays documentaries entailed searching out locations. Bala, for instance, the documentary on danceuse Bala Saraswati, saw Ray making trips to various places in South India including Mahabalipuram and Tanjore. Not to talk of the complete absence of computers when Satyajit Ray lived and worked, there was not even the Lonely Planet in his time. So, the master had to depend on friends overseas for road maps, tourist guides and postcards. After all, he also had to illustrate his writings. Besides, if a word or name was meant to be European, he checked out on the pronunciation. Everything moved by post those days. So, this entire exercise of to and fro posts was very time-consuming. Pratidwandi (The Adversary) and Seemabaddha (Company Limited) were shot in Calcutta. Except that there was a sequence in Balurghat in Pratidwandi and Patna and Darjeeling in Seemabaddha. The shooting for Ashani Sanket (Distant Thunder) completely unfolded in Birbhum. We covered various locations there. Jana Aranya (The Middleman) was filmed in Calcutta-centric locations. Sadgati (Deliverance) was important from the standpoint of the locale. Amrit Rai, Premchands son, who had collaborated on the screenplay with father, had suggested that we frequent some villages in Madhya Pradesh for filming Sadgati. Stationing ourselves in Raipur, we went around some villages. Amongst them, father was drawn to Mahasamund where he decided to shoot the breadth of the (TV) film, Sandip updates. Ghare Baire (Home and the World) was largely indoors and it was during this film that the master suffered his first heart attack. After this, a near three-year hiatus in film shooting ensued. Following this, four creations by Satyajit Ray crystallised. They encompassed Sukumar Ray, the documentary, Ganashatru (Enemy of the People), Shakha Proshakha (Branches of a Tree) and Agantuk (The Stranger). These were all virtually filmed indoors based on physicians advice. The maestro not only loved shooting outdoors, but revelled in the masterly cinematic treatment of his locations. Who will forget the yellow limestone golden fortress in Sonar Kellas Jaisalmer? Or, Apu winding down a narrow path in Boral village (Nischindipur in the film), after his mother Sarbojayas death in Aparajito (The Unvanquished)? All images from Satyajit Ray Society. Ashoke Nag is a veteran writer on art and culture with a special interest in legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. As many as 49 MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha for disrupting House proceedings on Tuesday (19 December). This comes a day after the suspension of 33 members from the lower house and 46 MPs from the Rajya Sabha, most of whom were thrown out for the remainder of the ongoing Winter Session. The suspension of 78 MPs on Monday was the highest-ever in a single day. With 14 lawmakers already barred from Parliament last week, a total of 141 MPs now stand suspended in the Winter Session. The development comes as Opposition INDIA bloc MPs have been demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the 13 December Parliament security breach. Who were suspended today? How many lawmakers remain in Parliament? Lets take a closer look. 49 Opposition MPs suspended The prominent lawmakers suspended from the Lok Sabha include National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Congress MPs Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Karti Chidambaram, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule, and Samajwadi Partys Dimple Yadav. S Jagathrakshakan and DNV Senthil Kumar of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Giridhari Yadav of the Janata Dal (United), MP Danish Ali who has been suspended from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Sushil Kumar Rinku of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are some others who have been barred from the lower house. Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi moved a motion for the suspension of the Opposition MPs, saying they were frustrated about the results of the recent Assembly elections. They had agreed not to bring placards. They are frustrated with their loss, so taking such steps. These people will not come back in the House next time if this behaviour continues, Joshi said, as per Hindustan Times (HT). They are insulting the chair and the people of India by bringing placards, he added. Opposition MPs react to suspension After being suspended, Congress MP Tharoor said the Opposition has to start writing obituaries for parliamentary democracy in India. It is clear that they want an Opposition-mukt Lok Sabha and they will do something similar in Rajya Sabha. At this point, unfortunately, we have to start writing obituaries for Parliamentary democracy in IndiaToday, in solidarity with my colleagues, I too joined the protest and everybody who was present has been suspended for the rest of the session which means they want to pass their Bills without any discussion, he was quoted as saying by ANI. #WATCH | On suspension of more than 40 MPs from Lok Sabha, including his own, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, It is clear that they want an Opposition-mukt Lok Sabha and they will do something similar in Rajya Sabha. At this point, unfortunately, we have to start writing pic.twitter.com/mh9LeXEgiB ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2023 Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was suspended on Monday, told ANI on the suspension of 49 more Lok Sabha members, It is nothing but anarchy being played inside the Parliament. They (BJP) do not have an iota of faith in the parliamentary system in our country. Karti Chidambaram claimed he was suspended eve though he was not holding a placard. I have no idea why I was suspended. I didnt raise slogans or a placard. I was standing in the aisle. Also, Dimple Yadav wasnt even standing in the aisle. She was standing in her allocated space. This has to be a technical suspension, he told ANI. #WATCH | Congress MP Karti Chidambaram says,It is a mechanical exercise of the government to purge Parliament of all the opposition voicesThis is soon going to resemble the North Korean Assembly. The only thing missing right now is the synchronised clapping. pic.twitter.com/j6bwjbg9X2 ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2023 On the MPs suspension, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal accused the government of wanting to make the new Parliament a graveyard of democracy. I have no words. What did they think before constructing this new Parliament building? They want to make this the graveyard of democracyYou have thrown out the entire Opposition. No action has been taken against the MP who issued passes (to the security breach accused). Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the Narendra Modi-led government can now bulldoze important pending legislations, crush any dissent, without any debate. He made the statements in a post on X on Monday. He made similar charges today, calling the saffron party autocratic and accusing it of wanting to demolish democracy in this country. The suspension of a total of 141 Opposition MPs from Parliament reinforces our charge that an autocratic BJP wants to demolish Democracy in this country. We all know that key Bills like the Criminal Law Amendments, which unleash draconian powers and impede citizens Rights, are Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 19, 2023 Notably, the crucial three criminal code bills have been taken up for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Who is left in Parliament now? Of the 142 MPs belonging to the INDIA alliance in the 543-member Lok Sabha, 95 stand suspended, as per BBC. It must be noted that the current strength of the House is 522, as 21 seats are vacant. Congress Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Gaurav Gogoi, TR Baalu, A Raja and Dayanidhi Maran from the DMK, and Trinamool Congress leaders Saugata Roy, Kalyan Banerjee, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Satabdi Roy were among the key members suspended from the Lok Sabha on Monday. In the lower house, 323 members are either from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its ally party. About 47 Opposition lawmakers still remain in the lower house. In the Rajya Sabha, which has a maximum of 250 seats, some are currently vacant. The INDIA grouping has 101 MPs in the upper house, of which 46 have been barred. After the suspension, many of the Opposition MPs left in Parliament are from YSR Congress Party and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), both of which have previously backed the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on crucial Bills, noted NDTV. With inputs from agencies After a lull in infections, India is suddenly seeing an uptick in COVID cases, playing party-pooper ahead of the festive season. As of Tuesday (19 December), the country reported 260 new cases of COVID-19, taking the overall active case tally to 1,828. The rise in COVID cases coincides with the discovery of the first JN.1 subvariant in an elderly woman in Kerala, prompting fears amid the public and medical authorities. States across the country are already ramping up their testing capabilities and the question that people are asking is will this affect their Christmas and New Years plans. JN.1 subvariant in India Early on 8 December, a 79-year-old woman was detected positive for carrying the JN.1 COVID variant. The patient, according to the doctors, had mild symptoms of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and has since recovered. For the unaware, the JN.1 subvariant is a sub-lineage of the BA.2.86 Omicron variant (Pirola) and was first detected in Luxembourg. Since then, it has been spotted in more than 38 countries. According to experts, JN.1 carries an additional spike mutation, L455S, and this mutation is suspected to have the potential to escape immunity. In the US, the JN.1 subvariant has become prominent with 15 and 29 per cent of infections being caused by it, as per data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Besides, the woman in Kerala, the Indian Express reports that 15 new cases of the JN.1 variant have now been detected in samples from Goa. However, there is no official confirmation on this development yet. India on high alert Following the detection of the JN.1 subvariant in Kerala and the rise in overall infections across the nation, the health ministry has written to states and Union Territories, asking them to monitor cases of influenza-like illnesses, conduct adequate testing, and send all positive samples for whole genome sequencing. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said the Union health secretary has sent a letter to states/UTs, highlighting the need for maintaining a state of constant vigil over the COVID-19 situation in the country. The health ministry has also listed some strategies for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. Considering the upcoming festive season, states were advised to put in place requisite public health measures and other arrangements to minimise risk of increase in transmission of the disease by adherence to maintenance of respiratory hygiene, it said. States have taken cognisance of the situation. For instance, Maharashtra has stepped up its surveillance and directed district health authorities to evaluate hospital readiness. Dr Pratapsingh Sarnikar, Joint Director of Health, Communicable Diseases, Maharashtra, told the Indian Express that health officers have been urged to conduct regular surveillance of COVID as well as flu cases. Moreover, isolation wards have been established in government hospitals and mandatory medical audit of influenza deaths has been advised. The state of Karnataka has also stepped up its health measures. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led government has made it mandatory for people above the age of 60, and those with comorbidities, to wear masks. The states health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday said that they have increased tests among people reporting symptoms of COVID-19 subvariant JN.1. The minister also informed that the state government has increased surveillance in border districts with Kerala. Those above 60 years of age and those with comorbidities like issues related to heart, and kidney among others, and those with cough, phlegm and fever should mandatorily wear masks. We are communicating this to the public. Also, we have asked our hospitals and health centres to be prepared. There should be more surveillance in border districts like Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Chamarajanagara which share a border with Kerala, he was quoted as saying. Earlier, the state of Kerala, which first recorded the JN.1 variant, also asked people to stay cautious but urged them not to panic. Health Minister Veena George said there was no need to worry and the situation was under control. She added that the variant already existed in other parts of the country. Months ago, this variant was detected in a few Indians who were screened at the Singapore airport, she told reporters on Sunday. Experts speak on JN.1 With the rise in infections across the nation, there is a concern that COVID is making a comeback. However, experts have urged people not to panic. Chief of Indian SARS-COV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) Dr NK Arora said, No cause for panic (over JN.1 subvariant). The number of samples is less but these are being collected from all the states. INSACOG is closely monitoring the situation, studying the epidemiology and clinical behaviour of the virus. He was quoted as telling news agency ANI, This variant has been isolated and reported in November; this is a subvariant of BA.2.86. We have some cases of JN.1. India is keeping a vigil and thats the reason no hospitalisation or severe disease has been reported so far. And when asked about the surge in cases, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Kochi wing of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) said that it was expected. As we know, COVID-19 is a cyclical disease, it will keep coming back. It was in April this year when we last saw a spike, as per the INSACOG database, which was caused by XBB sublineages, he told News18. Senior virologist Dr Shahid Jameel, a fellow at the Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, and a visiting professor at Ashoka University, also expressed his view that there wasnt any reason to panic. With JN.1, its going to be no different. So unless people start showing up in hospitals, I wouldnt worry, he said. Quick spread of JN.1 variant With symptoms of fever, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, and, in certain instances, mild gastrointestinal symptoms, doctors believe that there isnt any real threat from the JN.1 virus. But owing to the additional spike mutation, this subvariant is easily transmissible. In the United States, it has accounted for a growing percentage of test samples and according to some projections, will be responsible for at least half of the new infections before December ends. Singapore too has seen a jump in COVID cases, with experts blaming the JN.1 subvariant for the surge. The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) said the estimated number of cases from 3 to 9 December increased to 56,043, a 75 per cent jump compared with 32,035 cases in the previous week. Malaysia, China and other southeast Asian nations have also seen an uptick in COVID infections, with many of them being infected by the JN.1 subvariant. Tips to save yourself from JN.1 Doctors and medical experts have noted that while JN.1 is not life-threatening, it is fast spreading and hence, the public should take appropriate measures to protect themselves. Doctors are calling for precautions such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and maintaining social distance. Doctors have also called on people to take their vaccines. Pulmonologist Dr Neeraj Gupta, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram told India Today that vaccination remains a critical defence, as vaccines have proven effective against serious infections from various strains of the virus. With inputs from agencies Its Tuesday. And theres a day of blockbuster news ahead. Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from the Lok Sabha, is set to approach the Delhi High Court. The IPL auction 2024 is set to kick off in Dubai the first that will take place outside of India. Meanwhile, the Opposition INDIA bloc will meet to discuss strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Also, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court will conduct a hearing on the interim stay of felling of trees for the Kolkata metro. Lets take a closer look at todays big-ticket items: Delhi HC to hear Moitra plea The Delhi High Court will hear a plea from Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra challenging the cancellation of her government accommodation and asking her to vacate the house by 7 January. Moitras petition, filed Monday, urged that the Directorate of Estates 11 December order be set aside or, in the alternative, Moitra be allowed to retain possession of the accommodation till the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are declared. Moitra was held guilty of unethical conduct and expelled from the Lok Sabha on 8 December, 2023, for allegedly accepting gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani and sharing her user ID and password of the Parliament website with him. IPL auction 2024 The 17th IPL auction is slated to be held in Dubai today. The auction, which will begin at 1 pm Indian Standard Time, will witness 333 players go under the gavel. The event will be held at the Coca-Cola arena. Of the 333 players, 214 are Indians and 119 are overseas players. Two players are from associate nations. A maximum of 77 slots are now available with up to 30 being slotted for overseas players. Rs 2 crore is the highest reserve price with 23 players choosing to be slotted in the highest bracket. Thirteen players are in the auction list with a base price of INR 1.5 crore. A woman auctioneer will be directing proceedings for the first time in IPL history. Mallika Sagar, who handled proceedings for the recent Womens Premier League, will take the place of Hugh Edmeades. INDIA parties meet The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) Opposition bloc is set to meet today in the National Capital. The meeting is slated to occur around 3 pm at a city hotel. This will be the blocs fourth meeting. According to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the Opposition will discuss a seat-sharing formula. During the third meeting of the INDIA bloc in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1 this year, the 14-member coordination committee and 19-member election strategy committee were announced. The first meeting of the INDIA alliance took place in Patna on June 23 while the second meeting took place in Bengaluru on July 17 and 18. The Opposition parties have come together to take on the ruling BJP ahead of the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kolkata HC hearing on metro A division bench of the Calcutta High Court is set to hear a plea on an interim stay on felling of trees for the Kolkata Metro. The court last month put a stay on the cutting down of trees in the Maidan area of central Kolkata long considered the lungs of the city, for the purpose of expansion of metro railways in the state capital. We are not against the metro railways project. This is not a luxury. Rather it is an essential mode of public transport. The fact that metro railways will move under the River Ganges is really a matter of pride. So this is just an interim stay, the Chief Justice observed. The interim stay on the cutting down of trees in the Maidan area was first ordered by Calcutta High Courts another division bench of Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and Justice Bibhas Ranjan De on 26 October. That division bench ordered this interim stay on a PIL filed by an organisation in the name and style of People United for Better Living in Kolkata. The organisation argued if so many trees are cut down at the virtual lungs of Kolkata, the pollution level will rise and the environment will be at stake. Pratibha Patil bday Happy bday Pratibha Patil! Patil, who was Indias first woman president, turns 89 today. She served in the lands highest office from July 2012 to July 2017. Patil was born on 19 December, 1934, in Nadgaon village of Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. Heres hoping she has a wonderful day and an incredible year ahead. With inputs from agencies A volcano erupted in southwest Iceland on late Monday (18 December), sending plumes of smoke high up in the sky and spewing lava onto the landscape. The eruption which opened a 4 km fissure on the Reykjanes peninsula began at 22:17 GMT (3:47 am IST). This comes after about 4,000 residents of a nearby town were evacuated last week. Several tourists flocked to the site to witness spectacular scenes that occurred nearly four kilometers from the fishing town of Grindavik. The town was evacuated last month after strong seismic activity damaged homes, triggering fears of a volcanic eruption. Lets take a look at how tourists have reached the site of eruption in Iceland and why volcano tourism is on the rise. Something from a movie Tourists went to witness the volcanic eruption in Iceland despite danger warnings. According to Daily Mail, scores of cars were seen queuing up to get close to the area. Im very excited to be here in this place, in this time, just being able to see this natural phenomenon Its just something from a movie, Robert Donald Forrester III, a tourist from the United States, was quoted as saying by Independent. Livestreamed footage of the eruption showed lava of a deep orange colour flowing out of a gash in the ground, with red smoke billowing in the air. An image captured a key Icelandic highway in the area illuminated with white headlights from cars heading towards the crater, reported Daily Mail. Four boys told local media that it is their hobby to visit areas reporting volcanic eruptions in Reykjanes. We are trying to see the eruption. Unfortunately, we didnt get any closer. Its a hobby that weve had for four years, attending every single eruption, and well continue to do so, they said, as per Daily Mail. Tourists did not heed the warning of the authorities. This is not a tourist attraction and you must watch it from a great distance, Vidir Reynisson, head of Icelands Civil Protection and Emergency Management, told Icelandic broadcaster RUV. Icelands Ministry of the Environment issued several warnings to those considering getting close to the volcano. Think about someone other than yourself and follow the guidelines of the public safety. Please, a spokesman reportedly said. This is not considered tourist-friendly, Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a professor of geophysics at the University of Iceland, said. How bad is the eruption? Lava from the large volcanic eruption appeared to be flowing away from Grindavik. Its flows had plunged from 200-250 cubic meters per second in the initial hours of the eruption to nearly its quarter by Tuesday morning, reported Reuters. Gudmundsson, who flew over the site on Tuesday morning onboard an coast guard research flight, told RUV that the intensity of the eruption will keep falling, however, it is not known how long it would last. It can be over in a week, or it could take quite a bit longer, Associated Press quoted him as saying. The Iceland government has said the eruption does not present a threat to life. Flights are unlikely to be affected this time unlike 2010 when ash clouds from eruptions at the Eyafjallajokull volcano in the south of Iceland had led to grounding of some 100,000 flights in Europe and beyond, as per Reuters. There are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and international flight corridors remain open, the governments statement added. The eruption evoked mixed emotions among the locals. Aoalheiour Halldorsdottir, who lives in Sandgeroi which is about 20km from Grindavik, told BBC that she saw the eruption from her home. It was crazy to see it with my own eyes. We have had volcano explosions before, but this was the first time I got really scared. Many Grindavik residents, who evacuated the town last month, were still living in temporary accommodation and do not know when they will be able to return. The latest eruption was believed to be more serious than the volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula in March 2021. Why is there a rise in volcano tourism? Volcano tourism has seen a boost in the last decade owing to social media and lava chasers who seek legendary, photogenic smoking spots, according to National Geographic. There are over 1,500 active volcanoes in 81 countries. Iceland has reported a surge in volcano tourism over the years. Nestled between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates, Iceland is a seismic and volcanic hotspot as the two plates shift in opposite directions. It sees eruptions roughly every four to five years. The Nordic island has 33 active volcano systems, the highest in Europe. In March 2021, over 356,000 tourists visited the Geldingadalur valley to watch the eruption from the crater of the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland. Recently, interests grew over Litli-Hrutur, dubbed Earths newest baby volcano, since its creation in July in the Reykjanes Peninsula. However, eruptions can be dangerous as they often produce poisonous gases like SO2 (sulphur dioxide). Still, thrill-seekers continue to visit volcano sites to witness the spectacular natural phenomena. Theyre one of the most primeval forces of nature that we can observe. You feel the power of Mother Earth near this lifeblood of the planet, Benjamin Hayes, chief of interpretation and education for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, told National Geographic. With inputs from agencies A new controversy has sprung up as Parliament continues its stormy Winter Session. Kalyan Banerjee, a suspended Lok Sabha MP from the TMC, mocked Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar outside Parliament. This as the other House members including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi laughed and took videos. But what happened exactly? Who is Banerjee? And what are some of his past controversies? Lets take a closer look: What happened? On Tuesday, Banerjee was seen mimicking Dhankhar, the Rajya Sabha Chairman, outside Parliament. This came amid protests by Opposition MPs against mass suspensions from Parliament. Videos of the incident show Rahul filming Banerjee on his mobile as the suspended MPs laugh uproariously. As per NDTV, Banerjee can be heard remarking, My spine is so straight, Im so tall. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimics Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. pic.twitter.com/jlgua1ywSL Abhishek (@AbhishekSay) December 19, 2023 Dhankhar condemned the act as shameful and unacceptable. Office of Chairman, Rajya Sabha and Office of Speaker is very different. Political parties will have their cross currents, they will have exchanges, but imagine a senior leader of your party, video graphing another member of another party, Dhankhar said. Mimicry of the Chairman, mimicry of Speaker. How ridiculous, how shameful, how unacceptable, he added. Who is Banerjee? Banerjee is the three-time TMC MP from Serampore. The 66-year-old was born on 4 January, 1957 to Bholanath and Sibhani Banerjee. He is a B.Com graduate from University of Burdwan (1972-1974.) He also has an LLB From University of Ranchi. His spouses name is Chhabi Banerjee. They have a son and a daughter. A lawyer by profession, he is said to have assets worth Rs 17 crore. He has no criminal cases against him. What are some of his controversies? Banerjee has been a lightning rod for quite some time. In 2022, 157 lawyers of the Calcutta High Court penned a letter to then CJI NV Ramana, then Calcutta HC chief justice Prakash Shrivastava, and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee accusing Banerjee of misconduct, as per The Print. The letter accused Banerjee of insulting women lawyers, giving undue privilege to some in exchange for unexplainable favours, and misusing his political power. Sri Bandopadhyay (sic) has tried to get over and above the law as well as people due to his close proximity to the powers of the state. People are forced to pay heed to his demands and illegal dictates as he knows very well how to use his position of power to exploit people, the two-page letter stated, as per the outlet. There have been numerous instances where certain lady lawyers have been given undue preferences over deserving lawyers in exchange for unexplainable favours. Other female lawyers have also complained of Sri Bandopadhyays behaviour and stated that his approach towards them has been dishonourable and depraved, it added. As per The Quint, videos of Banerjee went viral on social media in January 2021 over remarks he made about Lord Ram and Sita. Sita told lord Ram that it was luck that she got abdicated by Ravana. If I had been kidnapped by your followers, who wrap saffron on their foreheads and shout Jai Shri Ram, my condition would have been like the Hathras victim, Banerjee said. Banerjee in 2020 called then finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman a venomous black snake and claimed she was Indias worst finance minister ever. Just like people die by the bite of a black snake, the people of India are dying because they are bitten by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. She is an extremely haughty woman but I think she should be ashamed of herself because she is completely destroying Indias economy, Banerjee was quoted as saying by India Today. She should resign from her post and go back to her native state Andhra Pradesh. If there could be any name for the worst and the most useless finance minister in the world, it would be Nirmala Sitharamans, he added. Banerjee also attacked the BJPs Dilip Ghosh. We are not afraid of Dilip Ghosh. Let him tell BJP leaders that we are not sitting at home wearing bangles, we are strong and we will meet in the field. If you want to fight physically, we wont step back. We will give you appropriate answers to all the dirty politics you are playing. I will silence Dilip Ghosh and I want to see how brave he is. A person like Dilip Ghosh, who needs 18 security guards, should not wear mens clothes, they should wear saree instead. Even people who wear saree are stronger than him, Banerjee said. Banerjee in 2017 called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a rat during a protest meeting in front of the RBI regional headquarters in Kolkata. Modis supporters call him a lion. But I say time is not far when Modi will have to return to his hole in Gujarat Banerjee was quoted as saying by News18. As per The Times of India, Banerjee in 2012 had an ugly spat with then commerce minister Anand Sharma inside the Lok Sabha over Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). While the initial exchange went unrecorded, Sharma warned Banerjee to be civilised. Banerjee told Sharma that, After two years when you are not a minister, nobody will even look at you what do you think of yourself who are you to tell us what we should do. To which Sharma responded, Whether I understand the country or not, you ascertain that from your leader Mamata Banerjee who has worked with me as a colleague. She would know. I dont want to join issues with him. It is unfortunate. He was offensive and less than civilised, Sharma added later. In 2011, Banerjee even had a run-in with Mamata herself over the Lokpal and Lokayukta bills. It remains to be seen if Banerjee will mend his ways. With inputs from agencies North Korea fired its most powerful and advanced solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile on Monday Hwasong-18. The drill was to confirm the war readiness of its nuclear deterrence force in the face of mounting hostility by the United States. Kim Jong Un watched the launch, and the missile reached an altitude of 6,518 km (4,050 miles), covered a distance of 1,002 km (623 miles), and accurately hit the intended target, according to the state news agency KCNA. Kim said the launch sends a clear signal to the hostile forces, who have fanned up their reckless military confrontation hysteria against the North throughout the year, reports KCNA. South Korea, Japan, and the United States all condemned the missile test, warning that it violated UN Security Council resolutions and would make the Korean peninsula less secure. It comes after South Korean and US defence officials met last week to revise plans for responding to a North Korean nuclear attack. The test extended a record-breaking run of weapons tests this year, and follows leader Kim Jong-uns declaration last year that Pyongyang is an irreversible nuclear power. Here is a look at North Koreas arsenal: Intercontinental ballistic missiles Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) have a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres (3,400 miles) and are primarily designed to deliver nuclear warheads. North Korea first claimed to have successfully tested the Hwasong-14 a missile capable of reaching Alaska on 4 July, 2017, as a gift for the American bastards on US Independence Day. Three years later, the even bigger and more powerful Hwasong-17 was showcased at a massive military parade. North Korea fired what has become known as the monster missile in November 2022. Analysts believe it was the first successful full-flight test of the Hwasong-17, which is capable of striking anywhere in the United States. This year, Kim oversaw the successful test of the Hwasong-18, North Koreas newest and first solid-fuel ICBM, which is easier to store and transport, more stable and quicker to prepare for launch, and thus harder to detect and destroy pre-emptively. But all of North Koreas ICBMs have been test-fired on a lofted trajectory up not out, to avoid flying over Japan raising questions about their performance, including surviving re-entry into the atmosphere and accuracy over greater ranges. Cruise missiles Cruise missiles tend to be jet-propelled and fly at a lower altitude than more sophisticated ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept. North Korea has an array of short-, medium- and long-range cruise missiles. Unlike their ballistic counterparts, cruise missiles are not banned from testing under current UN sanctions against Pyongyang. In March, two cruise missiles launched from a submarine flew 1,500 kilometres, Pyongyang said, putting all of South Korea and much of Japan within range. Intermediate-range ballistic missiles Intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), which are rocket-propelled in the first stage of flight, have a range of about 3,000-5,500 km. North Koreas main IRBM, the Hwasong-12, is capable of hitting the US territory of Guam. Pyongyang first successfully tested the Hwasong-12 in May 2017 and has since fired three variants of the missile over Japan and into the Pacific Ocean. North Korea is banned from testing all ballistic missiles under current UN Security Council sanctions. Submarine-launched ballistic missile A submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) can be launched from under the ocean, making them extremely mobile and hard to detect. Proven SLBM capability would take North Koreas arsenal to a new level, allowing deployment far beyond the Korean peninsula and a second-strike capability in the event of an attack. North Koreas operational SLBM is called the Pukguksong-3, with an estimated range of 1,900 km. In October 2021, it announced a successful test of a new version of the missile. Pyongyangs exact sea-based launch capabilities remain unclear. Previous tests were carried out from older vessels, including from a submerged platform, rather than an actual submarine. North Korea said it fired two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine in March 2023, but analysts said it appeared they had been launched from above water level, thereby removing the stealth benefit of the weapon. North Korea has also conducted what it called simulations with its first tactical nuclear attack submarine. Hypersonic missiles Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds of at least Mach 5 five times the speed of sound and can manoeuvre mid-flight, making them harder to track and intercept. Depending on their design, analysts say these missiles can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. After three tests one in September 2021, and two in 2022 North Korea said it had completed the final verification of its first hypersonic missile. Nuclear warheads North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006, and carried out its sixth and most powerful one in September 2017. Estimates of that devices explosive power, or yield, ranged from 100 to 370 kilotons, far exceeding the 15 kilotons of the US bomb that devastated Hiroshima in 1945. A report published this year by the US Congressional Research Service cited external estimates of North Korea possessing enough material for 20 to 60 warheads. North Korea is also pursuing the development of smaller warheads to fit a variety of delivery systems, it said. In March this year, Kim called for expanded production of weapon-grade nuclear materials as North Korea unveiled what appeared to be a new, smaller tactical nuclear warhead. With inputs from AFP China has been shaken to its core. Over 100 people have died and over 300 people have been injured after an earthquake struck northwest China, just before midnight on Monday. First, a 6.2-strong quake struck Gansu province, which was followed by a second quake hitting the neighbouring Xinjiang hours later. Chinese president Xi Jinping reacting to the quake, has urged all-out search and rescue efforts and proper arrangements for affected people to ensure the safety of peoples lives and property. According to the Global Times, Xi issued important instructions, demanding full-scale search and rescue efforts, proper resettlement of affected people, and maximum efforts to ensure the safety of peoples lives and property. As people reel from the horror of the quake, we take a closer look at how deadly has this quake been and why China is prone to such seismic activity. Chinas devastating quake Just before Monday midnight, a powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the northwestern province of Gansu bringing down buildings there and in Qinghai province to the south. Gansu lies between the Tibetan and Loess plateaus and borders Mongolia. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), initially, said that the quake struck at a depth of 10km at 11:59 pm local time on Monday, later revising it to 6.2. The USGS added that the initial quake was then followed by several smaller aftershocks. The quake has wreaked massive destruction in the area. Houses have crumbled and infrastructure related to water, electricity, and roads in and around the epicentre have been damaged to varying degrees. CCTV footage captured the moment when a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Jishishan county, Linxia, Gansu Province, China on Monday midnight. According to Xinhua, more than 110 people have died in the quake. All-out rescue work is underway. pic.twitter.com/d0M2ETJQ7S Global Times (@globaltimesnews) December 19, 2023 A resident living in the area was quoted as telling the Global Times, I live on the 16th floor and felt the tremors so strongly. The moment of the earthquake was feeling like being tossed up after surging waves I woke my family up and we rushed down all 16 floors in one breath. Following the earthquake, the State Councils Earthquake Relief Command and the Ministry of Emergency Management have raised the national earthquake emergency response to Level II. According to reports, total of 1,440 firefighters have been deployed to disaster area for rescue efforts and another 1,603 have been put on standby. Relief and rescue operations are slow in nature owing to the biting cold temperatures in the region. The mercury has plunged to well below freezing across northern China, and footage shows residents warming themselves by a fire while emergency services set up tents. Chinas history of quakes Earthquakes have plagued China throughout its history with Mondays being the latest. In fact, the worlds deadliest earthquake is thought to have been the huge 1556 disaster that struck northern Shaanxi province, with estimates of the death toll put at more than 8,30,000 people. The Gansu region, in particular, has been prone to quakes. In 1920, a whopping 2,30,000 people perished after a 7.8-magnitude quake struck the province. Later in 1927, over 41,000 people died in an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter Scale. As recently as last September, 60 people were killed when a 6.6-magnitude quake hit the southwestern Sichuan province. In April 2010, the largely ethnic Tibetan region of Qinghai was also struck by a 6.9-quake, killing nearly 2,700 people and leaving more than 12,000 injured. In modern times, the 8.0-magnitude quake striking Sichuan is considered as the deadliest. The seismic activity led to large-scale death and devastation. Many had then said that the quake could be felt as far as Beijing, over 1,800 km away. Chinas ground-shaking reality But why is it that China keeps experiencing such deadly quakes and records such devastation? The answer to the first question is location. China sits in a region where a number of tectonic plates notably the Eurasian, Indian and Pacific plates meet, and is particularly prone to earthquakes. Also, experts note that Chinas earthquakes are particularly devastating owing to a number of factors. One of the main factors for the devastation is the location of the quakes. The areas of heightened seismic activity overlap with remote, mountainous parts of China, where poor transportation infrastructure makes recovery efforts difficult. Another reason why Chinas quakes lead to so much destruction is the prevalence of low-quality buildings many constructed in violation of building codes exacerbating the damage. The Atlantic reports that earlier the quality of Chinese construction was poor; in many rural areas, most structures were made from adobe or watered-down concrete and thus were ill-equipped to survive earthquakes. Moreover, enforcement of building codes is a problem in China. Despite China now having well-defined codes, implementation is a problem. As Kit Miyamoto, the president and CEO of the earthquake research firm Miyamoto International, told The Atlantic, You need more than just good building codes. You also need good engineers to implement the code, and good contractors to implement the engineers vision. In fact, in the aftermath of the 2008 earthquake in the southwestern province of Sichuan, many seismologists noted that much of the devastation was owing to the lack of implementation of codes. Andrew Smeall, an associate with the Asia Societys US-China Center in New York, was quoted as telling Christian Science Monitor, China has fairly rigorous building codes that have been in place. The problem is implementation of the codes. Roger Musson, a seismologist at the British Geological Survey in Edinburgh, Scotland, also echoed similar views. He said that China has good earthquake engineers, but you can never tell whats going to happen on the spot. He added, You can buy the building inspector, but you cant buy off the earthquake. With inputs from agencies The Centre introduced the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 on Monday (18 December), which seeks to replace the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. On the same day, the Lok Sabha cleared the Post Office Bill, 2023 amid protests by Opposition MPs over the Parliament security breach last week. Both the Bills are important for Indias communication landscape. Lets take a look at these legislations in detail. Telecommunications Bill, 2023 The Telecommunications Bill, 2023 amends and cements the laws concerning the development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks; assignment of spectrum; and for matters connected therewith. The Bill introduced by Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw in the lower house also intends to replace the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950. According to objectives and reasons, the Bill is needed to create a legal and regulatory framework that focuses on safe and secure telecommunication network that provides for digitally inclusive growth. The draft legislation empowers the government to take over, manage or suspend telecom services and intercept messages in the interest of national security. It states: On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the Central Government or a State Government or any officer specially authorised in this behalf by the Central Government or a State Government, if satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do, by notification (a) take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from an authorised entity; or (b) provide for appropriate mechanism to ensure that messages of a user or group of users authorised for response and recovery during public emergency are routed on priority. Find the Bill copy of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 introduced in Lok Sabha today. Bill text: https://t.co/KnaAm1BFbb https://t.co/UcCZ9ccpmX PRS Legislative (@PRSLegislative) December 18, 2023 The Bill further said that on the occurrence of any public emergency or in the interest of public safety, the central or state government, in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence and security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, or for preventing incitement to the commission of any offence, order that any messages transmitted or received by any telecommunication service or telecommunication network, shall not be transmitted, or shall be intercepted or detained, or shall be disclosed in intelligible format to the officer mentioned in such order. The latest draft law exempts mentioning over-the-top (OTT) services in its definition of telecom services. The previous version of the Telecom Bill had expanded the definition to incorporate Over-The-Top (OTT) communication services. The legislation has also proposed key changes in the allocation of spectrum for satellite broadband services, which would be assigned through an administrative process, bypassing auction. Key beneficiaries of this clause will be Bhartis OneWeb, Reliances Jio Satellite Communications, Elon Musks Starlink, and Amazons Project Kuiper, noted BusinessLine. The Bill allows the Centre to frame rules to provide for measures to protect cyber security of telecommunication networks and services. These measures include collection, analysis and dissemination of traffic data that is generated, transmitted, received or stored in telecommunication networks. The legislation calls for prior consent of users for certain specified messages or class of specified messages, such as any text advertising or promoting goods, services, interest in property, business opportunity, employment opportunity or investment opportunity. The new Bill allows the government to ask telecommunication services to transmit specific messages. If it appears necessary or expedient so to do in the public interest, the Central Government may direct any authorised entity to transmit in its telecommunication services or telecommunication network, specific messages, in such manner as may be specified, the legislation states. Individuals with at least 30 years of professional experience can serve as the chairperson of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) chairperson, while those with at least 25 years of professional experience can serve as the bodys members, says the Bill. Post Office Bill, 2023 The Post Office Bill, 2023 seeks to supplant the colonial-era Indian Post Office Act of 1898, which regulates India Post, a departmental undertaking of the Central government. For the first time, private courier services have been brought under the ambit of the proposed law. The legislation was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday, while it was cleared by the Rajya Sabha on 4 December during the ongoing Winter Session. The Opposition has flagged several concerns about the Bill, which aims to consolidate and amend the law relating to Post Office in India. The 125-year-old Indian Post Office Act enacted in 1898 chiefly concerns itself with mail services by the Post Office. Today, the Post Office network has become a vehicle for delivery of a variety of citizen-centric services which necessitated the repeal of the said Act and enactment of new law in its place, says the Bill. The contentious Section 9 of the legislation enables the Centre to allow any postal officer through a notification to intercept, open or detain any item in the interest of state security, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, emergency, public safety, or contravention of other laws. Any officer of the Post Office can hand over items to customs authorities if they are suspected to contain any banned item, or if such items are liable to duty. These provisions are similar to Sections 19, 25 and 26 of the 1898 Act which restricted the kind of articles that could be delivered through India Post. As per Section 10 of the 2023 Bill, No officer of the Post Office shall incur any liability with regard to a service provided by the Post Office, unless the officer has acted fraudulently or wilfully caused loss, delay or mis-delivery of service, except such liability as may be prescribed. It allows the director general of postal services to make rules regarding fees for services availed by individuals. The latest Bill removes all penalties and offences committed by post office officials under the 1898 Act. It states that if anyone refuses or neglects to pay the charges for availing a service, such amount shall be recoverable as if it were an arrear of land revenue due from them. Criticising the legislation, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the 2023 Bill retained the most draconian provisions of the 1898 Act. Over the past decade we have often seen this Government, in the guise of decolonising our minds and updating colonial era lore, bringing in legislation that is equally if not more arbitrary and unreasonable, and that more often than not encroaches upon the fundamental rights of countless Indians, Indian Express quoted him as saying. Even as it seeks to revise a colonial Bill, this Bill retains its draconian and colonial provisions, that too while eliminating the burden of accountability which a governmental enterprise like India Post ought constitutionally to shoulder. Sadly, it offers no new ideas to bring our post offices into the 21st Century, he said during the debate on the Bill. India is making significant strides in the field of science. It is now set to explore one of the coldest regions on Earth. On Tuesday, India commences its first winter expedition in the Arctic with year-round observations in Norways Svalbard, the worlds northernmost settlement. Indias National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), the nodal agency for Indias polar expeditions, has a research station, Himadri at the Ny-Alesund research base. Himadri, which is located at a distance of 1,200 kilometres from the North Pole, will only be the fourth research station in the region that will be manned around the year. We take a look at Indias expedition and what to expect from it. Whats the aim of Indias expedition? Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday flagged off the winter science expedition to the Arctic region in a bid to maintain a year-long presence at the Himadri. A team of four scientists will embark on the journey on Tuesday to the research station in the Ny-Alesund town on the Brogger peninsula. The expedition and other experiments will continue until the end of March; each research team will spend a month in the frigid region. Thamban Meloth, director of NCPOR, said that the research will help in collecting data on atmospheric processes like the aurora borealis (northern lights), atmospheric electricity during winter, and other space-specific studies. The scientists will conduct atmospheric observations during the polar nights, monitor variations in sea ice, and study the role of precipitation on climate change, and the role of aerosols on climate change. The Arctic is warming dramatically, and the impact is seen the world over, so it is important to collect data throughout the year and ensure there are no knowledge gaps, Meloth was quoted as saying by The Times of India (ToI). The work of the scientists is expected to provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between the Arctic climate and the Indian monsoon system and contribute to the broader understanding of global warming effects, reports India Today. The first team of scientists from Bengaluru-based Raman Research Institute (RRI) will focus on characterising the radio frequency environment in Svalbard. It is led by Girish BS from the electronic engineering group at RRI. The other teams to follow belong to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, IIT-Mandi, and the Goa-based NCPOR. This historic venture holds immense significance as we navigate the Arctics critical influence on global climate, sea levels, and biodiversity for the first time, said Kiren Rijiju. A new beginning Honble Minister of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, Shri Kiren Rijiju, launches the 1st Indian Winter Expedition to Arctic in New Delhi today in the presence of Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES and Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR. @KirenRijiju @moesgoi pic.twitter.com/MXf2yP0CAe NCPOR (@ncaor_goa) December 18, 2023 Why is exploring the Arctic important? The Arctic Region, which includes a vast ice-covered ocean, is one of the least explored and understood places on the planet. Climate change is causing the ice cover to diminish and scientists believe that it is important to study this region to understand the Arctic environment and the impact it will have on the world in the future. Over the last 100 years, temperatures in the Arctic have risen by four degrees Celsius on average. The sea ice in the region has been declining at 13 per cent every decade, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. If this continues, the region could become ice-free in less than 20 years. Also read: Why India must keep its foothold in Arctic The rise in sea levels can affect atmospheric circulation. An increase in tropical sea surface temperatures could lead to increased precipitation in the tropics, a shift in the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone, and high chances of an increase in extreme rainfall events, according to a report in The Indian Express. If the temperature becomes milder because of global warming, it could make the Arctic more habitable. This could see a rush to explore the resources in the region, the report says. Now, India will have round the year Research Station in Arctic! Our scientists, researchers and young talents are breaking scientific barriers, setting high standards & positioning India as global leader on the world scientific stage to fulfill the vision of PM @narendramodi Ji https://t.co/oA7z63O0SY pic.twitter.com/Hvy98eWjSe Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) December 18, 2023 Why are Arctic explorations challenging? The extreme climate is one of the biggest challenges in the Arctic the climate is harsh and darkness continues for months. Polar bears can also be dangerous. February is the coldest month in Ny-Alesund, where the temperatures drop to minus 14 and in July, which is the warmest, it hovers around five degrees Celsius. While the Antarctic is harsher and more remote for exploration, the Arctic is challenging mainly because of the limited space for independent studies, Meloth told The Indian Express. The area above the Arctic Circle is part of eight nations that make up the Arctic Council. These include the United States, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Russia. Research in the region is governed by the Svalbard Treaty of 1920, the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas, and individual jurisdictions of the Arctic countries. Meloth told the newspaper that because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the Russian Arctic is inaccessible to the world. Also read: The Arctic is getting wetter: How shifting seasons will affect the wildlife and ecosystem What has India been doing so far in the Arctic? While India signed the Svalbard Treaty, the first Indian expedition to the region was undertaken in 2007. Five scientists visited the International Arctic Research Facilities at Ny-Alesund to study microbiology, atmospheric sciences, and geology in the region. Indias permanent station Himadri started operations in July 2008. This station was opened keeping in mind the sustained interest shown by Indian scientists in pursuing scientific studies in the Arctic. Himadri provides extensive field and laboratory support required for pursuing research activities in the Arctic, according to NCAOR. It has been quipped for observations during polar nights, which last longer than 24 hours and has special gear and transport for extreme weather. The Indian government unveiled its Arctic Policy last year, which aims to have more research stations and satellite ground stations in the region. So far, only 10 countries have permanent facilities at the International Arctic Research base. With inputs from agencies Yemens Houthi rebels have attacked multiple trade ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis say they have been attacking vessels with links to Israel to protest the military offensive in Gaza. They have also warned against sailing towards the area. But what happened exactly? And will it impact global trade? Lets take a closer look: What happened? 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. The Houthis have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but 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 and its crew. The Houthis said they attacked the MSC Clara and Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic, were attacked after their crews failed to respond to calls from the group. The Swan Atlantics owner said the ship had been struck by an unidentified object but none of the crew was hurt. The MSC Clara is a Panama-flagged vessel, according to LSEG data. Details of the attack on the vessel were not immediately known. Confirming Mondays attack on the Swan Atlantic, US officials told Reuters multiple projectiles had been launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. All the ships system were operating normally although the water tank had been damaged in the attack, said Oystein Elgan, chief executive of owner Inventor Chemical Tankers. Inventor Chemical Tankers had no Israeli ties, Elgan said. The vessels operator, Uni-Tankers, said the attack had caused a small fire which the crew brought under control, and that the ship, carrying vegetable oils, continued to Reunion Island. A British maritime authority said it had received a report of a vessel that experienced an explosion on its port side in an attack 24 nautical miles north west of Yemens Mokha port. The vessel and crew were reported safe, it said in an advisory. The incident described by the UKMTO advisory was similar to those of the attack on the Swan Atlantic. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) authority said in a separate advisory it had received a report of a vessel 24 nautical miles southeast of Mokha as being approached by a craft with several armed personnel onboard. Warning shots were fired from the vessel and the craft with the armed personnel on board changed course, the advisory said. The UKMTO authority said in other advisories it had received reports of an incident 63 nautical miles northwest of Djibouti and another incident in the vicinity of the Bab Al Mandab strait, 30 nautical miles south of the port Mokha. As per Al Jazeera, the Houthis in November said they had captured the cargo ship Galaxy leader. While they claimed the ship was owned by Israel, Tel Aviv called it a British-owned Japanese-operated vessel that was headed for India. Why is the Red Sea important? The Suez Canal shipping route, which leads to the Red Sea, is a vital waterway for global trade, used to transport energy and other goods between Europe and Asia, and elsewhere. The route saves on time and expense by avoiding having to navigate around the entire Africa continent. 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 huge amount 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 per cent 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. As per Al Jazeera, around 40 per cent of trade passes through the strait. How will it impact global trade? The attacks have caused concerns about the impact on the passage of oil, grain and other goods on what is an important global trade route, and have pushed up the cost of insuring and shipping goods through the Red Sea. As per Al Jazeera, shipping insurance premiums have already risen tens of thousands of dollars per day. Soon after the latest attacks, Londons insurance market widened the area in the Red Sea it deems as high risk. 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 per cent and some insurers wont cover them at all, he said. While shippers are applying a so-called war risk charge of $50 to $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. This in turn has contributed to a spike in oil prices. BBC noted that oil prices on the international benchmark Brent have already risen 2.6 per cent on Monday The outlet quoted Gregory Brew, an oil historian and analyst at Eurasia Group, as saying, Right now its unclear how significant the impact will be. Though if more shipping companies divert their traffic, and if the disruption lasts more than a week or two, prices are likely to climb further. Consumer goods will face the largest impact, though current disruptions are occurring during the off-peak shipping season, added Chris Rogers from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Peter Sand, chief analyst at freight rate data company Xeneta, said there is definitely a price to pay for a situation like this. Al Jazeera quoted Colby Connelly, a senior analyst at Energy Intelligence, as saying the attacks have had a fairly limited but not intangible affect. As these attacks have gone on, markets have taken more and more notice, so crude prices did end the week higher than theyve been for the last couple of days or so, especially as these attacks dont look like theyre going to stop until theres a stronger effort to actually stop them, Connelly said. Paul Sullivan, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Councils Global Energy Center, told Al Jazeera, If the Bab el-Mandeb is constrained to oil traffic due to tensions in the region there is a good chance the price of oil to some places will go up due to a crisis and war premium on insurance and the products themselves, said Given the present circumstance, this is doubtful, but in the increased tensions in the region just about anything is possible. If it gets bad enough that all sorts of cargoes will be redirected around Africa, this could reconfigure many cargo contracts, including of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). And prices will have upward pressures. The softening of overall oil prices may mitigate that, but not for long, he added. BBC quoted oil giant BP saying it would pause oil shipments through the Red Sea. BP blamed the deteriorating security situation and said it would keep the precautionary pause under ongoing review. 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 minimise 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 apparently 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. Taiwans Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation said it would divert any of its ships sailing through the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden via the Cape of Good Hope for the next two weeks. Norway-based oil tanker group Frontline said its vessels would also start avoiding passages through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. War risk insurance premiums are on the rise naturally, but as vessels gets re-routed around Africa shipping supply will be tighter as cargoes travel longer. That would put rates under a strong upwards pressure, CEO Lars Barstad told Reuters. The announcement followed decisions by two major freight firms including MSC, the worlds biggest container shipping line, to avoid the Suez Canal in response to the attacks by Houthi forces, which control most of Yemen, a poor Arab state. Maersk, the worlds biggest shipping company, said Friday that its told all of its vessels due to pass through a maritime chokepoint in the southern Red Sea to pause their journey until further notice. German-based shipper Hapag-Lloyd that was operating a vessel attacked Friday also said it was pausing all its container ship traffic through the Red Sea until Monday. MarineTraffic, a vessel tracking firm, showed plenty of ships still moving through the region. Norways Shipowners Association said it expected Norwegian and international authorities to come together as soon as possible to secure safe passage for civilian vessels. Norways foreign ministry said Oslo was evaluating whether to participate in the proposed US-led maritime coalition. The US has said it is seeking an expanded coalition to protect ships in the Red Sea and to send a signal to the Houthis, who have also fired drones and missiles at Israel since it began its campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas rampage in southern Israel on 7 October. The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners and violates international law, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement Monday as per Bloomberg. This is an international challenge that demands collective action. The Houthis have pledged to continue their attacks until Israel stops its assault, but said on Saturday that real steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip would contribute to reducing the escalation. They also said that they were in Oman-mediated talks about its sea operations. That was the first indication that the militia group may be willing to de-escalate. With inputs from agencies Even as I.N.D.I.A bloc leaders are meeting today to deliberate on a blueprint for a joint campaign and seat-sharing arrangement for 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress on Tuesday formed a five-member committee to hold discussions on forging alliances with other parties for the polls. In the run-up to the general election 2024, the Congress president has constituted a National Alliance Committee with immediate effect, the party said in a statement. Senior party leader Mukul Wasnik will be the convener of the committee, it added. Other members of the National Alliance Committee are former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. Former union minister Salman Khurshid and senior leader Mohan Prakash are also members. Sources said the panel will look into all aspects of forming alliances with other parties. Meanwhile, the I.N.D.I.A bloc meeting began at the Ashoka Hotel in the national capital with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in attendance. With inputs from agencies The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday ruled that civil suits filed by Hindu worshippers and deity inter alia seeking restoration of a temple at the Gyanvapi Mosque premises are not barred by the Places of Worship Act, rejecting the challenges pointed out by the Masjid Committee. The ruling by the Allahabad High Court comes as a huge setback to the Muslim side contesting the case. The Allahabad High Court also asked a Varanasi court to complete hearing in the matter within six months. In the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi land title dispute cases, the Allahabad High Court today upheld that a batch of petitions including a plea challenging a 1991 civil suit filed by Hindu worshippers seeking the right to worship in the Gyanvapi mosque and a petition against the Varanasi Courts ASI survey order of 2021 are not barred. The three petitions were related to the maintainability of the case filed in the Varanasi court in 1991, while the remaining two applications were filed against the survey order of ASI. In the case filed in Varanasi court in 1991 on behalf of the litigation friends of Lord Adi Vishweshwar Virama, there was a demand to hand over the disputed premises to Hindus and to allow worship there. In the year 1991, cases were filed in Varanasi court on behalf of Somnath Vyas, Ramnarayan Sharma and Harihar Pandey. The Muslim side argued that the Places of Worship Act of 1991 Adi Vishweshwars case cannot be heard under this, It was argued from the Hindu side that this dispute was before independence, and, the Places of Worship Act will not be applicable in the Gyanvapi dispute. The construction of an Urdu learning center in the Agripada neighborhood of south Mumbai has BJP and Shiv Sena legislators at odds with one another on Tuesday. In a calling attention motion in the legislative assembly, BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha brought up the issue of the Urdu learning center and charged the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi regime with engaging in appeasement politics. The previous Shiv Sena UBT government had started to see green everywhere, and in a bid to appease a particular minority community, it forced the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to construct the centre instead of the originally planned industrial training institute (ITI), Kotecha stated, requesting that an ITI be built. Cabinet Minister Uday Samant said the decision has already been challenged in the Bombay High Court, and as per the order from the chief secretary, the work has been halted. The BJP MLAs, however, continued to raise the issue, claiming that the previous government had indulged in appeasement politics. Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Rais Shaikh pointed out that it was Shiv Sena MLA Yamini Jadhav who had first moved the proposal to set up the Urdu learning centre, and every procedure was followed while going ahead with the plan. BJP MLA Nitish Rane demanded that officials who gave land for the centre be suspended. He also claimed that the Agripada area already had Urdu schools, which students did not attend. Responding to the allegation, MLA Jadhav said, There is already an ITI in my constituency. What we are building is not an Urdu school but a centre. It is a language like any other in the country and should not be linked to a particular religion. People in my constituency had demanded such a centre, and based on that, I had proposed the same. Following Jadhavs clarification, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said that the issue should not be blown out of proportion, as the chief secretary has already stayed the construction following a court case. (With inputs from PTI) In the Swaroop Nagar neighborhood of north Delhi, a nine-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped, raped, and killed, according to police on Tuesday. We received a call about the kidnapping of a nine-year-old girl at 8:30 p.m. on December 12. Teams were assembled to apprehend the accused, Sanjeev Rana (52), after police filed a FIR under Section 363 (kidnapping), according to a senior police officer. The victims parents reported to the police that their daughter was abducted by a man while she was playing outside the house. The parents are laborers in a factory and rent an apartment. The victim was discovered to have been sitting in the accuseds car on December 12 at around 2:00 PM, according to police. While the search of the girl was going on, the accused met with a road accident and was admitted at a hospital in Rohini on December 15. Police team was sent to the hospital, but he was unfit for statement, said the police officer. The accused confessed to abducting, raping and murder of the girl child on December 17 and dumping her body in the Munak Canal, police said. We are checking entire routes of the accused and the accused will be brought in to search for the victims body on Tuesday, said the police officer. An FIR has been registered under sections 364 (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder), 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence or giving false information to screen offender) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, police said. Different police teams are searching for the victims body, they said. (with inputs from PTI) Slamming Congress elements for the mimicry of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, community outfit Jat association took to social media to express outrage at the incident. Vice President and the pride of the Jat community, Jagdeep Dhankhar has been mocked. The Jat community will definitely take account of this mockery in the coming Lok Sabha elections, the Jat Association said in a post on social media platform X. Earlier on Tuesday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee had kicked off a raging controversy when he staged a mimicry of Jagdeep Dhankhar outside the Parliament building. Visuals on television news channels showed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filming the act on his mobile phone. Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is also the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, expressed outrage at the incident. Mr Chidambaram, you are a very senior member. Imagine what I felt when a senior leader of your party, an MP, was filming an act making fun of me, a personal attack, he said while addressing senior Congress leader P Chidambaram during his remarks in the Rajya Sabha. This is not just the insult of a farmer or a community, its disrespect to the post of Rajya Sabha chairman. And that too by a party that ruled the country for so long. I am very pained, he added. He said that the video had been placed on the Congresss official Instagram account, but it has since been removed. This is shameful. You used an official handle to humiliate me for my farmer background, to humiliate me as a Jat, to humiliate my position. This is very serious, Dhankhar said. Following their disruption of Parliamentary proceedings to demand a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the significant security breach that occurred last week, 141 MPs have been suspended. Two trespassers broke into the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and used coloured smoke to leap from desk to desk. In relation to the event, six people have been taken into custody. According to the accused, their goal was to raise awareness of the problems facing farmers, unemployment, and instability in Manipur. (With agency inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hit out at the Opposition over its protests in Parliament and said that their acts clearly indicate that they have made up their mind to be in Opposition forever and perhaps will be pushed even behind from where they currently stand. #WATCH | BJP Parliamentary Party meeting was held in the Parliament Library Building in Delhi today pic.twitter.com/QsHKLfqypy ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2023 The act of Opposition clearly indicates that Opposition has made its mind to be in Opposition and they are practising for the same. The nation has also made up its mind to keep them in opposition and will perhaps push them even more behind from where they currently stand. We should expose the Opposition keeping in mind to keep our voice under control and stay within limits of democracy, BJP sources quoted PM Modi as saying at partys parliamentary meet. He said that the Opposition leaders were disrupting the proceedings of Parliament out of frustration borne from losses in recently held Assembly elections and giving Parliament security breach incident a political spin. Whatever happened in Parliament recently, those who believe in democracy will not accept such an act. This act should have been condemned. However, unfortunately what I have been witnessing is that the Opposition is letting out its frustration of losing in the election and giving political spin to the entire act, he said They are even giving muted and indirect support to their act and this is worrisome. The act of Opposition of giving support to the act and saying things like what else they could have done is worrisome and condemnable, the PM added. As a piece of advise to his colleagues, PM Modi said that all the BJP MPs in the coming days should participate in the Parliament proceedings irrespective of others are participating or not. In the coming days, no matter whether others are participating or not, we must participate in the Parliament. Some of the Bills which are to be taken up are of great importance. We should listen to discussion on them. It would have been good if the Opposition would have participated in debates on them. But perhaps good deeds are not in their fortune, PM Modi said. Meanwhile, as many as 49 Lok Sabha MPs, include National Conferences Farooq Abdullah and Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari, were suspended from the House for disrupting proceedings on Tuesday, a day after 78 opposition members were suspended from Parliament. Last week, 14 MPs, 13 from Lok Sabha and 1 from Rajya Sabha were suspended for disrupting the Parliament. The total number of Opposition MPs suspended from Parliament now stands at 141. INDIA bloc MPs have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in Parliament on 13 December. With inputs from agencies Police sources on Tuesday revealed that the six individuals apprehended in connection with the security breach at Parliament were members of six WhatsApp groups named after Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekar Azad. According to PTI, citing sources familiar with the investigations, the accused and other group members regularly engaged in discussions about the thoughts and ideas of the freedom fighters, sharing related video clips. The security breach took place on 13 December when Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour. They released yellow smoke from canisters, shouted slogans, and were subsequently overpowered by MPs. Simultaneously, Amol Shinde and Neelam, two other individuals, sprayed coloured smoke from canisters outside Parliament premises while shouting tanashahi nahi chalegi. In connection with the incident, Lalit Jha, identified as the alleged key conspirator, and Mahesh Kumawat have also been arrested by the police. All six individuals, including Jha and Kumawat, are facing charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The social media Instagram and Facebook posts of the accused showed that they were greatly inspired by the revolutionary leaders and therefore, decided to replicate Bhagat Singhs act in Parliament. Meanwhile, police have also from Meta the details of all the members of these WhatsApp groups as well as their chats, sources said. According to the sources, the accused would also talk on the Signals app to plan the security breach and had met in Mysuru, Karnataka last year. Manoranjan D, who hails from Mysuru, had borne the travel expenses of the five, an official said. The police are trying to get duplicate sim cards of the four accused whose mobile phones were allegedly destroyed and burnt by Jha and Kumawat in Rajasthan. On Saturday, an inquiry committee headed by Central Reserve Police Force Director General Anish Dayal Singh recreated the crime scene in the presence of officials from the Parliament Security and Delhi Police. The committee is investigating the reasons for the breach in security and will identify lapses and recommend further action. The Delhi Police Special Cell is also probing the case under an anti-terror law. With inputs from agencies Budget carrier SpiceJet said on Tuesday that it will submit an offer with the resolution professional of Go First after due diligence to create an airline in collaboration with the bankrupt carrier. The news, which pushed up SpiceJet shares by more than 7%, came after Go Firsts lenders began contemplating the airlines liquidation after they did not get any bids for it within the late November deadline. SpiceJet did not provide any further details on its offer on Tuesday. Last week, SpiceJet said it would raise Rs 22.50 billion (nearly $271 million) by selling shares and warrants to aid growth plans. Go First did not immediately respond to the media report. The carriers bankruptcy filing lists Central Bank of India (CBI.NS), Bank of Baroda (BOB.NS), IDBI Bank (IDBI.NS) and Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) among its creditors to whom it owes a total of 65.21 billion rupees ($784.60 million). Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar Tuesday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi without taking his name for filming video his party MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicking the RS Chair outside Parliament. One of your (Congress) big leader was making video of one of the member unparliamentary behavior. There should be some limit. A senior members of a party making video of another party member who is doing mimicry of chair. How ridiculous and shameful it is, said Dhankar after the House reconvened at noon after being adjourned. Taking the note of the incident, Dhankar said, Office of Chairman, Rajya Sabha and Office of Speaker is very different. Political parties will have their cross currents, they will have exchanges, but imagine a senior leader of your party, video graphing another member of another party. Mimicry of the Chairman, mimicry of Speaker. How ridiculous, how shameful, how unacceptable. Videos from outside the Parliament showed Gandhi filming Banerjee mimicking Dhankar as opposition MPs, who were protesting outside Parliament against the mass suspension from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, burst into laughter. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimics Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. pic.twitter.com/jlgua1ywSL Abhishek (@AbhishekSay) December 19, 2023 The new low in parliamentary democracy! The Vice President of the country and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is insulted by Rahul Gandhi and members of the arrogant alliance in the Parliament House complex. Shameful pic.twitter.com/Jkf2pQRoQl BJP Central Media (@BJPCentralMedia) December 19, 2023 'Shocking & disgraceful' BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla slammed Kalyan Banerjee for mocking and mimicking the Vice President inside the Parliament complex and Rahul Gandhi for filing it. "Mocking Parliament, constitutional positions has become their DNA - remember how they said Modi ki kabr khudegi & abused his OBC background. From abusing PM post to calling President - Rashtrapatni to now insulting a person who comes from OBC samaj from Rajasthan & has become VP of India," Poonawalla said. Saddest day for Parliamentary democracy with most unparliamentary behaviour by opposition Shocking & disgraceful Kalyan Banerjee of TMC mocks and mimics VP Jagdeep Dhankar inside Parliament complex Rahul Gandhi seen filming it Mocking Parliament, constitutional positions https://t.co/KI9wd62Yw9 pic.twitter.com/0MEMBNCowQ Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) December 19, 2023 INDIA bloc MPs have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in Parliament on December 13. The suspended MPs of the INDIA bloc parties staged a protest in front of the Gandhi statue on Parliament premises this morning. The suspended lawmakers were joined by the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Sonia Gandhi, as they raised slogans against the Centre. The suspended members also protested against the government at Parliament's Makar Dwar. With inputs from agencies As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are approaching and Indias independent stance on many issues of foreign policy is pinching global elites, the usual anti-India brigade has also started relentlessly pushing its agenda across the world. In the same series, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom is busy tarnishing India by accusing it of persecuting its religious minorities through various means. It is alleged that India is using draconian legislation such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and anti-conversion laws to target religious minorities as well as journalists and activists. But does USCIRFs case against India over the treatment of its minorities hold any water? Last week, a minor girl named Jaishree was abducted and forcefully married to a much older adult man in Samaro Umerkot in Pakistan. Another Hindu woman Premi was abducted and converted to Islam along with her child in Karachi. An 8-year-old child Narna Bheel was kidnapped by an adult Muslim man who may have raped, converted or even married her. In another incident, a gang of Islamists kidnapped two Hindu sisters and their 3-year-old children in the Tando Gulam Hyder area of Sindh. Even physically disabled people are not aloof from this tyranny and torture as a blind minor Hindu girl Anita Meghwar was kidnapped, raped, forcibly converted to Islam and married to a man at Dargah Gulzhar-e-Khaleel in Pakistan. The same fate has been meted out to multiple other Hindu women who were even married or had children before but were picked from their houses and forcibly married to another man after conversion to Islam. In just a single week, more than 10 Hindu girls and children have been either sexually assaulted, converted forcibly or married to their abductors in Indias neighbouring country of Pakistan. Even every single day, a new incident of persecution of minorities surfaced in that country last week, USCIRF didnt take cognisance of a single case of such persecution. On the contrary, it was busy terming the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and a purported plot to assassinate another terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Panun as Indias attempt to suppress religious minorities living abroad. Not only USCIRF was acting without any adequate proof of the Indian States involvement but it was also actively lobbying with the Biden government to designate India as a country of particular concern. It is difficult to understand why would USCIRF consciously ignore the actual mistreatment of minorities in Pakistan and continue to turn the heat on India without any credible evidence. But just a little research into its antecedents and the truth reveals itself. USCIRF is a federal government agency in the US which claims to be bipartisan and independent. Its mandate is to monitor freedom of religion abroad and make policy recommendations to top political executives in the country including the President. It also advises the US Congress on related matters and even organises hearings and briefings on countries besides publishing reports etc., to create public awareness. However, is USCIRF really a benign agency whose intention is to protect victims of religious persecution abroad? Definitely not. First of all, the very mandate of this body reeks of colonialism as it involves a much superior external power interfering in other countries in the name of upholding religious freedom but in reality, enforcing its political agenda and shoving western values down their throats. Secondly, USCIRF has been completely hijacked by a coterie of evangelists and Islamists who have come together to target non-Abrahamic faiths such as Hinduism. This is when ironically, they claim to fight for religious minorities but target Hindus who are one of the most vulnerable religious group across the world whose members are a small minority in comparison to Islam and Christianity. USCIRF is home to a bunch of evangelicals who are closely associated with Islamist fronts and share with them the zeal to target India which is the only civilisational home to Hindus globally. Nadine Maenza, a former head of USCIRF makes regular appearances at events organised by Islamist fronts such as the Indian American Muslim Council that lobby for sanctions against India over unsubstantiated charges such as human rights violations and persecution of minority groups. A cursory look at its current commissioners brings to light equally shocking facts. The commission is dominated by Christians mostly with almost all of its nine commissioners having an overwhelmingly deep association with evangelical organisations. It also includes Mohammed Magid, a former president of the Islamic Society of North America. ISNA is an influential advocacy group in the US but one which is highly controversial due to its linkages with the Muslim Brotherhood, a designated terrorist organisation by multiple countries. Interestingly, ISNA also features in a federal list of entities whose members have been formerly a part of the US Muslim Brotherhood. Looking at the compromised institutional integrity of USCIRF, it is not a surprise that even the current commissioners are a regular feature at events organised by the Indian American Muslim Council, an advocacy group that has links with Pakistani terror outfits. USCIRFs anti-India agenda can be understood more clearly from the fact that people who are representing India at the commission have previously served as top executives at George Soross Open Society Foundation as well. Case in point is Anurima Bhargava who is currently serving as a commissioner at USCIRF and is a leading voice in seeking sanctions against India on flimsy grounds or getting India designated as a country of particular concern ever since she joined the commission in 2018. It may appear perplexing to a layman but in reality, it is very tragic that a gang of Islamists and evangelicals are sabotaging India-US ties that have been on an upswing since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014. USCIRF is conducting a concerted campaign against India over unsubstantiated charges but giving a free pass to Pakistan just because its commissioners have a background of hobnobbing with Pakistani lobbyists. The US government must seriously introspect how its federal agencies are spoiling relations with a key partner such as India and clubbing it with some of the most rogue states across the world. This will be a good time to reiterate that India must not let its national security be undermined due to such propagandistic activities by USCIRF. Khalistan terror and Islamist designs are a real threat to Indias territorial integrity and its progress. If USCIRF subjects the United States to the same standards as it is subjecting India then its Global War on Terror was the biggest example of transnational repression of religious minorities. The author is a PhD from the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. She writes on Indias foreign policy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In recent years, India has emerged as a significant player in the global alcohol market, capturing attention as the worlds fifth-largest economy and the fifth-biggest alcohol market. With a market worth approximately $52 billion, Indias influence in the industry is expanding rapidly, making it a key contributor to the growth projections in the global alcohol market. Alcohol consumption in India has a long history dating back to 200 BC. Over time, the nation has not only embraced alcohol for domestic consumption but has also evolved into a major global player in alcohol production. Global exporter and growth driver Despite only a small proportion of Indians drinking Scotch, India has become one of the largest exporters of this renowned spirit. In the previous year, India played a pivotal role in driving growth in the global liquor market, accounting for a third of the overall expansion. Experts predict that this trend is not a fleeting phenomenon but is set to endure. Projections indicate that the global alcohol market is expected to grow by 40 per cent until 2030, with emerging markets in Asia and Africa playing a substantial role. Among these, India is positioned to lead the charge, boasting a remarkable annual growth rate of 6.8 per cent. The market is anticipated to reach $64 billion over the next five years. Diverse category growth Indias overall increase in the alcohol market is supported by growth across various categories. Notably, the market for Scotch grew by 32 per cent, gin by 45 per cent, agave by 70 per cent and single malt whiskey by an impressive 144 per cdent. Single malts, in particular, are reshaping Indias alcohol landscape, as the country establishes itself as a whiskey-drinking nation. Indian-born whiskeys are not only competing with global brands for shelf space but are also winning prestigious global awards. This success has prompted a multinational liquor giant to launch its own Indian single malt, underscoring Indias growing influence in the global spirits arena. In contrast to Indias thriving alcohol market, some of the worlds most developed markets are experiencing a decline in production. Factors such as declining consumption, health concerns, shifting lifestyles and shrinking populations contribute to this decline. For instance, both the United States and Germany are witnessing a reduction in alcohol consumption, particularly among the younger generations. Indias unique position Unlike many other nations, India does not face a decline in alcohol consumption. Young Indians are propelling sales, driven by rising incomes and post-pandemic growth. This demographic is exploring new products, opting for high-quality drinks and fostering the growth of craft liquor leading to the emergence of new homegrown brands. The Indian government is actively supporting the growth of the alcohol industry through new policies aimed at improving infrastructure for the food-processing sector, which includes the alcohol industry. This support has contributed to the ecosystems impressive worth of over $1.2 billion. Indias rise in the global alcoholic beverage industry is fueled by various factors, including diverse category growth, global recognition and a supportive government. While India still has miles to go, its position as a key player in the global alcohol market is evident. As spirits run high, the nations trajectory in the industry remains promising. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Barely a day after a record number of Opposition MPs were suspended from both Houses of Parliament, the INDIA alliance will meet on Tuesday after three and a half months in Delhi. At the meeting, the regional parties are expected to demand that seat sharing be finalized at the earliest so that they can start choosing candidates and begin campaign rallies. Caste census is also likely to be on the agenda, the immediate challenge for the INDIA alliance is to build consensus on choosing a convener. The regional parties expect the Congress to table the main agenda of the meeting. On their part, these parties will submit their suggestions to redraw the joint strategy to take on the BJP, which defeated the Congress in the recent Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The regional parties had earlier expressed unhappiness about the alliances activities coming to a halt as the Congress prepared for assembly elections in five states. Evolving a core positive agenda, seat sharing, and a programme to hold joint rallies are among the main points of discussion, an Opposition leader said on Monday. The blocs members will discuss an alternative positive agenda to counter the BJP and the bloc will move forward with the unity theme Main nahin, hum (not I, we), a Congress member aware of the developments said. It was one of the Congresss slogans for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections that saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi come to power for the first time. A Samajwadi Party (SP) leader said, The SP will demand discussion on seat sharing. Once distribution of seats is done, the parties can start preparations for selection of candidates, strengthening their organisation, and coordination with the local unit of allies. Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD said the alliances committees formed earlier had been working behind the scenes to prepare for the polls. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the members of the alliance would iron out all differences, including on the issue of seat sharing. She told reporters in New Delhi that a three-way alliance was very much possible in West Bengal between the TMC, the Congress, and the Left. Earlier on Monday, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal met Mamata Banerjee and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) supremo Uddhav Thackeray to discuss the political situation, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year. After meeting the West Bengal chief minister, Kejriwal said in a post on X that political issues of the country were discussed during the courtesy meeting. Kejriwal will attend the meeting of the alliance on Tuesday, a person aware of the development said. The Delhi chief minister on X also shared photos of his meeting with Uddhav Thackeray and other Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, saying he had the fortune of hosting them at his residence. The meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is scheduled to be held at the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi on Tuesday. The alliances proposed meeting on December 6 was postponed after several top leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, expressed their inability to attend the gathering. The INDIA alliance held its first meeting in Patna on June 23, the second meeting in Bengaluru on July 17 and 18, and the third in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1. The European Union (EU) has initiated an investigation into social media company X, for suspected breaches of obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This marks the first probe under the DSA, which came into force in November last year, imposing additional responsibilities on very large online platforms and search engines to address illegal content and public security risks, as reported by Reuters. EU industry chief Thierry Breton previously sent letters to X, Meta, TikTok, and Alphabet following Hamas attacks on Israel in October, reminding them of their DSA obligations regarding harmful and illegal content. While platforms highlighted their efforts to combat disinformation, Elon Musks X received a formal request for information under the DSA. X, owned by Elon Musk, is cooperating with the regulatory process and expresses its commitment to complying with the DSA. In a statement, X emphasized the importance of a politically unbiased process that adheres to the law. The investigation will focus on countering the dissemination of illegal content in the EU and assessing the effectiveness of measures taken to combat information manipulation, including Xs Community Notes system. Introduced earlier this year, this feature allows users to flag false or misleading content through comments, effectively involving users in fact-checking. The European Commission, which deems the Community Notes system not inherently flawed, is examining its implementation for effectiveness. The investigation will entail additional requests for information, interviews, inspections, and a review of Xs transparency measures. The European Commission will also scrutinize the user interface, particularly features like Blue checks linked to subscription products. The preliminary investigation included an analysis of Xs report submitted in September, its transparency report published in November, and responses to a formal information request related to illegal content concerning Hamas attacks against Israel. The DSA introduces new regulations on content moderation, user privacy, and transparency, with potential fines for breaches amounting to up to 6 per cent of the companys global turnover. (With inputs from agencies) Alphabets Google has reached an agreement to settle an antitrust lawsuit in the United States, agreeing to pay $700 million and take measures to allow for better competition in the Android ecosystem, as far as its Play Store app marketplace is concerned. The terms of the settlement were disclosed on Monday in a federal court in San Francisco, outlining Googles commitment to fostering a more competitive environment. According to a statement from the company, Google will allocate $630 million to a settlement fund for consumers and an additional $70 million to a fund designated for states. The antitrust case centred around allegations that Google engaged in overcharging consumers by imposing unlawful restrictions on app distribution on Android devices and implementing unnecessary fees for in-app transactions. However, Google did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. While the settlement awaits final approval from a judge, lead plaintiff Utah and other states initially announced the resolution in September. The terms were kept confidential until after Googles trial with Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. A California federal jury recently sided with Epic Games, affirming that certain aspects of Googles app business exhibited anticompetitive behaviour. In a statement, Wilson White, Googles Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy, emphasized that the settlement builds on Androids choice and flexibility, maintains strong security protections, and retains Googles ability to compete with other operating system makers, and invest in the Android ecosystem for users and developers. As part of the settlement, Google has committed to expanding the options for app and game developers, allowing them to offer consumers alternative billing choices for in-app purchases alongside Plays existing billing system. The company noted that it had been testing choice billing in the US for over a year. Additionally, Google pledged to simplify the process for users to directly download apps from developers. Looking ahead, Epic Games plans to request US District Judge James Donato, overseeing both cases, to issue an order that could compel Google to implement changes in its Play store. While resolving this antitrust lawsuit, Google still faces legal challenges related to its search and digital advertising practices, maintaining its denial of any wrongdoing in those particular cases. (With inputs from agencies) In what is poised to be one of the major tech events of 2024, Samsung is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of the Galaxy S24 series in January. As the South Korean tech giant prepares to unveil the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra, a flurry of rumours has surfaced online, shedding light on the phones colour variations, RAM configurations, and storage capacities. According to information shared by tech insider Revegnus, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24+ are expected to be offered with a single 12GB RAM option. The former may boast an impressive 512GB of internal storage, while the Ultra model could push the boundaries with an expansive 1TB storage option. Revegnus further disclosed that the Galaxy S24 is poised to be lauched in 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB storage variants. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Plus is rumoured to be available in 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB storage configurations. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is speculated to offer three storage options: 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, and an impressive 12GB RAM+1TB storage variant. All three models are expected to be available in a palette of colours, including black, grey, violet, and yellow. Adding to the excitement, another reputable tipster, Evan Blass, hinted that the Galaxy S24 Ultra might also be launched in exclusive silver, light brown, and green colour options, potentially available only through online purchases on the Samsung platform. While Samsung has not officially confirmed the launch date for the Galaxy S24 series, recent leaks point to a potential unveiling on January 17. The devices are rumoured to be powered by Qualcomms new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, featuring overclocked GPU and CPU cores. However, in select global markets, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ may run on an Exynos chipset. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is expected to stand out with Titanium frames, and for marking Samsungs foray into Generative AI technology. Furthermore, it is likely to incorporate a groundbreaking EV battery technology aimed at enhancing overall battery life, making it the first Generative AI phone from the company. As anticipation continues to build, tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the official launch to witness the innovative features and advancements in the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. (With inputs from agencies) On Tuesday, a Swedish appeals court will issue its decision in the trial of a former Iranian jail officer who was sentenced to life in prison in a lower court for crimes committed during a 1988 sweep of dissidents. The ruling might have ramifications for the status of Swedish detainees in Iran, notably EU official Johan Floderus, who has been imprisoned for almost 600 days. Hamid Noury, 62, was detained in November 2019 at a Stockholm airport after Iranian dissidents in Sweden submitted police complaints against him. A Stockholm district court convicted him of serious crime against international law and murder in July 2022. The case relates to the killing of at least 5,000 prisoners across Iran, allegedly ordered by supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini, to avenge attacks carried out by exiled opposition group the Peoples Mujahedin of Iran (MEK) at the end of the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88. Sweden has tried Noury under its principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows it to try a case regardless of where the offences took place. The district court found that Noury had been an assistant prosecutor in a prison near Tehran at the time of the events and had retrieved prisoners, brought them to the committee and escorted them to the execution site. Nourys defence lawyers have asked the appeals court to acquit him or reduce his sentence. Hanna Larsson Rampe, one of his lawyers, told AFP the defence would not comment on the case before Tuesdays ruling. The Svea Court of Appeal is scheduled to announce the verdict at 2:00 pm (1300 GMT). Strained relations The lower court trial was the first related to the mass executions in Iran in the 1980s. It was particularly sensitive, as rights activists accuse senior Iranian officials now in power including current President Ebrahim Raisi of having been members of the committees that handed down the death sentences. Nourys arrest and sentencing strained relations between Sweden and Iran. As Nourys lower court trial was underway in Stockholm in April 2022, Iran arrested Johan Floderus, a Swede working for the EUs diplomatic service, as he was returning from a trip to Iran with friends. Floderus trial opened in Iran earlier this month, with Tehran accusing the 33-year-old of conspiring with Irans arch-enemy Israel and of corruption on earth one of Irans most serious offences which carries a maximum penalty of death. Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian-Swedish academic, is also imprisoned and under threat of execution after he was arrested in Iran in 2016 and sentenced to death on espionage charges. Iran has previously used detained foreign nationals as bargaining chips to secure the release of its citizens or frozen funds held abroad, including with the United States and Belgium. Prisoner swap? Swedish media have speculated about the possibility of a prisoner swap between Sweden and Iran. Mark Klamberg, a professor of international law and senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank, stressed that Tuesdays verdict would likely be appealed to Swedens Supreme Court either way and any potential deal would need to await a final ruling. Klamberg said a prisoner swap could be done two ways. The government could pardon Noury But I dont think that will happen, its politically impossible, Klamberg told AFP. More likely, provided Stockholm would want a swap, would be for Sweden and Iran to agree that Noury must serve the rest of his sentence in Iran which in practice would likely mean that he would be a free man once he returned. However, Klamberg noted that political considerations would then come into play. For instance, agreeing could encourage Iran to continue with its policy of taking foreign citizens as hostages to use as bargaining chips, he said. Another aspect was the reason for putting Noury on trial in the first place. Klamberg said that for some victims it was important that Noury serve his sentence, while for others it may be just as important the Swedish court actually established in an authoritative manner what had happened in the 1980s, a judgment which is unique in itself. I think an important aspect for the Swedish government is how (a prisoner swap) would be received by the victims, Klamberg said. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom has declined to comment on the possibility of a prisoner swap. Throughout Nourys two trials, MEK supporters have protested outside the Stockholm courthouses and hundreds were expected to demonstrate when Tuesdays verdict is announced. The deadly coronavirus that claimed 6.95 million lives and infected 700 million worldwide since 2018, is rearing its head once again with most parts of the world reporting a fresh surge in cases. Amid this, a report by US Right to Know has surfaced, saying United States scientists have lied to Pentagon about Wuhan Covid research. Citing latest documents, the report said the high-risk coronavirus experiments were proposed to occur in part in Wuhan with fewer safety precautions than required in the US apparently to save on costs. American scientists at the center of the lab leak theory controversy appear to have concealed this from their desired funder the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in order to evade any national security concerns about doing high-level biosecurity work in China, the report by USRTK said. A 2018 grant proposal called Project DEFUSE, co-authored by the Wuhan Institute of Virology and American scientists, has stoked concern that the pandemic resulted from a lab accident. It proposed engineering high-risk coronaviruses of the same species as SARS and SARS-CoV-2. What was more concerning to some scientists was the proposal involved synthesising spike proteins with furin cleavage sites, the same feature that supercharged SARS-CoV-2 into the most infectious pandemic pathogen in a century. The documents reveal that American scientists, including Peter Daszak and Ralph S. Baric, concealed their intention to conduct high-risk coronavirus research in Wuhan with less stringent safety measures. Daszak clarified that much of the work would be done in Wuhan but excluded this information from the formal proposal to make DARPA comfortable. Daszak sought to downplay the non-U.S. focus of the proposal in an effort to conceal the involvement of Chinese researchers and evade national security concerns. Biosafety Concerns and National Security Risks The gain-of-function work proposed in DEFUSE entailed greater biosafety risks, with experiments planned at biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) in Wuhan, a lower safety level than BSL-3 required in the U.S. Emails reveal that U.S. researchers would freak out if they knew the experiments were conducted in a BSL-2 lab. Despite concerns, the formal proposal advertised the BSL-2 approach as highly cost-effective. The documents obtained by U.S. Right to Know suggest that the gain-of-function work may not have been funded before the grant submission in 2018, raising questions about whether it was subsequently completed without DARPA funding. Concealing Collaborations and Whitewashing Biosafety Levels The DEFUSE proposal, co-authored by the Wuhan Institute of Virology and U.S. scientists, was never disclosed to the public until leaked to the independent group DRASTIC. The new documents show that collaborators, including Daszak and Baric, may have concealed the extent of risky coronavirus virology happening in Wuhan, raising questions about their transparency and accountability. Barics prediction that U.S. researchers would freak out about BSL-2 experiments aligns with concerns raised by scientists about inadequate biosafety precautions in Wuhan. Implications for the Origins of the Pandemic The revelations about DEFUSE add to the growing body of evidence raising questions about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. The gain-of-function research proposed in Wuhan involved engineering coronaviruses with features similar to SARS-CoV-2. The documents obtained by U.S. Right to Know suggest that the experiments were intended to serve as proof of concept for extending high-risk methods to more deadly viruses, including Ebola, Marburg, Hendra, and Nipah. Congressional Action and Future Concerns Congress recently passed a provision in an annual military spending bill barring EcoHealth Alliance from using any defense funds in China. The new documents highlight the need for accountability and transparency in high-risk coronavirus research, especially when conducted in international collaborations with less stringent biosafety standards. The implications of the DEFUSE revelations could impact the ongoing investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first judgement of its sort under a law passed in 2018 was rendered by an Australian court on Tuesday, finding a Melbourne man who held important positions in Chinese community associations guilty of plotting an act of foreign influence. Australia Federal Police (AFP) announced in a statement that Di Sanh Duong, a former member of the Liberal party, was found guilty of charges brought against him by police in Victoria state in 2020 over the preparation or planning of an act of foreign interference. According to the local media, the court was informed by the prosecutors that Duong had maintained frequent communication with Chinese intelligence and had attempted to persuade a federal government minister to support the objectives of the Chinese Communist Party. Innocent, Duong entered a plea. He is going to be sentenced at a later date. According to the law, a foreign governments covert actions that compromise Australias national interests are considered foreign interference. Foreign interference remains a significant national security priority for the AFP, the police statement said. China reacted angrily when then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull brought up the bill in parliament, citing claims of Chinese government meddling in Australian colleges and politics. (With agency inputs) At least four people were killed on Tuesday when unknown individuals set a passenger train in the capital of Bangladesh on fire. Among them were a mom and her young son. This happened in the middle of the political turmoil surrounding the elections on January 7. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) called for a nationwide shutdown on Tuesday in response to the attack. The BNP is waging a campaign to boycott the elections and hold a formal protest against the Election Commissions poll schedule. The train arson attack was the bloodiest to date in terms of victims, although being the sixth in the previous month. Early in the morning, just after the train departed the Airport Railway Station at the capitals entry point, the miscreants set fire to three compartments of the inter-district Mohanganj Express headed for Dhaka, according to witnesses and police. The passengers saw the fire after the train left the Airport station, it was stopped at the next stop at Tejgaon station, Tejgaon police station officer-in-charge Mohammad Mohsin told the media. When the train caught fire during a hartal that the BNP called, at least four peopleincluding a lady and her childdied. While fire department rescuers were searching inside the burned compartment, Mohsin reported that another small boy was missing and his mother was waiting outside. According to railway officials, the locomotive master stopped the train at Tejgaon, where firefighters extinguished the fire and recovered four bodies, with the identities of the other two victims still unknown. The countrys major opposition party was accused of arson and sabotage by the railway minister after a fire broke out early on a passenger train in the capital, killing four peopleincluding a woman and her child. In the absence of the ill former premier Khaleda Zias BNP, which has boycotted the polls on January 7 since its demands for a no-party caretaker administration to oversee the elections were not met, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas ruling Awami League has emerged as the front-runner. The Awami League is running in the election against the Jatiya Party, which is its formal opposition in parliament, as well as independent candidates, including rebels who entered the race when their partys nomination was denied. The incumbent party has been in power for four terms running since the December 2008 elections, but voters have no choice but to reelect it. Earlier, the Awami League said that it will support the independent, including the partys dissident candidates. Seven carriages derailed at Gazipur, on the outskirts of the city, last week, resulting in one passengers death and numerous injuries when saboteurs uprooted railway tracks on the same train on the same route. Since late October, dozens of trucks, buses, and private vehicles have been set on fire; at least six people have died as a result of the violence. In the midst of political turmoil, Bangladesh will send out the Army for 13 days starting on December 29 to keep the peace in aid of civil power prior to the general elections on January 7. The military, however, referred to it as a regular poll duty. In the midst of ongoing political instability, the Election Commission announced the polling schedule on November 15. The BNP has maintained that there would be no fair elections while the Awami League is in power and has called for the resignation of the current government to make room for an interim non-party neutral administration to oversee votes. Although a congenial atmosphere is necessary for a peaceful election, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal previously stated that for a long time there exist differences of opinions among political leaderships on the question of election, particularly over the institutional method of the polling. Awal stated that his office offered all registered political parties who were reluctant to participate in the upcoming polls for conversations with the Commission, but they rejected the invitation, implying a subliminal jab at the BNP and its allies. The BNP participated in the 2018 elections despite having boycotted the 2014 ones, which party leaders later said was an error because massive voting manipulation and intimidation had occurred. A statewide crackdown has resulted in the arrest of nearly 10,000 opposition leaders and activists, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, according to media sources; however, the BNP has stated that the number might reach 20,000. Alamgirs bid for bail was denied by a Dhaka court on Monday, which prevented him from leading his party before to the election that takes place next month. Since Zia is sick and may spend 17 years in prison after being found guilty in two corruption cases that her party claims were politically motivated, he has taken on a pivotal role as the partys leader. (With agency inputs) On Tuesday, protestors in Bangladesh set fire to a train, killing at least four people as part of a nationwide strike called by the opposition to press its demand for the resignation of the government ahead of an election next month. It was the latest clash sparked by anti-government protests, which have resulted in the burning of dozens of buses and automobiles and the murder of at least six people since Oct. 28, when an opposition march became violent. Strike supporters set fire to three compartments of an express train, said fire service official Shahjahan Shikder. Four bodies have been retrieved from a compartment. It was unclear how many people were aboard the train, which was travelling from the northern region of Netrokona to Dhaka, when passengers noticed the flames a short distance away, according to authorities. The administration made no quick comment. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wants Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to stand down and make way for a neutral government to monitor the Jan. 7 elections, which it has boycotted. Hasina, who is seeking her fourth straight term out of a total of five, has consistently rejected the oppositions demands for her resignation, blaming the BNP for the recent fatal street rallies in favour of their demand. Of the 300 constituencies up for grabs in the election, Hasinas Awami League party has shared 26 with its ally the Jatiya Party, thus allowing the latter to field candidates in a total of 283 seats. Rights groups have accused the government of targeting opposition leaders and supporters. The government denies the accusations but faces pressure from Western nations to hold free, fair and participatory elections. In line with usual practice, Bangladeshs election panel has decided to deploy the army from Dec. 29 to deter any violence. Following a London trial where it was determined that the two men of Indian descent were guilty of smuggling drugs concealed among farm food from South America and Africa, they were sentenced to a combined 34 years in prison in Britain. In addition, Anand Tripathi, 61, and Varun Bhardwaj, 39, were found guilty of avoiding the import duty that was due on cigarettes that were concealed amongst cookies from Chennai, Bombay Mix snacks from Mumbai, and coconut fibre from Sri Lanka that was used to make doormats. The two used their freight company as a front to clear shipping containers containing drugs and cigarettes and reroute them to a warehouse under their control, according to the UKs Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Groups involved in organised crime then offloaded these illegal shipments. These two men played vital roles in trying to flood UK streets with huge quantities of illegal drugs, said Richard Partridge from the CPS, following the sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court in west London last week. This conspiracy was only made possible by Anand Tripathis experience in importation and customs clearance, and Varun Bhardwajs willingness to assume day to day management of their operation. There were clearly others involved in the scheme who havent yet been identified but this successful operation and their substantial sentences serves as a warning that authorities in the UK work together to disrupt and prosecute smugglers, he added. Following a 71-day trial, the jury found the two men guilty in November after learning that between September 2021 and November 2022, they had imported 2,503.36 kilogrammes of cannabis and 272.86 kilogrammes of cocaine in four separate shipments. A shipment from Ghana had little more than two tonnes of cannabis concealed amid yams. Another, covered in South African oranges, held 49 kilogrammes of cocaine. The drugs were all confiscated before they could be sold and later destroyed by authorities, despite having an estimated street value of GBP 28.9 million. The amount seized over a 13-month period goes to show the significant involvement these individuals had in bringing commercial amounts of drugs into the UK, said Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Paul Fisher of the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, behind the investigation. By working closely and collaboratively with our partner agencies this organised crime network has been dismantled and vast quantities of drugs destined for our streets have been eradicated. These are two very serious criminals who Im glad to see have been given substantial sentences to reflect the magnitude of their offending, he added. During a search of Bhardwajs house in Hounslow, west London, police discovered a one-kilogram bag of cannabis valued at GBP 10,000 in a cupboard beneath the stairs. He declared that he was keeping it as evidence after it had fallen out of a shipment during the unloading process. He was given a 19-year prison sentence on Friday for importing cocaine and cannabis, avoiding paying cigarette duty, possessing cannabis, and neglecting to provide a mobile phones PIN. Tripathi, his accomplice, received a 15-year term for comparable offences. In addition to the drug imports, both received sentences for smuggling 18.6 million cigarettes without paying the GBP 9,774,220 in import fees and VAT. At various English ports, including Portsmouth, Felixstowe, and London Gateway, the drugs and cigarettes were found. Previous shipments that had been confiscated by the UK Border Force during routine dockside container searches were discovered during the police investigation. According to evidence presented in court, Tripathi and Bhardwaj attempted to elude law enforcement by establishing shell firms. This was done in an effort to stay under the radar until a botched delivery to Somerset, in southwest England. The two failed to redirect one cargo in April 2022, and it ended up at a Somerset farm. The farmer discovered chunks of cocaine concealed in Colombian livestock feed that were coated in plastic and had a street worth of GBP 15 million. He said police he had seen similar packages on films and tv programmes which were drugs even though he had no idea what the objects were. (With agency inputs) According to an official here, up to 55 Hindu pilgrims travelled from India over the Wagah Border to Lahore on Tuesday in order to visit the Shree Katas Raj temples, which are situated in the Punjab provinces Chakwal region. An annual bilateral agreement on visits to religious places allows Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India to travel to Pakistan. Under protocol, Pakistani pilgrims travel to India annually as well. A group of 55 Hindu pilgrims led by Vijay Kumar Sharma arrived in Lahore via Wagah Border on Tuesday to take part in their religious festivities at the Katas Raj Temples, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) spokesperson Amir Hashmi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The Hindu and Sikh communities who immigrated to India after the division have their religious sites and shrines overseen by the ETPB, a statutory board. At Wagah, additional Secretary shrines Rana Saleem welcomed and garlanded them. Sharma and other attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to visit their sacred sites in Pakistan. Hashmi stated that during their seven days in Lahore, the Hindu pilgrims will also visit other temples. He said that the Hindu pilgrims would spend their night at Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore and depart on Wednesday morning to participate in the festivities at the Katas Raj Temples. The main two-day event will kick off on Dec 21 in 17 temples of Katas Raj, Hashmi said, adding that local Hindus will also join them in the Deep Mala festivities. The pilgrims will visit the Krishna Temple upon their return to Lahore on Saturday before departing for their homes on Monday. For the Hindu population, the Katas Raj Temples, often referred to as Qila Katas, are very important sacred sites. In order for 104 Hindu pilgrims to attend the 315th anniversary of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahibs birth at Shadani Darbar, another esteemed Hindu holy place in Sindh, the Pakistan High Commission had earlier this month granted visas to them. The largest minority group in Pakistan is Hindu. 75 lakh Hindus are estimated to reside in Pakistan based on official data. Nonetheless, the community claims that there are more than 90 lakh Hindus in the nation. The majority of Hindus in Pakistan live in Sindh province, where they coexist with Muslims in terms of language, culture, and customs. They frequently report being harassed by radicals. (With agency inputs) France and the United Kingdom will stand with Ukraine in its battle against the Russian invasion for as long as it takes, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on Tuesday, adding that defeating President Vladimir Putin was critical. His remarks come as concerns rise in Kyiv that Western patience and solidarity in the battle against Russia may be fraying nearly two years after the invasion began in February 2022. Britain and France have been staunch supporters of Ukraine and we will continue to be for as long as it takes, Cameron said after talks in Paris with French counterpart Catherine Colonna, adding: I have no doubt that we can make sure Putin loses and it is essential he does lose. We must be absolutely staunch in how we back Ukraine, he said. The White House cautioned on Monday that the US has only sanctioned funds for one more aid package to Ukraine this year, with conservative Republicans in Congress opposing extra assistance. Cameron compared the struggle against the Russian invasion to a play with various acts, insisting that the West must maintain the course. The first act was the stunning failure of Russia to achieve its objectives in the initial phase of the invasion, said Cameron. The second act was the brilliance the Ukrainians showed in driving back the Russians and of course the third act has been more difficult on land, he said in apparent reference to the failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive this summer to achieve a breakthrough. Cameron, the former prime minister who was unexpectedly appointed Britains top diplomat last month, added: But the fourth act is yet to be written and we must be sure we write it in the correct way. Both Cameron and Colonna were eager to emphasise that Britain and France were on the same page over the major international issues, including Ukraine and the Middle East, even after Brexit. Our two countries, shoulder-to-shoulder since the beginning, have worked together to ensure that Russian aggression cannot be rewarded, that it is a failure and that Ukraine can recover its freedom, its sovereignty, its territorial integrity, said Colonna. We hope that this cooperation can be further strengthened, she added. A French court is expected to rule Tuesday on charges against a Rwandan doctor for his alleged role in the 1994 genocide in his home country. Prosecutors have requested a sentence of 30 years in prison. Sosthene Munyemana, 68, faces charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and complicity in such crimes. Munyemana, who moved to France months after the genocide and quickly raised suspicions among Rwandans living there, has denied wrongdoing. Nearly three decades have passed since the genocide in which more than 800,000 minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus who tried to protect them were killed. Advocate General Sophie Havard, one of the prosecutors, called on the court to find Munyemana guilty so crimes against humanity dont remain crimes without a criminal, a genocide without a perpetrator. At the time, Munyemana was a 38-year-old gynecologist in the district of Burate. He is accused of co-signing in April 1994 a motion of support for the interim government that supervised the genocide and of participating in a local committee and meetings that organized roundups of Tutsi civilians. The motion of support, broadcast on Radio Rwanda, was a way of backing future massacres in the area, prosecutors argued. Munyemana was a friend of Jean Kambanda, head of the interim government. Munyemana acknowledged participating in local night patrols which were organized to track Tutsi people, but he said he did it to protect the local population. Witnesses saw him at checkpoints set up across the town where he supervised operations, according to prosecutors. Munyemana is also accused of detaining several dozen Tutsi civilians in the office of the local administration that was under his authority at the time and of relaying instructions from the authorities to the local militia and residents leading to the roundup of the Tutsis, among other things. Prosecutors said there is evidence of intentional gathering meant to exterminate people and that Munyemana couldnt ignore they were to be killed. Only one survivor has been found among those detained under Munyemanas alleged supervision. Most victims, some injured but still alive, were buried in holes initially dug for feces. Many corpses still havent been found. Munyemana has denied participating in the genocide and said he wasnt aware of the preparations for the mass killing. He said he believed people locked in the office would be taken away to be protected from armed militias. He arrived in September 1994 in France, where he has been living and working until he recently retired. Members of the Rwandan community in France first filed a complaint against Munyemana in 1995. In recent years, as relations improved with a Rwandan government that has long accused France of enabling the genocide, France has increased efforts to arrest genocide suspects and send them to trial. This is the sixth case related to the Rwandan genocide that is coming to court in Paris, all of them in the past decade. Like previous ones, the trial has been made difficult by time and distance. French police and judicial authorities acknowledged that almost no physical evidence was left. The investigation included hearing over 200 witnesses and 12 trips to Rwanda as well as judicial cooperation with Canada, Austria, Norway and Switzerland. Dozens testified during the trial, some coming from Rwanda, others speaking via videoconference from Kigali, including from prison. lost more than 80 members of her family in the mass killing. She and her husband, Alain, have dedicated their lives to seeking the prosecution of alleged perpetrators of the genocide, founding the Collective of Civil Plaintiffs for Rwanda in 2001. Last year, Laurent Bucyibaruta was sentenced by a Paris court to 20 years in prison for complicity to commit genocide and crimes against humanity, making him the highest-ranking Rwandan to be convicted in France on such charges. He appealed. (with inputs from The Associated Press) A pilot plan to resume domestic visa renewal for qualifying H-1B visa applicants has passed assessment by a top regulatory agency under the White House, which will help many Indian technology workers who are currently in the US. Non-immigrant visas such as the H-1B permit US employers to hire foreign nationals for specialised jobs requiring advanced technical or theoretical training. Tens of thousands of workers from China and India are hired by IT companies every year thanks to it. The pilot programme which will be limited to 20,000 participants initially comes months after the White House announced the plan during the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June. Under the pilot cleared by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) review on 15 December, the qualified H-1B visa applicants will not have to travel abroad to renew the work visa. The OIRA is a statutory part of the Office of Management and Budget within the Executive Office of the US President. In November, Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, said, In India, the demand (for US visas) is still very high. The wait time of six, eight and 12 months is not what we need and (it is) not indicative of how we view India. We want to make sure that Indian travellers can get appointments as quickly as possible. One way we are doing that is through the domestic visa renewal programme, which is focused very much on India. We are piloting that, she said. Over three months, beginning in December, the State Department will be issuing 20,000 visas to foreign nationals who are already inside the country. We will do 20,000 in the first group. The vast majority of those will be Indian nationals living in the US and we will expand as it goes on. Because Indians are the largest skilled group of workers in the United States, we hope that India will benefit quite a bit from this programme and it will prevent people from having to travel back to India or anywhere for a visa appointment to get their visa renewed. It will allow our missions in India to concentrate on new applicants, Stufft told PTI last month. While the State Department has been working on launching such a programme on a pilot basis for quite some time now, it was formally announced during Modis visit. The plan, which was mentioned in the joint statement and announced by Modi during his address to the Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Centre, has been cheered and welcomed by the Indian community in the US. The domestic visa renewal programme is only for work visas. With inputs from agencies Hundreds of dates are inscribed on concrete-filled steel columns placed along the US-Mexico border to commemorate when the Border Patrol repaired illegal gaps in the would-be barriers. However, no sooner are repairs completed than another column is sawed, burnt, and chiselled to allow huge groups of migrants to enter, often with no agents in sight. The breaches are located approximately 30 miles (48 km) west of Lukeville, an Arizona desert hamlet with an official border crossing, cafe, and duty-free shop. The majority of the repairs have been completed since spring, when the flat desert region covered with saguaro cactus became the biggest corridor for unauthorised crossings. A Border Patrol tour for press organisations, including The Associated Press, in Arizona revealed improvements in prison conditions and processing delays, but flows remain overwhelming. Chaotic scenarios, such as when daily arrivals at the border reached more than 7,000 per week in December, are catnip for conservatives in Congress who seek stricter asylum restrictions. The figures have prompted the White House and some congressional Democrats to explore imposing significant limitations on refuge as part of an agreement for Ukraine funding. As Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas left closed-door talks with congressional leaders Friday, dozens of migrants from Senegal, Guinea and Mexico walked along the Arizona border wall built during Donald Trumps presidency, looking to surrender to agents. A Mexican woman walked briskly with her two daughters and five grandchildren, ages 2 to 7, after being dropped off by a bus in Mexico and instructed by guides. They told us where to go; to go straight, said Alicia Santay, of Guatemala, who waited in a Border Patrol tent in Lukeville for initial processing. Santay, 22, and her 16-year-old sister hoped to join their father in New York. The dates when wall breaches were fixed are often bunched together, written in white letters against rust-colored steel. One cluster showed five dates from April 12 to Oct. 3. On Friday, agents drove looking for openings and found one on a column that was repaired twice on Oct. 31 and again Dec. 5. Smuggling organizations remove a few inches from the bottom of 30-foot (9.1-meter) steel poles, which agents say can take as little as a half-hour. Columns sway back and forth, like a cantilever swing, creating ample space for large groups to walk through. Welders often attach metal bars horizontally across several columns to prevent swinging, but there are plenty of other places to saw. Agents say it takes up to an hour to drive from Lukeville along the gravel road to discover breaches a large chunk of time when tending to so many migrants in custody. Our officers and agents are responding to large groups of migrants, which means that some of our agents arent on the line, not really monitoring for some of those cuts, said Troy Miller, US Customs and Border Protections acting commissioner. If we dont have anybody to respond, then youre going to see what youre seeing. The number of daily arrivals is unprecedented, Miller said, with illegal crossings topping 10,000 some days across the border in December. On Monday, CBP suspended cross-border rail traffic in the Texas cities of Eagle Pass and El Paso in response to migrants riding freight trains through Mexico, hopping off just before entering the US The Lukeville border crossing is closed, as is a pedestrian entry in San Diego, so that more officials can be assigned to the migrant influx. Arrests for illegal crossings topped 2 million for the first time each of the US governments last two budget years, reflecting technological changes that have increased global mobility and a host of ills prompting people to leave their homes, including wealth inequality, natural disasters, political repression and organized crime. Miller said solutions go well beyond CBP, which includes the Border Patrol, to other agencies whose responsibilities include long-term detention and asylum screenings. On cuts in the wall, Miller said Mexican authorities need to step up. Arrests in the Border Patrols Tucson sector, which includes Lukeville, topped all nine sectors on the Mexican border from May to October, except June, according to the latest public figures. It is a throwback to the early 2000s before traffic shifted to Texas, but the demographics are much different. Arrests of people in families neared 72,000 in the Tucson sector from Oct. 1 through Dec. 9, more than nine times the same period last year. Thats a big change from when almost all migrants were adult men. Arrests of non-Mexicans topped 75,000, nearly quadruple the number from a year ago and more than half of all sector arrests. Senegalese people accounted for more than 9,000 arrests in Tucson from Oct. 1 to Dec. 9, while arrests of people from Guinea and India each topped 4,000. Agents have encountered migrants from about four dozen Eastern hemisphere countries. Agents who pick up migrants near the wall drive them to Lukeville to have photos taken on a mobile phone that starts their processing. They drive about 45 minutes to a station in Ajo that was built to detain 100 people but housed 325 on Friday. Some are bused to other Border Patrol sectors but most are sent to Tucson, about two hours away. At a sprawl of white tents near Tucson International Airport that was built for about 1,000 people, some migrants are flown to the Texas border for processing. Others are released within two days, as mandated by a court order in the Tucson sector. CBP policy limits detention to 72 hours. Most are released with notices to appear in immigration courts, which are backlogged with more than 3 million cases. Some are detained longer by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The tents are a far cry from 2021 in Donna, Texas, where more than 4,000 migrants, largely unaccompanied children, were held in a space designed for 250 under COVID-19 restrictions. Some stayed for weeks, relying on sleeping pads and foil blankets. In 2019, investigators found 900 people crammed in a cell for 125 in El Paso, with detainees standing on toilets for room to breathe. They wore soiled clothing for days or weeks. Discussions in Congress may produce the most significant immigration legislation since 1996. Potential changes include more mandatory detention and broader use of a rule to raise thresholds for initial asylum screenings. While the higher screening standard has been applied to tens of thousands of migrants since May after entering the country illegally, they are not used in the Border Patrols Tucson sector due to extraordinarily high flows. Over the weekend, anti-Israel demonstrators made Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar their newest target by honking car horns outside his Michigan home and yelling slogans demanding his silence on the growing number of Palestinian casualties in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Notably, the conflict shows no signs of coming to an end, with over 20,000 Palestinians having lost their lives in Gaza. The 68-year-old Thanedar uploaded a video of the event to social networking platform X. He has taken a staunchly supportive approach to Israel following the horrific attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7. This is my home at 3 AM, Thanedar wrote in a post on X on Monday, including a video that showed cars lined in the street outside his home, an individual waving a cloth-like material, and others screaming through megaphones. Throughout his campaign, Thanedar has vowed to defend Israels right to exist and to thrive, demonstrating his strong support for Israel. According to Fox News, he even severed his ties with the Democratic Socialists of America due to their reaction to the approximately 1,200 deaths that day. In this time of great international uncertainty, it is now more important than ever before to reaffirm as a people, and as a nation, our unequivocal support for the state of Israel, the lone Democracy in the Middle East and one of our closest, and strongest, allies across the globe, he wrote. This is my home at 3 AM Sunday night. https://t.co/B7LIc98nvV Shri Thanedar (@ShriThanedar) December 18, 2023 The Congressional Caucus for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains was recently established by Thanedar. Thanedar, a Maharashtrian, was raised in Belgaum, Karnataka. His goal upon arriving in the US was to become a prosperous businessman; now, he wishes to give back to the community in which he resides. A collection of US Congress members who pursue similar legislative goals is known as a congressional caucus. Thanedar's specific caucus is intended to support these ethnic groups' freedom and fight against religious prejudice. (With agency inputs) With a new UN vote and new Western diplomatic attempts, Israel faced another wave of global pressure on Tuesday for a Gaza truce, even as the US promised to continue equipping its friend. The United Nations Security Council was expected to meet on Tuesday to consider a proposal for a cease-fire in the beleaguered Palestinian territory, after the US rejected a previous effort. According to his office, UK Foreign Minister David Cameron was also scheduled to meet with French and Italian leaders to urge for a sustainable ceasefire in the war. According to an AFP calculation based on official Israeli estimates, the Gaza conflict began on October 7 when Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented onslaught in Israel, killing about 1,140 people, largely civilians, and kidnapping 250. According to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry, Israels military assault has killed over 19,400 individuals, the majority of whom are women and children. According to the ministry, an Israeli attack on Tuesday in the southern city of Rafah, close the Egyptian border, killed at least 20 Palestinians. On a visit to Israel, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed Monday to keep arming its ally, which Washington has already provided with billions of dollars in military aid. Well continue to provide Israel with the equipment that you need to defend your country including critical munitions, tactical vehicles and air defence systems, Austin said. Austin was touring the Middle East as concerns grew over the wars spread around the region, with Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen attacking international shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Hamas. Austin announced the formation on Monday of a 10-nation coalition to quell the rising number of Huthi attacks on tankers, cargo ships and other vessels in the Red Sea. The coalition includes the United States, United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, Austin said. In the latest incidents, Huthi rebels said Monday they had attacked two Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea. Ceasefire push The UN Security Council had been scheduled to vote on a ceasefire resolution on Monday. A draft of the resolution had called for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities in Gaza to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access. However the United Arab Emirates, which had introduced the latest text, requested the vote be postponed to Tuesday to allow for complex negotiations to continue, diplomatic sources told AFP. Qatar, which helped mediate a week-long truce and hostage-prisoner exchange last month, has also said there are ongoing diplomatic efforts to renew the humanitarian pause outside of the UN process. US news platform Axios on Monday reported that Mossad chief David Barnea, CIA director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met in Warsaw. Starvation International alarm has mounted over the plight of 2.4 million Gazans forced to endure daily bombardment, food and water shortages and mass displacement. The EUs top diplomat Josep Borrell accused Israel on Monday of displaying an appalling lack of distinction in its campaign in Gaza, highlighting the deaths of Israeli hostages, worshippers and other Palestinian civilians. Human Rights Watch said on Monday Israel was using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare. Israeli forces are deliberately blocking the delivery of water, food and fuel, while wilfully impeding humanitarian assistance, apparently razing agricultural areas, the New York-based group said. An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman said the organisation has no moral basis to talk about whats going on in Gaza, accusing Human Rights Watch of ignoring the suffering and the human rights of Israelis. A report by Washingtons Director of National Intelligence, quoted by US media, said that nearly half of munitions dropped by Israeli aircraft on Gaza were dumb bombs unguided munitions with limited accuracy. Israeli air force officers on Monday defended their actions. All the bombs we use are high-precision bombs, an officer told reporters during a military-organised visit of the Palmahim air base, on the Mediterranean coast south of Tel Aviv. Aid breakthrough Israel has approved aid deliveries into Gaza via its Kerem Shalom crossing, aside from the Rafah crossing with Egypt, and dozens of trucks entered through Kerem Shalom on Monday, said an AFP journalist. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller hailed the opening of the crossing for humanitarian assistance and the arrival into Gaza of trucks carrying commercial goods as important breakthroughs. At the Rafah crossing, previously the only point where aid had been allowed through, families gathered in the hopes of finally being allowed across to safety. Weve been here for about a month, said Safa Fathi Hamad. We are going to die, food is very limited and we have no protection. Israeli protests Israelis protested Monday in central Tel Aviv, calling for swift action to release the remaining 129 hostages believed to be held in Gaza. The anger and fear of hostages families has intensified after Israeli forces mistakenly shot dead three captives who had escaped their captors. Reports said the trio waved white flags and used food leftovers to write a Hebrew-language message on a white sheet before they were shot. Hamass military wing released footage it claimed showed three of those still held captive. The video featured three bearded men sitting on chairs at an undisclosed location and asking to be released. The Gaza war has also seen violence spiral in the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces shot dead four Palestinians in a West Bank refugee camp Monday, the Palestinian health ministry said, taking the toll in the occupied territory to over 300 during the Gaza war. The cost of shipping goods to Israel by the sea route has spiked over recent days as some container lines are pulling out while others impose new surcharges, adding to the countrys supply chain pressures amid its ongoing war in Gaza, shipping company officials said. Israel, whose economy relies on seaborne trade, said in October it would provide compensation for ships damaged due to the war with Islamist group Hamas, although it has not detailed whether it will cover additional shipping costs. Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have stepped up attacks on vessels in the Red Sea to show support for Hamas following the start of Israels military offensive in Gaza. Some shipping companies have responded by either re-routing their sailings around the Cape of Good Hope or suspending transits through the Red Sea. The attacks have also put more strain on companies still providing sea transport to Israel. The Houthis have broadened their target profile of what constitutes affiliated from flag, ownership, operatorship, and management, to include the destination of Israel, British maritime security company Ambrey said in a note on Monday. They, and their Iranian backers, have mistakenly targeted vessels that were no longer associated with Israel. Ocean freight rates to Israel from various Chinese ports rose to over $2,300 for a 40-foot container by Dec. 12, from around $1,975 at the end of November, according to analysis from global freight platform Freightos. For ships heading to Israel from Asia, the route around Africa is significantly longer about 7,000 nautical miles and 10-14 days than via the Suez Canal. This route also incurs higher fuel costs, Freightos CEO Zvi Schreiber said. Since the start of the war ocean rates from China to Israels ports have increased 46%-58%, Schreiber said. Taiwanese container shipping group Evergreen Line said on Monday that it had decided to temporarily stop accepting Israeli cargo with immediate effect. On Saturday, Hong Kong-headquartered container group OOCL said that due to operational issues, it would stop accepting cargo to and from Israel until further notice. Others such as Denmarks A.P. Moller-Maersk (MAERSKb.CO) said on Monday it would apply an emergency risk surcharge for all cargo discharged at Israeli terminals. Israeli container line Zim said it had witnessed an increase in the level of the threat, prompting higher surcharges on its ships which included rates to Israeli ports from Asia. The new rates are necessary in order to maintain our current level of services and reflect the steps we take to ensure the safety of our crews, vessels, and customers cargo, Zim said in a December 14 advisory. Ships still willing to call at Israels biggest ports of Ashdod in the south and Haifa in the north have been switching off their tracking transponders to avoid detection, shipping sources said. Ship operators which have called, or plan to call, [at] Israeli ports should limit information access, an advisory issued by leading global shipping associations said on Friday. Published information could be used by the Houthis. Oil prices climbed on Tuesday after attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi militants interrupted maritime traffic and prompted firms to reroute boats. At 0530 GMT, Brent oil futures were up 21 cents, or 0.27%, to $78.16 a barrel. The front-month West Texas Intermediate oil futures contract in the United States, which expires on Tuesday, gained 3 cents to $72.50 a barrel. The more actively traded second-month contract rose 6 cents, or 0.08%, to $72.88. On Monday, both benchmarks jumped more than 1% on worries that shippers may move boats away from the Red Sea. Despite price stabilization today, the potential risks caused by supply disruptions and the Middle East unrest could bring significant volatility to oil markets, said Tina Teng, an analyst at CMC Markets in Auckland. Oil markets may face further upside pressure if geopolitical tensions get escalated, she added. Oil major BP temporarily paused all transits through the Red Sea and oil tanker group Frontline said on Monday its vessels would avoid passage through the waterway, signs the crisis was broadening to include energy shipments. About 15% of world shipping traffic transits via the Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, offering the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia. The shipping attacks have prompted the United States and its allies to discuss a task force that would protect Red Sea routes, a move that US and Israeli arch-foe Iran has warned would be a mistake. Given that there has been a prompt collective response from several countries to mitigate attacks, it may not provide much conviction that disruptions may be long-lasting and that led to some reservations reflected in oil prices in todays session, said Jun Rong Yeap, a market strategist at IG in Singapore. In Iran, Oil Minister Javad Owji on Monday confirmed a nationwide disruption to petrol stations was caused by a cyberattack. A hacking group that Iran accuses of having links to Israel claimed it carried out the attack that disrupted services at petrol stations across the country on Monday, Iranian state TV and Israeli local media reported. Meanwhile, the United States will push shippers to disclose more information about their Russian oil dealings to enforce sanctions, US officials said on Monday, while acknowledging that a big chunk of the trade has already escaped Western oversight after Russia built a parallel fleet. The indictment of former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry and former prime minister Imran Khan in a case involving their disrespect for the chief electoral commissioner (CEC) and electoral body was again postponed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday. To file charges against the lawmakers, a four-member bench of the ECP showed up at the Adiala Jail on Tuesday, where Imran and Fawad are detained. Imran, 71, has been detained since his arrest on August 5th following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. Due to the interior ministrys refusal to bring the former premier before the commission, the ECP on December 6 decided to hold Imran and Fawads jail trial, claiming security concerns. Because Fawad and Asad Umar, the former leader of the PTI, were accused of using intemperate language against the chief election commissioner and the electoral watchdog, the electoral body filed a contempt case against them last year. Nevertheless, the three had contested the ECP notices and contempt proceedings in multiple high courts rather than going before the ECP, claiming that Section 10 of the Elections Act 2017, the statutory provision pertaining to the commissions authority to punish for contempt, was unconstitutional. The PTI leaders had additionally requested a declaration of immunity from the allegations from the high courts. However, the Supreme Court granted the ECP permission to pursue legal action against Imran, Fawad, and Umar in January. On June 21, the ECP chose to file charges against the trio, which has yet to be done. Fawad was taken into custody on November 4th after being apprehended from Islamabad in connection with a corruption investigation. The electoral watchdog had stated during the previous session that it would file an indictment against the former prime minister and the former minister of information while they were in jail, and it had requested that the Ministry of Interior complete the required preparations. The ECP bench postponed the indictment and postponed the hearing to December 27 in the most recent development on Tuesday. Imrans attorney, Shoaib Shaheen, told the media outside Adiala Jail that Imrans appeal contesting the jail trial was still ongoing before the Lahore High Court. He argued that no legal authority was used to pass the trials directives. Shaheen also insisted that everyone be let to witness the indictment proceedings, including the public, media, and attorneys. Additionally, he expressed dissatisfaction with Imrans legal teams denial of access to the jail on Tuesday with the whole case file. Separately, on Tuesday, Fawad filed a plea with the ECP requesting an open trial for the contempt proceedings through his attorney, Faisal Chaudhry. The former PTI leader argued, The proceedings in central jail Adiala are not open, transparent, and are in square violation of law and the Constitution. According to Fawad, the ECP was required by the Constitution to grant the petitioner full access to the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. It is also strange and shocking that the learned members of the ECP have decided to start proceedings in jail, that in the applicants firm opinion is not in accordance with the stature and respect of a constitutional body such like, he said in the plea. According to Fawad, it is now standard practice to victimise political opponents through trials held behind closed doors. The closed-door trial is highly objectionable, lacking any legal foundation and completely violating the applicants fundamental constitutional rights, as well as completely disregarding international law, fundamental human rights, and international treaties, he continued. (With agency inputs) The United States and a number of other countries are forming a new force to guard ships crossing the Red Sea from drones and ballistic missiles launched from Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed early Tuesday in Bahrain. The gravity of the attacks, many of which have resulted in vessel damage, has prompted numerous shipping firms to instruct their ships to remain in port and not approach the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the security issue is resolved. The US militarys Central Command reported two more of the attacks on commercial vessels Monday. A strike by attack drone and ballistic missile hit a tanker off Yemen, at roughly the same time a cargo ship reported an explosive detonating in the water near them, the military said. This is an international challenge that demands collective action, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in statement released just after midnight in Bahrain. Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative. The United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain will join the US in the new mission, Austin announced. Some of the countries will conduct joint patrols while others provide intelligence support in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Several other countries have also agreed to be involved in the operation but prefer not to be publicly named, a defense official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss additional details of the new mission that have not been publicly announced. The mission will be coordinated by the already existing Combined Task Force 153, which was set up in April 2022 to improve maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden. There have been 39 member nations in CTF 153, but officials were working to determine which of them would participate in this latest effort. Separately, the United States has also called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against the attacks. In a letter to council members obtained Monday by The Associated Press, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Houthi attacks targeting commercial vessels legally transiting the international waterways continue to threaten navigational rights and freedoms, international maritime security, and international commerce. The 15 council members discussed the Houthi threat behind closed doors Monday but took no immediate action. Two US warships the USS Carney and the USS Mason, Navy destroyers have been moving through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait daily to help deter and respond to attacks from the Houthis. The move to set up the expanded operation came after three commercial vessels were struck by missiles fired by Iranian-back Houthis in Yemen on Dec. 3. Those attacks were part of an escalating campaign of violence that also included armed and other drones launched in the direction of US warships. To date the US has not struck back at the Iranian-back Houthis operating in Yemen or targeted any of the militants weapons or other sites. On Monday Austin did not answer a question as to why the Pentagon had not conducted a counterstrike. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines stated a paradigm shift was required in how his nation addresses the South China Sea problem since diplomatic attempts with Beijing were going in the wrong direction. According to a presidential palace announcement, Marcos stated that conventional diplomatic attempts were being ignored by China in an interview with Japanese media on December 16, parts of which were shared with Philippine media on Monday. To this point, we have resorted to the traditional methods of diplomacy but we have been doing this for many years now, with very little progress, said Marcos, who was in Japan for Tokyos commemorative summit with the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN). Its time that the countries that feel that they have an involvement in this situation, we have to come up with a paradigm shift, Marcos said, while reiterating the Philippines wants to avoid violent conflict. He stated that his administration would continue to consult with its partners in order to develop a common statement outlining their respective duties in the West Philippine Sea. The West Philippines Sea refers to the portion of the South China Sea under the Philippines exclusive economic zone. Last week, Manila and Beijing hurled accusations after a collision of their warships near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, as tensions in the key waterway grew. ASEAN countries Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, in addition to the Philippines, have overlapping claims with China in areas of the South China Sea, which is a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship-borne commerce. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said Chinas claims had no legal basis, a ruling the United States supports but Beijing rejects. There was no immediate comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila. Along with shared concerns about the security of marine traffic in the area, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu had a productive discussion on Tuesday regarding the Israel-Hamas war. During the phone conversation, PM Modi emphasised that India has consistently supported the prompt restoration of peace and stability in the region while providing ongoing humanitarian aid to those impacted. Had a productive exchange of views with PM @netanyahu on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, including shared concerns on the safety of maritime traffic, PM Modi posted on X. Highlighted Indias consistent stand in favour of early restoration of peace & stability in the region with continued humanitarian assistance for the affected, he said. The regions marine traffic safety has been a source of worry. Concerns were raised last week when a commercial ship in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen was struck by a missile that was purportedly fired by Houthi terrorists in Yemen. (With agency inputs) A legal source Netherlands told Reuters on Tuesday that a former Russian soldier has applied for asylum in the country and plans to testify before the International Criminal Court regarding war crimes he saw Russia commit while he was fighting in Ukraine. The man, identifying himself as 60-year-old Igor Salikov in Dutch media, claimed to have served as an instructor for the Wagner mercenary group in Ukraine and to have been a part of the Russian-backed forces of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Peoples Republic in eastern Ukraine since 2014. His affiliation with the Wagner group and the pro-Russian separatist forces could not be independently verified by Reuters. Ukraines top war crimes prosecutor Yurii Belousov told Reuters that Salikov had already been in touch with Ukrainian prosecutors for more than six months and given testimony. He gave important testimony, some of which has already been confirmed, about the invasion of February 24, 2022. He reported some war crimes, which we are investigating, and some have already been confirmed, Belousov told Reuters in a text message. Russia has vigorously denied committing atrocities or targeting civilians in Ukraine. Salikov told Dutch television program EenVandaag in an interview broadcast on Monday that he was ready to fully cooperate with the ICC and had personally witnessed cruelties against civilians. The ICC would not immediately comment on the reports. The court in the Dutch city of The Hague has an ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine. In March, the ICC issued warrants for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin and childrens ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova over war crimes charges related to the abduction of Ukrainian children. The Kremlin rejected those allegations. Human rights group Gulagu.net in a post on Telegram said Salikov was not received by the ICC after his arrival in the Netherlands on Monday, as its prosecutor and judges were not ready for an interrogation yet. They did not expect it, the group said. (with inputs with Reuters) A Chinese balloon was spotted travelling across the sensitive middle line dividing Taiwan and China, according to Taipeis Ministry of National Defence on Tuesday, the third sighting this month. Chinese balloons became a highly charged issue in February when the US shot down what it called a spy balloon but Beijing said was a civilian airship that had been blown off course. Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, reported the first balloon crossing the Taiwan Strait median line on December 8, then again this week, when it said two balloons were discovered Sunday. Another balloon was spotted at 09:09 yesterday (0109 GMT Monday), around 67 nautical miles (124 kilometers) northwest of the city of Keelung, Taiwans Ministry of National Defence reported Tuesday, referring to a northern coastal city. It had an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet (4,752 metres) after crossing the strait. The balloon headed east and disappeared at 11:52, the statement added. After the initial event, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng speculated that it may be a weather balloon that had drifted into Taiwan on monsoon winds and could be utilised for meteorological research and data. Taiwan is on high alert ahead of next months presidential elections, with Taipei and Washington urging Beijing not to interfere with the poll. Beijing, which has sworn to conquer Taiwan one day, has increased political and military pressure on President Tsai Ing-wen since her election in 2016. This includes bringing in bombers and navy boats on a near-daily basis, which military analysts describe as intimidation. The UAE-Austria Joint Economic Committee was presided over by Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and Minister of Economy and Labour Martin Kocher of Austria. Several officials and businesspeople from both nations were present. The minutes of the meeting were signed by Florian Frauscher, the director general of economic affairs, innovation, and international policy at the Austrian Ministry of Economy and Labour, and Abdullah Al Saleh, the undersecretary of the ministry of economy. The Joint Economic Committee met in Dubai in order to improve collaboration and establish partnerships between the two nations in the near future in the areas of commerce, investment, tourism, artificial intelligence, technology, green energy, logistics, infrastructure, and vocational training. According to Bin Touq, the UAE and Austria have strategic bilateral relations that are constantly developing on a number of fronts. This is attributable to both leaderships progressive visions, which emphasise the continuous development of the bilateral cooperation through the use of new opportunities. The UAE-Austria Joint Economic Committee is a new milestone in strengthening our bilateral economic ties and fostering collaboration across mutually beneficial sectors. It also aims to explore promising opportunities in both countries markets. The convening of this session aligns with the UAEs strategic plans to boost economic openness and enhance its economic standing in international markets following the We the UAE 2031 vision to make the country a global partner and an attractive, influential economic hub, the minister said. Aiming to strengthen and support the private sector, improve the competitiveness of the business environment, and increase its growth prospects, the UAE side of the committee discussed important economic developments and policies in the nation, such as updates to the Commercial Companies Law and updates to residency systems. In this sense, Bin Touq extended an invitation to the Austrian private sector to investigate the markets of the United Arab Emirates and profit from the advantages and incentives offered by its business climate. To encourage Emirati businesses to take advantage of the investment opportunities it presents and gain knowledge of the key industries in the Austrian markets, the Austrian delegation extended an invitation to the UAE side to attend the Invest in Austria conference, which is set to take place in February 2024. The committee discussed fresh approaches to maintain cooperative initiatives and promote economic collaboration between the public and private sectors. It emphasised how important the private sector is to boosting economic ties between the two countries by providing exporters and importers with all-encompassing support to enable the growth and diversification of trade in both commodities and services. It also covered the topic of creating new avenues for cooperation between the business groups in Austria and Emirati to strengthen the two nations trade and economic relations. With 43% of Austrias trade with GCC countries and 16% with Arab countries, the UAE is the countrys leading trading partner in the GCC and the second largest in the Arab world. Furthermore, among the EUs trading partners of the UAE, Austria comes in at number ten. High-ranking representatives from the UAE side at the JEC were Juma Mohammed Al Kait, the Ministry of Economys Assistant Undersecretary for Foreign Trade Sector. The participants in the session included Eva Lantschinger, the Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Economy and Labour; Paul Rock, the Head of the Austrian Minister of Economy and Labors Office; and Daniel Krobber, the Minister of Economy and Labors Senior Advisor for European Union and International Affairs. (With agency inputs) Chinese Ambassador to U.S. urges two sides to draw inspirations, wisdom from Ping-Pong Diplomacy Pub Date:23-12-19 09:20 Source:Xinhua Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng has called on the two sides to draw inspirations and wisdom from their Ping-Pong Diplomacy over five decades ago. Editor:Zheng Chen Related News China's top economic planner begins prelim... China's largest gas storage facility creat... GLOBALink | Hefei, China's emerging tech hub East China's Anhui hosts forum to boost de... The British government has sought consular access to Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, reiterating that he is a citizen of the United Kingdom, amid an ongoing landmark national security trial. We have absolutely done everything, and we continue to ask for consular access for Jimmy Lai we are very comfortable and certain that he is indeed a British citizen, Minister of State for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said during a parliamentary debate in London on Monday. The debate was sparked by the beginning of Lais trial, which has drawn media attention across the world. Lai, the 76-year-old founder of erstwhile tabloid Apple Daily, is combatting collusion charges that could lead to him spending the rest of his life in jail. He faces three charges relating to sedition and collusion with foreign forces for allegedly drawing international sanctions against authorities and inciting public hatred in the wake of anti-government protests in 2019. Several Western governments called on Monday for Lais immediate release, while observers from at least 10 consulates including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland were present in court during the trial. Responding to questions from lawmakers, Trevelyan said she was able to help him get a new passport earlier in the year because his old one had run out; we worked with the Home Office to ensure that. However, she said the British government has been left puzzled by Hong Kong authorities failure to recognise Lais British citizenship. We will continue to press for consular access to Lai, which the Hong Kong prison authorities have repeatedly refused. China considers anyone of Chinese heritage born in China to be a Chinese national. It does not recognise other nationalities and therefore considers Lai to be exclusively Chinese, said Trevelyan. She also pointed out shocking attempts to dissuade, make fearful and stop Jimmy Lais legal teams here in the UK, amid claims of cyber harassment from Beijing. However, Trevelyan declined to say whether the British government would issue new sanctions against Hong Kong officials over the trial. On Sunday, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron made the highest-profile intervention to date on the eve of the trial, saying he was particularly concerned at the politically motivated prosecution of British national Jimmy Lai. As a prominent and outspoken journalist and publisher, Jimmy Lai has been targeted in a clear attempt to stop the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and association, said Cameron, who met Lais son Sebastien last week. The United States and Canada have also criticized the trial. Last week, Canadas Senate and House of Commons passed identical motions, through unanimous consent, calling on Hong Kongs authorities to release Lai and halt prosecution of the cases against him. In Beijing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin rejected the criticism and defended the hearing, accusing the United States and Britain of gossiping and politically manipulating the trial. The United States and the West put the rule of law on their lips, but use Jimmy Lais case to destroy Hong Kongs rule of law and judicial independence, providing support to suspects without caring for right and wrong, Beijings office in Hong Kong said. The United Nations Security Council is trying to speak with one voice ahead of a vote on a new resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday. If discussions succeed in breaking a deadlock 10 days after a US veto, a vote may take place as soon as Tuesday morning. Despite unprecedented pressure from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the US blocked the adoption of a resolution calling for a immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel continues its deadly strikes in retaliation for Hamas unprecedented October 7 attack. The identical nonbinding resolution was voted by the General Assembly last week by 153 votes to 10, with 23 abstentions, out of 193 member nations. On the strength of this overwhelming support, Arab countries have announced a new attempt at the Security Council, with an uncertain outcome. A draft text prepared by the United Arab Emirates, obtained by AFP on Sunday, called for an urgent and lasting cessation of hostilities to allow unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. But according to diplomatic sources, a new modified text is now on the table, in an attempt to get closer to a compromise. The postponement of the vote until Tuesday means that there are negotiations over the text most probably to avoid another or several vetoes, Amnesty Internationals Secretary General Agnes Callamard posted on X. Every hour, every day that passes civilians in Gaza are dying. The Security Council is also discussing the terms of a monitoring system for humanitarian aid entering Gaza. In a letter sent on Monday to the president of the Security Council, seen by AFP, Antonio Guterres mentions three options for implementing the November 15 resolution calling for humanitarian pauses of a few days to allow aid into the Palestinian territory. Noting that the conditions for the effective delivery of humanitarian aid no longer exist, the secretary generals first option is to reinforce the presence of UN humanitarian personnel on the ground to enable a more robust United Nations presence on the ground. Secondly, he suggests a mission of UN or third-party civilian observers. And finally, to monitor the observance of humanitarian pauses/cease-fires, United Nations unarmed military observers could be deployed, he wrote, noting that all three options would require clear mandates from the Security Council. More suffering Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, the Security Council has been under fire, having only managed to adopt a text calling for humanitarian pauses in mid-November. Five other draft resolutions were rejected, two of them due to US vetoes. President Joe Biden has since exhibited growing impatience with Israel, warning that its ally risks losing the support of the international community for its indiscriminate bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The Biden administration declined to say how it viewed the latest text. We are always trying to get to a place where theres language that we agree with, that other Security Council members agree with, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. But right now were in the middle of the negotiation process. I wouldnt want to speculate. Security Council resolutions are binding, but regularly ignored by the countries concerned. Israel has already insisted that a ceasefire is unacceptable. A ceasefire now After the attack on October 7, which Israeli authorities say left around 1,140 people dead, most of them civilians, Israel vowed to annihilate Hamas, pounding the Palestinian territory, laying siege to it and conducting a vast ground operation since October 27. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israels military response has killed more than 19,400 people, mostly women and children. In the face of such atrocities, there is only one moral position, one defensible position: ceasefire now, pleaded Riyad Mansour, Palestinian ambassador to the UN, from the rostrum of the General Assembly on Friday. Calling for a ceasefire now, while (the hostages) are still being held, is the most immoral thing to do, replied his Israeli counterpart, Gilad Erdan. The standoff over critical aid from the United States and Europe has Ukraines allies contemplating something theyve refused to imagine since the earliest days of Russias invasionthe fact that Vladimir Putin may win. With more than US$110 billion in assistance stuck in political disputes in Washington and Brussels, how long Kyiv will be able to hold back Russian forces and defend Ukraines cities, power plants and ports against missile attacks is increasingly in doubt. Beyond the catastrophic consequences for Ukraine if it loses the war, some European allies have begun to quietly consider the impact of a failure for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. Theyre reassessing the risks an emboldened Russia would pose to alliance members in the east, according to people familiar with the internal conversations. The ripple effects would be felt around the world, the people said, as US partners and allies questioned just how reliable Washingtons promises of defence would be. The impact of such a strategic setback would be far deeper than that caused by the spectacle of the botched US pull-out from Afghanistan in 2021, they said. And thats leaving aside the prospect that Donald Trump might win next years US presidential election and realise his public pledges to pull back from major alliances, including NATO, and make a deal with Putin over Ukraine. The growing sense of alarm has slipped into leaders public statements. Theyve taken on an increasingly shrill tone as backers of the aid exhort their opponents not to hold the vital assistance hostage to domestic political priorities, something which rarely happened in previous debates. If Ukraine doesnt have support from the EU and the US, then Putin will win, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said last week at the European Union summit, where leaders failed to overcome growing opposition to next years 50 billion (US$55 billion) aid package and only barely managed to approve the largely symbolic gesture of opening the way to membership for Ukraine sometime in the future. In the US, President Biden last week pledged to back Ukraine for as long as we can, a rhetorical shift from previous vows to do so for as long as it takes. Republicans in the Congress have refused to approve US$61 billion of support for next year until Biden gives in to their demands for tougher policies on the US southern border. So far, efforts to reach a deal have failed. Monday, the Pentagon warned that the money for new weapons for Ukraine will run out December 30 if legislators dont act. In addition to growing public apprehension about the cost of support for Ukraine, the disappointing results of Kyivs counteroffensive this summer its troops made only modest gains against Russias heavily entrenched forces have triggered questions about whether Ukraines publicly declared goal of retaking all the territory occupied by Putin is realistic. Recently, allied officials have sought to highlight Kyivs more recent military successes, including its successful strikes on the Russian navy in the Black Sea, rather than the sweeping advances on the ground seen in the first year of war. There is increasing concern about lack of movement on aid for Ukraine on both sides of the Atlantic and frustration that there is this stagnation with dire battlefield consequences, said Kristine Berzina, managing director at the German Marshall Fund in Washington. The possibility of Ukraine losing additional territory and even its sovereignty is still on the table. Russia is likely to push to take more territory and destroy more infrastructure if Ukraine doesnt get the weapons it needs to defend itself, according to European officials. Unable to defend itself, Ukraine might be forced to accept a ceasefire deal on Russias terms, they said. Ukraines backers in both the EU and US contend aid is likely to be approved in some form early next year. But thats unlikely to yield a major breakthrough on the battlefield, officials said. Beyond that, the outlook is increasingly murky, even as the stalemate on the ground makes it increasingly clear that the fight could go on for years to come. In the Baltic states, officials are already telling the public to be ready for the next war because Putins forces arent going to be destroyed in Ukraine. Despite Bidens public assurances, questions about whether the US and other allies would actually put their troops at risk to defend tiny countries that were once part of the Soviet Union are growing. Other Western officials said it would likely take Putin at least several years to make up for the tremendous losses his military has taken in Ukraine, let alone threaten NATOs much more capable forces. But the earlier confidence that the invasion would be a strategic defeat for the Russian leader has faded, replaced in some quarters by a growing sense that Putins bet that he can outlast the US and its allies may prove right. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday that the US and a number of other nations have apparently prepared an international campaign to defend commercial ships travelling the vital Red Sea route against drone and missile assaults from the Houthi-controlled portions of Yemen. The Iran-backed Houthis have assaulted many ships during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, causing damage to vessels and compelling various shipping companies to place their ships on hold until the security situation improves. According to the US militarys Central Command, a cargo ship reported an explosive detonating close to them in the water on Monday, about the same time as a drone and a missile attack targeted a tanker near Yemen. According to a US Department of Defence release, Austin outlined the ways Houthi attacks are destabilising maritime security and reaffirmed US commitment to freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the regions vital waterways after calling a virtual ministerial meeting with representatives from 43 countries. Additionally, he pointed out that the attacks had already had an effect on the world economy and would still pose a threat to commercial shipping if nations failed to unite to confront the problem as a whole. This is an international challenge that demands collective action. Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative, said the US Defence Secretary in a statement in Bahrain. He had also condemned the Houthi attacks on international shipping and global commerce as unprecedented and unacceptable. Additionally, he has denounced as unprecedented and intolerable the Houthi attacks on international trade and commerce worldwide. The Pentagon reports that the Secretary and top DoD officials have informed participants that since November 19, the Houthis have carried out more than 100 one-way unmanned aerial system (UAS) and ballistic missile attacks, aiming or seizing 12 merchant vessels from over 35 different countries, all the while holding the crew of 25 people captive. They talked about how the attacks were blatantly against international law and demanded that they stop. The Red Sea currently handles 1015% of all international traffic; as a result, shipping companies are being forced to reroute through the Cape of Good Hope, which delays the supply of essential commodities like oil and gas by several weeks. In order to prevent such Houthi violence, Austin asked attendees to support international actions, including those sponsored by the US, aimed at restoring security in the Red Sea. A senior military officer told reporters travelling with Austin in the region that at any given moment, about 400 commercial vessels are transiting the southern Red Sea, which is an area about the size of Washington, DC to Boston. According to reports, the military ships will be stationed to offer umbrella security to as many vessels as feasible at any given moment rather than necessarily accompanying a particular one. This coincides with the announcement made by shipping giant Maersk that it will use the Cape of Good Hope to reroute ships that have been stopped for several days outside the Red Sea. According to Austin, new members include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. While some of those nations will work together to patrol the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, others will support intelligence operations there. China is conspicuously lacking from these discussions, and its warships in the area have not heeded requests for assistance by commercial vessels. Combined Task Force 153, which was established in April 2022 to enhance maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden, will oversee the mission. The objective of the new mission is to supply ships and other assets to carry out the protection, whereas the task force has mainly provided a headquarters structure thus far. The USS Mason and the USS Carney are two American warships that are presently transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in an effort to counter and prevent Houthi strikes. The US hasnt struck back against the Houthis or hit their weaponry or other locations as of yet. (with agency inputs) On Tuesday, South Korea, the United States, and Japan announced the activation of a new system to detect and analyse North Korean missile launches in real time. The declaration comes after North Korea stated on Monday that it has launched its newest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to assess its nuclear forces preparedness in the face of escalating US aggression. What is known about the recently implemented missile warning data sharing system is as follows: What information is being shared? According to South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik, the three nations would communicate information on the launch location, flight trajectory, and striking point of North Korean missiles around the clock under the new arrangement. Previously, the US shared such information independently with South Korea and Japan. We will have warning data on North Korean missiles much faster, and be able to secure enough time to respond effectively, Shin said in an interview with broadcaster MBN on Monday. Why is it being shared? Washington and its partners hail the new mechanism as a watershed moment in their trilateral security cooperation, enhancing their ability to safeguard the safety of their citizens. The sharing of intelligence is anticipated to aid them in responding more promptly to North Koreas rising nuclear and missile threats. The Norths fifth ICBM test this year, according to Pyongyang, was a show of the nuclear-armed states will for toughest counteraction and overwhelming strength. This is a significant expression of just how far trilateral cooperation has come, in no small part due to the growing threat from North Korea, said Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. In practical terms, this will enhance the fidelity with which both Japan and South Korea can assess missile events originating in North Korea, he said. Why was such data not shared before? Relations between the two Asian US allies had been strained over historical issues and other disputes. But South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has made it a priority to mend ties since taking office in May 2022 as North Korea ramps up development of its weapons programs and openly threatens the South. There have always been people opposed to information sharing between South Korea and Japan, in both countries. But with the threats from North Korea we are seeing now, when Japanese people are taking shelter (due to the missiles), who would say no? said Shin Jong-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Defense & Security Forum. Japans chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday real-time missile information sharing started a new chapter for defence cooperation between Japan, South Korea and the United States, which was essential for regional security. Panda of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said the new mechanism was a safeguard against politics blowing cooperation off course. The institutionalisation of this mechanism will also make it more robust against possible domestic political changes in South Korea or Japan that could pose headwinds for trilateral cooperation in the future, said Panda. How has North Korea responded? North Korea has slammed the new information sharing system as part US efforts to incite confrontation and boost its military edge in the region. Such a scheme for a tripartite data-sharing mechanism led by the US is evidently a dangerous military action to drive the regional situation to a more serious phase of confrontation, the Norths state media said last week. The CIA director flew to Europe on Monday for talks with Israeli and Qatari officials in the hopes of reaching an agreement on a new cease-fire and the release of hostages in Gaza, while the US defence secretary spoke with Israeli military leaders about scaling back major combat operations against Hamas. After more than two months of deadly shelling and warfare, there was still no evidence of a change in the conflict. Residents in northern Gaza claimed rescue teams were looking for the dead and the surviving under structures crushed by Israeli strikes. Over the weekend, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany some of Israels closest friends joined worldwide demands for a cease-fire. After three hostages were erroneously murdered by Israeli commandos while holding a white flag, Israeli demonstrators urged that the government reopen talks with Hamas to free additional captives. Officials from the United States have regularly voiced alarm over the significant number of civilian casualties in Gaza. But after talks with Israeli officials Monday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, This is Israels operation. Im not here to dictate timelines or terms. The US has vetoed calls for a cease-fire at the U.N. and has rushed munitions to Israel. The U.N Security Council delayed a vote to Tuesday on an Arab-sponsored resolution calling for a halt to hostilities to allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid. Diplomats said negotiations were taking place to get the US to abstain or vote yes on the resolution. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will keep fighting until it ends Hamas rule in Gaza, crushes its formidable military capabilities and frees hostages still held in Gaza since the deadly Oct. 7 attack inside Israel that ignited the war. Militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted 240 others in the attack. The war has killed more than 19,000 Palestinians and demolished much of the north into a moonscape. Some 1.9 million Palestinians nearly 85% of Gazas population have fled their homes, with most packing into U.N.-run shelters and tent camps in the southern part of the besieged territory. Hostage talks In an apparent sign that talks on a hostage deal were growing more serious, CIA Director William Burns met in Warsaw with the head of Israels Mossad intelligence agency and the prime minister of Qatar, a US official said. It was the first known meeting of the three since the end of a weeklong cease-fire in late November, during which some 100 hostages including a number of foreign nationals were freed in exchange for the release of around 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the talks were not at a point where another deal is imminent. Aiming to increase public pressure on the Israeli government, Hamas released a video showing three elderly Israeli hostages, sitting in white T-shirts and pleading for Israel to bring their immediate release. The comments were likely made under duress, but the video signaled Hamas wants to move on to discussions of releasing sick and elderly men in captivity. Israel has said it wants around 19 women and two children freed first. Hamas says the women include soldiers, for whom it is expected to demand a higher price in terms of prisoner releases. Hamas and other militants are still holding an estimated 129 captives. Hamas has said no more hostages will be released until the war ends. Scaling down the war Austin, who arrived in Israel with Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown, said he and Israeli officials exchanged thoughts on how to transition from high intensity operations in Gaza and how to increase the flow of humanitarian aid. American officials have called for targeted operations aimed at killing Hamas leaders, destroying tunnels and rescuing hostages. US President Joe Biden warned last week that Israel is losing international support because of its indiscriminate bombing. Speaking alongside Austin, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said only that the war will take time. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the Israeli chief of staff met with Austin and Brown and presented plans for the continuation of the battle in the coming stages. European countries appear to be losing patience. Far too many civilians have been killed in Gaza, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted on X. Under US pressure, Israel provided more precise evacuation instructions earlier this month as troops moved into the southern city of Khan Younis. Still, casualties have continued to mount and Palestinians say nowhere in Gaza is safe as Israel carries out strikes in all parts of the territory. Israel reopened its main cargo crossing with Gaza to allow more aid in also after a US request. But the amount is less than half of prewar imports, even as needs have soared and fighting hinders delivery in many areas. Israel blocked entry off all goods into Gaza soon after the war started and weeks later began allowing a small amount of aid in through Egypt. More death and destruction At least 110 people were killed in Israeli strikes Sunday on residential buildings in the urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, Munir al-Boursh, a senior Health Ministry official, told Al Jazeera television. Fierce fighting continued Monday in Jabaliya and the Gaza City districts of Zaytoun and Shijaiyah, where tens of thousands of Palestinians remain trapped, crowded in homes or schools. In Jabaliya, first responders and residents searched the rubble of many collapsed buildings. They use their hands and shovels, said Amal Radwan, who is staying at a U.N. shelter there. We need bulldozers and above all the bombing to stop. More than 19,400 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry, which has said that most are women and minors and that thousands more are buried under rubble. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Israels military says 127 of its soldiers have been killed in the Gaza ground offensive. It says it has killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas, saying it uses them as human shields. But the military rarely comments on individual strikes. Regional tensions In Bahrain early Tuesday, Austin said that the US and other nations have created a new force to protect commercial ships passing through the Red Sea from attacks by Yemens Houthi rebels. The Houthis say their attacks aim to end Israels offensive in Gaza, and their campaign has prompted a growing list of companies to halt operations in the major trade route. This is an international challenge that demands collective action, Austin said in statement. Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah have traded fire along the border nearly every day since the war began. And in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, over 300 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, including four overnight during an Israeli military raid in the Faraa refugee camp, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. This has been the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since 2005. Most have been killed during military raids, which often ignite gunbattles, or during violent demonstrations. Following a spate of missile and drone assaults by Yemens Iran-aligned Houthis, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the formation of a global operation to protect Red Sea trade on Tuesday. Austin, who is in Bahrain for the US Navys Middle East headquarters, said participating countries include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. The group will patrol together in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This is an international challenge that demands collective action. Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative, Austin said in a statement early on Tuesday. In a virtual meeting with ministers from more than 40 nations, Austin called on other countries to contribute as he condemned reckless Houthi actions. Were all here because many countries can directly contribute to our common efforts to keep strategic waterways safe, Austin said, according to prepared remarks. Nonetheless, the declaration raises numerous issues, including if other nations are ready to do what largely US warships have done in recent days: shoot down Houthi missiles and drones and rush to the assistance of commercial ships under assault. The US Navy already has a Red Sea task force that had increased its presence in the key waterway, and it is unknown how many nations may deploy extra ships or patrol planes as a result of Operation Prosperity Guardians formation. The Houthis have entered the Israel-Hamas war by assaulting ships in crucial commerce channels and even launching drones and missiles at Israel from more than 1,000 miles away in Yemens capital of Sanaa. Before Austins announcement, the Houthi group said it launched a drone attack on Monday on two cargo vessels in the region. British maritime security firm Ambrey said on Tuesday it received information of a potential boarding attempt 17 miles west of Yemens Aden port city, adding that the attack was unsuccessful and all crew were safe. The Houthis have threatened to target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing with Israeli ports. About 12% of world shipping traffic normally transits via the Suez Canal, the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia, passing then as well into the Red Sea waters off Yemen. But the unrest has disrupted maritime trade, as freight firms reroute around Africa instead, adding costs and delays which are expected to be compounded over coming weeks. Combined, the companies that have diverted vessels control around half of the global container shipping market, ABN Amro analyst Albert Jan Swart told Reuters. Oil major BP temporarily paused all transits through the Red Sea and oil tanker group Frontline said on Monday its vessels would avoid passage through the waterway, signs the crisis was broadening to include energy shipments. Crude oil prices rose on those concerns on Monday. During a visit to Israel on Monday, Austin squarely blamed Iran for the Houthi attacks. Irans support for Houthi attacks on commercial vessels must stop, he said. At a news conference in Tel Aviv, Austin said: As we are driving to stabilize the region, Iran is raising tensions by continuing to support terrorist groups and militias. A CCTV footage that captured the moment when a devastating 6.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Chinas northwestern Gansu province, killing at least 118 and injuring almost 400 people, is going viral on social media. According to a report by state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), 11 other people were killed and more than 100 injured in the city of Haidong in the neighbouring province of Qinghai. China earthquake video The CCTV camera footage shared by Global Times showed buildings shaking due to the earthquake before collapsing. People could be seen in panic, rushing out of what appeared to be their offices and shops. The timestamp on the video showed it was 11:59 pm of 18 December, 2023. A rumbling noise could also be heard in the background of the viral video of China earthquake. Several people rushed to the streets for safety after the massive quake struck China late on Monday. CCTV footage captured the moment when a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Jishishan county, Linxia, Gansu Province, China on Monday midnight. According to Xinhua, more than 110 people have died in the quake. All-out rescue work is underway. pic.twitter.com/d0M2ETJQ7S Global Times (@globaltimesnews) December 19, 2023 Source: X/@globaltimesnews The US Geological Survey recorded the quake as magnitude 5.9. The epicenter, near the Gansu-Qinghai border, is approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Gansu's capital, Lanzhou. The region experienced several smaller aftershocks following the initial earthquake. The 6.2-magnitude #earthquake that jolted an ethnic county in Northwest #China's #Gansu province midnight Monday has killed 111 people in Gansu and neighboring Qinghai province. The provincial fire and rescue department has sent 580 rescuers aided with 88 fire engines, 12 search pic.twitter.com/mMLsZ0QMoL Bridging News (@BridgingNews_) December 19, 2023 Source: X/@BridgingNews_ China Central Television said there were a total of nine aftershocks at magnitude 3.0 and above were recorded before dawn on Tuesday. Some basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, transportation and communication have been damaged, the Chinese government informed. Xi Jinping on China earthquake Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out efforts" in search, relief, and ensuring the safety of survivors and their property. According to reports, the Chinese government has allocated 200 million yuan ($28.18 million) of funds to support disaster relief efforts in the earthquake-hit Gansu and Qinghai provinces. Rescue efforts underway after earthquake in China Rescue operations are underway as the nation grapples with the aftermath. Workers raced to start digging through rubble in freezing conditions. Images and videos, shared online after the earthquake, showed the outside view of the building with the debris and walls of the room cracked up due to the impact of the tremors. China Central Television report mentioned that tents, folding beds and quilts were being sent to the disaster area. It also quoted Xi calling for an all-out search and rescue effort to minimise the casualties. The overnight minimum temperature in the area was minus 15 to minus 9 degrees Celsius (5 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit), the China Meteorological Administration said. At least 4,000 firefighters, soldiers and police officers were dispatched in the rescue effort, and the Peoples Liberation Army Western Theatre set up a command post to direct its work. People have been requested to avoid going to the quake-hit areas to prevent traffic jams that could hinder the rescue effort. With inputs from agencies The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday said that up to 300,000 individuals have fled the escalating conflict on a new front in Sudan, according to a Reuters report. Over the past eight months, paramilitary forces have been engaged in intense battles with the army, and recently, they made significant advances into Wad Madani, a city crucial for displaced populations and aid distribution during the ongoing conflict. The capture of Wad Madani, situated approximately 170 km southeast of Khartoum, the capital, in El Gezira statea vital agricultural region in a nation grappling with increasing food shortagesmarks a potential turning point in the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) expansion across western and central Sudan. Since the outbreak of clashes just four days ago, an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 people have fled El Gezira, as stated by the IOM. The RSF, initially in a power-sharing arrangement with the army and civilians following the 2019 ousting of former leader Omar al-Bashir, has since undergone internal conflicts. In 2021, the RSF and the army staged a coup together but later clashed over an internationally supported political transition plan. Videos shared by the RSF depict their fighters driving through Wad Madanis streets in pickup trucks and crossing a contested bridge over the Blue Nile, which they had been fighting for with the army. Unverified footage also shows RSF fighters alongside Coptic priests, who claimed they couldnt escape the city and sought assistance from the RSF. The authenticity of these videos has not been confirmed by Reuters, and the army has not issued any statements. Local pro-democracy activists report that the RSF has established checkpoints throughout Wad Madani, engaging in looting homes and cars, with an absence of army or police presence. This ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF has displaced more than 7 million people, caused extensive damage to the capital, led to a humanitarian crisis, and resulted in ethnically motivated violence in Darfur. In Khartoum, the RSF faces accusations of looting homes, committing sexual assaults, and carrying out arbitrary killings and detentions. Families fleeing While half a million people had sought refuge in the wider El Gezira state, at least 85,000 were living inside Wad Madani, with more relying on the city for healthcare, aid, and government services that began shutting down in recent days. Fleeing again will completely deplete our resources, said Heba Abdelrahim, who had come to Wad Madani with her family from Khartoum. Thinking logically we will wait until we dont have any other choice. Several neighboring families had left together on a large truck, she said. Abdelrahim said gunshots could be heard while army warplanes were flying overhead, with air strikes heard before sundown. The United States, which on Sunday urged the RSF not to attack Wad Madani, has with Saudi Arabia led mediation efforts to broker a ceasefire in Sudan, without visible progress. While regional mediators IGAD said the army and RSF agreed to a ceasefire last week, both sides quickly distanced themselves from the claim. Taking control of central Wad Madani, a hub for national highways, would give the RSF greater control of trade and allow it to hobble army supply routes, said researcher Reem Abbas, a fellow at the Tahrir Institute. This gives them time to organise themselves, and they can start going east They will continue to hold people hostage, putting pressure on the communities, on the army, and the international community, she said. The RSF in a statement said it sought to oust Bashir loyalists in Wad Madani and pre-empt an attack by the army, which it accused of racial killings and indiscriminate air strikes. Pro-democracy group Emergency Lawyers said the RSF on Monday killed two people when it raided Rufaa hospital north of Wad Madani. Separately, the group criticised racially-motivated killings and torture in El Gezira state, and said at least 10 people had been killed by air strikes in RSF-controlled Nyala in recent days. With inputs from agencies Strange smoke from northern bushfires engulfed Sydney on Tuesday, sending significant portions of the city into index ranges comparable to those of New Delhi, one of the busiest capital cities in the world. As a result, Sydneys air quality fell to some of the lowest in the world. Grey clouds hung over the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with smoke visible in the air, despite the fact that smog is uncommon in Sydney, a city better known for its beaches and blue skies. After 5 p.m. (0600 GMT), the air quality index in some parts of the city just north of the downtown reached 161, which is a level at which prolonged outdoor exercise is advised. But there could be relief in sight, with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) saying southerly winds should begin to dispel the smog by evening. The smoke had drifted hundreds of kilometers south from fires burning across roughly 136,000 hectares (336,000 acres), an area almost the size of Greater London, the RFS said. Authorities have warned of a high-risk bush fire season in Australia this summer after two quiet seasons, compared with the 2019-2020 Black Summer fires that destroyed an area the size of Turkey and killed 33 people. Energy company Santos halted work on a gas project northwest of Sydney as a huge bushfire raged out of control in the Pilliga forest south of Narrabri, a town that is about 420 km (261 miles) away. The fires in the Pilliga are of enormous concern, a company spokesperson said in a statement. While there is no risk to, or because of, our facilities, we have shut in our operations for the time being. In the Indian capital, where index levels range between 74 and 225, scientists recently planned to turn to cloud seeding to ameliorate matters. (with inputs from Reuters) While Yemens pro-Palestinian Houthi movement pledged to resist a U.S.-led naval campaign and continue bombing Israeli targets in the Red Sea, Israel continued to pound the broken Gaza Strip on Tuesday. According to a Palestinian assessment, Israels assault to destroy Hamas militants responsible for an Oct. 7 murder has left the coastal enclave in ruins, brought widespread starvation and homelessness, and killed approximately 20,000 Gazans. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes the war will not end until the last 129 captives are liberated and Hamas is destroyed after its terrorists killed 1,200 Israelis, despite global demands to refrain from killing innocent people. Beyond Gaza, the violence has extended into the Red Sea, where drones and missiles from Yemens Houthi militia, which is backed with Iran, have begun hitting shipping. The Houthis declared they would continue despite the establishment of a multinational naval operation to safeguard local trade. U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the naval operation in Bahrain, stating that combined patrols would take place in the Gulf of Aden and southern Red Sea, which cover a significant global maritime route. A few goods companies are rerouting their routes via Africa. According to local health officials, Israels most recent missile strikes hit the southern Rafah area of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees have gathered in recent weeks, killing at least 20 people and injuring scores more. Medical personnel said that Palestinian journalist Adel Zurub and numerous family members were among the deceased. This brings the total number of Palestinian journalists killed to 97, as reported by the government media office managed by Hamas. Israel claims that it alerts people ahead of time to strikes so they may flee, and it charges Hamas with hiding in residential areas. Tanks continued to push into the southern city of Khan Younis and blasted a market area, but they encountered strong opposition, according to locals, in the ground combat in which Israel has lost 132 soldiers. Thousands of Hamas terrorists are fighting the Israeli forces in a guerilla fashion from within tunnel networks. From October 7 to Monday, 19,453 Palestinians have died and 52,286 have been wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The prospective boarding attempt was discovered, according to British maritime security company Ambrey, on Tuesday, 17 miles west of Yemens port city of Aden. The attack was not successful, and all crew members were reported to be safe. (With agency inputs) Google has disclosed details of a settlement reached in September with state attorneys general, which is now public. Despite being disappointed with a recent trial verdict, Google is challenging it and emphasizes its commitment to enhancing Android and Google Play. This settlement reinforces Androids flexibility and choice, maintains strong security measures, and allows Google to compete with other OS makers while investing in the Android ecosystem. As part of the Googles settlement: App Store Choice: Google affirms its commitment to app store choice, stating that alternative app stores can be preloaded on Android devices. OEMs can provide users with options to use Play or another app store. Android 14 introduces features to enhance third-party app stores. Sideloading Streamlining: Google acknowledges Android users ability to sideload apps and plans to simplify the sideloading process. While emphasizing the unique risks, it aims to update language to inform users about potential risks when downloading apps directly from the web. User Choice Billing: App and game developers can implement alternative billing options for U.S. users alongside Google Plays billing system. Google has piloted user choice billing for over a year and plans to expand this option further. Open Communication on Pricing: Google highlights its openness in allowing developers to communicate with customers outside the app about subscription offers or lower-cost options. With the settlement, developers can show different pricing options within the app during a digital purchase. Contribution to Settlement Fund: Google will pay $630 million into a settlement fund for consumer benefit and $70 million into a fund for the states, as approved by the Court. Google emphasizes that Android and Google Play offer choices and opportunities for innovation that other platforms lack, including multiple app stores, diverse app distribution avenues, and innovative payment methods for in-app purchases. Announcing the updates, Wilson White, VP, Government Affairs & Public Policy, said: IAMAI today announced its support for the Telecom Bill recently presented in Parliament. The association, representing nearly 600 internet companies and startups, sees the Bill as a positive move, particularly for excluding internet companies from its scope, aligning with IAMAIs recommendation to limit the Bill to the network layer. IAMAI emphasizes the importance of maintaining the traditional distinction between regulated telecom spectrum controlling entities and spectrum-using companies. This distinction, according to IAMAI, has been crucial for fostering innovation and expanding internet access in India. Exemptions and Provisions Aligned with IAMAI Suggestions The bill now explicitly excludes email, internet-based communication services, broadcasting services, machine-to-machine communication services, and over-the-top (OTT) communication services, aligning with IAMAIs recommendations. Additionally, provisions for the administrative assignment of spectrum for Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellites (GMPCS) have been incorporated, as proposed by IAMAI. The association had advocated for the inclusion of all satellite communication purposes within the administrative assignment process, a suggestion reflected in the current Bill. Vodafones Perspective on the Telecom Bill According to Akshaya Moondra, CEO of Vodafone Idea Limited, the company warmly welcomes the Telecom Bills rationalization of penalties and legal enforceability of right-of-way provisionsa longstanding request from the industry. Moondra emphasizes that the bill marks a significant moment in telecom reform, illustrating the governments commitment to providing a future-fit framework for Indian telecom. Airtels Applause for Progressive Reforms Gopal Vittal, MD & CEO of Bharti Airtel, warmly compliments the government for introducing a progressive Telecom Bill in Parliament. Vittal applauds the groundbreaking reforms that streamline Indias licensing landscape, simplifying the current complex system into a more cohesive and efficient authorization-based regime. He acknowledges the governments retention of oversight for telecom networks, emphasizing its importance for sovereign security, a fundamental requirement in Indias telecom licenses for the past two decades. Speaking about the Telecom Bill 2023, Akshaya Moondra, CEO, Vodafone Idea Limited, said: The Telecommunications Bill, 2023, is a pivotal moment in telecom reform, demonstrating the Governments dedication to providing a future-ready framework for Indian telecom, aligning with the growth aspirations of new India. The Bill introduces forward-looking provisions aimed at extending the benefits of digital connectivity to all citizens. We appreciate the long-awaited rationalization of penalties and the legal enforceability of right-of-way provisions, addressing industry concerns. Recognizing telecom networks as critical infrastructure, the Bill imposes punitive consequences for any damage, prioritizing the security of our communication systems. By emphasizing the responsibilities of users, the Bill places equal importance on consumers to contribute to national security by meeting specified requirements. Commenting on the Telecom Bill 2023, Gopal Vittal, MD & CEO of Bharti Airtel, said: amasan1 at 18-12-2023 09:54 PM (3 weeks ago) (m) A tourist, Nathan Lugo, has shared his experience at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport in the Benin Republic, comparing it with the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Nigeria. A tourist, Nathan Lugo, has shared his experience at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport in the Benin Republic, comparing it with the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Nigeria. Sharing photos, he wrote, Sharing photos, he wrote, Quote "I've been to Yorubaland on the Benin Republic side on several occasions for several years now. My first time was in 2018. "But, this was my first time flying directly into Cotonou, Benin Republic, and flying directly out of Cotonou, Benin Republic. And, just for a frame of reference, I've been flying to Yorubaland on the Nigeria side ANNUALLY through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport of Lagos since 1998...Annually since 1998! That is 25 years!!! "Last year I flew through the airport of Lagos in and out 4 times throughout the year. One thing I can say is that there are massive differences between the Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport - Lagos. "The airport in Cotonou is puny by comparison. It also has a pleasant design. The inside of the airport is clean. Their bathrooms are clean and fully functional with soap dispensers and hand dryers. Its car park is clean. "There aren't omo ita, like the ones in the airport in Lagos, all around trying to hustle you. The staff were balanced in their demeanor, professional, and friendly. In walking distance from the airport in Cotonou there are nice bars and restaurants similar to what I would find in Wynwood and other areas of South Florida. "Also, going through security there was no impression of religious discrimination as an Orisa devotee / onisese (the kind of religious discrimination that I more frequently than not have experienced at the airport in Lagos). "Benin Republic in general values its indigenous cultural and religious identity more than their Nigerian neighbors that give preferential treatment to foreign religions of Middle Eastern origin. "Just so you are aware, at the airport, I try to dress and behave as discreetly as possible to not draw attention to myself other than the obvious. "Did I mention that the air-conditioning system at both the departure and arrival areas of the airport at Cotonou works? Yes, their a/c works!!! They are not making human suya out of travelers leaving the country. Can you imagine that??? "And, both at the airport and most everywhere else throughout the Benin Republic, I felt overwhelmingly safe and like I was in any other country where people seemed "normal", for lack of a better word. "Here is the most important part: Not one customs official nor immigration officer nor airline staff tried to ask for a bribe nor extort money from me nor ask "what did you bring for me." No one.!!! Is that not a normal airport? "From now on I believe I will be calling the airport at Lagos the 'Murtala Muhammed Flying Circus of Lagos.' To our 'yOu CaNnOt CoMpArE bEnIn RePuBlIc To NiGeRiA' people - You are absolutely 100% correct!!! The awawi bards giving their 2,000 naira (or 2 kobo when the economy was better) in 3, 2, 1...'' Post Reply I am an investigative reporter at Gistmania, I conduct fact-finding investigative journalism. Posted: at 18-12-2023 09:54 PM (3 weeks ago) | Hero The Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) discovered three counterfeit batches of the popular emergency contraceptive Postinor 2 in one month. According to report, the counterfeit tablets were manufactured in Hungary but imported from China. NAFDAC forwarded the tablets to the World Health Organization (WHO), which sent samples to a forensic lab for further testing. Results confirmed the pills were missing the levonorgestrel active ingredient, and the WHO released Drug Alert 128.While counterfeit drugs pose a considerable health risk to consumers, poor access to authentic and affordable medications provides a burgeoning market for manufacturing piracy.See reactions below... Apple to Remove Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 from US Stores Amidst Patent Dispute News -Shonit Khanna In a significant development for the tech industry, Apple is set to remove the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 from its stores in the US. This move comes in response to an International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling that has banned the sale of these devices due to a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo. The ban will come into effect post-3 pm ET on December 21 for online sales, and starting December 24 for in-store purchases. Dispute Over Patented SpO2 Sensor Technology The core of the dispute lies in Apples alleged use of Masimos patented technology within the SpO2 (blood oxygen) sensors of the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2. Despite the ruling, Apple spokesperson Nikki Rothberg has stated that the company "strongly disagrees" with the ITC's decision and is actively exploring "legal and technical options" to ensure the products remain available to consumers. Legal Battles and Presidential Oversight Masimo has filed two lawsuits against Apple, one in the US District Court and another with the ITC. The ultimate fate of the Apple Watch models now rests with US President Joe Biden, who has the authority to either uphold or veto the ban. Historically, such vetoes are rare, though there is precedent with former President Barack Obama overturning an ITC ban on the iPhone 4 in 2013. Interestingly, President Biden has previously chosen not to intervene in an ITC ruling against an Apple Watch feature related to EKG technology. Impact on Sales and Functionality The ITC ruling does not affect Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 units that have already been sold; these devices will continue to function normally and receive full technical support. Additionally, the ban does not extend to units currently in stock at third-party retailers such as BestBuy and Amazon. However, Apple will no longer be able to restock these models after December 25. Notably, this ban is exclusive to the US market and does not impact previous models or sales in other countries. The impending removal of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 from US stores signifies a considerable setback for Apple amidst the busy holiday season. As the company navigates this legal hurdle, consumers and industry observers alike are keenly awaiting the decision of President Biden on this matter. FAQ's Why is Apple set to remove the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 from its US stores? Apple is removing the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 from its US stores due to an International Trade Commission ruling that bans their sale because of a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo. When will the ban on the sale of Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 come into effect? The ban will take effect post-3 pm ET on December 21 for online sales, and starting December 24 for in-store purchases. What technology is at the center of the patent dispute between Apple and Masimo? The patent dispute centers on Apples alleged use of Masimos patented technology within the SpO2 (blood oxygen) sensors of the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2. What is the potential role of US President Joe Biden in the Apple Watch ITC ruling? US President Joe Biden has the authority to either uphold or veto the ITC ban on the sale of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2. Does the ITC ruling affect Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 units that have already been sold? No, the ITC ruling does not affect Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 units that have already been sold; they will continue to function normally and receive full technical support. Best Mobiles in India GRAND COUNTY Wildlife officials released five gray wolves into a remote forest in Colorado's Rocky Mountains on Monday to kick off a voter-approved reintroduction program that was embraced in the state's mostly Democratic urban corridor but staunchly opposed in conservative rural areas where ranchers worry about attacks on livestock. The wolves were set free from crates in a Grand County location that state officials kept undisclosed to protect the predators. It marked the start of the most ambitious wolf reintroduction effort in the U.S. in almost three decades and a sharp departure from aggressive efforts by Republican-led states to cull wolf packs. A judge on Friday night had denied a request from the states cattle industry for a temporary delay to the release. About 45 people watched as the first two wolves 1-year-old male and female siblings with gray fur mixed with black and brown patches were set free. The male bolted up the golden grass, running partially sideways to keep an eye on everyone behind, then turning left into the trees. The crowd watched in awed silence, then some hugged each other and low murmurs started up. When the latch on the second crate flipped, the wolf didnt budge. Everyone waited as Gov. Jared Polis peeked into the cage. After roughly 30 seconds, those around the crates stepped back, giving the wolf space. The female slowly rose inside the crate then bounded up a snowy divot in the dirt road. When she reached the tree line, she stopped and turned to look back at her silent audience for a moment, then disappeared into an aspen grove, its branches barren. The other three wolves released were another pair of 1-year-old male and female siblings, as well a 2-year-old male. The wolves were all caught in Oregon on Sunday. When the final crate opened, the 2-year-old male with a black coat immediately darted out, making a sharp right past onlookers and dashing into the trees. He didnt look back once. When it all ended, a small round of applause broke out. Colorado officials anticipate releasing 30 to 50 wolves within the next five years in hopes the program starts to fill in one of the last remaining major gaps in the western U.S. for the species. Gray wolves historically ranged from northern Canada to the desert southwest. The carnivores planned release in Colorado, voted for in a 2020 ballot measure, has sharpened divides between rural and urban residents. City and suburb dwellers largely voted to reintroduce the apex predators into the rural areas where prey can include livestock that help drive local economies and big game such as elk that are prized by hunters. The reintroduction, starting with the release of up to 10 wolves in coming months, emerged as a political wedge issue when GOP-dominated Wyoming, Idaho and Montana refused to share their wolves for the effort. Colorado officials ultimately turned to another Democratic state Oregon to secure wolves. Excited wildlife advocates have started a wolf-naming contest, but ranchers in the Rocky Mountains where the releases will occur are anxious. Theyve seen glimpses of what the future could hold as a handful of wolves that wandered down from Wyoming over the past two years killed livestock. The fear is such attacks will worsen, adding to a spate of perceived assaults on western Colorados rural communities as the states liberal leaders embrace clean energy and tourism, eclipsing economic mainstays such as fossil fuel extraction and agriculture. To allay livestock industry fears, ranchers who lose livestock or herding and guard animals to wolf attacks will be paid fair market value, up to $15,000 per animal. Hunting groups also have raised concerns that wolves will reduce the size of elk herds and other big game animals that the predators eat. Meanwhile, Colorado residents who backed the reintroduction are going to have to get used to wildlife agents killing wolves that prey on livestock. Some wolves were already killed when they crossed from Colorado into Wyoming, which has a predatory zone for wolves covering most of the state in which they can be shot on sight. Thursday Night Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 13F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. ODNI Releases Intelligence Community Assessment of Foreign Threats to the 2022 U.S. Elections FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ODNI News Release No. 32-23 December 18, 2023 The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) today released the declassified Intelligence Community Assessment of Foreign Threats to the 2022 U.S. Elections. Coordinated across the Intelligence Community (IC), the assessment addresses the intentions and efforts of foreign actors to influence or interfere with the 2022 U.S. elections. Within 45 days of the 2022 U.S. elections, ODNI completed and distributed the classified version of this report pursuant to Executive Order 13848. "We share our assessment and the accompanying material to help inform the American public about foreign influence efforts, including attempts by foreign actors to induce friction and undermine confidence in the electoral process that underpins our democracy," said Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. "As global barriers to entry lower and accessibility rises, such influence efforts remain a continuing challenge for our country, and an informed understanding of the problem can serve as one defense." In addition to the declassified Intelligence Community Assessment, the accompanying National Intelligence Council Memorandum, Other Countries' Activities During the 2022 Election Cycle, provides added insights. The release of these materials is accompanied by a joint declassified report from the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security that evaluates the impact of foreign interference efforts on the security and integrity of U.S. election infrastructure, per Executive Order 13848. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Why the UK and Germany back a sustainable ceasefire: article by the Foreign Secretary and the German Foreign Minister In The Sunday Times, Foreign Secretary David Cameron and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock write on paving the way to a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. 17 December 2023 These are harsh, dangerous times. The catastrophic scenes in the Middle East following Hamas's brutal attack on Israel on October 7 epitomise this. As parents, it breaks our hearts to see so many children killed or wounded. Each death of an innocent on and since October 7 is a tragedy. Families are in mourning. Communities are in shock. The region is in crisis. Neither of us wants to see this conflict last a moment longer than necessary. As a British Conservative and German Green, we come from very different political traditions. But we both entered politics believing that, even in the darkest moments, we can change a desperate situation for the better, and we share a yearning for peace, in the Middle East as elsewhere around the world. We know from our engagement in the region and debate in our own countries that this feeling is widespread. Only extremists like Hamas want us stuck in an endless cycle of violence, sacrificing more innocent lives for their fanatical ideology. 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. We know many in the region and beyond have been calling for an immediate ceasefire. We recognise what motivates these heartfelt calls. 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. We saw at the end of November: pauses work. So we are pushing the diplomatic effort to agree further pauses to get more aid in and more hostages out. More than 130 hostages remain in Gaza; all people whose loved ones are living in agonising fear. Hamas must free them all immediately. Cruelly holding them only delays progress towards peace. 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. Let us imagine that we did press Israel to cease all military operations forthwith. Would Hamas stop firing rockets? Would it release the hostages? Would its murderous ideology change? An unsustainable ceasefire, quickly collapsing into further violence, would only make it harder to build the confidence needed for peace. We must also think carefully about the nature of any longer-term peace deal. Even before October 7, it was hard to imagine Hamas as a real partner for peace. After October 7, we can have no illusions. Leaving Hamas in power in Gaza would be a permanent roadblock on the path to a two-state solution. We have both met survivors from October 7. We have both seen the pain of Palestinian civilians whose families have died. We are in no doubt. We cannot expect Israelis to live alongside those dedicated to repeating the horrors inflicted by Hamas. And we cannot expect Palestinians to live among those who endanger them by lurking under their homes, schools and hospitals. This does not mean, however, that we can do nothing right now. We must do all we can to pave the way to a sustainable ceasefire, leading to a sustainable peace. The sooner it comes, the better - the need is urgent. We are also focused on 3 vital areas. First, like any other country in the world, Israel has the right to defend itself but, in doing so, it must abide by international humanitarian law. Israel will not win this war if its operations destroy the prospect of peaceful coexistence with Palestinians. They have a right to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas. But too many civilians have been killed. The Israeli government should do more to discriminate sufficiently between terrorists and civilians, ensuring its campaign targets Hamas leaders and operatives. Second, we must get more aid to ordinary Palestinians. It breaks our hearts to see children in the rubble of their destroyed homes, not knowing where to find food or water, not knowing where their parents are. We have both, therefore, increased our funding for humanitarian aid to Gaza, getting life-saving supplies to those in desperate need. And we are both committed to doing more. We welcome Israel reopening the Kerem Shalom crossing. We need unhindered deliveries into Gaza directly via as many crossing points as possible, so that much greater volumes of aid start flowing. Finally, all those who want to end the suffering need to work together on a solution that delivers long-term security for both peoples. Our Arab partners, in particular, have a crucial role to play in this. They have shown strong humanitarian commitment and they have even more political weight to bring to the table. The rise of extremism is a threat to all of us, not just to Israelis and Palestinians. A two-state solution requires both sides to feel safe living side by side. Extremist settlers in the West Bank are seeking to sabotage any such efforts, violently forcing Palestinians from their homes. We strongly condemn these hateful acts. The Palestinians need a team of leaders who can give them the security and good governance they deserve. 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. The tragic deaths of so many compel us to act today, focused on how we get to that goal in the future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 18, 2023 Release Statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Ensuring Freedom of Navigation in the Red Sea The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and violates international law. The Red Sea is a critical waterway that has been essential to freedom of navigation and a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade. Countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor launching ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) at merchant vessels from many nations lawfully transiting international waters. This is an international challenge that demands collective action. Therefore, today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of its Task Force 153, which focuses on security in the Red Sea. Operation Prosperity Guardian is bringing together multiple countries to include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3621110/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US reported maritime protection force in the Red Sea to have limited effect in curbing conflict spillover Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Dec 18, 2023 08:40 PM US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is reportedly set to announce an expanded maritime protection force involving Arab states in the Red Sea in response to the escalating attacks against Israel-bound cargo ships by Yemen's Houthi rebel group. Chinese analysts said by doing so, Washington aims to force its regional allies to become more involved in curbing the spillover of current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but predicted that the move would play only limited role in pacifying the situation. Washington should do more to solve the Palestine-Israel conflict than to put in place superficial moves, Chinese experts said, noting that US hypocrisy of calling for cease-fire between Israel and Palestine but constant blocking of UN resolutions on demanding cease-fire in fact fueled Israel's determination of continued military actions. Being the latest Biden administration official to visit Israel, Austin, who arrived in Israel on Monday, is to gain a clearer assessment from Israeli officials on their military operations, CNN reported. AP said that Austin is also expected to press Israel to wind down major combat operations in Gaza. Austin is also expected to announce an expanded maritime protection force, to be known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, involving Arab states combatting increasingly frequent Houthi attacks being mounted from Yemen's ports on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Guardian reported. Yet the report revealed no details over which Arab states are expected to join. Protection of shipping routes in the Red Sea is probably the key agenda behind Austin's visit, as the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict has exerted a huge impact on global economy, Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday. He said the Houthi rebel group's attacks have created a dilemma for the US. The attacks, targeting a route that allows East-West trade, especially of oil, to use the Suez Canal to save the time and expense of circumnavigating Africa, have pushed some shipping companies to re-route vessels to avoid the area. For example, French shipping group CMA CGM on Saturday said it was pausing all container shipments through the Red Sea after an attack on one of its container ships, MSC Palatium III, one day earlier, per Reuters. The US is hoping that regional allies become more involved in curbing the spillover effect of current conflict via the proposed protection force, which in reality will only have limited effect, Liu said. Experts noted that the fundamental solution is to continue to call for cease-fire between the conflicting sides, whilst responding violence with violence will only fuel the current conflict. France, the UK and Germany -some of Israel's closest allies- joined global calls for a cease-fire over the weekend, and Israeli protesters have demanded the government relaunch talks with the militant group on releasing more hostages after three were mistakenly killed by Israeli troops while waving a white flag. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will keep fighting until it removes Hamas from power, crushes its military capabilities and returns the hostages, the New York Times reported on Sunday. Liu noted that the increasing international and domestic pressure are not enough for Israel to change its military action in Gaza as those pressure are mostly at surface level. Moreover, the US is calling for cease-fire in public, yet it is giving Israel green light in the UN by opposing UN's cease-fire resolutions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Manila 'seriously misjudges situation' as Marcos hypes 'China's challenge' Global Times By Wang Qi Published: Dec 18, 2023 09:44 PM The Philippines has seriously misjudged the situation, which will harm its own interests, future cooperation with China, as well as the common aspirations of regional countries for peace, stability and prosperity, analysts said on Monday, following Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr stating that the Philippines and China remain deadlocked over the joint oil exploration and accused China of posing a "regional challenge." In an interview with the Japanese media NHK on Saturday, Marcos stressed that the Philippines will deepen trilateral cooperation with Japan and the US and seek to conduct more joint exercises. Marcos said that tensions in the South China Sea have "increased" in recent months, warning that a "more assertive China" posed a "real challenge" to its Asian neighbors, according to media reports. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing Monday that "the Philippines, bolstered by external support, has brushed aside China's goodwill and restraint and repeatedly challenged China's principles and red line. This is the major risk that could drive up tensions at sea." "We hope the Philippines will realize that tying itself to some major power and forcing China to back down on issues concerning China's core interests will lead nowhere. Ultimately, it is the Philippines' own interests and the region's peace and stability that will take the toll," Wang emphasized. Marcos also said his country is eyeing options to resolve exploration issues in the South China Sea so it could start new energy exploration projects before the country's Malampaya gas field runs dry, according to media reports. Marcos said the progress on negotiations for exploration has been "very little" due to its location of "a conflict area." "We're still at a deadlock right now." In November 2018, Beijing and Manila has signed a joint MOU on joint exploration for oil and gas in South China Sea, including setting up two negotiation committees. But in 2022, the Philippines ordered the termination of the discussions due to "issues on the country's sovereignty." The Philippines and China resumed talks on joint exploration in the first half of 2023, but the escalating provocations from Manila derailed any attempts to reach compromise. According to Chen Xiangmiao, director of the world navy research center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, Marcos' remarks reflected the actual energy needs of the Philippines, but there are no signs of willingness to improve China-Philippines relations. China is always open to joint energy exploitation with world-leading capabilities and technology, but the premise is that the Philippines needs to stop provocative actions in the South China Sea and truly shows its sincerity, Chen said. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Monday that Philippine policymakers have seriously misjudged the situation, shortsightedly believing that they can use external forces to put pressure on China and gain benefits beyond reasonable demands. Manila's mind-set and practices have undoubtedly eliminated the possibility of complementary cooperation between China and the Philippines in the energy sector, Li noted. According to Li, the US and Japan have strategic needs to manipulate the Philippines to make trouble and create tensions in the South China Sea. "They will even throw the Philippines into the fire when necessary, leaving Manila to bear the tragedy on its own." The current policy choices of the Philippines harm not only the Philippines' own vital interests, but also its cooperation space with China, as well as damaging the common aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity in the regional context, Li said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 18th, 20:15 IDF Press Release Press Briefing 18.12.23 IDF Good evening. Today, the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff held a joint situational assessment with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, and the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General (* * * *) Charles Q. Brown Jr. The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, presented the soldier's progress in Gaza and the plans for the continuation of combat in the next stages. They also discussed the combat on the northern border and measures against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which conducts terror in the north, as well as Iran's terrorist activities in the entire region. The IDF and the U.S. Central Command closely cooperate against terrorism threats throughout the region. IDF soldiers continue ground combat in Hamas' strongholds in the northern and southern Gaza Strip. Simultaneously, the IAF continues to strike Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip. We will remain determined to achieve the goals of dismantling Hamas and bringing back the hostages. The video released by Hamas in the last hour is an atrocious terror video, demonstrating Hamas' cruelty towards elderly, innocent civilians in need of medical care. The world must act to provide medical aid and ensure the welfare of the hostages. We have a moral obligation to do everything within our efforts to bring the hostages home. Our hearts are with all the hostages and their families at every moment. Chaim Peri, Amiram Cooper and Yoram Metzger - I hope you hear me this evening. Know that we are doing everything, everything to bring you back safely. Some of your family members are also home, and we will not rest until you return as well. In the north, we struck a series of Hezbollah terrorist organization targets with artillery fire and from the air, in addition to two terrorist cells. In the last hour the terrorist organization fired towards the north, and we are currently preparing an air strike against Hezbollah targets. In Judea and Samaria, a terrorist shot at an Israeli vehicle near Rawabi, resulting in an Israeli civilian being wounded. We are in pursuit of the terrorist. IDF soldiers continue offensive operations every night in Judea and Samaria. Since the beginning of the war, we have arrested over 2,400 wanted persons. For more than two months, we have witnessed the remarkable mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists. Men and women who left home, work, family, and studies to protect the State of Israel. This would not have been possible without the sacrifice and support of the families of the reservists, their spouses, children, and parents. We are currently working with government offices to increase grants and financial aid to reservists and their families. The IDF continues to operate the Reservists Assistance Fund and invites you to contact 1111 for any matter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran says Yemen acting independently on operations against ships IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 18, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Ali Bagheri Kani has said that Yemen is acting independently regarding its operations against Israeli-linked ships in the Red and Arabia seas over the regime's war in Gaza. "The Yemeni government has announced that they will prevent assistance to Israel as long as the Zionists continue their crimes against people in Gaza. They [the Yemenis] are an independent player in the international scene, who act based on their recognition. Therefore, it is not right to relate their measures to others," the Iranian official said on Monday at a press briefing in Tokyo, Japan, where he arrived earlier for a two-day visit. On a question about Iran's expectation from Japan regarding the Gaza war, Bagheri Kani said that Japan, in a right manner, voted for a recent UN General Assembly resolution on a ceasefire in Gaza. The country can also use other international capacities it has to help stop the genocide in the Palestinian territory, he added. The Iranian diplomat said that the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, launched its October 7 Operation Al-Aqsa Storm in response to 75 years of occupation and aggression as well as 16 years of the "inhumane blockade" of Gaza and the imprisonment of around 6,000 Palestinians. Bagheri Kani further said that the Palestinian people are the only ones who can and should decide their future, adding that their views should be a basis for establishing peace and stability in West Asia. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Day 73 of Gaza war; Palestinian death toll tops 19,450 IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 18, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- The death toll from the Israeli war on Gaza has reached 19,453 since the regime began its attacks in the besieged Palestinian territory 73 days ago. According to an announcement by the Health Ministry in Gaza on Monday, the number of the injured Palestinians has also increased and reached 52,286. Gaza officials say women and children make up most of the casualties caused by relentless Israeli airstrikes on the blockaded region. The regime waged its war on October 7 in response to Operation Al-Aqsa Storm that Palestinian resistance fighters launched from Gaza against Israeli positions earlier that day. Residential buildings and other civilian structures including hospitals have been the prime target of the intense Israeli air campaign. The Gaza Government's Media Office said on Monday that the regime has so far bombed 138 medical centers across Gaza, forcing the closure of 22 hospitals and 22 medical centers. The office, according to Palestine Al Yawm news network, has called on Muslim and Arab states to set up makeshift hospitals in northern Gaza, as the Palestinian territory faces severe shortage of medical supplies in the wake of a blockade by the Israeli regime. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni army targets two Zionist-related ships IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 18, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- The Yemeni Army says it has targeted two Zionist-related ships in the Red Sea. Yahya Saree, a spokesman of the Yemeni forces, said on Monday that the attacks were carried out in response to the Zionist aggressions against the Gaza Strip. The spokesman said that the attacks targeted two vessels namely Swan Atlantic, carrying oil and MSC Clara, carrying containers. He noted that the attacks were carried out after the two vessels refused to respond to calls from the Yemeni Navy. Saree warned the Zionist and the Zionist-related vessels that if they violate the Yemeni warnings, they will tun into a legal target for the Yemeni army. He, however, assured the vessels heading to the ports of different countries that there will be no threat to them from the Yemeni side and that the Yemeni Army operation only targets the Zionist-related vessels. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BP halts all oil shipments in Red Sea amid Yemeni strikes IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 18, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- British oil company BP has stopped all oil and gas transits through the Red Sea following an increase in attacks on ships in the strategic waterway. BP said on Monday that it had halted shipping operations in the Red Sea, citing a "deteriorating security situation" amid heightened tensions in the region over the Israeli war of aggression against the Gaza Strip. "In our trading and shipping business, as in all BP businesses, the safety and security of our people and those working on our behalf is BP's priority," the company said in a statement. The move came after five shipping giants said they had stopped their vessels passing through waters connecting Asia to Europe, with the Suez Canal at the tip. The Red Sea is one of the most important routes for oil and fuel shipments in the world. The Yemeni armed forces have carried out a series of attacks against Israeli ships and international vessels bound to the occupied territories in the region. They have said the military strikes will continue until the Israeli regime stops its genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip. The commander of the fifth military region of the Yemeni army said on Monday that the ties between Yemen and the Palestinian resistance front are inseparable. General Yusuf Al-Madani said that only peace in Gaza will bring peace in the Red Sea. He warned that the Yemeni armed forces will confront any country or party that attempts to drive a wedge between Yemen and Palestine. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Security Council set to vote on ceasefire resolution ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Mon / 18 December 2023 / 11:08 The latest draft of the resolution urges a prompt and lasting halt to the war to facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. Tehran-ISNA-The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on a new resolution on Monday, urging an "urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities" in Gaza. This move comes amid growing impatience from Washington regarding its key ally, "Israel". In recent days, the US had blocked a previous Security Council resolution that aimed for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the heavily affected Palestinian territory. The General Assembly, however, saw a majority vote in favor of a ceasefire, with 153 out of 193 member states supporting it. The upcoming Security Council resolution, introduced by Arab countries buoyed by broad international backing, faces an uncertain fate. The latest draft of the resolution, formulated by the United Arab Emirates, urges a prompt and lasting halt to the war to facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, it expresses backing for a "two-state solution" in the area and emphasizes the significance of uniting the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. The draft resolution, criticized by the Israeli occupation and the US, does not explicitly name Palestinian Resistance Hamas. However, it does call for the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages" and condemns "all indiscriminate attacks against civilians." The Security Council has faced significant international criticism for passing only one resolution on Gaza since the brutal Israeli aggression began, focusing on "humanitarian pauses" with five other resolutions rejected, including two due to US vetoes. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas: Israeli occupation has only three options ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Mon / 18 December 2023 / 11:05 Hamas Politburo member Osama Hamdan told Al Mayadeen, on Sunday, that the failure of the Israeli Occupation Forces to take back Israeli captives being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the killing of three captives with "friendly fire" has caused ripples of anger across Israel. Tehran (ISNA) - In light of that, Hamdan stressed, "Our position is firm, which is that there is no talk of negotiations before stopping the aggression." The Hamas official further emphasized that "the resistance is capable of withstanding [Israeli offensive] for months," pointing out that "the occupation has the following options: the option of Shalit, the option of the soldiers who were killed, or the option of Ron Arad." Hamdan added, "Hamas's position is clear: there is no negotiation before a ceasefire," noting that "all files are subject to discussion." Stressing that "the Israelis failed to achieve all their goals throughout the battle," Hamsan explained that "no one knows how Sinwar manages the battle." On a related but different note, the Hamas official also pointed out that there is "complete harmony between the leadership of Hamas and the leadership of the Qassam Brigades." Regarding the statement of the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, Hamdan considered they "reveal that the dispute between Israel and Washington is in form and not in content," stressing that "the two prefer that the war continues." As for the threats made by the Israeli occupation's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, noting his willingness to assassinate "Hamas leaders abroad," Hamdan said it is important to remember that "there is no crime without punishment." Hamdan also emphasized that "the pattern of the Resistance's operations in Lebanon and Iraq in supporting Gaza is carried out wisely, effectively, intelligently, and in an upward manner." In a similar context, Hamdan noted that "the axis of Resistance confirms that it is functioning in harmony," adding that "this is important for this battle and future battles." According to Hamdan, "the Americans are not willing to expand the battle as Netanyahu aspires," and considered that "the shift in the international position cannot be built upon towards supporting the Palestinian people, but it can be built upon to stop the aggression." Significantly, the Hamas official proclaimed that "the biggest sin we committed was in signing with the occupation [Oslo] instead of joining hands to resist it," noting that "every talk about a renewed authority means an authority similar to the previous Lahad authority in southern Lebanon," adding "does Hussein Al-Sheikh understand this?" "Israel wants to eliminate the Resistance and Hussein Al-Sheikh wants to hold it accountable, so where does he find himself... in which square?" Earlier, Hamdan had confirmed that the Israeli occupation's aggression against the Gaza Strip did not achieve its goals despite the 72 days of war and massacres pointing out that the occupation army "is moving from one failure to another in Gaza." End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US deploys carrier group to Gulf of Aden over Yemen resistance ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Mon / 18 December 2023 / 11:04 Politico reported on Sunday, citing anonymous officials, that the US Department of Defense has deployed a carrier strike group to the Gulf of Aden in reaction to ship operations in the Red Sea conducted by the Yemeni resistance. Tehran (ISNA) - "The Pentagon has in recent days moved the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, to support a potential US response to attacks," one of the sources told Politico. Quoting another official, the report said that the US military has provided commanders with the option to "strike" the Yemenis. Earlier in the day, the War Zone website reported that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to unveil a US-led initiative called Prosperity Guardian during his upcoming trip to the Middle East next week. According to the website, the purpose of this program is to safeguard ships in the Red Sea from potential operations carried out by the Yemeni resistance following recent attacks on vessels from the US and UK. Yesterday, the Semafor news portal said that the Pentagon is contemplating the option of targeting military sites of the Yemeni resistance in response to operations on ships in the Red Sea. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Friday that Iran needs to address the threat to shipping in the Red Sea posed by the resistance. The resistance in Yemen has been in recent weeks conducting a series of operations targeting Israeli shipping in the Red Sea due to the Israeli genocide in Gaza. In the latest incident, military vessels from the US and the UK allegedly intercepted 14 drones launched by the Yemeni resistance on early Saturday morning. The resistance in Yemen has stated multiple times that they will continue to block the passage of ships connected to Israeli companies or destined for "Israel" in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea until the cessation of the Israeli-led genocide in Gaza. For the same reasons, the Iraqi resistance has likewise been waging a series of operations targeting US occupation bases in both Syria and Iraq. Meanwhile, the resistance in Lebanon is continuing to exchange fire with the Israeli regime at the Lebanon-Palestine borders. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Congratulations to President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Vladimir Putin sent a message of congratulations to President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on his re-election as President. December 18, 2023 19:00 The message reads, in part: "Your convincing victory in the election has become a prime example of the wide recognition of your efforts in addressing the current socioeconomic and foreign policy challenges facing Egypt. It is hard to overestimate your personal contribution to building and strengthening the Russian-Egyptian strategic partnership. I would like to reaffirm our readiness to continue our constructive joint work to further develop the entire range of bilateral ties, as well as cooperation in international affairs, including within the BRICS framework." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Minister of Foreign Affairs: Sweden's early accession to NATO will make the Baltic Sea more secure Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18.12.2023 On 18 December 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krisjanis Karins, in continuation of his working visits to the Nordic countries, visited Sweden, where he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Tobias Billstrom, for a discussion on bilateral between Latvia and Sweden and regional cooperation, including the matters of expanding cooperation, in particular in business and the defence sector. The two Ministers expressed long-term support to Ukraine, as well as for the further enlargement process of the EU and NATO. The officials also exchanged views on the importance of, and ways for even closer cooperation between the Baltic States and the Nordic countries. At the beginning of his working visit, Krisjanis Karins together with Tobias Billstrom participated in the "Monday Movement" rally in Norrmalm Square, where they reaffirmed support to Ukraine, underlining that Latvia and Sweden, in close cooperation with regional partners and allies, were supporting Ukraine, its reconstruction and integration into the European Union. In a bilateral meeting, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs emphasized the historically established close political and economic cooperation between Latvia and Sweden. Krisjanis Karins pledged support for Sweden's membership in NATO: "An early accession by Sweden to NATO will make the Baltic Sea more secure. Closer cooperation and concerted support to Ukraine by like-minded countries is the response to Russia's imperialism." The Ministers emphasized that, with the region's security and defence in mind, the military capabilities of NATO and EU Member States should be strengthened. The Foreign Ministers welcomed the European Council's decisions taken last week to begin EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova; they also expressed their support for Georgia's status of a candidate country. As part of his visit, Krisjanis Karins, symbolically handed over the coordination of cooperation in the format of the Baltic States and the Nordic countries (Nordic-Baltic Eight, NB8) to the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billstrom. "Close cooperation between the Baltic and Nordic countries is highly important for the security and resilience of the region," Krisjanis Karins emphasized. In 2024, Sweden will be at the helm of cooperation among the NB8 Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and Latvia - of parliamentary cooperation. As part of his visit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with the Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for the Baltic countries at the Riksdag, Hans Wallmark, and visited the Stockholm School of Economics, where he took part in a discussion on Nordic-Baltic response to geopolitical challenges in the region: Full-fledged support to Ukraine. As reported earlier, on 14 December 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krisjanis Karins, was on a working visit in Finland. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on December 11-17, 2023 Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2023-12-18 International cooperation On December 11-17 NATO Air Policing Mission Detachment fighter aircraft were scrambled five times to intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation flying in international airspace over the Baltic Sea in violation of flight rules. On December 13 fighter aircraft of the NATO Air Policing Mission Detachment were scrambled to intercept one IL-20 and one IL-18 flying in international airspace from the mainland of the Russian Federation to Kaliningrad. Neither had pre-filed flight plans, the onboard transponders were switched off, though the crews were maintain communication with the regional air traffic control centre. On December 14 NATO air policing fighter aircraft were scrambled to intercept one IL-20. It was flying in international airspace out of a location in Kaliningrad and back to Kaliningrad. It had no prefilled flight plan and did not maintain the radio communication but the crew kept the onboard transponder switched on. On December 15 NATO fighter jets were scrambled to intercept IL-20 flying in international airspace from Kaliningrad to mainland Russia. It had no pre-filed flight plan, did not maintain radio communication but the onboard transponder was switched on. On December 16 NATO Air Policing fighter jets were scrambled to intercept two TU-22M3 and two SU-30SM aircraft flying in international airspace from and back to mainland Russia. The y had no pre-filed flight plans, the crews were not maintaining radio communication nor using the onboard transponders. On December 16 NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled to intercept two TU-22M3 and two SU-30SM aircraft flying in international airspace from and back to the mainland of the Russian Federation. The aircraft had no flight plans, their onboard transponders were switched off and the crews were not maintaining radio communication. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Signature of the implementation Roadmap of the German Brigade deployment sends a signal to those who threaten the security of Europe Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2023-12-18 International cooperation December 18, Vilnius, Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anusauskas and Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius signed a Roadmap Action Plan laying out the intents of both countries on the permanent stationing of a German Brigade in Lithuania and further sequence of actions until the Brigade is deployed in full volume and capability. The Ministers unanimously stated at the press conference that it marked a historical moment for both countries and the whole NATO Alliance. "The German commitment of permanently stationing a brigade in Lithuania is a historical step for both Germany and Lithuania. We are turning over to a page of even deeper strategic partnership. The German Brigade will significantly increase our defensive potential and enhance NATO deterrence and collective defence. The Roadmap signed today lays out in detail the track we and Germany will take to implement it," said A. Anusauskas. "This is a historic day in terms of friendship between our nations. Germany understands clearly the new state of affairs in security politics: we are taking the role of leadership and responsibility in the Alliance as we deploy a combat brigade in Lithuania. We will ensure reliable deterrence and we will be ready to defence NATO. We are sending a clear signal with this step to those who present a threat to peace and security in Europe," stated Minister B. Pistorius. Ministers announced that the initial stage of the Brigade deployment to Lithuania was already underway and the Brigade Redeployment Element would be stationed in Vilnius as soon as next year. The main volume of the Brigade will arrive in 2025-2026 with 2027 expected to see Full Operation Capability. In its turn, Lithuania is committed to develop all necessary civilian and military infrastructure. "As the Host Nation, we will be responsible for providing the best possible conditions for the German military and their families. We will need to do quite a lot of homework but I am certain we will be able to do it quickly and well. We will collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Defence throughout the implementation of the Roadmap: our combined efforts will make the German Brigade in Lithuania a real NATO enhanced forward presence role model," stated Minister A. Anusauskas. The Action Plan was drafted by an expert joint working group formed by the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania and the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany. The main part of the German Brigade will be stationed in the territory of Rudninkai Training Area, while the remainder will be deployed in Rukla where Allied troops are located already. There will be also locations across Lithuania which will serve as logistical hubs for the Brigade. In total, approx. 5 thousand civilian and military personnel of the German Brigade are planned to be moved to Lithuania, a part of them will arrive with families and settle in in Kaunas and Vilnius. Germany is deploying a heavy brigade with three maneuver battalions and all necessary enablers, including combat support and supply units. It will be formed by existing and new units. The 203rd Panzer Battalion based in North Rhine-Westphalia and the 122nd Armored Infantry Battalion currently based in Bavaria will be moved to Lithuania. The enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania will be transformed into a multinational battalion and become an integral part of the brigade. Preparations to host the Brigade will be coordinate at the highest level by a Commission formed by the Government and headed by the Prime Minister. It will include Ministers of National Defence, Finance, Transport and Communion, Education, Science and Sport, Foreign Affairs and First Deputy Chancellor of the Government of Lithuania. The Commission will be responsible for core solutions of providing civilian infrastructure and services for the German Brigade. The Ministry of National Defence will remain at the helm of coordination of the deployment process of the German Brigade in Lithuania. The Roadmap text is accessible via this hyperlink. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President and the German Defense Minister discussed preparations for the stationing of the brigade in Lithuania President of the Republic of Lithuania December 18, 2023 On Monday, President Gitanas Nauseda met with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to discuss preparations for the stationing of a German brigade in Lithuania, strengthening air defense in the region, and support for Ukraine. During the meeting, the President underlined Lithuania's commitment to prepare the necessary infrastructure in order to receive the German brigade in Lithuania. According to the Head of State, preparations in Lithuania are progressing rapidly and smoothly, and there is a general consensus to invest in and prepare the infrastructure as soon as possible. "The productive and effective cooperation between Lithuania and Germany in preparing for the permanent stationing of the brigade is encouraging. We are grateful to Germany for its leadership and long-term commitment to collective security," the Head of State underlined. Gitanas Nauseda and Boris Pistorius also discussed the importance of implementing defense plans and the rotational air defense model approved at the NATO Summit in Vilnius. According to President Nauseda, progress in implementing the Vilnius decisions is necessary before the NATO Summit in Washington, especially in implementing the decisions on strengthening air defense in the Baltic region and the entire eastern flank of NATO. Gitanas Nauseda also stressed the need for continued military support for Ukraine, as faster and more effective support means a quicker end to the war and a victory for Ukraine. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MAGTF Stand-In Force Exercise Empowers Small-Unit Leaders US Marine Corps News 18 Dec 2023 | 1st Lt. Sarah Bobrowski 3rd Marine Division COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER CAMP FUJI, SHIZUOKA, -- The Marines of 3d Marine Division demonstrated their tactical proficiency and readiness while conducting Stand-in Force Operations in the first island chain during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Stand-In Force Exercise 24, Nov. 15 - Dec. 15. 2023. MAGTF-SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the MAGTF focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. Led by 4th Marine Regiment, supported by Marine Aircraft Group 36 and 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, the units conducted MAGTF-SIFEX as a proof of concept for Stand-In Force operations, which included realistic SIF rehearsals at the Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan. This year marks the first iteration of the exercise on CATC Camp Fuji, Japan, which also saw Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command experts deploy a fleet support team to oversee the large-scale force-on-force training. "Their [MAGTF-TC] service level insight and best practices ensured that the Regiment received quality training in the First Island Chain instead of having to return to Continental United States to validate readiness," said Maj. Devin Fultz, the future operations officer with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. Following initial reconnaissance support from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing facilitated the deployment of 2d Battalion, 2d Marines and 2d Battalion, 7th Marines using CH-53E Super Stallions, ensuring the rapid dispersal and sustainment of forces. Throughout the exercise, aviation assets executed simulated air assaults, maritime strikes, adversary forces, and rehearsed armed reconnaissance and close air support. Marines with 4th Marine Regiment carried out two company-sized force-on-force exercises in the Northern and Eastern training areas of CATC Camp Fuji, Japan. The force-on-force events offered the Marines an authentic and immersive training experience. This specialized training involved the simulation of combat scenarios, enabling Marines to refine their combat skills and enhance their readiness. Most importantly, SIFEX 24 significantly enhanced small-unit leadership by fostering better communication, coordination, and decision-making skills among squad and fireteam leaders. This improvement was particularly evident in the Marines increased ability to adapt to dynamic training conditions at CATC Camp Fuji, Japan. Small unit leaders were able to make informed tactical decisions swiftly and effectively, which increased their units' operational tempo and degrade an adversary's decision-making cycle. Engaging in these lifelike force-on-force exercises exposed Marines to the intricacies of modern warfare, from urban combat to maritime security challenges, in the Indo-Pacific Region. This approach allowed them to adapt and refine their tactics, foster teamwork, and make sound decisions under intense pressure. "SIFEX 24 allowed us to further develop operationally relevant readiness within the first island chain by rehearsing our concepts in a well-resourced and realistic force on force exercise," said Col. Erick Clark, commanding officer of 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. "There is no doubt that we are ready to face an adversary wherever they may decide to test our resolve." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Voters had political alternatives in Serbia's elections but they were marred by overwhelming ruling party advantage, international observers say BELGRADE 18 December 2023 BELGRADE, 18 December 2023 -- Although Serbia's early parliamentary elections offered voters a choice between political alternatives and freedoms of expression and assembly were generally respected, pressure on voters as well as the decisive involvement of the President and the ruling party's systemic advantages undermined the election process overall, international observers said in a statement today. The joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), and the European Parliament (EP) found that the legal framework is adequate to carry out democratic elections. However, there are still numerous issues to address, and in these elections, observers noted the misuse of public resources, the lack of separation between the official functions and campaign activities, and intimidation and pressure on voters, including cases of vote buying. "While the elections were technically well-organized, they unfolded in the midst of a socially and politically divided landscape," said Reinhold Lopatka, Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE observer mission. "The decisive involvement of the President dominated the electoral process, and the use of his name by one of the candidate lists, together with bias in the media, contributed to an uneven playing field." Yesterday's elections took place against the background of high polarization and intense competition between opposing political agendas. In the run-up to the election, a number of concerns were voiced about the intimidation and harassment of civil activists, human rights defenders, and journalists. "Serbian voters have once again been called to the polls, regretfully reinforcing the 'culture of early elections', the unlevel playing field these create, and the political instrumentalization of electoral cycles," said Stefan Schennach, Head of the PACE delegation. "This further undermines public trust in democratic institutions and electoral processes. Terminating parliamentary mandates ahead of time also prevents parliaments from working properly, preparing thorough and inclusive legislation and holding the executive to account, which is key in a parliamentary democracy." Some 6.5 million voters were registered to take part in yesterday's early elections. The election administration prepared for voting day efficiently and transparently, considering the challenges posed by the short timeline and the local and regional elections taking place the same day. However, the frequent number of early elections in recent years have undermined trust in the country's democratic institutions. Election day was smooth overall, but there were a number of procedural deficiencies, including frequent cases of overcrowding, violations of the secrecy of the vote, and numerous instances of group voting. OSCE PA Head of Delegation, Farah Karimi, noted: "Serbia has conducted its third parliamentary election in just under four years, a frequency that has diminished the public's trust in the democratic process and the institutions governing it, and the election campaign has been marked by extreme divisiveness." Concerns were raised pertaining to free speech, and the treatment of activists, LGBTI individuals, human rights defenders, and journalists, who have faced intimidation and harassment. The domination of the President in the campaign, despite the fact that he was not a candidate in yesterday's elections, gave his party an unjustified advantage. In addition, a number of earlier recommendations to improve oversight mechanisms and introduce a campaign expenditure limit remain unaddressed, which reduces transparency and increases opportunities for high campaign spending, potentially further undermining the chances of the opposition. "The electoral campaign took place against the background of Russia's ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine. The information manipulation remains a concern in Serbia even though it was not the predominant topic of the elections," said Klemen Groselj, Head of delegation from the European Parliament. "The low level of political debate, the pressure on the voters, the emphasis on personally discrediting opponents, the harsh rhetoric used during the campaign and, in general, the political life of Serbia, are all very worrying elements." While Serbia has a large number of media outlets and the media covered all candidates in line with the law, the diversity of views was greatly reduced by the high degree of polarization and strong influence of the government on most of them. At the same time, media reporting was dominated by the ruling parties and positive coverage of the President. The oversight body responsible for electronic media was not effective in stopping violations during the election period. Observers also noted numerous reports about critical journalists who were verbally insulted by state officials, as well as co-ordinated attacks on journalists by pro-government media. "While the Serbian authorities organized the elections efficiently on a tight schedule, the opposition's lack of access to the media and absence of genuine analytical reporting impacted voters' ability to make an informed choice," said Ambassador Albert Jonsson, who headed ODIHR's election observation mission. "Measures are also lacking to prevent misuse of public office and resources, and, in practice, the line between official duties and campaign activities was blurred." The international election observation mission to the early parliamentary elections in Serbia totalled 361 observers from 45 countries, made up of 254 ODIHR-deployed experts, and long-term and short-term observers, which comprised 71 from the OSCE PA, 23 from PACE, and 13 from the EP. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Security Council anticipates key vote on Gaza aid access People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:22, December 18, 2023 UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council is gearing up for a crucial vote, possibly on Monday, on a draft resolution calling for the facilitation of aid access to Gaza through various routes, diplomatic sources said Sunday. The outcome of the draft "largely depends" on the final negotiations between the United States, a key ally of Israel with veto power in the council, and the United Arab Emirates, the author of the draft text, the sources said. The draft resolution calls for an "urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip" and demands the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages." For the draft to pass in the Security Council, it requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from any of the permanent members, namely the United States, France, China, Britain, and Russia. UN officials and aid agencies have raised alarms about "a humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, including mass starvation and disease, as a vast majority of the region's 2.3 million people have been displaced during the ongoing two-month conflict. Earlier this month, the United States vetoed a draft resolution at the Security Council demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Subsequently, the UN General Assembly called for a ceasefire last week, with a significant majority voting in favor. The United States and Israel have expressed opposition to a ceasefire, arguing it would predominantly "benefit Hamas." Instead, the United States supports "temporary pauses in combat" to protect civilians and enable the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bangladesh to deploy army ahead of national polls People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:39, December 18, 2023 DHAKA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Army troops will be deployed in Bangladesh to assist the civil administration in ensuring security ahead of the country's general election slated for Jan. 7, an Election Commission senior official said. Bangladeshi Election Commission Secretary Md Jahangir Alam told journalists that Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday approved in principle the deployment of the army during the upcoming general election. Army personnel would be deployed as a striking force, Jahangir Alam said, adding that the decision came from a meeting between the president and the chief election commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Sunday. Earlier, the commission announced its plan to deploy troops across the country for 13 days starting on Dec. 29 in preparation for the Jan. 7 general election against a backdrop of heightened political tensions. Since late October, Bangladeshi opposition parties have observed blockades in the 11th phase to mount pressure on the ruling Bangladesh Awami League (AL) party government to quit power and hold the next election under a non-partisan administration. The opposition movement has reportedly led to vandalism of vehicles and arson attacks, with deadly clashes between police and workers in Dhaka and elsewhere in the South Asian country almost every day since late October. Meanwhile, the deadline for candidates to withdraw from the 12th national polls is Sunday. Up to 2,260 candidates from 28 political parties, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's AL and its major ally Jatiya Party, and those running independently, were approved. The ruling AL party General Secretary Obaidul Quader Sunday said it will share some seats with the Jatiya Party and other alliance partners and withdraw the party nominees in such constituencies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestine, U.S. reach agreement to resolve PA funds held by Israel: source People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:35, December 18, 2023 RAMALLAH, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Authority (PA) reached an agreement with the United States to address the issue of Palestinian funds detained by Israel, a senior Palestinian official said Sunday. According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the agreement outlines a process wherein the Israeli government will check the list of PA's employees in the strip to ensure no Hamas members are included. The source mentioned that the proposal for this agreement came from U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who recently met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. Under the agreement, the Israeli government is expected to transfer tax revenues on Palestinian goods through Israeli crossings, in return for a 3-percent commission in accordance with the economic agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Previously, the Israeli government claimed that the PA has been funding Hamas officials in Gaza, thus subtracting the money designated for the territory. The allegation has been rejected by Ramallah, saying that its payments in Gaza are solely salaries to its employees there. Under the Oslo Accords, Israel is responsible for collecting customs duties and other tax revenues on behalf of the PA. Part of the funds go to pay for expenses in Gaza, including the salaries of health workers, that are still covered by the PA even though Hamas controls the blockaded enclave. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen's Houthis claim fresh drone attacks at Israeli targets in Eilat People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:48, December 18, 2023 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak - Kamysz met with the Minister of Defence of Canada. The development of military cooperation and security in the region were discussed. Poland - Ministry of National Defence 18.12.2023 - We have agreed to strengthen the relations between Poland and Canada in the areas of defence, security and exchange of experiences even further - the Minister of National Defence, Wadysaw Kosiniak - Kamysz said after his meeting with the Minister of Defence of Canada. A bilateral meeting between the Ministers of Defence of Poland and Canada took place in Warsaw on December 18th. The Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak - Kamysz stressed that during the talks important declarations concerning the presence of Canadian soldiers on NATO's eastern flank were made. The Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak - Kamysz also underscored that the Minister of Defence Bill Blair has thanked everyone in Poland, particularly the soldiers who cooperate with Canadian servicemen and are jointly responsible for the logistics tied to sending equipment to Ukraine. His thanks were expressed to those soldiers who are involved with sending both military and humanitarian aid. *** Poland and Canada cooperate within the frameworks of bilateral initiatives, such as NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence on the Alliance's eastern flank. Both countries have supported Ukraine from the first day of the Russian aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Islamic Jihad: US support for Israel 'brazen blessing for regime's Nazi crimes' Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 10:23 PM The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement has strongly blasted the United States' unfaltering support for Israel in its genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, saying Washington's backing encourages the regime to continue its crimes against Palestinians. The Gaza-based movement made the comment in a statement on Monday after US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin alleged that by waging the war on Gaza, Israel was exercising its "bedrock right" to "self-defense." The American official, who was speaking at a press conference with the Israeli minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant also reiterated "unshakable" commitment of the United States to support the Israeli regime in its war. "The statements made by the American War Minister Lloyd Austin over the remains of nearly 20,000 martyrs and tens of thousands of wounded, [and] amidst [Israel's] deliberate bombing of hospitals, schools, medical centers, ambulance crews, journalist teams, residential buildings, and refugee tents, are a brazen American blessing for the Zionist enemy to continue its barbaric and Nazi crimes against our people," the Islamic Jihad said. The movement added that Austin's repetition of Washington's claim that Tel Aviv is defending itself "is a confirmation that the United States is the main party managing the occupying regime and its criminal military machine." The Islamic Jihad affirmed that the US defense secretary's support for the Israeli aggression on Gaza "exposes the falsehood" of all so-called political propositions promoted by the US administration for cessation of hostilities in Gaza. The movement also took the regional countries to task for remaining silent in the face of Lloyd's remarks. "It is a disgrace for the Arab regimes and the peoples of our Arab and Islamic nations not to move to respond to this brazen American aggression and its incitement [of Israel] to continue the genocide against our people in front of the whole world," it said. Israel started its military aggression against Gaza on October 7 following an operation by the territory's resistance groups, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm. Some 19,500 people, most of them women and children, have been killed in Israel's strikes so far. As the regime's most dedicated ally, the US has supplied it with more than 10,000 tons of military equipment since the onset of the aggression. Washington has also cast its veto against all the United Nations Security Council resolutions that called for implementation of an immediate ceasefire across the besieged Palestinian territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinian resistance inflicted 'resounding' defeat on Israel: Syria's President Assad Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 6:50 PM Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the Palestinian resistance groups have inflicted a "resounding" defeat on Israel despite the West's unwavering support for the occupying regime in its genocidal war against the besieged Gaza Strip. Assad made the remarks in an address to a party meeting in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday, during which he said the Palestinian resistance managed to "shatter" the Israeli hegemony despite all the support Washington and its allies provided for the illegal entity. The Syrian president stressed that the resistance "broke the dominance of the Zionist narrative globally" by spreading the truth. "The most terrifying thing for Israel is that the world knows its terrorist reality, so today's battle is the battle of truth," Assad said, adding, "The price of resistance is less than the price of surrender, and that the resistance today defends all Arab countries and defends Syria as well." "Today, Gaza defends Palestine, Palestine defends Syria, and Palestine defends all Arab countries. This is also the situation with the resistance in Lebanon. The Lebanese resistance defends the south, defends all of Lebanon, defends Syria, and defends the Arabs." The Syrian president underlined that what happened in Gaza "changed historical facts for years and generations, regardless of the results of the war." Since the start of the offensive in early October, the Israeli regime has killed nearly 19,500 Palestinians and injured more than 51,000 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel. World countries have called for an end to Israel's hostilities against Palestinian civilians since the occupying regime unleashed its genocidal war more than two months ago. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shipping firms avoid Red Sea amid Yemen's attacks on Israel-bound vessels Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 4:12 PM A growing number of international companies have decided to pause shipments through the strategic Red Sea as Yemen's Armed Forces step up their attacks on vessels bound for the Israeli-occupied territories in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Osama Rabei, the head of Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA), said in a statement that 55 vessels had changed their course from the Red Sea and navigated through the Cape of Good Hope on the Atlantic coast of South Africa since November 19, when the Yemeni Armed Forces and the popular Ansarullah resistance movement warned to target Israeli-affiliated ships in the area in response to the occupying regime's incessant shelling of Gaza. Oil giant BP announced on Monday that it had temporarily stopped its shipping operations via the Suez Canal after Yemen's growing attacks on commercial vessels. "The safety and security of our people and those working on our behalf is BP's priority," the company said. "In light of the deteriorating security situation for shipping in the Red Sea, BP has decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea." The Swiss-headquartered Mediterranean Shipping Company (MCS) and France's CMA CGM announced on Saturday that they had rerouted their services and suspended passage of their cargoes through the Red Sea, joining Danish giant Maersk and German carrier Hapag-Lloyd in avoiding the strategic waterway. China's Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) also stopped cargo acceptance to and from the Israeli-occupied territories until further notice "due to operational issues." Evergreen, the Taiwanese container transportation and shipping company, said it had temporarily suspended import and export services in Israel until further notice, citing the security risk, in addition to halting journeys via the Suez Canal. "We ask for your understanding under these serious circumstances," the container ship firm told its clients. In a recent development on Monday, spokesman of Yemen's armed forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree confirmed attacks on two ships in the Red Sea earlier in the day "in solidarity with the Palestinian people in light of the aggression against Gaza." The Suez Canal is a key route for global trade, particularly for the transport of oil, grain and consumer goods from East Asia. Journeys via the Cape of Good Hope typically add about 3,000 miles and can take up to an additional week, raising transit costs as a result of circumnavigating Africa. The Yemeni army has intensified attacks on ships en route to the Israeli-occupied territories after the illegal entity refused to extend a Qatari-brokered ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and pressed ahead with its genocidal war on the besieged Palestinian territory. Israel launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity. The relentless Israeli military campaign against Gaza has killed over 19,000 people, most of them women and children, in Gaza. More than 51,000 individuals have been wounded as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemenis hit two more ships in Red Sea amid pro-Palestine campaign Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 3:42 PM The Yemeni armed forces have launched attacks on two Israeli-bound ships sailing in the Red Sea amid a campaign to pressure Israel and allies to end their bloody aggression on Gaza. In a statement on the X social media platform on Monday, spokesman of Yemen's armed forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree identified the two ships attacked in the Red Sea earlier in the day as Swan Atlantic and MSC Clara. The statement said the Yemenis had used naval drones to hit the ships, adding that the attacks were "in solidarity with the Palestinian people in light of the aggression against Gaza." The attacks are the latest under Yemen's campaign of pressuring the Israeli regime and the US and other allies to end a war on Gaza that has killed over 19,000 people since early October. The campaign is part of larger regional anti-Israeli military drive that also involves resistance groups in Iraq and Lebanon. Commander of Yemen's Fifth Military Zone Major General Yusuf al-Madani said earlier on Monday that the Arab country is ready for any reaction to its ant-Israeli attacks in the region. Al-Madani said that Yemen's armed forces could significantly increase their fire power to respond to any threat from "any party that seeks to drive a wedge between us and Palestine." He also warned that any move that intensifies tensions in Gaza would lead to an increase in tensions in the Red Sea. The warnings came amid reports suggesting that the United States and allies may form a regional maritime task force to counter threats to shipping in the Red Sea. It also came just hours before oil giant BP said in a statement that it had decided to suspend oil transit activity via Red Sea routes because of threats emanating from the Yemeni forces. Major international shipping companies have changed the course of their vessels in the region after the Yemenis said earlier this month that any ship bound for the Israeli-occupied Palestine will be a legitimate target until the Israeli regime completely halts its aggression against Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli forces kill four, including two teenagers, in occupied West Bank Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 3:35 PM Israeli forces have shot dead four Palestinians, including two teenagers, during a military raid on a refugee camp near the West Bank city of Tubas, taking the toll in the occupied territory to over 300 since the war in Gaza began. Mohammad Samir Milhem, 17, his brother Hikmat, 24, and Yazan Khatib, 20, were shot in the head by Israeli troops in the Al-Fara camp near Tubas, the Palestinian health ministry said on Monday. Rashed Habib al-Aydi, 17, was shot in the chest. The ministry said all four died from gunshot wounds, three of them to the head and one in the chest. The latest killings bring to 301, the number of Palestinians who have been killed throughout the West Bank since October 7, when the Israeli regime started ramping up its violent raids across the occupied territory. The regime started a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip on that day, which has so far claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians, most of them women and children. Meanwhile, another US official is in the occupied lands amid the Israeli regime's onslaught against the Gaza Strip. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin once again endorsed Washington's unflinching support for Tel Aviv's genocide of Palestinians. The Pentagon chief has already met with the regime's war minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv. Austin is also expected to meet with other senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meetings are expected to discuss Israel's plans for a transition to a so-called next phase of the war. Austin is the latest US official to visit Israel since the regime began its bloodbath in Gaza in early October. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior member of Hamas has said the resistance group will not enter into a prisoner swap agreement with Israel unless the regime stops its onslaught on Gaza. He said it would not be sensible to sign a prisoner exchange deal with Israel while Palestinians are under fire. He also says Hamas has what it takes to resist for months, adding whoever thinks of a post-Hamas era is in delusion. Al-Hayya has urged Muslim countries to force the Israeli regime into allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. The top Hamas official argued that the entry of 100 trucks with relief aid is not enough, at all, for besieged Gazans. He says the resistance front will continue to counter the occupiers and inflict further losses on them. Israeli forces keep bombing every corner of the war-ravaged territory. Some 19,500 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in nearly two and a half months of the regime's relentless attacks NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HEFEI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A conference aimed at promoting the protection and industrial development of ancient architecture kicked off Monday in Huangshan City in east China's Anhui Province, which is famous for its Hui-style buildings. Around 380 representatives, including scholars and business people from relevant industries, attended the opening ceremony of the conference. It features a keynote conference, three subforums and exhibitions of traditional Hui-style carvings. On Monday, a signing ceremony was held for 16 projects, with a total value of 2.84 billion yuan (about 398.4 million U.S. dollars). An online platform for the Hui-style building industry was also officially launched to boost the development of the whole industrial chain. Huangshan is home to many well-preserved Hui-style buildings dating back to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties that feature black roof tiles and white walls with exquisite wood, stone and brick carvings. The Hui-style architecture industry has gained significant momentum in recent years, thanks to China's efforts for the preservation and development of traditional culture. According to official data, 254 companies in Huangshan City are involved in the ancient architecture industry, with the number of craftsmen in the city exceeding 14,000. From January to November this year, the output value of the Hui-style architecture industry in the city hit 2.6 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 57.9 percent. "The Hui-style buildings are an iconic element of Huangshan. They serve as a carrier of traditional culture and a window for the world to learn about China," said Ling Yun, Party chief of Huangshan, adding that the Hui-style architecture industry is currently thriving, with numerous enterprises expanding the industry beyond the local region to other parts of the country and even globally. More than 100 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza's largest refugee camp Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 9:04 AM The Israeli military has conducted aerial assaults on Jabalia, the largest refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 100 Palestinians and injuring dozens. Reports said 100 people are still under the rubble, and at least 20 others have been injured. Israel has attacked Jabalia refugee camp multiple times since 7 October, when the regime launched the war on Gaza after a historic operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group. On Sunday, the Gaza Health Ministry said Israeli forces had stormed al-Awda hospital in Jabalia and detained medical staff following several days of siege and bombing. The ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said al-Awda hospital director Ahmed Muhanna was detained and taken to an unknown location. Other medical staff were arrested, stripped and interrogated for four hours in "inhumane conditions" before being released, he added in a statement. Qudra also called on international organizations to intervene in a bid to protect the hospital from Israeli attacks. Israel waged the devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. Since the start of the onslaught on Gaza, the Tel Aviv regime has killed over 19,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 51,000 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas hails Axis of Resistance for 'wise, effective' support in Gaza Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 7:46 AM A senior official with the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has hailed the Axis of Resistance for carrying out operations in a "wise and effective" manner in support of the Palestinian fighters battling the Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. In an interview with the Lebanese al-Mayadeen television news network on Sunday, Osama Hamdan, Hamas' representative in Lebanon and a member of the group's politburo, said the Axis of Resistance is "functioning in harmony." "The pattern of the resistance's operations in Lebanon and Iraq in supporting Gaza is carried out wisely, effectively, intelligently, and in an upward manner," he said. "The axis of Resistance confirms that it is functioning in harmony. This is important for this battle and future battles," Hamdan added. Since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza on October 7, the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has carried out strikes on Israeli military positions close to the border between Lebanon and the occupied territories. Resistance groups in Iraq have also struck several US occupation bases in the region in recent weeks. The attacks are part of a larger drive by resistance forces in the region to force the US and Israel to end the brutal aggression on Gaza. Hamdan also reaffirmed that the movement will not enter into talks over a new prisoner swap deal with Israel until the regime's ongoing war on the Gaza Strip comes to an end. "Our position is firm, which is that there is no talk of negotiations before stopping the aggression and a ceasefire," he added. Under a short-lived 7-day truce deal between Hamas and Israel which began on November 24, Hamas agreed to free almost 110 Israeli captives held in Gaza after it launched Operation Al-Aqsa Strom into the occupied territories. Nearly 127 captives remain in Gaza. Israel also freed 240 Palestinians abducted and kept illegally in Israeli jails. After the truce collapsed on December 1, the fighting began in the besieged territories. According to Hamdan Israel's failure to release captives being held in Gaza and the deaths of three captives by friendly fire on Friday have generated waves of public anger across the occupied territories. Hamdan once again expressed the resistance movements' determination to continue standing up to the Israeli regime, saying "the resistance is capable of withstanding [Israeli offensive] for months." Hamdan said that "Israelis have failed to achieve any of their declared objectives." "No one knows how [Hamas leader in Gaza] Yahya Sinwar manages the battle," he added. Elsewhere, Hamdan said both Israel and its traditional ally, the US, "prefer that the war continues." He referred to the recent remarks by US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who said on Friday that reoccupying Gaza does not "make sense" and is not "right" for Israel, adding that "the dispute between Israel and Washington is in form and not in content." While Americans would not like the Gaza conflict to expand across the region, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu wishes for such a scheme to come about, Hamdan said. He also dismissed Netanyahu's threats to assassinate Hamas leaders around the world, emphasizing that such a move will never go "unpunished." The relentless Israeli military campaign against Gaza has killed over 19,000 people, most of them women and children. More than 51,000 individuals have been wounded as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Children, women make up 70% of Palestinians killed in Israeli war on Gaza: Health ministry Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 7:10 AM The Palestinian Health Ministry says women and children comprise 70 percent of nearly 18,800 people killed in the Gaza Strip during Israel's bloody aggression against the besieged territory. In a statement on Sunday, the Ramallah-based ministry said the death toll covers a period of 70 days between October 7 and December 15. More than 300 health sector workers, 86 journalists, 135 employees of the UN agency for the Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and approximately 35 civil defense workers are among the death toll, it added. The ministry also said that over 51,100 Palestinians have been wounded in the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, with scores of other people unaccounted for. It further noted that only eight out of 36 Gaza hospitals are partially functional, and that occupancy rates have soared to 206 percent in inpatient departments and 250 percent in intensive care units. 'Israel wants to eliminate Gaza's health sector' Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said that Israel is seeking to "eliminate" the Palestinian territory's health care system through its ongoing attacks on hospitals. "What the occupation is doing is part of the scenario that began in northern Gaza from the Shifa complex," he said in a statement to the Qatar-based television network Al Jazeera. "Targeting Nasser medical complex is part of the occupation's policy to eliminate the health sector and would bring down the health system in the southern Gaza Strip." The Israeli military has attacked Gaza hospitals and killed many Palestinians there in violation of international law. The regime's army has alleged that medical facilities in the Gaza Strip are being used as a command and control center by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group, but it has provided no proof to substantiate its claim. UNRWA: Gaza situation 'unprecedented, staggering' Meanwhile, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini raised the alarm at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. "By any account, I haven't seen anything of this scale," he said in an interview with Al Jazeera on Sunday. "Everything is absolutely unprecedented and staggering... In 40 days, more women and children killed than the number of civilians in the Ukraine war." Israel waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. The regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the Gaza Strip, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to 2.3 million Palestinians living there. About 90 percent of Gaza's population have been displaced within the territory, where UN agencies say there is no safe place. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan, ASEAN step up security cooperation amid South China Sea tensions A significant part of the summit between Tokyo and the bloc is dedicated to maritime security cooperation. By RFA Staff 2023.12.18 -- Japan and Southeast Asian nations have agreed to "promote a rules-based Indo-Pacific region that is free and open" amid China's growing assertiveness. Tokyo and the ASEAN bloc are holding a special summit (Dec. 16-18) to celebrate 50 years of friendship and bilateral cooperation. A significant part of the Joint Vision Statement and its implementation plan released at the summit is dedicated to cooperation in maritime security. "We reaffirm our commitment to uphold international law, including the UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," the joint statement said. China and four ASEAN countries - Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam - hold contesting claims over parts of the South China Sea, but Beijing's claim is by far the most expansive. On the sidelines of the summit on Saturday, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim signed a security assistance agreement worth 400 million yen (US$2.8 million) through which Tokyo will provide maritime equipment and rescue boats to its Southeast Asian partner. The countries also announced the elevation of Malaysia-Japan bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest level of cooperation. In November, Japan selected four Asia-Pacific countries -- Bangladesh, Fiji, Malaysia and the Philippines -- to receive Tokyo's official security assistance grant worth in total 2 billion yen ($13 million) in the fiscal year through March 2024. Kishida and Anwar "also confirmed their intention to strengthen further cooperation between the Japan Coast Guard and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency," said their joint statement. Separately, Japan and Indonesia signed notes for the provision of a large Japan-built patrol vessel of up to 9.05 billion yen ($63.7 million) for the Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA). "This is expected to strengthen the maritime law enforcement capability of BAKAMLA, thereby contributing to the improvement of BAKAMLA's ability to respond to the challenges of the Asian region and the international community through the enhancement of maritime safety in Indonesia," the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Concrete measures Prime Minister Kishida, who has traveled 32 times to ASEAN countries since becoming foreign minister 11 years ago, proposed what he called "three concrete measures to take the ASEAN-Japan relations to new heights for the next 50 years." They are to build trust and a "heart-to-heart relationship" across generations; develop a robust economic partnership; and to bolster peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. "Japan, who is by far the most trusted partner of many ASEAN member states, is stepping up in playing a security role in the region," said Huong Le Thu, Asia Deputy Director at the International Crisis Group (ICG). "Japan's new OSA (Official Security Assistance) program certainly raises such expectations," she said. In November, during an official visit to the Philippines, Kishida and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to start negotiations for a major defense pact that would allow troops from both countries to enter each other's territory for joint military exercises. Manila and Beijing have been embroiled in bitter disputes over several reefs in the South China Sea, with Chinese law enforcement vessels being accused of firing water cannons at and ramming Philippine ships. "Japan also has [an] agreement to support maritime surveillance and monitoring capacity-building for the Philippines," said Huong Le Thu. "Vietnam may be next [to receive maritime security assistance] after the two governments elevated their relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November." "But the OSA can expand beyond Southeast Asia to include South Asia, like Bangladesh, or the South Pacific, such as Fiji," said the Canberra-based analyst. "So certainly, Japan is adding to much needed maritime capacity building in the region," she added. The Japan-ASEAN joint statement on Sunday did not mention China but during the summit, the leaders raised concerns over the "situation in East and South China Sea." A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, when asked about the Japan-ASEAN summit, said that "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," spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters at a regular press conference on Friday. A U.N. tribunal in 2016 ruled against most of China's claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing refused to accept the verdict. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Pro-Kremlin, Far-Right Figure Vowing To Take Down Moldova's Government By Tony Wesolowsky, RFE/RL's Moldovan Service December 18, 2023 Alexandr Kalinin has stumped for and aided Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, and now says he's ready to invade his homeland of Moldova with a guerrilla force of thousands to depose the Western leadership of President Maia Sandu. Kalinin expounded on his allegedly insurrectionary intentions to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti just days after Sandu on November 28 stripped him of his Moldovan citizenship for "recruitment into the armed forces of a foreign state." Bluster or not, Moldovan authorities -- edgy from ongoing Kremlin subterfuge, including during recent local elections -- are taking no chances, opening a probe -- the second -- into the fringe figure who apparently put his political career on hold to either fight, if you believe his accounts, or provide unspecified help to Russia's invading forces in Ukraine. Analysts were quick to dismiss his bold claim as hot air. "He is a very marginal figure. He is a failed presidential candidate, some sort of representative of Moldovans in Russia, and leader of the small Party of Regions," said Christian Vlas, a Moldovan and Romanian analyst. "I doubt he would manage to gather even a few dozen for that aim, but his threat should not be disregarded," Vlas told RFE/RL in e-mailed comments. President Sandu has denounced Russia's war in Ukraine and accused Moscow of trying to oust her in a coup. Moldova has been in a state of emergency since shortly after the start of the invasion in February 2022, allowing the government to take certain unilateral actions. The potentially explosive episode comes with tensions ticking up again between Chisinau and Moscow after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking on November 30 at the annual meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Skopje -- said that "Moldova is destined to fall the next victim in the West-unleashed hybrid war against Russia." Chisinau is extra wary given the presence of some 1,000-plus Russian troops on the ground in Transdniester, a wafer-thin breakaway region abutting war-torn Ukraine that Pentagon officials and others have speculated could also be a target ultimately for Russia's authoritarian leader Vladimir Putin. Moscow has ignored repeated pleas by Chisinau to pull those troops out. Moldova launched military drills near Transdniester on December 17 at its Bulboaca Training Center, according to the country's Defense Ministry, which said the exercises would last till December 22. A Facebook post showed military vehicles traveling along national roads in the region. The drills came amid moves -- one of them monumental -- to anchor Moldova in the Western camp. On December 15, Moldova's parliament adopted a pro-Western national defense strategy in a move hailed by Sandu as a crucial step toward security and stability. That came with Chisinau securing perhaps its greatest foreign policy success to date with the EU formally agreeing to green-light starting accession talks on Moldova joining the bloc at a summit in Brussels on December 14-15. Call To War? In remarks to the Russian state-owned RIA Novosti news agency on December 1, Kalinin claimed, without providing any details or proof, that he was assembling a 20,000-strong international unit to fight in Ukraine and then in Moldova against government forces there. "We have decided to create an international unit, the 'Nistru-Dimitrie Cantemir Detachment.' We are creating a unit that will train those citizens who want to defend their country but lack the skills and knowledge. We already have a commander for our subdivision, so I am confident that we will recruit several thousand people in the shortest possible time," Kalinin boasted in the interview that no longer appears on the RIA Novosti website, although it is quoted elsewhere. Just a few days before the interview appeared, Sandu, Moldova's Harvard-educated president, signed a presidential decree on November 27 to revoke Kalinin's citizenship for acts that cause serious harm to the state. In September 2022, the president declared that individuals with Russian and Moldovan citizenship who enlist in the Russian Army to fight in Ukraine would have their Moldovan citizenship revoked. On his Telegram channel at the time, Kalinin dismissed Sandu's move as an attempt to "remove political figures who could compete against her in the 2024 presidential election." On December 4, the Moldovan Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS) announced it had summoned Kalinin for questioning and that a formal probe was being launched against the shady pro-Kremlin figure. Swapping Business Suits For Camouflage Kalinin assumed the leadership of the pro-Russian Party of Regions in Moldova in 2016. He quickly made his Moscow-friendly leanings clear: voicing support for Moldova to join not the EU but the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union; for Russian to be made a second state language; and for Moldova to become federalized. In 2020, he collected signatures for his candidacy in the presidential election but later withdrew from the race. Since not long after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his country's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kalinin has been active on social media, not only voicing his support but reportedly actively taking part. RFE/RL's Moldovan Service has reported on videos posted by Kalinin -- purportedly from Ukraine -- where he is garbed in military-style camouflage fatigues, donning a helmet, and sometimes issuing threats to the Moldovan government. In one video, Kalinin appears to scrawl, "For Moldova," on an explosive projectile before launching it while warning Moldova could end up in a war with Russia. From Kalinin's videos, it isn't clear whether he is actually fighting with Russian forces in Ukraine or just observing. His actions and rhetoric have not gone unnoticed in Chisinau and beyond, including Brussels. In February, the PCCOCS confirmed to RFE/RL that it had launched its first probe into Kalinin under a statute for violating Moldova's laws on "war propaganda." In May, Kalinin was one of several Moldovan citizens added to the EU's blacklist for his activities in destabilizing Moldova as a so-called Kremlin collaborator. In October, Canada followed suit, including him among nine Moldovans individuals sanctioned at the time. EU To Open Gates To Moldova? The Kalinin controversy comes with Chisinau on the precipice of a major geopolitical milestone. The European Commission -- the EU's top executive body -- on November 8 released a report on enlargement that recommended that membership talks begin with Moldova (and Ukraine). At a Brussels summit for the 27 EU leaders on December 14-15, every member state apart from Hungary agreed to sign off on Brussels starting accession talks with Moldova, along with Ukraine and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Perhaps buoyed by the European Commission recommendation, on November 24, the Moldovan parliament passed a bill to join the EU sanctions regime against Russia, a move Moscow denounced later that very day as "another hostile step" and vowed retaliation. On November 30, Lavrov, whose mere presence at the OSCE gathering in the North Macedonian capital sparked a boycott by the three Baltic countries plus Ukraine, launched his rhetorical barrage. "The Kozak Memorandum, which could have reliably resolved the situation in Moldova 20 years ago, is among the thwarted attempts to resolve the acute problems of our continent on the basis of OSCE principles," Lavrov said. "At that time, NATO and the EU unceremoniously torpedoed the document.... In fact, Moldova is destined to be the next victim in the hybrid war against Russia unleashed by the West," Lavrov said. The Kozak Memorandum was a 2003 plan for a federal Moldovan state, proposed by Russia, to solve relations between Moldova and Transdniester, a separatist region that broke away from Moldova in 1990. The memorandum was ultimately rejected by Vladimir Voronin, then Moldova's president. The Moldova Foreign Ministry issued a rebuke to Lavrov's comments, calling Russia's invasion of Ukraine "brutal" and saying that Moldova "has felt the entire arsenal of destabilization attempts that Russia has unleashed against us." "Russia's statements, whether today or on previous occasions, are part of the series of hostile actions that the Russian Federation has been trying to implement toward our country over the past 30 years," the statement said. "Fortunately, throughout this time, the partner states in the West have been by our side, helping us to successfully overcome these threats." "Russia did not want to waste a moment to add fear around Moldova's fragile position in the midst of the war against Ukraine," Cristian Vlas, a Moldovan analyst told RFE/RL in written comments. Russia was accused of trying to influence Moldova's local elections on November 5, by sending wads of cash to a pro-Russia party. Just days before that vote, Moldova banned the pro-Russia Chance Party after Moldova's Intelligence and Security Service alleged that the party had received about 50 million euros ($55 million) in Russian money, which the security agency said had been channeled by exiled Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor and used to destabilize the country and "buy" voters. Shor, who resides in Israel and was sentenced in absentia in April to 15 years in prison on fraud charges, was the head of the Russia-friendly Shor Party, which was declared unconstitutional in June by Moldova's Constitutional Court. "In Moldova's local elections last month, unprecedented levels of Russian interference attempted to wreak havoc on the country's democratic process," wrote Andrew Wilson, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, adding, "This casts a worrying shadow over Moldova's presidential election due in autumn 2024." The vote ultimately saw widespread support for candidates aligned with Sandu, although the Moldovan president's Party of Action and Solidarity failed to win a mayorship in any of the country's major cities, including Chisinau. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-kalinin-russia- kremlin-depose-president-sandu/32735981.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Serbian Opposition Supporters Protest Belgrade Election, Claim Nonresidents Voted By RFE/RL's Balkan Service December 18, 2023 BELGRADE -- Hundreds of opposition protesters took to the streets of Belgrade on December 18 after the city's election commission indicated the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) list of President Aleksandr Vucic had won the capital's municipal elections, following results by the national authority that also gave victory to Vucic's coalition in Serbia's concurrent parliamentary vote. Alleged irregularities in the election led outside observers, including German and the OSCE, to express concerns about the process. Protesters and supporters of the pro-Europe Serbia Against Violence coalition gathered in front of the election commission and city assembly buildings demanding that the Belgrade municipal elections be annulled, accusing the ruling party of illegally busing in people from other regions and from outside the country to vote in the capital. "We do not want, and must not accept, the elections in Belgrade because they are outside the law: People from other countries have been used," Marinika Tepic, a representative of the Serbia Against Violence coalition, said in front of the Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) building. Serbia Against Violence's Miroslav Aleksic late on December 17 had called for the annulment of the results of voting in the capital, saying that thousands of "people who are not from Belgrade were brought in to vote in Belgrade." "Considering that more than 40,000 people without legal residence in Belgrade were brought in to support the SNS list, which drastically changed the electoral will of Belgraders, we demand the annulment of the elections in the city of Belgrade and the repetition of voting for the City Assembly," the coalition said. Tepic and Miroslav Aleksic later announced they would start a hunger strike until the Belgrade election was annulled. Serbs on December 17 voted on both the 250-seat National Assembly and on municipal posts throughout the country, including in the capital, Belgrade. According to the latest preliminary results of the City Election Commission, the SNS list won 39.3 percent of the votes (49 mandates) in the Belgrade elections, and Serbia Against Violence won 34.3 percent (42 mandates). Officials said the final results of both parliamentary and local elections in Belgrade are still pending and could take months to determine, given that some objections filed could lead to the repeating of elections in particular precincts. In the nationwide parliamentary vote, latest RIK data, based on results from 95.7 percent of polling stations, shows that the Serbian Progressive Party received 46.75 percent of the vote and Serbia Against Violence won 23.52 percent, prompting SNS to declare victory. Some 5,400 foreign observers monitored the election, along with several Serbian nongovernmental organizations. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) monitoring mission said Vucic's involvement in the election and pro-Vucic media bias made for a campaign that it deemed unfair. "The decisive involvement of the President dominated the electoral processes and the use of his name by one of the candidate lists, together with bias in the media, contributed to an uneven playing field," it said. Germany said the alleged irregularities in the election process were "unacceptable" for country aspiring to join the European Union. "Serbia has voted, but the OSCE has reported abuse of public funds, intimidation of voters, and cases of vote buying," the German Foreign Ministry said. "That is unacceptable for a country with EU candidate status." The United States, which had monitors from its embassy at various sites in the capital, on December 18 did not immediately comment on specific allegations, but said it would work with Serbian officials to push forward the democratic process in the country. "We welcome the opportunity to continue working with Serbia's next government to strengthen democratic governance and rule of law, and advance regional stability," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. He added that he was award of the OSCE findings and that "we're reviewing those and I wouldn't want to comment while that review is ongoing." If the parliamentary results hold up, the SNS would win an absolute majority in the country's 250-mandate National Assembly and would be able to form a government on its own. The nongovernmental Center for Free Elections and Democracy (CeSID) and the Ipsos agency saw the results as being much tighter, saying on December 17 its data showed the SNS had won 38.4 percent of the vote, with the main opposition coalition taking 35.1 percent. Daniel Serwer, a professor of politics at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, told RFE/RL that "there is no question" the SNS won the vote, which he criticized as "free but unfair." "[Vucic] used the patronage of the government to reinforce his vote," Serwer said. "He's created a free but not fair electoral system which favors himself." The independent Center for Research, Transparency, and Accountability (CRTA) said on December 17 it had seen indications that voters had been brought in from Bosnia-Herzegovina and other former Yugoslav republics. Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, head of the SPS, congratulated the SNS on the election results and pledged that his party would continue to cooperate with the ruling party. The SPS has been part of the ruling coalition since the SNS took power in 2012. Dacic added that the SPS was dissatisfied with its results in the voting and said that "it is necessary to find a new leader of the SPS." In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the SNS had won the election and said: "We welcome this achievement from Mr. Vucic." Peskov referred to Serbia as a "fraternal nation" and said the elections would lead to the "further strengthening of friendship" between the two countries. Vucic has tried to maintain good relations with Moscow, even as Serbia seeks closer ties with the European Union. Serbia has not joined the bloc and other Western powers in imposing sanctions against Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Vucic dissolved the country's 250-seat National Assembly on November 1, less than halfway through its four-year mandate, in the face of mounting pressure following two mass shootings in May. The shootings, which killed 19 people, triggered angry protests and calls for Vucic and other national leaders to resign. After the Serbian Progressive Party refused to implement many of the demands of the opposition-led protests, the main pro-European opposition parties agreed to run together under the Serbia Against Violence banner. With reporting by AFP and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-election-coalition- rejects-results-belgrade-vucic/32735134.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Emergencies Ministry Transports Final Group of Russian Citizens Evacuated From Gaza Strip Sputnik News 20231218 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A special aircraft of the Russian Emergencies Ministry (EMERCOM) has delivered the final group of Russian citizens evacuated from the Gaza Strip: 73 people have arrived at Domodedovo, the ministry reported. "A special aircraft of the Russian Emergencies Ministry transported the final group of citizens of the Russian Federation evacuated from the Gaza Strip. The IL-76 airplane of the Russian Emergencies Ministry delivered 73 citizens, including 45 children, from Cairo to Domodedovo airport... Russian rescuers evacuated from the zone of the Palestine-Israel conflict all willing Russians and members of their families - a total of 1,124 people, including 518 children," the statement read. The ministry stressed that while working at the Rafah border checkpoint, task force of the EMERCOM together with representatives of the International Civil Defense Organization provided humanitarian aid to the evacuated citizens. It included hygiene kits, toys for children, and hot meals. "In accordance with the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the task force of the Russian Emergencies Ministry has completed its work on the territory of Egypt. Following the instructions of the head of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, the specialists of the department returned home by the arriving Il-76 flight," the ministry added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen's Houthis Claim Attacks on Two Ships Linked to Israel Sputnik News 20231218 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Yemen's Houthi movement has claimed two new attacks on ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to a statement posted on social media on Monday. Yemen's Houthis "carried out a qualitative military operation against two ships linked to the Zionist entity. The first was the 'Swan Atlantic' ship, loaded with oil, and the other was the 'MSC Clara' ship, carrying containers. They were targeted by two naval drones," the group's spokesman, Yahya Sarea, said in a social media post. The claim could not immediately be independently verified. American media, citing a US military official said the USS Carney responded to a distress call earlier on Monday from the Swan Atlantic in the Red Sea after it was attacked by "multiple projectiles." The commercial vessel was hit around 9:00 a.m. local time, the official said. The incidents marked the latest in a series of attacks on commercial vessels by Yemen's Houthi group in response to Israel's war on Gaza. As recently as Saturday, the USS Carney shot down 14 drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, the US Central Command said. The Houthis have been firing missiles and attempting to hijack ships linked to Israel passing through the Bab al-Mandab strait. The attacks have forced several major container lines to reroute their ships around southern Africa, pushing up fuel, insurance, and other costs. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Airstrike on Jabalia Camp in Northern Gaza Claims Lives of 90 People - Reports Sputnik News 20231218 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - At least 90 people were killed on Sunday as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp in the north of the Gaza Strip, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported on Sunday, citing the enclave's Health Ministry. Earlier on Sunday, Palestinian news portal Quds reported that at least 30 people were killed and dozens went missing as a result of Israeli shelling of a residential area in the city of Jabalia. 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Defense Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen US Department of State Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, D.C. December 18, 2023 Secretary Blinken: Good morning, everyone. To Defense Minister Hakkanen, to Foreign Minister Valtonen, so wonderful to have you here. And welcome to all of you. Welcome to the State Department. Welcome as the United States and Finland take yet another step in what has truly been an historic year for our friendship. We throw around the word "historic" sometimes; this really meets the mark. Back in April, I stood alongside our NATO Allies, including President Niinisto, to see Finland's flag fly over NATO headquarters for the first time. In June, I had an opportunity to visit Helsinki, where we took further steps to strengthen our partnership in very concrete ways. Today NATO is bigger, it's stronger, it is more united than at any point in its nearly 75-year history, and that's in no small part thanks to Finland's accession. And soon, Sweden will join as well. Already Finland is making significant contributions to the Alliance, sharing technical expertise, hosting and joining NATO military exercises, meeting and exceeding the NATO target of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense. Finland has been a steadfast partner to Ukraine as it defends its people, its territory, its right to shape its own future - providing more than $2 billion in defense support, in humanitarian aid, and other assistance since Russia's full-scale aggression. Today we will further strengthen our security bonds by signing a Defense Cooperation Agreement in just a couple of minutes. When it goes into effect, our militaries will be able to collaborate more efficiently and more effectively. Our troops will have more opportunities to train together, and we will bolster NATO's interoperability. This agreement builds on three decades of security cooperation between our nations on everything from countering terrorism to boosting Finland's defense capabilities, including through the recent purchase of F-35 fighter jets. Today is just the latest demonstration of the United States comprehensive effort to bolster transatlantic security. Last year we amended our Defense Cooperation Agreement with Norway. Earlier this month we signed a new defense agreement with Sweden. Later this week we will sign a new agreement with Denmark. And of course, today we will be doing this with Finland. We now have a network of Defense Cooperation Agreements that stretches from northern to southern Europe, from the Norwegian Sea to the Black Sea - providing security and stability for people all across the continent. And together, we'll also keep supporting Ukraine. America's assistance is critical to building Ukraine's capacity to stand on its own feet - militarily, economically, democratically - and ensuring that President Putin's war of aggression remains a strategic failure. We'll continue to work with Congress to pass President Biden's supplemental budget request, which is vital to ensuring that result. As I said in Helsinki when I visited, Finland knows almost better than anyone what is at stake for Ukraine. In 1939, the Finns also faced a Russian invasion and proved that a free nation can put up an incredibly powerful and resilient resistance. Your history is also a reminder of why it's so important that we all continue to stand with Ukraine, for autocrats who try to redraw one nation's border by force almost certainly will not stop there. And that's precisely why we'll continue to work together to defend the values of freedom, independence, and sovereignty that NATO and agreements like this one were created to protect in the first place. With that, Madam Minister, over to you. Foreign Minister Valtonen: Secretary Blinken, dear ladies and gentlemen, it's a great pleasure to be in Washington on a sunny day like this. I wish to thank you for your hospitality and the warm welcome we have received coming to D.C., and looking forward to the fruitful discussions with you, Secretary Blinken. Finland's bilateral relations with the United States are excellent. You are our key strategic partner and ally, but also our most significant trade partner. Finnish NATO membership, substantial growth in trade - but also increased cooperation at all levels - are examples why the outlook is bright. NATO membership, along with the DCA, gives us a momentum to lift U.S.-Finland cooperation to the next level. Another good example is our technology cooperation, which has become an integral pillar of our relations. We are committed to deepening our ties even further in this field as well. The signing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement is a great milestone in our bilateral relations. I wish to thank your skilled team, who have seamlessly worked with our team. The DCA gives us the ability to act together in all situations and strengthens the security of Nordic and Baltic regions. As a NATO Ally, Finland will maintain our credible national defense that will make NATO stronger. I want to underline our strong commitment to the Alliance and its security as a whole. Sweden's NATO membership, without delay, is a priority to us. Today, we will also discuss Ukraine. By attacking Ukraine, Russia committed a monumental strategic error. Continuing strong support to Ukraine remains a key priority for us. EU has now made the historic decision to open EU membership negotiations with Ukraine. We will push for agreement on future long-term military and financial support to Ukraine as soon as possible. In the end, Ukraine is not only fighting for their sovereignty and liberty, but also for our shared values. Secretary Blinken, you have played a key role in the diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. I want to thank you for that and I'm looking forward to our discussion on the situation which remains very concerning. Last summer, we had an opportunity to host you in Finland, also President Biden, and again, you are most welcome back anytime. Thank you so much. Secretary Blinken: Mr. Minister. Defense Minister Hakkanen: Secretary Blinken and ladies and gentlemen, signing the DCA is an important milestone in our bilateral relationship. It gives us a powerful set of tools to work together in support of NATO plans. It is a strong sign of U.S. commitment to the defense of Finland and the whole Northern Europe. We do not expect the United States to take care of the defense of Finland. We continue to invest in our defense and shared burden in our area and beyond. However, this agreement significantly enhances our ability to act together in all situations in military, security, defense fields. All the Nordic countries will soon have DCAs. All the - at the same time, we are taking strong steps to deepen this cooperation with Nordic countries and all these arrangements with the deeper cooperation with the United States will provide security in the Northern Europe. That's why this is a historical day for us, and thank you for your (inaudible). Thanks. Secretary Blinken: Thank you. Moderator: Good morning. Secretary Blinken and Defense Minister Hakkanen are signing a Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of Finland. The agreement sets forth the framework for enhanced defense and security cooperation and partnership between our two countries. Finland is an essential strategic partner, an indispensable NATO Ally, and we look forward to continued close cooperation. (The agreement was signed.) Secretary Blinken: All right. Thank you. (Applause.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza hospital destroyed, WHO chief reiterates ceasefire call 18 December 2023 - The head of the UN health agency Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has spoken out against the "effective destruction" of a hospital in northern Gaza by Israeli forces over the weekend, leading to the deaths of eight patients including a nine-year-old child. Kamal Adwan Hospital was raided by the Israeli military over four days last week and the World Health Organization (WHO) said that many health workers were reportedly detained. "Gaza's health system was already on its knees and the loss of another even minimally functioning hospital is a severe blow," Tedros wrote on social platform X. Less than a third of Gaza's 36 hospitals are at least partially functional, including only one in the enclave's north. "Attacks on hospitals, health personnel and patients must end. Ceasefire NOW," Tedros insisted. Displaced persons' tents 'bulldozed' The WHO chief said that many patients at Kamal Adwan had to self-evacuate "at great risk to their health and safety" while ambulances were unable to reach the facility. UN humanitarian affairs coordination office OCHA said in an update that on Saturday Israeli forces withdrew from the hospital and according to media reports "an Israeli military bulldozer flattened the tents of a number of internally displaced persons outside the hospital, killing and wounding an unconfirmed number of people". Tedros said on X that WHO is "extremely concerned" for the well-being of those displaced people. According to OCHA the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah has called for an investigation into the incident. OCHA also quoted the Israeli army as saying that it had detained 90 people as part of the operation and "found weapons and munitions inside the hospital". Communications blackout Due to a telecommunications and internet blackout in Gaza which started last Thursday and continued into the weekend, OCHA stressed that its latest update on the humanitarian situation in the Strip provided only "limited" information from the past 24 hours. Gaza's health authorities have not updated their casualty numbers since the start of the blackout, which at that point stood at 18,787 fatalities and over 50,000 people injured since 7 October. The UN Office reported continuing "heavy Israeli bombardments" across the Strip over the weekend in particular in Khan Younis in the south and in several areas of Gaza city in the north. Intense fighting raged between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in Khan Younis and Rafah, as well as continued firing of rockets by Palestinian armed groups into Israel, OCHA said. Second border crossing opens for aid The humanitarian situation in the enclave remains desperate as most of the population is displaced, crowded into a small area in the south, facing dire sanitary conditions and lacking food and water. Hopes for a scale-up of aid deliveries saw a boost with the announcement on Friday of the opening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and Gaza, which was welcomed by the aid community. The crossing reportedly opened on Sunday for the first time since 7 October. Up until this moment only the Rafah border crossing in the south had been open since deliveries resumed on 21 October. "The fast implementation of this agreement will increase the flow of aid," UN emergency relief chief Martin Griffiths, who heads OCHA, said in reaction to the development, "but what the people in Gaza need most is an end to this war". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: Wave of 'fear and dread' in Ukraine, UN expert slams Navalny disappearance, youth leaders for nuclear disarmament meet 18 December 2023 - With more than 900 air attacks across Ukraine in just one week, the intensifying Russian bombing campaign is leaving millions of children without sustained access to electricity, heat and water, as winter temperatures plummet. That's according to UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director Regina De Dominicis who said in a statement on Monday that bombardment was "particularly unrelenting" in the east and south of the country. The UNICEF official said the past week provided a concerning trend with an increase in ballistic missiles and mass drone attacks, including widespread targeted attacks on Kyiv's infrastructure. "These attacks have caused injuries among children, sent an intensified wave of fear and dread through already deeply distressed communities, and left millions of children across Ukraine without sustained access to electricity, heating and water, exposing them to additional serious harm as temperatures plummet", she said. "Children and families most at risk are those who already have the least access to basic, life-depending resources to start with, and who have already endured immense hardship", she added. "These children and their families have nothing to fall back on." Winter temperatures regularly go as low as -20C. "Children simply cannot withstand these conditions without energy", she warned. Blackouts "Blackouts and power cuts make it extremely challenging for health facilities to provide critical services, another dire situation given the rise in cases of pneumonia, seasonal influenza and waterborne diseases among children across Ukraine." Around 1,800 children have been killed or injured since the escalation of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. "UNICEF is providing generators and other equipment to support the Government of Ukraine in keeping water supply, heating, health and education facilities running", said Ms. De Dominicis. "In the hardest hit areas, UNICEF is providing winter clothing sets for children along with blankets for their families. We are also reaching families with cash assistance." Russia: Rights expert slams Navalny's 'enforced disappearance' Jailed Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny should be immediately released and "provided remedies and reparations for all the harm suffered" in accordance with international law, a UN-appointed independent rights expert said on Monday. Mr. Navalny's whereabouts have been unknown for over 10 days, which according to Mariana Katzarova, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, amounts to enforced disappearance. "I am greatly concerned that the Russian authorities will not disclose Mr. Navalny's whereabouts and wellbeing for such a prolonged period of time," she said. A Friday court hearing on the violations of Mr. Navalny's human rights in detention did not take place and Mr. Navalny's lawyers were reportedly told by the court that their client is no longer held in the Vladimir region. Ms. Katzarova cited concerns about Mr. Navalny's "persistent" ill-treatment in detention and lack of access to adequate medical care since January 2021. On 4 August 2023 he was sentenced to an additional 19 years on "extremism" charges, a term which, according to the independent expert, "has no basis in international law". Following sentencing Mr. Navalny was being prepared to be transferred to a harsher regime penal colony. Three of his lawyers were arrested in October. Human Rights Council-appointed independent experts, including Special Rapporteurs, serve in their individual capacity and receive no salary for their work, nor are they UN staff members. Nuclear disarmament youth leader programme gets underway The 100 young people selected to serve on the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs' Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons, met together for the first time on Monday. Representing over 60 countries and selected from over 2,000 applicants from around the world, "they will spend the next year learning about nuclear disarmament and developing their skills to become changemakers for a world without nuclear weapons - the most destructive weapons on earth", said the UN disarmament affairs office (UNODA) in a news release. As part of this innovative training programme, made possible by the generous support of Japan and implemented by UNODA - with support from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research - they will take part in interactive online learning, engagement with experts from the field and an immersive study tour to Japan, including participation in a youth-led conference. As the programme kicked off on Monday, the future changemakers heard from the Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Fumio Kishida, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Prime Minister Kishida, a native of Hiroshima, has been a strong advocate for keeping alive the lessons of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - which wrought tremendous death, suffering and devastation. "No matter how difficult the path to a world without nuclear weapons may be, we should not stop our steps. Now is the time when we need the power of young people like you, the bearers of our future", he told the group. Safeguarding 'our common future' In his message, Mr. Guterres encouraged the participants to tap into their energy, innovative ideas, and creativity to help usher in a new era of a world free of nuclear weapons. "In the name of our common future - in the name of humanity - let us spare no effort to rid the world of nuclear weapons, once and for all", he said. In recent years, the Secretary-General has made a major push to empower youth, recognizing their role as the ultimate force for change and noting they have become a strong and powerful force in support of disarmament. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Airstrike Targets 'High-Ranking' Al-Shabab Commander By Harun Maruf December 18, 2023 The Somali government has reported that a high-ranking al-Shabab commander in the south of the country was targeted in collaboration with the United Sates military. Somali Information Minister Daud Aweis said in a post that the operation "aimed to neutralize the terrorist leader in charge for orchestrating terror attacks." The Somali government said the strike occurred in the Middle Jubba region on December 17. The militant commander has not been identified. The United States military command in Africa, known as AFRICOM, confirmed to VOA the accuracy of the report of the Somali government. The last time a U.S. airstrike targeted a senior al-Shabab commander was in May when the head of the radical militant group's external operations, Moallim Osman, was injured in the strike. Osman is accused of overseeing the recruitment of foreign fighters to Somalia to help with al-Shabab's ongoing battle against the Somali government. The United States trains an elite Somali unit, donates weapons to the Somali forces and conducts airstrikes against al-Shabab which has been fighting the Somali government and African Union peacekeeping forces for more than one-and-a-half decades. The Somali government has vowed to root out the group. The militants aim to establish a government based on their interpretation of Sharia, or Islamic law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On-the-Record Press Gaggle by NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby December 18, 2023 12:34 P.M. EST MR. KIRBY: Hey, everybody. First, to Israel. I think you know, on Friday, before Jake left Israel, he was told by the government of Israel that they had made the decision to open its border crossing at Kerem Shalom for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. This is a significant step and something, again, that we've been asking Israel to do. On Sunday, the crossing opened, and for the first time since the 7th of October, assistance flowed directly from Israel to Gaza. Yesterday, almost 80 trucks went through Kerem Shalom. So, in total, between that and what went through out of Rafah, nearly 200 trucks entered Gaza yesterday. Since the beginning of the conflict, the U.S. has been working to get humanitarian aid into Gaza to alleviate the suffering of innocent Palestinians. And those efforts obviously will continue. At the same time, of course we continue to urge Israel to do everything possible to prevent civilian casualties and to conduct their operations as surgically and as precisely as possible. This is something that we have and will continue to engage with them on. You probably saw that Secretary Austin was in the region in Tel Aviv today, and delivered that same message to Defense Minister Gallant and to other Israeli officials that he met with. And, of course, he made that clear in his press conference afterward. If I could just briefly go to Russia-Ukraine. If you hadn't seen it, we can get you point you to a notification done by the Defense Department's Comptroller, Mike McCord, who told Congress today that we have allocated the remaining funding that's available to restock U.S. supplies and to replace what we're sending to Ukraine. That account, which is known as replenishment authority, that's the process by which the Department of Defense buys new weapons and equipment from American manufacturers. As the President spoke about in his Oval Office address last month, the Biden administration has used this replenishment authority that Congress has authorized in prior Ukraine supplementals to jumpstart and to expand production lines in dozens of states across the country where weapons and equipment of all manner and type can be produced, and, of course, for American stocks to replenish and replace what we are sending to Ukraine. And that all, of course, supports good-paying American jobs in the process. It also is helping strengthen the production lines and strengthen our relationship with the defense industry across the country. We are still planning one more aid package to Ukraine later this month. However, when that one is done, as the Comptroller, Mr. McCord, made clear in his note to Congress today, we will have no more replenishment authority available to us. And we're going to need Congress to act without delay, as we have been saying. As Mr. McCord wrote, quote, "Doing so is in our clear national interest, and our assistance is vitally needed so Ukraine can continue its fight for freedom." So, all of this, we need to keep in mind too, is happening in the context of what Mr. Putin continues to do. I mean, just over the last 24 hours, launching dozens of drones and at least one cruise missile at Ukrainian cities in basically what's become a nightly barrage. And, of course, it's all happening in the context of Russian troops trying to put together a ground offensive in eastern Ukraine. Now, they have not been enormously successful in doing that offensive, and one of the reasons is because the Ukrainians are well-armed and well-resourced and are able to defend against these offensive moves. Ukraine still needs our help. And it's well past time for Congress to act to stand up for freedom and democracy in defense of our own national security interests, which are very much at play here. With that, let me take some questions. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our first question will go to Zeke with the AP. Q Thank you for doing this, John. I was hoping you could give us an update on Bill Burns's conversations in Warsaw. And what is the U.S. pushing for in terms of another pause in fighting in order to secure another hostage release? And then separately, after the incident last week with Israeli soldiers killing three hostages, does the U.S. have any concerns about Israeli rules of engagement on the ground in Gaza? Thank you. MR. KIRBY: Thanks, Zeke. I will refer you to our colleagues at the CIA to speak about the director's travel. I made a strong rule not to talk about his travel or meetings that he might be having, so I'll refer you to them. On the another hostage deal, we continue to work really hard to try to get another deal in place, which would, of course, be accompanied by another humanitarian pause and hopefully some additional humanitarian assistance. But we aren't I can't say that we are at a point where another deal is imminent. We are working literally every day on this, on the ground and back here in Washington. In fact, one of the things that Jake talked about when he was in the region just in the last few days was exactly this: trying to see that test out the possibilities for how close we could be. Now, we understand that the negotiators are not us, but the negotiators that are in question here have had some conversations in the last couple of days. We hope that that becomes a fruitful discussion. But I can't promise you a date certain where we could get another one in place; just that we're continuing to work it really, really hard. And then, on your ROE question, I would say a couple of things. First of all, I won't talk about Israeli ROE any more than I would talk about American ROE. That said, the IDF admitted that they made a mistake very, very soon after they made the mistake. And I have no doubt that they will do the forensics on this to learn what happened and how to avoid it happening again. It's tragic. It's sad. And you can't imagine that those IDF soldiers who pulled that trigger and killed those hostages feel very good about what they did. Of course not. It's a traumatic event. And they'll like I said, they'll have to do the forensics on this to figure out what happened. I the last thing I'll say on this, Zeke, is that sometimes an event like this, a tactical event, does require you to take a look at your rules of engagement and maybe make adjustments. Sometimes not. Sometimes the issue isn't the rules of engagement. Sometimes it's just the way they're enforced or the interpretation of it by a unit on the ground or by an individual soldier. And that's why doing the forensics on this is going to be so important for them to kind of figure out is there a systemic issue, i.e. the rules, or was this an individual issue misunderstanding, miscalculation, fog of war. I mean, we just don't know. We don't have the details. But I think it would I think we should be careful at this early stage, and certainly from here, from Washington, to point the fingers at the exact rules of engagement. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Steve with Reuters. Q Hey, John. Could you update us on the negotiations to try to get a border deal that would unlock the Ukraine and Israel aid? They had some talks over the weekend. Do you see any progress being made? MR. KIRBY: I want to be careful that I'm not negotiating this in public, but there have there were active discussions over the weekend, and we here at the White House are involved in those discussions. And as the President has said, it's important to move this forward, and he is willing to negotiate in good faith, and he is willing to make compromises both on the policy front and on the border security front. But I think, really, Steve, I probably need to leave it there lest I negotiate this in public, and I don't want to say anything that would put those discussions at any risk or peril. Q And could you just also tell us about efforts to build this maritime coalition against the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea? MR. KIRBY: Yeah, our work is continuing to strengthen and bolster that it's called the Combined Maritime Forces. It's an existing maritime force under the Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. And what we're trying to do is strengthen, bolster it, and operationalize it in ways that perhaps it hadn't been operationalized prior to these Houthi attacks. Secretary Austin will be having meetings in the region, tomorrow, on this very topic. And I highly suspect that you guys will all hear a little bit more from him tomorrow about what direction this has taken, and he'll probably be able to provide a few more specifics. But obviously, those meetings and those discussions have to occur first before he can do that, and I certainly don't want to get ahead of him. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Hiba Nasr. Q Thank you, Sam. Thank you, John. John, I want to ask you about the northern borders with Lebanon. I know now you are negotiating maybe a truce. But on the long run, on the long term, how do you foresee the situation there? Is there a return to October 6? What's the America what are you suggesting to have in place on Lebanon? MR. KIRBY: Well, first I'd say: The continued attacks across that border are of concern to us. We don't want to see the conflict widened. We don't want to see a northern front opened up. We want to keep this we want to keep this conflict focused, as it rightly should be, on Hamas in the wake of October 7th. And so we're in active discussions with our Israeli counterparts about the activities going on up there at the northern border. And again, obviously, Israel has a right to self-defense, of course. But we don't want to see what we don't want to see is a full-on conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. And of course, the attacks that have occurred on the Lebanese Armed Forces are also deeply concerning since the Lebanese Armed Forces are not part and parcel of this conflict, nor do they want to be. So, again, we're watching it real closely, and we're in active discussions. And I think I probably just need to leave it at that. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Nathan with KAN. Q Thanks so much for taking my question. I'd like to know if, at this point after the conversations of Jake Sullivan and Secretary Austin in Israel, does the U.S. have a better understanding of how to overcome the impasse regarding the day after, with Netanyahu reiterating again over the weekend that he does not see any role for the Palestinian Authority in the future governing of Gaza? MR. KIRBY: Do we have an answer for the day after? Is that what you asked? Q Yes. Or any idea how to overcome Israel's reluctance to have the PA participate in it. MR. KIRBY: Well, look, the prime minister can speak for himself, as he has. All I can do is tell you where we are. And nothing has changed about our view that the Palestinian people deserve a vote and a voice in their future, that they deserve competent, accessible, transparent governance that actually makes an effort to meet their needs and to help them achieve their aspirations for peace and security and justice. We believe that the ultimate answer to that is a two-state solution. We know that that's not something that's going to get turned on here anytime soon. But we do believe in the interim, post-conflict Gaza, that the Palestinian Authority, revamped and revitalized, should and could have a significant role in determining what governance in Gaza looks like and being a part of those discussions. And as a matter of fact, that's one of the reasons why Jake went to Ramallah and met with Mahmoud Abbas on that very topic, to talk about what the possibilities are for that. We haven't changed our mind on that. Again, I can't I won't speak to the Israeli view of this. I can just tell you President Biden's view. We still believe that that's the right way forward, not just for the Palestinian people but for the Israeli people as well. And we're going to continue to have those conversations and continue to work towards those goals. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Gabe with NBC. Q Hey, thank you. I know you previously said that you didn't want to get into every single incident that happens, but I bring this one up just because of the worldwide condemnation, also now from Pope Francis. What's the U.S.'s response to this deadly church shooting where a mother and daughter were killed allegedly by Israeli sniper? That question first, and then I have a follow-up on Ukraine. MR. KIRBY: Yeah, obviously, we've been closely following these alarming reports coming out of the church compound this weekend. Let me just, right off the bat, as I've said before: Every civilian death is a tragedy. We've been very clear that we believe every effort possible must be made to prevent civilian casualties. Unfortunately, it appears that, in this case, a mother and a daughter lost their lives. And our hearts go out to the families who are grieving their loved ones. We have raised our concerns about this particular incident with the Israeli government and about the need for those who have injuries or have been wounded to be able to be safely evacuated so they can receive appropriate medical treatment. More broadly, of course, we are in touch and will stay in touch with the U.N. and our Israeli authorities about the need for deconfliction channels, if you will, that can be respected so that when Israel is conducting military operations against Hamas, that it does not, in the process of prosecuting those targets, endanger civilians that are trying to shelter themselves or humanitarian workers. So the need for better deconfliction, quite frankly, has also been a topic of our discussion in multiple channels, including between the President and the Prime Minister. And it was absolutely something that Jake raised when he was out there on the ground. And I fully anticipate that it was also part of Secretary Austin's conversations as well. Q And a follow-up on that, John. Is it fair to say that the U.S. is frustrated with the deconfliction methods so far that Israel has had? MR. KIRBY: I think we believe, as I said earlier, Gabe, that more can be done. Deconfliction, we've seen it for ourselves in places where we try to find and use deconfliction channels. It can be very useful in reducing miscalculation, reducing misunderstanding, reducing mistakes. And so we're going to continue to urge them to do more in that vein, in the deconfliction vein. Q And finally, just one point of clarification. You mentioned Ukraine. At first, you started to say that it sounded like that the U.S. was going to run out of money for Ukraine. Then you said you expected one more aid package later this month. To be clear, how much money is left for Ukraine? MR. KIRBY: I would refer you to DOD for an exact figure, Gabe, but we believe we've got enough, in terms of replenishment authority, for one more aid package before the end of this month. And I don't know what that you know, again, I'd refer you to DOD. I don't think quite frankly, Gabe, I doubt they're going to give you a heads-up, exclusive look about what's going to be in that package. But, I mean but we've got enough for one good aid package. And what exactly what's in it and the total sum, I couldn't tell you right now. I have not seen a draft of that package, but we think we've got one more left in us. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to MJ with CNN. Q Thank you. Could you give us a sense of where things stand with the efforts to restart the hostages talks, particularly with the CIA director meeting with the Qatari prime minister and the head of the Mossad? Just, what is the aim there? We reported last week that Hamas was being unresponsive to the recent overtures to bring Hamas back to the negotiating table, and I wondered whether you can say whether that has changed in recent days too. MR. KIRBY: Again, I'm not going to talk about the CIA director's travel one way or the other. I'm not going to confirm or deny anything when it comes to his travel or meetings. I would just tell you: Jake clearly brought this up in the region and in all his meetings, talking not only to the Israelis but to other partners. I know Brett McGurk and David Satterfield continue to work this almost by the hour to see if we can't get another pause in place and another hostage deal executed. But as I said at the top here of the gaggle, I can't report to you a date certain or tell you in good faith that there is another deal that's imminent. All I can do is assure you that we continue to work this very, very hard and literally every day, and that includes, of course, the discussions that Jake had when he was out in the region. Q I mean, is there concern that, you know, time is sort of running out? We have the deaths of the three Israeli hostages. There's the testing of you know, flooding of Hamas tunnels. You know, and the President himself said you can't say with certainty that some of these tunnels wouldn't have American hostages. And obviously, you know, there's the fact that you're learning more and more about what these hostages are enduring while in captivity. MR. KIRBY: Of course, we're concerned about the tyranny of the clock. I mean, every minute that passes is a minute that they shouldn't be held hostage, is a minute that they're in harm's way, a minute that they could be tortured, raped, beaten, or denied basic medical care. I mean, we have to assume that these people are being held in horrific conditions. And so, that's why when I say we're working it hour by hour, that's not hyperbole. That's true. There's not an hour of the day that goes by where that our team is not trying to see if we can get the two sides back at the table to negotiate another pause. Again, I won't and I absolutely refuse to negotiate in public and talk about the parameters of that discussion lest I say something that torpedoes the chances. But we are absolutely mindful of the sense of urgency here to get these people back with their families where they belong, sort of in the aggregate, but also get them out of these horrific conditions so that they can get the medical care that they're clearly going to need after being held hostage now for more than two months. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Vivian with the Wall Street Journal. Q Hey, guys. Thanks so much for doing this. I wanted to go back to something you said, John, a couple of days ago, where you talked about there was a question about violations of international law by the Israelis in Gaza. And you said that, as far as the U.S. has seen, there's not you haven't seen evidence yet of violations of international law, and so you cannot make any assessments about those violations. But a moment ago, you just talked about the sniper attack on the mother and daughter in a church, and there have been other incidents not to you know, not also to mention the fact that there was an issue with regard to rules of engagement with the hostages and things like that. And so, I was just wondering if you can talk us through a little bit what kind of evidence you're looking for. I mean, flashback to a year and a half ago in the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the administration was quite forward-leaning about accusing Russia of violations of international law. I know that you'll probably make some distinctions between the Russians invading Ukraine and this, but I'm hoping you can actually talk us through it, because it doesn't it's hard to see the distinctions from our side of things and understand why certain incidents are not at this point raising concerns, at least instead of you saying there's no evidence, at least to talk about any concerns that the administration might have about violations of international law. Thanks. MR. KIRBY: What I said was we're not going to adjudicate each and every tactical event, and we're not going to start doing that now, in terms of being judge and jury over each and every individual event. And I think the question you're referring to is one I got about the death of journalists. And I said we had no indication that they had been deliberately targeted by the Israeli military. But I think Ukraine and what Putin is doing is not an apt comparison here. Torture, rape, slaughter of civilians, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, terrorizing an entire population all of that is baked into Putin's war plan, because he knows. And the ground what's going on on the ground bears it out, that he can't defeat Ukraine purely from a conventional military perspective because Ukraine is better armed, better command and control, better resourced. So what's he do? He bombs energy infrastructure and tries to kill innocent civilians and try to break the will of the Ukrainian population. And it's we're helping the Ukrainians document these war crimes by Russian soldiers on Ukrainian soil. And it's blatant. It's actually it's deliberate and it's just baked into their psyche on how to try to win this war, taking the fight right to innocent people with rape, torture, and slaughter. And that is exactly the same approach that Hamas has chosen to execute when they violated a ceasefire that was in place on the 6th of October and paraglided into a concert and started slaughtering innocent people that were there to listen to some music, and murdering parents in front of their kids and vice versa. That was deliberate Q But, John, I understand sorry to interrupt here. MR. KIRBY: No, no, let me nope, let me Q I understand there's no question about there's no question about Hamas's actions. But we're talking about Israel now, and you yourself just talked about an attack on a woman and a daughter in a church. And so I'm just sort of wondering: At some point, you know, is there any condemnation of the Israeli military for its (inaudible), instead of just talking about an unfortunate occurrence that has happened? MR. KIRBY: The Israelis are not making the slaughter, torture, and rape of civilians in Gaza a war aim. It's not baked into their plans. They're not deliberately trying to kill civilians. Now, again, I've said it before, I'll say it a hundred times again: The right number of civilian casualties is zero. We don't want to see a single innocent person hurt or killed as a result of this conflict. And as I said in my opening statement, and Secretary Austin said today, we continue to urge the Israelis to be as careful, deliberate, surgical, and cautious as possible when it comes to minimizing civilian casualties. We don't want to see them, as Secretary Austin has said, find themselves maybe with a tactical victory but a strategic defeat because of the way they have gone about prosecuting their operations. As I've also said, with respect to this church issue, we are deeply concerned about it; we have raised specific concerns about it with our Israeli counterparts, and we'll continue to do so. But we haven't seen any evidence that the Israelis are making it an aim of war and a tactical, operational necessity to go out and slaughter innocent people. Now, it is happening that people are being killed, people are being wounded. We recognize that. But it's a far cry from saying it's a part of the war aims as it was for Putin, as it was for Hamas. And that was my main point. Q Okay. I'm sorry, I don't want to I don't want to keep on pushing you. I just intent is not necessarily necessary for a violation of international law. And that's the point I'm getting at is, you know, at some point, is the administration going to raise this as a concern, not just in terms of its tac- its you know, its tactics, but in terms of something even bigger than that? MR. KIRBY: Vivian, we have raised our concerns about civilian casualties. I mean, every single time we talk about it, we talk about our conversations with the Israelis and urging them to be more careful. And as I've said in this issue with the church, we raised that specific incident with them as well. And I mentioned it you know, it was in my topper today. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Yuna with Israel 12. Q Hi. Thank you for this. Hamas just released in the last, actually, few minutes a new video of three elderly hostages pleading for their release. You probably haven't seen it yet. But in general, any comment about the tactic this kind of psychological terror that they're using? MR. KIRBY: I haven't seen that video, so I can't validate it. And I want to be careful that I don't comment on something I haven't seen and we haven't been able to prove in terms of the veracity of it. This is an organization that has a reputation for being brutal when it comes to people it captures and certainly people that they hold hostage. If this bears out to be true, it's just another example of their depravity and their brutality against innocent life and completely unacceptable. And it's another indication of why, you know, as a democracy, Israel is and we will continue to urge them to abide by the law of armed conflict, but they're up against an organization which is both a terrorist organization and a military organization that doesn't even pretend to abide by the law of armed conflict. But again, I can't prove the veracity of the video. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to JJ with Bloomberg. Q Hi there. Is there any reaction you can share to Japan's Nippon Steel buying U.S. Steel? MR. KIRBY: Hey, I've seen those reports, JJ, but I'm just not going to be able to comment on a private sector action. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Niels with Roll Call. Q Thanks for doing the call. I just wanted to see a bit of a logistics question whether or not there's any update on when the President is going to sign the NDAA and if there's anything we should be looking for in terms of a signing statement about concerns about areas where it may impede his powers as Commander-in-Chief. MR. KIRBY: I would just tell you to stay tuned on that. I don't have any announcements to make. Certainly won't get ahead of the President. But, you know, just stay tuned. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Anita with VOA. Q Thank you so much for doing this, John. I've got a domestic question today. Does the White House see words like "poisoning the blood of our country" as a national security threat for the 45 million foreign-born people who live in this country? And what are you doing to reassure and protect these people against these possibly dangerous words? And then, how is that playing into the immigration discussions that are happening right now? MR. KIRBY: I think you hopefully will forgive me for not weighing into comments about campaign rhetoric. That wouldn't be appropriate for us here at the National Security Council. All I can tell you is that we're in good-faith negotiations with members of Congress about border security and, of course, funding for Ukraine and for Israel as a part of that. And the President, you know, again, on day one, issued an immigration reform proposal that Congress has not acted on. He is willing, as he has said he is, to engage in negotiations and compromises on both the policy, policies of immigration, as well as actual security measures. He understands the complexities of the issue and, again, is willing to engage folks on the other side of the aisle on those issues. And that's where his focus is going to be. We're not going to react to every comment made on the campaign trail. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to Suzanne with The Cipher Brief. Q Hi, thank you so much for doing this. I'm wondering, given the political complications when it comes to U.S. aid to Ukraine, is there a plan B for Ukraine? In other words, are there ways to speed up aid that has already been approved? And what about the role of the private sector here? Does the administration see the private sector as a force multiplier? Thank you. MR. KIRBY: We have, as I said, one more aid package left in us here before our replenishment authority dries up. And we think we would have one more here by the end of the month. And we need the supplemental funding to be able to continue to support Ukraine. And as we've said, you know, by the end of the month, that dedicated funding for Ukraine is not going to be there. And on your second question, I mean, the short answer is yes. I mean, the defense industry has been, and we anticipate will be, a significant partner, not only assuming we can get the supplemental funding in supporting Ukraine, but in supporting our own defense industrial health and improving our own national security by keeping production lines open, advancing the development of systems and the development of new systems. That will not only increase our ability to help Ukraine defend itself and beat back the Russians on Ukrainian soil, but also help our own national security by replenishing the shelves in our warehouses with better and more advanced capabilities and systems. So they are very much a partner in this effort. And Secretary Austin and the Deputy Secretary, Kat Hicks, has been they've been working very, very hard on that exact issue, which is shoring up our relationships with the defense industry and, I would also add, participating in the meetings over at Commerce a week or so ago, when with Ukrainians, which was all about not only helping our defense industrial base get a better grip on what the needs are going to be going forward, but how they can work in partnership with Ukraine's defense industry so that post-conflict Ukraine can have as much have as resilient and as vibrant a defense industrial base as possible. So, it's a long-winded answer, but yes, we absolutely see our defense industry as a partner here. MODERATOR: Thank you all. I'm afraid that's all the time we have today. But as always, if we weren't able to get to you, feel free to reach out to the NSC Press distro, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Thanks. 1:08 P.M. EST NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 18 December 2023 - Day 662 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that members of Russian Shtorm-Z units are highly likely being returned to combat duties with unhealed wounds, and even after limb amputations. This follows credible reports that members of Shtorm-Z, Donetsk militias, and Wagner Group have frequently received minimal or no treatment. It is likely that convict recruits - who make up a large proportion of Shtorm-Z units - are especially liable to receive poor treatment. One reason is that prisoners often lack the paperwork required to access military hospitals. Whilst reducing pressure on an overburdened military medical system, the lack of proper in-theatre medical attention will transfer the administrative and medical burden back to troops' home units. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of December 18, there were 92x combat engagements. Russian forces launched 1x missile and 6x air strikes, 33x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. The operational situation in the east and the south of Ukraine remains difficult. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 35x settlements, including Volfyne, Yunakivka, Sadky, Myropil's'ke (Sumy oblast), Bolohivka, Stroivka, Kam'yanka, and Topoli (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 4x Russian attacks near Syn'kivka and east of Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Kovalivka, Ivanivka, and Berestove (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: Russian forces made unsuccessful attempts to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops. The Ukrainian defense forces repelled 10x Russian attacks in the vicinities of Makiivka (Luhansk oblast) and east of Terny, Spirne (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors'ke, Serebryanka, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian troops repelled 17x Russian attacks near Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Bohdanivka, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, and Kurdyumivka (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 9x Russian attacks in the vicinities of Avdiivka and 13x more attacks near Sjeverne, south of Tonen'ke, Pervomais'ke, and Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 15x settlements, including Sukha Balka, Novobakhmutivka, Ocheretyne, Avdiivka, Berdychi, and Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back Russian forces near Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). With the air support, the Russian adversary launched 12x unsuccessful attacks. Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Mar'inka, Pobjeda, and Novomykhailivka were under artillery and mortar fire of the Russian occupiers. Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations. Around 10x settlements, including Bohoyavlenka, Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Blahodatne, and Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 13x Russian attacks west of Novopokrovka and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 25x settlements, including Novodanylivka, Orikhiv, Novoandriivka, Mali Shcherbaky, P'yatykhatky, and Plavni (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Kherson axis: the Russian adversary artillery shelled Chornobaivka (Kherson oblast) and civilian targets of the city of Kherson. The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River and fire for effect at Russian forces. Also, the Ukrainian air defense forces and means destroyed 1x Kh-59 guided missile. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems repelled ten attacks of assault groups of AFU 21st, 115th mechanised, 95th air assault brigades near Sinkovka, Liman Perviy, and Terny (Kharkov region). AFU losses were more than 60 Ukranian troops, one German-made Leopard-2 tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units supported by artillery repelled one attack of the AFU 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade south-eastern of Kuzmino (Lugansk People's Republic). The enemy's losses amounted to up to 220 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, one tank, three armoured personnel carriers, five motor vehicles, as well as one Slovakian-made Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery system. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by artillery and heavy flamethrower systems repelled nine attacks launched by assault groups of AFU 24th, 28th mechanised, 79th air assault, 81st airmobile brigades close to Kurdyumovka, Belogorovka, Leninskoye, Shumy, and Maryinka (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, aviation and artillery launched strikes at AFU manpower and hardware near Kleshcheyevka and Andreyevka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy has lost up to 190 Ukrainian personnel, five infantry fighting vehicles, including one Bradley, and two motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, two Msta-B howitzers, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and three D-30 howitzers were eliminated. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by Operational-Tactical aircraft, helicopters, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems repelled four attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 79th Air Assault Brigade near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy's losses amounted to 90 troops, three pickups, as well as one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In Zaporozhye direction, two attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 117th Mechanised Brigade near Novoprokopovka (Zaporozhye region) were repelled by the Russian Group of Forces, air strikes, and artillery fire. Moreover, the Russian Armed Forces inflicted fire damage on manpower pf AFU 33rd, 65th mechanised, 128th mountain assault brigades near Rabotino, Zherebyanka, and Nesteryanka (Zaporozhye region). The enemy's losses amounted to 30 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, as well as one D-30 howitzer. In Kherson direction, as a result of actions of the Russian Group of Forces supported by artillery and aviation, the AFU lost up to 50 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded and three motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin, one Polish-made Krab, and one Msta-B howitzer were destroyed. Operational-tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Group of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation destroyed one command and observation post of the AFU 1st Operational Brigade of National Guard near Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic), as well as manpower and military hardware in 113 areas. Air defence systems shot down 25 unmanned aerial vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Topolevka, Verkhnekamenka (Lugansk People's Republic), Gorlovka, Berestovoye, Spornoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Alyoshki (Kherson region), as well as two U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles. In total, 553 airplanes and 259 helicopters, 9,861 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 14,165 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,189 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,382 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,437 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 case detected in India's Kerala People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:24, December 18, 2023 NEW DELHI, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 has been detected in India's southern state of Kerala, the Indian government said. India's health ministry said on Saturday that the case was detected during an ongoing routine surveillance activity by Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG). "The case was detected in a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive sample from Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Dec. 8, 2023. The patient had mild symptoms of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and has since recovered from COVID-19," the health ministry said. The ministry said there has been an increasing trend of COVID-19 cases from Kerala over the past few weeks. The increase has been attributed to a surge in number of samples from ILI cases being referred for testing. "A majority of these cases are clinically mild and recovering on their own at their homes without any treatment," the ministry said. As part of a regular exercise of the health ministry, a mock drill at all health facilities in the states is underway to assess their public health and hospital-preparedness measures. Officials said the health ministry was in regular touch with the Kerala health department and monitoring various points of entry. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System in Naval Support Facility Redizkowo, Poland, Transfers Ownership from Missile Defense Agency to the U.S. Navy US Navy 18 December 2023 From U.S. Naval Forces Europe/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs NAPLES, Italy -- The Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) located in Redzikowo, Poland, will be accepted by the U.S. Navy on Dec. 15, 2023, where AAMDS will enter a planned maintenance period to upgrade the network and computer systems. Once finalized, AAMDS Poland will be a fully integrated and tested element of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System, and made ready to operate under NATO command and control. The official transfer to NATO is scheduled to occur spring to summer of 2024. The acceptance of the Aegis Ashore site in Poland, like its sister site in Romania, is an important step in our efforts to get AAMDS ready to protect against the growing threat posed by ballistic missiles launched from Iran. The addition of this site in Poland will help provide enhanced coverage and expand protection for all NATO European populations, territories and forces against potential threats to the Euro-Atlantic area. The Aegis Ashore is defensive in nature and designed to shoot down threats posed to U.S. forward deployed forces, or the security of our European allies. The defensive focus of Aegis Ashore is confirmed in the U.S. commitments to NATO and standing NATO policy. Aegis Ashore in NSF Redzikowo is a critical part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA). EPAA protects European Allies and partners against ballistic missile threats emanating from outside the Euro-Atlantic area. EPAA integrates the missile defense systems of forward deployed U.S. Navy destroyers in Rota, Spain with the Aegis capabilities at NSF Deveselu, Romania and, once fully operational, AAMDS Poland at NSF Redzikowo to provide comprehensive ballistic missile defense across Europe. NSF Redzikowo is a tangible demonstration of the U.S. commitment to collective security in Europe. Poland is a vital ally, partner, and friend of the United States. Our alliance is based on shared values, including democratic governance, free markets, and individual liberty. Security is a fundamental pillar of the U.S.-Poland bilateral relationship. For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our Allies and Partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and USAFRICOM areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Royal Canadian Navy ships return from deployment to the Indo-Pacific region National Defence News release December 18, 2023 - Esquimalt, British Columbia - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, His Majesty's Canadian Ships (HMCS) Ottawa and Vancouver, along with Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix, returned to Esquimalt, B.C. after a deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Marie-France Lalonde, was at CFB Esquimalt to welcome the ships home from deployment and to thank the sailors and aircrew for their service. Since departing in early August, the Halifax-class frigates and the naval replenishment unit visited seven countries including Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United States. All three Royal Canadian Navy ships, and one Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora Long Range Patrol Aircraft, also participated in ANNUALEX alongside the Royal Australian Navy, an interoperability exercise co-hosted by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and the US Navy. HMCS Vancouver and the CP-140 also supported Operation NEON, Canada's contribution to multinational efforts to monitor sanctions placed on North Korea by the United Nations Security Council. This deployment marked a major milestone for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) presence in the Indo-Pacific. 2023 marks the first year that Canada deployed three warships to the Indo-Pacific region, delivering on the commitment that Canada made when it launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy. As mandated in the Strategy, the CAF has increased its military cooperation with partners and allies, deployed additional assets to increase our military presence, and demonstrated measurable contributions to peace, resilience, and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Quotes "The deployment of HMC Ships Ottawa and Vancouver, as the second and third warships to sail to the Indo-Pacific region this year, is a strong signal of Canada's commitment to promote stability and prosperity in the region as outlined in Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. Through their work with our partners and allies, our Canadian Armed Forces members are also delivering on our Women, Peace and Security agenda - deepening our friendships in the region and building on our people-to-people ties. I thank the ships' companies for their tireless efforts." The Honorable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence "After more than five months at sea, our sailors have succeeded in furthering Canada's interests in the Indo-Pacific region. They have helped forged military-to-military ties, built and nurtured new partnerships, and they have stood up for the international rules that keep us all safe. They have done their work admirably. I'm proud to be here today to welcome the crews of HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Vancouver, and MV Asterix home to their friends and loved ones." Mme Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence "The lasting military commitment of the Canadian Armed Forces in the Indo-Pacific underscores Canada's unwavering dedication to nurturing peace and stability within a free and open Indo-Pacific framework. Over the last four months, the commendable efforts of our sailors and aviators stand as a testament to our commitment, reinforcing the norms of regional stability. This persistent presence underscores the Canadian Armed Forces' steadfast dedication to achieving shared security objectives." General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff "By augmenting the number of warships deployed to the Indo-Pacific region this past year, from two to three, the Royal Canadian Navy is helping Canada maintain an active presence in this region and contributing meaningfully to the Indo-Pacific Strategy. I'm extremely proud of the sailors serving in Vancouver, Ottawa, and the Naval Replenishment Unit in Asterix for their hard work, their professionalism and the dedication shown throughout this deployment, far away from home and their loved ones, in the service of supporting peace, security, and Canadian interests." Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy Quick facts In 2022, Canada launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy, which significantly increases Canada's military presence in the region. Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy addresses five interconnected priorities, with the DND/CAF focused on promoting peace, resilience, and security. This includes the deployment of an additional frigate to the Indo-Pacific, increased DND/CAF participation in bilateral and multinational regional exercises, the development of new capacity building programs, increased civilian defence positions, and new cyber initiatives across the Indo-Pacific. Canada is committed to working with, and empowering, regional partners to advocate for the advancement of the WPS agenda. Canada knows that sustainable peace and security are only possible when women are fully involved in the resolution of conflict, and peace and security efforts. HMC Ships Ottawa and Vancouver are Halifax-class frigates, each with a crew of approximately 250 personnel of all ranks, including a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter air detachment. These vessels provide significant combat capability and a high degree of mission flexibility thanks to their onboard helicopter. MV Asterix has approximately 100 personnel, comprised of civilian and military sailors. It has two hangars able to accommodate a variety of helicopters and can operate up to eight smaller boats with quick launch and recovery capabilities. It has extensive medical facilities and is equipped to perform at-sea fuel replenishment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hong Kong: Statement by the Spokesperson on the start of the national security trial against Jimmy Lai European External Action Service (EEAS) 18.12.2023 EEAS Press Team Today marks the beginning of the trial brought against Hong Kong media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai under National Security Law charges. He has faced multiple prosecutions related to his support for free expression and democracy in Hong Kong, notably since the imposition of the National Security Law by Beijing in 2020. He has been imprisoned for over one thousand days. The European Union deplores the charges brought against him and journalists from Apple Daily and is monitoring the trial closely. The trial brought against him undermines confidence in the rule of law in Hong Kong and is detrimental to the city's attractiveness and its position as an international business hub. The EU recalls that Apple Daily, the independent newspaper founded by Jimmy Lai, was forced to close its operations in June 2021, showing how freedom of the press and the free expression of opinions are being stifled in Hong Kong since the imposition of the National Security Law. The EU recalls that these freedoms are enshrined in the Basic Law and that China undertook international commitments under the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 to respect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms, including freedom of the press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi hears work reports from HK, Macao chief executives Global Times Central govt cares about 'national security, economic recovery, people's livelihood in SARs' By Yang Sheng and Chen Qingqing Published: Dec 18, 2023 09:49 PM Updated: Dec 18, 2023 11:18 PM President Xi Jinping met Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in Beijing on Monday as Lee is paying a visit to the country's capital city. Experts said on Monday that the central government has held high expectations for the HKSAR to further advance the governance by patriots, to continue the job of safeguarding national security, to promote economic recovery and people's livelihood, and to enhance governance efficiency following the recent district council elections. Also on Monday, Xi met with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region Ho Iat Seng, who is also on a duty visit to Beijing, and heard a report from Ho on Macao's current situation and the Macao SAR government's work, Xinhua News Agency reported. During the meeting with Li, Xi heard a report from Lee on Hong Kong's current situation and the HKSAR government's work, Xinhua News Agency reported. Lauding Lee's work over the past year, Xi said Lee has led the HKSAR government in shouldering responsibilities and delivering good results. The HKSAR government has resolutely safeguarded national security, reformed the District Council system in Hong Kong, smoothly completed the District Council Ordinary Election, and brought Hong Kong out of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and toward a comprehensive recovery, Xi said. The HKSAR government has maintained the region's distinctive status and advantages, bolstered the drivers for development and worked hard to solve the most pressing issues and difficulties of the people, Xi said, adding that all these have consolidated the HKSAR's turning for the better and facilitated its entry into a new stage in which it has restored order and is set to thrive. Xi said the central authorities fully acknowledged the work of Lee and the HKSAR government. After listening to Xi's remarks, Lee expressed heartfelt thanks to Xi and the central government for their care and support for Hong Kong, as well as their guidance and encouragement to the HKSAR government, according to the Hong Kong local media. During the meeting with Ho, Xi also recognized Ho's work over the past year, saying thatHo has led the Macao SAR government in conscientiously performing their duties and achieving practical results. The central government will, as always, comprehensively and accurately implement the principle of One Country, Two Systems with unwavering determination, fully implement the principle of patriots administering Macao, and fully support the CE and the SAR government in uniting all sectors of society, Xi said. And the central government will support the SAR to seize the historic opportunities brought by national development, continuously advance the successful practice of One Country, Two Systems with Macao's characteristics, and welcome the 25th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland with new developmental achievements, Xi said. Monday also marks the commencement of Jimmy Lai's trial for violating the National Security Law for Hong Kong, and the initiation of the local legislative process under Article 23 of the Basic Law, making the assurance of national security in Hong Kong a critical component of Lee's work report, Lau Siu-kai, a consultant from the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies who is also a senior policy advisor, told the Global Times on Monday. "President Xi clearly focuses on national security, the perfection of Hong Kong's governance framework under the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong,' addressing social and livelihood issues, and Hong Kong's integration into the national development plan. These are also the key aspects of the central government's assessment of the work of the HKSAR government," Lau said. The background of Chief Executive's report this year is that Hong Kong has gone "from chaos to stability and to prosperity." At this stage, Hong Kong must develop its economy and improve people's livelihoods, former member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Tam Yiu-chung told the Global Times on Monday. In terms of economic development, Hong Kong has initially recovered its economy, the number of tourists is increasing, and all aspects are slowly recovering. But there are still challenges. For example, in terms of finance, the stock market remains relatively sluggish, housing problems persists, including falling property prices. In addition, the final district council elections to improve the electoral system have been successfully completed, and we can also report on the relevant work to the main leaders of the central government, Tam said. Tam said the central government's expectations for Hong Kong mainly include several key points. The first is to continue to do a good job in safeguarding national security. The second is that the legislative work of Article 23 must be correctly implemented. In addition, "we must also develop the economy in a way that finds new economic development factors and directions and new development points. We must continue to do a good job in all aspects of people's livelihood," Tam noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secessionist Jimmy Lai faces trial Global Times Attempts to smear, disturb and sabotage HK's national security law will not succeed: FM By Chen Qingqing Published: Dec 18, 2023 10:00 PM With the highly watched trial of secessionist media tycoon Jimmy Lai taking place on Monday at West Kowloon Court, some Western politicians and media have exploited this occasion to smear the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong and badmouth the rule of law in the city. Officials from both the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong have called these criticisms blatant interference in China's internal affairs, adding that any attempts to slander, disrupt and sabotage the NSL for Hong Kong will never succeed. Lai, wearing a light gray suit jacket, was escorted into the courtroom on Monday morning. Presided over by three national security law designated judges, the prosecution's first charge was "conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display, or reproduce seditious publications." The three judges overseeing Lai's trial are Madam Justices Esther Toh Lye-ping and Susana D'Almada Remedios, and Mr Justice Alex Lee Wan-tang, according to Hong Kong media. Lai, along with three companies related to Apple Daily and six former senior executives of Apple Daily, are charged with conspiring to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security and conspiracy to publish seditious publications. In addition, Lai faces two charges of violating national security laws, including conspiring with individuals such as wanted fugitive Andy Li Yu-hin and others to collude with foreign countries or overseas forces. The trial is expected to last 80 days. Representatives from the consulates of more than 10 countries, including the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, and the EU, were also seen lining up to wait for tickets to enter the court to observe the trial, some local media said. At a press conference on Monday, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said Lai is a major mastermind and participant of the anti-China riots in Hong Kong. "He is an agent and pawn of the anti-China forces, and the person behind the riots in Hong Kong. What he did was detrimental to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and the wellbeing of the people in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong law enforcement and judicial authorities have handled and tried the case in accordance with the law." As for the US' and UK's statements, making such irresponsible comments on an ongoing judicial process is against the principle of the rule of law, the international law and the basic norms governing international relations, Wang said. "This is politically motivated and one hundred percent double standard. China firmly rejects this." Some legal experts in Hong Kong say that despite of international political and public opinion pressure, the trial will become a classic case in upholding national security in Hong Kong, fully reflecting the independence of the city's judiciary, the spirit of the rule of law, and the professional integrity of its judges. Evidence is demonstrated in the courtroom, witnesses are subpoenaed and cross-examined by both the prosecutor and the defendants' counsels and the court hearing is open to the public, and thereby a fair and just trial is secured, Chu Kar-kin, a veteran commentator based in the HKSAR and member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Monday. The verdict is determined by law and by facts. An appeal mechanism is available in Hong Kong, and defendants can appeal against convictions and sentencing, Chu said. "The legal system in Hong Kong is based on the rule of law and so-called 'political prosecution' never exists in this jurisdiction." "I think the US and the West have double standards, because Hong Kong relies on the rule of law. Since someone has violated the law, they must be punished," former member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Tam Yiu-chung told the Global Times on Monday. "No matter what his background is, he must be prosecuted according to legal procedures. Other countries should not interfere in this matter and should not affect the work of the law," Tam said. Lai's case also has a milestone significance, some experts said, as it shows that challenging national security and violating national security laws are absolutely not allowed, and all those who violate the law will be punished. While the US and the West talk about the rule of law, they are using Lai's case to wreak havoc on Hong Kong's rule of law and judicial independence, a spokesperson from the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong said on Monday. Their "clever excuses" for criminals have no other use than adding more evidence to Lai's charges of colluding with external forces, the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 18, 2023 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China 2023-12-18 20:19 At the invitation of Premier of the State Council Li Qiang, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin will be in China from December 19 to 20 for the 28th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government. Yonhap News Agency: The Foreign Ministry put out a readout on the meeting between China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the DPRK's Deputy Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho this morning. Can you share more details about the meeting? Wang Wenbin: This morning, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing met with Deputy Foreign Minister of the DPRK Pak Myong Ho who came to China for diplomatic consultations between the two countries. Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK were forged and fostered personally by the older generation of leaders of the two parties and two countries, and is a valuable asset for both sides. In recent years, under the strategic guidance and personal care of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, the China-DPRK traditional friendship has been further deepened in the new era. In a world fraught with change and instability, China and the DPRK have firmly supported and trusted each other, which demonstrates the strategic significance of China-DPRK friendship and cooperation. China always views its relations with the DPRK from a strategic height and long-term perspective. We would like to work with the DPRK to enhance communication and coordination, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various areas, jointly hold a number of events next year in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and advance the sustained and steady growth of China-DPRK friendship and cooperation. Deputy Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho noted that it is the unswerving position of the party and government of the DPRK to continue to deepen the DPRK-China relations in line with the noble will of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries as well as the requirements of the new era. The DPRK stands ready to work with China to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to consolidate the brotherly friendship between the two countries and take the relations forward. The DPRK will continue to enhance coordination with China on multilateral affairs, safeguard the common interests of the two countries and contribute to peace and stability in the region. The two sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. Xinhua News Agency: Can you share the arrangement of the 28th regular meeting between Chinese Premier and Russian Prime Minister? What's China's expectation for the meeting? Wang Wenbin: The regular meeting between Chinese Premier and Russian Prime Minister is an important mechanism for delivering on the common understandings between the two presidents and coordinating practical cooperation in various fields. It has been held annually since its launch in 1996. During this year's meeting, the two sides will have in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations, practical cooperation and issues of mutual interest. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, China-Russia relations have enjoyed sound and steady growth. Next year, the two countries will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and open the years of culture between China and Russia. We hope this regular meeting will help deepen cooperation, enhance cultural, people-to-people and sub-national exchange, and further grow the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. CCTV: It's reported that the first vice-ministerial level meeting of the China-Saudi Arabia-Iran trilateral joint committee was held on December 15 in Beijing. Could you share more information? Why is it held at this particular time? What is the significance of the meeting? Wang Wenbin: The first vice-ministerial level meeting of the China-Saudi Arabia-Iran trilateral joint committee was held on December 15 in Beijing. The meeting took stock of the positive progress made in the relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran since the Beijing agreement was reached and reaffirmed the commitment to the full implementation of the Beijing agreement. China stated readiness to continue to play a constructive role and support the improvement of Saudi Arabia-Iran relations. Director Wang Yi had a group meeting with the delegations from the two countries and put forward a three-point suggestion on the improvement of Saudi Arabia-Iran relations: first, stay committed to the strategic choice of reconciliation; second, advance the process of improving relations; and third, reject external disruption. The three parties also discussed the trilateral cooperation in various fields and stated their common positions on regional hotpot issues including Palestine. The recent situation in the Middle East is complex and serious. In times like this, it is all the more necessary to resolve disputes and differences through dialogue, consultation and political means. The future of the Middle East must always be in the hands of the people in the region. China will always support the people in the Middle East in independently exploring their development paths. We will always support Middle East countries in uniting and working together to find solutions to the security issues in the region. China will continue to contribute its insights to the peace and tranquility in the Middle East and play our positive role in this process. AFP: North Korea today fired its most advanced ballistic missile that has the potential to reach the US. What's China's comment on this? Wang Wenbin: China noted the latest development on the Korean Peninsula. The Korean Peninsula issues are complex. The development of the situation fully proves that trying to solve the problem through military deterrence and pressuring will not work, and will only do the opposite and make the issues and tensions worse. Dialogue and consultation is the fundamental way for settling the Peninsula issues. We hope that relevant parties will face up to the crux of the Peninsula issues and take concrete steps to advance their political settlement and safeguard peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Kyodo News: Japan and ASEAN countries held a summit in Tokyo this weekend and issued a joint statement announcing the strengthening of security cooperation. What's China's comment?a Wang Wenbin: China believes that all cooperation should be conducive to deeper mutual trust between countries in the region and should not target any third party. The situation in the East and South China Seas is generally stable at the moment. We hope relevant countries will earnestly respect regional countries' effort to safeguard peace and stability. China Review News: The trial of Jimmy Lai under the Hong Kong national security law opened today. The US and the UK criticized China over the case and the Hong Kong national security law. What's your comment? Wang Wenbin: Hong Kong follows the rule of law. Any law in Hong Kong must be observed and those who break the law must be held accountable. Jimmy Lai is a major mastermind and participant of the anti-China riots in Hong Kong. He is an agent and pawn of the anti-China forces, and the person behind the riots in Hong Kong. What he did was detrimental to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and the wellbeing of the people in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong law enforcement and judicial authorities have handled and tried the case in accordance with the law. This is fully justified, legitimate and lawful. As for the US' and UK's statements, making such irresponsible comments on an ongoing judicial process is against the principle of the rule of law, the international law and the basic norms governing international relations. This is politically motivated and one hundred percent double standard. China firmly rejects this. The Central Government firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR in upholding national security in accordance with the law and bringing criminals who endanger national security to justice. Attempts to smear, disturb and sabotage Hong Kong's national security law will not succeed. Reuters: Does China support North Korea's launch of the missiles on Sunday and Monday? This is given North Korea said that the recent arrival of a nuclear-powered US submarine is a preview of a nuclear war.a Wang Wenbin: I just stated China's position on relevant issue. All parties need to face the crux of the Korean Peninsula issues squarely and take concrete steps to advance their political settlement and safeguard peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Paper: It's reported that the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Saturday that the US State Department has approved a USD 300 million sale of life cycle support and equipment to Taiwan for its Command, Control, Communications and Computers, or C4, capabilities. What's China's comment? Wang Wenbin: By announcing another arms sale to China's Taiwan region, the USahas blatantly violated the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiquAs, especially the August 17 CommuniquA.aThis move seriously undermines China's sovereignty and security interests, harms peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and sends a wrong message to separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence". China deplores and strongly opposes this and has made solemn dAmarches to the US side. The Taiwan question is entirely China's internal affair that brooks no foreign interference. No matter how many weapons the US provides to the Taiwan region, it will neither change the historic course of China's reunification, nor weaken the Chinese people's firm will in safeguarding our national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We urge the US to seriously honor its commitment to one-China and not supporting "Taiwan independence", stop arming Taiwan and causing a dangerous trend, stop creating factors that could heighten tensions in the Taiwan Strait, and stop conniving at and supportingatheaseparatists' attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" by force. China will and must be reunited. China will take resolute and strong measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity and take countermeasures against relevant companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing Youth Daily: US Secretary of State Blinken issued a statement on Dec 15 saying that the US rejects China's attempt to use cash awards to threaten and harass "those advocating freedom and democracy" and urges Hong Kong authorities to respect the protected rights and freedoms enumerated in the Basic Law. Does China have any response? Wang Wenbin: We firmly oppose US slandering of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and interference in the rule of law of the Hong Kong SAR. Those anti-China rioters who have fled overseas are suspected of endangering national security. Based on facts and in accordance with the law, the Hong Kong SAR issued arrest warrants for these fugitives. This is the right thing to do and is in line with the international law and customary practice. The US' own national security legislation also has extraterritorial effect. By bolstering the rioters from Hong Kong, the US has not only trampled the rule of law in Hong Kong but also once again exposed its long-standing double standards on human rights and the rule of law. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs that brook no external interference. We urge the US to reflect on its own behavior and respect China's sovereignty and rule of law in Hong Kong. The US shouldn't be a haven for criminals. China is determined to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests. The attempts to interfere in Hong Kong's affairs and undermine the rule of law in Hong Kong will not succeed. China News Service: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in an interview on December 16 that a more assertive China posed a real challenge to its neighbors in Asia; the South China Sea situation is the most complex geopolitical challenge that the world faces; the Philippines and Japan are having increasing collaboration and should carry out trilateral cooperation with the US. What is China's response to this? Wang Wenbin: Over the past few months, it has been the Philippines who is breaching the common understandings with China and heightening tensions in the South China Sea; it is the Philippines who has attempted to change the current status of Ren'ai Jiao and make it a fait accompli; and it is the Philippines who has on every occasion courted external forces to put pressure on China. No matter what smokescreen the Philippines uses and what blame game it plays, nothing will change those facts: The Philippines promised to tow away the warship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Jiao 24 years ago. But 24 years on, the warship is still there. China and the Philippines had agreed to properly manage the issue of Ren'ai Jiao and thereby kept things stable at sea. However, over the course of this year, the Philippines has gone back on its words and kept sending government and military vessels into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao to supply construction materials for the large-scale repair and reinforcement of the "grounded" warship and permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao. This is what has caused tensions between China and the Philippines. The Philippines, bolstered by external support, has brushed aside China's goodwill and restraint and repeatedly challenged China's principles and red line. This is the major risk that could drive up tensions at sea. China remains committed to upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries. That being said, China will not weaken in its resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We hope the Philippines will realize that tying itself to some major power and forcing China to back down on issues concerning China's core interests will lead nowhere. Ultimately, it is the Philippines' own interests and the region's peace and stability that will take the toll. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Jimmy Lai's security trial begins in Hong Kong amid international uproar The pro-democracy media tycoon has been in jail for three years, accused of 'collusion with foreign forces.' By Gigi Lee and Ng Ting Hong for RFA Cantonese, Gao Feng for RFA Mandarin, Taejun Kang for RFA 2023.12.18 -- Hong Kong pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai appeared in court Monday on the first day of a weeks-long national security trial, as members of the public and journalists queued for a seat in the gallery, watched over by armed police patrolling the area with bomb-detecting sniffer dogs. The 76-year-old Lai, who has been behind bars for nearly three years, was escorted to the West Kowloon Law Courts Building by officers of the Correctional Emergency Response Team, known as the "Black Panthers." In the dock, Lai appeared calm and relaxed in a gray suit-jacket and open-necked shirt, occasionally waving, smiling or nodding to familiar faces in the public gallery, as the U.K. and U.S. governments called for his immediate release. Lai faces two counts of "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces" and one count of "collusion with foreign forces" under a draconian security law imposed by Beijing in the wake of the 2019 protest movement, along with a charge relating to "seditious" publications. Much of the prosecution's evidence -- in a trial that will take place before a panel of government-appointment judges and no jury -- centers on opinion articles published in Lai's now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. Beijing imposed the law -- which criminalizes public criticism of the authorities -- as part of a crackdown on massive pro-democracy protests in 2019, insisting that the move was necessary to quell unrest. Lai has been an outspoken supporter of the pro-democracy movement, and several editors at his former paper are also awaiting sentencing for calling for international sanctions in columns and opinion pieces. The law, which applies to speech and actions anywhere in the world, criminalizes several broadly defined offenses including secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist activities, all of which carry maximum penalties of life imprisonment, and has been widely criticized by rights groups and governments for decimating the city's promised rights and freedoms under Chinese rule. Despite warnings last week from security chief Chris Tang of "firm action" against anyone seen as "disturbing" the legal proceedings, dozens of people lined up overnight for one of the 400 seats in the public gallery, in a bid to show their support in the only way they can without running afoul of the law themselves. Some shouted out "Support Jimmy Lai!" in English as they entered the building, which will relay proceedings across multiple courtrooms. No acquittal seen Few who waited outside expected Lai to be acquitted, in a case presided over by government-picked national security judges Esther Toh, Alex Lee and Susana D'Almada Remedios and no jury. "I'm pretty clear in my mind ... as to the outcome of this case," one man who gave only the initials JC told RFA Cantonese. "But I figured I might see and hear something different to what you read in the media if I came to the court in person," he said. "I'm not very hopeful, but about 1% of me still hopes to see justice done." A man who gave only the surname Sung said he was there to show support for Lai, who he described as suffering alongside the rest of Hong Kong's people. "He's suffering in court, and we're suffering here outside the court -- we're all suffering together," he said. Key pro-democracy figures also turned up to show support, including outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen and former pro-democracy lawmaker Emily Lau. "I'm here to support Jimmy Lai," Lau said. "I hope that he and the others on trial or awaiting trial will get a fair and open trial." A number of diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Switzerland lined up alongside Lai's supporters, but declined requests for comment. Police corralled more than 100 journalists into a cordoned-off area dozens of meters from the door, preventing them from dashing across to shoot photos or video of key figures attending the trial, and limiting their access to the prison van that brought Lai to the court. Lai has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his defense attorney Robert Pang spent most of the first session arguing that the charges brought under a colonial-era sedition law had passed the statute of limitations. The trial, which has been repeatedly delayed as the government contested Lai's use of London-based King's Counsel Timothy Owen, prompted calls for Lai's immediate release in London and Washington. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he was "gravely concerned" about the trial on Sunday, calling for the immediate release of Lai, a British citizen. "As a prominent and outspoken journalist and publisher, Jimmy Lai has been targeted in a clear attempt to stop the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and association," Cameron said in a statement, adding that the security law was in breach of the commitments China made to Hong Kong when it resumed sovereignty over the territory in 1997. 'Sham' trial The 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration included a promise to retain Hong Kong's rights and freedoms for 50 years following the 1997 handover. "I urge the Chinese authorities to repeal the National Security Law and end the prosecution of all individuals charged under it," Cameron said. "I call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their prosecution and release Jimmy Lai." Separately, the United States called for Lai's immediate release and condemned the prosecution. "Lai has been held in pre-trial detention for more than 1,000 days, and Hong Kong and Beijing authorities have denied him his choice of legal representation," U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. "We call on Hong Kong authorities to immediately release Jimmy Lai and all others imprisoned for defending their rights." Rep. Mike Gallagher, chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party denounced what he called a "sham trial" against Lai "on dubious charges" that showed how Beijing had destroyed Hong Kong's freedoms. "In reality, his only crime was fighting for freedom and democracy in his beloved home of Hong Kong," he said in a statement. "It's time for the U.S. government to take action and recognize that there is no difference between the CCP's control of Hong Kong and of the mainland PRC." Ahead of the trial, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists also released a statement, calling for the city to release Lai, while Human Rights Watch condemned the trial as a "travesty." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Mike Firn and Luisetta Mudie. Update adds comments from U.S. lawmaker. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Silence, inaction enable Hong Kong police bounties, says activist Wanted activist Frances Hui calls for multilateral cooperation to counter Beijing's overseas infiltration. By Ching Fung and Ray Chung for RFA Cantonese, Chen Zifei for RFA Mandarin 2023.12.18 -- Hong Kong democracy activist Frances Hui has called for an international effort to combat the threat of Beijing's "long-arm" law enforcement beyond its borders, saying recent bounties on her and other activists' heads are deliberately intended to create a "chilling effect" on activists everywhere. Hui, who was among five overseas Hong Kong activists added to the city's growing wanted list last week, blamed a "failure of policy" and lack of international coordination for the threat posed by Chinese Communist Party activities far beyond China's borders. "The Hong Kong government deliberately took a high-profile way to issue bounties for the arrest of overseas activists. Not for no reason," she told a recent online seminar for the Hudson Institute. "They wanted to create a chilling effect on the community at large, and to isolate us." "The situation in Hong Kong has not gotten better ... the government has continued to unleash egregious acts in violating people's freedom and human rights," Hui said. "The silence and inadequate action by the international community is what have enabled this," Hui said, citing a failure of U.S. policy and a "lack of multilateral cooperation among democracies." Hui, the first Hong Kong activist to be granted political asylum in the United States, cited attacks on pro-democracy demonstrators at the APEC Summit in San Francisco last month as the latest example of threats faced by exiled activists. Followed and intimidated She recalled being targeted by death threats from fellow students, spied upon by Chinese agents and tailed to her dorm as a student in Boston, but said the university never took action against the students who had tried to intimidate her for holding rallies and demonstrations in sympathy with the 2019 protest movement. "Throughout the time I was organizing these rallies, I was being tailed," Hui told the seminar. "One time I was tailed to my dorm, and I got death threats from schoolmates in the same college. To my knowledge, nobody has gotten into any trouble from that." "The school administration didn't hold the student accountable," Hui said, blaming the heavy reliance on tuition fees from Chinese international students by universities in the U.S. and other democratic countries. "It made it even more challenging for me as a Hong Konger, or my friends who were Uyghurs, Tibetans, Taiwanese, or Chinese mainlanders who hold different views," she said. "Many of them are scared to speak up in their classrooms, even though they're in the U.S.." Hui added: "[With] this kind of transnational repression, the chilling effects apply everywhere [beyond] the border of China." "Everyone here is feeling [like they're] being watched, and they don't feel comfortable to speak up, whether it's in the U.S. or in China or in Hong Kong," she said. "At that time, I wanted to use my voice to speak up for them, but then what I got is more harassment and intimidation, and I was being spied [on] by Chinese agents." Eventually, the FBI indicted one of the agents who had been spying on her, but others who were also involved just got away with it, Hui said. Recent arrests Hui also cited the arrests last week of four people for subscribing to exiled former pro-democracy lawmakers Nathan Law and Ted Hui on online platforms, although police didn't reveal how they came by their subscription records. "Between December 2020 and November 2023, the four arrested persons were suspected of providing pecuniary assistance via online crowdfunding platform to two wanted persons, who have engaged in secessionist activities and absconded overseas, and the amount involved ranged from some $10,000 to $120,000," the police said in a statement, adding that the four are being "detained for further enquiries." "Police remind the public that it is an offense for any person to incite, assist in, abet or provide pecuniary or other financial assistance or property to another person, by any means whatsoever (including through online platform), for committing offenses endangering national security," the statement said. "The national security police used to say publishing and reposting [content] could be a crime, but now they're saying that subscribing to content is a crime," he said. "Can people commit a crime by liking a post?" he said.+ Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee defended plans to extend the city's national security legislation, which already criminalizes criticism of the Hong Kong and Chinese governments anywhere in the world, saying it is no different to any other city or jurisdiction. "When people try to break into our houses, we only want to have good locks," Lee told reporters shortly after meeting with ruling Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping. "So if ... you don't break into my house, then everything will be fine," he said. 'Fear campaign' Meanwhile, Taiwan-based Photon Media, which reports more freely on Hong Kong from the democratic island than it would be able to back home under the national security law, said they are concerned by the development and its implications for their subscriptions. "Our readers are in Hong Kong, and we are a small media organization that relies heavily on reader support and subscriptions," Photon founder and former Apple Daily reporter Shirley Leung told Radio Free Asia. "Without them, we would soon collapse." "If they continue to expand ... their fear campaign, I think it will really have an impact on us," she said. More recently, attacks on pro-democracy protesters by supporters of Beijing during the APEC Summit met with little concern by local police, creating more of a "chilling effect" for overseas voices from Hong Kong, Hui said. "It's crazy to see that the local police were not putting their time and effort into protecting the people who were protesting there peacefully, and [instead] let the people who were violently attacking other protesters get away," she said. "We need to increase protection to everyone across the country," she said, citing the involvement of Chinese student associations, which work with Chinese Embassy and consular officials, who she said pay people to turn out for pro-Beijing demonstrations. "The truth is, the CCP's long arm is everywhere," Hui said. Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The limits of a Russia-China partnership that claims to have none Xi, Putin have made common cause against the US, but their complex ties are rooted in self-interest. By Luna Pham for RFA 2023.12.18 -- Three weeks before Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine last year, President Vladimir Putin traveled to Beijing for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping - an event shunned by Western leaders. In a 5,300-word joint statement issued the same day, Xi and Putin said their friendship had "no limits" - a declaration that caused a wave of unease in the West. It signaled that the world's two preeminent authoritarian powers were making common cause. Beijing was also Putin's first overseas visit outside the former Soviet Union in October since an arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court against him for war crimes in Ukraine. In recent years, the China-Russia relationship has deepened as the two nations have sought a new world order against their common rival, the United States. However, since the war began, China has avoided providing direct military aid to Russia. Bilateral ties between the two powers are more complex and nuanced than meets the eye. Moscow's association with China has a long and storied past that pre-dates the rise of the Chinese Communist Party to power in Beijing seven decades ago. Kuomintang's Soviet bride In the early afternoon on Dec. 15, 2004, Chiang Fang-liang - widow of former Taiwanese President Chiang Ching-kuo - died of respiratory and cardiac failure at a hospital in Taipei at age 88. She had lived a quiet, lonely life as a member of Taiwan's first family. Her husband and three sons all passed before her. Born Faina Vakhreva in the Russian Empire, she was a member of the Soviet Union's Communist Youth League and met her future husband when they both worked at a factory in Siberia. They married in 1935. A few years before that, Chiang's father, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, led the Chinese nationalist party Kuomintang to power in mainland China. Yet in 1949, the victory of the Communists drove the Chiang family and their government to retreat to the island of Taiwan, where Fang-liang lived and died. The Soviet Union, and Russia afterwards, have had little contact with Taiwan, but the Chiang family's Russian connection served as a reminder of how much influence the Soviets once had over the politics across the Taiwan Strait. Chiang Ching-kuo arrived in the USSR aged 15 and spent 12 years there. He embraced the life of a Soviet Marxist, even adopted a Russian name - Nikolai Vladimirovich - after Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the first leader of the USSR. The Kuomintang, founded in 1912 by Sun Yat-sen, for a long time received support and aid from the Soviet Union. However, during the Chinese Civil War (1927-1949) the Soviets turned to support the Communists who defeated the Nationalists and established the People's Republic of China. In his memoir "My Days in Soviet Russia," Chiang Ching-kuo recalled his time as being "completely isolated from China, I was not even allowed to mail a letter," and those long years were "the most difficult" of his life. All his requests to return to the mainland were rejected by the authorities, according to Russian historians Alexander Larin and Alexander Lukin, as Chiang was virtually held hostage by Lenin's successor as Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. Chiang and his small family were allowed to leave the USSR in 1937 when in China the Kuomintang and the Communists formed a new alliance to fight against a Japanese invasion that presaged World War II. That was a lucky escape for them as the Soviet country was undergoing a period of extreme political repression known as the Great Purge, during which hundreds of thousands of Stalin's political opponents were removed and eliminated. From then until her final days, Chiang's Russian wife would never set foot in her motherland again. The years in the Soviet Union led Chiang Ching-kuo "to examine socialism with a more critical eye, and contributed to his evolution towards anti-communism," argued Larin and Lukin, who said that the failure of the Soviet economic system played a part in Taiwan's transition to market reforms under Chiang's premiership during the 1970s. And not only in Taiwan, "eventually, the Chinese communists in mainland China arrived at the same conclusion" about the Soviet economic model, according to the Russian authors. "Deng Xiaoping, the architect of mainland Chinese economic reforms, was a classmate of Chiang ... and had a similar although much shorter experience in the USSR," they wrote. Good neighbors From the 1960s to the 1990s, the Sino-USSR relationship was marked by turbulence, including a seven-month border conflict in 1969. Mao Zedong's China condemned Moscow for "betraying communism" while the Soviet Union withdrew all economic assistance to Beijing. It only warmed up after Mikhail Gorbachev became the general secretary of the USSR Communist Party and initiated the political and social reform called perestroika. After the Soviet Union dissolved, China recognized the Russian Federation as its legal successor on Dec. 24, 1991. Moscow and Beijing signed a Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation 10 years later, paving the way for a new chapter in their special partnership. A joint statement on the 20th anniversary of the treaty in 2021 said that Russian-Chinese relations "have reached the highest level in their history." "The Russian-Chinese relations are based on equality, deep mutual trust, commitment to international law, support in defending each other's core interests, the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. Officially, Sino-Russia ties are described as a "comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new era," according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. China has been Russia's largest trading partner since 2010, with two-way trade reaching US$140.7 billion in 2021 and $134.1 billion in the first seven months of 2023. The target is $200 billion or more in 2023. Russia is the second-largest oil supplier to China, after Saudi Arabia, with 86.3 million tons sold in 2022. China also bought 68.1 million tons of coal from Russia last year. And China is one of the largest foreign investors in Russia. The head of the Russian government, Mikhail Mishutin, told Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a visit in May that there are currently 79 joint projects in both countries totaling more than $165 billion. "Russia is interested in a stable and prosperous China, and China is interested in a strong and successful Russia," official documents from both sides said. But mutual economic interests aside, "shared threat perceptions" lie at the core of their bilateral relations, according to Ian Storey, a scholar at the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. "Moscow and Beijing view the United States' primacy as contrary to their national interests and a threat to regime survival," Storey said. In his opinion, the Russian and Chinese leaderships believe the U.S. is pursuing a containment strategy against them and is "determined to overthrow their authoritarian political systems by orchestrating 'color revolutions.'" Alliance or not? In response, Moscow and Beijing have been boosting their military cooperation, raising questions about whether it amounts to a kind of military alliance. In 2020, Putin was asked at a meeting if such an alliance was conceivable. He responded that both Russia and China "have always believed that our relations have reached such a level of cooperation and trust that it is not necessary." "We have achieved a high level of cooperation in the defense industry - I am not only talking about the exchange or the purchase and sale of military products, but the sharing of technologies, which is perhaps most important," Putin said. Analysts say that disparities in power between them may prevent the formation of an alliance. Alexander Gabuev, a Russian expert from the Carnegie Endowment think tank, wrote that "if for Russia, under sanctions from the West, China is becoming an increasingly important partner that would be hard to replace." But he added that for Beijing, "Moscow could easily be supplanted, since most of what it supplies China with could be bought elsewhere." "In addition, U.S. and EU sanctions are gradually making Russia depend on China for strategic civilian technology, such as 5G systems," the Russian expert said, referring to a type of high-speed mobile internet network. "Moscow and Beijing are well aware that their interests don't always coincide," Gabuev said, "Neither side wishes to risk getting drawn into a major conflict over the interests of its partner." However, the joint statement on the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation in 2021 stated: "While not being a military and political alliance, such as those formed during the Cold War, the Russian-Chinese relations exceed this form of interstate interaction." Even without a formal alliance, military and military-technical cooperation between the two countries have strengthened in recent years, although the limits of that cooperation have become apparent since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Frequent visitors Putin and Xi have met a whopping 42 times in the last 10 years. Putin has visited China 22 times, more often than any other world leader. For his part, Xi has visited Russia nine times, more than any other country. The last time Xi was in Moscow was in March, on his first foreign trip since being re-elected for a rare third term. A year before that and just before Moscow invaded Ukraine, Xi and Putin announced the "friendship without limits" between the two countries. There would be "no forbidden areas" of bilateral cooperation. But since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, China has provided almost no material support to Russia's military campaign. Beijing has, however, supported Moscow rhetorically, echoing its description of the invasion as a "special military operation," provoked by NATO expansion. China also abstained from a U.N. resolution that condemned Russia's action. Earlier this year, Beijing released a 12-point "Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis," which is said to aim at mediating a peace. The paper neither condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine nor regards Russia's withdrawal as a precondition for peace, and has not brought any tangible success. Vassily Kashin, a Russian expert on the Chinese military, said there were no signs that China wanted to change its long-standing position of not arming Russia during the Ukraine war. The U.S has warned China of severe sanctions if it were to supply weapons to Russia. "If China sees that it will lose more than gain from some actions to support Russia, such actions are never taken," Kashin said. "This is why China has refrained from selling Russia weapons, even in spite of the fact that Chinese weapons would likely be a complete game changer on the battlefield in Ukraine." Bedfellows While sitting on the fence about the war and claiming impartiality, Beijing seems to be in a unique position to benefit from the gap in the global arms market left by Russia, which has to divert its weapons production to the battlefield. "Since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine in February 2022 fewer and fewer countries will be interested in buying Russian equipment," Ian Storey from the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, who has studied the Russia-China military ties for many years, said. China's defense industry could stand to benefit. Six of the 15 largest defense companies in the world now are from China, according to a list compiled by Defense News, a website focusing on the defense industry. "Many sophisticated Chinese systems are derived from Russian counterparts, and mid- and long-range air defense systems are among the most sought-after capabilities by Russia's customers," Defense News said. Ian Chong, a political scientist from the National University of Singapore, said that there is a debate over China's strategic calculations. "Some claim that Beijing wants a junior partner in Russia that can distract the United States and its allies while providing energy and key minerals. Others see a weak Russia as a potential liability to China," Chong said. Whichever claim proves to be true, it seems that the roles in the Moscow-Beijing tryst have now reversed. Putin may want to read a memorandum of a meeting at the White House in June 1980, where the then-U.S. Ambassador to the USSR Thomas J. Watson, Jr. told President Jimmy Carter that in his opinion "the Chinese have a tendency to jump around from bed to bed," warning him about Beijing's propensity for strategic and political calculus. Edited by Mat Pennington and Jim Snyder Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi hears report from Macao SAR chief executive People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:02, December 19, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Monday met with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing. During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Ho on Macao's current situation and the Macao SAR government's work. Lauding Ho's work over the past year, Xi said Ho has led the Macao SAR government in diligently performing its duties, staying results-oriented and hard-working, successfully finishing the amending of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Macao SAR, and taking orderly steps to advance the work to amend the region's laws for electing its chief executive and legislative council. He also noted that the Macao SAR government has strengthened the management of the region's gaming sector and formulated Macao's first comprehensive plan for its diversified development. New achievements have been made in advancing the construction of the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, and international exchanges and cooperation have been further expanded, Xi said, adding that Macao has achieved a rapid economic recovery while maintaining social harmony and stability. Xi said the central authorities fully acknowledged the work of Ho and the Macao SAR government. The central authorities will, as always, fully, firmly and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" policy, and fully implement the principle of "patriots administering Macao," Xi said. Xi stressed that the central authorities will fully support the chief executive and the Macao SAR government to unite and lead people from all sectors of society in seizing the historic opportunities brought about by the nation's development, continuing to advance the successful practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics, and embracing the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland with new fruits of development. Li Qiang, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Shi Taifeng, Chen Wenqing, Xia Baolong and other senior officials attended the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address N Korea fires long-range ballistic missile The missile had the capability of reaching the United States, a Japanese official said. By Lee Jeong-Ho and Alex Willemyns for RFA 2023.12.17 -- North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that a Japanese official said on Monday had a range that could reach the United States. The long-range ballistic missile, or ICBM, was fired from near Pyongyang at 8:24 a.m., South Korea's Joint Chief of Staff said in a statement Monday. The JCS added they were currently analyzing data with the U.S. authorities to determine what type of ICBM it was. In a later statement, the JCS said the missile was launched at a high angle, traveling around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) before landing off its eastern coast. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the United States condemned the latest launch and appealed to the international community to heap pressure on Pyongyang to end its ballistic missile program. "These launches are in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, they pose a threat to the DPRK's neighbors and undermine regional security," Miller said at a press briefing on Monday. "We urge all countries to condemn these violations and to fully implement relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, which are in place to impede the DPRK's unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs," he said. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that he spoke with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts following the launch and "reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan and the ROK," using an acronym for the South's formal name. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that he had instructed officials to carry out safety checks throughout Japan in the wake of the launch, but said that "so far, no damage has been reported." Japan's Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defence Shingo Miyake said that the missile launched by North Korea had the capacity to reach the United States, "based on calculations of its flight trajectory." "The ICBM-class ballistic missile launched this time has a range of more than 15,000 km, depending on the weight of the warhead, and in that case, it can reach anywhere in the United States," Miyake said. South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, meanwhile, responded to the launch by suspending parts of a 2018 agreement with the North intended to reduce military tensions. He said South Korea would resume surveillance flights along the shared border, which was banned under the deal. Fair warnings The launch came just two days after South Korea's first deputy director of the National Security Office, Kim Tae-hyo, indicated in Washington that North Korea was likely to test launch an ICBM capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads to the United States mainland within this month. Separately, Seoul and Washington held the U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) last week and agreed to conduct nuclear operation exercises in August next year, in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. North Korea has long considered the allies' joint military drills involving U.S. strategic assets as a direct threat to its regime security, often labeling it as an "invasion practice." South Korea and the U.S., on the other hand, have long said the drills are defensive in nature. In July, North Korea conducted its second test of the Hwasong-18, a solid-fuel ICBM, which is quicker to prepare and harder to detect than liquid-fueled missiles. This followed earlier tests in the year, including the Hwasong-17 in March and the Hwasong-15 in February, both of which are claimed to be capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul who has advised the South Korean government believes that the launch appears to show Pyongyang's clear intent on its strong counter-response stance, asserting its military dominance over the Korean peninsula. "Particularly, it appears that North Korea is aiming to engage the United States in nuclear disarmament negotiations under its status as a nuclear power," said Yang. "In 2024, Pyongyang is expected even further to ramp up its military demonstrations against the U.S. This could include the launch of additional reconnaissance satellites, the firing of medium-range missiles with solid fuel, the launch of ICBMs at normal trajectories, and the deployment of submarine-launched ballistic missiles," he added. The latest launch came just 10 hours after the North fired a short-range ballistic missile off its eastern coast late Sunday. The missile, also launched near Pyongyang, flew around 570 kilometers (354 miles), according to the South's JCS. Given the trajectory of the ballistic missile, it appears that its probable target was the USS Missouri (SSN-780), a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine that had arrived at a naval base in Busan earlier that day. The straight-line distance from Sunan Airport in Pyongyang to Busan is around 550 kilometers. The North's defense ministry issued a statement through the official Korean Central News Agency on Sunday, criticizing the agreement of the U.S.-South Korea NCG meeting as an "overt declaration of nuclear confrontation." Regarding the arrival of the USS Missouri in Busan, the ministry also stated that such a "precarious situation is adding urgency for our military to adopt a more aggressive response strategy." To better deal with North Korea threats, the U.S. on Thursday reaffirmed its joint plan with South Korea and Japan to launch a real-time warning data system for North Korean missiles within this month. The establishment of the system was agreed upon during a summit of the three allies in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November last 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 had not yet been implemented for Monday's launch, without elaborating further. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn. Updated to include reaction from the U.S., Japanese and South Korean governments. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with the National Security Advisors of the Republic of Korea and Japan Following the DPRK's ICBM Test December 17, 2023 National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke this evening with National Security Office Director Cho Taeyong of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba Takeo of Japan following the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) Intercontinental ballistic missile test. The national security advisors condemned the test, which is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan and the ROK, and the national security advisors agreed that their engagement was an important exercise of the Commitment to Consult made at the historic Camp David Trilateral Summit in August. They noted that their December 9 National Security Advisors trilateral meeting in Seoul a the fourth such meeting of the Biden Administration a had allowed them to strengthen their coordination and resolve against continued DPRK provocations. They also underscored the importance of their work to share missile warning data and to coordinate responses to growing cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KCNA Commentary Lashes out at South Korean Puppets' Anti-DPRK Moves Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, December 18 (KCNA) -- Recently, the south Korean puppet military warmongers are getting more frantic in their rackets of confrontation against the DPRK. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the puppet forces found himself at the puppet army units on Yonphyong Island and its vicinity. While talking about the "abrogation of the September 19 North-South Military Agreement", he cried for so-called "punishment", terming the just military measures taken by the DPRK "provocation". In addition, other brass hats of the south Korean puppet military called for "punishing the enemy immediately, resolutely and to the end if it provokes" at a "meeting of major army commanding officers" and other confabs. And at the "south Korea-U.S. combined forces command" they bootlicked their master as befitting a "faithful dog", talking about the overwhelming capability of the "south Korea-U.S. alliance". Not content with this, they are conducting the wartime combined special operation drill and combined science combat drill in collusion with their U.S. masters, clinging to the anti-DPRK confrontation racket till the last moments of the year. This cannot be construed otherwise than bravado and bluffing of those who have pulled out the "last security ring" called the North-South Military Agreement, not content with driving the security environment of the Korean peninsula to an uncontrollable extreme phase. A touch-and-go situation is prevailing on the Korean peninsula due to the sycophantic, treacherous and irresponsible moves of the group of traitors. The international community is branding the south Korean puppet group's unilateral scrapping of the north-south military agreement at the instigation of the U.S. under the pretext of the DPRK's reconnaissance satellite launch as an "unreasonable and reckless measure" and "the crudest measure of retaliation", and warning that "there is a danger to be expanded into large-scale conflict". Uneasiness and terror are growing among the inhabitants in the areas along the Military Demarcation Line in the region of south Korean puppets where they say that "after the September 19 military agreement was nullified, tensions are growing in the area along the Military Demarcation Line", "the security pin of peace disappeared" and "a war may be ignited any moment". And the puppet political circle and experts, too, are denouncing the puppet group of traitors for bringing the disaster of war to this land again. It is said that a frightened dog barks noisier. The puppet group's disgusting rash act does not deserve even a passing note but if they go on its noisy barking, they can meet an unexpected stroke of misfortune. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea test-fires ballistic missile capable of reaching US: Seoul Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 4:28 PM South Korea says the North has test-fired its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), theoretically capable of reaching anywhere in the United States. According to officials in South Korea and Japan, Pyongyang launched two missilesaone short-range- in the 24 hours leading up to Monday morning. "The ICBM-class ballistic missile launched this time, if calculated based on the trajectory, depending on the weight of warhead, could have a flying range of over 15,000km [9,320 miles]," said Japan's Shingo Miyake, the parliamentary vice minister of defense. The short-range missile was launched from the Pyongyang area towards the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, with the test taking place at about 10:38pm, according to South Korea. The projectile flew for about 570 kilometers before falling into the sea northwest of Tokyo. Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, told CNN that the test was likely the third of the Hwasong-18 missile, a powerful solid-fueled ICBM North Korea also launched in April and July. He said it shows a maturing North Korean missile program. "If this is indeed the third successful flight test in a row, that would be a good record of reliability." The country's leader Kim Jong-Un said after the April test that the ICBM would provide the country with a "powerful strategic attack means" and boost its nuclear capabilities. North Korea also tested the liquid-fueled Hwasong-17 ICBM back in March. But the Hwasong-18, which is solid-fueled, is more stable, and can be moved more easily to avoid detection before a launch that can be initiated in a matter of minutes, according to experts. They say Pyongyang's advancement from the Hwasong-17 last year to the Hwasong-18 this year suggests its missile program is making progress. North Korea has not confirmed details of Monday's launches, but the country's state media KCNA published a statement by the country's Defense Ministry spokesperson shortly after the report by Seoul, condemning what they called "reckless military provocations" by the US and South Korea. The spokesperson also cited the arrival of the US attack submarine USS Missouri in South Korea last week, saying that Washington has "hatched a dangerous plot for a nuclear war." Pyongyang has previously warned that the US is increasing provocations of a "nuclear war" by deploying nuclear-capable bombers to the region. It said that US nuclear assets stationed in the Korean peninsula will become Pyongyang's "first targets for destruction" in the event of an actual conflict. The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programs since it first conducted a nuclear test in 2006. The country has been under harsh sanctions by the United States and the United Nations Security Council for years. But the North last year declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear program, which it says is defensive. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address N Korea confirms ICBM launch, vows 'assertive' nuclear stance Following the launch, US and allies activated the trilateral missile warning data-sharing system. By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.12.18 -- North Korea confirmed Tuesday it test-fired a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) the previous day. Pyongyang vowed that it may adopt a more assertive nuclear stance against the United States, as the U.S. and its regional allies activated a real-time missile warning data-sharing system to more effectively address the North's evolving nuclear threat. The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency clarified that the ICBM fired on Dec. 18 was a Hwasong-18 series, its latest model, with the test-launch reaching a "maximum apogee of 6,518.2 kilometers, flying a distance of 1,002.3 kilometers [622 miles] over a duration of 4,415 seconds" before hitting its target off its eastern coast. "The results of this exercise are a practical demonstration of the terrifying offensive power and absolute nuclear war deterrence that our national military possesses," said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as cited by KCNA. "When our enemies continue to make wrong choices, we must undoubtedly respond more assertively with evolved and more threatening methods," he added. Following the ICBM launch, the U.S., South Korea and Japan activated the trilateral real-time missile warning data-sharing system, according to the South's defense ministry Tuesday. Radio Free Asia reported on Dec. 14 that the activation would take place within this week. The system enables the trio to exchange real-time data on North Korean missiles, covering three main aspects: launch point estimation, flight path, and predicted impact site. This information is shared from the moment a North Korean missile is launched until it impacts, the ministry said. Previously, South Korea and Japan exchanged information about North Korea's missile activities only via the U.S., leading to slower data sharing and restricting their ability for immediate and synchronized responses. The implementation of real-time data sharing could improve the allies' responsiveness -- as South Korea, due to its geographical proximity, has the advantage of detecting the North's launches first, while Japan benefits from its location, on tracking the flight trajectories of the missiles. South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yoel also confirmed that information sharing has now begun to operate full swing. "We will ensure strong support so that our people can continue to carry out economic and social activities without any concerns about the North Korean nuclear threat," Yoon said during a Tuesday cabinet meeting. Separately, in response to Pyongyang's latest provocation, Yoo nissued a warning to North Korea, saying that Pyongyang would "come to realize that this will only bring greater pain upon themselves." South Korea's Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said Monday that ongoing provocations from North Korea may prompt South Korea and the U.S. to conduct a decapitation operation exercise, targeting the elimination of Kim Jong Un. North Korea has consistently expressed strong opposition to this drill, calling it an "invasion practice," viewing it as a direct threat to its regime's security. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul who has advised the South Korean government said that the Kim regime is using the enhancement of U.S.-South Korea extended deterrence as a pretext for its ICBM launch, demonstrating a continued commitment to strengthening its national defense. "Considering the possibility of Trump's return in the next U.S. presidential election, North Korea seems to be positioning its advanced nuclear weapons development as a bargaining chip to start nuclear disarmament talks with the U.S. in 2024," said Yang, highlighting the political reasoning behind the missile launch. "Intense military provocations against the U.S. are expected to continue, possibly involving activities such as the launching of additional reconnaissance satellites, firing of medium-range missiles using solid fuel, launching of ICBMs along standard trajectories, development of nuclear submarines, and testing of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs)." Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea Commemorates Death of Kim Jong Il With Ballistic Missile Launch Sputnik News 20231218 The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has ramped up its defensive capabilities in recent years as the United States has sought an expanded presence in the region. The DPRK made a highly-visible show of force Sunday when it fired a short-range ballistic missile on the 12th anniversary of the death of ex-leader Kim Jong Il. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff announced the incident shortly after the missile's launch at about 10:38 pm. Although South Korean National Security Advisor Kim Tae-hyo had recently speculated the North could fire an intercontinental ballistic missile in the coming days, the projectile was confirmed as a short-range variety. The missile reportedly flew about 570 kilometers before landing in the sea. "While elevating our alert readiness, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture by closely sharing data on the 'North Korean ballistic missile' with the United States and Japan," said the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement. Seoul is working with the US and Japan to launch a system by the end of the year to share data on the North's missile launches. Meanwhile, the DPRK's defense ministry released a statement slamming the recent Nuclear Consultative Group meeting held between South Korea and the United States, calling it "an open declaration on nuclear confrontation. "The hostile forces'... attempt to use armed forces against the DPRK will face a preemptive and deadly counteraction," read the missive, which denounced the US' sending of military assets to the Korean Peninsula this year. The United States has increased their presence in the region recently under the pretext of countering China as well as the DPRK. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has condemned the actions as preparation for another invasion of the North. Launched in 1950, the Korean War saw elements in the South join with the United States to wreak devastation on the North. The war led to widespread destruction in modern-day North Korea. Census records suggest the North lost one-fifth of their population during the war, a figure confirmed by US General Curtis LeMay. "We went over there and fought the war and eventually burned down every town in North Korea anyway, some way or another," recalled the military leader. "Over a period of three years or so, we killed off, what, 20 percent of the population?" The war led to the balkanization of the Korean Peninsula and lasting hostility from the DPRK towards the United States. A dictatorship endured in the South until the late 1980s. North Korean leadership has consistently proclaimed their desire for reunification with the South although deep divisions remain between the regimes governing on each side of the 38th parallel. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea missile tests: Minister Trevelyan's statement, December 2023 UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, responds to North Korea missile tests. 18 December 2023 UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan: The UK condemns the latest launches of an Intercontinental ballistic missile on 18 December and a short range ballistic missile on 17 December by North Korea; these actions clearly breach multiple UN Security Resolutions. This repeated escalation of testing is deeply damaging for regional stability and further destabilises the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula. The UK strongly urges North Korea to refrain from illegal launches, return to dialogue swiftly and to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Clear Display of DPRK Strategic Forces' Toughest Retaliation Will and Overwhelming Strength Launch Drill of ICBM Hwasongpho-18 Conducted Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, December 19 (KCNA) -- The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) gave an order to take a powerful warning measure under the grave situation, in which the hostile forces' anti-DPRK military threat that has persisted for the whole of this year is getting evermore undisguised and dangerous even at this moment of year-end December. On December 15, the U.S. and the military gangsters of the Republic of Korea held a nuclear war confab called the second meeting of the "Nuclear Consultative Group" in Washington and openly revealed their intention to conduct large-scale joint drills under the simulated conditions of an actual war of "nuclear retaliatory strike" at the DPRK, again crying out for the "end of its regime". Such reckless behavior of the enemies, posing evident threat to the security of the Korean peninsula and the region under the eyes of the world this year, is further touching off the strong resentment of the government and armed forces of the DPRK and their will to take the toughest retaliation. The enemies have determinedly strained the regional situation by staging various kinds of escalated military drills targeting the DPRK every month since January, recording the largest-ever level. And they are now loudly announcing the planned war drills aggressive in nature to be further detailed in the new year. The present situation clearly shows the inveterate confrontation stand of the U.S. and its predominant stooges keen on their unchangeable instinctive and constitutional ambition for aggression and predicts a black augury of total destruction of the security environment in the Korean peninsula to be further aggravated. What should not be overlooked is the fact that the U.S. again dispatched its nuclear-powered submarine Missouri to the Korean peninsula, as an extremely provocative action, on Dec. 17 to pose a more grave threat to the security environment of the DPRK and the region, loudly advertising about it, not content with the frequent deployment of nuclear war hardware of various kinds including nuclear strategic bombers, super-large strategic nuclear submarine and nuclear carrier in the Korean peninsula to turn it into an assembly base for all the U.S. nuclear strategic assets. Due to the confrontational maneuvers of the U.S. and its puppet military gangsters who are escalating the tension on the Korean peninsula, going in and out the region like their house, the territory of the DPRK and its boundary area are exposed to serious danger every moment and its security and interests are extremely violated. This grave situation is urgently requiring the DPRK to inevitably turn over to a changed action, a more offensive counteraction. Under the decision of the WPK Central Military Commission on neutralizing the enemies' intentional and premeditated confrontational military threats with our strong behavioral warning, a drill of launching ICBM Hwasongpho-18 was staged as an important military action to clearly show the DPRK's nuclear strategic forces' overwhelming counteraction will and matchless strength to the enemies. Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, watched the launching drill of an ICBM unit on the spot. Accompanying him were commanding officers of the DPRK General Missile Bureau. The drill was aimed to review the combat readiness of the DPRK's nuclear war deterrence and confirm its mobility, combat capability and reliability. The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un listened to the plan for the launching drill, acquainting himself with the preparation for launch in a standby district beforehand. Then he mounted the central command observation post to approve the launch of a strategic weapon, and General Jang Chang Ha, general director of the General Missile Bureau, issued a launch order to the Second Red Flag Company. The moment, a huge body full of the absolute will and strength to mercilessly retaliate against the hostile forces obsessed with the ambition for nuclear confrontation with the DPRK began soaring into the sky with a shower of fire in its tail, making a deafening explosion. The missile traveled up to a maximum altitude of 6 518.2 km and flew a distance of 1 002.3 km for 4 415s before accurately landing on the preset area in the open waters off the East Sea of Korea. The launching drill had no negative effect on the security of the neighboring countries. Through the drill, the combat capability of ICBM unit was highly estimated. And also verified once again were the rapid response posture of the strategic armed forces of the DPRK and the reliability of the most powerful strategic core striking means of the DPRK's military muscle. Expressing great satisfaction over the results of the launching drill, Kim Jong Un said with pride that the successful drill is a practical demonstration of the actual condition and reliability of the formidable striking capabilities and absolute nuclear war deterrent possessed by the DPRK's armed forces. He said that the launching drill sent a clear signal to the hostile forces, who have fanned up their reckless military confrontation hysteria against the DPRK all the year round and are frantically maximizing it till the end of this year despite the repeated stern warnings and denunciation by the DPRK. Noting that it was an occasion to clearly show what action the DPRK has been prepared and what option the DPRK would take when Washington makes a wrong decision against it, he appreciated that the drill once again and strikingly displayed the DPRK's will for toughest counteraction and its overwhelming strength. The U.S. imperialists and their vassal forces' vicious ambition for confrontation will not abate of its own accord, he said, stressing the need for the DPRK to never overlook all the reckless and irresponsible military threats of the enemies destroying the basis of peace and security in the Korean peninsula and to strongly counter them with more offensive actions by adopting a more evolutionary and threatening way when the enemies continue to make a wrong choice. He inspected the launching drill and set forth some new important tasks for accelerating the development of the DPRK's nuclear strategic forces. The ceaseless bolstering of the national defence capability and the overwhelming counteraction are the consistent and immutable revolutionary policy and fighting spirit of the DPRK that can never be invariable to defend the national dignity, sovereignty and interests. The nuclear strategic forces of the DPRK will perfect their military posture with more accuracy and confidence to resolutely suppress any grave military crisis and war crisis that may come at any moment. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to begin mass production of home-made training jet IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 18, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Once the flight tests and final standard tests are completed, Iran will begin mass production of its home-made training jet, according to a senior official with the Ministry of Defense. Brigadier General Afshin Khajeh Fard, the managing director of the Air Industries Organization affiliated to the Ministry of Defense, made the remarks during a ceremony on Sunday where Army Commander General Abdolrahim Mousavi visited the process of the flight tests of the Yasin jet. He said that developing of this jet was an outcome of the cooperation between the knowledge-based companies and the country's defensive experts. He added that the technology used in the production of Yasin jet has been based on the needs of the country's air industry. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran deploys troops at northeastern borders to counter threats: Commander IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 18, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Republic of Iran Army Ground Forces has deployed drone, missile, and artillery units in northeastern border areas to react to any threat rapidly and in a timely manner, an Iranian commander said. Commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari told IRNA on Monday that the deployment of forces in the northeastern borders of Iran is carried out to implement military spatial planning aimed at focusing on areas where there has been a lack of ground forces. According to the commander, the country's ground forces are tasked with defending the independence and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In the past, there was not any military spatial planning that could definitively address the issue; therefore, we designed and implemented the plan, he said. This spatial planning is taking place with the use of missiles, drones, and maneuvering forces at Iran's border areas with the aim of conducting a decisive and well-timed operational plan in the face of any threat, he argued. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM urges Pakistan to ensure border security after terrorist attack Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 6:36 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian calls for the promotion of bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in order to stop terrorist attacks and ensure security along common borders. Amir-Abdollahian made the plea in a phone conversation with Pakistani Minister for Foreign Affairs Jalil Abbas Jilani on Monday, following a terrorist attack in southeastern Iran. Eleven police forces were killed and seven more wounded, some in critically, in the terrorist attack that targeted the police headquarters in Rask County, Sistan and Baluchestan Province on Friday. The so-called Jaish-ul-Adl terrorist group, based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the assault. The Iranian foreign minister called on his Pakistani counterpart to designate Jaish-ul-Adl as a terrorist group. In a statement on Saturday night, members of the UN Security Council strongly condemned the terrorist attack, calling for the prosecution of the perpetrators and sponsors of such "cowardly" acts of terror. The world body's members asserted that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Pointing to the continuation of Israel's war crimes against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Amir-Abdollahian said the Tel Aviv regime has caused a catastrophic humanitarian situation and committed genocide in Gaza. "It (Israel) once again showed the world that it is not committed to any human and international rules," the top Iranian diplomat emphasized. He expressed confidence that the Palestinian people and resistance will be the ultimate winner of the confrontation with Israel. Israel waged a brutal war on Gaza after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. Since the start of the onslaught, Israel has killed at least 19,453 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 52,286 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel. For his part, the Pakistani foreign minister expressed concern over the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the continuation of Israel's bombardment of innocent civilians. Iran and Pakistan have a common stance on the need to show full solidarity with the Palestinian people, Jilani said. He also condemned the terrorist attack on the police station in Rask and offered condolences of the Pakistani government and nation to the bereaved families. He emphasized that terrorism poses a common dangerous threat to Iran, Pakistan and the entire region, stressing the importance of boosting close cooperation between the two countries to counter the vicious scourge. The top Pakistani diplomat said Islamabad would spare no efforts to arrest the main perpetrators of the recent terrorist assault in Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Army drones, missiles lined up on borders to repel threats: Ground Force commander Iran Press TV Monday, 18 December 2023 8:43 AM The Iranian Army's Ground Force has deployed missile, drone and artillery units along the country's northeastern border areas to give a "rapid and timely" response to any possible threat, says commander of the force. Brigadier General Kioumars Heidari said on Monday that his forces are fully safeguarding the country's independence and territorial integrity. He said the Iranian Army's Ground Force is designing and implementing a plan focusing on points where it needs more forces. The Ground Force is weighing the plan in terms of missiles, drones and maneuvering forces on borders with the purpose of giving a firm and decisive response to the threats, he added. 'Army's Air Force at peak readiness in face of threats, billion-dollar plots' Meanwhile, the deputy commander of the Iranian Army's Air Force said the force enjoys a high level of defensive capabilities and is ready to confront any potential threats at any scale. Brigadier General Mahdi Hadian said the high level of the country's military preparedness has led to a sense of despair among adversaries in military confrontation and hardware against Iran. He credited the highest preparedness level of the Armed Forces to the sacrifices of martyrs, the Islamic Revolution's tenets, and the guidance of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. He noted that enemies are spending billions of dollars in the field of hybrid and cognitive warfare to harm the country, but all their efforts have been futile thanks to the guidance of Ayatollah Khamenei and the Iranian nation's wisdom. Ayatollah Khamenei has repeatedly called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran's defense capabilities. In a meeting with the top commanders and officials of the Iranian Armed Forces in April, Ayatollah Khamenei lauded the great achievements and continuous progress in the Iranian Armed Forces, saying the enemy is "vincible" despite all its seemingly solid calculations and military power. Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Climate Migration Crisis Could Turn Into National 'Disaster' By Golnaz Esfandiari, Mohammad Zarghami December 18, 2023 Record temperatures, prolonged droughts, and the drying up of rivers and lakes are displacing tens of thousands of Iranians each year, experts say. Many of the climate migrants are farmers, laborers, and fishermen who are moving with their families from the countryside to major urban areas in Iran in search of alternative livelihoods. Iranian officials have blamed worsening water scarcity and rising desertification on climate change. But experts say the crisis has been exacerbated by government mismanagement and rapid population growth. While the exact number of climate migrants is unknown, Iranian media estimated that around 42,000 people in 2022 were forced to migrate due to the effects of climate change, including drought, sand and dust storms, floods, and natural disasters. The estimated figure for 2021 was 41,000. Observers say the real figures are likely much higher. Experts say a growing number of Iranians are likely to leave rural areas as more areas of Iran -- where most of the land is arid or semiarid -- become uninhabitable every year. "It is visible because Iran is very dry, there is little rainfall, and a significant part of the country is desert," Tehran-based ecologist Mohammadreza Fatemi told RFE/RL. "As a result, the slightest change in the climate affects the population." Fatemi cited the drying up of the wetlands and lakes in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan as an example. The Hamun wetlands were a key source of food and livelihood for thousands of people. But as the wetlands have diminished, many locals have migrated to the cities. "Many people lived there, [but] they all moved to [the provincial capital] Zahedan and [the city of] Zabol," said Fatemi. Now, he adds, many are moving from these cities to other provinces. Environmentalist Mehdi Zarghami from Tabriz University recently estimated that some 10,000 families have left Zabol for other parts of Iran during the past year due to drought and sandstorms. Fatemi estimates that around 70 percent of migration inside Iran is driven by the effects of climate change. "We've entered the phase of crisis. The next level could be a disaster," he said. 'Water Bankruptcy' Some Iranian officials have warned that many parts of the Islamic republic could eventually become uninhabitable, leading to a mass exodus from the Middle Eastern country. In July, officials warned that more than 1 million hectares of the country's territory -- roughly equivalent to the size of Qom Province or Lebanon -- is essentially becoming unlivable every year. In 2018, then-Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said that drought and water scarcity could fuel "massive migration" and eventually lead to a "disaster." Iran is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change in the Middle East, which is warming at twice the global average. Ahad Vazifeh of Iran's Meteorological Center said in October that average temperatures in Iran had increased by 2 degrees in the past 50 years. But experts say that climate change only partly explains the environmental crisis that Iran is grappling with. Tehran's failed efforts to remedy water scarcity, including dam building and water-intensive irrigation projects, have contributed to the drying up of rivers and underground water reservoirs. Kaveh Madani, the director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that Iran's "water bankruptcy" had been fueled by government mismanagement and the building of dozens of dams. "Iran's consumption is more than its natural sources of water," he said. "Therefore, [the authorities are] using underground sources of water. [In response,] the wetlands have dried up, rivers have dried up, and now climate change has added to this equation." "Temperatures are rising, there's more dust, soil erosion will increase, and desertification will increase," predicted Madani, a former deputy head of Iran's Environment Department. The government's mismanagement of Iran's scant water resources has triggered angry protests in recent years, especially in drought-stricken areas. Water scarcity has also led to conflict. Iran and Afghanistan engaged in deadly cross-border clashes in May after Tehran demanded that its neighbor release more upstream water to feed Iran's endangered southeastern wetlands. Social Problems Some experts say rapid population growth in Iran has also contributed to the environmental crisis, although growth has slowed in recent years. Iran's population has more than doubled since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, rising from about 35 million to almost 88 million, with about 70 percent of the population residing in cities. Climate migration has put a growing strain on infrastructure and created socioeconomic problems in Iranian cities, including rising poverty, homelessness, and overcrowding, experts say. Researcher Mohammad Reza Mahbubfar told the Rokna news site in February 2021 that Tehran was a major destination for many of the country's climate migrants. "Contrary to what officials say -- that Tehran has a population of 15 million -- the [real] figure has reached 30 million," he said. Mahbubfar added that "unbalanced development" had "resulted in Tehran being drowned in social [problems]." The influx has led some wealthier Tehran residents to move to the country's northern provinces, a largely fertile region that buttresses the Caspian Sea. "My mother, who has a heart problem, now spends most of her time in our villa in Nowshahr," a Tehran resident told Radio Farda, referring to the provincial capital of Mazandaran Province. "My husband and I are hoping to move there once we retire to escape Tehran's bad weather and pollution," the resident said. Reza Aflatouni, the head of Iran's Land Affairs Organization, said in August that about 800,000 people had migrated to Mazandaran in the past two years. Local officials have warned that Mazandaran is struggling to absorb the large influx of people. Elahe Ravanshad of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-climate- migrants-crisis/32729538.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Water Reserves Plunge Amid Drought, Mismanagement By RFE/RL's Radio Farda December 18, 2023 The water level in Iran's reservoirs has seen a steep decline due to an increased production of hydroelectricity amid shortages prompted by high temperatures, drought, and mismanagement. The ISNA news agency on December 17 reported that the water volume in Iran's hydroelectric plant reservoirs is currently at 40 percent capacity -- a dangerously low level. Official data reveals that while the water inflow into reservoirs was up by 7 percent in December compared to the same period last year, the outflow surged by 22 percent -- a year-on-year loss of 1 billion cubic meters of water reserves prompted apparently by a dramatic 57 percent increase in hydroelectric power generation over the first eight months of this year. Energy Ministry data suggests that authorities ramped up hydroelectric power production in an unprecedented manner in response to an electricity shortage in summer due to high temperatures. The dramatic increase in water usage for the production of electricity in a country that has already been confronted with major water shortages comes amid a drastic failure to meet the renewable electricity production targets set by the government. Out of the 2,600 megawatts of solar and wind power promised at the start of the year, a meager 1 percent has been achieved so far. Altogether, while the government had announced an ambitious extra 6,000-megawatts would be produced this year, so far only 15 percent of that target has been achieved, with the majority of new production facilities being based on low-efficiency plants that use gas, mazut, and diesel oil. While Iran is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change in the Middle East, government mismanagement of scant water resources has added to the shortages, triggering angry protests in recent years, especially in drought-stricken areas. Water scarcity has also led to conflict. Iran and Afghanistan engaged in deadly cross-border clashes in May after Tehran demanded that its neighbor release more water from upstream to feed Iran's endangered southeastern wetlands. In July, officials warned that more than 1 million hectares of the country's territory -- roughly equivalent to the size of Lebanon -- is essentially becoming unlivable every year. The Iranian Meteorological Organization has estimated that 97 percent of the country is experiencing drought to some degree annually. Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-water-reservoir- dams-mismanagement-drought/32735520.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Disruption At Iranian Gas Stations Likely Caused By 'Outside Interference' By RFE/RL's Radio Farda December 18, 2023 Gas stations across Iran were hit by disruptions on December 18, with Oil Minister Javad Owji saying that foreign interference was the probable cause. Owji told state television on December 18 that about 70 percent of the country's gas stations were hit, adding that it was possible the disruption was the result of "outside interference." Owji later said 1,650 gas stations out of the 3,800 supervised by his ministry were operational. A hacker group known as Gonjeshke Darande, or Predatory Sparrow, which Tehran accuses of having ties with Israel, claimed responsibility for the disruption. "We, the Predatory Sparrow, have again targeted the Islamic republic's national fuel supply system with a cyberattack," the group claimed on social media. The hacker group's claim could not be independently verified. Iran's Civil Defense Agency, which is responsible for the country's cybersecurity, said it was still considering all possible causes for the disruptions, including hacking and infiltration, but cannot yet confirm any claims. Reza Navaz, a spokesperson for Iran's fuel station owners, described the incident as a "software glitch in the smart fuel system" and said technicians are looking into the problem. He urged motorists who are not in critical need of fuel to refrain from driving to the stations to avoid congestion. Jafar Salari-Nasab, the CEO of the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company, acknowledged the widespread disruption and asked the public for patience. Iran has faced a number of cyberattacks in recent years. It has also faced accusations that it has orchestrated cyberattacks on rival nations, including Israel and Saudi Arabia. In June, Khuzestan Steel Company, one of Iran's biggest steel companies, was forced to halt its operations after being targeted by a cyberattack. In 2021, an attack on the electronic-transaction system used to distribute subsidized fuel paralyzed more than 4,000 gas stations across the country and resulted in long lines of angry motorists unable to use their government-issued smart cards. Iran was also targeted about a decade ago by the Stuxnet computer worm, which is widely believed to have been engineered by the United States and Israel to sabotage the country's nuclear program. Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-gas- stations-disruption/32735223.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK is committed to using all diplomatic tools to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Iran. 18 December 2023 Thank you, President. Let me thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and the wider UN Secretariat for their support in the implementation of resolution 2231. I also thank Ambassador Olof Skoog for his briefing and Ambassador Frazier for her briefing and work as facilitator. President, since refusing the opportunity to restore the JCPoA through the deals tabled in 2022, Iran has continued to escalate its nuclear programme. Transition Day has now passed and the UK & EU have maintained proliferation-related sanctions on Iran, in accordance with the JCPoA's Dispute Resolution Mechanism. The UK is fully committed to using all diplomatic tools to prevent Iran from delivering a nuclear weapon. The IAEA reports that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is 22 times over JCPoA limits. It manufactures and operates thousands of prohibited advanced centrifuges, gaining irreversible knowledge which the JCPoA sought to prevent. Iran continues producing highly enriched uranium, for which there is no credible civilian justification, calling into question the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. Additionally, Iran is launching missiles that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons and is testing technologies directly applicable to medium and long-range ballistic missiles, in the form of satellite launch vehicles. President, Iran's missile programme remains of fundamental concern for nuclear non-proliferation. The Secretary-General has acknowledged evidence showing that, during the period of restrictions under this resolution, Iran developed and exported missiles without seeking the Council's authorisation. Iran supplied ballistic missiles to armed groups in Iraq, Yemen and Syria, which are targeting Red Sea shipping and Coalition personnel in the region. And as USG DiCarlo said, the UK has also provided evidence that Iran supplied UAVs to Russia. These UAVs have subsequently been used to attack civilians in Ukraine. All such transfers were in violation of resolution 2231. Resolution 2231's restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile activities may have been lifted, but the Council must continue to hold Iran to account for its proliferation activities by this or any other resolution. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We remain determined that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon and must reverse its nuclear escalation: E3 at the UN Security Council Joint statement by UK, France and Germany following the Security Council meeting on the implementation of resolution 2231. 18 December 2023 Today, the Security Council discussed the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, particularly Iran's nuclear activity, missile development and continued weapons proliferation inconsistent with that resolution. In November, the IAEA Director General yet again issued a report which starkly outlines the deplorable state of Iran's commitments under the JCPoA. The IAEA reports that the total stockpiles of Iran's enriched uranium now stand at 22 times the JCPoA limit. Iran's stockpiles of high enriched uranium up to 60% are unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme. Iran has been in violation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA, which is endorsed by resolution 2231, for more than four years. There is no credible civilian justification for the state of Iran's nuclear programme. The current trajectory only brings Iran closer to weapons-related capabilities; this is of utmost concern for international peace and security. Iran's ongoing lack of cooperation with the IAEA prevents the IAEA from carrying out vital work to determine the nature of Iran's nuclear programme and undermines the global non-proliferation architecture. Iran's agreements with the IAEA and its legal obligations must be pursued in full, without further delay, as repeatedly requested by the Director General. It is especially concerning to see Iran flatly deny to the IAEA its legal obligation to implement Modified Code 3.1. All these actions undermine the case that Iran's nuclear programme is of an exclusively peaceful nature as well as any confidence the international community has in its wider commitments and obligations. We welcome the Secretary General's recognition of the UK's evidence exposing Iran's proliferation of missiles and missile technologies to non-state actors in the region and beyond, which endanger the region and the whole international community, and were carried out in violation of resolution 2231. Furthermore, while restricted by this resolution, Iran transferred hundreds of UAVs to Russia, deliberately supporting Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Deliveries took place in the knowledge that Russia uses them to target Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Neither Russia nor Iran have ever sought authorisation for these transfers, which are therefore a breach of resolution 2231 by both states. We continue to urge Iran to cease its reckless proliferative activities in the region and beyond. Iran has developed and tested ballistic missiles and related technologies extensively in complete disregard for this resolution, undermining global non-proliferation principles and architecture. This requires particular scrutiny as resolution 2231 restrictions on Iran's missile programme were automatically lifted on 18 October, despite Iran having consistently ignored these restrictions. Today we must reflect on Iran's continued and long-lasting contempt for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 and its restrictions. We remain determined that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon and must reverse its nuclear escalation. We emphasise once again our determination to find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis, as demonstrated by our consistent efforts in that regard. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 18, 2023 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Visit to Israel Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, and the Israel War Cabinet. This was his fourth trip to Israel as Secretary of Defense and his second since Hamas' terrorist attack on October 7. During his visit, the Secretary reiterated the unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism and called for the immediate return of all hostages. In his meetings with Israeli leaders, Secretary Austin underscored the need for concerted efforts to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza, urging further action. The Secretary consulted with Israeli leaders on their progress in the campaign to dismantle Hamas' military infrastructure and urged planning for transitioning to the next phase of operations. The Secretary asserted that stabilizing the West Bank and holding violent extremists accountable are critical steps, and more action is urgently needed. Secretary Austin reiterated U.S. resolve to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to expand the conflict beyond Gaza. He shared his view that Lebanese Hezbollah forces should move away from the border with Israel and cease attacks so that Israeli communities can return to their homes. He discussed U.S. commitment to freedom of navigation and called for international action in response to Houthi aggression in the Red Sea. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3621153/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 18, 2023 Transcript Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Joint Press Conference With Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv, Israel Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III; Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant STAFF: Good evening, everyone. Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will now deliver remarks -- please have your phones on silent, if possible -- starting with Minister Gallant. Please, Minister. MINISTER OF DEFENSE YOAV GALLANT: Secretary Austin, the United States and Israel have never been more determined and aligned in our shared values, our shared interests and our shared goals. My friend, General Austin, you have shown the people of Israel and the entire world what it means to be a leader and a partner. There is no greater projection of our intimate ties than sitting together with General Brown and General Levy, discussing the most sensitive issues on the agenda in full transparency and trust. Thank you, Secretary, for your deep commitment to Israel's security. We stand here 72 days into a war that we didn't want. On October 7th Hamas conducted a brutal attack. They murdered, raped and kidnapped children, women, soldiers, Holocaust survivors. On October 7th we fought back and immediately set the goals of this war, the destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages home, with no exception. Our common enemies around the world are watching, and they know that Israel victory is the victory of the free world, led by the United States of America. And our war against Hamas, the Hamas terrorist organization, is a war -- it's not a war against the people of Gaza. We are fighting a brutal enemy that hides behind civilians. Billions of dollars have been invested in Gaza, money that should have gone to civilian infrastructure and instead was used to build a network of tunnels hundreds of kilometers long, equipped by military facilities. Today IDF troops are operating in Hamas hotspots across Gaza. In northern Gaza, our troops have eliminated thousands of terrorists, destroyed military infrastructure, and this dismantled most of the battalions operating in the area. In South Gaza, in Khan Younis, we are precise and focused on eliminating Hamas leadership and military infrastructure. Detecting and engaging Hamas leadership and the chain of command span over the phases of this war and will continue until we fully achieve our goals. Secretary Austin, we both know the complexities of war. We both fought brutal terrorist organizations. We know that it takes time. Unlike our enemies, we are defending our values, and we operate according to international law. The IDF is operating to minimize the harm to the civilian population. We are also working with international partners to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Yet any time we discuss humanitarian issues, we must remember the 129 hostages who are held in Gaza. This is the most humanitarian issue. On October 8th, a day after Hamas attack, Hezbollah opened fire unprovoked. The threats of rockets, missiles, and drones is unacceptable. Over 80,000 citizens have been displaced, living as refugees in their own country. We are determined to create a new reality, restoring our security in the area, based on UN Resolution 1701, pushing back Hezbollah. We will bring back the residents of the north to their homes on the border after full security will be restored. We prefer to do so via understanding, ensuring that the border region is clear of terrorists and does not allow the direct threats of our citizens. If such a process will not be implemented diplomatically, we will not hesitate to act. Today, we also discussed the growing global threat posed by the Houthis' terrorist organization. Their action threaten international freedom of navigation and their reckless behavior, firing ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones against Israel, can drag the region into war. The state of Israel values U.S. leadership and we will support international efforts. At the same time, we maintain the right to take all the actions necessary to defend our sovereignty and our citizens. Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis are funded, supported, and trained by one source of evil, Iran, and unfortunately, this is only their secondary effort. Iran's major effort is acquiring military nuclear capabilities, and this continue even now. We are aware of their actions and we -- we are ready to defend ourself. We must take a stand. The world is watching us now. This include our enemies -- Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. The image they see today is powerful, as we stand here united. We are resilient and determined, and we will win on every front. Thank you once again, Mr. Secretary. Thank you for coming and thank you for your support and your friendship. Thank you very much. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Thank you, Yoav. Well, good afternoon, everybody. Yoav, we've been talking almost daily by phone, so it's good to see you once again in person. And it's good to be back in Israel, even in these difficult days, especially in these difficult days. This is my fourth visit to Israel as Secretary of Defense and my second time since October 7th. And I know that Israel has been profoundly changed from where you were on October 6th. So I'm here with a clear message -- America's support for Israel's security is unshakable and Israel is not alone. At a time of mourning, a real friend shows up. And I know how terrible these days have been for the Israeli people and I know that October 7th touched everyone in the small democracy. So let me again extend my deepest condolences to Minister Gadi Eizenkot, who has been sitting shiva for his 25-year-old son and mourning his nephew after they both fell in Gaza. On October 7th, Hamas committed one of the worst atrocities in the history of modern terrorism. As President Biden said, it was an act of sheer evil. Innocent young people at a concert were massacred. Parents were shot in front of their children. Women were sexually assaulted. Toddlers and Holocaust survivors were taken hostage. And for Hamas, that was just the beginning. Hamas has clearly and loudly spelled out its vision of the future, and it is to repeat October 7th over and over and over again. No country should tolerate such a danger, and Israel has every right to defend itself against a fanatical terrorist group whose stated purpose is to murder Jews and eradicate the Jewish state. Hamas is still holding hostages, including American citizens. Hamas embeds itself and hides itself behind innocent Palestinian civilians. Hamas does not speak for the Palestinian people. And Hamas is determined to doom both Israelis and Palestinians to an unending cycle of suffering and strife. So make no mistake, Hamas should never again be able to project terror from Gaza into the sovereign state of Israel. And we will continue to work together for a safer, more secure future for Israel and a brighter future for the Palestinians. The United States will keep pushing relentlessly for the safe return of hostages in Gaza and we will continue to help Israel in its efforts to bring them all home. Thanks to the personal leadership of President Biden, we helped to broker a deal that got out more than 100 hostages, but this remains a top priority for the United States, from President Biden on down, and we will continue to do everything that we can to bring home every man, every woman, and every child seized by Hamas. Now, the United States has been clear and consistent since Hamas started this war on October 7th. Democracies are stronger and more secure when we uphold the law of war. And as I've said, protecting Palestinian civilians in Gaza is both a moral duty and a strategic imperative. So we will continue to stand up for Israel's bedrock right to defend itself and we will also continue to urge the protection of civilians during conflict and to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. That's important as Israel fights to dismantle the Hamas terrorist infrastructure in Gaza. And it will also be crucial for our work with our allies and partners after the fighting stops. Now, we're working to ensure that this conflict does not escalate beyond Gaza. But as we are driving to stabilize the region, Iran is raising tensions by continuing to support terrorist groups and militias. Attacks by these Iranian proxies threaten the region's citizens and risk a broader conflict. Of course, the United States does not seek war, and we urgently call on Iran to take steps to de-escalate. Now, in my meetings today, I also discussed the need to take urgent action to stabilize the West Bank. Attacks by extremist settlers against the Palestinians in the West Bank must stop. And those committing the violence must be held accountable. Now, we know that the past 72 days have been some of the most painful days in Israel's history. But it would compound this tragedy if all that was waiting for the Israeli people and your Palestinian neighbors at the end of this awful war was more insecurity, fury and despair. As I've said, Israelis and Palestinians have both paid too bitter a price to just go back to October 6th. So I discussed pathways today toward a future for Gaza after Hamas, based upon the clear principles laid down last month by my friend, Secretary Blinken. Israelis and Palestinians both deserve a horizon of hope. So the United States continues to believe, as we have under administrations of both parties, that it is in the interest of both Israelis and Palestinians to move forward toward two states, living side by side in mutual security. Now, we know how hard that is, especially after October 7th. But ongoing instability and insecurity only play into the hands of Hamas. So we must think together about what lies beyond this terrible season of terror and war. And as we do, the United States will remain deeply committed to the security and self-defense of the state of Israel. As John F. Kennedy said in 1960, "America's friendship with Israel is a national commitment." That was true then, and it's even truer now. The United States will remain Israel's closest friend in the world. And as I've said repeatedly, our support for Israel's security remains unshakable, and it always will. Thank you very much. And we'll be happy to take your questions. STAFF: All right. We'll start now with Caroline (inaudible). Q: Thank you, Secretary Austin. Welcome to Israel. It's not a secret that there is a gap between Israel and the U.S., so have you set any sort of either timetable or deadline to the current phase of the Israel ground war in Gaza? And have you heard any firm assessment from the IDF where the current phase stands? And if I may, with regard to the north, Israel says, and Minister Gallant has just repeated that it will attack Lebanon if there won't be an acceptable solution that will include Hezbollah withdrawal north to the Litani River. Jake Sullivan was here last week and he was quite confident that such a solution can be achieved. What is the the U.S. position if Israel attack? And will you order the U.S. Army to strike and even destroy Hezbollah and Iranian target if required? And Minister Gallant, it took the IDF 70 days to reach the tunnel that was revealed yesterday. How long do you think it take to totally dismantle the threat of the tunnel in Gaza? And if I may ask you, Secretary -- Secretary Austin was speaking about the day after. The American keeps asking Israel how it sees the day after. So what do you tell them? Who will role will rule Gaza? And will the IDF be in Gaza throughout the entire next year? Thank you very much. SEC. AUSTIN: Which one of those 12 questions do you want me to answer. (Laughter.) Q: I have more. SEC. AUSTIN: Regarding the timeline, this is Israel's operation and I'm not here to dictate timelines or terms. Our support to Israel's right to defend itself is ironclad, as you've heard me say a number of times, and that's not going to change. It's critical, as I said earlier, that Hamas not be able to threaten Israel from Gaza or even threaten Gaza anymore. And, you know, that's an interest that we all share and it's a common interest with all of us. And so today, we had great discussions about the status of the campaign, about goals and objectives, and about how to reduce harm to civilians in the battle space and to -- and the need to ensure a sustained flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. You know, we can offer some insight based upon our own experience in fighting terrorist groups, and certainly that enabled us to have great discussions. And we also have some great thoughts about how to transition from high intensity operations to lower intensity and more surgical operations. So we had great discussions on all of those -- those issues. On Lebanon, we've been clear that we don't want to see this conflict widen into a larger war or a regional war, and we call upon Hezbollah to make sure that they don't do things that would provoke a wider conflict. MIN. GALLANT: Yes, as to the first -- first question, let me be more precise -- it took us 70 days before we exposed this tunnel to the public. It was discovered, long appeared before that, after a month or so, but we had a lot of -- a lot of operations to be done inside -- the tunnel before we expose it. The war will take time, and I can assure only one issue, that eventually we will reach our goals, first of all, to destroy Hamas; second, to rescue the hostages. Both of them are very important equally. This is a war of national determination and national resilience, and we will prevail because we are fighting for the right values and for survival in this region. As to the second question, we understand how important is the cooperation, the international support to establish something -- something different in Gaza. This is the reason we conduct this -- talks today, together with Secretary Austin and General Brown and Mr. Satterfield and others, regarding the issues that we have to conduct in -- in Gaza. We know that Hamas will not control Gaza. We know that we will have the freedom to eliminate any kind of threat in the future. And there will be no serious military threats against Israel from Gaza. Second, Israel will not control Gaza in -- in any civilian way. We will conduct any -- any needed operational and military effort in order to secure our future, and we are building the routes for non-hostile partners in the other side. STAFF: Thank you. Tara Copp? If we can also please stick to one question each please? Thank you. Q: Thank you. Minister Gallant, back to Lebanon, are you currently planning for a ground operation in the north to, as you said, fully secure that area from Hezbollah? Secretary Austin, if that ground operation is launched, just to repeat my colleague's question, what role would U.S. forces have in such case? And then is it too dangerous right now, Minister Gallant, to open a second front in the north when you have troops committed in the south in Gaza? And my final one for Secretary Austin, another commercial vessel today was attacked in the Red Sea, and U.S. war ships continue to intercept ballistic missiles and drones that are fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. Why hasn't the U.S. struck back or conducted a counter-strike like it has against similar Iranian-backed militants in Iraq and Syria? MIN. GALLANT: I would like to reiterate what I said. I said that diplomacy is the preferred way. We are not looking for wars but we have 70,000 Israeli refugees and Hezbollah is shooting us every day since October 8, the day after Hamas launched the war against Israel. Therefore, in one hand, we are patient and we are looking for a diplomacy solution that will make sure that Hezbollah is not threatened Israeli civilians on the northern communities directly. On the other hand, we are preparing ourself to any situation that is needed, and if something like that happened, we will know what to do and we will prevail. We -- are not looking for anything similar to that and we hope that Hezbollah will understand that it's time to stop. SEC. AUSTIN: Thanks, Tara. Regarding the Houthis, these attacks are reckless, dangerous and they violate international law. And so, we're taking action to build an international coalition to address this threat. And I would remind you, that this is not just a U.S. issue, this is an international problem, and it deserves an international response. And that's why I'm convening a meeting tomorrow, a ministerial meeting with fellow ministers in the region and beyond to address this threat. We're -- that'll be a virtual meeting and look forward to that discussion. And more important, I look forward to working together with members of that group to address the threat in a meaningful way in the future. And we'll have more details on this soon. But we're going to make sure that we're doing everything that we can to ensure freedom of navigation in the area. The Strait is the -- straits are pretty important, as we know -- as you know, a large amount of commerce flows through their -- international commerce flows through there on a daily basis. Thanks. STAFF: Yonah Bob. Q: Yonah Bob from the Jerusalem Post. Good to see you again, Mr. Secretary. There's been a lot of discussion about getting Israel's intent to reduce civilian casualties to match up with the results. General Petraeus famously said that sometimes the U.S. needs to take hits on force protection to win over hearts and minds, legitimacy. You're probably familiar that just recently about 10 Israeli soldiers died in one ambush and a lot of people in Israel were saying, if the Israeli defense forces had just bombed the area they wouldn't have died. Is this the kind of thing, you know, war doesn't have perfect solutions, but sometimes the United States may think that Israel may need to take more hits to force protection instead of being as aggressive with its Air Force and artillery. Minister Gallant, good to see you. The United States in its most respectful way possible is trying to push Israel on certain timelines, on certain things about the day after. Is it maybe time that yourself and the government need to tell Israel that even though we've had tremendous successes in the field we may not actually control all of Gaza at the end of January. We may not get all of the hostages back at the end of January. Some of these things may continue in the three to nine months afterwards the -- what they call (inaudible), the third stage? SEC. AUSTIN: So, for the first part of the question, in terms of the nature of the strikes and the amount of collateral damage, I think -- let me begin by saying the protection of our troops is important to all of us. Minister Gallant, me, all of us. And that is foremost. But, you know, what we see happening is a combination of two things. The first thing is the complexity of this battlespace, three-dimensional battlespace, very close spaces, a dense population of people and so, that makes it very, very difficult to conduct any military operation. Above and beyond that, we see that Hamas routinely uses civilians as shields. Beyond that, they place their headquarters and their logistical sites near protected sites, hospitals, masques, churches, you name it. And so, that adds to the complexity. And as you -- as you've heard Jake Sullivan say, it provides an additional burden for the forces that are prosecuting this fight. It requires a very professional force, and that force has to learn each -- each step of the way. And we've seen that. And -- Mr. Gallant and I had a great conversation today about some of things that they've learned and some of the techniques that they're -- that they're, you know, changing as they conduct operations in the south. So all of us learn, and again, they were a very professional force going into this, but this is an incredible, complex battlespace, and taking lessons learned from the north, they've applied some of those lessons in the south. And -- again, I'm sure that that will continue to happen. MIN. GALLANT: Well, first of all, the discussions are transparent and frank. And on the personal level, I have a lot to learn from General Austin. So I'm learning, also. And he always gives me good advice. Therefore, we share everything, and we consult. Second, on the -- on the battlefield, we have very meaningful and successful achievement. We -- we detect thousands of terrorists, including senior commanders, but not the leadership. The -- eliminate the Hamas leadership is an ongoing goal that will be achieved, hopefully soon, but it will be achieved; it's part of the goals of the war. And we will continue to operate in different levels of intensity, according to that situation in the region. And I can tell you that soon we will be able to distinguish between different areas in Gaza. In every area where we achieve our mission, we will be able to transition gradually to the next phase and start working on bringing back local population. That means that it can be achieved, maybe, sooner in the north, rather than in the south. So we are dealing with all the different components, and we will decide in the next -- in the next -- in the early future. Q: (inaudible) MIN. GALLANT: No, I'm -- I'm not defining any, any region. And this is an ongoing discussion. But I give you an idea about what we are discussing in the Israeli military establishment, together with the Americans. STAFF: Mosheh Gains Q: Thank you. Mosheh Gains with NBC News. Minister Gallant, what are the benchmarks for moving to the next phase of this war? Does that mean that you have to take out top Hamas leadership to be able to move on? And what specifically is keeping Israel from moving to more precise and targeted operations against Hamas? And then, Secretary Austin, based on your experience in Iraq and what you discussed today, what metrics should Israel be using to know that it's the right time to transition from major combat operations? And what are the risks, particularly to civilian protection? And, lastly, would you say that Israel is on track for a strategic victory in Gaza? SEC. AUSTIN: You want me to go first? MIN. GALLANT: Always. SEC. AUSTIN: Okay. (Laughter.) Well, Mosheh, I will -- I'll let Minister Gallant speak to the elements of their campaign and how they're going to conduct operations. But I would tell you that, you know, we all know that any military operation, any large-scale military operation, will have phases to its campaign. And as you go from one phase to the next, you know, your stance shifts a little bit, your activity shifts a little bit because you begin to focus on -- on different things, and what those things they'll be defined by the Israelis. But as you transition from one phase to another, it doesn't mean that -- I mean, that doesn't signal an end to the operation. It sometimes means that you're being more -- more precise, you're being -- more focused on a specific target set. You're doing different things during that campaign. For example, on -- in one phase, you may have a higher intensity fighting, both air and ground. In another phase, you may shift a little bit and then -- and then provide more humanitarian assistance that -- while still focused on a discreet set of targets. Again, I'm not saying that that's what -- that's what they would be looking at going forward. I will let the Israelis define their campaign and the phases of that campaign for themselves. But -- but in any operation like this, any campaign, there will be phases, and -- and the most difficult part is as you shift from one phase to the next, making sure that -- that you have everything accounted for and you get it right. So that's -- that requires detailed planning and very thoughtful planning. And sir, over to you. MIN. GALLANT: Thank you. The goals are the goals for the war. That means that the -- by the end of the war, as long as it takes, we need to make sure that we have our hostages back, that we eliminate the Hamas abilities, and that's include destroying Hamas military capability and its ability to govern in Gaza. And it have certain power matters, including the amount of battalion -- battalions that we need to dismantle and the chain of command and the supreme military leadership and so forth and so on. The phases are the technique which is part of the plan that we have to deploy in the area in order to achieve our goals. And as Secretary Austin said, this is only the -- the way that we shape our plan in order to achieve the goals. And as it happened in the battlefield, the circumstances are changing. You change your efforts and you do something different in a different phase. And the intensity in the first phase is given, but in other phases, we will concentrate on certain issue. For instance, the engaging and -- detecting the supreme leadership of Hamas and others. So all in all, there is no -- there is no clock that is running, and we have to obey a certain day, but we need to get to a different performances on the ground before we move to the next phase. And I believe that we will find a proper time to do so. And the most important issue, as I mentioned in the beginning -- we will -- we will prevail, we will dismantle Hamas. Otherwise, we will not be able to exist and live in the way we want to live in this region. Because there is a price to deterrence and they need to know that if they kill or kidnap 1,500 people, including kids and women, this is the end of Hamas. STAFF: Thank you very much, everyone. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3621107/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statements by PM Netanyahu and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Israel - Prime Minister's Office The 37th Government 18.12.2023 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv, issued the following statements at the start of the expanded meeting with the members of the War Cabinet: Prime Minister Netanyahu: Mr. Secretary, it's good to welcome you and your delegation again. We're fighting a war of civilization against barbarism. I can say that when we spoke, I expressed again our commitment, Israel's commitment, to achieve total victory against Hamas. And we think this is not only our war but in many ways your war because you are leading the forces of civilization in the world. This is a battle against the Iranian axis, the Iranian axis of terror, which is now threatening to close the maritime strait of Bab el-Mandeb. This threatens the freedom of navigation of the entire world. I appreciate the fact that you're taking action to open that strait. It's not only our interest, it is the interest I think of the entire civilized community. I want to thank you for the support that you have shown consistently, and I welcome the opportunity to talk about what else we're doing to have our common interests served." US Secretary of Defense Austin: "Prime Minister Netanyahu, thanks for hosting us again. This is my fourth visit to Israel as Secretary of Defense and my second since the terrible day of October 7th. I'm here to underscore what President Biden has said again and again: our commitment to Israel is unshakeable. I know that Israel is a small, tightknit country and I know that all Israelis were touched by the vast evil committed by Hamas. So I'm here to mourn with you for the innocent souls taken from you on October 7th and I'm also here to stand alongside the families of those still missing in Gaza, including US citizens. America's commitment to Israel is unwavering and no individual, group or state should test our resolve. So in the Red Sea, we're leading a multinational maritime taskforce to uphold the bedrock principle of freedom of navigation. Iran's support for Houthi attacks on commercial vessels must stop. Now, we'll continue to provide Israel with the equipment that you need to defend your country, Mr. Prime Minister, including critical munitions, tactical vehicles and air defense systems. We'll continue to support Israel's mission to find and free all of the hostages. I'm also here to discuss how we can best support Israel on a path to lasting security and that means tackling urgent needs first. We must get more humanitarian assistance in to the nearly two million displaced people in Gaza and we must distribute that aid better. We want to thank you for the recent initiatives that you've taken, Mr. Prime Minister. We applaud that and hopefully that will enable us to move even more in. Thanks for again being a great host and I look forward to a great discussion, Mr. Prime Minister." Also participating in the meeting are: For the Israeli side - Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Minister Benny Gantz, Minister Gadi Eisenkot, MK Aryeh Deri, National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi, the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs, IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, the Prime Minister's Military Secretary Maj.-Gen. Avi Gil, and the Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Adviser Ophir Falk. For the American side - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Brown, Special Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs David Satterfield, Secretary Austin's Chief of Staff Kelly Magsamen and Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Israel Stephanie Hallett. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK will continue to support work across Libya's divides to deliver for the Libyan people: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya. 18 December 2023 We welcome the SRSG's efforts to convene representatives of the five major stakeholders in a preparatory meeting as a next step towards resolving the outstanding issues related to elections. We note, however, that only three of the five invited parties - the High State Council, Government of National Unity, and Presidential Council - have so far nominated representatives, with others setting preconditions for their participation. The SRSG has been clear that the preparatory meeting will provide space for all parties to express their concerns. We therefore reiterate our expectation that Libya's leaders respond to the SRSG's invitation constructively. We call on all parties to engage in good faith without preconditions. To do otherwise prevents progress towards the elections that 2.8 million Libyans have registered for. President, we remain concerned at the shrinking space for civil society across Libya, alongside the alarming trend of human rights violations, particularly in regard to migrants and refugees, that continue without accountability. Civic space must be protected to allow Libyans to hold their leaders accountable and empower everyone to play a role in developing an open, democratic society with freedom of association, operation and assembly. We also regret the tragic incident of 61 migrants who drowned following the shipwreck off Libya this weekend. As Libya begins reconstruction in response to the devastating floods in September, it remains vital that this is funded through a unified Libyan approach, with full transparency, effective oversight, and accountability. Libyan public funds must be used for the benefit of all Libyans, with the Libyan people having a voice in how public money is spent. President, the benefits of setting Libya on the path towards a democratic, united, and stable state would be enormous. It would allow the full reintegration of Libya's people and economy into the international community. We urge those invited to the preparatory meeting of the major stakeholders to fully engage in order to fulfil their responsibilities to the Libyan people. The UK will continue to support the SRSG and work across Libya's divides to deliver for the Libyan people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN report: More than 2.6 million people displaced across Myanmar But recent fighting and roadblocks have kept aid groups from delivering food and other assistance. By RFA Burmese 2023.12.18 -- Myanmar's civil war has displaced more than 2.6 million people, including 660,000 who recently fled their homes after intensified fighting since October between junta troops and armed ethnic groups, the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. Armed clashes, air strikes, the planting of landmines, arbitrary arrests and road blockades have caused a surge in civilian casualties, the office said in a Dec. 15 situation report. At the same time, the transportation of food and shelters for internally displaced persons are being restricted, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or UNOCHA. "Interruptions to phone and internet services are impacting on the sharing of civilian safety information and humanitarian operations," the report said. "The lack of humanitarian and commercial access to transport routes is creating a scarcity of food, shortages of essential household items, soaring commodity prices and a fuel crisis in affected areas." On Oct. 27, the "Three Brotherhood" Alliance of the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA, and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, launched an offensive against the military in northern Shan state dubbed "Operation 1027." The rebels say they have made notable gains against the military in several key cities in Shan state and claim to have captured more than 170 military outposts since the start of the campaign. But the intensification of fighting has caught civilians in the crossfire, contributing to the huge increase in displaced communities nationwide. No safe travel Rescuing those trapped by conflict has become more challenging than providing people with food and shelter, said an aid worker who is assisting displaced people in northern Shan state. "The armed clashes and people should be seen separately," the worker said. "In any battle, it is more important to relocate them than to provide food. We relocated people first to the camp, and then managed food for them." The MNDAA, which has controlled parts of Hsenwi township in northern Shan state since late October, recently destroyed the bridge between Hsenwi and Lashio, the state's largest municipality. More than 1,300 internally displaced people, or IDPs, have been trapped at Kyaung Kham village's monastery in Hsenwi, not far from where junta troops are located. A person who fled from Hsenwi township said people aren't safe when traveling and are facing various other challenges. "The ways from Hsenwi to Lashio or other towns are dangerous," the resident said. "We have some difficulties in living and buying food while we are living in Lashio." UNOCHA's report also highlighted recent fighting in Rakhine and Chin states in western Myanmar that has forced more than 110,000 people to flee their homes. Junta chief visits IDPs Both the military junta and the resistance forces should stop blocking any transportation of humanitarian aid, said Kyaw Win, the executive director of Burma Human Rights Network. "We have known that the military council is randomly carrying out artillery attacks on villages. They also blocked the roads," he said. "That is a violation of international law. The transportation of humanitarian assistance should not be restricted." Junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and humanitarian groups have provided assistance to displaced people in Shan state, junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun said on the military-owned Myawady Television on Dec. 12. "Min Aung Hlaing visited and comforted the war-displaced persons during his tour to northern Shan state," he said. "He talked to the displaced persons in Hsenwi and Lashio townships. They have some hardships at temporary shelters." The junta is working to improve education, health and peace for the IDPs, Zaw Min Tun said, although he didn't specify where that assistance would be directed. UNOCHA's office in Myanmar didn't immediately respond to an email sent on Monday requesting more information on humanitarian assistance being provided to IDPs in Myanmar. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two dead, 3 injured in airstrikes on central Myanmar village Around 8,000 people have been forced to flee three townships. By RFA Burmese 2023.12.18 -- A junta jet dropped bombs and opened fire with machine guns on civilians in three townships killing two women and injuring three more, locals and People's Defense Force members told Radio Free Asia. The aircraft attacked Magway region's Seikphyu, Pauk and Saw on Friday night forcing almost 8,000 people to flee the townships. Locals identified the dead women as 21-year-old Yu Nandar and 24-year-old May Thingyan from Seikphyu's Than Pu Yar Pin village. They were cremated on Friday evening according to a resident who declined to be named for fear of reprisals. "Two bombs fell when the girls were collecting water. They died on the spot," he said. "The jet went back and opened fire with machine guns, hitting two children and a woman. The woman, Tin San Htwe was hit in [the back of her head] and is still unconscious." About 600 people live in 140 houses in Than Pu Yar Pin village. They told RFA Burmese they were afraid to return to their homes because there may be more airstrikes. A People's Defense Force officer based in Seikphyu said the junta launched an attack even though there had been no fighting because it considers the township strategically important. "Seikphyu is a key place," he said. "Wazi, which prints banknotes, is in the area. There is an Air Defense Operations command headquarters and an aviation training school. Also there are two defense equipment factories." Calls to junta spokesman Than Swe Win seeking comment on the junta's airstrikes, went unanswered. Some 730 civilians have been killed and 1,292 injured by airstrikes and heavy artillery this year according to data compiled by RFA, Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Pakistan terror groups using US weapons smuggled from Afghanistan' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 18, 2023 Islamabad, IRNA -- Pakistan has expressed concern over terrorist groups' use of US military equipment left behind from Washington's years-long war in neighboring Afghanistan, blaming it for a surge in terror attacks on Pakistani soil. Tensions have remained high between the two neighbors over the security situation at their joint borders ever since the Taliban came to power in Kabul in August 2021, with Islamabad accusing Afghanistan's new rulers of not doing enough to ensure security at the borders. In the past year, Islamabad has also raised its concerns with the Taliban over the use of American weapons by terrorist groups operating in Pakistan but has been met with what it calls the Taliban's negligence, according to an IRNA report citing Pakistani media on Monday. In the meantime, Pakistani military sources say several plans to smuggle US weapons from Afghanistan into Pakistan have been foiled in recent months, with the latest such incident taking place last week when Pakistani security guards discovered American weapons and ammunitions in a truck carrying vegetables at the border with Afghanistan. Pakistani media, citing security sources, say separatist terror groups that attacked two army posts in the country's southwestern province of Balochistan last February used American weapons. One of the terror groups in the spotlight is the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, which security officials in Islamabad say has used modern American-made weapons in all of its attacks against Pakistani security forces from July until mid-December this year. Islamabad officials have rejected the Taliban's statements that they do not allow terrorists to use the territory of Afghanistan against Pakistan. They have also accused the Afghan rulers of playing a part in arming Pakistani Taliban and allowing other terror groups to use Afghanistan as a safe haven. The Afghan Taliban have repeatedly dismissed those accusations. Last week, the Afghan Taliban expressed regret over a bombing that left 23 security forces in northwest Pakistan, stating that the attack had not been launched from Afghan territory. And in November, the Taliban said that Pakistan should resolve its internal problems on its own, and Afghanistan is not responsible for the security of Pakistan. 4194**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister's telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Iran Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani held a telephone conversation today with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. They discussed matters of bilateral importance and the regional situation. Foreign Minister Jilani expressed Pakistan's deep concern over the dire situation in Occupied Palestine especially in Gaza. He emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire, lifting of the siege, provision of uninterrupted humanitarian assistance including medical supplies to the people of Gaza, and the resumption of diplomatic efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East based on a just solution to the Palestinian question. The Foreign Minister strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Southeastern Iran on 15 December, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian security personnel. He underlined Pakistan's firm commitment to working closely with Iran in confronting the menace of terrorism, which is a collective challenge to regional peace and security. The two Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further reinforce Pakistan-Iran brotherly ties, rooted in history and culture and agreed to enhance exchange of high-level visits. Islamabad 18 December 2023 229/2023 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU adopts 12th package of sanctions against Russia for its continued illegal war against Ukraine European Commission Press release 18 December 2023 Brussels The Commission welcomes the Council's adoption of a 12th package of sanctions against Russia. The focus of this package is to impose additional import and export bans on Russia, combat sanctions circumvention and close loopholes. In particular, this package includes additional listings of Russian individuals and companies and new import and export bans - such as banning the export of Russian diamonds to Europe - in very close cooperation with our G7 partners. Moreover, the package tightens the implementation of the oil price cap by monitoring more closely how tankers may be used to circumvent the cap. It also includes stricter asset tracing obligations and tough measures on third-country companies circumventing sanctions. The 12th package has these key elements: ADDITIONAL LISTINGS Over 140 additional individuals and entities subject to asset freezes. This covers actors in the Russian military and defence, including military industry companies and Private Military Companies. This also includes actors from the IT sector, as well as other important economic actors. The measures also target whose who have orchestrated the recent illegal so-called "elections" in the territories of Ukraine that Russia has temporarily occupied, and those responsible for the forced "re-education" of Ukrainian children, as well as actors spreading disinformation/propaganda in support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. TRADE MEASURES Import ban on Russian diamonds : import restrictions on non-industrial diamonds, mined, processed, or produced, in Russia. These proposed sanctions are part of an internationally coordinated G7 diamond ban, aiming to deprive Russia of this important revenue stream estimated at a4 billion per year. All G7 members will implement a direct ban on diamonds exported from Russia at the latest by 1 January 2024. As of 1 March 2024, a ban on Russian diamonds polished in a third country will take effect and, as of 1 September 2024, the ban will be expanded to include lab-grown diamonds, jewellery, and watches containing diamonds. To further the effectiveness of these measures, a robust traceability-based verification and certification mechanism for rough diamonds will be established within the G7. : import restrictions on non-industrial diamonds, mined, processed, or produced, in Russia. These proposed sanctions are part of an internationally coordinated G7 diamond ban, aiming to deprive Russia of this important revenue stream estimated at a4 billion per year. All G7 members will implement a direct ban on diamonds exported from Russia at the latest by 1 January 2024. As of 1 March 2024, a ban on Russian diamonds polished in a third country will take effect and, as of 1 September 2024, the ban will be expanded to include lab-grown diamonds, jewellery, and watches containing diamonds. To further the effectiveness of these measures, a robust traceability-based verification and certification mechanism for rough diamonds will be established within the G7. Import ban on raw materials for steel production, processed aluminium products and other metal goods : new measures restricting imports from Russia of certain metal goods. : new measures restricting imports from Russia of certain metal goods. Export restrictions: additional export restrictions on dual-use and advanced technological and industrial goods worth a2.3 billion per year. In particular: New export controls on dual use/advanced tech , aiming to further weaken Russia's military capabilities, including chemicals, thermostats, DC motors and servomotors for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), machine tools and machinery parts. , aiming to further weaken Russia's military capabilities, including chemicals, thermostats, DC motors and servomotors for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), machine tools and machinery parts. New export bans on EU industrial goods , to further hamper Russia's capacities in its industrial sector, including machinery and parts, construction-related goods, processed steel, copper and aluminium goods, lasers, and batteries. , to further hamper Russia's capacities in its industrial sector, including machinery and parts, construction-related goods, processed steel, copper and aluminium goods, lasers, and batteries. Addition of 29 Russian and third country entities to the list of entities associated to Russia's military-industrial complex (including entities registered in Uzbekistan and Singapore). to the list of entities associated to Russia's military-industrial complex (including entities registered in Uzbekistan and Singapore). Prohibition to provide enterprise and design-related software to the Russian government or Russian companies. The aim is to further hamper Russia's capacities in its industrial sector. Restrictions in the area of services are an area where we have worked closely with our international partners, including the US and the UK. STRICTER ASSET FREEZE OBLIGATIONS New listing criterion: The Council has agreed a new listing criterion to include persons who benefit from the forced transfer of ownership or control over Russian subsidiaries of EU companies. This will ensure that no one profits from the losses that EU companies face when their subsidiaries are forcibly acquired by Russian owners/management. The Council has agreed a new listing criterion to include persons who benefit from the forced transfer of ownership or control over Russian subsidiaries of EU companies. This will ensure that no one profits from the losses that EU companies face when their subsidiaries are forcibly acquired by Russian owners/management. Possibility to keep deceased persons on the asset freeze list, in order to prevent the freezing measure from potentially being undermined. in order to prevent the freezing measure from potentially being undermined. Tighter obligation for Member States to proactively trace assets of listed persons, in order to prevent and detect instances of breach or circumvention of sanctions. ENERGY MEASURES Oil price cap: To make it more difficult for Russia to sustain the war, we have tightened the international G7+ oil price cap, by introducing new measures to more closely monitor the sale of tankers to third countries, as well as require more detailed attestation requirements. This will help to tackle the 'shadow fleet' used by Russia to circumvent the price cap. In this respect, the EU is in close dialogue with our G7 partners to ensure alignment of our measures and future guidance. To make it more difficult for Russia to sustain the war, we have tightened the international G7+ oil price cap, by introducing new measures to more closely monitor the sale of tankers to third countries, as well as require more detailed attestation requirements. This will help to tackle the 'shadow fleet' used by Russia to circumvent the price cap. In this respect, the EU is in close dialogue with our G7 partners to ensure alignment of our measures and future guidance. New import ban on liquified petroleum gas (LPG), impacting annual imports worth over a1 billion, with grandfathering of existing contracts for a period of maximum 12 months. STRONGER ANTI-CIRCUMVENTION MEASURES Broadening of the scope of the transit prohibition through Russia by adding certain economically critical goods when these are intended for export to third countries. through Russia by adding certain economically critical goods when these are intended for export to third countries. Obligation for operators to contractually prohibit the re-export of certain categories of sensitive goods to Russia, including goods related to aviation, jet fuel, firearms and goods on the Common High Priority list. of certain categories of sensitive goods to Russia, including goods related to aviation, jet fuel, firearms and goods on the Common High Priority list. Introduction of a new measure that will require the notification of certain transfers of funds out of the EU from EU entities directly or indirectly owned by more than 40% by Russians or entities established in Russia. ADDITIONAL MEASURES Introduction of a new derogation to allow for cases in which Member States decide to deprive in the public interest a listed person of funds or economic resources. Introduction of a derogation to allow compensation for damages to be paid by a newly listed insurance company. Introduction of a derogation to allow the sale of EU companies owned by certain listed individuals or entities. OTHER Inclusion of a technical amendment allowing for the provision of pilot services necessary for maritime safety. Background The EU stands firmly with Ukraine and its people, and will continue to strongly support Ukraine's economy, society, armed forces, and future reconstruction. EU sanctions are at the core of the EU's response to Russia's unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, as they degrade Russia's military and technological capability, cut the country from the most developed global markets, deprive the Kremlin from the revenues it is financing the war with, and impose ever higher costs on Russia's economy. In this respect, sanctions contribute to fulfilling the EU's key objective, which is to continue to work for a just and lasting peace, not another frozen conflict. Their effects grow over time as the sanctions erode Russia's industrial and tech base. The EU also continues to ensure that its sanctions do not impact energy and agrifood exports from Russia to third countries. As guardian of the EU Treaties, the European Commission monitors the enforcement of EU sanctions by EU Member States. Anomalous, growing trade figures for some specific products/countries are hard evidence that Russia is actively attempting to circumvent sanctions. This calls for us to redouble our efforts in tackling circumvention and to ask our neighbours for even closer cooperation. EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan continues his outreach to key third countries to combat circumvention. The first tangible results are already visible. Systems are being put in place in some countries for monitoring, controlling, and blocking re-exports. Working with like-minded partners, we have also agreed a list of Common High Priority sanctioned goods to which businesses should apply particular due diligence and which third countries must not re-export to Russia. In addition, within the EU, we have also drawn up a list of sanctioned goods that are economically critical and on which businesses and third countries should be especially vigilant. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hungary: Russia is no threat to NATO ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Mon / 18 December 2023 / 11:12 No one would risk attacking "the strongest... defense alliance in the world," Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto has said Tehran-ISNA- Russia poses no immediate threat to NATO, including to those members of the bloc located close to its borders, because any attack would trigger an overwhelming response, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has suggested. Speaking in an interview with French broadcaster LCI, part of which was uploaded on Szijjarto's Facebook page on Sunday, the minister was asked to comment on the warning of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who suggested that after the end of the Ukraine conflict, Russia would threaten NATO countries. "I don't think that Russia would attack any NATO member state," he replied, explaining that most EU members are also part of the alliance. According to Szijjarto, the US-led military bloc is "the strongest security and defense alliance in the world." He cited Article 5 of the bloc's treaty, which stipulates that if any NATO nation comes under attack, it will be interpreted as an attack all members. "I don't think that anyone, not only Russia, would risk any attack against any NATO member state," he stressed. When pressed on why the Baltic states and Poland disagree, the minister explained that some countries have "different histories and different geographic locations." "I don't know what would be my position if I was in the geographic location of the Baltics [or Poland]," he said, noting that Hungary has always respected their position and never tried to challenge it. "This kind of respect should be given to every position of every member state. My problem is that this respect is very rarely given to the Hungarian position. This is unfair and weakens the European Union," he added. Szijjarto's remarks come on the heels of comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has said that his country does not have any intention of attacking NATO. Putin told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin in an interview aired on Sunday, that the US-led bloc itself is well aware that the Kremlin harbors no such plans. "Russia has no interest... geopolitically, economically or militarily... in waging war against NATO," Putin stated, dismissing the recent claims by US President Joe Biden that Moscow might attack if it wins the Ukraine conflict as "nonsense." "I think that President Biden understands that this is just a figure of speech to justify his misguided Russian policy," the Russian President suggested. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's Navalny Still Missing As Court Hearings Again Postponed By RFE/RL's Russian Service December 18, 2023 Two courts in the Russian city of Vladimir have postponed hearings into complaints filed by imprisoned opposition politician Aleksei Navalny "until his whereabouts are ascertained." Navalny spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh wrote on X that courts had scheduled seven hearings into Navalny's complaints on December 18. It was unclear if the others would be canceled as well. Hearings into Navalny's claims were postponed on December 15 as well, pending information about his whereabouts. Navalny's associates reported on December 18 that their leader has not been heard from for 13 days. It is his longest absence since he was taken into captivity in January 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he underwent treatment for a near-fatal nerve-agent poisoning that he believes was carried out by Russian security operatives at the behest of authoritarian President Vladimir Putin. Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric wrote on X that she had "serious concerns" about Navlalny and called for his release "in line with relevant judgements of the European Court of Human Rights." Navalny's supporters have launched an Internet campaign using the hashtag #WhereIsNavalny. Prison officials have said he is no longer in the Vladimir region prison where he had been serving a 19-year term but have refused to say where he is. In a statement on December 12, the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) said only that Navalny had left "for a penal institution outside the borders of Vladimir Oblast." 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 often 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 lawyers being informed about their whereabouts only after they have reached their destination. Navalny, 47, has complained of a concerted campaign of harassment and mistreatment since his imprisonment, including sleep deprivation, repeated stints in punishment cells for minor alleged infractions, and a lack of medical care. He has been recognized as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International and listed as a political prisoner by Russia's banned Memorial human rights group. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny-missing-hearing- postponed/32735388.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Approves 12th Anti-Russia Sanctions Package Targeting Over 140 People and Entities Sputnik News 20231218 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The European Union (EU) has adopted another package of sanctions against Russia, among which are 140 additional individuals and entities subject to asset freezes, the European Commission said on Monday. The most recent package includes further listings of Russian citizens and businesses, as well as new import and export bans, restricting, in particular, Russian diamond exports to Europe. "Over 140 additional individuals and entities subject to asset freezes. This covers actors in the Russian military and defense, including military industry companies and Private Military Companies. This also includes actors from the IT sector, as well as other important economic actors," the commission said in a statement. In addition, it targets Russia's raw materials in the steel industry and other metal goods, as well as tech developments. The 12th package puts harsher limitations on the G7+ oil price cap, Russian liquified petroleum gas (LPG), and imposes tough measures on third party companies bypassing the existing EU sanctions. The incessant economic pressure from the EU, as well the United States, initially sought to crumble the Russian economy. Instead, Russia has not only withstood the unprecedented external strain, but managed to show steady growth indicators, to the surprise of its adversaries. A number of bold foreign policy efforts have likewise secured new bilateral economic alliances and further strengthened existing ones. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia-China Trade Reaches Over $200 Billion During 2023 Sputnik News 20231218 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Trade between Russia and China in January-November reached over $200 billion and could hit as much as $220 billion by the end of the year, the acting head of the Russian Customs Service, Ruslan Davydov, said on Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, set a goal to reach $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2024 back in February 2022, after the previous threshold of $100 billion was attained in 2018. "Our data indicate that $201.5 billion [was registered] in 11 months. That is, we have already achieved the goal set by our leaders in 11 months. Our forecast is that annual trade with China will be about $220 billion," Davydov told the Rossiya 24 broadcaster. At the end of 2022, trade between the two countries increased by 29.3% amounting to a record $190.271 billion. The ever-growing Russia-China bilateral cooperation has caused serious anxiety in the West as the two major global actors seem to withstand any external pressure. Today, trade, energy, and tech are at the epicenter of the frugal partnership defying attempts to break the countries apart. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Six Israeli Guided Bombs Strike Infrastructure Near Damascus - Russian Military Sputnik News 20231218 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israeli fighter jets carried out strikes using six guided bombs on targets near Damascus, having wounded two Syrian soldiers, Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit, deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said on Monday. "On December 17th, from 22:02-22.09 [local time, 19:02-19:09 GMT], two F-15 tactical fighter jets of the Israeli air force, struck with six guided aerial bombs at objects in the vicinity of the city of Damascus from the occupied Golan Heights without entering Syrian airspace," Kulit told a briefing. The Syrian air defense forces on duty intercepted some of the guided aerial bombs, but as a result of the Israeli air strike two Syrian soldiers were injured, the official added. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan passes law to tighten security at military facilities ROC Central News Agency 12/18/2023 08:13 PM Taipei, Dec. 18 (CNA) The Legislative Yuan on Monday passed a bill to tighten the security of military bases around Taiwan, after legal reviews found existing regulations to be insufficient to maintain an adequate level of security. Under the bill, people inside a military facility taking unauthorized pictures or video or engaging in any other reconnaissance activities with an intent to endanger national security shall be subject to up to three years in jail. Those who engage in such actions from outside a military facility will be fined NT$30,000 (US$958) to NT$150,000, according to the new law. The military facilities covered by the legislation include critical military infrastructure, garrisons, areas viewed as military bases for the purpose of drills or training, and agencies such as the Ministry of National Defense (MND), the National Security Bureau and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. New regulations were considered necessary because of the lack of laws covering security at military exercise and training facilities, negatively affecting the military's ability to keep those bases secure. The new law also included provisions on handling drone intrusions, given their growing prevalence. It said that soldiers on duty, including commanders, officers and sentry guards, may use all necessary equipment, including weapons, to disable drones or other unmanned flying objects operating over a restricted military base if they are determined to endanger national security. Meanwhile, individuals caught entering restricted military areas will be subject to a fine of between NT$40,000 and NT$200,000 for trespassing. People who bring a video recorder, camera, or weapon into a military facility without permission and refuse to surrender it when challenged will have their entry permit revoked and face a fine of between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000. In a statement Monday, the MND clarified that the new law will not apply to military aficionados taking pictures or filming fighter jets landing and taking off from a military base, if such actions did not endanger the safety of military activities or national security. (By Lin Ching-yin, Matt Yu and Ko Lin) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KMT's Hou advocates 'middle-way' approach to governance ROC Central News Agency 12/18/2023 01:50 PM Taipei, Dec. 18 (CNA) Hou Yu-ih (), the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) 2024 presidential candidate, said Sunday that one of his main goals is to find a "middle-way approach" to governance in Taiwan, which would avoid extremism and unify the people of the country, regardless of their political affiliation. In an interview with the Taipei-based Chinese Television System (CTS) late Sunday, Hou said the "middle-way approach" would seek to find common ground among Taiwanese of all ethnicities and political stripes "to create a mutually beneficial and prosperous future" for the Republic of China (Taiwan). On the issue of the "1992 consensus," Hou reiterated his support for a version of it that is in line with Taiwan's laws and Constitution, which he said provide a legal framework for relations with China. Citing the Constitution and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Hou said neither side of the Taiwan Strait recognizes its sovereignty over the other, but they do not deny their respective rights to govern their respective territories. The "1992 consensus" was a tacit understanding reached in 1992 between the then KMT government of Taiwan and the Chinese government. It has been consistently interpreted by the KMT as an acknowledgment by both sides that there is only "one China," with each side free to interpret what "China" means. Beijing, however, has never publicly recognized the second part of the KMT's interpretation, which has drawn criticism from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). According to the DPP, the KMT's stance means that it has accepted the "one country, two systems" formula proposed by Beijing for relations with Taiwan. Citing a 2019 speech by China President Xi Jinping (), the DPP has argued that the "1992 consensus" is in fact the same as the "one country, two systems" -- an arrangement under which China agreed to govern Hong Kong and Macau and has proposed for Taiwan. While Xi's speech on Jan. 2, 2019 did include both terms, it referred to the "1992 consensus" as a political "foundation" to enable negotiations and exchanges, while the "one country, two systems" proposal was characterized as a "policy" and "plan" for achieving "peaceful reunification." In Sunday's interview, Hou said it was okay for China and Taiwan to each have their own interpretation of the "1992 consensus." "He [Xi] can say whatever he wants, and I can say whatever I want," Hou said, reiterating that his interpretation is based on the Republic of China (ROC) Constitution. In keeping with that stance, Hou said, he is "opposed to Taiwan independence and is against the "one country, two systems" formula put forth by Beijing. Hou, who is currently mayor of Taiwan's most populous city New Taipei, said he will continue to uphold freedom, democracy, and the right of the country's 23 million people to decide its fate. He said the lack of official communication between two sides of the Taiwan Strait since the DPP came to power in May 2016 has resulted in a confrontational stance that could easily lead to cross-strait war. If he wins the presidency next year, Hou said, he will engage in conversation with the Chinese government based on goodwill and the principles of equality and dignity. Since President Tsai Ing-wen () of the DPP took office, China has cut official communications with Taiwan due to the fact that the DPP does not accept the "1992 consensus." (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Would Exhaust Munitions Within Week in Conflict With China Over Taiwan - Congressman Sputnik News 20231218 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Congressman Mike Gallagher sent a letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks pointing out that recent war-gaming had shown the United States would deplete its supply of long-range, precision-guided munitions within a week in a potential conflict with China over Taiwan. "Recent war games simulating a conflict with China over Taiwan show that the United States would run out of long-range, precision-guided munitions (PGMs) in less than one week," Gallagher said in the letter on Monday. Without an adequate supply of long-range PGMs, especially anti-ship cruise missiles, the US and partner forces would be required to engage in closer proximity to Chinese defensive fires, the letter said. Such a development would, in turn, elevate the risk to air and naval assets, as well as the service members operating them, the letter said. "With no guarantees that a war in the Indo-Pacific would be limited to weeks or even months, the possibility that we may have to fight for an extended period without the most effective assets in our arsenal is deeply alarming," the letter added. Gallagher's stance highlights past simulations that have predicted a not-so-successful outcome for the US. A 2022 report citing findings from a joint simulation by the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank previously determined that Taiwan would be able to repel a Chinese advance but that it would cause serious setbacks to US forces. In 18 of 22 simulations conducted, Chinese missiles were found to have sunk a large number of American and Japanese vessels and aircraft, with one simulation documenting half of the US' equipment in the region. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Letter of Intent between Swedish and Danish defence ministers on support to Ukraine regarding combat vehicles Government Offices of Sweden 18 December 2023 On 18 December, Minister for Defence PAl Jonson travelled to Copenhagen for talks with Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen. Matters discussed during the visit included support to Ukraine, current NATO issues and the upcoming Danish Chairmanship of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) in 2024. During the visit, Mr Jonson and Mr Poulsen also signed a joint Statement of Intent on further support to Ukraine regarding combat vehicles. Denmark will initially make a financial contribution of DKK 1.8 billion and Sweden will supervise the procurement within the framework of the agreement concluded between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Ukraine in July this year The Statement of Intent means that the parties will promote the acquisition of additional Combat Vehicle 90s (CV90) for Ukraine, which will bolster the overall capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces. "This is an important step that we are taking together with Denmark to support Ukraine's armed forces. We will use our industrial capability to ensure the delivery of newly produced Combat Vehicle 90s to Ukraine. Combat Vehicle 90 has been - and remains - an important addition to Ukraine's defence ever since Sweden donated 50 vehicles earlier this year," says Mr Jonson. During the year, Sweden has donated 50 CV90s to Ukraine. The vehicle has proven to be very capable and much appreciated in Ukraine. Sweden had previously, in connection with President Zelenskyy's visit to Sweden in August, signed a joint Letter of Intent with Ukraine on closer cooperation on Combat Vehicle 90. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskiy Sets Year-End Press Conference As Ukrainian Leaders Bid To Bolster Morale, Western Support By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 18, 2023 KYIV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will hold a year-end news conference on December 19 as he and his military leaders continue their efforts to bolster domestic morale and maintain Western support as the war with Russia heads toward its third bloody and destructive year. Zelenskiy's office on December 18 said the exact time and place of the meeting with the press will be disclosed to reporters prior to the gathering, as security measures remain in place in the face of continued Russian drone and missile attacks throughout the country, including in the capital, Kyiv. Zelenskiy last held a news conference on February 24, the anniversary of the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine's commander in chief, General Valeriy Zaluzhniy, moved to walk back his earlier comments indicating that the long war had reached a "stalemate," raising concerns with some Western backers about the apparent slow pace of Kyiv's latest counteroffensive. "We cannot afford any stalemate," Zelenskiy said on November 15 following Zaluzhniy's remarks. Asked on December 18 whether the situation had reached a statement, Zaluzhniy responded, "No," although he declined to say if a new counteroffensive was planned for winter. "This is a war. I can't say what I plan, what we should do. Otherwise, it will be a show, not a war," the general was quoted as saying by RBC Ukraine. Separately, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) on December 17 said it launched a probe into the discovery of a possible listening device "at a place that could potentially be a working site" of Zaluzhniy's. The SBU said the device was not functional and no traces of compiled materials or devices capable of transferring audio information to remote sites were found. The device was given to forensic experts, the SBU said. Media had reported earlier in the day that an eavesdropping device had been found in one of Zaluzhniy's offices. On the battlefield, Russia launched five drones at four Ukrainian regions early on December 18, but the attacks were repelled by Ukrainian air defense, the military said. "All five drones were shot down by air-defense mobile groups in the Mykolayiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnytsiya, and Khmelnytsky regions," the air force said in a statement, without saying whether there were casualties or damage from falling debris. On the diplomatic front, the European Union on December 18 adopted its 12th round of sanctions against Russia "in view of the continued Russian war of aggression against Ukraine." "These measures deliver a further blow to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's ability to wage war by targeting high-value sectors of the Russian economy and making it more difficult to circumvent EU sanctions," it said. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskiy-press-conference- western-support-ukraine/32735809.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address First UK Trade Mission to Kyiv Boosts Defence Cooperation UK Government and UK defence industry conduct their first trade mission to Ukraine. 18 December 2023 UK Government and UK defence industry conduct their first trade mission to Ukraine. Agreements between UK and Ukrainian companies will enhance resilient defence industrial facilities inside Ukraine. Annual UK-Ukraine goods and services trade amounts to A1.5 billion. Ukraine's defences and UK-Ukraine trade links have been strengthened by a UK Government-led trade mission to the country. Led by the Department for Business and Trade and Ministry of Defence, the joint trade mission took place on 13-14 December and built on the UK's sustained and continuous support to Ukraine's defence since Putin's invasion in 2014. Meetings in Kyiv followed discussions at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London in September regarding potential partnerships between UK and Ukraine defence and security companies. Opened by Ukrainian Defence Minster Umerov, the trade mission brought together UK and Ukrainian government officials with key stakeholders from UK and Ukrainian industry to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation. Following meetings between the UK defence companies and the Ukrainian Government, agreements have been signed, including: Babcock being awarded a three-year contract by the Ukraine Ministry of Defence to support and maintain two mine countermeasures vessels 'Cherkasy' and 'Chernihiv' for the Navy of Ukraine, following their transfer from the UK Royal Navy. This follows the establishment of Babcock Ukraine, with the opening of an office in-country where a dedicated team will focus on supporting Ukraine and industry partners. BAE Systems and AMS Integrated Solutions Ltd signed an agreement that will enable them to offer specialised artillery systems support directly to Ukrainian Armed Forces in Ukraine. Under the agreement, artillery systems donated by the UK Government could be repaired and maintained in AMS' existing maintenance centres in Ukraine, where it employs Ukrainian engineers. Thales signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ukrainian Unmanned Aerial Systems business, Aerodrone, which will bring together the best of Ukrainian and Northern Irish engineering to deliver new capability for Ukraine's Armed Forces. Ukraine has the facilities, pedigree, people, and skills to produce high quality military hardware, and has a clear interest in establishing partnerships with Western defence companies to rebuild its defence industrial base and help Ukraine win the war. More widely, total trade in goods and services between the UK and Ukraine amounted to A1.5 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2023. Increasing trade will create jobs in both our countries and help sustain Ukraine's recovery and resilience. Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: This successful UK trade mission is another pillar in our unwavering support to Ukraine as they regain their territory. The UK Government and UK industry will continue to work hand-in-glove with our Ukrainian allies, seizing opportunities for collaboration and bolstering our defence industries. Industry Minister, Nusrat Ghani said: As Minister for Ukraine Reconstruction, I know the significant opportunity for greater collaboration between our world-class defence sector and Ukraine, and I'm delighted to see our first trade mission to Kyiv completed as we help Ukraine develop defence production capacity of its own. A financially robust and technologically advanced Ukraine will be vital for victory against Putin and his illegal invasion of the country, and by building these partnerships with industry we're sharing expertise, building resilience and boosting jobs, investment and prosperity. This trade mission sought to strengthen ties with UK industry, and support Ukrainian ambition to become the Arsenal of the Free World. Mark Goldsack, Director of UK Defence and Security Exports said: Despite Putin's barbaric invasion, Ukraine remains resilient, optimistic, and focused on victory. The UK's first trade delegation to Kyiv saw the energetic desire from all parties to help Ukraine take back their land. With agreements already signed with our defence industry, the work will help boost resilience for both our industrial bases for years to come. Andy Start, DE&S CEO and UK National Armaments Director said: UK Defence Industry has supported Ukraine from the start of the war and delivered world-class defence equipment. Developing strong partnerships with Ukraine's substantial defence industry, will allow the sharing of substantial knowledge gained in combat conditions. Together we can increase collective capacity to deliver the mission winning defence systems we all need. The businesses that attended the trade mission included BAE Systems, Babcock, Thales, AMS Global, and KBR. There will be opportunity for other UK defence companies to attend future trade missions in 2024. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha met with Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations Barbara Woodward President of Ukraine 18 December 2023 - 22:31 Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha met with Barbara Woodward, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, who is on a visit to Ukraine. Andrii Sybiha highly appreciated the strong allied support that the United Kingdom has been providing to Ukraine from the first days of the full-scale Russian invasion. He specifically noted the active and effective assistance to Ukraine from the United Kingdom and personally from Barbara Woodward within the United Nations, primarily in the Security Council and the General Assembly. "We are grateful and well remember that it was during your presidency of the UN Security Council last April that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was able to address the Council for the first time since the start of Russia's large-scale attack," the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office emphasized. Andrii Sybiha informed about the results of the recent visits of the Ukrainian President and his efforts to mobilize international support for our country, the situation on the battlefield and the priority needs of Ukrainian defenders, as well as economic and humanitarian challenges. He emphasized the significant achievements of our country this year, especially the liberation of more than 50% of the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia, progress in restoring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and ensuring the functioning of an alternative sea corridor. "We appreciate the assistance of the United Kingdom in ensuring the operation of an alternative maritime route, as well as your leadership together with Norway in creating a maritime coalition," noted the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office. He expressed hope for further comprehensive support from the United Kingdom, especially in defense, military-technical and macroeconomic areas. During the meeting, the exceptional historical and motivational significance of the European Council's decision to open negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU was highlighted. The interlocutors discussed in detail the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and ways to ensure its maximum support at the UN, in particular among the states of the Global South. The parties exchanged views on the preparation of multilateral events under the Peace Formula, primarily the next meeting of diplomatic and national security advisers, as well as the Global Peace Summit. Particular attention was paid to further cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom in the UN to promote and implement initiatives aimed at countering Russian aggression and limiting the influence in the Organization of a state that violates the UN Charter. The parties coordinated relevant steps for the nearest future. The two sides exchanged views on other topical issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East, and discussed measures for political dialogue in the coming period. The Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations noted the resilience of Ukrainian defenders and assured of the United Kingdom's continued unwavering support for our country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address From the first days of January, we will start steering the new year towards further support for Ukraine - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 18 December 2023 - 22:01 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! First of all, I would like to congratulate the warriors of our military counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine. The warriors are celebrating their professional day. And they are not just brave warriors - they are exemplary in their courage and efficiency. They are the ones to look up to. They are fighting successfully both on land and in our sea. The occupiers have already experienced this - hundreds of our powerful operations. Everyone knows about the damage to the Crimean Bridge, about the work of our special drones, especially at sea. They effectively detect spies and traitors. And this is only a small part of what the Security Service's military counterintelligence actually does. Warriors, I thank you for each display of your strength, for your courage, for all your victories in battles. In a nutshell - well done! Today I would like to thank our partners in the European Union for approving the 12th package of sanctions. Importantly, for the first time, there is a ban on Russian diamonds. There are new measures against circumventing sanctions and against the supply of dual-use goods and technologies to Russia... There are new restrictions on imports from Russia. All of this will really help to reduce the economic foundation of the war, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the sanctions imposed by Europe work globally. Today I held several meetings on our work this winter, both international and some aspects of domestic. We already see how we will start steering the new year towards the protection of international law and further support for Ukraine in this war from the first days of January. There are specific agreements and a specific schedule of actions in various areas. This year has shown that the potential of bilateral long-term support programs - not only from the world's most powerful countries - is a tool that not only helps effectively, but also sends a clear signal to everyone in the world - a signal of steadfast support for Ukraine. We will continue to work on such programs. And I thank every state and every leader who has already adopted the respective formats of work. One more thing. Regarding not political, but public support for Ukraine and Ukrainians. Today in Kyiv, on the Walk of the Brave, we unveiled a plaque dedicated to Howard Buffett, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who has been sincerely helping our people and our country since the spring of 2022, practically from the beginning of the full-scale invasion. One person helps with hundreds of millions of dollars. This includes support for demining, assistance in the treatment and rehabilitation of soldiers, a project to build kitchen factories in Bucha and Lozova - they are designed for more than 10,000 meals each and will provide food, in particular, to schools and kindergartens in Kyiv and Kharkiv regions. This is a significant support for the First Lady's initiative on school nutrition. And today, together with Olena, Howard has just visited the newly built kitchen factory in Bucha. I thank him for this personal example of how much one person can do for others. Ukraine will always remember and always be grateful to all who help us, who support our people. Glory to all whose strength becomes the strength of Ukraine! Glory to all who fight and work for our independence! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andriy Yermak met with representatives of the U.S. Department of State President of Ukraine 18 December 2023 - 20:59 The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, held a meeting with the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs of the United States, James O'Brien, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States, Christopher Smith, as part of their working visit to Ukraine. The parties discussed the results of the recent visit of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the United States and the importance of expediting the implementation of the bilateral agreements reached. The Head of the Office of the President highly appreciated the strong bipartisan and bicameral support from the U.S. Congress, President Joseph Biden, his team, and the entire American people, provided to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. "We look forward to the speedy implementation of the agreements reached, in particular those that will bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities," emphasized Andriy Yermak. The Head of the President's Office thanked the American partners for the recent defense and sanctions packages and noted the important role of the U.S. Department of State in conveying objective information about Ukraine's needs to both houses of Congress and all executive authorities. Andriy Yermak also emphasized the importance of extending sanctions pressure on the aggressor state. In particular, he emphasized the need to impose sanctions against Russian propagandists spreading disinformation around the world. The Head of the President's Office expressed his conviction that in order to defeat the aggressor, it is important to maintain unity both among Ukraine's partner states and within our country. "Our allies will continue to help us if they have a full understanding of our action plan. We, for our part, are open to our partners, and our entire military and political leadership is united in understanding our next steps and prospects," he emphasized. The interlocutors also discussed the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, including preparations for the fourth meeting of national security and foreign policy advisors to be held in Switzerland. Andriy Yermak paid special attention to the issue of providing Ukraine with effective security guarantees, as envisaged by the G7 Joint Declaration, in the implementation of which the United States plays a leading role. The American side, for its part, praised the effectiveness of the "grain corridor" in the Black Sea, which Ukraine and its partners have provided. They emphasized the need to continue its work and increase its capacity. The interlocutors discussed the situation in Europe and the importance of maintaining good neighborly relations in the interests of all participants. In particular, attention was paid to cooperation in developing export routes in Eastern Europe. They also discussed the issue of Ukraine's recovery. Andriy Yermak reiterated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's words that Ukraine is ready to comprehensively facilitate the work of American companies in our country to restore the infrastructure destroyed by the war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Escalation of attacks on infrastructure leaves Ukraine's children without sustained access to water and heating, threatening safety and survival as temperatures plummet UNICEF Statement by Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia 18 December 2023 GENEVA/KYIV, 18 December 2023 -- "Yet again, as winter continues to take hold, we are witnessing an escalation of attacks on infrastructure across Ukraine, with particularly unrelenting bombardment in the east and south of the country. "Over the past month, there has been an increase in air attacks across Ukraine with more than 900 air attacks recorded in the space of a week. Events during the past week point to a concerning trend with an increase in ballistic missiles and mass drone attacks, including widespread targeted attacks on Kyiv's infrastructure. Last Thursday there were five nationwide air alerts recorded throughout the day. "These attacks have caused injuries among children, sent an intensified wave of fear and dread through already deeply distressed communities, and left millions of children across Ukraine without sustained access to electricity, heating and water, exposing them to additional serious harm as temperatures plummet. "Children and families most at risk are those who already have the least access to basic, life-depending resources to start with, and who have already endured immense hardship. These children and their families have nothing to fall back on. "During the winter months, temperatures regularly go as low as -20AC, with bitter high winds making it feel even colder. Children simply cannot withstand these conditions without energy. "Blackouts and power cuts make it extremely challenging for health facilities to provide critical services, another dire situation given the rise in cases of pneumonia, seasonal influenza and waterborne diseases among children across Ukraine. "Without energy, an already fragile education system once again buckles, further disrupting learning for Ukraine's schoolchildren. "Around 1,800 children have been killed or injured since the escalation of the war in Ukraine. Given these are verified reports, the true number is likely higher. With the continuation of targeted attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure, we can only expect more children killed and injured. "UNICEF is providing generators and other equipment to support the Government of Ukraine in keeping water supply, heating, health and education facilities running. In the hardest hit areas, UNICEF is providing winter clothing sets for children along with blankets for their families. We are also reaching families with cash assistance. "To reach all children in need with immediate humanitarian assistance we need more funds. Currently, our winterization appeal has a funding gap of more than US$34 million. "Ultimately, unless the attacks stop and the rules of war are respected, the increasing humanitarian catastrophe will continue to unfold, causing more unthinkable suffering among children and families. "Children and the civilian infrastructure they rely on must be protected. UNICEF and our humanitarian colleagues must have rapid and unimpeded access to children and families in need of humanitarian assistance, no matter where they are." ##### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy Praises 12th New Round of EU Sanctions Against Russia By VOA News December 18, 2023 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address Monday that the new EU sanctions "will truly reduce" Russia's economic foundation for war against his country. "We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the sanctions imposed by Europe work globally," he added. The 12th package of sanctions adopted by the European Union Council Monday includes an import and export ban on Russian-origin diamonds and closed loopholes that Russia could use to avoid EU's punitive measures. To prevent Russia from maintaining its military hardware, the EU is introducing a "No Russia clause" that requires EU exporters to contractually prohibit the re-exportation to Russia of any item on a list of "sensitive goods and technology," Reuters reports. Russian diamond producer ALROSA declined to comment on the 12th EU sanctions package. The package also tightens compliance rules for those buying Russian oil via the G7 price cap mechanism. Responding to the new round of sanctions, Russia's diplomatic mission to the European Union said Monday that the EU's need to enforce a new punitive package showed that such measures against the Russian economy had failed. "The Russian economy is not 'torn to shreds,' attempts to isolate us on the international stage, including the Brussels platform, have failed miserably, the goal of 'inflicting a strategic defeat' has not been achieved," the mission said in a statement posted online. Meanwhile, the United States is planning one more aid package for Ukraine later in December. After that, Congress will need to approve further assistance, the White House said Monday. "When that one's done ... we will have no more replenishment authority available to us and we're going to need Congress to act without delay," White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said. More than 40 former top U.S. and NATO diplomats and defense officials penned an open letter to Democratic and Republican Senate and House leaders urging them to approve new aid for Ukraine. The former officials a members of an informal network dedicated to bolstering the NATO military alliance and European security called the Alphen Group warned that losing the war with Russia would be disastrous for Ukraine and would threaten the security of the United States and its allies. Senate Republicans earlier this month blocked an emergency spending bill containing $50 billion in additional Ukraine aid as Republicans pressed their demands for tougher measures to control immigration at the U.S. border with Mexico. Front line Ukrainian troops face shortages of artillery shells and have scaled back some military operations because of a shortfall of foreign assistance, a senior Ukrainian army general told Reuters. Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi spoke after Republican lawmakers blocked a new U.S. aid package and Hungary vetoed 50 billion euros ($54.5 billion) in European Union funding for Kyiv's defensive war against Russia. Ukraine's military said Monday it shot down all five drones Russia used in attempted attacks overnight. The Ukrainian air force said the drones were downed in four different parts of the country, including the Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi regions. There were no reports of casualties or damage on the ground from falling debris. Ukraine and the European Commission will soon evaluate progress Kyiv has made in aligning its legislation with that of the European Union and will create a framework for EU accession talks expected next year, Zelenskyy said Sunday. "In the coming days, with the European Commission, we will officially launch the process of assessing Ukrainian legislation for compliance with EU legislation a the screening process," Zelenskyy said. The European Commission reported last month that Ukraine had fulfilled four of seven recommendations for EU accession negotiations, including hiring anti-corruption officials, preparing the judiciary for a major overhaul and aligning media legislation with EU standards. The commission said it would assess Ukraine's progress again in March, part of a long and complicated pathway to membership that the EU's ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, has described as grueling. Last week, EU leaders agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine in a surprise decision as the bloc's 27 member states held a two-day summit. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban abstained from voting, saying he did not want to take part in what he called a "bad decision." He had said Ukraine had not met three conditions. Orban had pledged for weeks to block moving forward with the negotiations. The other 26 members voted in favor of the accession negotiations after Orban agreed to leave the room. Russia praised Hungary, which is considered Moscow's closest ally in the EU, for objecting to the talks. Some information is from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endeavour Silver Corp. (Endeavour or the Company) (NYSE: EXK; TSX: EDR) announces it has entered into a sales agreement dated December 18, 2023 (the Sales Agreement) with BMO Capital Markets Corp. (the lead agent), TD Securities (USA) LLC, CIBC World Markets Inc., Raymond James (USA) Ltd., B. Riley Securities, Inc., H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners and Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. (collectively, the Agents) pursuant to which the Company may, at its discretion and from time-to-time during the 25 month term of the Sales Agreement, sell, through the Agents, such number of common shares of the Company (Common Shares) as would result in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to US$60 million (the Offering). Sales of Common Shares will be made through at the market distributions as defined in the Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 44-102 - Shelf Distributions, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE), or any other recognized marketplace upon which the Common Shares are listed or quoted or where the Common Shares are traded in the United States. The Common Shares will be distributed at the market prices prevailing at the time of each sale and, as a result, prices may vary as between purchasers and during the period of distribution. No offers or sales of Common Shares will be made in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX) or other trading markets in Canada. All references to dollars ($) in this news release are to United States dollars. The Offering will be made by way of a prospectus supplement dated December 18, 2023 to the Companys existing U.S. registration statement on Form F-10 (the Registration Statement) and Canadian short form base shelf prospectus (the Base Shelf Prospectus), each dated June 16, 2023. The prospectus supplement relating to the Offering has been filed with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada (other than Quebec) and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The U.S. prospectus supplement (together with a related Registration Statement) is available on the SECs website (www.sec.gov) and the Canadian prospectus supplement (together with the related Base Shelf Prospectus and Sales Agreement) is available on the SEDAR+ website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedarplus.ca. Alternatively, BMO Capital Markets will provide copies of the U.S. prospectus upon request by contacting BMO Capital Markets Corp. (Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 151 W 42nd Street, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10036, by telephone: (800) 4143627, or by email: bmoprospectus@bmo.com). Net proceeds of the Offering, if any, together with the Companys current cash resources, will be used to fund the construction and development of the Companys Terronera Mine, to advance the evaluation and development of the Pitarrilla and Parral properties, to assess potential development stage mineral properties for acquisition, to fund the potential acquisition of other development stage mineral properties, for continued exploration on the Companys existing mineral properties and to add to the Companys working capital. The Company will pay the Agents compensation, or allow a discount, of 2.00% of the gross sales price per Common Share sold under the Sales Agreement. Sales under the Sales Agreement remain subject to necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX and the NYSE. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell any securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About Endeavour Silver Endeavour is a mid-tier precious metals mining company that operates two high-grade underground silver-gold mines in Mexico. Endeavour is advancing construction of the Terronera Project and exploring its portfolio of exploration projects in Mexico, Chile and the United States to facilitate its goal to become a premier senior silver producer. Our philosophy of corporate social integrity creates value for all stakeholders. For Further Information, Please Contact Galina Meleger, Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: (604) 640-4804 Email: gmeleger@edrsilver.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to the anticipated Offering and the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to: the continued operation of the Companys mining operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, mining operations will operate and the mining products will be completed in accordance with managements expectations and achieve their stated production outcomes, and such other assumptions and factors as described in the section Risk Factors contained in the Companys most recent Form 40-F filed with the SEC and Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Since forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and address future events, conditions and expectations, forward-looking statements by their nature inherently involve unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors well beyond the Companys ability to control or predict. Material factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in such forwarding-looking statements include risks related to the conditions requiring the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering to change, timing of, and ability to obtain, required regulatory approvals and general economic and regulatory changes. These forward-looking statements represent the Companys views as of the date of this release. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Paycom Software, Inc. (NYSE: PAYC) between May 3, 2023 and November 1, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important January 9, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased Paycom 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 Paycom class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20233 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 9, 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, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Paycoms Beti product led to cannibalization of the Companys services and revenues; (2) Paycom knew but failed to disclose that Beti was leading to cannibalization of Paycoms services and revenues, and failed to warn of cannibalization as a general risk; (3) as a result of cannibalization of revenue, Paycom missed its expected third quarter 2023 revenue and would have to revise its expected 2023 revenues; (4) the cannibalization issue resulted in projected 2024 year-over-year revenue growth to between 10% and 12%, well below expectations; and (5) as a result, defendants statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Paycom class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20233 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 Washington, D.C., Dec. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Presidents do not have the power to dispense with statutes. Today, the New Civil Liberties Alliance filed an amicus curiae brief emphasizing that point and urging the U.S. Supreme Court to grant certiorari in Murphy Company v. Biden. In this case, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld a presidential proclamation that contradicts Congressionally-mandated land use in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The withdrawal of lawful land use in this monument designation is part of a legally disturbing trend: for the last 25 years, presidents of both parties have been exceeding their constitutional authority to designate monuments and inappropriately dispensing with statutes passed by Congress. On behalf of itself and the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation, NCLA calls for an end to this unlawful use of presidential proclamations. Congress passed legislation in 1937 that designated certain timberlands in Oregon for permanent forest production to provide a permanent source of timber supply and to support local business and government. Subsequent presidential proclamations, however, designated the Monument and prohibited commercial harvest of timber. In doing so, the President unilaterally withdrew a major land use, dispensed with valid existing legislation, and took an action that he has no constitutional power to take on his own. The Ninth Circuit wrongly held that Congresss explicitly articulated use for the land was not absolute, so it could be disregarded in part and superseded by new presidentially ordered priorities. Lower courts make the mistake of routinely deferring to presidential monument designations that unlawfully withdraw tens or hundreds of thousands of acres of land from public uses such as grazing and timber production and that interfere with statutory policy priorities and protections for stakeholders. It is past time for the Supreme Court to take up this issue of flagrantly abused presidential power and reconfirm that presidents lack dispensing power, which even the King of England no longer enjoyed by the time the U.S. Constitution was written. The Court must police the boundary between Executive monument designations and presidents efforts to legislate land codes contrary to statute. NCLA released the following statements: The federal government owns millions of acres of land in the Western United States, which gives it the power to promote or inhibit related industry. Since the Antiquities Act of 1906, which gave presidents the power to designate monuments, Congress has passed dozens of specific and general land use laws. No authority gives the president unilateral power to set aside these Congressional mandates and choke-off local business in the process. Zhonette Brown, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA In recent decades, presidential monument designations under the Antiquities Act have grown in size and scope, often to the detriment of local communities. While lower courts have been reluctant to review such designations, the Supreme Court should not be reticent. This case provides an excellent vehicle to address the conflict between presidential monument designations and Congresss power to regulate use of this nations lands. Kara Rollins, Litigation Counsel, NCLA For more information visit the amicus page here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### NEWARK, Del, Dec. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global micro flute paper market is anticipated to reach a valuation of US$ 2,658 million in 2023. It is projected to exhibit a CAGR of around 5.1% during the estimated period 2023 to 2033. The market is set to attain a valuation of about US$ 4,370 million by 2033. Consumer Preference for Lightweight and Biodegradable Packaging Drives Sales Micro flute paper packaging is replacing traditional packaging made from metal and plastic. Packaging that contains metal or plastic imposes extra costs on manufacturers and end-users. Additionally, such packaging materials have a high carbon impact. Compared to this, micro flute paper is the ideal packaging material as it is produced from a biodegradable material that has negligible carbon footprints. Click to Request Sample Report and Drive Impactful Decisions: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-9965 Several manufacturers and end-users are increasingly demanding sustainable, easy-to-reuse, and lightweight packaging. Owing to its several benefits, lightweight micro flute paper packaging is capturing the attention of manufacturers from several industries. The demand for lightweight micro flute paper packaging among end-users is also increasing as it saves energy and the overall cost during production, and it is easy to recycle. Micro flute paper packaging continues to perform well in a handful of packaging applications, such as bakery, dairy products, ready-to-eat, and on-the-go food packaging. The food & beverage industry strives to rack up the shelves with products that weigh less by using micro flute packaging materials. Key Takeaways from the Micro Flute Paper Market Report- Sales of the micro flute paper will rise from 2023 to 2033 and are projected to create a total financial potential of US$ 1,844.3 million . . E flute micro flute papers, occupying around 2/3rd of the market, are anticipated to dominate the global micro flute paper industry based on product type. of the market, are anticipated to dominate the global micro flute paper industry based on product type. The growth of the micro flute paper market will likely increase at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period in the United States. during the forecast period in the United States. Indias micro flute paper industry is estimated to showcase a CAGR of 6.9% in the assessment period. in the assessment period. Chinas micro flute paper industry is expected to witness a CAGR of around 6.6% from 2023 to 2033. The necessity for sustainable packaging solutions has increased due to modern customers' growing environmental consciousness, which has driven the market over the historical period. Micro flute paper's lightweight, biodegradable, and recyclable qualities have made it a desirable option for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint, says Senior Consultant Ismail Sutaria in Packaging at Future Market Insights (FMI). Ready to Dive Deeper? Request Our Comprehensive Report Methodology Now: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/request-report-methodology/rep-gb-9965 The Provision of Value-added Services and Customization is an Ongoing Trend Micro flute paper manufacturers are expanding their offerings beyond normal products to include value-added and custom manufacturing services. This is owing to the growing demand for personalized and differentiated packaging solutions that cater to specific product requirements and brand aesthetics. Micro flute paper manufacturers are positioning themselves as strategic partners for brands seeking to differentiate their products through the provision of such value-added and customized services. For instance, Stora Enso provides a range of value-added services, including printing, die-cutting, and protective coatings, for its micro flute paper products. Additionally, DS Smith offers small-batch and prototype production services for its micro flute paper products, enabling brands to test and refine packaging designs before committing to large-scale production runs. Growing Fast-food Outlets Create Lucrative Opportunities for the Market The micro flute paper market is growing against the backdrop of the expansion of fast food centers. Furthermore, the rapid growth of supermarkets and hypermarkets in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as developing countries such as Brazil is expected to offer considerable growth opportunities for players in the microflute paper industry. For instance, in the United States, McDonalds uses Big Mac clamshell for product packaging, which is manufactured from F-flute paper. This packaging receives great attention from customers. Additionally, Dairy Queen in the United States also uses F flute clamshell for the packaging of its ultimate sandwich and hot dogs. Micro Flute Paper Market: Competitive Landscape The Top Key Companies Profiled DS Smith Plc Smurfit Kappa Group Plc Mondi Plc Acme Corrugated Box Co. Inc. Cascades Inc. International Paper Inc. Netpak KRPA Holding CZ a.s Al Kifah Paper Products Co Mayr-Melnhof Packaging (MM Packaging) Independent Corrugator Inc. GWP Group Ltd Stora Enso Oyj WestRock Company Hamburger Containerboard Shanghai DE Printed Box The Tier 1 players in the market hold an 8 to 12% share in the micro flute paper industry. For instance, In May 2023, DS Smith plc announced an investment of around US$ 12 million for the expansion of its production plant in A Pobra do Caraminal. The expansion will add 6,000 square meters to the site, taking the overall capacity to 17,000 square meters. announced an investment of around US$ 12 million for the expansion of its production plant in A Pobra do Caraminal. The expansion will add 6,000 square meters to the site, taking the overall capacity to 17,000 square meters. In July 2023, Mondi Plc announced the acquisition of the Hinton Pulp mill in Canada, which boasts an annual capacity of around 250,000 tons. Build A Future-Ready Business - Buy Now to Embrace Innovation and Ensure Enduring Success: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/9965 Market Outlook by Category By Product: D Flute E Flute F Flute N Flute By Basis Weight: Up to 100 GSM 100 to 175 GSM 175 GSM to 250 GSM Above 250 GSM By Material: Virgin Recycled By End-use: Food & Beverages Medical & Pharmaceuticals Personal Care Consumer Durable Electronic Goods Others By Region: North America Latin America East Asia South Asia Europe Oceania Middle East & Africa Author Ismail Sutaria (Lead Consultant, Packaging and Materials) has over 8 years of experience in market research and consulting in the packaging & materials industry. Ismails strength lies in identifying key challenges faced by the client and offering logical and actionable insights to equip the clients with strategic decision-making power. Ismail has been an instrumental part of several transformational consulting assignments. His key skills include competitive benchmarking, opportunity assessment, macroeconomic analysis, and business transformation advisory. Ismail is an MBA holder in Marketing and has a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics. Explore Trending Reports of Packaging The global demand for masking paper is projected to grow at a steady CAGR of around 5.42% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032. The global kraft paper market is expected a consistent CAGR of 2.4% through 2034, with a forecast valuation of US$ 21.2 billion by 2034. The global boxboard packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% between 2023 and 2033, totaling around US$ 116.7 billion by 2033. The demand for corrugated boxes globally is anticipated to record a CAGR of 4.3% during the period from 2023 to 2033. The corrugated box market valuation is expected to grow from US$ 140.4 billion in 2023 to US$ 213.9 billion in 2033. The global burger wrap paper market is anticipated to reach US$ 1,442.5 million by 2034. The demand is expected to rise at a CAGR of 3.80% from 2024 to 2034. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer, Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 5000 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us: Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (West Red Lake Gold or WRLG or the Company) (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQX: WRLGF) is pleased to announce the results of its annual general meeting of shareholders held on December 15, 2023. The Company elected seven directors to its board, namely, Tom Meredith, Shane Williams, Anthony Makuch, Duncan Middlemiss, Hugh Agro, John Heslop, and Susan Neale. The shareholders approved all other matters as proposed, including the appointment of MNP LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as auditors of the Company and approval of the Companys stock option plan. The Company further announces that on December 14, 2023, as payment of US$2,631,463 to a fund managed by Sprott Resource Lending Corp (Sprott) for deferred consideration related to the Companys acquisition of Pure Gold Mining Inc. (the Obligation), the Company issued 6,900,000 units in the capital of the Company at a price of C$0.52 per unit (the Units), with each Unit consisting of one common share of the Company and one share purchase warrant which is exercisable into one common share of the Company until November 28, 2026 at an exercise price of C$0.68 per common share, and issued a replacement promissory note dated December 14, 2023 in the amount of US$2,901,631 to Sprott for the remaining Obligation. ABOUT WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD. West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that is publicly traded and focused on advancing and developing its flagship Madsen Gold Mine and the associated 47 km2 highly prospective land package in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The highly productive Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada has yielded over 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the world's richest gold deposits. WRLG also holds the wholly owned Rowan Property in Red Lake, with an expansive property position covering 31 km2 including three past producing gold mines - Rowan, Mount Jamie, and Red Summit. ON BEHALF OF WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD. Shane Williams Shane Williams President & Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Freddie Leigh Tel: (604) 609-6132 Email: investors@westredlakegold.com or visit the Companys website at https://www.westredlakegold.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. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Certain information included in this press release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "scheduled", "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Companys continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. perth, Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PERSEUS RELEASES UPDATED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR ITS YAOURE GOLD MINE Perth, Western Australia/December 19, 2023/Perseus Mining Limited (ASX/TSX: PRU) is pleased to announce the release of the updated Technical Report for its Yaoure Gold Mine in Cote dIvoire, West Africa (Yaoure). The Technical Report, with an effective date of September 18, 2023, was prepared in compliance with Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 and is available on www.perseusmining.com and www.sedarplus.ca. The Report summarises the results of the updated Life of Mine Plan to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of an extended mine life at Yaoure, inclusive of a feasibility level study on an underground mine on the CMA orebody. Please refer to News Release dated September 18, 2023 Perseus extends life of Yaoure Gold Mine to 2035 for a summary of the material information contained in the Yaoure Technical Report. This announcement was authorised for release by Jeff Quartermaine, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer New York City, Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian artist and serial entrepreneur Eric Colucci (real name: Erich-Saint Colucci Lima) is launching the language learning platform Sharklingo in 2024. The entrepreneur and former model has been in business as an investor for over five years now, has launched multiple different businesses around the world, and is now ready to take on the startup world with future-oriented companies for more efficient living. Following his passion for languages, Colucci is launching the first fully AI-powered language learning platform in the world. The platform will be built using AI technology in order to optimize learning and make language acquisition faster than traditional education systems. The website and app will provide the students with a full immersion in each language and the countries that speak it, making it easier for anyone around the world to immerse themselves in the language and culture even before setting foot in a foreign country. Colucci is a polyglot himself, fluent in five languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Korean. The visionary founder attributes his ease in learning languages to his regular travel abroad while young and his complete immersion in each countrys culture while in a foreign country. Learning a language is different from acquiring it. You can study and become fluent in a language in 58 years and end up speaking like a robot, or you can immerse yourself in the language and culture, use practical learning methods, and sound like a native within 2-3 years, and artificial intelligence just makes it much faster and cheaper than any other learning method available in the world right now," says Colucci. The platform will initially be available in 12 languages, but he plans to expand it to over 100 languages in the future to include the entire worlds population. The platform will come with multiple options, such as games, animations, mimic sentences, a slang and idioms dictionary, AI texting and speaking, real-time local news, subtitles and translations, and much more. Students will be able to practice texting and speaking in the foreign language with artificial intelligence-generated characters who will correct them once a mistake is detected, making it as interactive and human-like as possible. Sharklingo is set to be launched in 2024, and it will be available online and on smartphone stores. Attachments BRISBANE, Australia, Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allkem Limited (ASX: AKE, Allkem) refers to the proposed merger of equals between Allkem and Livent Corporation (Livent), (Transaction). Allkem is pleased to announce that the requisite majorities of Allkem shareholders have today voted in favour of the proposed scheme of arrangement pursuant to which Arcadium Lithium plc (Arcadium Lithium) will acquire 100% of the shares in Allkem (Scheme) in connection with the Transaction. Results of the Scheme Meeting In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 3.13.2 and section 251AA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), a detailed report of the votes cast on the resolution to approve the Scheme is included as Annexure A to this announcement. In summary: 72.07% of the total number of votes cast by Allkem shareholders (either in person (including online), or by proxy, attorney or corporate representative) were in favour of the Scheme; and 89.27% of Allkem shareholders present and voting (either in person (including online), or by proxy, attorney or corporate representative) voted in favour of the Scheme. Managing Director and CEO, Martin Perez de Solay said, I would like to thank shareholders for their support of the merger which subject to Livent shareholder approval will bring together a highly complementary range of assets, growth projects and operating skills across extraction and processing under an integrated business model. Arcadium Lithium will have the scale and expertise to meet the rapidly growing demand for lithium chemical products and the product flexibility required by customers while remaining committed to the delivery and execution of a significant growth pipeline. Chairman, Peter Coleman said, The combination of Allkem and Livent is expected to create a highly complementary and vertically integrated business model to enhance operational flexibility and reliability, which is expected to result greater value capture across the lithium value chain. The Combined Group will have an attractive geographic footprint and greater capacity to de-risk and accelerate growth with a deeper pool of technical, capital and projects expertise. We expect the delivery of unique and significant synergies and overall an enhanced value proposition for shareholders, customers, employees and local communities, with a firm commitment to sustainability and responsible growth. Next steps The Livent stockholder meeting is scheduled to be held on 19 December 2023 (New York time), at which Livent stockholders will vote on the adoption of the Transaction Agreement and the approval of the transactions contemplated by it. The affirmative vote of a majority of Livent stock entitled to vote at the Livent stockholder meeting is a condition to implementation of the Scheme. If Livent stockholders approve the adoption of the Transaction Agreement and the transactions contemplated by it, Allkem will apply to the Federal Court of Australia for approval of the Scheme at a hearing scheduled for 2:15 pm (AWST) on 20 December 2023 (Second Court Hearing).1 If the Court approves the Scheme at the Second Court Hearing, Allkem intends to lodge a copy of the orders of the Court with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on 21 December 2023 (AEDT), so that the Scheme will become effective on that date. If this occurs, Allkem Shares will be suspended from trading on ASX with effect from close of trading on 21 December 2023 (AEDT), and from trading on TSX with effect from 4:00pm (Toronto time) on 21 December 2023. Implementation of the Scheme is expected to occur on 4 January 2023 (AEDT), subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions precedent to the Scheme (including approval of the Scheme by the Court at the Second Court Hearing). Scheme Timetable The key remaining dates expected for the Transaction are set out below. Event Date / time Livent Stockholder Meeting 19 December 2023 (New York time) Second Court Date 2:15 pm (AWST) on 20 December 2023 Election Date The latest time and date by which Election Forms (or Election Withdrawal Forms, if applicable) must be received by the Allkem Share Registry from: Eligible Principal Register Shareholders who wish to receive Arcadium Lithium Shares, rather than Arcadium Lithium CDIs, as Scheme Consideration; and Eligible Canadian Register Shareholders who wish to receive Arcadium Lithium CDIs, rather than Arcadium Lithium Shares, as Scheme Consideration. Principal Register Shareholders: 5:00 pm (AEDT) on 20 December 2023 Canadian Register Shareholders: 5:00 pm (Toronto time) / 10:00 pm (UTC) on 20 December 2023 Arcadium Lithium admitted to the official list of ASX 21 December 2023 Effective Date 21 December 2023 Suspension of Allkem Shares from trading on ASX Close of trading on 21 December 2023 (AEDT) Suspension of Allkem Shares from trading on TSX 4:00 pm (Toronto time) / 9:00 pm (UTC) on 21 December 2023 Arcadium Lithium CDIs to commence trading on ASX on a deferred settlement basis 22 December 2023 Record Date for determining entitlements to receive Scheme Consideration 7:00 pm (AEDT) on 27 December 2023 Scheme Implementation Date 4 January 2024 US Merger Effective Time 4 January 2024 (New York time) Last day of deferred settlement trading for Arcadium Lithium CDIs 4 January 2024 Arcadium Lithium Shares anticipated to commence trading on NYSE 9:30 am (New York time) on 4 January 2024 Dispatch of holding statements for Arcadium Lithium CDIs 5 January 2024 Arcadium Lithium CDIs to commence trading on ASX on a normal settlement basis 10:00 am (AEDT) on 5 January 2024 Expected date for Allkem to be delisted from ASX Close of trading on 5 January 2024 (AEDT) Expected date for Allkem to be delisted from TSX Close of trading on 5 January 2024 (Toronto time) First settlement of deferred settlement and normal settlement trading of Arcadium Lithium CDIs 9 January 2024 Note: All references to time above are references to AEDT (Sydney time), unless otherwise specified. All dates are indicative only and, among other things, are subject to all necessary approvals from the Court and other Governmental Entities and the satisfaction or permissible waiver of all other applicable closing conditions. Allkem reserves the right to vary the times and dates set out above. Any changes to the above timetable will be announced through ASX, filed under Allkems profile on SEDAR+ and notified on www.allkem.co. This release was authorised by the Board of Directors of Allkem Limited. Allkem Limited ABN 31 112 589 910 Level 35, 71 Eagle St Brisbane, QLD 4000 Investor Relations & Media Enquiries Andrew Barber M: +61 418 783 701 E: Andrew.Barber@allkem.co Phoebe Lee P: +61 7 3064 3600 E: Phoebe.Lee@allkem.co Connect info@allkem.co +61 7 3064 3600 www.allkem.co LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube IMPORTANT NOTICES Not for release or distribution in the United States This announcement has been prepared for publication in Australia and may not be released to U.S. wire services or distributed in the United States. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction, and neither this announcement or anything attached to this announcement shall form the basis of any contract or commitment. Any securities described in this announcement have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States except in transactions registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or exempt from, or not subject to, the registration of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and applicable U.S. state securities laws. Annexure A: Voting results of the Scheme Meeting The following information is provided in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 3.13.2 and section 251AA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth): A table accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed174d49-e63c-4875-a729-88a6e7c09073 __________________________ 1 The Scheme remains subject to certain conditions. The Second Court Hearing will only occur if all of the remaining conditions precedent to the Scheme (other than in relation to the Courts approval of the Scheme) have been satisfied or waived as at 8.00 am (Australian Western Standard Time) on 20 December 2023 (being the date that is currently scheduled to be the Second Court Date). Full details of the conditions precedent to the Scheme (and other terms) are set out in the Transaction Agreement entered into between Allkem, Livent and Arcadium Lithium (as amended from time to time), a summary of which is included in the Scheme Booklet and which is available on the ASX website at www.asx.com.au and on Allkem's website at https://www.allkem.co/. Pune, India, Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global diatomite market size was valued at USD 1.06 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 1.12 billion in 2023 to USD 1.68 billion in 2030 at a CAGR of 5.9% during 2023-2030. Diatomite is a nature-forming sedimentary rock composed of fossilized residue of diatoms. It has various properties, including low density, high surface areas, and high porosity, making it ideal for different industrial applications. Rising demand for water filtration systems and increasing construction activities are expected to boost market growth during the forecast period. Fortune Business Insights mentioned this in a report titled, Diatomite Market, 2023-2030. Get a Free Sample Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/diatomite-market-103952 List of Key Players Present in the Diatomite Market Report: Imerys (France) EP Minerals (U.S.) Showa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan) Calgon Carbon Corporation (U.S.) Dicalite Management Group, LLC (U.S.) Diatomit CJSC (Armenia) JiLin Yuantong Mineral Co., Ltd. (China) Nova Industries Limited (Kenya) Reade International Corp. (U.S.) Seema Minerals & Metals (India) Report Scope & Segmentation: Report Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 5.9% 2030 Value Projection USD 1.68 Billion Market Size in 2022 USD 1.06 Billion Historical Data 2017-2021 No. of Pages 280 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Type By Application Regions Covered North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Diatomite Market Growth Drivers Rising Demand for the Product Due to its Unique Properties to Drive Market Growth Growing Key Players Focus on Capacity Expansion to Drive Market Growth Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/diatomite-market-103952 Segments Growing Use in Different Applications to Drive Calcined Segment Growth By type, the market is segmented into calcined, flux-calcined, and natural. The calcined market segment holds the largest market share. The growth is attributed to the wide usage of calcined grade in different industrial applications, such as insulation, absorbents, and superior filtration agents, and as a functional additive in coatings, plastics, and paints. Growing Use of the Product as Filter Aids to Filter Aids Segment Growth Based on application, the market is classified into filter aids, cementitious materials, fillers, absorbents, and others. The filter aids segment holds a major diatomite market share due to its wide usage of diatomaceous earth as a filter aid removes fine particles from liquids by creating a porous layer on a filter medium top. Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. COVID-19 Impact Reduced Demand for Diatomite During Pandemic Hampered the Market Growth The COVID-19 pandemic hurt the diatomite market growth. The significant supply chain disruptions and decreased demand for the products hindered the market growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the slowdown of filtration and manufacturing activities, which are the primary users of diatomaceous earth, has decreased demand for diatomaceous earth. Report Coverage The report offers: Major growth drivers, restraining factors, opportunities, and potential challenges for the market. Comprehensive insights into regional developments. List of major industry players. Key strategies adopted by the market players. The latest industry developments include product launches, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions. Get a Quote Now: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/diatomite-market-103952 Drivers & Restraints Rising Demand for the Product Due to its Unique Properties to Drive Market Growth The properties of diatomite, such as low density, high surface area, and high porosity, are driving its demand in veracious applications, such as the construction industry. These properties can enhance the durability and strength of concrete and decrease its carbon footprint by reducing the required amount of cement. However, the availability of some alternatives to diatomaceous earth used in specific applications is expected to impede market growth during the forecast period. Regional Insights Increasing Demand for Diatomaceous Earth to Aid Market Growth in North America North America is expected to hold the largest diatomite market share during the forecast period. The U.S. is a major contributor to the market in North America. The growth is attributed to the increasing demand for diatomaceous earth in different applications. Asia Pacific is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the increasing demand for diatomaceous earth from different industries, such as healthcare, agriculture, and food and beverage. Competitive Landscape Growing Key Players Focus on Capacity Expansion to Drive Market Growth The diatomite market consists of key players, including EP Minerals, Imerys, Calgon Corporation, Showa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Dicalite Management Group, LLC, and others. These key market players' growing focus is capacity expansion, joint ventures, acquisitions, new product launches, and partnerships to drive market growth. Key Industry Development May 2021 ATPGroup and Imerys partnered to develop filtration solutions for different industries. The partnership will leverage ATPGroups filtration technology expertise and mineral-based solutions knowledge of Imerys to create innovative products from diatomaceous earth that will help meet customers' needs across different sectors. Ask for Customization: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/diatomite-market-103952 Detailed Table of Contents: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Key Emerging Trends For Major Regions Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, Partnership, etc. Latest Technological Advancement Insights on Regulatory Scenario Porters Five Forces Analysis Qualitative Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Diatomite Market Supply Chain Analysis & Challenges due to Covid-19 Steps taken by Government / Companies to Overcome this Impact Potential Challenges and Opportunities due to COVID-19 Outbreak Global Diatomite Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2017-2030 Key Findings / Summary By Type (Value and Volume) Calcined Flux-Calcined Natural By Application (Value and Volume) Filter Aids Cementitious Materials Fillers Absorbents Others By Region (Value and Volume) North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa North America Diatomite Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2017-2030 Key Findings / Summary By Type (Value and Volume) Calcined Flux-Calcined Natural By Application (Value and Volume) Filter Aids Cementitious Materials Fillers Absorbents Others By Country (Value and Volume) U.S By Application (Value and Volume) Filter Aids Cementitious Materials Fillers Absorbents Others Canada By Application (Value and Volume) Filter Aids Cementitious Materials Fillers Absorbents Others TOC Continued...! Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/diatomite-market-103952 Read Related Insights: Filters Market to Reach USD 145.18 Billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 5.4% During 2022-2029 Rare Earth Elements Market to Worth USD 5,520.2 Million by 2028 | Accelerating CAGR of 10% Silica Sand Market to Worth USD 18.98 Billion by 2029 | Industry to Grow at 7.7% CAGR from 2022 to 2029 About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Address: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner, Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Attachment Pune,India, Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global office furniture market size was valued at USD 44.27 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 48.64 billion in 2022 to USD 80.62 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.48% during the forecast period. This information is presented by Fortune Business Insights, in its report titled, Office Furniture Market, 2022-2029. Get a Free Sample Research PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/office-furniture-market-106234 List of Key Players Profiled in the Office Furniture Market: Steelcase Inc. (U.S) MillerKnoll, Inc (U. S.) Nilkamal Ltd. (India) Kimball International Inc. (U.S) Haworth Inc. (U.S.) HNI Corporation (U.S) Krueger International, Inc. (U. S.) Humanscale (U.S.) Global Furniture Group (U.S.) Vitra International AG. (Switzerland) Report Coverage: The report presents a rounded study of the market along with current trends and future anticipations to establish proximate investment gains. An in-depth analysis of any upcoming opportunities, threats, competitions or driving factors is also mentioned in the report. Step by step, thorough regional analysis is offered. The COVID-19 impacts have been added to the report to help investors and business owners understand the threats better. The top players in the market are identified, and their strategies to bolster the office furniture market growth are shared in the report. Drivers and Restraints: Significant Growth in ICT Industry Drives the Market Growth The ICT sector has made a substantial contribution to the economies of numerous nations worldwide. The ICT sector needs proper infrastructure development since it is crucial to its operation in order to achieve optimal performance and deliver necessary services. It consists of two parts, IT applications, engineering, and services provided online. As a result, governments have been spending money on building infrastructure and luring MNCs and startups to the nation. Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/office-furniture-market-106234 COVID-19 Impacts: Significant Drop in Product Demand during COVID-19 Pandemic Governments implemented a number of measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, including lockdowns, border closures, and other suspensions of non-essential corporate operations. The production, supply chain, and other operations were severely disrupted in 2021 as a result of these limits and regulations. Additionally, many organizations, including corporate offices, IT service providers, and others were forced to allow employees to work from home for a longer period of time. This had a huge influence on the demand for office furniture globally and decreased income generating. Segments: By Product Type Office Chair Office Table Storage Furniture Others By Material Wood Steel Others By Distribution Channel Online Offline By Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific the Middle East & Africa South America Get a Quote Now: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/office-furniture-market-106234 Regional Insights: North America spearheads the market growth, primarily driven by the United States, boasting the largest share in the office furniture market within the region, alongside Canada and Mexico. The escalating demand for office furniture in North America is a result of Canada's rapid urbanization and Mexico's burgeoning commercial real estate sector. Additionally, the region's requirement for office furniture is augmented by the rising influx of international corporations and startups establishing corporate offices in Canada. Competitive Landscape: Major industry players are actively employing diverse strategies to fortify their market positions as industry frontrunners. One pivotal tactic involves acquiring companies to enhance their brand recognition among consumers. Furthermore, another crucial approach involves consistently introducing innovative products after conducting thorough market research and understanding the needs of their target audience. Detailed Table of Contents: Introduction Research Scope: Outlining the boundaries and extent of the research. Outlining the boundaries and extent of the research. Market Segmentation: Identifying distinct market segments for analysis. Identifying distinct market segments for analysis. Research Methodology: Detailing the approach and techniques used for conducting the research. Detailing the approach and techniques used for conducting the research. Definitions and Assumptions: Clarifying specific terms and presumptions for the study. Section 2: Executive Summary Section 3: Market Dynamics Market Drivers: Factors propelling market growth. Factors propelling market growth. Market Restraints: Factors limiting market expansion. Factors limiting market expansion. Market Opportunities: Potential avenues for market advancement. Potential avenues for market advancement. Market Trends: Ongoing shifts or patterns shaping the market. Section 4: Key Insights Overview of the Parent/Related Markets: Understanding the broader market context. Understanding the broader market context. Regulatory Landscape: Evaluating the governing regulations impacting the market. Evaluating the governing regulations impacting the market. Industry SWOT Analysis: Assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the industry. Assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the industry. Recent Industry Developments: Highlighting significant policy changes, partnerships, product launches, and mergers & acquisitions. Highlighting significant policy changes, partnerships, product launches, and mergers & acquisitions. Impact of COVID on Supply Chain of Office Furniture Market: Analyzing the pandemic's effects on the supply chain, challenges faced, and potential opportunities arising from the situation. Section 5: Global Office Furniture Market Analysis, Insights, and Forecast (2018-2029) Key Findings/Summary: Condensed overview of crucial discoveries. Condensed overview of crucial discoveries. Market Size Estimates and Forecast: Projecting market sizes and trends. By Product Type (Value): Office Chair, Office Table, Storage Furniture, Others. By Material (Value): Wood, Steel, Others. By Distribution Channel: Online, Offline. By Region (Value): North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa. Projecting market sizes and trends. TOC Continued...! Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/office-furniture-market-106234 Key Industry Development: February 2022: A new ergonomic office table called Move Up was introduced by Godrej and Boyce, a flagship company of Godrej, through the Godrej Interior division for people who work from home. Read Related Insights: Furniture Market on Track to Reach $780.43 Billion by 2030 | A Comprehensive 190-Page Report Furniture Rental Service Market to Worth USD 142.91 Billion by 2030 | With a 9.07% CAGR Outdoor Furniture Market Size to Worth USD 72.80 Billion by 2030 | With a 5.30% CAGR About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Address: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner, Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Attachment TomTom develops an advanced AI-powered voice assistant for drivers based on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. The solution is built into TomToms Digital Cockpit and can be integrated into other automotive infotainment systems. TomTom and Microsoft are collaborating to develop new automotive solutions that leverage AI capabilities, cloud analytics, and Microsofts automotive reference architectures. AMSTERDAM, Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TomTom ( TOM2 ) , the location technology specialist, today announced that, together with Microsoft, it is bringing the benefits of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to the global automotive industry. Leveraging Microsoft's advancements in AI, TomTom has developed a fully integrated, AI-powered conversational automotive assistant that enables more sophisticated voice interaction with infotainment, location search, and vehicle command systems. Drivers can converse naturally with their vehicle and ask the AI-powered assistant to navigate to a certain location, find specific stops along their route, and vocally control onboard systems to, for instance, turn up the temperature, open windows, or change radio stations. All with a single interaction. The solution integrates Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to take advantage of large language models in addition to Azure Kubernetes Services, Azure Cosmos DB, and Azure Cognitive Services. The voice assistant can be integrated into other automotive infotainment systems, enabling automotive customers to accelerate time-to-market on a customizable interface while retaining ownership of their branding and the driver experience. The solution is also built into TomToms Digital Cockpit, an open, modular in-vehicle infotainment platform. Together with Microsoft, our shared vision is to drive innovation with generative AI and provide our customers with even better solutions, says Mike Schoofs, Chief Revenue Officer, TomTom. Leveraging our navigation and technology expertise, were creating a groundbreaking new way for people to interact with their vehicles. With both companies integrating what they do best into one solution, were transforming the in-vehicle experience, enabling drivers to ask their car for anything and trust it will deliver." With this next generation of AI, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation across the entire automotive sector, said Dominik Wee, Corporate Vice President for Manufacturing and Mobility, Microsoft. Were building on our longstanding collaboration with TomTom and bringing together AI advances across the Microsoft Cloud with TomTom's automotive expertise to provide drivers and carmakers with new AI-powered tools. This integration will enable OEMs to offer highly differentiated and unique cockpit experiences, while preserving their unique brand identity. TomTom started working with Microsoft in 2016, with TomTom powering Azure Maps location services, and the companies later expanding their partnership to mapping data and services for Microsoft's first-party maps. As a natural evolution of their relationship, the companies are now collaborating on automotive solutions, driving innovation for generative AI-powered automotive solutions, and developing an in-vehicle digital cockpit and infotainment solution with cloud analytics. Note to editors: If you're at CES, come and visit us in Hall West W311&W312. Ask for a demonstration of conversational AI and find out about the other projects TomTom is currently working on in collaboration with Microsoft. You can also discover our conversational AI solution at the Microsoft booth. About TomTom: Billions of data points. Millions of sources. Hundreds of communities. We are the mapmaker bringing it all together to build the worlds smartest map. We provide location data and technology to drivers, carmakers, businesses, and developers. Our application-ready maps, routing, real-time traffic, APIs, and SDKs enable the dreamers and doers to shape the future of mobility. Headquartered in Amsterdam with 3,800 employees around the globe, TomTom has been helping people find their way in the world for over 30 years. www.tomtom.com For further information: Media Relations mediarelations@tomtom.com Investor Relations ir@tomtom.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a7b3dcf1-73f6-4b38-b892-5889a2330f26 Pune, India, Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global electronic flight bag (EFB) market is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 5.86 billion by 2028. This growth is attributed to the increasing emphasis on adopting integrated and smart product solutions. According to a report by Fortune Business Insights titled "Electronic Flight Bag Market, 2021-2028," the market was valued at USD 2.90 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to show a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.57% from 2021 to 2028. An EFB is a tool used in aviation to store and access important documents like weather information, operating manuals, route details, and other essential data during flight operations. Get a Free Sample Research PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/electronic-flight-bag-market-103689 Here Are Companies Covered in the Electronic Flight Bag Market are: Airbus SAS (the Netherlands) The Boeing Company (The U.S.) Collins Aerospace (The U.S.) L3Harris Technologies Inc. (The U.S.) Thales Group (France) CMC Electronics Inc. (Canada) Jeppesen (The U.S.) Astronautics Corporation of America (The U.S.) Lufthansa Systems (Germany) DAC International, Inc. (The U.S.) Teledyne Controls (The U.S.) Esterline Technologies Corporation (The U.S.) Report Scope & Segmentation: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2021-2028 Forecast CAGR 10.57% 2028 Value Projection USD 5.86 Billion Market Size in 2021 USD 2.90 Billion Historical Data 2017-2019 No. of Pages 200 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Type Analysis By Component Analysis By Platform Analysis Regions Covered North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East and Africa Electronic Flight Bag Market Growth Drivers The surge in Commercial Aircraft Deliveries to Boost Market Growth Rising Safety Concerns and Real-Time Access of Information to Surge Demand for Electronic Flight Bag Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/electronic-flight-bag-market-103689 Market Segmentation: Based on type, the market is divided into the portable and installed segment. On the basis of component, the market is classified into hardware and software. While, based on the system, the market is segmented into commercial and military. Based on the platform, the commercial segment held a market share of about 85.5% in 2020 and is likely to remain at the forefront. This is due to the presence of a large commercial fleet across the globe that is expected to boost the products demand during the foreseeable future. Finally, based on the region, the market is segregated into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. COVID-19 Impact: Market Witnessed a Decline of 54.6% in 2020; Halted Aircraft Operations & Services Restrained Growth In 2020, the world was brought to a standstill due to the widespread effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The rising COVID-19 cases compelled the global government agencies to announce lockdowns to control the pandemic. This further led to the halting of several industrial operations and people confined through their home spaces. Travel restrictions, coupled with several aircraft stationed at airports, hampered the revenue sales of the airline operators. This led to a significant loss of revenue that resulted in the market experiencing a huge decline of 54.6% in 2020. However, social distancing norms and phased resumption of industrial activities are likely to boost the global electronic flight bag market growth in the forthcoming years. Inquire Before Buying This Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/electronic-flight-bag-market-103689 What does the Report Provide? The global market report provides a detailed analysis of several factors such as the key drivers and restraints that will impact growth. Additionally, the report provides insights into the regional analysis that covers different regions, contributing to the growth of the market. It includes the competitive landscape that involves the leading companies and the adoption of strategies by them to introduce new products, announce partnerships, and collaboration that will further contribute to the market growth. Moreover, the research analyst has adopted several research methodologies such as PORTERs Five Point Analysis and PESTEL to obtain information about the current trends and industry developments that will drive the market growth between 2021 and 2028. Driving Factors: Increasing Adoption of Smart EFB Solutions to Promote Growth Jeppesen has developed a suite of EFB solutions that allow efficient data communication through aircraft connectivity, distribution, reduces flight plan production and storage costs by entirely digitizing the flight briefing. Companies like them constantly focus on implementing advanced solutions to increase airline efficiency and reduce operational costs. Besides, special attention to streamlining the workflow of pilots is anticipated to surge the adoption of advanced electronic flight bags, thereby leading to exponential market growth. Regional Insights: North America The market in the region is expected to remain dominant and hold the largest global electronic flight bag market share during the forecast period. This is owing to the increasing demand for next-generation aircraft in countries such as the U.S. North America stood at USD 0.74 billion in 2020. Asia-Pacific The market in the region is anticipated to showcase considerable growth in the forthcoming years. This is attributable to the rising air travel that is propelling airline operators to procure aircraft in large numbers. This is likely to surge the demand for advanced electronic flight bags in the region between 2021 and 2028. Competitive Landscape: Facility Expansion by Major Companies to Intensify Industry Competition The market is fragmented by the presence of major companies striving to maintain their dominance and further expand their product portfolio. These companies are focusing on expanding their facilities to provide advanced electronic flight bags for airline operators. Other key players are adopting proactive strategies such as partnership, collaboration, and merger and acquisition that are likely to favor the growth of the market during the forecast period. Ask for Customization: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/electronic-flight-bag-market-103689 Detailed Table of Content: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Key Industry Developments Key Contracts & Agreements, Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships Latest technological Advancements Porters Five Forces Analysis Supply Chain Analysis Quantitative Insights-Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Electronic Flight Bag Market Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Electronic Flight Bag Market Steps Taken by Industry/Companies/Government to Overcome the Impact Key Development in the industry in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 Pandemic Global Electronic Flight Bag Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2017-2028 Segment Definitions Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Type Portable Class 1 Class 2 Installed Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Component Hardware Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Software Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Platform Commercial Military Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Region North America Europe Asia-Pacific TOC Continued...! Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/electronic-flight-bag-market-103689 Industry Development: February 2021 A flag carrier in South Korea, Korean Air, signed an agreement with NAVBLUE to optimize and digitalize its cockpit operations with the electronic flight bag solution Flysmart+ on IOS devices. This contract is expected to improve Korean Airs cockpit operation efficiency and optimize aircraft performance computations. A flag carrier in South Korea, Korean Air, signed an agreement with NAVBLUE to optimize and digitalize its cockpit operations with the electronic flight bag solution Flysmart+ on IOS devices. This contract is expected to improve Korean Airs cockpit operation efficiency and optimize aircraft performance computations. November 2020 NAVBLUE signed a cooperation agreement with Ultramain Systems to integrate Ultramain Electronic Logbook (ELB) into NAVBLUEs EFB applications. This agreement will allow ELB and EFB solutions in one single platform. Read Related Insights: Aircraft Health Monitoring System Market to Hit USD 4,987.9 Million by 2027 | At a 11.56% CAGR Aircraft Electrical System Market Size to Reach USD 27.29 Billion by 2027 | At a CAGR 5.83% Military Aircraft Market to Hit USD 58.03 Billion by 2026 | With a CAGR 3.08% About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Address: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner, Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Attachment Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. - The glaucoma treatment market was valued at US$ 6.3 billion in 2022. A CAGR of 4.3% is projected from 2023 to 2031, reaching US$ 9.1 billion . Research is being done on several glaucoma treatments, and innovations are being made. Researchers are investigating many promising new treatments for glaucoma, but none are currently available for treating patients. Researchers at the National Eye Institute (NEI) are working on developing new treatments for glaucoma. As a result, effective glaucoma treatments are being developed. Medical interventions and devices for treating glaucoma are being developed at a rapid pace. Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) devices, offering minimally invasive treatment options, are becoming more popular. A comparison of these devices with traditional glaucoma surgery may show that the devices reduce complications and improve results. Grab Sample of this Research Report@ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=16451 As genetics and molecular biology of glaucoma have become more understood, personalized treatment approaches have become increasingly important. In terms of managing glaucoma, doctors are increasingly focusing on tailoring treatments based on an individual's characteristics and disease progression. Israeli startup Belkin Laser developed DSLT as an alternative laser treatment. Using an automated system, it is performed rapidly, non-contact, and without the use of gonioscopy. Several preliminary clinical trials have demonstrated that DSLT is safe and effective for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with open-angle glaucoma. Key Findings of the Market Report Prostaglandin Analogs (PGAs) will likely create a market for glaucoma treatments in the coming years. In terms of indication, open-angle glaucoma (OAG) segment is anticipated to drive the market for glaucoma treatments. In 2023, North America's well-established treatment infrastructure is expected to dominate the global glaucoma treatment market. Based on sales channels, hospital pharmacies are expected to increase demand for glaucoma treatments. Global Glaucoma Treatment Market: Growth Drivers Aging is associated with glaucoma, and with an aging global population, the disease will become more prevalent. Increasing demographics contribute to glaucoma treatment markets. As technologies for diagnosing and treating glaucoma continue to develop, such as reduced-invasive surgical procedures and improved imaging techniques, the glaucoma market continues to grow. Eye health awareness and regular eye exams can help detect glaucoma at an early stage. As glaucoma is diagnosed early, it can be managed and treated better, which drives the market for glaucoma treatments. Policies and initiatives to improve eye health and treat conditions such as glaucoma can stimulate the market. Ophthalmology research and development can also be improved through increased funding. With the increase in healthcare expenditures, new glaucoma treatments are being developed, and existing therapies are being adopted. A consistent schedule of follow-up appointments and treatment adherence can positively impact the market for glaucoma treatment. Compliance with medication and procedures can improve outcomes and increase patient demand. Innovating glaucoma treatments is a continuous effort of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. A new drug or therapeutic approach can positively impact the market. Several chronic conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, are often associated with glaucoma. Incidences of these diseases are on the rise globally, contributing to secondary glaucoma prevalence. Customize this report according to your needs@ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=CR&rep_id=16451 Global Glaucoma Treatment Market: Regional Landscape North America is expected to lead the market for glaucoma treatments in the coming years. North America will experience growth as the adoption of advanced technology and the number of treatment options increase. The excellent infrastructure of the hospital, along with the treatment framework, will contribute to North America's significant growth. Around 3 million Americans live with glaucoma in the United States alone, which is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide. Various segments of the glaucoma treatment market in North America are present, including medical treatments, surgical interventions, and devices for micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). PGAs are the fastest-growing drug class over the forecast period and are commonly used for glaucoma treatment. Numerous types of glaucoma are becoming more prevalent in North America, causing the market for glaucoma treatment to grow. Global Glaucoma Treatment Market: Key Players Several prominent players with global presence dominate the glaucoma treatment industry. Many glaucoma treatment drug producers are making generics, which is preventing the development of new therapies. Novartis AG Pfizer Inc. Merck & Co., Inc. Bausch & Lomb Inc. Allergan Plc Perrigo Plc Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Akorn Inc. Mobius Therapeutics LLC Key Developments In November 2023, Skye Bioscience Inc. announced the first patient had been treated in a phase 2 clinical trial (NCT06144918) testing SBI-100 ophthalmic emulsion's (OE) safety and effectiveness in treating people with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). An eye-opening news release released by SBI describes SBI-100 OE as a synthetic prodrug of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) capable of binding and activating CB1 receptors. In December 2023, Jeil Pharmaceutical agreed to sell and supply Novartis Korea's nine eye drop medicines (eye drops) for the treatment of glaucoma and conjunctivitis through an exclusive distribution agreement. Global Glaucoma Treatment Market: Segmentation By Product Type Prostaglandin Analogs (PGAs) Alpha Agonist Beta Blockers Cholinergic Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Combined Medications By Indication Angle Closure Glaucoma (ACG) Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG) Secondary Glaucoma Congenital Glaucoma Other Indications By Sales Channel Hospital Pharmacies Retail Pharmacies Online Sales By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the World Enquire Before Buying@ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=16451